Florida county guide
Divorce in Polk County
Where to file in Polk County, what it costs, the local rules that apply and where to find help, checked against official court and clerk websites.
Polk County at a glance
The local facts
Court
Circuit Court of the Tenth Judicial Circuit, Polk County
Where
Bartow (county seat)
Filing fee
$408 (check with the clerk)
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 Polk County
Divorces in Polk County are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and heard by the Tenth Judicial Circuit, which sits in Bartow.
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: polkclerkfl.gov. 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
We could not confirm Polk County's exact fee from an official source, so check with the Clerk of the Circuit Court before you file.
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 Polk County
The 10th Circuit Self Help Program works through the Polk Clerk's Family Law Division at (863) 534-4015, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and gives procedural help but no legal advice. 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 Tenth Circuit
Straight answers
Polk County, plain answers
Where do I file for divorce in Polk County?
Divorces in Polk County are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and heard by the Tenth Judicial Circuit, which sits in Bartow. 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 Polk County?
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 Polk 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 Polk County if I do not have a lawyer?
The 10th Circuit Self Help Program works through the Polk Clerk's Family Law Division at (863) 534-4015, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and gives procedural help but no legal advice. The clerk's family law page lists current forms, hours and fees.
Ready when you are
Your Polk County divorce, organized.
Counsel knows Florida's rules and your county's court. Add your details and it knows your case too.