Florida divorce records are essential documents that provide official proof of dissolution of marriage proceedings in the Sunshine State. These public records contain important information about divorced couples and are maintained by various government agencies throughout Florida's court system.
What Are Florida Divorce Records?
Florida divorce records are official documents created when a court grants a dissolution of marriage. These court records contain details about when and where the divorce was finalized, along with other essential information required for legal documentation. The records become part of the official records system once the circuit court completes the divorce proceedings.
The florida department of Health and local clerk of the circuit court offices work together to maintain comprehensive divorce documentation. When a judge finalizes a divorce case, the court order becomes part of the permanent record system accessible through various government channels.
Types of Florida Divorce Records Available
In Florida, there are three main types of divorce records:
1. Divorce Decree
A divorce decree represents the final court order issued by a judge that officially terminates a marriage. This document contains comprehensive details about the dissolution of marriage, including property division, child custody arrangements, support payments, and other legal decisions made during the proceedings. Only parties involved in the divorce and their attorneys can access complete divorce decrees due to privacy protections.
2. Divorce Certificate
The florida department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics issues divorce certificates as proof that a dissolution of marriage occurred on a specific date. These certificates contain basic information such as the names of both parties, the date the divorce was finalized, and the court case number. This type of record serves as official verification for various legal and administrative purposes.
3. Court Case Files
Complete court case files include all documents filed during divorce proceedings. The clerk of courts maintains these comprehensive records, which contain filed evidence, testimonies, court transcripts, motions, verdicts, and any protective orders or custody agreements. These files provide the most detailed information about divorce cases.
Where to Find Florida Divorce Records
Each county clerk maintains divorce records for cases filed within their jurisdiction. The clerk of the circuit court in the county where the divorce was granted serves as the primary source for accessing these official records. Contact information for all circuit courts throughout Florida is available through the supreme court website.
Florida Department of Health
The Bureau of Vital Statistics within the florida department of Health maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted from June 6, 1927, to the present. This centralized system allows people to obtain certificates regardless of which county originally handled their case.
Record Type | Source | Information Included |
Divorce Certificate | Florida Department of Health | Names, date, case number, court location |
Divorce Decree | County Clerk Office | Complete legal details, custody, property division |
Court Files | Circuit Court Clerk | All case documents and proceedings |
How to Access Florida Divorce Records
Many county clerk offices provide online access to divorce case information through their websites. These systems typically show filing dates, party names, case numbers, and court locations, though detailed information may be redacted for privacy protection. Each county maintains its own online system with varying levels of access.
In-Person Requests
Visiting the appropriate clerk of courts office allows direct access to divorce records. Most offices provide counter service during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Bringing proper identification and case information helps expedite the search process.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be submitted to the relevant clerk of the circuit court office or the florida department of Health. Include complete information about the case, parties involved, approximate dates, and appropriate fees with mail-in requests.
Required Information for Searches
Successful record searches typically require the full names of both parties involved, the approximate date of the divorce or case filing, and the county where the dissolution of marriage was granted. Case numbers, when available, significantly speed up the search process.
Fees and Processing Times
Each county clerk sets its own fee structure for divorce record searches and copies. Fees typically range from $1 to $2 per page for copies, with additional search fees when case numbers are unknown. Some counties offer online payment options while others require payment by check, money order, or cash for in-person visits.
State Health Department Fees
The florida department of Health charges $5 for the first divorce certificate, with additional copies costing $4 each when ordered simultaneously. Rush processing is available for an additional $10 fee, reducing processing time to 3-5 business days.
Processing Times
Standard processing times vary by method and location. Online requests through county systems typically provide immediate access to available information. Walk-in requests are usually processed the same day, while mail requests take 3-5 business days plus shipping time.
Who Can Access Florida Divorce Records
Florida's Public Records Act makes most divorce information available to the general public. Basic case information such as filing dates, party names, and case outcomes can typically be accessed by anyone requesting the information through proper channels.
Restricted Information
Certain sensitive information within divorce records may be sealed or redacted by court order. Complete divorce decrees containing detailed financial information, custody arrangements, and other private matters are generally restricted to the parties involved and their legal representatives.
Authorized Parties
The following individuals typically have full access to florida divorce records:
- The divorced parties themselves
- Legal attorneys who represented either party during proceedings
- Court-appointed representatives with proper authorization
- Law enforcement officers with legitimate investigative purposes
Privacy and Confidentiality Considerations
In exceptional circumstances, courts may seal portions of divorce records to protect sensitive information. Parties must file a motion with the court demonstrating that public access would cause significant harm to reputation, finances, career, or children's welfare. Complete record sealing is rare, with courts typically redacting only specific sensitive sections.
Certain types of information within divorce records receive automatic protection from public disclosure. This includes social security numbers, financial account information, minor children's addresses, and other personally identifying details that could enable identity theft or privacy violations.
Marriage Records and Related Documents
Divorce records often reference original marriage information, creating connections between marriage records and dissolution proceedings. The same clerk of the circuit court offices that maintain divorce records also handle marriage documentation, providing comprehensive relationship history when needed.
Legal Name Changes
Divorce proceedings frequently involve legal name changes, particularly for women returning to maiden names. Divorce certificates serve as official documentation for name change purposes with government agencies, employers, and financial institutions.
The combination of county-level court records and state-level vital statistics creates a comprehensive system for maintaining and accessing divorce information. While public records laws provide general access to basic information, privacy protections ensure that sensitive details remain confidential when appropriate.
Successfully accessing florida divorce records requires understanding which type of document is needed, where to find it, and what information is required for the search. With proper preparation and knowledge of the system, individuals can efficiently obtain the divorce documentation they need for legal, personal, or genealogical purposes.