Paulette Hamilton | June 10, 2026 | Divorce
There are plenty of reasons someone might need to pull up a divorce record in Florida. For example, maybe you’re applying for a new marriage license and need proof that a prior marriage was dissolved. Or, alternatively, maybe you’re trying to confirm the details of a past case.
Regardless of the specific reason, the good news is that these records are generally available to the public. That said, the process for obtaining them depends on when the divorce took place and which county handled the case. Learning about where to look and what protections exist in advance can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Florida Divorce Records Under State Law
Florida has some of the most robust public records laws in the country. Most government records, including those related to divorces, are open to the public per Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. That means documents filed during a divorce proceeding are typically accessible to anyone who requests them.
The types of records you may be able to obtain include things like:
- The original petition for dissolution of marriage
- Court orders related to child custody and support
- Property settlement agreements
- The final judgment of dissolution
Keep in mind that these records reflect what was filed with the court. The level of detail can vary based on the complexity of the case and what the parties chose to disclose during proceedings.
Where to Search for Divorce Records
Florida offers several ways to look up divorce records, depending on what you need and how far back the case goes.
For most divorces in the state, the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains dissolution of marriage certificates. You can order a certified copy online through VitalChek, which is the only vendor contracted with the state for this purpose. You can also submit a request by mail or visit the Bureau in person.
If you need the actual final judgment rather than just a certificate, you will need to go through the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Many county clerk offices now offer online portals where you can search for court records from your home.
What Kinds of Information Is Protected From Public Access?
Despite the fact that most divorce filings are open to the public, Florida law does shield certain sensitive details.
The following types of information may be redacted from publicly available records per the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card or financial account identifiers
- Other sensitive personal data covered under Florida Statutes §119.071
Beyond those protections, either party in a divorce can petition the court to seal additional portions of the record.
This might include:
- Allegations of domestic abuse
- Confidential or proprietary business information
- Details that could cause harm to a party or their children if disclosed publicly
A judge will weigh the request against the public’s right to access before making a ruling.
If keeping your divorce details private is a concern, pursuing mediation or a collaborative divorce process can help. In those situations, only the final agreement is filed with the court, which significantly limits how much of your personal information becomes part of the public record.
Contact a Florida Family Lawyer at the Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers to Learn More About Your Case
Looking up divorce records in Florida is usually a pretty straightforward task, but there are still some circumstances where it may be wise to seek legal advice first.
For more information, please contact the Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers in Orlando, FL for a confidential consultation with our experienced Orlando [PRACTICE AREA] lawyers.
Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers – Orlando
189 S Orange Ave #1400, Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 420-2311
Open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
from Monday to Friday
Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.541203902225458, -81.37882117301345
About the Author
Paulette F. Hamilton is the owner and managing attorney at the Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers in Orlando, Florida. She focuses exclusively on family law, handling complex matters involving divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and property division. Known for her personalized, client-first approach, Paulette takes the time to understand each client’s unique goals and challenges—delivering thoughtful guidance and strong advocacy when it matters most.
