Deerfield Beach City Dissolution Of Marriage Records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Court, not by the city of Deerfield Beach itself. If you live in Deerfield Beach and need a divorce judgment, a final decree, or any other paper from a past marriage case, you start your search with Broward County court offices.
The county records office stores every case file, indexes every name, and issues every certified copy for cases filed in Deerfield Beach and other Broward cities. This page shows you exactly where to look, how to search, and what steps to follow in 2026.
Deerfield Beach Court System for Divorce Cases
Florida runs a unified court system where all family law cases, including divorce, are handled by the circuit court in the county where the filing party lives. Deerfield Beach sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit, which covers Broward County. This means every Deerfield Beach divorce file lives at the Broward County courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
Which Court Handles Deerfield Beach Dissolutions
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Broward County, has full authority over all Deerfield Beach dissolution of marriage filings. The Family Division inside the circuit court handles petitions, answers, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and final judgments. The clerk of court office processes all paperwork, accepts filing fees, dockets orders, and stores every closed case file for public review.
Filing Location and Jurisdiction Rules
You can only file a dissolution case in Broward County if you or your spouse has lived in Florida for at least six months before the petition date. The actual filing must happen in the county where at least one spouse currently resides. Deerfield Beach residents file in Broward County unless they have moved to another Florida county before starting the case.
Broward County Clerk Contact Details
The Broward County Clerk of Courts main office sits at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The records desk phone number is 954-831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding court holidays. The records division on the first floor processes walk-in requests for certified copies of divorce judgments.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Broward County Clerk of Courts |
| Street Address | 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone Number | 954-831-6565 |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Main Website | browardclerk.org |
How to Find Deerfield Beach Dissolution Records
You have three main ways to find Deerfield Beach dissolution records: online through county portals, by phone through the clerk office, or in person at the records desk. Each method works for different needs. Online tools give quick lookups for case status. Phone requests work for simple questions. In-person visits handle certified copy orders and sealed file reviews.
Online Search Through County Portal
The Broward County Clerk offers a free public records search at browardclerk.org. You can search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or date range. The system shows case type, filing date, judge assigned, hearing dates, and the disposition code. Dissolution cases appear under the family law category with case type codes that include “DR” for dissolution and “MM” for marriage-related matters.
Name-Based Record Lookup Steps
Name-based searches work best when you know the full legal name of at least one spouse. Use the exact spelling shown on the petition. Try both last names if you only know the wife’s married name. Narrow results by selecting the “Family” division and entering a year range that covers the time of the divorce. Save the case number once you find the right record.
- Open the Broward Clerk website and click Public Records Search.
- Select the Family Division search category.
- Enter the full legal name in the party name field.
- Set a date range covering the divorce filing year.
- Review the case list and click the matching case number.
- Note the case number, judge, and final judgment date.
Case Number Search Method
If you already have a case number, the direct lookup is faster. Case numbers follow a format that includes the year, court code, and a sequence number. Broward County dissolution cases use the prefix “DR” followed by the two-digit year and a six-digit sequence. Enter the full case number in the search box without spaces or dashes.
In-Person Records Request
Walk-in requests for certified copies start at the records desk on the first floor of the Broward County Courthouse. Bring a photo ID, the case number if you have it, and payment for the copy fee. The clerk pulls the file, makes the certified copy, applies the court seal, and gives you a receipt. Most walk-in requests finish within thirty minutes during business hours.
Types of Records Available for Deerfield Beach Divorce
Deerfield Beach divorce records come in several forms, each tied to a different stage of the case. Some records are free to view. Others cost money to copy or certify. Knowing the record type helps you order exactly what you need without paying for extras.
Final Judgment Copies
The final judgment, also called the divorce decree, ends the marriage. This document contains the judge’s signature, the court seal, the case number, and the date the divorce became final. Certified copies of the final judgment come from the Broward Clerk records office. The fee for a certified copy in 2026 is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification charge.
Divorce Certificates from State Office
The Florida Department of Health issues state-level divorce certificates, not full decrees. These certificates show basic facts: names of both spouses, date of divorce, county of record, and certificate number. You order them through the Florida Department of Health website or by mail using their application form. State certificates work for name changes, Social Security updates, and most personal record needs.
Annulment Records in Florida
Annulment cases use a separate case type code but follow the same records path. Annulment judgments appear in the Broward Clerk family division search under case types marked “DR” with an annulment disposition. Certified annulment copies cost the same as divorce decree copies and carry the same court seal.
Free vs Paid Record Access
Basic case information on the Broward Clerk website is free to view 24 hours a day. You can check party names, filing dates, hearing schedules, and case status at no cost. Paid services include certified copies, full case file access, and paper document retrieval. Document images on the clerk portal cost $1.00 per page for non-certified views and $2.00 per page for certified views in 2026.
Florida Statewide Divorce Record Tools
Statewide portals work alongside county systems and give you extra tools for searching, filing, and ordering records across Florida. These tools cover every county, not just Broward, and they connect to the same court files you would find at a local clerk office.
Florida Department of Health Certificates
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics, which keeps statewide divorce certificates from 1927 to the present. You can order certificates online, by mail, or in person at the Jacksonville office. Each certificate costs $5.00 plus a $5.00 search fee. The agency charges extra for rush orders and shipping outside Florida.
Florida Court Clerks Portal
flclerks.com lists contact details for all 67 Florida county clerks. The portal links you to county-specific search tools, filing fee schedules, and records request forms. Deerfield Beach users can confirm Broward County services through this state index without checking multiple county sites.
MyFloridaCourtAccess E-Filing
myflcourtaccess.com is the official Florida e-filing portal. Attorneys and self-represented filers use it to submit petitions, motions, and responses electronically. The portal also shows case dockets, hearing calendars, and order entries for every Florida circuit court case, including Broward dissolution filings.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek.com is the authorized vendor for Florida vital records. You can place credit card orders through VitalChek for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Service fees apply on top of the state fee. Orders processed through VitalChek typically arrive within seven to ten business days.
Florida Divorce Laws and Statutes
Florida statutes set the rules for every dissolution case, including those filed by Deerfield Beach residents. Knowing the relevant laws helps you prepare documents, set expectations, and avoid common mistakes.
Residency Requirements
Florida Statute 61.021 requires that either the filing spouse or the responding spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before the petition is filed. The six-month clock starts on the day you establish a Florida residence. You do not need to live in Broward County for any specific time before filing, only in Florida.
Grounds for Dissolution
Florida is a no-fault divorce state. Florida Statute 61.052 lists irretrievable breakdown as the only ground needed for a standard dissolution. You do not need to prove fault, wrongdoing, or specific misconduct. One spouse can file alone if the other spouse does not cooperate, but the court still requires proper service of process.
Property Division Rules
Florida Statute 61.075 sets the rules for dividing marital assets and liabilities. The law starts with equal division and then lists factors a judge considers when unequal division makes sense. Factors include each spouse’s income, earning capacity, health, age, and contributions to the marriage. Marital misconduct can matter only when it affects the family’s economic circumstances.
Filing Commencement Process
Florida Statute 61.043 controls how a dissolution case starts. The filing spouse submits a petition for dissolution of marriage, pays the filing fee, and serves the other spouse with formal notice. The responding spouse has twenty days to file an answer after service in Florida and thirty days after service outside the state.
Deerfield Beach Divorce Records by County Comparison
Florida’s county-based records system means your search method depends on which county handled the divorce. Below is a side-by-side comparison of major Florida counties that Deerfield Beach residents may need to search for family or legal reasons.
Broward County Records
Broward County is the home county for Deerfield Beach. The Broward Clerk of Court keeps all dissolution files and offers online search tools. The Family Division page at browardclerk.org lets you search by name, case number, or attorney. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page with a $2.00 certification fee.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County keeps dissolution files through the Clerk of Courts office in downtown Miami. The county offers a public records portal similar to Broward’s. Certified copy fees match Broward rates. Miami-Dade also has a separate family court self-help center for litigants without attorneys.
Orange County Records
Orange County, home to Orlando, runs a clerk records search at myorangeclerk.com. The portal allows name and case number lookups for dissolution cases. Orange County charges the same per-page certified copy fee as Broward and Miami-Dade, based on the statewide clerk fee schedule.
Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County, just north of Broward, stores dissolution files through its Clerk of the Circuit Court office. The Palm Beach Clerk website offers public records search, online ordering for certified copies, and e-filing for new cases. Residents of Deerfield Beach who recently moved across the county line may need to search Palm Beach records instead.
| County | Clerk Portal | Certified Copy Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Broward | browardclerk.org | $1.00/page + $2.00 cert |
| Miami-Dade | miamidadeclerk.gov | $1.00/page + $2.00 cert |
| Orange | myorangeclerk.com | $1.00/page + $2.00 cert |
| Palm Beach | mypalmbeachclerk.com | $1.00/page + $2.00 cert |
Document Requirements and Certified Copies
Ordering certified copies of Deerfield Beach divorce records requires specific documents and fees. The clerk office will not release a certified judgment without proper identification and payment. This section lists everything you need before walking in or mailing a request.
Required Information for Requests
The clerk office asks for the full legal names of both spouses, the case number if known, the year the divorce was finalized, and your relationship to the case. You do not need to be a party to the case to request a certified copy, but you must show a valid photo ID. Mail requests must include a copy of your ID and a signed request form.
Fees and Payment Methods
The 2026 fee schedule for Broward County dissolution records is set by Florida statute and county rule. Walk-in payments accept cash, money order, credit card, and debit card. Mail requests must include a money order or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted for mail-in certified copy orders. Credit card payments add a small processing fee.
Processing Times for Records
Walk-in requests for certified copies finish the same day in most cases. Mail requests take seven to ten business days plus return shipping time. Online requests through the clerk portal process within one to three business days. State-level certificate orders through VitalChek or the Florida Department of Health take seven to ten business days plus mailing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deerfield Beach Divorce
People searching for Deerfield Beach divorce records often share the same questions. The answers below cover the most common requests and clear up confusion about city, county, and state roles in keeping marriage dissolution files.
Does the city of Deerfield Beach keep divorce records?
No, the city of Deerfield Beach does not keep any divorce records. Florida law assigns recordkeeping duties to the county clerk of court, not city government. Deerfield Beach residents must contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts office for all divorce judgments, case files, and certified copies. The city only handles local matters such as zoning, utilities, and business licenses.
Can I search Broward divorce records for free?
Yes, basic case information is free to search on the Broward County Clerk website. You can view party names, filing dates, hearing schedules, and case status at no charge. Free searches do not include document images or certified copies. To see full case files or get certified judgments, you must pay the per-page fee and certification charge.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce certificate is a state-issued summary that lists the names of both spouses, the date of divorce, and the county of record. The Florida Department of Health issues these certificates. A divorce decree, also called a final judgment, is the full court order that ends the marriage and covers property, support, and custody terms. The Broward County Clerk issues certified copies of the decree.
How long does Broward County keep old divorce records?
Broward County keeps dissolution case files permanently. Files from the early 1900s still exist in physical archives, and cases filed after the 1980s are also available in digital form. Older files may require manual retrieval from the clerk’s archive room. You can request archive records in person or by mail with at least one week’s notice for file retrieval.
Can I get a divorce decree sealed in Florida?
Florida courts may seal or redact divorce records in limited circumstances, such as cases involving sensitive financial data, trade secrets, or protected personal information. A judge must sign an order to seal the file. Sealed records remain viewable only by the parties, their attorneys, and court staff. Most routine divorce judgments stay open to the public.
What if I do not know the case number or year?
You can still search by name alone. Use the party name search on the Broward Clerk portal and review all matching results. If your search returns too many results, narrow the date range or try adding the spouse’s first name. You can also call the clerk records desk at 954-831-6565 for staff-assisted searches.
Are Florida divorce records public information?
Yes, Florida dissolution records are public records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can view basic case information and request certified copies. Sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, minor children’s names, and financial account numbers are redacted from public view before the file goes online.