Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Name Change

How do I change my name in Florida? This is a question asked by many who want a fresh start, who want to change their name for family reasons or who just prefer to be called by a name other than that given at birth. A name change was an issue in the case In re the Name Change of: Rakim Salam Ali, 4D2023-1673 (Fla. 4th DCA January 3, 2024).

The petitioner sought a name change, but the trial court noted in its order denying the petition that at a hearing, the petitioner verbally requested that the court deny his petition. The petitioner appealed. The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s denial, noting “As the court did not reach the merits of Appellant’s effort to have his former name restored (the denial of the petition upon Appellant’s request was akin to a voluntary dismissal), Appellant is not estopped from filing a new petition for a name change, per section 68.07, Florida Statutes.”

Schedule your meeting with a Miami family law attorney to discuss how the law may affect your case.