Search Florida divorce decree records through county clerk offices and the Florida Department of Health. Florida stores final divorce judgments at the county level where the case ended.
The state health office also keeps a separate certificate record for each granted dissolution. Most people need one of these two records for legal proof, name changes, or family history work. This page covers both paths, the steps for each, and the data you must have before you send a request.
How Florida Stores Divorce Records
Florida runs a two-tier system for divorce records. Each tier has a different job and a different way to reach it. Knowing how the system works helps you pick the right place to start.
The Two Main Record Offices
County clerks of court hold the full court file. This file includes the final judgment, the petition, motions, and other court papers. The Bureau of Vital Statistics at the Florida Department of Health holds a shorter certificate based on what the clerk sends after the case closes. Both offices are real state record sources, but they hold different types of data.
Why Records Live at the County Level
Florida courts handle divorce cases in the circuit where the filing took place. The clerk of that circuit signs the final judgment and stores the court file. The clerk then sends a report to the state health office so the certificate can be made. This split setup means a county clerk search gives you the full court file, and a health office search gives you a short proof document.
What a Divorce Decree Includes
A divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. It lists the names of both spouses, the date the court granted the divorce, the case number, and the terms set by the judge. Terms can cover property, child support, custody, alimony, and name changes. A decree is signed by the judge and stamped by the clerk.
Where to Search Divorce Records Online
You can search many Florida divorce records online before you send a formal request. Free search tools give you a first look at case data. They also help you confirm the county and year before you order a copy.
Florida Court Records Portal
The Florida Courts website links to the statewide court records search. You can search by party name, case number, or docket number. The portal shows basic case data, filing dates, and the court where the case was heard. The full decree text may not appear in the search result. Privacy laws can hide some data fields. The portal works as a first step to confirm a case exists.
County Clerk Online Search Tools
Each Florida county clerk runs its own online search tool. These tools often show more detail than the statewide portal. Some counties let you view the full decree online. Other counties only show the case header and a list of filed papers. You must go to the county where the case was filed. Common tools include search by name, case number, or filing date range.
Florida Department of Health Search
The Florida Department of Health handles certificate records for all dissolutions from June 6, 1927 to the present. The certificate is a short document that confirms the divorce was granted. It lists the names of both spouses, the county where the court granted the divorce, and the date the court filed the final judgment. The certificate is not a full decree. It is a state proof document.
Data You Need Before You Make a Request
A Florida divorce decree request moves faster when you have the right data ready. Missing data causes delays and extra fees. Most offices can run a name search, but a full match needs at least the filing year and the county of filing.
Basic Facts for Every Search
Every search needs core data points. The clerk uses this data to pull the right case file. If the data does not match, the clerk may return a no record result even when a case exists.
- Full legal name of each spouse at the time of filing
- County where the divorce was granted
- Year the case was closed
- Case number if you have it
- Date of birth for each spouse if known
Certified Copy Request Details
A certified copy has a raised or stamped seal from the issuing office. Courts, federal agencies, and most banks need a certified copy. A regular printout of a court record is not the same as a certified copy. You must state that you need a certified copy when you place your order. Each copy has a fee set by state rule.
Cost and Payment Methods
Fees vary by office. County clerks charge a search fee plus a per-page copy fee. The Bureau of Vital Statistics charges a set fee for each certificate copy. Most offices accept checks, money orders, and credit cards. Some offices do not accept cash by mail. Always check the fee list on the office website before you send payment.
| Record Type | Office | Fee Range | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Decree Copy | County Clerk | $5 to $25 | Certified or Regular |
| Certificate Copy | Florida Health | $10 to $30 | Certified State Certificate |
| Apostille | Florida Secretary of State | $10 to $25 | State Authentication |
| Search with No Record | County Clerk | Small fee may apply | N/A |
Three Ways to Submit a Florida Request
You can submit a Florida divorce decree request online, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own steps, fees, and timing. Pick the method that matches your case age and how fast you need the copy.
Online Request Method
Most county clerks in Florida let you order divorce records through an online portal. You fill in a search form, pay the fee by card, and download or receive the copy by email. The state health office also runs an online order system for certificates. Online requests are the fastest method for most users. You get a tracking number and a clear paper trail for your order.
Mail Request Method
Mail requests work for people who live far from the filing county. You send a written request, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order. The clerk searches the records, pulls the file, and mails back a certified copy. Mail requests can take several weeks. They also have a risk of lost mail, so use tracked mail and keep copies of everything you send.
In-Person Request Method
You can visit the county clerk office in person. This method gives you the fastest answer because the clerk can search the records while you wait. Some offices can issue a certified copy the same day. Other offices need a few business days for older cases. Bring a valid photo ID and your search data. Pay the fee at the office window.
Decree vs. Certificate in Florida
Many people confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. They are two different records from two different offices. Each one has a specific use. Picking the right one saves you time and money.
What the Full Decree Shows
The full decree is the court order that ends the marriage. It shows all terms set by the judge. You need the full decree for property disputes, child support changes, custody enforcement, and most court hearings. The decree also works for name change paperwork with Social Security and the DMV. Banks and lenders often ask for the full decree when you change your name on a loan or account.
What the Certificate Shows
The certificate is a short state document that proves a divorce took place. It lists the names, the date, the county, and the court file number. The certificate works for most government agencies and for proof of single status. Many employers and insurance companies accept the certificate as proof of marital status change.
When to Pick Each Document
Pick the full decree for legal work that involves the case terms. Pick the certificate for simple proof of divorce. Some situations accept both, but the full decree always works as legal proof. The certificate is cheaper and faster to get. If you only need proof of the divorce, the certificate is enough.
Sealed and Special Record Types
Some Florida divorce records are sealed by court order. Other cases involve annulments or need an apostille for use outside the United States. These special cases follow different rules.
Sealed Divorce Records
A judge can seal a divorce file in Florida. Sealed files are not open to the public. Only people named in the case, lawyers, and court staff can see the records. If a case is sealed, the clerk search may show only the case number and filing date. You must ask the court to unseal the file before you can pull the full record. The court will only unseal the file for a strong legal reason.
Annulment Records
Florida keeps annulment records the same way as divorce records. An annulment is a court order that says a marriage was never valid. You can search for annulment records the same way you search for divorce records. The county clerk holds the full case file. The Bureau of Vital Statistics holds the certificate record for each granted annulment.
Apostille for Records Used Abroad
Some countries need an apostille on a Florida divorce record. An apostille is a state seal that proves the document is real. The Florida Secretary of State issues apostilles in Tallahassee. You must get a certified copy of the divorce decree first. Then you send the certified copy to the Secretary of State for the apostille. The apostille is needed for marriage, immigration, and property work in countries that accept the Hague Apostille Convention.
How Long Florida Records Take
The time to get a Florida divorce record depends on the office, the case age, and your request method. Most requests finish in a set window. Some older cases take more time because the files sit in offsite storage.
Standard Processing Time
Online orders often finish in 1 to 5 business days. Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks. In-person orders at the clerk window can finish the same day for simple cases. The Bureau of Vital Statistics takes about 5 to 10 business days for online orders. Mail orders through the state health office can take 3 to 6 weeks.
Records Filed Before June 1927
Florida started keeping state divorce certificates on June 6, 1927. Records filed before that date sit only with the county clerk in the county where the case was granted. The Bureau of Vital Statistics does not hold pre-1927 records. You must contact the county clerk for any dissolution filed before June 6, 1927. Many of these older files are on microfilm or paper and may take longer to pull.
Florida Official Contact Details
Use the contact data below to reach the main Florida record offices. Always call or check the website before you send a request. Office hours and fees can change. The data below covers the main state-level offices and a sample county clerk office for reference.
Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Official website: www.floridahealth.gov
Columbia County Clerk of Court
173 NE Hernando Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: (386) 758-1041
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Official website: www.columbiaclerk.com
Florida Department of State, Bureau of Apostilles
R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-6975
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Official website: www.dos.myflorida.com
Florida Courts Help and Clerk Locator
Official website: www.flcourts.org
Common Questions About Florida Divorce Records
These questions cover the most common issues people face when they search Florida divorce decree records. Each answer gives clear steps based on current Florida law and office rules.
Can I search Florida divorce records for free?
Yes. The Florida Courts website and most county clerk websites let you run a free name search. The search shows basic case data like filing date, case number, and court. The full decree text often needs a paid request. Free searches help you confirm the case exists before you pay for a copy. Some county clerk websites also let you view the decree online at no charge. The Florida Department of Health charges a fee for each certificate copy but does not charge for basic record checks over the phone for older cases.
How do I get a certified copy of a Florida divorce decree?
You must request a certified copy from the county clerk that handled the case. Send a written request, a copy of your photo ID, the search data, and the certified copy fee. Most clerks also let you order online through their portal. A certified copy has the clerk seal and is accepted as legal proof by courts, federal agencies, and most employers. Regular printouts are not the same as certified copies and may not be accepted for legal work.
What if I do not know the county where the divorce was granted?
You can use the Florida Court Records portal to search by name across all counties. The search will show the county where the case was filed. You can also check old court papers, tax records, or family documents for the case number. Once you have the county, contact that county clerk for the full decree. The statewide portal helps you find the right county before you pay any fee to the local clerk.
Can I get a Florida divorce record if I was not a spouse in the case?
Yes, in most cases. Florida has a strong public records law under Florida Statute 119. Most divorce records are open to the public. The clerk can issue a copy to any adult who pays the fee. Sealed records are the only common exception. If a court sealed the case, only people named in the case, lawyers, and court staff can see the records. You must ask the court to unseal the file to get a copy of a sealed record.
How long does a Florida divorce record request take?
Online requests finish in 1 to 5 business days for most offices. Mail requests take 2 to 6 weeks depending on the office. In-person requests at the clerk window can finish the same day. Older cases that sit in offsite storage can take longer. The state health office has a stated 60-day window for the clerk to send the certificate data, so very recent cases may not yet appear in the state system.
Do I need an apostille on my Florida divorce decree for use abroad?
You need an apostille if the country where you plan to use the record is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille is a state seal from the Florida Secretary of State. You must get a certified copy of the decree first. Then you send the certified copy to the Secretary of State with the apostille fee. The apostille proves the document is real and is accepted in the destination country without further legal work.
What is the difference between a Florida divorce decree and a Florida divorce certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order signed by the judge. It lists the case terms like custody, support, and property. A divorce certificate is a short state document that proves the divorce took place. The decree comes from the county clerk. The certificate comes from the Florida Department of Health. Pick the decree for legal work that involves the case terms. Pick the certificate for simple proof of divorce for most government agencies.