Hollywood City Florida divorce records are the official court files that show when a marriage ended inside the city of Hollywood, Florida. These files are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts because Hollywood sits inside Broward County.
The records include the petition, the final judgment, the case number, and the date the judge signed the divorce. Anyone can look at most of these records because Florida law makes court files open to the public. This page explains how to search, request, and get a copy of a Hollywood divorce record using the right county and state offices.
What Are Hollywood City Florida Divorce Records
A Hollywood City Florida divorce record is a set of court papers that proves a marriage was legally ended by a judge in Broward County. Each case gets a unique case number, and the file holds every paper filed before and after the final judgment. The file shows the names of both spouses, the filing date, the division the case was heard in, and the judge’s final order. Most of these records are open to the public under Florida’s public records law, which means anyone with the right details can ask for a copy.
What Papers Are Inside a Divorce File
A standard divorce file holds several key papers that most people ask for when they need proof of a divorce. These papers are used by other agencies, courts, and employers to confirm that a marriage has ended.
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Final Judgment of Dissolution
- Case docket with hearing dates
- Financial affidavits and property papers
- Marital settlement agreement
- Notice of hearing and court orders
Divorce Decree vs Divorce Certificate
Many people mix up the divorce decree with the divorce certificate, but they come from two different offices and serve different purposes. The decree is the full court order from the judge. The certificate is a short state summary that confirms the event happened. Knowing the difference saves time when you ask for copies.
| Document Type | Source Office | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Decree | Broward County Clerk of Court | Full legal order, name change, property terms |
| Divorce Certificate | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | Proof of divorce for name change, benefits, remarriage |
| Docket Report | County Clerk online portal | List of all filings and hearings in the case |
Who Keeps Hollywood Divorce Records
Hollywood divorce records are not held by the city of Hollywood itself. The city does not have a court that handles divorces. All divorce cases filed by Hollywood residents are sent to the Broward County Clerk of Courts office. The clerk is the legal keeper of every court file, and the clerk’s office is where people go to search, view, and buy copies of these records.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court is the main office for any Hollywood divorce file. The clerk runs the county courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, which serves all cities in Broward County, including Hollywood. The clerk’s website lets users run an online case search, pay for copies, and order certified copies by mail or in person. Most Hollywood divorce records can be pulled from this single office.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps the statewide index of every divorce that happens in the state. This office does not keep the full court file, but it does keep the short certificate that proves a divorce took place. People who only need a state-level proof, such as for a name change or remarriage, often order the certificate from this office instead of going to the county clerk.
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health runs the Office of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. This office handles mail-in requests for divorce certificates for the whole state. It is the right office when someone needs a certified copy of the state certificate but cannot visit the county clerk in person. Many older Hollywood divorce records from past decades are also indexed in this state system.
How to Search Hollywood City Florida Divorce Records
Searching for Hollywood City Florida divorce records is a simple process when the right tools are used. The best method is to start at the Broward County Clerk’s online case search, then use the Florida statewide records system to cross-check the data. A clear search plan helps avoid wrong results and saves money on copy fees.
Search by Name
Searching by name is the most common way people look for Hollywood divorce records. Users type the full legal name of either spouse into the county clerk’s online portal. Adding the approximate filing year helps narrow down the results. Spelling variations and middle names should be tried if the first search does not return a match.
Search by Case Number
If the case number is already known, the search is much faster. The case number format in Broward County starts with the year, followed by a code that shows the case type, and ends with a sequence number. Typing this number into the clerk’s portal brings up the exact file with no need to filter by name. This method is helpful for lawyers, title companies, and people returning to an old case for follow-up.
Search by Filing Date Range
A date range search helps when the exact name is unknown. The clerk’s portal allows a user to enter a start and end date, and the system returns all divorce cases filed during that window. This method is used most by people doing genealogy work or checking old records for legal reasons.
Hollywood Divorce Records by County
Even though the focus is Hollywood, many people also need divorce records from other Florida counties. Florida has sixty-seven counties, and each one has its own clerk that handles divorce cases. The main counties near Hollywood and across the state have strong online search tools that work the same way as the Broward County portal.
Broward County Divorce Records
Broward County handles all Hollywood divorce cases. The county clerk’s office is located at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The main phone number for the clerk is (954) 831-6565. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on official state holidays. The website is www.browardclerk.org, where online case search and copy orders are handled.
Miami-Dade County Divorce Records
Miami-Dade County runs a separate clerk system that handles all divorce cases filed in Miami-Dade. Users can search the Miami-Dade clerk’s online portal by name, case number, or party type. The office also offers certified copy services by mail and in person at the courthouse in downtown Miami.
Orange County Florida Divorce Records
Orange County, home to Orlando, keeps divorce files at the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The online search tool is called the Orange County Court Records search, and it returns cases filed in the county’s family law division. The clerk’s office also handles name change orders that often follow a divorce judgment.
Hillsborough County Divorce Records
Hillsborough County, which covers Tampa, runs the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. The online portal includes a full case search that shows divorce petitions, judgments, and post-judgment motions. Users can order plain or certified copies through the same portal.
Palm Beach County Divorce Records
Palm Beach County keeps divorce records at the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office in West Palm Beach. The clerk’s online system lets users run a free search, but copy fees apply when ordering certified documents. The office is a common source for people who live south of Hollywood and need nearby county records.
Duval County Divorce Records
Duval County, home to Jacksonville, runs the Duval County Clerk of Courts. This office also partners with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for state-level certificate requests. Many out-of-state users send mail requests to the Jacksonville office for older Florida divorce records.
Pinellas County Divorce Records
Pinellas County, home to St. Petersburg and Clearwater, keeps divorce files at the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. The county portal supports name and case number searches, and the office issues certified copies for a set fee per document.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Hollywood Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a Hollywood divorce decree is a copy of the judge’s final judgment that carries the clerk’s stamp and seal. This copy is needed for name changes, property sales, retirement benefits, and remarriage. There are three main ways to order a certified copy: online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office.
Order a Certified Copy Online
The fastest way to get a certified copy is through the Broward County Clerk’s online portal. Users find the case, select certified copy, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and the office mails the document. Most online orders are processed within five business days, and shipping adds a few more days depending on the chosen method.
Order a Certified Copy by Mail
Mail orders require a signed request form, a copy of a valid photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee. The request should list the full names of both spouses, the case number if known, and the year the case was filed. The clerk’s office mails the certified copy back to the user once the payment clears.
Order a Certified Copy in Person
Visiting the Broward County Clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale gives the fastest in-person result. Users go to the clerk’s public counter, give the case details, show a photo ID, pay the fee, and get the certified copy the same day in most cases. Wait times can be longer during lunch hours and the end of the month.
Free Florida Divorce Records Search Options
Many people want to save money and look for a free way to search Florida divorce records. Some search tools are free, while others charge a fee for copies. Knowing which tools are free and which ones cost money helps users plan a search that fits their budget.
Free Online Case Search
The Broward County Clerk’s online case search is free to use. Anyone can run a name search, view the docket, and see case events without paying. The free version shows the basic case data but does not include the actual images of filed papers. Users who only need to confirm a divorce happened can use this free tool.
Florida Official Records Portal
The Florida Official Records portal at www.myfloridacounty.com/official_records lets users search recorded documents across many counties at no cost. This site works well for checking official record indexes, but it does not replace the county clerk’s case search for full divorce file access.
Third-Party Sites
Several third-party websites offer Florida divorce records search by name. These sites charge a fee for full reports and may pull data from public sources. They can be useful but should not replace the county clerk as the official source for certified documents.
Florida Divorce Case Records and Court Files
Florida divorce case records include every paper filed in a family law case, not just the final judgment. These files cover petitions, motions, responses, financial papers, and any post-judgment actions. The full case file is held by the county clerk and can be viewed at the courthouse or ordered as copies through the clerk’s office.
What the Case Docket Shows
The case docket is the list of every event in the divorce case from the first filing to the last order. It shows hearing dates, motion filings, judge names, and the final judgment date. The docket is a great tool for tracking the full life of a case without pulling every paper.
Family Law Forms Used in Florida Divorce Cases
Florida courts use standard family law forms for divorce cases. These forms are found on the Florida Courts website at www.flcourts.gov under the family law forms section. Common forms include the petition, the financial affidavit, the marital settlement agreement, and the final judgment form. Hollywood divorce cases that use these forms create a clean paper trail that is easy to search later.
Post-Judgment Motions and Updates
Divorce cases do not always end with the final judgment. People often file post-judgment motions to change child support, enforce property orders, or modify custody. These later filings are added to the same case number and can be searched the same way as the original divorce file.
Florida Dissolution of Marriage Records Explained
Florida uses the legal term “dissolution of marriage” instead of “divorce.” Both words mean the same thing in Florida law, and the records are filed under the same case type. The rules for dissolution are written in Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes, and public access rules are in Chapter 119.
Florida Chapter 61 and Dissolution Law
Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for all family law cases, including dissolution of marriage. The chapter covers filing rules, residency requirements, grounds for dissolution, and judgment standards. Hollywood divorce cases follow Chapter 61 rules from start to finish.
Florida Chapter 119 and Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the public records law. This chapter says that most government records, including divorce case files, must be open to the public. Some sensitive data, such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, is redacted in public copies to protect privacy.
Hollywood Divorce Records and the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health plays a key role in divorce records through its Office of Vital Statistics. This office does not handle the court file, but it does manage the statewide index and the short-form certificate that proves a divorce took place. The office accepts mail and online requests from across the country.
How to Order a Florida Divorce Certificate by Mail
To order a Florida divorce certificate by mail, users must fill out the official vital records request form, include a copy of a valid photo ID, and send the fee by check or money order. The mailing address is the Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, Florida 32231. The office phone number for vital records help is (904) 359-6900.
How Long Mail Requests Take
Mail requests for Florida divorce certificates usually take four to six weeks to process. Online requests through approved vital records vendors can take as little as a few business days. The time depends on how busy the office is and whether the record needs to be pulled from the state archive.
Common Uses for Hollywood Divorce Records
Hollywood divorce records are used for many reasons, even years after a case closes. The most common reasons are listed below, but the records can be used for almost any legal or financial purpose that needs proof a marriage ended.
Name Change After Divorce
Many people use their divorce judgment to legally change back to a former name. The Social Security Administration, the Florida DMV, banks, and passport offices all accept a certified divorce decree as proof of a name change. The certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics is often accepted as a backup proof.
Property and Financial Updates
Divorce decrees are used to remove a former spouse from property deeds, bank accounts, and investment accounts. Lenders and title companies ask for a certified copy before they update the records tied to the property or account.
Remarriage Proof
Couples who plan to remarry are asked for proof of divorce. A certified divorce decree or a state-level divorce certificate both work for this purpose. The wedding officiant and the marriage license office may ask for either one.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Online Records
The Broward County Clerk of Courts online records portal is the main tool for searching Hollywood divorce records. The portal is free for basic searches and accepts payments for certified copies. The system runs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, so users can search at any time.
Features of the Online Portal
The online portal supports name searches, case number searches, party type searches, and date range searches. It shows case events, hearing dates, and document images for some filings. The portal also accepts credit and debit card payments for copy orders.
Browser and Device Support
The portal works on most modern web browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. It is mobile-friendly, so users can search from a phone or tablet. Older browsers may not show all features, so users with older devices may need to update their browser first.
Tips for a Faster Hollywood Divorce Records Search
A good search plan saves time and reduces the cost of getting copies. These tips come from common mistakes users make when searching Florida divorce records for the first time.
Confirm the Spelling of Names
Spelling errors are the top reason a search returns no results. The county clerk’s system searches the exact spelling typed in the search box. Try alternate spellings, full middle names, and maiden names if the first search fails.
Use Both County and State Tools
The county clerk and the state vital records office hold different parts of the same case. Running both searches at the same time gives the best chance of finding the right file. If one tool shows nothing, the other may still have a match.
Keep a Copy of Every Result
Saving the search results page or printing the docket helps when ordering copies later. Having the case number and the judge name on hand speeds up the copy request and prevents mix-ups with similar cases.
Hollywood City Florida Divorce Records Source
The image below shows the source page used to build the local route for Hollywood divorce records. The page links to the Broward County Clerk’s homepage, where all Hollywood cases are filed and retrieved.
Official Contact Details for Hollywood Divorce Records
Below are the official contact details for the offices that handle Hollywood divorce records. These offices are the right places to call or visit when the online search does not return the answer needed.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court handles all Hollywood divorce cases. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on state holidays.
Address: 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: www.browardclerk.org
Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics
The Office of Vital Statistics handles mail-in requests for Florida divorce certificates. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on state holidays.
Address: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, Florida 32231
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records
Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hollywood Divorce Records
Below are common questions people ask when they search for Hollywood divorce records. Each answer covers a key point that helps users get the right records faster and avoid common mistakes.
Are Hollywood divorce records public in Florida?
Yes, most Hollywood divorce records are public under Florida law. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes allows anyone to view and copy most court files, including divorce cases filed in Broward County. Some sensitive data, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s full names, is redacted in public copies to protect privacy. The full court file is still open to view at the clerk’s office, but copies given to the public have protected data removed.
How do I find a Hollywood divorce record for free?
The Broward County Clerk’s online case search is free to use. Users can search by name, case number, or date range without paying. The free search shows the case docket and basic case data. To see the actual papers or get certified copies, a small fee per page applies. The Florida Official Records portal is another free tool that helps users check recorded documents across counties.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate in Hollywood?
The divorce decree is the full court order from the Broward County judge that ends the marriage. It comes from the Broward County Clerk of Court and includes details like property terms, custody orders, and name changes. The divorce certificate is a short state summary that only shows the names of the spouses, the county, and the date the divorce was granted. The certificate comes from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics and is used for name changes, remarriage, and simple proof needs.
Can I get a Hollywood divorce record from another state?
Yes. Out-of-state users can order a Florida divorce certificate through the Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics by mail or online. For a full certified copy of the divorce decree, mail a request to the Broward County Clerk of Court. Include the full names of both spouses, the approximate filing year, a copy of a photo ID, and the fee in check or money order. The clerk mails the certified copy back once the request is processed.
How long does Broward County keep Hollywood divorce records?
Broward County keeps all divorce records permanently. Older paper files are moved to the county archive but stay open to the public. The clerk’s office can pull files from the archive by case number, name, or filing year. Records from the 1920s and earlier may need extra search time, but the clerk’s office can usually find them with enough details about the case.
Can I search Hollywood divorce records by case number?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk’s online portal has a search field for case numbers. Typing the full case number brings up the exact file with no need to filter by name. Case numbers in Broward County follow a format that includes the filing year and a case type code. The clerk’s office can confirm the case number if the user knows the names and the approximate year the case was filed.
Do I need a lawyer to get a Hollywood divorce record?
No, a lawyer is not required to get a Hollywood divorce record. The Broward County Clerk’s office sells plain and certified copies to any member of the public. Users who only need a copy for personal reasons, such as name change or remarriage proof, can place the order themselves. A lawyer is helpful only when the request involves sealed records, expungement, or complex post-judgment motions that need court action.