Tamarac City Divorce Decree Records are official court papers that prove a marriage ended in Tamarac, Florida. These records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts, not the Tamarac City Clerk.
You can search by name, case number, or filing year to get copies for legal, financial, or personal needs. This page explains how to find, request, and verify divorce decree records for Tamarac residents.
What Tamarac City Divorce Decree Records Include
A divorce decree is a final court order that ends a marriage. It lists the names of both spouses, the date the judge signed it, and the terms of the split. The decree may cover property, child support, alimony, and custody. Each Tamarac case is filed at the Broward County Courthouse because Tamarac is part of Broward County.
Basic Details Found in a Decree
The basic details on a Tamarac divorce decree include the full legal names of both spouses, the case number, and the judge’s name. The filing date shows when the case started. The final judgment date shows when the marriage legally ended. These facts help you prove the divorce for other legal actions.
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Case number assigned by the court
- Filing date and final judgment date
- Name of the judge who signed the order
- Terms for property, support, and custody
How a Decree Differs From a Certificate
A divorce decree is the full court order with all terms. A divorce certificate is a short form that only proves a divorce happened. The certificate comes from the Florida Department of Health. The decree comes from the Broward County Clerk. Many banks and agencies accept the certificate for proof, but courts usually need the full decree.
Where Tamarac Divorce Records Are Kept
Tamarac divorce records are stored at the Broward County Clerk of Courts office. The Tamarac City Clerk does not keep divorce or marriage records. The City Clerk only handles city business like meeting minutes, contracts, and city laws. For any divorce record request, you must contact the county clerk.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for Tamarac divorce records. The office keeps family court files for the whole county. You can visit the office in person, send a mail request, or search the online portal. Staff can help you locate a case and order certified copies.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics issues statewide divorce certificates. This office has records from June 6, 1927 to the present day. The certificate is an abstract of the final judgment. It works as proof of divorce for most agencies. The state office cannot provide the full decree, only the certificate.
How to Search by Name
Searching by name is the most common way to find a Tamarac divorce record. You need the full legal name of either spouse. The year of the divorce helps narrow the search. The Broward County online portal lets you search for free and view basic case data.
Full Legal Name Requirements
You must use the full legal name as it appears on the court file. A maiden name or nickname will not work. If the name changed after the divorce, search under the name used at the time of filing. Middle names are not required but can help with common last names.
Filing Date and Year
Adding the filing year makes the search faster. The Broward County system sorts cases by year. A case from 2010 will not show up in a 2015 search. If you do not know the year, you can search a range of years. Each year search takes a few seconds to load.
How to Search by Case Number
Searching by case number is the fastest way to find a specific record. A case number looks like this: FMCE-XX-XXXXXX. The letters show the case type and county. The numbers show the year and order. The Broward County portal lets you enter the full number to pull up the file.
Case Number Format
Broward County case numbers for family court start with the letters FMCE. The next two digits are the year. The last set of digits is the order of filing. For example, FMCE-20-012345 means the case was filed in 2020 and was the 12,345th family court case that year.
Where to Find the Case Number
The case number appears on any prior court paper from the case. It is printed at the top of the petition, summons, and final judgment. If you do not have old papers, you can search by name to locate the case and get the number. Attorneys and former lawyers also keep case numbers on file.
Online Search Portal
The Broward County Clerk runs a free online search portal. The portal shows case type, filing date, party names, and docket entries. You can view documents for a small fee per page. The portal does not show sealed or expunged records.
What the Portal Shows
The portal shows the case number, filing date, and the names of the parties. It lists all court actions in the docket. It shows the name of the judge and the final outcome. You can see if a decree was signed and on what date.
What the Portal Does Not Show
The portal does not show full decree text without payment. Sealed cases do not appear in search results. Expunged records are removed from public view. Adoption records tied to a divorce case are also sealed. You must visit the clerk in person for sealed files.
Walk-In Request at the Clerk Office
You can visit the Broward County Clerk of Courts office in person to request copies. The main office is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring a photo ID and your case details.
Required Documents for In-Person Requests
Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Bring any old court papers that show the case number. Bring cash, check, or card to pay the copy fee. Staff will pull the file and make copies while you wait or for same-day pickup.
- Valid government photo ID
- Case number or full names of both spouses
- Filing year of the divorce
- Payment for copy fees
Office Hours and Location
The clerk office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Parking is available near the building for a fee. You can call (954) 831-6565 to check wait times before you visit.
Mail Request for Divorce Decrees
You can mail a request to the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Mail requests work well for people who live far from Fort Lauderdale. Include a signed request form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order. The office will mail the certified copies to your address.
Mail Request Form
Write a clear letter that includes the case number, full names of both spouses, and the filing year. State how many copies you need. Include your contact phone number. Sign the letter and date it. The clerk needs your signature to process the request.
Mailing Address and Payment
Send your request to Broward County Clerk of Courts, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Make checks payable to Clerk of Courts. Do not send cash through the mail. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for faster return of your copies.
Florida State Certificate Option
If you only need proof of divorce, the Florida Department of Health issues state certificates. The certificate is shorter than a full decree. It works for name changes, Social Security updates, and most personal needs. You can order online through VitalChek or by mail.
Order From State Portal
You can order the Florida divorce certificate online through the VitalChek website. The portal accepts card payments. The cost is lower than a full decree copy. The processing time is about 5 to 10 business days. The state mails the certificate to your home address.
Records Available From June 1927
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics has divorce records from June 6, 1927 to today. Records before that date are not available from the state. Older records may only exist at the county courthouse. The state office cannot help with very old cases.
Certified Copy Process
A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp from the court. It proves the document is real. Banks, courts, and government agencies require certified copies. Regular photocopies are not accepted for legal actions.
What Makes a Copy Certified
A certified copy bears the court seal, the clerk’s signature, and a stamp that says “certified.” Each certified copy costs more than a regular copy. The seal proves the document came from the official court file. You can order as many certified copies as you need.
Apostille for Out-of-State Use
If you need the decree for use in another country, you may need an apostille. An apostille is a state-level stamp that proves the document is real abroad. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. You must send the certified copy to the state office for the apostille.
Records Cost and Fees
The cost of a Tamarac divorce record depends on the type of copy. Regular copies cost less than certified copies. State certificates have a fixed fee set by the Florida Department of Health. Mail orders add postage costs to the total.
| Record Type | Cost Per Copy | Source Office |
|---|---|---|
| Regular photocopy | $1.00 per page | Broward County Clerk |
| Certified copy of decree | $3.50 per copy | Broward County Clerk |
| Florida state certificate | $12.00 per copy | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| Online portal access | $0.10 per page | Broward County Clerk |
Acceptable Payment Methods
The clerk office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most credit cards. Mail orders only accept checks or money orders. Online orders accept credit and debit cards. Make all checks payable to Clerk of Courts. The state portal accepts cards only.
Extra Fees for Special Services
Rush requests cost more than standard orders. Same-day in-person service has a higher fee. Apostille stamps from the state add extra cost. Shipping fees apply for mail returns. Each extra service is listed on the request form.
Processing Times
Standard processing time for in-person requests is the same day. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days. Online portal access is instant. State certificate orders take 5 to 10 business days through VitalChek. Mail orders to the state can take 3 to 4 weeks.
Standard Processing Speed
In-person orders at the Broward County Clerk are ready the same day. Mail orders take about one week to process. Online orders are faster because the file is already digital. Plan ahead for mail orders to avoid delays.
Reasons for Delays
Requests with missing details take longer to process. Old cases stored off-site need extra retrieval time. Sealed cases need a court order before release. Holiday seasons slow down mail service. Staff shortages can also delay processing.
What to Do if Records Are Missing
If the clerk cannot find your Tamarac divorce record, check the spelling of the names. Make sure you have the right county. Broward County covers Tamarac, so the case must be there. If the case was filed in another county, contact that county’s clerk instead.
Rejected Requests
Requests get rejected when names or case numbers do not match. Missing payment causes a hold. Unsigned forms are returned by mail. Outdated ID copies may not be accepted. Fix the issue and resubmit the request.
Correcting Errors on a Decree
If your decree has a wrong name, date, or fact, you can file a motion to correct. The motion goes to the family court judge. You must file a signed form and pay a filing fee. The court may order a corrected decree if the error is clear.
Contact and Office Information
For Tamarac-related city questions, contact the Tamarac City Clerk. For divorce records, contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts. For state certificates, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each office handles a different part of the record process.
Tamarac City Clerk
The Tamarac City Clerk handles city business only. The office is at 7525 NW 88th Ave, Tamarac, FL 33321. Phone: (954) 597-3500. Email: cityclerk@tamarac.org. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The clerk does not keep divorce or marriage records.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: www.browardclerk.org
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: www.floridahealth.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Tamarac City Divorce Decree Records. Each question covers a real issue users face when searching, ordering, or verifying divorce records. The answers give clear steps based on current Florida law and Broward County clerk practices as of August 2026.
Does the Tamarac City Clerk keep divorce records?
No. The Tamarac City Clerk does not keep divorce or marriage records. The city clerk only handles city records like council minutes, contracts, and local laws. All divorce records for Tamarac residents are kept at the Broward County Clerk of Courts office in Fort Lauderdale. If you mail a divorce request to the Tamarac City Clerk, they will refer you to the county office. This can add days or weeks to your request. Always contact the county clerk first for any divorce decree needs to save time and avoid delays. The county office has the full family court files for all cases filed in Broward County, which includes every case for Tamarac residents.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce decree copy?
In-person requests at the Broward County Clerk office are ready the same day in most cases. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your letter and payment. Online orders through the county portal are processed within 1 to 3 business days. State certificate orders from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take 5 to 10 business days through VitalChek. If your case is older and stored off-site, add extra time for the clerk to retrieve the physical file. Rush services are available at the county office for a higher fee if you need same-day service without waiting in line.
Can I search for a divorce record for free?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk online portal lets you search for free by name or case number. You can see the filing date, party names, case type, and docket entries without paying. To view or print actual document pages, you pay a small per-page fee. The search itself is free. You do not need an account to run a search. You can run as many searches as you need. This makes it easy to confirm a case exists before you order certified copies for legal use.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can search by the full legal name of either spouse on the Broward County online portal. Add the filing year if you know it to narrow the results. The portal returns a list of matching cases with case numbers. You can also visit the clerk office in person and ask staff to help you locate the case. Bring a photo ID and the full names of both spouses. Staff can pull the file and give you the case number for free.
Is a Florida divorce certificate the same as a decree?
No. A divorce certificate is a short form that only proves a marriage ended. It shows the names of the spouses, the county of filing, and the date of the final judgment. A divorce decree is the full court order that covers all terms like property, support, and custody. Most banks and government agencies accept the certificate for basic proof. Courts and family law actions usually need the full decree. The certificate comes from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, while the decree comes from the county clerk.
Can I get a divorce decree from another county?
Yes, but you must contact the clerk office in the county where the case was filed. Florida divorce cases are filed in the county where the spouse lived at the time of filing. If the divorce was filed in Miami-Dade County, for example, you must contact the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. The Broward County Clerk only has files for cases filed in Broward County. Each Florida county has its own search portal, fees, and request forms. You can find the right county clerk through the Florida Courts website.
How do I fix a mistake on my divorce decree?
You must file a motion to correct the error with the family court in Broward County. The motion form is available on the court website. Fill in the case number, the error, and the correct fact. Sign the form and pay the filing fee. A judge reviews the motion and signs an order to fix the error if the facts are clear. The clerk then issues a corrected decree. This process can take 30 to 60 days. For small clerical errors, the clerk may fix the issue without a court order. Contact the clerk office first to see if your error qualifies for a simple fix.