Florida court preparation · reviewed August 21, 2026
Preparing for Florida Family Court
A careful statewide checklist that sends circuit- and county-specific fees, forms, and procedure back to the receiving court.
Legal information, not legal advice. Florida law and circuit practice can change. Verify forms, fees, filing methods, service, and hearing procedure with the court receiving your case.
Before filing
- Identify the correct circuit court and county, and review its local rules and standing orders
- Ask the clerk for current forms, filing fees, and the filing method (paper vs. e-file)
- Fees vary by county (e.g., a dissolution petition is commonly about $405–$411; a petition to establish a parenting plan about $301)
- If you can’t afford fees, ask the clerk about a fee waiver
- Complete the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course before a final judgment if your case requires it
- Confirm how emergency (ex parte) submissions are presented to the court
- Serve the other party in the manner the rules require and file a proof of service
Before the hearing
- Read every notice and temporary order
- Meet the actual exhibit, witness, disclosure, and subpoena deadlines
- Confirm the courtroom, remote link, check-in, security, and device rules
- Prepare a short list of requested orders and the evidence supporting each
- Bring only what the court permits; arrange child care unless the court directs otherwise
No invented statewide numbers. Florida has 20 judicial circuits across 67 counties with varying local rules, fees, forms, and standing orders. This page intentionally does not publish unsupported universal amounts, response times, or hearing deadlines.
Official sources reviewed August 21, 2026
- Florida Courts — Family Law Forms
- Fla. Stat. § 61.21 — Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course
- 11th Circuit — Family Court Self-Help
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the receiving court.