Search Florida divorce records through county Circuit Clerks and the Florida Department of Health. Each of Florida’s 67 counties stores its own divorce case files.
The state health office holds divorce certificates from June 1927 to the present day. You can search records online, by mail, or in person at local offices across the state.
Where Florida Divorce Records Are Stored
Florida divorce records live in two main places. The first source is the county Circuit Clerk office where the case was heard. The second source is the Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics. Each source gives you a different type of record with different details.
County Circuit Clerk Offices
Every Florida county has a Circuit Clerk who handles court files. This office keeps the full case file for each divorce filed in that county. The file includes the petition, the answer from the other spouse, financial forms, and the signed final decree. You can visit the clerk office in person during business hours. Many clerks also offer online search tools through their websites.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health keeps divorce certificates at the state level. A certificate shows only basic facts about the divorce. It lists the full names of both spouses, the date the divorce was finalized, and the county where it was granted. The state started keeping these records on June 6, 1927. Records from that date to the present are available for order.
What Records Look Like
A divorce certificate is a short one-page document. It proves a divorce took place but does not show case details. A divorce decree is a longer court order signed by a judge. It ends the marriage and lists terms for property, support, and children. A case file includes every paper filed during the case from start to finish.
How to Search Divorce Records by Name
Florida offers several ways to search for divorce records. Online search is the fastest method for most people. You can search from home at any time of day. In-person visits work best when you need certified copies or want to see the full case file.
Online Search Tools
Florida does not have a single statewide divorce record search portal. Each county runs its own system. Some counties use the Odyssey Court Portal, while others use systems like Clerk of Courts online access. You can find the link to your county’s search tool on the county clerk’s official website. Most systems let you search by party name or case number.
Records You Need Before You Search
To run a search, you will need some basic facts. The full legal name of at least one spouse is required. The approximate year of the divorce helps narrow the search. The county where the divorce was filed points you to the right office. A case number makes the search much faster if you already have it.
- Full legal name of one or both spouses
- Approximate year the divorce was filed
- County where the case was heard
- Case number if you already have it
- Date of birth helps narrow results in common names
Mail Requests to Counties
You can also send a written request to the Circuit Clerk by mail. Include the names of both spouses, the year of the divorce, and the county. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment. Most clerks accept checks or money orders for copy fees. Response times vary by county workload.
Types of Divorce Records in Florida
Florida keeps several kinds of divorce records. The type you need depends on what you plan to do with it. Some jobs need a certified copy. Some legal matters need a full case file. Knowing the right type saves you time and money.
Divorce Decree
The divorce decree is the final court order that ends the marriage. A judge signs this paper after the case is fully decided. The decree states the marriage is over and covers property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. This is the most complete divorce record. You get a copy from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case was heard.
Divorce Certificate
The divorce certificate is a shorter state-issued document from the Florida Department of Health. It proves a divorce took place but does not list case details. People often need this for name changes, remarriage, insurance, or other legal paperwork. You can order it online, by mail, or in person through the state vital records office.
Case File Documents
The full case file includes every paper filed during the divorce. This includes the petition, answer, financial disclosures, motions, and orders. These papers show the full history of the case. You can request copies of any paper in the file from the Circuit Clerk for a per-page fee.
What Each Record Contains
Each type of record has different details. Knowing what each one shows helps you pick the right one for your needs.
| Record Type | Source | Details Shown |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Decree | Circuit Clerk | Final terms, custody, support, property split |
| Divorce Certificate | FL Dept. of Health | Names, date, county of divorce |
| Case File | Circuit Clerk | All papers filed during the case |
| Court Index | Circuit Clerk | Case number, party names, filing date |
Florida Divorce Laws and Filing Rules
Florida law sets the rules for divorce and the records created. These laws control how long the process takes and what papers are made. Florida law is covered in Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes for dissolution of marriage.
Residency Requirement
Under Florida law, at least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse live. The petition must say that this rule is met. You must prove it to the court before the divorce can be granted.
Grounds for Divorce
Florida is a no-fault divorce state. Most divorces use the ground that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This means the marriage cannot be fixed. Some cases use mental incapacity as a ground. A judge must be satisfied that the marriage truly cannot be saved before granting a divorce.
Waiting Period
Florida law sets a waiting period for most divorces. A judge cannot grant a divorce until at least 35 days after the date the petition was filed. This wait does not apply to cases based on a written agreement signed by both spouses. The wait gives both sides time to think about the decision.
Property Division
Florida is an equitable distribution state. The judge divides marital property in a fair way, not always a 50-50 split. The judge looks at the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and what each person brought into the marriage. The goal is a fair result based on the facts of each case.
Fees for Florida Divorce Records
Fees vary based on what you need and where you get it. The state charges one set of fees for certificates. Counties charge their own fees for court records. Always check current fees before you order since prices can change.
Florida Department of Health Fees
The Florida Department of Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate search plus one certified copy. Each extra copy in the same order costs $6. Rush handling costs more. Online orders through VitalChek add extra service fees on top of the state fee.
County Clerk Copy Fees
County clerks set their own copy fees under Florida Statute § 28.24. Certified copies usually cost more than plain copies. Most clerks charge per page. Many charge $1 per page for regular copies and $2 or more for certified copies. Online access fees vary by county.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Certificate Search + 1st Copy | $15 | FL Dept. of Health |
| Each Extra Certificate Copy | $6 | FL Dept. of Health |
| Rush Processing Fee | +$15 | FL Dept. of Health |
| Regular Court Copy | ~$1 per page | County Clerk |
| Certified Court Copy | ~$2 per page | County Clerk |
Getting Certified Copies of Divorce Decrees
Certified copies have a raised seal or stamp that proves they are real. Many legal actions need a certified copy rather than a regular printout. You can get one from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
How to Order Certified Copies
You can order certified copies in person, by mail, or online through the county clerk’s website. In-person visits are often the fastest. You fill out a request form, pay the fee, and wait for the clerk to make the copy. Mail orders take longer because of mail time and clerk workload.
Apostille for Out-of-State or International Use
Some countries and out-of-state agencies need an apostille or authentication on your divorce decree. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. You send the certified decree to the state office with a request form and fee. This proves the document is real for use in foreign countries that accept the Hague Convention.
Verifying a Divorce Decree
You can verify a Florida divorce decree by contacting the Circuit Clerk that issued it. Give the clerk the names, date, and case number. The clerk can confirm whether the decree is valid and on file. This is helpful for legal matters, genealogy research, or background checks.
Florida County Clerk Records by County
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has its own Circuit Clerk. Below are details for some of the largest counties. Each clerk runs its own search tools and sets its own copy fees.
Orange County Florida Divorce Records
Orange County Circuit Clerk handles divorces filed in Orlando and Orange County. You can search online through the Orange County Clerk’s website. The office is located at 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Phone: (407) 836-2000. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Miami-Dade County Divorce Records Search
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts keeps divorce records for the county. You can search online through the Miami-Dade Clerk’s portal. The main office is at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Phone: (305) 275-1155. The office serves the largest county by population in Florida.
Hillsborough County Divorce Records
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court handles divorces in Tampa and the surrounding area. You can search records online at the Hillsborough County Clerk’s website. The main office address is 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Phone: (813) 276-8100. The clerk offers both in-person and online record searches.
Broward County Divorce Records
Broward County Clerk of Courts manages divorce records for Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. The county uses an online search portal on its website. The main clerk office is at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 831-6525. Records go back many decades for genealogy research.
Palm Beach County Divorce Records
Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller keeps divorce files for the county. You can search by name or case number on the clerk’s website. The main courthouse address is 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Phone: (561) 355-2996. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Florida Divorce Case Number Search
A case number search is faster than a name search. Each divorce case has a unique number assigned by the clerk. The number uses a format with the year, county code, and sequence number. You can find the case number on any paper filed in the case.
Where to Find the Case Number
The case number appears on the divorce decree, court orders, and any paper from the clerk. If you do not have any papers, you can search by name through the county clerk’s online portal. Once you find the right case, write down the case number for future searches.
Using the Case Number
With the case number, you can pull up the full case docket. The docket lists every event and paper filed in the case. You can view the docket online through most county clerk portals. You can also request certified copies of specific papers using the case number.
Historical and Older Divorce Records
Older Florida divorce records need a different search method. Records from the early 1900s may not be online. Some older case files are stored off-site or in archives. You may need to visit the clerk’s office in person for these older files.
Records Before June 1927
Florida did not keep statewide divorce records before June 6, 1927. Each county may have its own older court files. Some counties have preserved these records in local archives. Contact the county clerk where the divorce took place for help with older files.
Records From 1927 to Present
The Florida Department of Health has kept divorce certificates since June 1927. The state health office can issue certified copies of any divorce from that date forward. For full case files, contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case was heard.
Contact Information for Florida Divorce Records
You can reach the Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics for divorce certificates. The office is at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
For the statewide court system, contact the Florida Courts. The main website is www.flcourts.org. Each county Circuit Clerk has its own contact info on its website. For records questions, call the clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
To order vital records online, use the state’s authorized vendor at www.vitalchek.com. Phone orders are accepted at 1-888-604-7888. Extra service fees apply for online and phone orders through VitalChek.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about Florida divorce records. Below are answers to the most common questions. These cover search methods, fees, certified copies, and rules for using these records.
How do I find a divorce decree in Florida?
You can find a divorce decree in Florida through the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case was filed. Many counties have online search tools on the clerk’s website. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person. Bring the names of both spouses, the year of the divorce, and your photo ID. The clerk can pull the file and make certified copies for a fee.
Are Florida divorce records public?
Yes, most Florida divorce records are public under state law. Court case files, decrees, and dockets are open to anyone who asks. The Florida Department of Health divorce certificates are also available to eligible requesters. Some records can be sealed by a judge if there is a strong legal reason. Financial account numbers and minor child details are often blacked out from public copies.
How much does a Florida divorce certificate cost?
A Florida divorce certificate from the Department of Health costs $15. This fee covers the search and one certified copy. Each extra copy in the same order costs $6. Rush handling costs an extra $15. Online orders through VitalChek add their own service fees on top of the state fee.
Can I search Florida divorce records for free?
You can search for free on most county clerk websites. You can look up party names and case numbers without paying. You only pay when you want to view document images or order certified copies. Some counties charge a small fee to pull up case details after a free name search.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a decree?
A divorce certificate is a short state document with basic facts. It shows the names of both spouses, the date of divorce, and the county. A divorce decree is the full final court order signed by a judge. It lists the terms of the divorce including property, custody, and support. You need a decree for legal actions and a certificate for proof of divorce.
How long does it take to get a Florida divorce certificate?
Mail orders from the Florida Department of Health take about 10 to 15 business days. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days with standard processing. Rush service is faster for an extra fee. In-person orders at a county health office are often same-day if the record is on file.
Can I get a divorce record from another state in Florida?
No, Florida only keeps records for divorces granted in Florida. If the divorce happened in another state, you need to contact the vital records office in that state. For out-of-state use of a Florida divorce decree, you may need an apostille from the Florida Department of State. The apostille proves the document is real for legal use abroad.