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Updated May 2026 Statewide Uniform Fee

Palm Beach County, Florida Divorce Filing Fee

The court filing fee to file for divorce in Palm Beach County is $409.

$409
Filing Fee
Yes
Statewide Uniform
$15–$75
Service of Process
Available
Fee Waiver

Official Filing Fee in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach Circuit Court, Family Division
205 N. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, FL 33401
$409
Filing Fee
Fee Item Amount
Divorce petition filing fee $409
Sheriff / certified mail service $15–$75
Certified copy of final decree $5–$25
Post-decree motions (if needed) $50–$200 each

Source: Florida Statutes § 28.241.

About Divorce Fees in Palm Beach County, Florida

The divorce filing fee in Palm Beach County is $409. This is the same fee charged throughout Florida, as the state legislature sets a uniform filing fee under Florida Statutes § 28.241. You will pay this amount regardless of which county courthouse you use in Florida.

When you file your divorce petition, the clerk will collect this fee upfront before your case is opened in the court docket. The fee covers administrative costs — docketing, record maintenance, issuance of summons, and one certified copy of your final decree of divorce.

The filing fee is only one component of total divorce costs. If your spouse must be served by the sheriff's office or a private process server, that adds another $15–$75. Attorney representation (if you choose to hire one) is separate and typically runs $150–$400 per hour in Florida. For an uncontested divorce with no property disputes, many people complete the process for $300–$800 total including filing and service.

How to File for Divorce in Palm Beach County

  1. 1
    Confirm residency requirements
    Florida requires you to have been a resident for a set period before filing. Confirm your county's residency rule with the clerk or the Florida family code.
  2. 2
    Prepare your divorce petition
    Download the official forms from the Palm Beach Circuit Court, Family Division website or pick them up at the courthouse. The petition (Complaint for Divorce or Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) describes the grounds, property, and any child-custody arrangements.
  3. 3
    File at the courthouse and pay the fee
    Bring your completed forms to the Palm Beach Circuit Court, Family Division at 205 N. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Pay the $409 filing fee by cash, check, or credit card (confirm payment methods with the clerk). You will receive a case number.
  4. 4
    Serve your spouse
    Your spouse must be formally notified (served) with the divorce papers. Options include sheriff service ($15–$75), certified mail, or a private process server. Your spouse then has a set number of days to respond.
  5. 5
    Negotiate or attend hearings
    If both spouses agree on all terms (uncontested), you submit a Marital Settlement Agreement. If not, the court will schedule hearings and, potentially, a trial.
  6. 6
    Obtain your final divorce decree
    Once the judge signs the final decree, you are legally divorced. Request a certified copy from the clerk ($5–$25 extra) for your records — you will need it to update financial accounts, social security, and other records.

Can't Afford the Fee? How to Get It Waived

Every Florida court must provide a fee waiver process. Filing an Affidavit of Indigency (also called an In Forma Pauperis application) allows the court to waive the $409 filing fee if you qualify.

✓ Eligibility: Income typically below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or participation in a qualifying public benefit program (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, etc.)
✓ How to apply: Ask the Palm Beach Circuit Court, Family Division clerk for the fee waiver form at the time of filing. Submit it with your divorce petition.
✓ Free legal help: Your county's legal aid organization may help you complete the forms at no cost.
Full guide: How to waive divorce filing fees →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Palm Beach County, Florida?
The court filing fee for divorce in Palm Beach County is $409. This is the base clerk's filing fee — additional costs for service of process, certified copies, and attorney fees are separate.
Is the Palm Beach County divorce fee the same statewide?
Yes. Florida sets a uniform filing fee by state statute, so every county charges $409 for a divorce petition. The statute that governs this is: Florida Statutes § 28.241.
Can I get the divorce filing fee waived in Palm Beach County?
Yes. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can file an Affidavit of Indigency (also called an In Forma Pauperis application) with the Palm Beach Circuit Court, Family Division. Eligibility typically requires household income below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. Ask the clerk for the waiver form when you submit your divorce petition.
Where do I file for divorce in Palm Beach County?
File your divorce petition at the Palm Beach Circuit Court, Family Division, located at 205 N. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. You must have resided in Florida for the required duration before filing (residency requirements vary by state — check your state's rules). Some courts also accept e-filing; contact the clerk to confirm.
What other fees should I expect besides the $409 filing fee?
Beyond the base filing fee, budget for: (1) Service of process: $15–$75 by sheriff or $50–$150 by private process server to serve your spouse; (2) Certified copy of final decree: $5–$25; (3) Motion fees: $50–$200 each if your case becomes contested; (4) Attorney fees if you hire counsel ($150–$400/hour is typical for Florida). Total out-of-pocket for an uncontested divorce is commonly $400–$800 including filing and service.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Palm Beach County?
Timeline depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. Florida's mandatory waiting/separation period applies in all counties. Uncontested divorces with no children typically conclude in 3–6 months; contested cases can take 1–3 years.