Residency Requirements to Obtain a Divorce in Florida

To obtain a divorce in Florida, either the Husband or the Wife must reside in Florida for six (6) months prior to the filing of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. A court does not have jurisdiction to decide a divorce case unless jurisdiction is appropriately alleged in the Petition for Dissolution and proved at the Final Hearing.

Proof of one of the parties’ residence in Florida can be shown by producing a Florida voter’s registration card, a Florida driver’s license, a valid Florida identification card issued under section 322.051, or the affidavit or testimony of a nonparty witness. The parties’ residency cannot be proven by the testimony of one of the parties. Residency cannot be assumed. The parties cannot agree that residency exists. And, the parties cannot waive proof of residency. Without proof of residency, a trial court lacks jurisdiction to enter a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

Know Where You Stand Before Filing for Divorce

Before you can file for divorce in Florida, you must meet the six-month residency rule. This rule is straightforward, but failing to meet it can halt your case before it even begins.  At The Lane Law Firm, we assist clients in verifying their eligibility before they take any legal steps.

If you or your spouse has recently moved, you need clear legal advice to avoid wasting resources on a case that the court will dismiss. Jurisdictional issues are common in high-asset divorces, especially when couples split time between homes in different states or travel for business.

Avoid Delays and Legal Setbacks

Our legal team reviews every jurisdictional detail before filing to prevent delays. If you have multiple residences or a complex living situation, we provide clear guidance at every step. We assist in gathering the necessary documents and witness testimony to establish Florida residency.

Without this proof, the court won’t hear your case. For divorces involving business assets, high-value property, or parenting time, confirming the court’s authority is always the first step.

High-Asset Divorce Requires Experienced Legal Strategy

Residency rules are just one part of a larger legal picture. High-net-worth individuals need more than basic divorce representation. The Lane Law Firm serves clients with significant assets, complex income, and long-term financial interests.

We help business owners, executives, and professionals take control of the process with solid planning and strong legal action. We know that the wrong move early in a divorce case can lead to major losses later. That’s why we offer clear legal advice and strategic options from the start.

Secure Your Future with the Right Legal Partner

If you're preparing to file for divorce and want to protect your wealth and your peace of mind, speak with our legal team now. We handle everything from jurisdiction questions to asset division, alimony, and parenting plans. Our firm builds every case to reflect the goals and needs of our high-asset clients.

Call us today at (561) 363-3400 to schedule your private consultation.