Florida Divorce Records
As with birth, marriage and death records, divorce records in the state of Florida are public record, and any individual can get a copy of a divorce certificate at the State Office of Vital Statistics (SOVS), a division of the Florida Department of Health (as long as the divorce was granted in Florida).
There are no restrictions to order a Florida divorce record, formally referred to as Dissolution of Marriage Record. The only steps individuals have to take to obtain Florida divorce records is to pay a $5 administrative fee, which is non-refundable even if the record is not found, and wait 2 to 3 weeks for processing. Additional copies of divorce certificates will cost $4 per copy.
The SOVS maintains Florida divorce records that date back to June 6, 1927. For divorce records prior to this date, inquiries will need to be made to the Clerk of the Court in the county in which the divorce was originally granted.
What You Can Learn from Public Divorce Records in Florida
Divorce certificates, as with other documents of public record, can contain a wealth of information about the divorcing parties as well as the results of the marriage dissolution. Specifically, some of the relevant information on a divorce record may include the:
- Time and location of the marriage
- Time and location of the divorce
- Grounds for divorce (which could specifically list factors such as abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction or infidelity)
- Child custody agreement
- Alimony agreement
- Asset and property division
- Whether restraining orders were filed or are in effect
- Final decree
Some of the reasons people seek divorce records may include:
- Checking the background of a potential spouse, in-law or relative
- Inheritance issues
- Researching genealogy
- Searching for biological parents or child given in adoption
- Getting remarried (Some states require divorced parties to present a copy of their divorce certificate upon getting remarried.)
- Malicious reasons, such as blackmail or creating a smear campaign
Florida Divorce Records Online
While divorce records in Florida can be ordered over the phone, by fax or by walking into a Florida Vital Statistics office, they are also available online via various services, some of which are free and some of which charge money. Paid services typically offer more accurate, reliable information than free services.
If you are requesting a divorce record in Florida, you will need the following information about the record:
- Full names of the husband and wife, including the wife's maiden name (The husband's name is essential, as divorce records are filed according to the husband's name.)
- Date of the divorce
- City or county in which the divorce was issued
Additionally, you will have to give your full name, your mailing address and a daytime telephone number.
Are you preparing for a divorce in Florida? If so, contact Troum & Wallsh to discuss all your legal rights and options. We recognize the emotional turmoil that a divorce and other family law issues can bring have on a family. As a result, we strive to resolve all family law issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. For more information or to see how we can help you, please contact our Florida divorce attorneys today.
Office Location
2450 Maitland Center Pkwy #303
Maitland, FL. 32751
Phone: (866) 433-1087
Fax: (407) 644-5511
