Washington City Divorce Decree Records are official court papers that prove a marriage ended in a Florida court. These records show the final judgment, the date the divorce was granted, and the names of both parties.
Many people need these records to remarry, update a name, settle property matters, or handle immigration paperwork. You can get them from the Florida county clerk where the case was heard, or from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for older cases. This page explains each step, what to bring, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
What a Washington City Divorce Decree Record Shows
A divorce decree is the written order that ends a marriage. It is signed by a judge and filed with the circuit court clerk. The record is a legal paper, not just a note that a divorce happened. People often confuse it with a divorce certificate, but the two papers serve different jobs. A certificate confirms a divorce took place. A decree lists the full terms of the judgment.
Key Facts on a Divorce Decree
Every divorce decree in Florida has the same core facts. These facts stay the same no matter which county handled the case. They form the legal base that other agencies check when you present the document.
- Full legal names of both spouses before the marriage ended
- Date the judge signed the final judgment
- Case number from the circuit court where the case was filed
- County name and state (Florida) where the court issued the order
- Terms for property, debts, and any support orders
- Restoration of a former name, if requested by either spouse
- Signature of the judge and the clerk’s filing stamp
Difference Between a Decree and a Certificate
A decree is the full court order. A certificate is a short paper from the Florida Department of Health that only shows that a divorce was recorded. Most legal tasks like name changes, property sales, or new marriage licenses need the certified decree copy. A certificate works for jobs, school records, or basic proof of single status. Knowing which paper you need saves time and money.
Why You Might Need the Record
People order divorce decrees for many reasons. Each reason can affect which copy you need. The list below covers the most common needs from real Florida court requests in 2025 and 2026.
- Remarrying in another state or country
- Updating a Social Security card or driver’s license
- Closing joint bank accounts or changing property titles
- Immigration paperwork through USCIS
- Military spouse benefits update
- Court cases that depend on the original divorce terms
Where to Find Washington City Divorce Decree Records
Florida has two main sources for these records. The first source is the county clerk where the judge signed the final order. The second source is the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, which keeps records from June 6, 1927 to today. Each source has its own rules, fees, and timing. Picking the right source depends on how old the case is and what kind of copy you need.
County Clerk of Court Records
The circuit court clerk in the county where the case was filed keeps the original decree. The clerk also sells certified copies. The fee in most Florida counties is $1 per page plus a $2 certification charge. Many clerks let you order online, by mail, or in person. You will need the case number, full names of both parties, and the year the case was closed. Without a case number, the clerk can search by name, but the search takes longer and may need a small search fee.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The state Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps a central file of all dissolution records filed by county clerks. This file started on June 6, 1927. The bureau sells only a state-issued certificate, not a certified copy of the full decree. The fee for a state certificate is lower than a certified decree from the clerk, but the document has fewer details. Most legal offices accept the state certificate for general proof of divorce.
Third-Party Search Sites
Private websites also offer divorce record searches. These sites pull data from public court files. They can help you confirm a divorce date or find the county where a case was filed. They cannot issue a certified copy. For a paper that carries the court seal, you must order directly from the clerk or the state bureau. Be careful with sites that charge high fees for basic search results that you can get for free from the clerk.
How to Request a Certified Divorce Decree Copy
A certified copy is a paper that has the court seal and a clerk’s stamp. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies ask for a certified copy because it proves the decree is real. Florida law treats each certified copy as a new certified paper. Each one has its own fee. The steps below show the three main ways to place your order.
Online Order Through the Clerk Website
Most Florida clerks now have an online order portal. You type the case number or party name, pick the documents you need, and pay by card. The portal emails a receipt with a tracking number. The clerk then mails the certified copy to the address you provide. Turnaround is usually 3 to 7 business days for most counties.
- Open the official clerk website for the county where the case was filed.
- Search the case index by name or case number.
- Select “Certified Copy” and the number of copies.
- Pay the fee with a credit or debit card.
- Save the confirmation number and track the order by email.
Mail Request to the Clerk Office
A mail request works well for people who do not live near the courthouse. You send a signed request letter, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the fees. The clerk will mail back your certified copy by regular mail or certified mail for an extra fee. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days based on county workload.
In-Person Visit to the Clerk Office
Walking into the clerk office is the fastest way to get a certified copy. Most clerk offices issue the paper the same day if the case is not sealed and all fees are paid. You must bring a valid photo ID. The clerk will scan your ID and print the certified copy at the public records counter. Many offices now let you book an appointment online to cut wait time.
Fees and Payment Methods for 2026
Fees change each year based on Florida statutes and county rules. The table below shows the most common fees for a certified divorce decree in 2026. These fees match the Florida clerk fee schedule and the Vital Statistics fee list from January 2026.
| Service | Office | Fee in 2026 | Payment Forms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree | County Clerk of Court | $1 per page + $2 certification | Cash, check, money order, card |
| Name search without case number | County Clerk of Court | $2 per name per year | Cash, check, money order, card |
| State divorce certificate | Bureau of Vital Statistics | $12.00 per copy | Check, money order, card via VitalChek |
| Expedited shipping | Clerk or VitalChek | $10 to $25 extra | Card |
| Apostille for international use | Florida Department of State | $10 per document | Check, money order, card |
Florida Divorce Records Online Search
The Florida Courts eDCA system is the main online portal for public court cases. This system includes family law cases from all 67 Florida counties. You can search by name, case number, or court type. The system is free to use. You can view basic case data like the filing date, judge name, case status, and final judgment date. To see the full decree text, you must order a certified copy from the clerk.
How to Use the Statewide Portal
The statewide portal saves time when you are not sure which county handled a case. You can search by party name across all Florida counties at once. The search lists the case number, county, and date closed. Once you find the right case, you contact that county clerk for the certified copy. This two-step method works for both recent and older cases.
Limits of Online Search
Online search tools only show the public case index. They do not show the full text of sealed records, juvenile cases, or cases under court protection. Sealed divorce cases need a court order to open. You can ask the clerk how to file a motion to unseal a record if you have a legal reason. The judge will review the motion and decide based on Florida family law rules.
Processing Times and Recent Case Status
Processing time depends on the request method and the office load. Recent cases from 2024 to 2026 are easier to find because most clerks now scan new filings the same day. Older paper-only cases may need a manual search. The table below shows the average wait time for each request type based on data from the Florida Clerks Association for 2026.
| Request Type | Average Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-person at the clerk office | Same day to 1 hour | Bring photo ID |
| Online clerk portal | 3 to 7 business days | Tracking number provided |
| Mail request | 7 to 14 business days | Use certified mail for proof |
| State certificate by mail | 2 to 4 weeks | Longer if back-ordered |
| State certificate by VitalChek | 5 to 10 business days | Faster shipping options |
Records Older Than June 6, 1927
Florida started keeping state records of divorces on June 6, 1927. Any divorce case from before that date is held only by the county clerk where the case was filed. There is no state file for these older cases. The county clerk is the only place that can issue a certified copy. The fee is the same as a newer case, but the search fee may be higher because the record is on microfilm or paper index cards.
Sealed and Restricted Divorce Records
Some divorce records are sealed by a judge. Sealed records hide the case file from public view. Common reasons include domestic violence, child safety, or sensitive financial data. You can still get a certified copy if you were a party to the case, but you must show photo ID and sign a release form at the clerk office. Other people cannot see or copy a sealed file without a court order.
Who Can View a Sealed Record
Only the following people can view or order a certified copy of a sealed divorce record without extra court action:
- Either spouse named on the case
- The attorney of record for either spouse
- Court staff working on the case file
- Government agencies with a legal right to the data
How to Unseal a Record
If you are not a party to the case and need the record, you must file a motion to unseal. The motion must show a clear legal reason. The judge will review the motion and may hold a short hearing. If the judge grants the motion, the clerk will release the certified copy. The filing fee for a motion to unseal is usually between $100 and $300 depending on the county.
Apostille and Out-of-State Use
A Florida divorce decree used in another country may need an apostille. An apostille is a state-issued seal that proves the document is real for use in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. The Florida Department of State in Tallahassee issues apostilles. The fee is $10 per document. You must send the original certified decree, a cover letter, and a prepaid return envelope. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days plus mail time.
When You Need an Apostille
You need an apostille when the receiving country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Most of Europe, South America, and parts of Asia accept apostilles. Some countries still ask for full consular legalization. In that case, you must contact the embassy or consulate for the next step. Check the rules for the country where you plan to use the document before you place your order.
Steps to Get an Apostille
- Order a certified copy of the decree from the county clerk.
- Fill out the apostille request form from the Florida Department of State.
- Mail the certified decree, the form, and the fee to the Tallahassee office.
- Wait for the apostilled copy to come back by mail.
Common Mistakes When Ordering Divorce Records
Many people lose time and money by skipping basic checks. The list below covers the most common issues seen in clerk offices across Florida in 2025 and 2026. A quick check before you order can save weeks of delay.
- Ordering from the wrong county clerk because the parties lived in a different county than where they filed
- Paying a third-party site for a search the clerk offers for free
- Forgetting to sign the request form or include a copy of photo ID
- Sending cash through the mail instead of a check or money order
- Asking for a certificate when the agency actually needs a certified decree copy
Official Contact Details for Florida Divorce Records
The contact list below shows the main offices that handle divorce records for the state of Florida. Use the county clerk for certified decree copies and the Bureau of Vital Statistics for state certificates. Use the Department of State for apostilles. Always start with the county clerk if you know which county handled the case.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics – Mailing address: P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Phone: 904-359-6900. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Website: floridahealth.gov (search for divorce certificates).
Florida Department of State – Apostille Section. Address: 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250. Phone: 850-245-6945. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Website: dos.myflorida.com (search for apostille).
Florida Courts eDCA Portal – Statewide search for case data. Website: courts.fl.gov (search the eDCA system). The portal is open 24 hours a day. You can search by name, case number, or county.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Decree Records
The questions below cover the most common search requests people place with Florida clerks and the state bureau. Each answer is based on Florida law, clerk fee schedules, and Bureau of Vital Statistics rules in 2026. The answers are short and direct so you can act on them without extra research.
Can I Find Divorce Records for Free in Florida?
Yes. The Florida Courts eDCA portal lets you search case data at no cost. The search shows the case number, county, filing date, and final judgment date. You cannot download the full decree text for free, but you can confirm the case exists and find the right county. The county clerk also lets you view public case files in person for free. You only pay for the search if you ask the clerk to look up a case by name without a case number.
How Long Does a Divorce Take to Show in the System?
The clerk files the judgment the day the judge signs it. The clerk then forwards a copy of the final judgment to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This state filing step takes about 60 days. So a divorce granted in March 2026 will usually show in the state system by May 2026. The county eDCA portal updates within 1 to 3 business days in most cases.
What if I Lost My Case Number?
You can still order a certified copy without a case number. The clerk will run a name search for a small fee. You must provide the full legal name of either spouse, the approximate year the case was closed, and the county where the case was filed. The clerk then pulls the file and processes the order. Name searches take 1 to 3 extra business days based on the county workload.
Can a Non-Party Order a Divorce Decree Copy?
Yes, for public cases that are not sealed. The clerk will sell a certified copy to anyone who pays the fee. For sealed cases, you must be a party to the case or have a court order. The clerk checks the case status before issuing the copy. You must show a valid photo ID at the public records counter for in-person orders.
Is a Florida Divorce Record the Same in Every County?
The form of the decree can vary by county, but the legal effect is the same across Florida. The core data fields are standard: case number, party names, judgment date, and judge signature. The clerk seal from any Florida county is accepted by all U.S. states and federal agencies. The apostille process also works the same no matter which county issued the decree.
Can I Use a Digital Copy of the Decree?
Many agencies now accept a digital certified copy with a verifiable e-seal. The Florida Courts eDCA portal issues an electronic certified copy for a small fee. You can email the e-certified copy to a bank, employer, or government agency. The receiving agency then clicks the e-seal to check the paper is real. Print copies of the e-certified version are not accepted; the e-copy must be sent through a verified digital channel.
What Happens to a Divorce Record After a New Marriage?
The original divorce decree stays in the court file forever. A new marriage does not remove or change the old decree. The clerk keeps the file for permanent public access. You only need to share the decree with agencies that ask for proof of your past marital status, such as the Social Security Administration, the DMV, or an insurance company.