I am standing up for transgender individuals who, like myself, have found fulfillment and peace in owning our identities. As a transgender woman with a past felony conviction, I am currently barred from the simple act of legally changing my name to match my true identity. I am willing to notify all necessary branches of court, social security, and important creditors, and I am committed to taking the necessary steps for this change.

Unfortunately, I am not alone in this struggle. Many transgender individuals are hindered by unnecessary barriers in expressing their identity. Legal restrictions on name changes serve to further marginalize this population, violating their basic human rights. We are not requesting special privileges, but the same courtesy offered to our cisgender counterparts: to live authentic, respected lives under the name that represents us.

There is a dire need to reshape our legislative framework to protect the rights of transgender individuals, as, according to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, nearly one-third of transgender respondents were harassed, denied benefits or services, discriminated against, or assaulted because their ID did not match their identified gender.

We call on lawmakers to remove the restrictions on name changes for transgender individuals, especially those with any kind of past convictions. Everyone deserves the right to be recognized and accepted for who they are, a right that should not be limited by legal loopholes or narrow interpretations of existing laws. We implore you to consider this pivotal measure to protect the livelihoods of transgender individuals like myself for whom this is personal.

Stand with us. Sign this petition to support a much-needed change.

 

Florida Name Change Laws
68.07 Change of name.

(1) Chancery courts have jurisdiction to change the name of any person residing in this state on petition of the person filed in the county in which he or she resides.

(2) The petition shall be verified and show:

(a) That petitioner is a bona fide resident of and domiciled in the county where the change of name is sought.

(b) If known, the date and place of birth of petitioner, petitioner's father's name, mother's maiden name, and where petitioner has resided since birth.

(c) If petitioner is married, the name of petitioner's spouse and if petitioner has children, the names and ages of each and where they reside.

(d) If petitioner's name has previously been changed and when and where and by what court.

(e) Petitioner's occupation and where petitioner is employed and has been employed for 5 years next preceding filing of the petition. If petitioner owns and operates a business, the name and place of it shall be stated and petitioner's connection therewith and how long petitioner has been identified with said business. If petitioner is in a profession, the profession shall be stated, where the petitioner has practiced the profession and if a graduate of a school or schools, the name or names thereof, time of graduation, and degrees received.

(f) Whether the petitioner has been generally known or called by any other names and if so, by what names and where.

(g) Whether petitioner has ever been adjudicated a bankrupt and if so, where and when.

(h) Whether petitioner has ever been convicted of a felony and if so, when and where.

(i) Whether any money judgment has ever been entered against petitioner and if so, the name of the judgment creditor, the amount and date thereof, the court by which entered, and whether the judgment has been satisfied.

(j) That the petition is filed for no ulterior or illegal purpose and granting it will not in any manner invade the property rights of others, whether partnership, patent, good will, privacy, trademark, or otherwise.

 

My goal is add protections for transgender individuals. (K) Wouldn't apply to individuals whom are transgender and non binary individuals, allowing them what most states offer even with a felony conviction allowing a name change.

(k) That the petitioner's civil rights have never been suspended, or if the petitioner's civil rights have been suspended, that full restoration of civil rights has occurred. 

(3) The hearing on the petition may be immediately after it is filed.

(4) On filing the final judgment, the clerk shall, if the birth occurred in this state, send a report of the judgment to the Office of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health on a form to be furnished by the department. The form shall contain sufficient information to identify the original birth certificate of the person, the new name, and the file number of the judgment. This report shall be filed by the department with respect to a person born in this state and shall become a part of the vital statistics of this state. With respect to a person born in another state, the clerk shall provide the petitioner with a certified copy of the final judgment.

(5) If the petitioner is a convicted felon, the clerk must, upon the filing of the final judgment, send a report of the judgment to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on a form to be furnished by that department. The report must contain sufficient information to identify the original criminal record of the petitioner, the new name of the petitioner, and the file number of the judgment. With respect to a person convicted of a felony in another state or of a federal offense, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement must send the report to the respective state's office of law enforcement records or to the office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(6) A husband and wife and minor children may join in one petition for change of name and the petition shall show the facts required of a petitioner as to the husband and wife and the names of the minor children may be changed at the discretion of the court.

(7) When only one parent petitions for a change of name of a minor child, process shall be served on the other parent and proof of such service shall be filed in the cause; provided, however, that where the other parent is a nonresident, constructive notice of the petition may be given pursuant to chapter 49, and proof of publication shall be filed in the cause without the necessity of recordation.

(8) Nothing herein applies to any change of name in proceedings for dissolution of marriage or for adoption of children.

updated:

Stand Up for Trans Rights: A Plea for Name Change Reform in Florida

As a transgender woman and proud member of my community, I’ve found fulfillment and peace in living my truth. But despite embracing who I am, I continue to face a painful barrier: I’m currently unable to legally change my name in Florida because of a past felony conviction.

This isn’t just my struggle—it’s the struggle of countless transgender and non-binary individuals across the state who are denied one of the most basic forms of dignity: being recognized by the name that reflects their identity.

I am prepared to meet every requirement—informing all legal entities, from the courts to the Social Security office, and taking every official step needed to make this change responsibly. But for people like me, that option is simply off the table.

We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for equal treatment. The ability to live authentically under our chosen names is a fundamental human right—one already granted to cisgender people in similar situations.

According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, nearly one-third of transgender individuals have been harassed, denied services, or discriminated against because their identification did not match their gender. Legal name change barriers only fuel this injustice.

That’s why I’m calling on lawmakers to amend Florida Statute 68.07. Specifically, section (k), which requires full civil rights restoration before allowing a legal name change, should not apply to transgender or non-binary individuals seeking to align their legal name with their gender identity.

As someone who has followed all legal requirements and taken every step to live authentically and responsibly, I believe in the rule of law—but also in justice that evolves with society

 

Let us be seen for who we truly are. Let us carry identification that matches our identity. Let us live safely and openly—just like anyone else.

Join me. Sign the petition. Push for change. Let’s give every trans person in Florida the right to their real name—and their real self.

Imagine carrying identification every day that erases your truth. Imagine being denied a job, housing, or safety because of a name that no longer reflects who you are.

Thirty-two percent of transgender individuals face discrimination when their ID doesn’t match their gender identity. This isn't speculation—it’s documented reality.

We are not asking for special rights. We are asking for equal rights. We are asking to live—authentically, safely, and freely.”

If name changes are allowed for others with similar records, why should transgender individuals be treated differently?

You have the power to stand up for dignity. To stand up for truth. To stand up for people like me. Will you?