Jacksonville city divorce decree records are kept by the Duval County Clerk of Court, not by the city government office. Anyone can search these records with a name, case number, or filing year.
The clerk office in downtown Jacksonville holds all divorce decrees filed in Duval County since 1927. This page shows where to look, how to order copies, what fees to expect, and how long the process takes. You will learn the difference between a court decree and a state certificate, what details speed up your search, and which office to contact for each request type.
Where to Start Your Search
The Duval County Clerk of Court is the main office for divorce decree records in Jacksonville. The clerk office stores all family court cases filed in Duval County. The City of Jacksonville government does not hold these records. The clerk offers three ways to look up a divorce decree: online portal, in-person visit, or mail request. Your choice depends on whether you need a quick lookup or a certified copy with a raised seal.
Duval County Clerk of Court
The Duval County Clerk of Court sits at 501 West Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville. The clerk office runs the official records system for all family court cases. Divorce decrees filed in Duval County are stored at this office. The office handles new filings, certified copy requests, and public search terminals. You can call the clerk at (904) 255-2000 for general records questions. The website duvalclerk.com gives access to the online search portal and request forms.
Online Portal Access
The Duval Clerk online portal lets you search divorce records from home at any time. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows basic case data like party names, filing date, case status, and court division. You cannot download a certified copy through the portal. For a certified copy, you must use the mail or in-person method. The portal works best for confirming that a divorce decree exists before paying for a copy.
What Records Are Available
Duval County holds divorce decrees from 1927 to the present day. Older cases may sit on microfilm or paper files in the archives. Newer cases are stored in the digital court system. The clerk keeps related family court records like petitions, motions, and final judgments. Sealed records are not open to public search. Adoption and certain family cases may carry a court seal that blocks public access. Dissolution of marriage reports are forwarded to the state after the clerk records them.
How to Request Certified Copies
A certified copy of a divorce decree has a raised seal or stamp from the clerk. Banks, courts, and government agencies accept certified copies for legal use. You can request a certified copy three ways: in person at the clerk office, by mail, or through the Florida Department of Health for older records. Each method has its own fee and processing time. Pick the method that matches your deadline and location.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Duval County Clerk office at 501 West Adams Street, Room 101, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The records window opens Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID and your case details. The clerk staff can search by name, case number, or filing year. You pay the fee and get your certified copy the same day in most cases. Standard certified copies cost about $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee.
Mail Request Process
Mail requests work well if you live far from Jacksonville. Send a written request to the Duval County Clerk of Court, Records Department, 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Your letter must include both full legal names, the filing year, the case number if you have it, and your contact details. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process. The clerk mails your certified copy back to you.
Online Order Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official vendor for Florida vital records. You can order a state-issued divorce certificate online at vitalchek.com. The state certificate is not the same as a court decree. The state certificate works for proof of divorce but may not pass for all legal matters. The court decree from the clerk is the official record. VitalChek charges extra fees for online processing. Standard processing takes 5 to 7 business days after the clerk files the report with the state.
Fees and Payment Methods
The Duval County Clerk charges set fees for certified copies. Current fees include $2 per page for copies, $2 for the certification, and $1 per page for a comparison copy. A complete divorce decree usually runs 5 to 15 pages. Most certified copies cost between $10 and $30 total. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards in person. Mail requests only accept check or money order. Online orders through VitalChek add a processing fee to the base price.
| Request Method | Base Fee | Processing Time | Accepted Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person at Clerk | $2 per page + $2 cert | Same day | Cash, Card, Check |
| Mail to Clerk | $2 per page + $2 cert | 5-10 business days | Check, Money Order |
| Online via VitalChek | $14 + processing fee | 5-7 business days | Card, Account |
| State via FL DOH | $14 first copy | 3-5 days online, 2-4 weeks mail | Card, Check |
Florida State Divorce Records
The State of Florida also keeps divorce records through the Department of Health. The Bureau of Vital Statistics holds dissolution of marriage reports from June 6, 1927 to the present. County clerks send a report to the state after they record a final divorce decree. The state report becomes part of the permanent vital records system. The state certificate works as legal proof of divorce for many purposes. The state system covers all 67 Florida counties.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health runs the state vital records system. You can order a divorce certificate through their website at floridahealth.gov. The state office accepts online, mail, and in-person requests at their Jacksonville location. The state certificate costs $14 for the first copy and $10 for each extra copy. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for online orders and 2 to 4 weeks for mail orders. The state office handles marriage dissolution records from 1927 forward.
For Jacksonville, the Florida records page source provides visual context used for this divorce decree search. The image below shows the state records portal that supports local searches.
This image supports the Jacksonville divorce decree steps and helps confirm where requests and searches are handled at the state level.
Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is the branch that handles divorce records for the state. Their office in Jacksonville serves local walk-in customers. The state office address is 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. You can visit the office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The state office also accepts phone orders at (904) 359-6360. The state office forwards certificate copies by mail to the address on file.
State Certificate vs Court Decree
A state certificate and a court decree serve different legal needs. The court decree is the full text of the final judgment from the judge. It includes property division, custody orders, and other terms. The state certificate is a short form that confirms a divorce was granted. Banks and most agencies accept the state certificate for basic proof. Courts and family law matters usually need the full court decree. Pick the document your requesting agency asks for to avoid delays.
Information Needed for Your Request
The more details you provide, the faster your search will go. The clerk can locate a case with just a name, but adding details cuts search time. Always include as much of the following as you can. Missing details can lead to a search that returns no results or wrong results.
Full Legal Names
The clerk office needs the full legal name of both spouses at the time of the divorce. Maiden names matter if one spouse changed names before or during the marriage. The clerk searches by the names listed on the original case filing. Name variations can slow your search. If you know the middle name or date of birth, include that too. Nicknames and informal names do not match court records.
Filing Date and Year
A filing year narrows the search window. The clerk stores records by filing year in the system. If you only know a rough year range, list the full range. For example, “filed between 2005 and 2010” helps the clerk target the right files. Exact filing dates are not required, but they help when you have them. Date ranges also help if you do not know the exact year of filing.
Case Number Details
A case number is the fastest way to locate a record. The case number format in Duval County looks like 16-2020-DR-12345. The format shows the year, case type, and sequence number. If you have a case number from a related court order, include it. The clerk can pull the exact file in minutes with a case number. Case numbers also show up on related family court paperwork like child support orders.
Identity Verification
The clerk asks for ID before releasing certified copies. Bring a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Mail requests need a photocopy of your ID. The clerk will not release certified copies to anyone other than the named parties without written consent. Authorized third parties need a signed release form and their own ID. Power of attorney documents also work for third-party requests under Florida law.
Processing Times and Delays
Processing time depends on the method you choose and the office workload. Online searches give instant results. Certified copy requests take longer. Plan ahead if you have a deadline. Each request method follows its own timeline based on the office and shipping method. State filing adds about 60 days to local recording time.
Standard Processing
In-person requests for certified copies finish the same day in most cases. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days from the date the clerk receives your letter. State certificate orders take 3 to 5 business days for online orders. Mail orders to the state take 2 to 4 weeks. The clerk office processes requests in the order they arrive. Holidays and office closures can add days to your timeline.
Expedited Options
In-person requests are the fastest way to get a certified copy. VitalChek offers expedited shipping for online orders at an extra cost. The clerk does not offer rush service for mail requests. For court deadlines, visit the clerk office in person. Plan for same-day service at the records window. Arrive early to avoid the lunch rush and end-of-day backups at the public counter.
Tracking Your Request
Mail requests do not come with tracking. The clerk sends your certified copy through regular mail. Use a self-addressed stamped envelope with tracking if you want delivery confirmation. Online orders through VitalChek come with order tracking and shipping tracking. Save your order confirmation number for follow-up. Email confirmations serve as proof of order if you need to call the office for status updates.
Common Request Issues
Some requests face delays or rejections. Knowing the common issues helps you avoid them. Below are the most frequent problems and how to fix them. Each issue has a clear path forward if you know what to do ahead of time.
Name Changes
If one spouse changed names after the divorce, the clerk still searches by the name on the original filing. Provide both the current name and the name at the time of the divorce. If you do not know the original name, the search may fail. Try to locate the marriage record first to confirm the names used at filing. Name changes after the marriage do not show up on the original case file.
Old Cases Before 1927
Florida started keeping divorce records on June 6, 1927. Cases filed before that date are not in the state system. Older cases may sit in county archives or court historical records. The Duval County Historical Archives may have files for pre-1927 divorces. These records may require an in-person visit and research fees. Plan extra time for older case research at the archive office.
Out-of-State Decrees
Duval County only holds decrees for divorces filed in Duval County. If the divorce happened in another state, contact that state’s vital records office. Florida cannot issue copies of out-of-state decrees. The clerk can confirm whether a Florida decree exists. They will not search other states for you. Each state has its own records system and fees for out-of-state requests.
Sealed Records
Some divorce cases are sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to public search. Only the named parties and their attorneys can access sealed records. You need a court order to unseal a record. The clerk will deny requests for sealed records without proper authorization. Sealed cases show up in indexes with a “sealed” label but no case details.
Legal Uses for Divorce Decrees
A certified copy of a divorce decree serves many legal purposes. Most agencies need a certified copy with the clerk’s seal. The state certificate works for some purposes but not all. Here are the most common legal uses for divorce decree records. Pick the document type that fits your legal need based on agency rules.
Name Changes After Divorce
A divorce decree is the legal proof needed to change your name back. The Social Security Administration requires a certified copy to update your Social Security card. The DMV needs a certified copy for a new driver’s license. Banks and financial institutions need a certified copy to update accounts. The passport office accepts either a certified decree or a state certificate for name changes.
Remarriage Proof
A state-issued certificate is enough proof to remarry in most states. Some states require a certified decree. Check with the marriage license office in the state where you plan to marry. Florida accepts either document for a new marriage license. The certificate or decree must show the divorce was final before the new marriage date. A waiting period may apply in some states after a divorce.
Financial and Property Matters
Banks, mortgage companies, and lenders need a certified decree to remove a former spouse from accounts. Property transfers after divorce require a certified decree for the title company. Insurance companies ask for a certified decree to update beneficiary information. Pension and retirement plan divisions need a certified decree as part of the QDRO process. Investment accounts also require certified decrees for ownership changes after divorce.
Immigration Applications
USCIS requires a certified copy of a divorce decree for many immigration cases. Name change applications, marriage-based petitions, and citizenship applications often need a decree. The decree must be translated if it is not in English. USCIS accepts certified copies with a translation that meets their standards. Processing times for immigration applications can be long, so plan your document requests early.
Contact and Office Details
The main offices for Jacksonville divorce decree records are listed below. Save this section for future reference. Always call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and fee amounts. Office hours and fees can change without notice. The clerk office handles the largest share of record requests each year.
Duval County Clerk Office
The Duval County Clerk of Court Records Department handles all divorce decree requests. The office sits at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The records window opens Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main phone number is (904) 255-2000. The official website is duvalclerk.com. Free parking is available in the courthouse lot for short visits.
Office Address: 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-2000
Website: duvalclerk.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Jacksonville Public Records
The City of Jacksonville Public Records Division handles city government records only. Divorce decrees are court records, not city records. The public records office sits at 117 W. Duval Street, Suite 480, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is (904) 255-2786. The email is publicrecords@coj.net. The city office can redirect divorce record questions to the clerk. Public records staff can point you to the right office for court records.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics handles state divorce certificates. The Jacksonville branch sits at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is (904) 359-6360. The state website is floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates. The state office can help with older records that the local clerk may not have on file.
Office Address: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6360
Website: floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common issues people face when searching for Jacksonville divorce decree records. The answers give you clear steps and what to expect from each office. If your question is not below, call the clerk office for direct help. The clerk staff can answer questions about case status, fees, and request options. You can also email the public records division for general questions about which office to contact for specific record types.
How do I search for a divorce decree in Jacksonville?
Start with the Duval County Clerk of Court at duvalclerk.com. Use the online portal to search by name or case number. For a certified copy, visit the clerk office at 501 West Adams Street or send a mail request. The state Department of Health issues divorce certificates for proof of final decree. The clerk office is the only source for the full court decree text. The state Department of Health can only issue the short-form certificate. Always check which document type your requesting agency needs before placing your order. The portal shows case data from 1927 forward, but older cases may take more time to pull from microfilm. Free public search terminals are available at the clerk office if you do not have internet access at home.
Are divorce records public in Florida?
Yes, most divorce records filed in Florida are open to the public. The clerk office makes case indexes and final decrees open to the public. Sealed cases and certain adoption-related records are not public. You can search case indexes without showing ID. Certified copies require ID and a fee. Public access rules follow Florida Statute Chapter 119. The clerk office can deny access to records that the court has ordered sealed. The public records law in Florida is one of the broadest in the country. Family court cases filed under seal by a judge remain sealed forever unless a court order opens them. Financial affidavits and child support worksheets may carry limited redaction under state law even in open cases.
How much does a certified divorce decree copy cost in Florida?
The Duval County Clerk charges $2 per page for copies and $2 for the certification stamp. A full divorce decree runs 5 to 15 pages on average. Most certified copies cost between $10 and $30. The Florida Department of Health charges $14 for the first state certificate and $10 for each extra copy. VitalChek adds online processing fees on top of state fees. Mailing fees are extra if you choose delivery by mail. Rush processing at VitalChek costs more than standard processing. Additional exemplified copies for international use cost more per page than standard certified copies. The clerk also charges a fee for comparing a copy to the original record on file.
Can I get a Florida divorce decree online?
You can search for a Florida divorce decree online through the Duval Clerk portal. You cannot download a certified copy online. You can order a state-issued certificate through VitalChek or the Florida Department of Health website. The state certificate is not the same as the full court decree. For a certified court decree, you must visit the clerk office or send a mail request. The state certificate works for most legal purposes but not all. Court orders and family law cases always need the full decree. Apostille services for international use require an in-person visit or mail request to the Florida Department of State. The clerk portal does not allow you to print or save the full decree document.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce decree is the full final judgment from the judge. It includes all terms of the divorce like property division and custody. A divorce certificate is a short form that confirms the divorce was granted. The state Department of Health issues the certificate. The county clerk holds the full decree. Most agencies accept the certificate for basic proof. Courts and family law matters need the full decree. Property transfers and QDRO filings also need the full decree. Check your agency’s requirements before ordering. The decree carries the judge’s signature and the court seal. The certificate carries the state registrar’s signature and the state seal. Both documents are official and serve different legal purposes based on the type of proof required by the requesting agency.
How long does it take to get a divorce decree copy in Jacksonville?
In-person requests at the Duval County Clerk office finish the same day in most cases. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 7 business days. State certificate orders through the Department of Health take 3 to 5 business days for online orders and 2 to 4 weeks for mail orders. Processing times may be longer during peak periods. Plan ahead for legal deadlines. Office closures and holidays can add days to your timeline. The clerk office takes about 60 days to forward the report to the state after recording a final decree. Recent filings are not yet in the state system until the 60-day filing window closes. Local clerk records are the fastest source for recent cases.
Can I get a divorce decree from another state through Florida?
No, Florida only holds records for divorces filed in Florida. If your divorce was filed in another state, contact that state’s vital records office. The Florida Department of Health can confirm whether a Florida decree exists. They will not search for out-of-state decrees. For a Florida divorce, contact the clerk office in the county where the divorce was filed. Each state has its own records system and fees. Out-of-state requests must go to the state that issued the divorce decree. Federal records like military divorces go through the Defense Department archives, not state offices. Foreign divorce decrees need an apostille and certified translation for use in Florida courts.