You can get Nassau County divorce decree records from the Nassau County Clerk of Court in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The clerk office keeps all divorce filings, signed final judgments, and case files for Nassau County.
You can search online, visit the office, or send a mail request to get a copy. This page shows you each step in simple words so you know what to do, what to bring, and how much it costs.
Where to Start Your Search in Nassau County
The Nassau County Clerk of Court is the main office to start with. They keep all court records from family cases, including divorce. Their office sits inside the Nassau County Courthouse in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The clerk is a county office run by an elected official who serves a four-year term.
Clerk of Court Role in Divorce Records
The Clerk of Court holds all divorce case files that go through the Nassau County circuit court. When a judge signs a final divorce decree, the clerk stores a copy for the public. The office handles marriage licenses, civil cases, and other court records too. You only need to call one office for most of your records needs.
Main Office Contact Details
The clerk main office is at 416 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034. The mailing address is PO Box 1029, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035. You can call them at (904) 491-7400. The office email is contact@nassauclerk.org. These contact details match the official Nassau County Clerk website at nassauclerk.org.
Records Stored by the Clerk
The clerk office holds all divorce filings. This includes the petition, the final judgment, child support orders, and the signed divorce decree. They keep dissolution of marriage records, which is the legal name for divorce in Florida. Older paper files from past decades sit in storage at the same office. Newer cases from recent years are in the same location too.
How to Search Online for Divorce Records
The Nassau County Clerk offers a free online case search tool. You can use it to look up divorce cases by name or by case number. The tool shows basic case data and party names. The online search is a good first step before you order a certified copy.
Using the Online Case Search Tool
You can use the online case search at the clerk website. The tool is free to use. You type in a last name, first name, or case number. The search returns matching cases with basic data. This includes filing date, case type, and party names. The tool helps you confirm a case exists before you order a certified copy.
Searching by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to look up a divorce. Nassau County case numbers often start with a year and a sequence code. For example, a 2024 divorce case might look like 2024-DR-000123. Type the case number into the search box. The system will pull up the full case file and the final decree date.
Searching by Party Name
If you do not have a case number, you can search by name. Type the last name of either spouse. The results show all matching cases. You may see multiple hits if the name is common. Look at the filing date and case type to spot the right one. Divorce cases in Florida show as DR or Dissolution of Marriage in the case type field.
What the Online Tool Shows
The online search tool shows basic case data. This includes the case number, filing date, case type, and party names. The tool does not show the full decree text. It does not show financial terms or child custody orders. For full decree text, you need to order a certified copy from the clerk office.
How to Get a Certified Divorce Decree Copy
A certified copy of a divorce decree has a raised seal or stamp. Courts and government agencies ask for certified copies for legal matters. You can get one from the Nassau County Clerk office. The clerk can issue the copy on the same day for in-person visits.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
You can visit the clerk office at 416 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring a photo ID. Tell the records staff you want a certified copy of a divorce decree. They will look up the case and print the certified copy while you wait. Most in-person requests are done on the same day.
Mail-In Request Steps
You can mail a request to the clerk office. Send your request to PO Box 1029, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035. Include a signed letter with the case details. Include a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for the certified copy fee. Mail requests take longer to process than in-person visits.
Certified Copy Fees
Each certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15.00. This fee is set by Florida state law. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards for in-person visits. Mail requests need a check or money order. Make checks payable to Clerk of Court or Nassau County Clerk.
ID Requirements for Certified Copies
Florida law asks for a photo ID when you request a certified copy. A driver license, state ID, or passport works. The clerk needs to see the ID to release the record. If someone else picks up the record for you, they need a signed authorization letter and their own photo ID. The clerk will not release the record without proper identification.
What Details You Need Before You Request
Having the right details speeds up your request. Missing details slow down the search. The clerk staff will look up the case faster if you give them full case details. Here is what you need to know before you contact the clerk office.
Basic Case Details to Gather
Gather these details before you call or visit the clerk office. Having them ready cuts down on hold times and repeat visits.
- Full legal name of both spouses at the time of divorce
- Filing year or exact filing date
- Case number if you have one
- Type of case (dissolution of marriage with or without children)
- Your current mailing address
Photo ID You Need to Bring
Bring one valid photo ID to the clerk office. The clerk will not release a certified copy without checking your ID. Accepted IDs include:
- Florida driver license
- Florida state ID card
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
- Out-of-state driver license
Third-Party Request Rules
You can ask for a divorce decree on behalf of someone else. You need a signed authorization letter from the person named on the record. You also need a copy of their photo ID and your own photo ID. The clerk will not release a certified copy to a third party without these items. The authorization letter must include the case details and the records you are asking for.
Processing Times and What to Expect
How long it takes to get your records depends on the request method. In-person visits are fastest. Mail and online orders take more time. Office load can affect timing too. Busy weeks may take longer than quiet weeks.
Standard Processing Timeframes
In-person requests at the clerk office are often ready the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Online requests through the clerk portal take 3 to 5 business days. These timeframes are current as of 2026 based on the clerk published service standards. Holiday weeks may add a few days to mail processing.
Florida State Filing Delay of 60 Days
Florida has a 60-day state filing delay for divorce records. The county clerk sends a report to the Florida Department of Health after the final decree. This report can take up to 60 days to reach the state office. State records may be missing recent cases for this reason. County clerk records are more current than state records for new divorces.
Expediting a Request
You can speed up a request by including all needed details. A complete request with case number, full names, and filing year helps the clerk locate the record fast. Incomplete requests may take longer because the clerk has to do extra search work. You can pay for rush service in some cases. Call the clerk to ask about rush options before you send your request.
Costs, Fees, and Payment Methods
The clerk charges set fees for records. Florida law sets most of these fees. You need to pay the right amount or your request will be delayed. Make sure to include the correct payment with your mail request.
Certified Divorce Decree Copy Fee
Each certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15.00. This fee covers the cost of pulling the record, printing the certified copy, and applying the clerk seal. You pay the same fee for in-person, mail, or online requests. There is no discount for ordering multiple copies on the same request.
Search Fee When Case Number Is Unknown
If you do not have a case number, the clerk charges a $1.00 search fee. The clerk staff will look up the case for you. This fee is in addition to the certified copy fee. The search fee covers the time it takes to locate the right case in the clerk system. You only pay one search fee per request, no matter how long the search takes.
Additional Copy Costs
You can order multiple copies at the same time. Each extra certified copy costs $15.00. There is no discount for bulk orders. Each copy has its own clerk seal. This matters if you need to send certified copies to multiple agencies at once. Plan ahead and order all copies in one visit or one mail request.
Accepted Payment Methods
The clerk office accepts the following payment methods. Pick the one that works best for your request type. Mail requests need a check or money order, not cash.
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check (payable to Clerk of Court)
- Money order
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
- Debit card (in-person only)
Florida State Certificate as an Alternative
You can also get a divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health. A certificate is different from a decree. Each has its own use. Some agencies ask for one, and some ask for the other. Check before you order so you do not pay for the wrong record.
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificates
The Florida Department of Health keeps a state-level record of every divorce. You can order a divorce certificate through the state vital records office. The Florida Department of Health works with VitalChek for online orders. The state certificate costs more than a county certified copy. The state certificate has a state seal, not a county seal.
When to Use a State Certificate
Use a state certificate for name changes after divorce. Use it for some federal benefits. Use it for Social Security updates. Some agencies accept a state certificate but not a county decree. Check with the agency first to see which they want. State certificates are accepted for most personal name change requests across the U.S.
When to Use a County Divorce Decree
Use a county decree for most legal matters. Courts ask for a certified county decree. Property divisions, child custody orders, and alimony issues need the full decree. A county decree has the full text of the judge order. A state certificate only has basic facts like names, date, and county.
Office Location, Hours, and How to Visit
The Nassau County Clerk of Court office is in downtown Fernandina Beach. The office is easy to reach by car or public transit. The building sits on Centre Street near the waterfront. Free public parking is available nearby.
Physical Address of the Clerk Office
The clerk office is at 416 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034. The building is the Nassau County Courthouse. Look for the main entrance on Centre Street. Free parking is available near the building. The office is on the first floor of the courthouse. Wheelchair access is at the front entrance.
Mailing Address for Records Requests
Send mail requests to PO Box 1029, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035. The PO Box is for records requests and other clerk correspondence. Do not send cash through the mail. Use a check or money order for mail payments. The PO Box is checked once a day during business hours.
Phone, Email, and Office Hours
Call the clerk office at (904) 491-7400. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and Florida state holidays. Send email questions to contact@nassauclerk.org. Email responses take 1 to 2 business days. Phone calls are the fastest way to reach the records department.
Directions to the Courthouse
From I-95, take exit 373 for State Road 200 toward Fernandina Beach. Follow State Road 200 east into Fernandina Beach. Turn right on Centre Street. The courthouse is on the right. The drive from I-95 to the courthouse takes about 25 minutes with normal traffic.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Some requests run into problems. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them. Most problems come from missing details, wrong payments, or old records. The clerk staff can help you fix most issues over the phone.
Old Records Not Found Online
Some older divorce records are not in the online search tool. This is true for divorces filed before 1990. For old records, call the clerk records department. The staff will check paper files for you. There may be a $1.00 search fee. Old records can take longer to pull from storage, so plan ahead for a 2 to 3 week wait.
Name or Date Differences
The name on the record must match what you provide. If the name is different, the clerk will not locate the record. Check old documents for the legal name at the time of divorce. Maiden names and name changes after divorce can cause search issues. The clerk staff can help you locate the right name if you give them more details.
Payment Errors and Missing Documents
Mail requests can get delayed by payment errors. A missing signature or wrong fee amount will hold up your request. The clerk will mail your request back if the payment is wrong. Always include a copy of your photo ID with your mail request. Use a check or money order made out to Clerk of Court. Do not send cash or foreign checks.
Legal Rules for Divorce Records in Florida
Florida has public records laws that cover divorce records. These laws say who can see the records and how to get copies. The laws also list the fees you must pay and the rules for sealing records. Most divorce records are public under Florida law.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) says most court records are public. Divorce records fall under this law. The public can see them and get copies. The law does limit access in some cases. Sealed records and confidential cases are not open to the public. The clerk must follow the law on what they can release.
Florida Statute Chapter 382 Reference
Florida Statute Chapter 382 covers vital records. This includes divorce certificates. The statute says the Florida Department of Health keeps state-level records. It also sets the fees for state certificates. The county clerk keeps the local court records. Both offices work under this statute for their own record types.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some divorce records are sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. A judge must sign an order to seal a record. Adoption records, records with sensitive financial data, and cases involving minors may be sealed. You cannot get a sealed record without a court order. Talk to a family law attorney if you need access to a sealed file.
Clerk Office Contact and Location Details
The Nassau County Clerk of Court office is the official source for Nassau County divorce decree records. Use the contact details below to call, email, or visit the office. The clerk staff can help with search questions, fee questions, and request status checks. Keep these details handy when you need to make a request.
Official Website: https://www.nassauclerk.org
Phone: (904) 491-7400
Email: contact@nassauclerk.org
Physical Address: 416 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
Mailing Address: PO Box 1029, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Florida state holidays)
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Records
People often have questions about divorce records in Nassau County. These answers cover the most common questions. Each answer gives you the facts you need to make a request or solve a problem. The clerk office can answer any question not covered here during business hours.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce decree?
In-person requests at the Nassau County Clerk office are often ready the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Online requests take 3 to 5 business days. Florida law gives the clerk up to 60 days for some records, but most local requests are much faster. Bring all your case details to speed up the process. If you mail a request, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail your certified copy back to you without delay. Old paper records from before 1990 may take 2 to 3 weeks because the clerk has to pull them from storage. You can call the records department to check on a pending request. Have your name, case number, and the date you sent the request ready when you call.
Can I search Nassau County divorce records for free?
Yes, the online case search tool is free. It shows basic case data like names, filing date, and case number. You do not pay to search. You only pay when you order a certified copy. The $15.00 fee covers the certified copy. A $1.00 search fee applies if you do not have a case number. The free search tool is open 24 hours a day on the clerk website. The clerk does not charge for help by phone either, but phone help is only during business hours. Use the online tool first to confirm the case exists, then order the certified copy you need.
What is the difference between a decree and a certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order signed by a judge. It has all the terms of the divorce. A divorce certificate has basic facts: names, date, and county. The decree is from the county clerk. The certificate is from the Florida Department of Health. Courts and lawyers ask for decrees. Name changes and some federal agencies ask for certificates. The decree is what most people need for legal matters. The certificate works for simple proof of divorce. The decree costs $15.00 from the county. The certificate costs more from the state. Pick the right one for your needs so you do not pay twice.
Can I get a divorce decree if I am not a party?
Yes, divorce records in Florida are public records. You can ask for a copy even if you are not a spouse. You need a photo ID. If you are picking up the record for someone else, you need a signed authorization letter. The clerk will not release a certified copy to a third party without proper authorization and photo ID. The signed letter must include the case details, the records you are asking for, and the signature of the person named on the record. Many people get divorce records for genealogy, background checks, or legal cases. The clerk treats all public records requests the same way under Florida law.
What if my divorce was filed in another county?
You need to contact the county where the divorce was filed. Nassau County only holds Nassau County records. If you do not know which county, the Florida Department of Health can help. They keep a statewide index of divorces. You can also check the divorce decree itself, which lists the filing county at the top. If you live in Nassau County but filed for divorce in another county, the records stay with that other county. The Nassau County clerk cannot help you with records from another Florida county. Each of the 67 Florida counties has its own clerk office with its own records.
Are Nassau County divorce records free to view online?
Basic case data is free online. Full decree text is not free. The online tool shows names, dates, and case numbers. It does not show the full decree. To see the full decree, you must order a certified copy for $15.00. Older records from before 1990 are not in the online tool at all. The clerk does not post full decree images on the public website. You must come in person, mail a request, or order online to get the full decree text. The free online search is meant to help you confirm a case exists and pull basic facts before you order a paid certified copy.
How do I correct an error on my divorce decree?
File a motion with the Nassau County circuit court. The judge must sign an order to fix the error. You cannot edit a divorce decree on your own. The clerk cannot change a decree without a court order. Talk to a family law attorney if you need to fix a name, date, or term on your decree. Common corrections include misspellings, wrong birth dates, and wrong marriage dates. A small clerical error can often be fixed with a short motion and a short judge order. The filing fee for a correction motion is set by Florida law. The clerk can tell you the current fee when you file.