Santa Rosa County divorce decree records are official court files that prove a marriage has ended in this Florida county. The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller keeps these records at the main office in Milton, Florida.
People need these records for many reasons like name changes, remarriage, property matters, and legal proof. This page explains how to search, request, and get certified copies of divorce decree records in Santa Rosa County, Florida.
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the main records keeper for Santa Rosa County. This office handles all divorce filings, family court cases, and final decree paperwork. Knowing the exact location and contact details saves time when making a request.
Main Office Address and Location
The Santa Rosa County Clerk’s office sits at 6865 Caroline Street, Milton, FL 32570. This is the only physical location where walk-in requests for certified divorce decree records are accepted. The building houses the court records department, the civil court files, and the family law division. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID when coming in person.
Phone Number and Email Contact
The records department phone number is (850) 981-5300. Callers can ask about request status, fee amounts, and document availability. For email questions about records requests, write to clerkrecords@santarosa.fl.gov. Email works well for general questions before sending a formal request. Phone calls are better for time-sensitive questions about pending or recent filings.
How to Search Divorce Decree Records Online
Santa Rosa County uses the Tyler Technologies Odyssey Portal for online court record searches. This portal lets users look up case information from home using a computer or phone. The portal covers civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed in the county.
Using the Odyssey Portal
Visit the official Santa Rosa County Clerk website to reach the Odyssey Portal. The search tool accepts three main input types: case number, party name, or filing date range. Party name searches work best when the full legal name is known. Date range searches help narrow results when only the year of divorce is known. Search results show case type, filing date, judge name, and case status.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives the most exact results. Santa Rosa County case numbers follow a format that includes the year, case type code, and sequence number. Family cases like divorce start with “DR” followed by the filing year. Users with a case number can pull up full docket entries, hearing dates, and final judgment details in seconds.
Search by Name
Name searches work well when the case number is not known. Type the full legal name of either spouse into the search bar. The portal returns all matching cases filed under that name. Use filters to narrow results by case type and year. If too many results appear, try adding a middle name or initial to the search.
Records Available Online
The Odyssey Portal shows docket entries, hearing schedules, and case status for most divorce cases. Final decree images are not always available online due to privacy rules. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers and bank account data get removed before posting. For full document access, request a certified copy through the clerk’s office.
| Search Method | What You Need | Results Shown |
|---|---|---|
| Case Number | Full case number | Full docket and status |
| Party Name | Legal name of spouse | List of matching cases |
| Date Range | Filing year or range | Cases filed in that period |
How to Get a Certified Divorce Decree Copy
A certified copy of a divorce decree carries the court seal and clerk’s signature. This type of copy is the only version accepted for legal use. Santa Rosa County offers three main ways to request a certified copy: online, by mail, or in person.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in requests are the fastest way to get a certified decree. Visit the clerk’s office at 6865 Caroline Street, Milton, FL 32570. Bring a completed Records Request form and a valid photo ID. Pay the certified copy fee at the counter. Most in-person requests for older records are ready the same day. Recent decrees may take a few hours while staff verify the final judgment date.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests work for people who live far from Milton. Download the Records Request form from the clerk’s website. Fill in the case number, full names of both spouses, and the year of filing. Include a photocopy of a valid photo ID. Send the form, ID copy, and payment by check or money order to the clerk’s mailing address. Mail requests take longer due to postal delivery and processing time.
Online Records Request
The clerk’s online portal accepts certified copy requests for a small service fee. Users enter case details, upload ID, and pay by credit card. The certified copy gets mailed to the address on file. This option works well for people who cannot visit in person but want faster processing than regular mail.
Fees and Payment Methods
Santa Rosa County charges set fees for certified copies of divorce decree records. Knowing the exact cost helps avoid payment issues. All fees are set by Florida state law and local court rules.
Certified Copy Cost
Each certified page costs $2.00. A standard divorce decree runs between 5 and 15 pages depending on the case. Most decrees include the final judgment, settlement terms, and court seal pages. Add a $1.00 certification fee per document. A typical certified decree copy costs between $11.00 and $31.00 total.
Additional Service Fees
Mail requests add a postage and handling charge. Online requests through the portal include a card processing fee. Extra certified copies of the same decree cost the same per page. Apostille or authentication services carry a separate fee set by the Florida Secretary of State.
Accepted Payment Types
In-person payments can be cash, check, money order, or credit card. Mail requests must be check or money order made out to the Clerk of Court. Online portal payments use major credit or debit cards. The clerk’s office does not accept personal checks for online requests.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per page) | $2.00 |
| Certification fee | $1.00 |
| Online service fee | Varies |
| Mail handling | Postage rate |
Processing Times for Divorce Decree Requests
How long a request takes depends on the method and the age of the case. Recent filings take longer to finalize than older closed cases. The clerk’s office gives clear time estimates for each request type.
Statewide Filing Delay
Florida requires about 60 days between county recording and state filing of divorce decrees. This delay means very recent cases may not show up in state searches right away. Local clerk searches through the Odyssey Portal show new cases faster. For proof of a recent divorce, always start with the Santa Rosa County clerk before using state resources.
Walk-In Processing
Same-day service is common for decrees filed more than 30 days ago. Bring full case details to speed up the search. Records staff pull the file, copy the documents, and apply the court seal at the counter. Wait times depend on the line at the records window.
Mail Request Timeline
Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days from the date the clerk’s office receives the form. Add postal transit time on both ends. Tracking the mailed request helps confirm delivery. If no response arrives after three weeks, call the records department at (850) 981-5300.
Tracking Your Request
Keep a copy of the request form and payment receipt. Note the date the request was sent or submitted. Reference this date when calling the clerk’s office for status checks. Request tracking reduces back-and-forth and helps staff locate the file faster.
Florida State Divorce Certificate Option
The Florida Department of Health issues statewide divorce certificates. These certificates are different from a county divorce decree but serve some of the same proof needs. Knowing the difference helps pick the right document for each situation.
Florida Health Department Portal
The Florida Department of Health runs the official state records page for divorce certificates. This portal accepts statewide certificate orders. Certificates cost more than county copies but work for proof of divorce across all Florida counties. Visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/ to start a state order.
VitalChek Service
VitalChek is the official private vendor for Florida vital records. Orders through VitalChek include a service fee on top of the state fee. This service is faster than mailing a state order directly. VitalChek orders can be rushed for an extra fee when proof is needed quickly.
Decree vs Certificate
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and lists all terms. A divorce certificate is a short state-issued proof that confirms a divorce happened. County decrees are better for legal matters like property division or name changes. State certificates work for general proof of divorce for most other needs.
Florida Laws Governing Divorce Records Access
Florida state laws control who can see divorce records and how they are released. These laws balance public access with personal privacy. Santa Rosa County follows all state rules when handling record requests.
Public Access Rules
Florida law treats most divorce case files as public records. Anyone can request basic case information. The Florida Statutes sections that cover these rules are available at https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html and http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0382/0382.html. These laws spell out what details are open and what stays sealed.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some divorce cases get sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. Cases involving minors, domestic violence, or sensitive financial data may have restricted access. The court must approve any request to open a sealed file. Family members and attorneys can ask the judge to unseal records when a legal need exists.
Required Documents and Identification
All certified copy requests need proper ID and paperwork. The clerk’s office checks identity before releasing sensitive court records. Preparing documents ahead of time prevents delays.
Valid Photo Identification
A current government-issued photo ID is required for all in-person and mail requests. Accepted IDs include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The name on the ID should match the request form. Expired IDs are not accepted.
Relationship Proof for Restricted Records
Some records require proof of relationship to the case. A person named in the decree can request their own certified copy with valid ID. Other requesters may need a notarized authorization from a named party. Attorneys working on a related case can submit a bar number and case reference instead.
Power of Attorney Authorization
A third party can pick up a decree with a signed power of attorney letter. The letter must include the case details, the names of both parties, and a clear statement of permission. The third party also needs their own photo ID along with a copy of the requester’s ID.
Common Request Issues and Solutions
Some requests hit roadblocks that slow down the process. Knowing the common issues helps people prepare better and avoid delays. The clerk’s office staff can help clear up most problems with the right details.
Missing Case Number
Many people do not know their case number. The Odyssey Portal can run a name search to find it. The clerk’s office records staff can also look up case numbers by phone with full name and year of filing. Having a Social Security number on file speeds up the search but is not required for public record requests.
Name Variations and Changes
Names on old records may differ from current legal names. Marriage, divorce, and court-ordered name changes can all create search problems. Try every version of the name when searching. The clerk’s office can cross-check with date of birth and other details to confirm a match.
Older Records and Archives
Divorces filed before 1980 may sit in physical archives. These files need manual pulling from storage. Request time for archived records runs longer than modern files. The clerk’s office charges the same certified copy fees for archived records but processing takes extra days.
Contact and Location Summary
Santa Rosa County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller handles all divorce decree record requests. The office is located at 6865 Caroline Street, Milton, FL 32570. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The records department phone line is (850) 981-5300. Email questions go to clerkrecords@santarosa.fl.gov. The Tyler Technologies Odyssey Portal stays open 24 hours a day for online searches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Rosa County Divorce Decree Records
These common questions cover what most people ask about Santa Rosa County divorce decree records. The answers give clear next steps for record searches, certified copies, and request issues. Each answer points to the right office, fee, or method to use. Knowing these details saves time and avoids repeat calls to the clerk’s office.
How Long Does a Divorce Decree Search Take in Santa Rosa County?
An in-person search at the Santa Rosa County clerk’s office usually takes less than 30 minutes when case details are complete. Mail requests run 7 to 14 business days from the date the clerk’s office receives the paperwork. Online searches through the Odyssey Portal show results in seconds. Recent cases that were finalized less than 30 days ago may show limited data until the final judgment gets entered into the system. For proof of a very recent divorce, call the records department at (850) 981-5300 to confirm the decree has been recorded before placing an order.
Can I Get a Certified Divorce Decree Copy Online?
Yes, the Santa Rosa County clerk’s online portal accepts certified copy requests. The portal charges a service fee in addition to the $2.00 per page certified copy fee and the $1.00 certification fee. The certified copy gets mailed to the address on file. Online orders take several business days to process and mail out. For same-day service, visit the clerk’s office at 6865 Caroline Street, Milton, FL 32570 with a valid photo ID.
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce Decree and a Divorce Certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order signed by the judge that ends the marriage. It lists the terms of the divorce, including property division, custody, and support. A divorce certificate is a short state document that only proves a divorce happened. Decrees are best for legal matters like name changes, property issues, and court filings. Certificates work for general proof like updating personal records. Santa Rosa County issues decrees, while the Florida Department of Health issues certificates through its statewide portal.
Are Divorce Records Public in Santa Rosa County, Florida?
Yes, most divorce records in Santa Rosa County are public under Florida law. Anyone can search the Odyssey Portal for case details. Sensitive information like Social Security numbers and minor children’s names get redacted from public view. Sealed cases are not open to the public without a court order. A person named in the decree can always request a full certified copy of their own case with proper ID.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Divorce Decree?
Request a certified copy by visiting the clerk’s office in person, mailing a Records Request form, or using the online portal. Bring or send a valid photo ID, full case details, and payment for the fees. The standard fee is $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee. Most certified copies for older cases are ready the same day for walk-in requests. Mail and online orders take longer due to processing and delivery time.
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Divorce Decree Copy?
Yes, a third party can pick up a certified copy with proper authorization. The named party must sign a written permission letter that includes the case number, full names, and the year of filing. The third party brings their own photo ID plus a copy of the requester’s ID. The clerk’s office keeps the permission letter on file. Power of attorney documents also work for third-party pickups.
What If I Don’t Know the Case Number for My Divorce?
The Odyssey Portal can run a name search to find the case number. The records department at (850) 981-5300 can also help with a name search when full legal names and filing year are known. Date of birth helps narrow results. Older cases filed before 1980 may sit in physical archives and need manual lookup. The clerk’s office staff can check archive files with enough detail to confirm a match.