Florida county guide
Divorce in DeSoto County
Where to file in DeSoto County, what it costs, the local rules that apply and where to find help, checked against official court and clerk websites.
DeSoto County at a glance
The local facts
Court
Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, DeSoto County
Where
Arcadia (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 DeSoto County
Divorces in DeSoto County are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and heard by the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which sits in Arcadia.
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: desotoclerk.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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto County
The 12th Circuit's Self Help Center and Law Library is in Sarasota (2002 Ringling Blvd., 1st floor); the circuit lists no separate DeSoto location. 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 Twelfth Circuit
Straight answers
DeSoto County, plain answers
Where do I file for divorce in DeSoto County?
Divorces in DeSoto County are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and heard by the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which sits in Arcadia. 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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto County if I do not have a lawyer?
The 12th Circuit's Self Help Center and Law Library is in Sarasota (2002 Ringling Blvd., 1st floor); the circuit lists no separate DeSoto location. The clerk's family law page lists current forms, hours and fees.
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