Florida Form 12.929, the Notice of Social Security Number, is a one-page court document that tells the clerk and the Florida Department of Revenue the Social Security numbers (SSNs) of every party and every minor child in your family law case. You file it with your initial pleading in any divorce, paternity, child support, custody, or name change case, and the clerk keeps it sealed from public view to protect against identity theft.
If you skip this form, the clerk can refuse your filing, the State Case Registry cannot match your case to child support enforcement records, and your final judgment can be delayed for weeks. According to the Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics, Florida courts process more than 70,000 divorce filings every year, and nearly every one of them requires a properly completed Form 12.929.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📋 How to fill out every blank on Form 12.929 the right way the first time
- ⚖️ Which Florida statutes and federal laws force you to disclose SSNs in family court
- 🛡️ How Florida Rule 2.425 protects your numbers from public view
- 👨👩👧 Three named real-world examples covering divorce, paternity, and name change cases
- ❌ The seven most common mistakes filers make and how to avoid each one
What Is Florida Family Law Form 12.929?
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.929 is the official Notice of Social Security Number. The Florida Supreme Court approved this form so every family law case file contains the SSNs of the parties and any minor children, but in a way that keeps those numbers off the public docket. The clerk of court files Form 12.929 separately from the rest of your case and keeps it confidential under court rule.
The form exists because two different laws collide. Federal law under 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(13) forces every state to collect SSNs in divorce, paternity, and support cases so child support can be enforced across state lines. Florida law under Florida Statute § 61.052 and § 61.1825 repeats this rule and adds the State Case Registry requirement.
At the same time, Florida courts must protect sensitive personal data under Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.425. Form 12.929 solves the conflict by collecting the SSNs on a separate sheet that the clerk seals from public view. The consequence of not filing the form is that the clerk will reject your petition, and your case never gets a number.
A common misconception is that Form 12.929 is optional or only for child support cases. That belief is wrong, and the consequence of acting on it is a rejected filing. Every family law case that opens with a petition for dissolution, paternity, modification, support, or name change needs this form, even when no minor children are involved.
Who Must File Form 12.929
The party who opens the case files Form 12.929 first, but every party must provide an SSN before the case closes. The petitioner files the form along with the initial petition, and the respondent files an updated version with the answer or counter-petition if any number was missing. Both parents must list their own SSNs and the SSNs of every minor child the case touches.
Failing to list a child’s SSN is a frequent error, and the consequence is that the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program cannot link a future income deduction order to the case. A common misconception is that only the parent paying support needs to give an SSN. That is wrong, because both parents are required, even when only one will pay.
For example, Maria files for divorce in Hillsborough County and lists only her own SSN. The clerk accepts the petition, but six months later when the judge enters a final judgment with child support, the Department of Revenue rejects the income deduction order because the father’s SSN is missing. Maria has to refile the notice and wait three more weeks for enforcement.
When Form 12.929 Is Not Required
Form 12.929 is required in most family law cases, but a few narrow exceptions apply. The form is not required when neither party has an SSN and both use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) instead, although the filer must still note that fact on the form. The form is also not used in domestic violence injunction cases under Chapter 741, because those cases follow a different confidentiality track.
A common misconception is that adoption cases use Form 12.929. They do not, because adoption files are sealed under a different statute. The consequence of using the wrong form in an adoption is that the clerk redirects the file and the adoption hearing is pushed back.
Why Florida Requires SSN Disclosure in Family Cases
The reason Florida demands SSNs is rooted in welfare reform. In 1996, Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, which required every state to collect SSNs in family court cases as a condition of receiving federal child support funding. Florida adopted the requirement in § 61.052(1)(b) and tied it to the State Case Registry.
The State Case Registry is a centralized database run by the Florida Department of Revenue that tracks every support order in the state. The registry uses SSNs to match parents to wage records, tax refunds, and bank accounts when support goes unpaid. Without an SSN, the registry cannot enforce a support order, and the consequence is unpaid child support that piles up while the parent and child go without help.
A common misconception is that the SSN goes onto the public docket. That belief is wrong, because Form 12.929 is filed separately and sealed. The consequence of believing this myth is that filers sometimes refuse to provide accurate numbers, which delays the case.
For example, James files a paternity action in Orange County and writes “refuse to disclose” in the SSN field on Form 12.929. The clerk accepts the form but flags the case for the judge, who at the first hearing orders James to provide the number within 10 days or face contempt. James complies, but he has lost two weeks and angered the judge.
Federal Law Behind the Form
The federal mandate sits in 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(13), which requires every state to collect SSNs from applicants for marriage licenses, divorces, paternity findings, support orders, and divorce decrees. The plain-English meaning is that the federal government will pull child support funding from any state that does not collect SSNs in these cases. The consequence of a state losing this funding is hundreds of millions of dollars cut from welfare and support enforcement.
A common misconception is that the federal rule allows the SSN to be printed on the divorce decree. That is wrong, because the federal rule allows states to keep the number confidential as long as the number is collected. Florida chose confidentiality, which is why Form 12.929 exists as a separate sheet.
For example, Aisha files a name change petition for her minor child in Broward County. The clerk requires Form 12.929 because the federal rule covers any case that affects a minor’s legal identity. Aisha includes her own SSN and the child’s SSN, and the case proceeds without delay.
Florida Statutes That Drive the Requirement
Florida Statute § 61.13(d)(1) requires the SSN of each party and each minor child to be included in every order that establishes or modifies child support. § 61.1825 creates the State Case Registry and requires the SSN to be reported there.
The plain-English meaning is that without the SSN on Form 12.929, the judge cannot legally sign the support order. The consequence is that the entire final judgment stalls until the form is filed correctly.
A common misconception is that an attorney’s appearance excuses the SSN requirement. That belief is wrong. The consequence is that even represented parties get final judgments delayed when Form 12.929 is missing or incomplete.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form 12.929
Form 12.929 is short, but every line carries weight. The form has a caption, a body with four numbered sections, a signature block, and a certificate of service. Use blue or black ink if you fill it out by hand, or type the answers using the fillable PDF on the Florida Courts website.
Fill out the form after you draft your petition but before you go to the clerk. The clerk will not accept the petition without the form, and the consequence of arriving without it is a wasted trip and another filing fee for some counties.
A common misconception is that you can leave fields blank and let the clerk fill them in. That is wrong, because clerks are forbidden from giving legal advice or completing forms. The consequence is that the clerk hands the form back and your case sits.
For example, Carlos walks into the Miami-Dade clerk’s office with his divorce petition but a blank Form 12.929. The clerk politely refuses the filing, Carlos drives home, completes the form, and returns the next day, losing 24 hours and paying for parking twice.
Filling Out the Caption
The caption sits at the top of Form 12.929 and identifies the court and the parties. Write the judicial circuit number, the county name, the case number if you have one, and the division. If you are filing the petition for the first time, leave the case number blank because the clerk will assign it when you file.
Write the petitioner’s full legal name on the first line and the respondent’s full legal name on the second line. Use names exactly as they appear on the petition, because any mismatch causes the clerk’s docket system to reject the filing. The consequence of using a nickname is that the form has to be amended later, which costs time.
A common misconception is that you can write “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” if you do not know the spouse’s full name. That is wrong, because Florida requires diligent search before using a fictitious name. The consequence of skipping the Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry, Form 12.913(b), is that the case cannot proceed by publication.
Section 1: Petitioner Social Security Number
Section 1 asks for the petitioner’s full nine-digit SSN. Write the number in the format 123-45-6789, with dashes in the standard places. Do not abbreviate, do not write only the last four digits, and do not leave the field blank.
If the petitioner does not have an SSN, write “None” and add the ITIN in the next blank space. The consequence of leaving the field blank without explanation is that the clerk treats the form as incomplete and refuses to file the case.
A common misconception is that writing “private” or “refuses” is acceptable. That is wrong under § 61.052. The consequence is that the judge can hold the petitioner in contempt at the first hearing.
For example, Lin files for dissolution in Pinellas County and writes “refuse to provide” in Section 1. The clerk accepts the form but flags it. At the case management conference, the judge orders Lin to amend Form 12.929 within seven days or face dismissal of the petition.
Section 2: Respondent Social Security Number
Section 2 asks for the respondent’s full nine-digit SSN. If the petitioner knows the number, list it. If the petitioner does not know it, write “Unknown” and explain in a short note attached to the form that the respondent will provide the SSN with the answer.
The consequence of guessing or making up a number is serious, because a wrong SSN can attach the case to the wrong person’s tax records and trigger an identity theft investigation. A common misconception is that the petitioner must hire a private investigator to find the respondent’s SSN. That is wrong, because the rule allows “Unknown” with a good faith explanation.
For example, Priya files for divorce against a husband who left without sharing financial records. She writes “Unknown” in Section 2 and notes that the respondent will provide the number with the answer. The clerk accepts the form, the husband is served, and he files his own updated Form 12.929 within 20 days.
Section 3: Minor Children Social Security Numbers
Section 3 asks for the full name, date of birth, and SSN of every minor child of the parties. List each child on a separate line. If a child does not yet have an SSN, write “None assigned” and include the date the SSN application was submitted.
The consequence of leaving a child off the form is that the final judgment cannot include child support for that child. A common misconception is that stepchildren or grandchildren in the household get listed. That is wrong, because only children of the parties belong on the form.
For example, Devon and Tasha have two biological children together and one child Tasha brought from a prior relationship. Devon lists only the two biological children on Form 12.929. The form is correct, because the third child has a separate paternity case.
Section 4: Signature and Date
Section 4 contains the signature line, the printed name, the address, the phone number, and the email address of the filer. Sign the form in blue ink if you submit on paper, or use the e-signature tool in the Florida E-Filing Portal if you e-file. Date the form the same day you file the petition.
The consequence of signing on a different date than the petition is a clerk rejection, because the dates must match. A common misconception is that an attorney can sign for the client. That is wrong, because the SSN notice requires the party’s own signature under penalty of perjury.
For example, attorney Robert signs Form 12.929 for his client Helen and submits the package. The clerk rejects the form, Robert has to drive to Helen’s house for her signature, and the filing is delayed by two days.
Certificate of Service
The bottom of Form 12.929 contains a certificate of service. The certificate states that the filer mailed or delivered a copy of the form to the other party. Write the date of service, the name of the person served, the address, and the method of service.
The consequence of skipping the certificate is that the respondent claims lack of notice and the case stalls. A common misconception is that the original SSN form must be served on the other party. That is wrong. Only a copy goes to the other party, and even that copy can be redacted under Rule 2.425.
For example, Marcus serves Form 12.929 on his wife by certified mail and lists the tracking number on the certificate. The wife later claims she never received the form, but the tracking record proves delivery, and the judge accepts the certificate.
Three Real-World Examples of Form 12.929 in Action
The following named-person examples show how Form 12.929 plays out in three of the most common Florida family law case types. Each example uses different facts to highlight the choices a filer makes on the form.
Example 1: Maria’s Divorce With Two Children
Maria files for dissolution of marriage in Hillsborough County. She and her husband Luis have two minor children, ages 7 and 4. Maria knows her own SSN, knows Luis’s SSN from the joint tax return, and has both children’s SSNs on file from the hospital.
| Maria’s Choice | Result |
|---|---|
| Lists her SSN, Luis’s SSN, and both children’s SSNs | Clerk accepts filing the same day |
| Signs and dates the form to match the petition | Case number issued within 24 hours |
| Serves a redacted copy on Luis with the petition | Luis has notice and cannot claim surprise |
The consequence of Maria’s diligence is that the divorce moves to mediation in eight weeks. The Department of Revenue links the case to its child support enforcement system at the moment the final judgment is signed.
Example 2: James’s Paternity Action
James files a paternity action in Orange County to establish that he is the father of a child born to his ex-girlfriend Beth. James knows his own SSN but does not know Beth’s SSN, and the child’s SSN was issued by the hospital but James does not have it.
| James’s Choice | Result |
|---|---|
| Lists his own SSN in Section 1 | Form passes initial clerk review |
| Writes “Unknown” in Section 2 with a good faith note | Clerk accepts and flags for amendment |
| Writes “Unknown” for child’s SSN with note | Beth provides number with her answer |
The consequence of James’s honest “Unknown” entries is a brief delay of 20 days while Beth files her response. The case proceeds to a DNA test and a final order of paternity within four months.
Example 3: Aisha’s Minor Name Change
Aisha files a petition for name change of her 10-year-old son in Broward County after her divorce became final two years earlier. The case is governed by § 68.07, which still triggers the SSN notice requirement.
| Aisha’s Choice | Result |
|---|---|
| Lists her own SSN as petitioner | Clerk accepts filing |
| Lists son’s SSN in Section 3 | Court can update Social Security records |
| Notes father’s SSN as “Unknown” with explanation | Father served with notice and given chance to respond |
The consequence is that the name change hearing is set in six weeks. The judge enters the final order, and the Social Security Administration updates the son’s record within two weeks of receiving a certified copy.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form 12.929
The following errors come up in clerks’ offices across Florida every week. Each one carries a real consequence that can delay or derail your case.
- Writing only the last four digits of the SSN, which causes the State Case Registry to reject the case match.
- Leaving the respondent’s SSN blank without writing “Unknown,” which makes the clerk return the form for correction.
- Listing stepchildren or grandchildren in Section 3, which forces the judge to strike them from any support order.
- Signing the form on a different date than the petition, which triggers an automatic clerk rejection.
- Sending the original Form 12.929 instead of a copy to the other party, which exposes the SSN unnecessarily.
- Forgetting the certificate of service, which lets the other party claim lack of notice and stall the case.
- Filing Form 12.929 in a domestic violence injunction case, which is the wrong form and sends the file to the wrong queue.
- Using a nickname or “Doe” placeholder in the caption without filing the Affidavit of Diligent Search.
- Failing to update Form 12.929 when a child’s SSN is issued mid-case, which delays the final support order.
Privacy, Confidentiality, and Redaction
Florida treats SSNs as sensitive information under Rule 2.425. The rule requires courts and filers to limit the inclusion of SSNs to documents where the law specifically requires the number. Form 12.929 is one of those documents, and the clerk seals it from public view.
The consequence of including an SSN on any other document, like the petition itself, is that the document becomes a candidate for redaction at the filer’s expense. A common misconception is that the clerk automatically redacts every document. That is wrong, because the burden is on the filer to keep SSNs off the wrong documents.
For example, Olivia mistakenly types her husband’s SSN into the financial affidavit instead of Form 12.929. The clerk accepts the affidavit but the SSN now appears on the public docket until Olivia files a motion to determine confidentiality under Rule 2.420. The motion costs Olivia two weeks and a $50 fee for the redacted refiling.
How to Request Confidentiality
If an SSN ends up on the wrong document, the filer should immediately file a Motion to Determine Confidentiality under Rule 2.420(d). The motion asks the clerk to seal the document and replace it with a redacted version. The plain-English meaning is that the rule gives every filer a one-time chance to fix a confidentiality slip.
The consequence of not filing the motion is that the SSN sits on the public record forever, exposing the party to identity theft. A common misconception is that the clerk has authority to seal the document without a motion. That is wrong, because only a judge can order sealing under the rule.
Identity Theft Risk
Florida ranks among the top three states for identity theft complaints, with the Federal Trade Commission recording over 100,000 complaints from Florida residents in a typical year. The reason Form 12.929 exists in its current sealed format is precisely to keep family court filings from feeding that statistic. The consequence of any breach of confidentiality is a real risk of credit fraud, tax fraud, and benefits fraud against the parties and the children.
A common misconception is that the children’s SSNs are less valuable to thieves. That is wrong, because thieves prize children’s SSNs since the fraud often goes undetected for years. The consequence is that protecting the child’s number on Form 12.929 is at least as important as protecting the adults’ numbers.
Do’s and Don’ts for Form 12.929
Following these rules keeps the form moving and the case on track.
- Do type the form using the fillable PDF, because typed forms are easier for the clerk to scan.
- Do double check every digit of every SSN, because a single transposed number ruins the case match.
- Do file Form 12.929 the same day as the petition, because the clerk will not open the case without it.
- Do serve a redacted copy on the other party, because the rule requires notice but not exposure.
- Do keep a stamped copy in your records, because you may need to prove filing later.
- Don’t email the unredacted form to anyone other than the clerk, because email is not a confidential channel.
- Don’t write SSNs on any other document in the case, because Rule 2.425 forbids it.
- Don’t sign the form before you finish filling it in, because mistakes after signature force a redo.
- Don’t lie about a missing SSN, because the form is signed under penalty of perjury.
- Don’t ignore a clerk’s rejection notice, because the rejection clock keeps running and can lead to dismissal.
Pros and Cons of Form 12.929 Compliance
Filing the form correctly delivers real benefits, but the system also imposes some burdens.
- Pro: Compliance unlocks the State Case Registry, which means faster child support enforcement.
- Pro: Compliance protects SSNs from public exposure under Rule 2.425.
- Pro: Compliance lets the judge sign the final judgment without delay.
- Pro: Compliance avoids contempt sanctions for nondisclosure.
- Pro: Compliance creates a clean record for any future modification case.
- Con: Compliance requires the petitioner to track down the respondent’s SSN when relations are hostile.
- Con: Compliance requires careful handling of children’s SSNs, which raises privacy stakes.
- Con: Compliance can feel intrusive in cases where no support is at issue.
- Con: Compliance creates a paper trail that future hackers might target if the clerk’s system is breached.
- Con: Compliance forces ITIN-only filers to explain their immigration status indirectly.
Comparing Form 12.929 to Related Florida Family Law Forms
Several Florida family law forms collect or interact with sensitive information. The chart below shows how Form 12.929 compares to the most common neighbors.
| Form Number | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 12.929 Notice of Social Security Number | Collects SSNs for parties and children |
| 12.902(b) Family Law Financial Affidavit Short Form | Collects income and expenses, no SSN |
| 12.902(d) UCCJEA Affidavit | Collects child residence history |
| 12.913(b) Affidavit of Diligent Search | Documents efforts to locate respondent |
| 12.932 Certificate of Compliance With Mandatory Disclosure | Confirms financial documents exchanged |
The consequence of confusing Form 12.929 with the UCCJEA Affidavit is that one form ends up in the wrong file slot. A common misconception is that the financial affidavit replaces Form 12.929. That is wrong, because the financial affidavit does not capture SSNs at all.
Court Rulings and Precedents That Shape the Form
Florida appellate courts have addressed SSN disclosure several times. In Barron v. Florida Freedom Newspapers, 531 So. 2d 113 (Fla. 1988), the Florida Supreme Court set out the test for sealing court records, which laid the groundwork for the current confidentiality rule. The plain-English takeaway is that a party can seal sensitive material by showing the privacy interest outweighs the public’s right of access.
In family law specifically, Department of Revenue ex rel. Bryant v. Bryant, 941 So. 2d 1185 (Fla. 5th DCA 2006), confirmed that the SSN requirement is mandatory for support enforcement. The consequence of ignoring the rule is reversal on appeal, as the Bryant case showed when the trial court tried to enter a support order without the SSN on file.
A common misconception is that older cases like Barron no longer apply because Rule 2.425 covers everything. That is wrong, because the appellate test from Barron still controls when a filer asks the court to seal a document beyond what the rule already protects.
County-Level Filing Nuances
While Form 12.929 is a statewide form, individual clerks handle the filing slightly differently. In Miami-Dade County, the clerk requires e-filing through the portal for any party with email access. In Broward County, the clerk accepts walk-in paper filings and provides a private window for SSN forms.
In Hillsborough County, the clerk routes Form 12.929 through a separate intake clerk who never sees the rest of the petition. In Orange County, the clerk uses an automated kiosk that scans the form and instantly seals the SSN data.
The consequence of not knowing your county’s quirks is wasted time at the counter. A common misconception is that all 67 Florida counties handle the form the same way. That is wrong, because the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers association allows local rules within the statewide framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form 12.929 mandatory in every Florida divorce?
Yes. Florida Statute § 61.052 requires SSN disclosure in every dissolution case, and the clerk will not open the case without a completed Form 12.929 filed alongside the petition.
Can I refuse to disclose my Social Security number?
No. Refusal violates § 61.052 and federal law under 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(13), and the judge can hold a party in contempt and dismiss the petition for nondisclosure.
Will my SSN appear on the public docket?
No. Form 12.929 is filed separately from the rest of the case file and sealed under Rule 2.425, so the public docket never displays the SSN at all.
Do I need to list my children’s Social Security numbers?
Yes. Section 3 of Form 12.929 requires the SSN of every minor child of the parties so child support enforcement can match the case to the children.
What if I do not know the other parent’s SSN?
Yes, you may write “Unknown” in Section 2 with a good faith explanation, and the respondent will then provide the number when filing an answer or counter-petition.
Does Form 12.929 apply to name change cases?
Yes. Florida Statute § 68.07 still triggers the SSN notice requirement for name change petitions, especially when the petition involves a minor child.
Can my lawyer sign Form 12.929 for me?
No. The form requires the party’s own signature under penalty of perjury, and a lawyer’s signature alone causes the clerk to reject the filing.
Is there a filing fee for Form 12.929?
No. The form is filed as part of the petition package, and the petition fee under § 28.241 covers it without any additional charge to the filer.
Can I use an ITIN instead of an SSN?
Yes, if you do not have a Social Security number, you may list your ITIN and write “None” for the SSN field, but you must explain the situation in a short attached note.
What happens if I make a mistake on the form?
Yes, mistakes can be fixed by filing an amended Form 12.929 with the corrected information, but the clerk may charge a small refiling fee depending on the county.
Do domestic violence cases use Form 12.929?
No. Injunction cases under Chapter 741 follow a separate confidentiality track, and Form 12.929 is not part of the petition for protection package.
How long does the clerk keep Form 12.929 sealed?
Yes, the clerk keeps the form sealed permanently under Rule 2.425, and only judges, court staff, and the Department of Revenue may access the data without a court order.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Florida Form 12.903(c)(3) (w/Examples) + FAQs
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