Monroe County divorce decree records are the official court papers that prove a marriage was legally ended in Monroe County, Florida. These records are kept by the Monroe County Clerk of Court and are open to the public.
You can search for them online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office in Key West. This page explains the exact steps, fees, forms, and contact details you need to get a copy of a Monroe County divorce decree in 2026.
What a Monroe County Divorce Decree Contains
A Monroe County divorce decree is a signed court order that ends a marriage. It is different from a divorce certificate. The decree includes the judge’s final ruling, case number, court division, date the divorce was granted, and any decisions about property, children, or support. The clerk’s office stores the original and issues certified copies to anyone who needs legal proof of the divorce.
Key Details Found on a Decree
Every Monroe County divorce decree has the same core details. These pieces of data help you confirm you have the right file before you order a copy.
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Case number assigned by the Monroe County Clerk
- Date the judge signed the final judgment
- Court division where the case was heard
- Terms for property, custody, and support when listed
- Clerk’s stamp and official seal for certified copies
Decree vs. Certificate vs. Judgment
People often mix up a decree, a certificate, and a judgment. In Monroe County, the terms have specific meanings that affect where you go for each one.
| Document Type | Issued By | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Final Judgment of Dissolution | Monroe County Clerk of Court | Full case rulings and order details |
| Certified Divorce Decree | Monroe County Clerk of Court | Legal proof with raised seal and signature |
| Divorce Certificate | Florida Department of Health | Short proof of fact that a divorce was granted |
How to Search for Monroe County Divorce Records
You have three main ways to look up a divorce in Monroe County. The best choice depends on whether you have a case number, full names, or just a general time frame. Most searches start online through the clerk’s public portal.
Search by Name on the Clerk Portal
The Monroe County Clerk runs an online portal called Odyssey Public Access. You can search by first and last name. The portal shows case type, filing date, party names, and a list of court events. Divorce cases fall under the “Family” category in Monroe County court records.
Search by Case Number
If you already have a case number, the search is faster. Enter the full number in the case search field on the Odyssey portal. The system pulls up the docket, hearing dates, and a list of filed documents. You can view images of the decree if it has been scanned into the system.
Search When You Only Have a Year
When you only know the year of the divorce, narrow the search by entering the time range. The Monroe County portal lets you set a date filter. This helps when you have a common name and need to reduce the list of results.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Divorce Decree
A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and signature. Banks, courts, and government agencies often require this type. You can order one in person, by mail, or by email. The Monroe County Clerk’s Office charges a fee per page plus a certification fee.
In-Person Requests at the Key West Office
You can walk in to the Monroe County Clerk’s main office and request a certified copy. Bring a photo ID, the case number or full names of both parties, and the filing year. The clerk on duty will pull the file and print a certified copy while you wait, in most cases.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests work for people who live outside the Florida Keys. Send a written request, a self-addressed stamped envelope, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the correct fee. Mail the package to the Monroe County Clerk’s public records desk.
Email and Fax Requests
Email requests are accepted at the Monroe County Clerk’s public records email. Send the same details you would include in a letter. The clerk replies with a payment link or invoice. Fax is also accepted for simple record lookups, but certified copies still require a mailed payment.
Fees and Payment Details for 2026
The Monroe County Clerk sets its own fee schedule. As of 2026, the standard charges for divorce records follow the rates listed on the clerk’s website. Always confirm the current fee before you send payment, as rates can change each year.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.00 |
| Additional clerk service fee (per page) | $1.00 |
| Federal express mailing (optional) | Actual postage cost |
Accepted Payment Methods
The clerk’s office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person visits. Mail requests must use a check or money order payable to the Monroe County Clerk of Court. Online and email requests are paid through the clerk’s secure payment portal.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Most record requests are processed within a few business days. The exact wait time depends on the office load and the type of request. Recent cases are usually faster to retrieve than older ones, especially those from the 1980s and earlier.
Typical Wait Times by Request Type
The table below shows average wait times for Monroe County divorce decree requests in 2026. These numbers are based on clerk office reports and user feedback from the Florida Keys.
| Request Method | Average Wait |
|---|---|
| Walk-in request | Same day |
| Email request | 2 to 5 business days |
| Mail request | 5 to 10 business days |
| Historical records (pre-1980) | 10 to 15 business days |
What Causes Delays
Missing details are the top reason for delays. If you do not include a case number, the clerk must search by name and date. Common names can take longer. A filed but not yet processed case can also slow down a search, since the file is still active in the court system.
Monroe County Clerk Office Contact Details
The Monroe County Clerk of Court serves as the main record holder for all divorce cases filed in the Florida Keys. The office handles requests for the public. Use the contact details below to reach the right desk.
Official website: www.monroecounty-fl.gov
Public records phone: (305) 292-3440
Public records email: publicrecords@monroecounty-fl.gov
Main address: Monroe County Clerk of Court, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Historical and Archived Divorce Records
Older Monroe County divorce records are still on file at the clerk’s office. Some files from before 1980 are stored in the county archive room. These records may take longer to pull. The clerk charges the same fee but the search time grows when the file must be pulled from paper archives.
Records from Before 1927
Florida has kept statewide divorce records since June 6, 1927. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics stores divorce certificates for that full period. For Monroe County decrees filed before 1927, contact the Monroe County Clerk’s archive desk for guidance.
Online Access to Older Records
Some older Monroe County cases have been scanned into the Odyssey portal. You can view them at no cost. To print or download, you must pay the per-page copy fee. Certified copies of older records still require a formal request to the clerk.
Florida Keys Divorce Records by Location
Monroe County covers the entire Florida Keys chain, from Key Largo to Key West. All divorce cases in the county are filed at the same clerk office, no matter which key the spouses lived on. This means you only need to contact one office for any Monroe County case.
Key Largo Divorce Records
Couples who lived in Key Largo file at the Monroe County Clerk in Key West. You do not need to travel. Use the online portal or mail a request to the main office address listed above.
Marathon Divorce Records
Marathon residents also file in Key West. The clerk’s office accepts mail and email requests, so geography does not block access. Most Marathon cases appear in the same Odyssey portal as the rest of Monroe County.
Key West Divorce Records
Key West residents often visit the clerk’s office in person because it is the county seat. Walk-in service is the fastest way to get a certified copy if you live near the office.
Common Questions About Monroe County Divorce Records
Many people have similar questions about how Monroe County handles divorce records. The section below covers the most common ones in clear, direct answers.
Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Monroe County Divorce Decree?
Yes. Florida law makes divorce records public once the case is closed. You do not need to be a party to the case to order a copy. You only need the full names, the filing year, or the case number. The clerk’s office will release a certified copy to any adult who pays the fee and follows the request rules.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy by Mail?
Mail requests to the Monroe County Clerk take about 5 to 10 business days after the clerk receives your package. Add time for mail delivery in both directions. If you live outside Florida, the total time can reach three weeks. Email requests are usually faster than mail.
Is a Florida Divorce Certificate the Same as a Monroe County Decree?
No. A Florida divorce certificate is a short proof issued by the state health office. It shows that a divorce happened, but it does not include the court order. A Monroe County divorce decree is the full court order, issued by the clerk, and it is the document most legal agencies ask for.
Can I Search for a Divorce Case Without a Case Number?
Yes. You can search the Odyssey portal by name. The Monroe County Clerk’s system will return a list of cases that match the name and date range you enter. If the list is too long, narrow the year or add a middle name to get a closer match.
What If the Divorce Happened in Another Florida County?
You must contact the clerk in the county where the divorce was filed. Monroe County only holds records for cases filed inside its borders. If the divorce happened in Miami-Dade, for example, you would contact the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court instead.
Are Online Divorce Records Official?
The Odyssey portal shows docket data and scanned images. These are public records. To make a scan official, you must order a certified copy with the clerk’s seal. The seal turns a printout into a legal document that courts and agencies will accept.
How Do I Correct an Error on a Monroe County Divorce Decree?
Errors on a divorce decree must be fixed by a court order. You file a motion to correct the judgment in the same Monroe County family court where the divorce was granted. The clerk cannot change a decree without a signed judge order.