Pinellas County divorce decree records are official court papers that prove a marriage has legally ended in Pinellas County, Florida. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court stores and maintains these records for the 6th Judicial Circuit.
A divorce decree shows the names of both spouses, the date the marriage ended, the case number, and the judge’s final orders. Anyone can look up basic case data online, but getting a certified copy with a court seal requires a formal request. This page explains what these records show, who keeps them, how to search them, and how to get an official certified copy in Pinellas County.
What Are Pinellas County Divorce Decree Records
A divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage in Florida. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court stores these orders after the judge signs them. The clerk’s office keeps both the case file and the public index that links each name to a case number. This system makes it possible to check the outcome of a divorce that was finalized in Pinellas County at any time. The records cover all divorce cases filed in the county, from the most recent filings to older cases dating back several decades.
Who Keeps These Records
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official keeper of all divorce records filed in the county. The clerk’s office runs the Official Records Department, which stores both paper and electronic court files. The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics also keeps a statewide record of divorces, but the county clerk holds the actual signed decree and supporting court papers. The clerk’s office is the only place to get a true certified copy of the court decree with the official seal.
What the Final Decree Shows
The final decree is the last paper signed in a divorce case. It lists the full legal names of both spouses, the date the marriage ended, the case number, and the division of property, debts, alimony, and any child-related orders. The judge’s signature and the court seal are part of the document. This is the paper most people need when they want legal proof that a divorce took place. The decree also lists the attorney’s names, the division of the court where the case was heard, and the date the judgment was entered into the court record.
How Dissolution of Marriage Differs From Divorce
In Florida, the legal term for divorce is “dissolution of marriage.” Both words mean the same thing. The court forms, the case type, and the final paper all use the phrase “dissolution of marriage.” When searching records, you may see either word on the clerk’s website, but the documents themselves are the same. The clerk’s case index also lists these cases under “DR” or “Domestic Relations” in the case number.
How to Search Pinellas County Divorce Records Online
The fastest way to check if a divorce was filed in Pinellas County is through the clerk’s online search tools. The clerk runs a public portal where you can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. The search shows basic case data, the names of the parties, the filing date, and the division where the case was handled. The portal is open 24 hours a day, and there is no fee to view the index entries.
Pinellas County Clerk Public Records Portal
The clerk’s Official Records search is open to the public. You can access it at the clerk’s website without creating an account. The search tool lets you enter a last name, first name, and year range to locate divorce cases. The results show a case number, the names of the parties, the document type, and the recording date. You can view a non-certified image of the decree for free, but a printed copy with a court seal costs a fee.
Searching by Name
Name searches work best when you know the full legal name of either spouse. Type the last name first, then the first name. Add a year range if you know roughly when the divorce was filed. If the search returns too many results, narrow the year range or add the middle name or initial. The clerk’s portal also allows you to filter by document type, such as “final judgment” or “dissolution of marriage.” The search covers all public divorce filings from 1980 to the present in most cases.
Searching by Case Number
If you have the case number, the search is direct. The case number format in Pinellas County usually starts with the year, followed by a sequence like “DR-” or a division code. Enter the full case number into the portal to pull up the exact file. This method is faster than a name search and avoids results for other people with the same name. The case number also tells you which division handled the case, which helps when you visit the clerk in person.
Florida Statewide Records
For older cases or records that may have been moved, the Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics keeps a statewide index of divorces from 1927 to the present. The state index shows the names of both spouses, the county where the divorce was granted, and the date of the final judgment. You can order a state-issued certificate of divorce, but this is not the same as a certified copy of the court decree. The state certificate is a short paper that confirms the divorce, while the county decree is the full court order.
Requesting a Certified Copy of a Divorce Decree
A certified copy is a paper that has the court’s raised seal and a clerk’s signature. Banks, government agencies, and other courts often ask for a certified copy instead of a regular printout. The Pinellas County Clerk offers three ways to ask for a certified copy: in person, by mail, and online. Each method has its own process and timeline. The certified copy is printed on special paper with security features that prevent copying or alteration.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
You can visit the Pinellas County Clerk’s office at the Clearwater Courthouse, 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. The Records window on the first floor handles requests for certified copies. Bring a photo ID, the case details, and the fee. Most in-person requests are filled the same day, often within an hour. The office has public computer terminals if you need to look up the case number before you reach the counter.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests go to Pinellas County Official Records, PO Box 9010, Clearwater, FL 33758-9010. Include a signed request form, a copy of your photo ID, the case number or party names, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail requests usually take 5 to 10 business days. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail the certified copy back to you. Mail the request by certified mail so you have proof of delivery and a tracking number.
Online Certified Copy Orders
The clerk’s website has an online ordering system for certified copies. You fill in the case number, your contact data, and pay the fee by credit or debit card. The certified copy is mailed to the address on file. Online orders take about 3 to 5 business days after the clerk processes the payment. The portal also offers email notifications when the order is ready and when the certified copy is mailed out.
Fees and Payment Methods
The fee for a certified copy of a divorce decree in Pinellas County is $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee per document. Most decrees are 2 to 5 pages long, so the total often runs between $4 and $7. Cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards are accepted in person. Mail orders take checks or money orders. Online orders take credit and debit cards. Additional fees may apply for rush service or for special handling of large requests.
What You Need to Prepare Before Requesting
Having the right details ready before you ask speeds up the process. The clerk’s office looks up cases by name, case number, or filing year. The more you know, the faster the search. A complete request package also reduces the chance of follow-up calls or returned mail. The clerk’s office processes requests in the order they are received, so a complete package goes through faster.
Required Details
You will need the full legal name of at least one spouse on the day the divorce was filed. The case number helps but is not required. The filing year is also useful. If you do not know the case number, the clerk can often locate it using the names and year. Other helpful details include the date the divorce was finalized and the division where it was heard. If you have an old copy of any paper from the case, bring it with you or include it with the mail request.
Identity Verification
Florida law requires the clerk to check the ID of anyone asking for a certified copy of a divorce decree. A state-issued photo ID, a passport, or a military ID works. Mail requests must include a photocopy of the ID. Online orders go through an ID verification step during the checkout process. If you are asking for the record of someone else, you must also include a signed authorization from that person or proof that you are a legal representative.
Forms and Notarization
The clerk provides an Official Records Certification Request form for certified copies. The form asks for your name, your relationship to the case, and the case details. You do not need to notarize the form for a regular request. If you are asking on behalf of someone else, you may need a signed authorization letter along with your ID. The form is available at the clerk’s office and as a PDF download on the clerk’s website.
Processing Times and How to Track Requests
How long a request takes depends on how it is submitted and how busy the office is. In-person requests are the fastest. Mail and online orders take a few extra days. Knowing the typical timeline helps you plan ahead for legal or financial deadlines. The clerk’s office processes hundreds of record requests each week, so timing can vary based on office workload.
Standard Processing Time
In-person requests at the Clearwater Courthouse are often filled the same day, sometimes within 30 minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the clerk’s office receives them. Online orders take 3 to 5 business days after payment clears. Statewide requests through the Florida Office of Vital Statistics take 3 to 4 weeks. During peak times, such as tax season or the start of summer, processing may take longer than usual.
How to Check Status
You can call the clerk’s Official Records Department at (727) 464-7000 to check on a pending request. Have your order number or the date you submitted the request ready. For online orders, you can log in to your account on the clerk’s portal to see the status. Mail requests do not have online tracking, so a phone call is the best option. The clerk’s office returns calls within one business day in most cases.
Office Locations, Hours, and Contact Details
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves all of Pinellas County, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and the beaches. The main office for divorce records is in the Clearwater Courthouse, but you can also file and request records at the St. Petersburg branch. Both locations offer the same services and accept the same forms of payment. The clerk’s office has 24-hour drop boxes for after-hours requests.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official record keeper for the 6th Judicial Circuit. The clerk’s office runs the Official Records Department, the Family Law Division, and the public search portals. The clerk also accepts passport applications, performs marriage ceremonies, and handles other official services. The current Clerk of Court is elected to a four-year term and oversees all official record functions in the county.
Phone, Address, and Hours
The Official Records Department is on the first floor of the Clearwater Courthouse at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. The main phone number is (727) 464-7000. The St. Petersburg branch is at 545 First Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, with the same hours and phone number for record requests.
For Pinellas County, the mypinellasclerk.org/contact-us source shows the contact page used for this article.
Official Website
The official Pinellas County Clerk website is pinellasclerk.org. The website has the public search portals, fee schedules, request forms, and office location maps. Use the official site for any request to avoid third-party fees or data errors. The website also has a chat feature for quick questions during business hours and a help desk email for non-urgent requests.
For Pinellas County, the pinellasclerk.org source shows the homepage used for this article.
Common Reasons People Request These Records
People ask for divorce decrees for many legal and personal reasons. The most common requests come from people who need to prove their marital status for a name change, a remarriage, a financial transaction, or a child custody matter. Each reason has its own set of agencies and deadlines, so it helps to know exactly why you need the record before you start the request.
Name Changes After Divorce
Many people change their name back to a maiden name or former name as part of the divorce. The Social Security Administration, the DMV, and banks often ask for a certified copy of the decree to confirm the name change. Without a certified copy, these agencies will not update their records. Some name changes also require the certified copy to update a passport, professional license, or voter registration.
Remarriage and Legal Proof
Before issuing a new marriage license, the Clerk of Court may ask for proof that a prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the final decree serves as that proof. The new spouse may also need it for immigration, insurance, or joint financial accounts. A certified copy of the divorce decree is also required for some adoption proceedings and for updating estate planning documents after a remarriage.
Property and Financial Matters
Divorce decrees often include orders for the sale of property, the division of retirement accounts, and the payment of debts. Years later, a bank, a mortgage company, or a pension plan may ask for the decree to confirm a transfer or to update a beneficiary. A certified copy is the standard way to prove those orders. Mortgage refinancing, retirement account rollovers, and trust updates also require a current certified copy.
Child Custody and Support Updates
If a divorce decree includes orders about child custody, visitation, or child support, the Florida Department of Revenue or a family court may need a certified copy to enforce or update those orders. The decree is the legal record of the original agreement and is used as a baseline for later changes. Custody and support agencies also ask for the decree when a parent moves to a different state or country.
Differences Between a Decree and a Certificate
A divorce decree and a divorce certificate are two separate papers. The decree is the full court order signed by the judge, often 2 to 20 pages long. The certificate is a short state-issued paper that lists the names, the date, and the county where the divorce was recorded. The decree is what courts and banks ask for. The certificate is used for basic proof of divorce for matters like name changes or personal records. Each paper has a different use, and the agency asking for it will usually specify which one they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common things people ask the clerk’s office about Pinellas County divorce decree records. The answers below reflect current office practices and Florida law as of 2026. For the latest fee or form changes, call the clerk’s office at (727) 464-7000 before you submit a request. The clerk’s office also updates the public website regularly with any new fees or policy changes that affect record requests.
How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?
You can ask for a certified copy from the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. You can visit the office at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, mail a request to PO Box 9010, Clearwater, FL 33758-9010, or order online at pinellasclerk.org. The fee is $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Bring or include a photo ID with your request. The same-day service is available for in-person visits, and online orders typically ship within five business days.
Are Pinellas County divorce records public?
Yes. The basic case data and the final decree are public records under Florida law. You can search the clerk’s online portal without an account. The only data kept private is sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s data, which are redacted from public view. Sealed records, which are rare, require a court order to access and are not available through the standard public search.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce decree?
In-person requests are often filled the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Online requests take 3 to 5 business days after payment. Statewide certificate requests take 3 to 4 weeks. The clerk’s office can provide a status update if you call (727) 464-7000 with your order number. Rush service is available for in-person requests for an extra fee, and the same-day service is often completed within an hour.
Can I look up a case number by name?
Yes. Use the clerk’s online Official Records search and enter the last name, first name, and year range. The results show the case number, the parties, the filing date, and the document type. You can also call the clerk’s office for help locating a case number if the online search returns too many results. The clerk’s public terminals at the courthouse are another way to search if you do not have internet access at home.
What is the difference between a decree and a certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order signed by the judge. It includes all the rulings on property, alimony, custody, and support. A divorce certificate is a short state-issued paper that confirms the divorce took place. Courts, banks, and federal agencies usually ask for a certified copy of the decree, not the certificate. The certificate is mainly used for personal records or simple proof of marital status.
Do I need a lawyer to get a copy of my divorce decree?
No. You do not need a lawyer to request a certified copy of your own divorce decree. The clerk’s office handles these requests directly. A lawyer is only needed if you are asking on behalf of someone else, if the record is sealed, or if you need to challenge or modify an existing order. The clerk’s staff can answer most procedural questions without the need for a legal representative.
Can I access older divorce records in Pinellas County?
Yes. The clerk’s office keeps divorce records for the entire history of Pinellas County. Older paper records are scanned and added to the public portal as staff completes them. For very old records, you may need to visit the Records Department in person so a clerk can pull the paper file. Records from before 1980 are sometimes stored off-site, so advance notice by phone helps the office locate them before you arrive.