Orange County Divorce Decree Records are public court files that show when a marriage ended in Orlando and across Orange County, Florida. These records come from the Orange County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller office.
Anyone can look at the basic case data for free on the clerk website. A certified copy costs a small fee and has a raised court seal. This page shows how to search, request, and get a copy of a divorce decree from Orange County, Florida, with steps that work in 2026.
How to Get Orange County Divorce Decree Records
Getting Orange County Divorce Decree Records takes a few clear steps. You need the full legal names of both people, the year the case was filed, and the case number if you have it. The Clerk of Court keeps all divorce files for Orange County, Florida. You can search the records online, visit the clerk office, or send a mail request. Each method has its own steps, fees, and wait time.
What a Divorce Decree Contains
A divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. It lists both full legal names. It shows the date the judge signed the order. It lists the case number, the division, and the judge who handled the case. It also includes the terms for property, debts, child support, custody, and alimony. The decree has a court seal and a signature from the judge. This makes it a legal paper that other government offices accept.
Who Can Request a Divorce Decree
Any person can ask for a copy of a divorce decree in Florida. The state public records law opens these files to everyone. You do not need to be a lawyer. You do not need to be a family member. You do not need to give a reason for the request. The clerk office will give you a copy as long as you pay the fee and provide the right case details.
Basic Steps to Get Your Records
Start by going to the Orange County Clerk of Court website. Use the public records search tool on the records page. Type in the full name of either spouse. Add the year of the divorce if you know it. Look for the case number in the search results. Write down the case number and the division code. Then choose how you want to get a certified copy. You can order it online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse.
Orange County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Orange County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller holds all divorce decree files for the county. The main courthouse sits in downtown Orlando. The clerk office handles all record requests, fee payments, and search questions. You can reach the office by phone, email, mail, or in person. The office staff can help with case lookups and order status checks.
Physical and Mailing Address
The main Orange County Courthouse sits at 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. This is the address for walk-in service at the records window. The mailing address for record requests is P.O. Box 4994, Orlando, FL 32802-4994. Use the physical address for in-person visits. Use the mailing address for paper requests and check or money order payments.
Phone Number and Email
The main clerk phone number is (407) 836-2000. You can call this number during business hours for help with searches and orders. The office email is clerkofthecourt@occc.net. You can send basic questions by email. For certified copy orders, the office may ask you to use the online portal or the mail form for faster service.
Office Hours and Location
The Orange County Clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The office closes on weekends and on state holidays. The main office sits inside the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. The map below shows the exact spot and how to get there.
Official Website Links
The official Orange County Clerk website is the best place to start a record search. The site lists hours, fees, and request forms. The records page has the search portal. The contact page has phone, email, and office hours.
- Main Clerk Site: https://www.orangecountyclerk.com
- Records Page: https://www.orangecountyclerk.com/divorce-records
- Contact Page: https://www.orangecountyclerk.com/contact-us
Ways to Request a Certified Copy
You can get a certified copy of a divorce decree in three main ways. The online portal is the fastest for most people. The in-person visit helps when you need help from staff. The mail request works for people who live far from Orlando. Each method gives you a copy with the court seal.
Online Request Method
The online portal lets you order a certified copy from home. You go to the Orange County Clerk records page. You create an account or log in as a guest. You enter the case number or party name. You pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The office then mails the certified copy to your address. You will get a tracking number by email.
In-Person Visit at the Clerk Office
You can walk into the Orange County Courthouse and ask for a certified copy in person. Go to the records window on the first floor. Fill out a request form at the desk. Pay the fee with cash, check, money order, or card. The clerk will print the certified copy while you wait. This is the fastest way to get your copy on the same day.
Mail Request Method
The mail request works for people who do not live near Orlando. Download the records request form from the clerk website. Fill out both spouse names and the case number. Write your return mailing address on the form. Include a check or money order for the fee. Mail the form and payment to the clerk mailing address. The office will mail the copy back to you.
Request Fees and Payment Options
The cost for a certified copy of a divorce decree in Orange County is $15.00 for each copy. There is no fee to search the public records database or view the case docket online. You can pay online with a credit or debit card. In person, you can pay with cash, check, money order, or card. By mail, you must pay with a check or money order made out to the Clerk of Court.
| Request Method | Fee Per Copy | Payment Types | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Portal | $15.00 | Credit or Debit Card | 5 to 10 business days |
| In-Person Visit | $15.00 | Cash, Check, Money Order, Card | Same day |
| Mail Request | $15.00 | Check or Money Order | 2 to 4 weeks |
Search Options for Divorce Records
You can search Orange County Divorce Decree Records in a few ways. The clerk office offers free public searches. You can search by name or by case number. The statewide search through the Florida Department of Health covers older records from 1927 forward. Each search method has limits and tips that help you get the right match.
Search by Name
To search by name, go to the Orange County Clerk records portal. Type the last name first, then the first name. You can add a middle name if you know it. Add a date range if you know the year of the divorce. The portal shows all cases that match. Look for the case that lists a dissolution of marriage. Write down the case number for your certified copy request.
Search by Case Number
If you have a case number, the search takes less time. Type the full case number into the portal search box. The format is a two-digit year, then letters, then numbers. For example, 2022-DR-012345. The portal will show the case docket and party names. You can then order a certified copy of the final decree right from the docket page.
Florida Statewide Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps statewide divorce indexes. These records go back to 1927. You can order a statewide certificate through VitalChek. The statewide certificate costs more than a clerk certified copy. For legal use in court, the clerk certified copy is the better choice. For personal record keeping, the state certificate works well.
Processing Time and Delivery
Processing time for Orange County Divorce Decree Records depends on the request method. Online orders take 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests finish the same day. Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks. Florida law requires the clerk to file dissolution reports about 60 days after the judge signs the final order. Newer cases may not show up in the index right away.
Standard Processing Time
The standard time for an online order is 5 to 10 business days. The clerk office prints the decree, adds the court seal, and mails it out. You will get the copy at the address on your order. Track the delivery with the tracking number the clerk sends you by email after the order ships.
Rush and Expedited Options
The Orange County Clerk office does not list a formal rush service on the public site. For same-day service, go to the courthouse in person. Bring your case details and payment. The records window will print your copy while you wait. This is the fastest way to get a certified decree in your hand.
Tracking Your Request
The online portal gives you a tracking number for each order. You can log in to the portal and check the status. For mail requests, call the clerk office at (407) 836-2000. Have your check number or money order number ready. The staff can check the mail queue and tell you the status of your order.
Florida Divorce Laws and Access Rules
Florida law controls who can see and copy divorce records. The main laws are Florida Statute 119 and Florida Statute 382. These laws make most court records public. Some records can be sealed by a judge. The clerk office follows these rules when it accepts or denies a request.
Florida Statute 119 Public Records
Florida Statute 119 is the state public records law. It says that any person can ask for copies of public records. The clerk office must give access to divorce case files. There is no need to show ID or give a reason. The only cost is the copy fee and any redaction work. This law supports open access to court files for all Florida residents.
Florida Statute 382 Vital Records
Florida Statute 382 covers vital records like birth, death, marriage, and divorce. The state Department of Health keeps the official index of all divorces in Florida. The clerk office sends a copy of each final decree to the state. This creates a backup record that goes back to 1927 for research and proof purposes.
Sealed and Restricted Records
A judge can seal a divorce case file. This happens when the case involves sensitive facts. Sealed files need a court order to open. You must ask the court to unseal the file. The clerk office cannot give you a copy of a sealed record without a court order. Adoption records and certain family court files follow different rules under Florida law.
Common Reasons People Request These Records
People ask for Orange County Divorce Decree Records for many reasons. The most common reason is to prove a name change after divorce. People also need the decree to remarry. Financial and legal matters need the decree as proof. Insurance, tax, and retirement paperwork also ask for a certified copy.
Name Change After Divorce
Many people change their name back to a maiden name after a divorce. The Social Security Administration needs a certified copy of the decree. The Florida DMV needs the decree to update the driver license. Banks and credit card companies need the decree to change the name on accounts. The certified decree is the only paper these offices accept.
Remarriage and New License
A certified divorce decree is proof that a prior marriage ended. The clerk office that issues marriage licenses needs to see the decree. The bride or groom must show the decree before getting a new marriage license. Without it, the clerk will not issue the new license. Plan ahead and get your certified copy before the wedding date.
Legal and Financial Proof
Lawyers ask for certified decrees for court cases. Banks need the decree to remove a former spouse from a loan. Insurance companies need the decree to update policies. Retirement plans need the decree to divide assets. The certified copy is the legal proof that ends the marriage and starts new financial steps.
Troubleshooting Common Request Problems
Some record requests hit roadblocks. The case may be too old. The name may be too common. The file may be sealed. Knowing the common problems can help you fix them fast. The clerk office staff can also help you solve these issues by phone or email.
Missing Case Information
If you do not have a case number, the search takes more time. Try a name search with a date range. Check old email or paperwork for the case number. Ask family members if they kept a copy of the divorce papers. A marriage certificate can also help narrow down the year and the county where the divorce was filed.
Old or Archived Records
Orange County keeps old divorce files in an archive. Files from before 1990 may sit offsite. The clerk office charges a search fee for archive files. It can take 2 to 3 weeks to pull an old file. Plan ahead for old records and submit the request as early as you can to avoid delays.
Request Denied or Delayed
A request can be denied if the case is sealed. A request can be delayed if the case details are wrong. Call the clerk office and ask for the reason. Update the form with the right case number or names. Pay any extra fee that the office may need. The staff can walk you through the fix over the phone or at the records window.
Official Contact and Location Summary
Use the contact details below for all Orange County Divorce Decree Records requests. The clerk office handles all family court records for the county. Call before you visit to confirm hours and fee amounts.
- Office: Orange County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Physical Address: 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4994, Orlando, FL 32802-4994
- Phone: (407) 836-2000
- Email: clerkofthecourt@occc.net
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Website: https://www.orangecountyclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Orange County Divorce Decree Records. The questions below cover the most common needs in 2026. The answers come from the Orange County Clerk of Court rules, Florida law, and current office practice. Each answer gives clear facts and steps you can take today.
How much does a certified divorce decree cost in Orange County?
A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15.00 in Orange County, Florida. The fee is the same for online, in-person, and mail requests. The clerk office charges this fee for each certified copy you order. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card depending on the request method. There is no fee to search the public records database or view the case docket online.
How long does it take to get a divorce decree from Orange County?
The wait time depends on the request method. An in-person visit gives you the copy the same day. An online order takes 5 to 10 business days. A mail request takes 2 to 4 weeks. Records from before 1990 may sit in an archive and take 2 to 3 weeks to pull. The clerk office will mail the certified copy to the address on the form.
Can I get a divorce decree from Orange County online?
Yes, you can order a certified copy of a divorce decree online from the Orange County Clerk of Court. Go to the official clerk website and use the records portal. Enter the case number or the names of both spouses. Pay the $15.00 fee with a credit or debit card. The office will mail the certified copy to your address within 5 to 10 business days.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can search by name on the Orange County Clerk records portal. Type the last name and first name of either spouse. Add a date range if you know the year. The portal will show all cases that match the name. Look for the case that lists a divorce or dissolution of marriage. Write down the case number and use it to order the certified copy.
Are divorce records public in Florida?
Yes, most divorce records are public in Florida. Florida Statute 119 says that any person can ask for copies of public court records. The clerk office must give access to divorce files. You do not need to be a family member or a lawyer. A judge can seal a divorce file in some cases, but most files stay open to the public for review and copy.
Can I get a divorce decree from another county through Orange County?
No, you must contact the clerk office in the county where the divorce was filed. Each Florida county keeps its own divorce files. Orange County only has records for divorces filed in Orange County. For divorces filed in other counties, contact that county’s clerk of court. The Florida Department of Health also keeps a statewide index for older records.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate?
A divorce decree is the full final court order that ends the marriage. It lists all the terms for property, custody, and support. A divorce certificate is a short state form that only shows the names, date, and place of the divorce. Courts and legal offices need a certified decree. Most personal uses can work with a state certificate from the Department of Health.