Florida Divorce Records

How to Access Divorce Records in Florida

As per the population figures, Florida is the fourth largest state in the US. However, the state has a rather high divorce rate. But no matter how many instances of divorces take place here the state authorities must maintain records of each one of them. This is mandatory according to a law that came into effect in 1972 for the centralization of records of marriage and divorce. The Vital Records Office of the state has been maintaining all divorce records from 6th June 1927 onwards. To access the records before 6th June 1927, you will need to approach the Clerk of the Superior Court in the appropriate county.

Earlier, obtaining divorce records was very difficult. You had to make sure that you were approaching the right authorities, and the entire process took really long. However, now you can get it easily. You may not even approach the county directly. The state office can be approached, which in turn can forward your request to the appropriate county.

There may be several needs to access divorce records. For instance, you may have to do so to check the past of someone in the state. If you are already aware that he/she was married before, you may want to be certain that he/she is actually divorced.

Where to Apply for Florida Divorce Records?

As the divorce records are essentially maintained at the county clerk's office, you need to approach this office to get it. But it might be possible that you don't know the exact county in the state that issued the divorce decree. In such a case, you can send your request to the following state office:

Office of Vital Statistics, Dept of Health

P.O. Box 210

1217 Pearl Street

Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

Phone number :(904) 359-6900 Ext. 1029

Fax number :(904) 359-6993

When you are sending the application, you need to provide some information like the full name of the husband and wife, the date of divorce, the place from where the divorce was obtained, your reason for obtaining the divorce record, your name and address, your identity proof, signature, and you must also furnish your photo ID proof.

How Has the Internet Made Things Easier?

The Internet has helped us in several ways. It can help us even in accessing divorce records. There are now several private websites that can help you get the record. These websites offer quick service to save you time and the process is hassle-free, as well. Most of the state and county offices are understaffed, and so it can take a lot of time. But these websites can cut the time needed.

You can find the divorce record at other places too, such as family documents or even the church records. Many people involve the church authorities for a religious dissolution of marriage. So, the church may also be maintain this information and may agree to give it to you. However, you must prove that you qualify to receive this information.

Florida Divorce Certificates