A legal name change in Florida can feel complicated when your professional reputation, licenses, publications, and business records are tied to your current name. If you are a physician, lawyer, executive, or business owner, your name is more than a personal identifier. It is also part of your professional brand.

Fortunately, Florida law provides a clear process that allows adults to change their name for legitimate reasons. With proper planning, professionals can complete a legal name change while keeping their credentials, licensing records, and professional identity aligned.

Quick Answer

In Florida, a legal name change generally requires filing a petition in the circuit court where you live, completing a background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI, attending a judicial hearing and providing testimony, and obtaining a final judgment from a judge. Once a client returns the completed name change questionnaire that we provide, and assuming the required background check is completed promptly, the process typically takes about six to eight weeks.

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