How is divorce initiated in Florida?

In Florida, instead of using the word “divorce,” we actually call it dissolution of marriage; however, both terms are used informally. A divorce process begins by filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in the county where the person who files it, petitioner, and the other party last lived together.  The petition is a pleading (legal form) that lists all of your requests in the divorce.  After it has been filed, it is served normally by process server or in person upon the respondent and who has 20 days after the date it was received to respond to the court and to the petitioner.