Minor Child Name Change in Florida: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Florida Circuit Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Florida is filed in the Circuit Court, costs about $400–$414 (typical $401, varies by county), and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 4–8 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.
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What it costs
Same circuit-civil family filing fee as an adult petition; varies by county surcharge
Circuit Court in the county where you live
Step by step
- 1
Complete Form 12.982(c) (Petition for Change of Name — Minor Child(ren)) naming the child and the requested name.
- 2
If the other parent consents, have them sign Form 12.982(d) (Consent for Change of Name — Minor Child(ren)) before a notary or deputy clerk; if a parent does not consent, that parent must be served and the court decides on the child's best interest.
- 3
The petitioning parent/guardian completes the fingerprint/background check required by Fla. Stat. 68.07.
- 4
File in Circuit Court, pay the fee, and attend the hearing.
- 5
Get the signed Form 12.982(e) (Final Judgment — Minor Child(ren)) and update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • Both parents must consent or receive notice; a non-consenting parent must be served and can object before the judge rules on the child's best interest.
- • Use the combined 'Family' forms 12.982(f)/(g) if you are changing an adult's and children's names together.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Florida license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Florida: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Florida?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Florida?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Florida?
How long does it take in Florida?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Florida?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/12.982-Forms-A-G
- www.flhsmv.gov/name-and-address-changes
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.