Daytona Beach City divorce decree records are official court files that prove a marriage has legally ended through the Florida court system. These records are kept by the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court, not the City of Daytona Beach, because divorce cases fall under county court authority.
Anyone can ask for a copy of a divorce decree for legal use, personal records, or background checks. This page covers how to search, request, and order certified copies of Daytona Beach City divorce decree records online, by mail, or in person.
What Are Daytona Beach Divorce Decree Records
A divorce decree is the final written order from a Florida judge that ends a marriage. It lists both spouses’ full legal names, the case number, the filing date, and the date the judge signed the final order. The decree covers key decisions like property division, child custody, child support, and alimony when those issues apply. For Daytona Beach residents, the official copy comes from the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court office that served the case. The decree is different from a marriage certificate, which only proves a marriage took place.
Where Divorce Cases Are Filed
Divorce cases that involve Daytona Beach addresses are filed at the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Clerk’s main courthouse sits in DeLand at 101 North Alabama Avenue, and the Clerk runs branch offices in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Orange City. Family law cases, including dissolution of marriage, are handled in the Civil or Family Law division of the circuit court. Each case receives a unique case number, which stays with the file for life and helps staff find the record quickly. The case number is the fastest way to look up a file in the system.
Who Maintains These Court Records
The Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all divorce decree records as the official record keeper for the county. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, keeps statewide indexes of dissolution certificates from June 6, 1927, to the present day. The City of Daytona Beach does not keep divorce records, since cities in Florida do not handle family court cases. When people need an official decree copy, the County Clerk office is the only source that can issue a certified copy with a raised seal and clerk signature. The state health department issues a shorter certificate, not a full decree.
How to Search Daytona Beach Divorce Records
Searching Daytona Beach divorce records can be done online through county and state websites, or in person at a clerk branch office. Most users start with a name search, but a case number search works faster when the number is available. The Volusia County Clerk website gives free public access to case index data, while full document images may require a small fee. Florida law makes most divorce files public record, with a few limits for sealed or restricted cases. The search results show case status, party names, and the date the case was filed.
Using the Volusia County Clerk Portal
The Volusia County Clerk online portal lets users search by party name, case number, or date range. The portal covers civil, family, criminal, and traffic cases filed in the county. To search for a divorce decree, pick the civil or family case type, enter the last name of either spouse, and add a year range to narrow the results. Each result shows the case number, filing date, party names, and current case status. If the case status shows “Closed” or “Disposed,” a final decree is on file. The portal runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no login needed.
Florida Statewide Records Search
For older cases or cases filed outside Volusia County, the Florida Department of Health offers statewide vital records search through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal gives statewide access to court dockets and filings. Users can search by name, county, and case type. The statewide search helps when someone is unsure which Florida county handled the divorce, or when the case is very old and may only appear in state indexes. Statewide searches can take longer because the database covers all 67 Florida counties.
Searching by Name or Case Number
A name search needs the full legal last name of either spouse, plus a first name and middle name when available. A case number search is faster and more exact, since the number points to one file. Users can find a case number on older court paperwork, attorney letters, or prior decree copies. When neither detail is known, the Clerk staff can run a name search at the front counter for a small lookup fee. The fee for a manual name search is set by Florida state law and is the same at every clerk office in the state.
How to Request Certified Divorce Decree Copies
Certified copies of Daytona Beach divorce decree records carry the clerk’s raised seal and signature, which makes them legal proof for courts, agencies, and employers. Requesters can pick from three main routes: in person at a clerk branch, by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, or online through the official clerk records service. Each route needs the same core details, but the fees and turnaround times differ. Picking the right route depends on how fast the copy is needed and where the requester lives. All three routes produce a legally valid certified copy.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
The Volusia County Clerk branch office in Daytona Beach, located at 125 East Orange Avenue, accepts walk-in requests for certified divorce decree copies Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters should bring a valid photo ID, the case number or full names, and a form of payment. Most in-person requests are filled the same day if the file is on the shelf and not in storage. Same-day service is the fastest option for local users who need a copy right away. The front counter staff can answer questions about the file and confirm details before payment.
Mail-In Request Process and Requirements
Mail requests can be sent to the main Volusia County Clerk office in DeLand at 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The request package should include a signed written request, the case number or full names of both spouses, the year of the divorce, a copy of the requester’s photo ID, and a check or money order for the correct fee. Self-addressed stamped envelopes speed the return. Mail requests usually take 5 to 10 business days after the clerk receives the package. Requesters should keep a copy of the request and payment for their own records.
The mail-in package should contain the items listed below in this exact order to avoid processing delays.
- A signed written request that states the type of record, the case number or full names, and the year of filing
- A clear copy of a valid photo ID showing the requester’s name and current address
- A check or money order made payable to “Clerk of the Circuit Court” for the exact fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope of standard letter size for the return mail
- A daytime phone number or email address in case the clerk needs to follow up on the request
Online Certified Copy Orders
The Volusia County Clerk records service allows online orders for certified copies through its official website. The online form asks for the case number or party names, the type of record needed, and a shipping address for mailed delivery. Online orders can be paid by credit or debit card. Online orders take about 3 to 5 business days for processing, plus shipping time. This route works well for users who live outside the Daytona Beach area or who need copies mailed to a different state. The online portal tracks the order and sends email updates.
The table below compares the three request methods side by side to help users pick the right option.
| Request Method | Best For | Processing Time | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person at Daytona Beach Branch | Local users who need same-day service | Same day, often under one hour | Cash, card, check, money order |
| Mail-In to DeLand Main Office | Users who live far away or want low fees | 5 to 10 business days | Check or money order only |
| Online Through Clerk Portal | Out-of-state users and credit card payers | 3 to 5 business days plus shipping | Credit or debit card |
Fees, Processing Times, and Payment Options
Florida county clerks charge set fees for each certified copy of a divorce decree, and the fees are fixed under state law. Extra fees apply for searches, additional copies, and shipping. Processing times change based on the request route, office workload, and whether the file is in active storage or archived. Knowing the fees and timeframes in advance helps requesters plan and avoid repeat submissions. Florida law caps the per-page copy fee and the certification fee so the same cost applies in every county.
Standard Copy Fees in Florida
The standard fee for one certified copy of a divorce decree in Florida is $1.00 per page, plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Many decrees run 3 to 10 pages, so the total often lands between $5.00 and $15.00. Additional certified copies of the same decree can be ordered at the same time at a lower per-page fee. Users who only need a plain copy for personal use can request an un-certified copy for a smaller fee. Each extra page of the decree adds $1.00 to the total under Florida law.
Processing Times for Record Requests
In-person requests are often filled the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the clerk office receives them. Online orders take 3 to 5 business days for processing, plus mail delivery. After the clerk records a final decree, there is often a 30 to 60 day delay before the Florida Department of Health adds the record to the statewide index. Recent cases are easier to confirm through the county clerk before turning to the state index. Older cases pulled from off-site storage may take an extra week to locate.
Accepted Payment Methods
In-person payments can be made by cash, check, money order, and most major credit or debit cards. Mail requests should be paid by check or money order made out to “Clerk of the Circuit Court.” Online orders are paid by credit or debit card through the secure clerk payment system. Cash is not accepted through the mail for safety reasons. Some branch offices may have card minimums, so callers should ask before they visit. The clerk office does not accept personal checks for mail-in orders over $500 without prior approval.
Florida Laws That Govern Divorce Record Access
Florida state law controls who can view, copy, and use divorce decree records. The main laws are Florida Statute Chapter 119, the Public Records Law, and Florida Statute Chapter 382, which covers vital statistics. These laws balance public access with personal privacy, and they list which records can be sealed or restricted. Knowing the basic rules helps requesters understand their rights and the limits on certain records. The full text of both statutes is posted on the official Florida Legislature website at www.leg.state.fl.us.
Florida Statute Chapter 119
Florida Statute Chapter 119, the Public Records Law, says that all public records made or received by any public agency in the state must be open for personal inspection and copying by any Florida citizen. Divorce decrees filed with the county clerk fall under this rule. The law says that any person who is denied access to a non-exempt record can file a civil action. This makes most divorce case files open to the public for viewing and copying. The law does require requesters to follow the clerk office’s standard rules for viewing records on site.
Florida Statute Chapter 382
Florida Statute Chapter 382 governs the registration and certification of vital events, including births, deaths, marriages, and dissolutions of marriage. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, runs the statewide system under this chapter. A “dissolution of marriage certificate” under Chapter 382 is a separate document from the court decree. The certificate is a short summary, while the decree is the full court order. Both can be used as proof, but courts and agencies often ask for the full decree. The Bureau of Vital Statistics issues certificates, not full court orders.
Sealed Versus Public Divorce Records
Most divorce cases in Florida are public, but a judge can seal part or all of a case file for good cause. Common reasons include protecting children, hiding sensitive financial data, or keeping personal safety at risk. To seal a case, a party must file a written motion and the judge must sign an order. Sealed records can only be opened by court order, by the parties named in the case, or by their attorneys. The clerk cannot release sealed files without a valid court order, even on request. Sealed files stay closed to the public for the full time listed in the court order.
Special Record Types and Related Services
Beyond the standard divorce decree, several related record types and services may help Daytona Beach residents. These include dissolution of marriage certificates, apostille services for out-of-state use, and historical or archived divorce files. Each serves a different purpose, and each has its own request process. Knowing what type of proof is needed saves time and money. The right document depends on the agency or court asking for the proof, so users should confirm the request before ordering.
Dissolution of Marriage Certificates
A dissolution of marriage certificate is a state-issued vital record that proves a marriage ended. The Florida Department of Health issues these certificates through the Bureau of Vital Statistics, and they can be ordered online through VitalChek or by mail using a state request form. Dissolution certificates are often used for name changes, remarriage, and Social Security updates. They differ from the full court decree, which is a longer document with all the case details and judge orders. The certificate is accepted by most federal agencies for proof of marital status change.
Apostille Services for Divorce Decrees
An apostille is a state-issued stamp that proves a Florida document is real for use in another country that joined the 1961 Hague Convention. Florida apostilles are issued by the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Authentications, in Tallahassee. To get an apostille, the user first gets a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Volusia County Clerk, then sends it to the state office with a request form and fee. Apostille requests usually take 5 to 10 business days. Countries outside the Hague system may need a different process called consular authentication.
The apostille process follows four clear steps from start to finish. Following these steps in the right order avoids rejected applications.
- Order a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Volusia County Clerk of Court with the raised seal
- Download or pick up the apostille request form from the Florida Department of State website
- Mail the certified decree, the completed request form, and the $10 apostille fee to the state office in Tallahassee
- Wait for the apostilled decree to arrive by mail, then use the document in the destination country
Historical and Archived Divorce Records
Older divorce cases from the 1920s to the 1990s may sit in archived storage at the Volusia County Records Center. These files are still public, but the request process may take longer because staff may need to pull them from off-site storage. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds some historical court records that date back to the early 1900s. Users searching for very old cases may need to contact both the county and the state to cover all possible file locations. The Florida State Archives charges a small research fee for older record lookups.
Volusia County Clerk Contact and Location
The Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs the main office in DeLand and a branch office in Daytona Beach. The Daytona Beach branch sits at 125 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, and the main DeLand office is at 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the office closes on all Florida state holidays. Users can call the Daytona Beach branch at (386) 257-6000 or the main DeLand office at (386) 736-5915. The official website is www.volusiaclerk.org, which gives 24-hour access to case searches, fee schedules, and request forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask similar questions about Daytona Beach divorce decree records, from how to start a search to how to use copies abroad. The answers below cover the most common questions based on real user needs. Each answer sticks to the facts and points back to the official sources that handle these records in Florida. The Volusia County Clerk office and the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, manage all requests for these records under Florida state law.
Can I view a Daytona Beach divorce decree for free?
Yes. The Volusia County Clerk online portal lets users view basic case index data at no cost. This data includes party names, case number, filing date, and case status. Full document images may carry a small fee per page. Walk-in visitors can also view public files at the clerk’s office during business hours. Sealed or restricted files are not open for free viewing and require a court order. The free online view shows the case type, judge name, and the date each document was filed in the case.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Same-day service is common for in-person requests at the Daytona Beach branch. Mail requests usually take 5 to 10 business days after the clerk receives the package. Online orders take 3 to 5 business days for processing, plus shipping time. Records in off-site storage may add extra days. Users should plan ahead for legal deadlines to avoid last-minute problems. The clerk office sends tracking numbers for online orders so requesters can follow the shipment to their address.
What if I do not know the case number?
A case number is not required to order a certified copy. The clerk can run a name search using the full legal names of both spouses and the year of the divorce. There is a small search fee for name lookups when no case number is provided. Bringing any old paperwork, attorney letters, or prior decree copies can help staff find the right file faster and lower the search fee. The clerk may also search by date range, party address, or attorney name when those details are available.
Is a dissolution certificate the same as a divorce decree?
No. A divorce decree is the full court order signed by the judge. A dissolution of marriage certificate is a state vital record with basic facts like the names of the spouses and the date the marriage ended. The decree covers custody, support, and property. The certificate is shorter and is used mainly for vital records purposes. For court and legal updates, the full decree is the right document. For remarriage, name changes, and Social Security, the certificate is often the right document.
Can I get a divorce decree if the case is sealed?
Sealed divorce records are not open to the public. Only the parties named in the case, their attorneys, or people with a valid court order can view or copy sealed files. To open a sealed file, a party must file a written motion and get a judge to sign an order. The clerk cannot release sealed records without that court order on file. Sealed records may be partially opened at a later date if the judge sets a review date in the original sealing order.
Do I need an apostille to use my decree in another state?
No. U.S. states do not need an apostille to accept Florida court documents. A certified copy with the clerk’s raised seal is enough for use in another state. An apostille is only needed for documents used in a foreign country that joined the Hague Convention. For foreign use, send the certified decree to the Florida Department of State for an apostille stamp. Some U.S. territories and tribal courts may have their own rules, so users should confirm the exact requirement before traveling.
Can I request a divorce decree if I am not a party?
Yes. Florida law makes divorce case files public, so any person can ask for a copy. The clerk office does not require the requester to be a party to the case. Walk-in and mail requesters still need a valid photo ID to confirm their identity. Sealed or restricted files are the only exception, and those need a court order before they can be released. Third-party requesters are common for genealogy research, background checks, and legal investigations in family law matters.