Serving Divorce Papers
in Florida.

1. Personal service. The standard method. A sheriff or private process server delivers the petition and summons directly to the respondent. Personal service can occur anywhere in Florida or, with proper certification, out-of-state. Cost: $50–100 typically.

2. Substituted service. If personal service fails after reasonable attempts, the process server can leave the documents with a competent household member 15 years or older at the respondent’s usual place of abode. The respondent then has actual or imputed notice.

3. Constructive service by publication. When the respondent cannot be located despite a diligent search, the court may authorize service by publication once a week for four consecutive weeks in a county newspaper. Diligent search means searching last known address, employer, social media, family contacts, DMV records, postal records, and more — documented in an affidavit. Constructive service permits the divorce itself but limits the court’s personal jurisdiction over the spouse.

4. Waiver and Acceptance. The respondent can voluntarily sign a notarized waiver acknowledging service. Common in uncontested cases; saves the cost of formal service. The 20-day response period still applies from the waiver date.

Common pitfalls: serving an incomplete packet (forgetting the summons), serving at the wrong address, leaving documents with a minor, failing to file the proof of service. Each can require re-service and reset the 20-day clock.