Florida · Serving papers · Updated Oct 2026

Serving divorce papers in Florida

After you file in Florida, your spouse must get the papers. This page covers who can deliver the papers, the deadline to respond, what happens without a response and the law.

The short answer

Your spouse must be served with the summons and petition by the sheriff or a certified process server. Your spouse then has this long to respond: 20 days after service.

Time to respond
20 days after service
Law
Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.070, 12.140

How papers are served in Florida

  • Your spouse must be served with the summons and petition by the sheriff or a certified process server.
  • If you file an agreed (uncontested) case, your spouse can file an answer or sign together; if you can't find your spouse, service by publication may be allowed after a diligent search.

Law: Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.070, 12.140

Deadline to respond and default

20 days after service.

If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Serving your spouse in Florida, step by step

  1. File your papers first

    File with the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live. Service comes after filing.

  2. Serve the papers

    Your spouse must be served with the summons and petition by the sheriff or a certified process server.

  3. File proof of service

    File the proof of service with the court.

  4. Watch the deadline

    20 days after service.

  5. If there is no response

    If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Questions about serving divorce papers in Florida

How do you serve divorce papers in Florida?

Your spouse must be served with the summons and petition by the sheriff or a certified process server. If you file an agreed (uncontested) case, your spouse can file an answer or sign together; if you can't find your spouse, service by publication may be allowed after a diligent search.

How long does my spouse have to respond in Florida?

20 days after service.

More about divorce in Florida

Serving papers in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.