Last Updated: July 7, 2026
Quick Answer
How long does a divorce take in Florida? This is one of the most common questions people ask when considering divorce. The answer depends on the facts of your case.
In Florida, a divorce cannot usually be finalized immediately after filing. State law requires one spouse to meet Florida's residency requirement before filing, and a final judgment generally cannot be entered until at least 20 days after the original petition is filed.
That does not mean most divorces are finished in 20 days.
A simple uncontested divorce may move much faster than a contested divorce, but the actual timeline depends on whether both spouses agree on issues such as:
- Property division
- Alimony
- Parenting plans
- Time-sharing
- Child support
- Financial disclosures
In Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County, the timeline can also be affected by mediation, court scheduling, the complexity of the marital estate, and how prepared each spouse is from the beginning.
Why Does the Divorce Timeline Feel So Unclear?
Most people want one direct answer:
How long will this take?
The reality is that divorce is not one single event. It is a legal process.
Some cases move quickly because both spouses agree on the major issues. Others take much longer because there are disagreements involving money, children, property, retirement accounts, business interests, or support.
For many Tampa families, the uncertainty is one of the hardest parts. You’re not only ending a marriage. You may also be protecting your children, your home, your financial future, your privacy, and your peace of mind.
Understanding the divorce process can help you make informed decisions instead of reacting out of fear or frustration.
What Has to Happen Before a Florida Divorce Is Final?
Although every divorce is unique, most Florida divorce cases follow a similar process.
First, one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Before filing, at least one spouse must satisfy Florida’s residency requirement.
After filing:
- The other spouse is typically served with the petition (unless service is legally waived).
- Financial information is exchanged.
- Any temporary issues may be addressed.
- Negotiations or mediation often take place.
- If necessary, the case proceeds to trial.
If both spouses agree on every issue, the case may move directly toward a marital settlement agreement and final hearing.
If they do not agree, the case can involve discovery, mediation, parenting plan negotiations, temporary relief hearings, and potentially trial.
Generally, the more issues that must be resolved, the longer the divorce will take.
Uncontested Divorce in Florida
An uncontested divorce is typically the fastest option because both spouses have already reached agreement before asking the court to finalize the divorce.
This often includes agreement regarding:
- Property division
- Debt allocation
- Alimony (or no alimony)
- Parenting plans
- Time-sharing schedules
- Child support
- The marital home
- Retirement accounts
- Bank accounts
- Attorney’s fees, when applicable
If there are no significant disputes and the paperwork is complete, an uncontested divorce generally moves much more efficiently than a contested case.
However, a divorce is not truly uncontested if the spouses continue disputing even one major issue, such as custody, support, or property.
Contested Divorce in Tampa
A contested divorce simply means the spouses disagree about one or more important issues.
That does not automatically mean the case will go to trial.
Many contested divorces are resolved through negotiation or mediation before ever reaching a courtroom.
Common contested issues include:
- Division of the marital home
- Retirement accounts
- Alimony
- Parenting plans
- Time-sharing
- Child support
- Business ownership
- Professional practice valuation
- Hidden assets
- Financial disclosures
- Marital debt
Because additional evidence and negotiations are often required, contested divorces generally take longer than uncontested cases.
What Can Slow Down a Florida Divorce?
Several factors frequently extend the divorce timeline.
Incomplete Financial Disclosure
Every divorce involves financial information.
This may include:
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Businesses
- Retirement accounts
- Income
- Debts
- Monthly expenses
If either spouse fails to provide complete information, the case can stall.
Disagreements About Children
Parenting plans must be detailed and workable.
They typically address:
- Regular time-sharing
- Holidays
- School breaks
- Transportation
- Communication
- Decision-making authority
- Future dispute resolution
Vague parenting agreements often create additional conflict and delay.
The Marital Home
For many families, the marital home is both the largest financial asset and the most emotional issue.
Disputes often involve:
- Selling versus keeping the home
- Mortgage responsibility
- Refinancing
- Equity division
- Children’s stability
High-Conflict Situations
Some cases simply take longer because one spouse:
- Refuses to negotiate
- Misses deadlines
- Hides financial information
- Uses the legal process to create conflict
Court Scheduling
Even when both attorneys are prepared, hearing dates and trial schedules depend on the court’s availability.
Does Mediation Make Divorce Faster?
In many cases, yes.
Mediation allows divorcing spouses to negotiate with the assistance of a neutral third-party mediator.
The mediator does not make decisions. Instead, they help both parties work toward mutually acceptable agreements.
For many Tampa divorce cases, mediation resolves most or even all remaining disputes.
Successful mediation can:
- Reduce stress
- Save time
- Lower legal costs
- Avoid the uncertainty of trial
Mediation is often most effective when both spouses come prepared with accurate financial information and realistic expectations.
How Long Does a Divorce With Children Take?
Cases involving children often require additional time because Florida courts must ensure that any parenting plan serves the child’s best interests.
Parents typically need to resolve issues involving:
- Primary residence
- School-year schedules
- Holidays
- Summer vacation
- Healthcare decisions
- Educational decisions
- Transportation
- Parent communication
- Child support
If both parents agree on a detailed parenting plan, the divorce may proceed more efficiently.
When disagreements remain, additional hearings or court involvement may be necessary.
Can You Speed Up a Divorce in Florida?
You cannot control every aspect of the legal process, but you can avoid many common delays.
Being organized early can significantly improve the process.
Gather important documents such as:
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements
- Credit card statements
- Mortgage documents
- Retirement account statements
- Business records (if applicable)
- Insurance information
- Children’s schedules
- A complete list of assets and debts
It is also helpful to think carefully about your priorities before negotiations begin.
Questions to consider include:
- Do you want to keep the home?
- Would selling the home make more sense?
- What parenting schedule is realistic?
- Which financial concerns require immediate attention?
Preparation often helps divorce cases move more efficiently.
When Should You Speak With a Florida Divorce Attorney?
Speaking with a divorce attorney early can help you avoid costly mistakes before they happen.
You should consider seeking legal guidance if:
- You own a home.
- You or your spouse owns a business.
- You have minor children.
- You believe assets are being hidden.
- You have concerns about alimony.
- You have been served with divorce papers.
- Domestic violence or controlling behavior is involved.
- You are being pressured to sign an agreement.
- You are unsure whether a proposed settlement is fair.
Divorce is far more than paperwork. The decisions made today can affect your family and finances for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can you get divorced in Florida?
Florida generally requires at least 20 days after filing before a final judgment may be entered, but most divorces take considerably longer depending on the issues involved.
Is an uncontested divorce faster?
Yes. When both spouses agree on every issue and all paperwork is properly completed, uncontested divorces usually move much faster than contested cases.
Does a contested divorce always go to trial?
No. Many contested divorces settle through negotiation or mediation before reaching trial.
What usually causes divorce delays?
Common delays include:
- Child custody disputes
- Financial disclosure problems
- Alimony disagreements
- Property division
- Business valuation
- Hidden assets
- Court scheduling
Should I file immediately or prepare first?
Every situation is different. Sometimes filing quickly is important, while in other cases careful preparation provides significant advantages. Speaking with an experienced divorce attorney can help you determine the right strategy.
Speak With a Tampa Divorce Lawyer at Anton Garcia Law
Divorce is never easy, but understanding the process can make it far less overwhelming.
At Anton Garcia Law, our Tampa family law attorneys help clients navigate divorce with preparation, strategy, and compassionate legal guidance.
Whether your divorce is uncontested, highly contested, financially complex, or focused on child custody issues, we are committed to helping you protect your rights and move forward with confidence.
If you are considering divorce in Tampa or Hillsborough County, learn more about our Florida Divorce services or contact Anton Garcia Law to schedule a confidential consultation.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every divorce is unique. For legal advice regarding your specific circumstances, consult a qualified Florida family law attorney.