Florida county guide
Divorce in Charlotte County
Where to file in Charlotte County, what it costs, the local rules that apply and where to find help, checked against official court and clerk websites.
Charlotte County at a glance
The local facts
Court
Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, Charlotte County
Where
Punta Gorda (county seat)
Filing fee
$408
Residency
6 months in Florida
Official website
Self-help
Checked against official court and clerk websites in September 2026. Fees and local rules change, so confirm with the Clerk of the Circuit Court before you file.
Where to file in Charlotte County
Divorces in Charlotte County are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and heard by the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, which sits in Punta Gorda.
File in the circuit court for the county where you or your spouse lives. If your spouse lives elsewhere and objects, the case may belong in their county or the county where you last lived together as a married couple.
You can file online through the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which is open to people representing themselves.
Official website: charlotteclerk.com. Divorce and self-help information: family law page.
Who can file here
One spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before the petition is filed (Fla. Stat. 61.021). Read the law.
What it costs
The Charlotte County clerk lists the divorce filing fee as $408 (fee schedule).
Florida's filing fee for a divorce is $397.50. Most clerks quote $408, which adds $10.50 to report the final judgment to Vital Statistics. Each summons is usually $10 more.
If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk for an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.
Local rules and help in Charlotte County
Besides the parents' class, the Clerk says all children aged 6 to 17 must attend a sanctioned children's class. Source.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court's family law page has current forms, hours and fees.
The forms you will use
Florida divorces use Florida Supreme Court family law forms. KindSplit's Paralegal fills in Florida's official forms from your case, and you check every answer before you download them. See forms and filing.
Read the full Florida divorce guide for waiting periods, property, custody and support.
Other counties in the Twentieth Circuit
Straight answers
Charlotte County, plain answers
Where do I file for divorce in Charlotte County?
Divorces in Charlotte County are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and heard by the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, which sits in Punta Gorda. File in the circuit court for the county where you or your spouse lives. If your spouse lives elsewhere and objects, the case may belong in their county or the county where you last lived together as a married couple.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Charlotte County?
The clerk lists $408. Florida's filing fee for a divorce is $397.50. Most clerks quote $408, which adds $10.50 to report the final judgment to Vital Statistics. Each summons is usually $10 more. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk for an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.
Do I have to live in Charlotte County to file there?
One spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before the petition is filed (Fla. Stat. 61.021). File in the circuit court for the county where you or your spouse lives. If your spouse lives elsewhere and objects, the case may belong in their county or the county where you last lived together as a married couple.
Is there help in Charlotte County if I do not have a lawyer?
Besides the parents' class, the Clerk says all children aged 6 to 17 must attend a sanctioned children's class. The clerk's family law page lists current forms, hours and fees.
Ready when you are
Your Charlotte County divorce, organized.
Counsel knows Florida's rules and your county's court. Add your details and it knows your case too.