Broward vs Miami-Dade vs Palm Beach Divorce Filing Fees and Practical Differences — County-by-County Comparison 2026

Originally published: January 2026 | Reviewed by Carol Ann Mazza

Getting divorced in South Florida means dealing with one of three different county court systems. Each one handles things its own way.

The base filing fee to open a divorce (dissolution) case is $409 in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach, as shown on each county clerk’s fee schedule.

But the real differences show up in how each county processes cases, where you can file, and how long your divorce might take.

Understanding these practical differences can save you time. It helps you avoid mistakes that delay your case.

Most people think divorce costs in Florida are the same everywhere, but that’s not quite right. 

While the petition for dissolution of marriage starts with similar fees, each court system tweaks the experience in small but meaningful ways.

Whether you’re filing an uncontested divorce or preparing for a contested case, knowing which courthouse to use and what paperwork is required makes the process smoother.

Florida divorce filing requirements include more than just the court fee. Most filers also pay $10 to issue a summons, plus a separate service-of-process fee (typically about $40 per defendant when served by the sheriff; private process servers vary).

Key Takeaways

• Divorce filing fees are similar across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, ranging from $400 to $410, plus summons and service fees.
• The most significant differences between counties involve processing times, filing locations, and local court procedures, rather than the base fees.
• Hidden costs such as mediation, parenting classes, and document preparation can add hundreds of dollars to the initial filing fee.

What “Broward Vs Miami-Dade Vs Palm Beach Divorce Filing Fees” Actually Means For Your Budget

The filing fees across these three counties are basically the same. You’ll pay $409 to file for divorce in any of them.

While Florida statutes govern filing-fee authority, the cleanest way to confirm the current amount is the county clerk’s published fee schedule, which lists $409 for dissolution filings in all three counties.

What the filing fee covers:

• Opening your divorce case and the clerk processing it.
• Copies and certifications are separate line-item fees (commonly priced per page plus a certification fee).

The $409 fee doesn’t include everything. You’ll likely pay for service of process—having someone officially deliver papers to your spouse, which usually runs $40 to $75.

Copy/certification fees are typically charged per page, plus a certification fee (for example, Palm Beach charges $1 per page and $2 for certification; Miami-Dade charges $1 per page plus $2 per document for official-record certifications). Motion fees tack on another $10 to $50 per filing, depending on what you’re doing.

Your real budget concerns come from:

• Attorney fees (typically $3,000 to $15,000 or more)
• Mediation costs ($300 to $500 per session)
• Expert witnesses, like appraisers or evaluators
• Document preparation services

Some individuals may qualify for a fee waiver if they can’t afford the $409. You’ll need to complete a financial affidavit and application, then allow the court to review your situation.

The county you choose doesn’t change your filing fee. Your total divorce cost depends more on whether your case is contested, how much property you own, and whether you hire an attorney.

Florida Divorce Filing Fees Explained — Base Fees Vs Summons and Service Fees

When you file for divorce in Florida, you’ll pay two main fees upfront. The court filing fee for a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is around $409.

Most filers pay $409 to open the case plus $10 to issue a summons (about $419 before service costs).

What Each Fee Covers:

• Filing fee ($409): Opens your case and processes your petition
• Summons fee ($10): Creates the official document that notifies your spouse

The good news? These divorce filing fees are consistent across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. You won’t see big differences in these base costs.

After you pay these initial fees, you’ll need to serve your spouse with divorce papers. Service fees are separate and depend on your chosen method.

If you use the sheriff’s office, expect to pay around $40 to $70. Private process servers usually charge more.

These filing fees represent your minimum cost to start a divorce in Florida legally. Everyone filing must pay them, whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

Carolann Mazza, P.A., can help you compare county fees, avoid filing delays, and choose mediation, collaborative divorce, or limited-scope help. Schedule an appointment.

Broward County Divorce Filing Fees And Local Court Logistics You Must Know

Filing fees in Broward County start at around $409 for a dissolution of marriage petition. Broward family filings are handled through the Broward Clerk’s Family division at the Central Courthouse (Fort Lauderdale), and many documents can also be submitted electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. 

Always confirm the clerk’s current submission process before you file.

Broward County Clerk Of Courts Divorce Filing Fee Details

The Broward Clerk’s fee schedule lists $409 for a dissolution/annulment filing and $10 for issuance of a summons.

The total cost usually ranges from $409 to $420, depending on your case type. You pay these fees when you submit your initial petition.

If you can’t afford the filing fees, you can ask for a fee waiver by filing an Application to Determine Civil Indigent Status. The clerk accepts payment by cash, check, money order, or credit card.

Online filing through the Broward County eFiling system adds a service fee from the electronic filing vendor.

Broward Court Procedures That Affect Timing And Cost

You must file your divorce case at the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE Sixth Street in Fort Lauderdale. The courthouse doesn’t take new family law cases at branch locations.

Local filing rules and fees can change, so it’s smart to check the clerk’s website the week you plan to file. Broward County requires specific forms and formatting that are different from those of other counties.

The court assigns your case to a specific division after you file. Each division has its own judges and scheduling practices, which can affect how quickly your case moves forward.

Florida’s mandatory disclosure rule generally requires documents to be served within 45 days after service of the initial pleading (unless the case qualifies for an exception or the timeline is modified).

Miami-Dade Divorce Filing Fees + Simplified Divorce Requirements And Process Differences

Miami-Dade County charges $409 to file for dissolution of marriage. Couples without children or complex property issues may qualify for a streamlined divorce process.

Miami-Dade Base Filing Fee And Summons Fees

The Miami-Dade County filing fee for a standard dissolution of marriage petition is $409. This fee covers the initial filing and processing through the clerk’s office.

You pay this amount when you submit your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The fee stays the same whether you file for a regular divorce or a simplified one.

If you need the sheriff to serve divorce papers, you’ll pay extra summons and service fees. These extra charges depend on the number of attempts required and the service method you use.

Simplified Divorce Eligibility & Clerk Self-Help Options

You can file for a simplified divorce in Miami-Dade if you meet specific requirements. You can’t have any minor or dependent children from the marriage, and the wife can’t be pregnant.

Both spouses must agree on all terms of property division. You must file a written property division agreement with the court when you submit your paperwork.

In Miami-Dade, the clerk states that both parties must appear together in person to file a petition for simplified divorce. To file for dissolution in Florida, one spouse must have resided in Florida for at least 6 months before filing the petition.

The Miami-Dade Clerk’s office offers resources for self-represented litigants seeking simplified dissolution. 

You can find approved family law forms through the Florida State Courts System’s Self-Help Center and file without an attorney if you want.

Palm Beach County Divorce Filing Fees And Flexible Filing Locations For Simplified Cases

The average base filing fee in Palm Beach County for divorce is $409. You get a few options for submitting your paperwork, depending on your case type and needs.

Palm Beach Base Divorce Filing Fee

The filing fee for divorce in Palm Beach County is about $409. This base fee covers the court’s services when you submit your initial petition.

If you need to serve divorce papers through the sheriff’s office, you’ll pay an extra service fee. 

Palm Beach charges $10 for the issuance of a summons; service of process by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is typically $40 per defendant (confirm current service procedures before submitting).

You might qualify for a fee waiver if you can’t afford the filing costs. You’ll need to complete a financial affidavit and application so the court can check your eligibility based on income and expenses.

Where And How You Can File In Palm Beach

You can grab your divorce records and final judgments from the Clerk’s Records Service Center in Palm Beach County.

The clerk’s office maintains all official divorce documents and records.

The number of forms you need depends on your case type.

If you choose a simplified dissolution, you’ll complete about 10 forms. Regular divorce? Expect more than 20 different documents—yes, it adds up quickly.

You have to file your paperwork with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Palm Beach County.

The clerk’s office takes care of processing divorce filings and keeps the official court records for your case.

County Process Differences That Change Your Divorce Timeline (Not The Filing Fee)

Every county handles divorce cases a bit differently, even though the laws are the same statewide.

These differences affect how long the whole thing takes.

Mediation Requirements

Miami-Dade makes you go through court-ordered mediation before you can even schedule a final hearing in contested cases.

Broward also requires mediation, but they move faster with referrals. Palm Beach? You have more flexibility to select private mediators or use other dispute resolution options earlier.

Document Processing Speed

Broward County usually reviews financial affidavits and discovery documents in about two weeks.

Miami-Dade may take four to six weeks to process the same paperwork. Palm Beach falls between three and four weeks.

Hearing Availability

County	Average Wait for Final Hearing
Broward	4-6 months
Miami-Dade	6-9 months
Palm Beach	3-5 months

Case Management Differences

Miami-Dade assigns cases to divisions that focus on specific issues, such as child custody or property division.

Broward uses a general assignment system. In Palm Beach, judges often encourage collaborative divorce before moving to contested hearings.

Special Appointments

If you need a guardian ad litem for your kids or expert evaluators for property, Miami-Dade has a bigger approved list.

This usually speeds up appointments compared to Broward and Palm Beach.

Hidden Divorce Costs In Broward, Miami-Dade & Palm Beach You Should Budget For

Beyond the basic court costs and attorney fees, you’ll run into several unexpected expenses during your Florida divorce that add up faster than you’d think.

These hidden costs vary by county, but honestly, they hit your wallet no matter where you file.

Professional Services You May Need:

• Forensic accountants to track down assets or income ($3,000-$10,000+)
• Custody evaluations by licensed psychologists ($2,500-$5,000)
• Vocational evaluators to check earning capacity ($1,500-$3,500)
• Real estate appraisers for property values ($400-$600 per property)
• Expert witness fees for trial testimony ($200-$500 per hour)

Mediation usually costs $200-$400 per hour in these three counties.

Most divorces need at least 2-4 sessions, and your attorney might charge extra for prepping for mediation—sometimes that’s not included in their standard hourly rate.

Payment Structure Considerations:

Most family law attorneys request retainers ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 upfront.

These are deposited into a trust account and billed down as your case progresses. Some lawyers offer monthly payment plans or limited-scope representation to help with upfront costs.

If you can’t afford the divorce cost in Florida, you can apply for a determination of civil indigent status.

If you’re approved, you get fee waivers for filing and service costs. That can be a lifesaver.

Planning a solid budget means setting aside 10-15% extra for surprises.

Don’t forget to factor in deposits for a new place, utility hookups, and furniture when you’re setting up a separate household. It’s easy to overlook, but it all adds up.

County Venue Rules For Filing Divorce In Broward, Miami-Dade, & Palm Beach

Venue is fact-specific. Florida’s general venue statute provides that actions are brought in the county where the defendant resides, where the cause of action accrued, or where the property in litigation is located (with different rules for nonresidents)

If you lived together in Broward County, you would need to file your divorce papers with the Unified Family Court in Broward.

The courthouse there handles all family law matters, including divorce. It’s a pretty straightforward process, though the courthouse can feel overwhelming at first glance.

Miami-Dade County Requirements

If Miami-Dade was your last shared residence, you must file at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center.

The clerk of the circuit court processes divorce records at this location. Honestly, it’s not as complicated as it sounds—just make sure you bring the right paperwork.

Palm Beach County Filing

Palm Beach County sticks to the same venue rules as the other two.

You need to file in the state where you last lived together as a married couple. It’s not exactly flexible, but at least it’s clear.

What You Need to Bring

When you file in any of these counties, you’ll have to show proper identification.

Bring a valid Florida photo ID with your signature. If you’re filing jointly, both of you need to have ID handy.

Jurisdiction vs. Venue

It’s essential to know the difference here. At least one spouse needs to live in Florida for six months before filing—that’s the jurisdiction part.

Venue just means which county courthouse you use, based on where you lived together. People often mix these up, but they’re not the same thing.

The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles family law filings for that county.

Each county keeps its own divorce records at the clerk’s office. You can’t just pick whichever county you like—the venue rules decide for you, based on your last shared address.

Compare fees, avoid filing mistakes, and keep your divorce out of court with mediation or collaboration guided by Carolann Mazza, P.A. Schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the divorce filing fee in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach?

In Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach, the clerk’s fee to open a dissolution of marriage case is listed as $409. Always verify the current schedule before filing, because fee tables can be updated.

Do I have to pay a summons fee in addition to the filing fee?

You typically pay a separate summons issuance fee so the clerk can generate the official notice to your spouse. Palm Beach’s Unified Family Court schedule lists summons issuance at $10, and Miami-Dade’s fee schedule shows the same. 

How much does service of process cost (sheriff vs private server)?

Service of process is separate from filing and summons fees. Palm Beach publishes a $40 per-defendant sheriff service charge; private process servers often cost more and vary by distance and urgency, so confirm pricing before choosing a method. 

Does Miami-Dade require both spouses to appear in person for a simplified divorce filing?

Yes. Miami-Dade’s clerk instructs that to file a petition for simplified divorce, both parties must appear together in person at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center and present valid Florida photo identification. 

Can I e-file a divorce in South Florida, and how do summons fees work in the e-Portal?

Florida’s statewide E-Filing Portal can be used for many family filings, but summons fees may require manual entry. The E-Filing Authority recommends adding the number of summonses to the “Additional Fee” section so the portal can calculate the $10 charge. 

Can I get a fee waiver for divorce filing fees in Florida (civil indigent status)?

If you qualify for Florida civil indigent status, the application states that filing and summons fees are waived. Palm Beach also notes that sheriff service costs may be waived for indigent filers. You apply through the clerk when filing your case.

Where should I verify the fees and get the correct Florida divorce forms?

For the most accurate, up-to-date county details, start with each clerk’s published fee schedule, then use Florida Courts’ Supreme Court–approved family law forms. This reduces outdated estimates and helps prevent avoidable filing rejections or delays.