Nassau County Florida divorce records are public court files that show when a marriage ended in this northeast Florida county. These records are kept by the Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
The Clerk also works with the 4th Judicial Circuit Court. People search these records to confirm a divorce, get a copy of a final judgment, or update a name after a marriage ends. This page explains where the records live, who can ask for them, how to search by case number or name, and how to order a certified copy. The goal is to give you one clear path from start to finish so you do not waste time or pay the wrong fee.
How Nassau County Divorce Records Work
Divorce cases in Nassau County are filed in the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties. When a judge signs a final judgment, the case file stays with the Clerk. The Clerk stores the file, indexes it by name and case number, and lets the public view or copy it under Florida law. Some facts get redacted for privacy, but the main facts like filing date, judge, and outcome stay open.
Where Nassau County Files Divorce Cases
All Nassau County divorce cases are filed at the Nassau County Courthouse in Yulee. The courthouse address is 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, Florida 32097. The court sits near the Amelia River, close to Interstate 95. Yulee is the main city in Nassau County. Other towns like Fernandina Beach, Hilliard, and Callahan also send their divorce cases to the same courthouse. There is no separate family court building. Family law cases share the same courthouse as other civil cases.
What the County Clerk Holds vs State Holds
Two offices hold Nassau County divorce records. The Nassau County Clerk holds the full court file. This includes the petition, summons, motions, financial papers, and final judgment. The Florida Department of Health holds the divorce certificate, which is a short summary that shows the names, date, and place of divorce. Use the county Clerk for court orders and case history. Use the state office for a simple proof of divorce that works for most agencies.
Florida Law Behind Nassau County Divorce Records
Florida state law controls who can see Nassau County divorce records and what stays hidden. Two chapters matter most for anyone searching these files. Chapter 61 sets the rules for divorce cases. Chapter 119 sets the rules for public records. Both chapters work together to make court files open by default while keeping some private facts safe.
Chapter 61 and Dissolution Standards
Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes is the law that governs divorce, also called dissolution of marriage. It lists the grounds for divorce, the waiting times, and the rules about property, support, and parenting plans. The Chapter 61 forms are used to start a divorce and to file each motion in the case. These same forms appear in the court file after filing. Reviewing Chapter 61 helps you read a divorce judgment and know what each section means.
Chapter 119 and Public Records Access
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public the right to see most government records. Court files fall under this law. That means anyone can ask to view or copy Nassau County divorce records unless a judge has sealed a specific part of the file. Sealed sections can include bank account numbers, social security numbers, minor children details, or domestic violence facts. Redacted copies still show the basic case details while hiding the private fields.
Who Can Get Nassau County Divorce Records
Florida law lets almost anyone ask for Nassau County divorce records. You do not need to be a lawyer or a party to the case. A spouse, a relative, an employer, a researcher, or a private party can all place a request. The Clerk will check your ID for certified copies but will give plain copies to anyone who asks. Sealed records are the only kind that need a court order to open.
Eligible Requesters Under Florida Law
Under Florida law, the following people can request Nassau County divorce records:
- Either spouse named on the case
- Adult children of either spouse
- Attorneys working on a related legal matter
- Employers doing background checks under federal rules
- Genealogists and family history researchers
- Government agencies for official business
- Private parties with a notarized release from a spouse
Records That Stay Sealed
Some parts of a divorce file stay sealed forever or for a set time. Sealed parts can include financial affidavits, child custody evaluations, and adoption records linked to the case. A judge can also seal a whole file if there is a safety risk. Sealed files do not show up in the online search. To open a sealed file, you must file a motion and get a court order. The Clerk can give you the motion form and the filing fee.
How to Search Nassau County Divorce Records
There are four main ways to search Nassau County divorce records. You can search online by name or case number. You can call the Clerk for a quick check. You can visit the courthouse to use a public terminal. You can also write a mail request for a plain or certified copy. Each way works for a different need. Choose the way that matches your goal and your time frame.
Online Court Record Search
The Nassau County Clerk runs an online search portal on the Clerk website. The portal lets you search by party name, case number, or filing date range. Most divorce cases from 1987 to the present are on the portal. Older cases may only be on microfilm at the courthouse. Search results show the case number, parties, judge, and a list of filed papers. To see a full document image, you need to log in and pay a small fee per page or buy a monthly pass.
Name-Based Search Tips
A name search works best when you spell each name exactly the way it was at the time of divorce. Common name spellings, middle names, and date ranges help narrow the list. Try these tips for a clean search:
- Use both last names if either spouse remarried
- Search with and without middle names or initials
- Pick a date range that covers at least five years
- Look at each result for matching birth year or city
- Avoid using wildcards unless the portal allows them
Case Number Lookup
A case number lookup is the fastest way to find a specific file. Nassau County case numbers start with the year, the court code DR for domestic relations, and a sequence number. For example, 2024-DR-001234. If you have the case number, type it into the search bar and the full file will appear. The case number also tells you the filing year. Older files use a different format, so call the Clerk if the new format does not work.
Visiting the Nassau County Clerk in Person
You can visit the Nassau County Clerk office in person to use the public terminals for free. The office sits inside the courthouse at 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, Florida 32097. Bring a photo ID. Staff will help you find the right terminal and print pages for a small fee. Public terminals show the same records as the online portal plus older files on microfilm. Plan for short wait times during the lunch hour and on Mondays.
Requesting Certified Copies of Nassau County Divorce Records
A certified copy is a copy of the final judgment with a raised seal and a clerk signature. Agencies like the Social Security Administration, the DMV, and banks ask for a certified copy to prove a divorce. Plain copies only work for personal files or research. Decide which type you need before you order so you do not pay twice.
Required Information and ID
The Clerk needs specific facts to find your case and issue a certified copy. Bring or mail these items:
- Full legal name of both spouses at the time of divorce
- Date of divorce or filing year
- Case number if you have it
- Photo ID such as a driver license or passport
- A signed written request with your contact details
- Payment for the certified copy fee
Fees and Payment Options
The fee for a certified copy of a divorce judgment in Nassau County is set by Florida Statute 28.24. Current fees are $1 per page for the copy plus a $2 certification fee. A standard final judgment runs from a few pages to over fifty pages. The total cost usually ranges from $10 to $60. Payment options include cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards at the in-person counter. Mail requests must use check or money order.
Mail-In Request Steps
Mail requests work well for people who do not live near Yulee. Follow these steps for a smooth mail request:
- Write a request letter with both full names and the case number
- Include a copy of your photo ID
- Add a check or money order for the certified fee
- Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return
- Mail the packet to the Nassau County Clerk at the courthouse address
- Allow 7 to 14 business days for processing
Florida State Divorce Certificate Channel
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This office keeps statewide divorce certificates from every Florida county, Nassau County included. A state certificate is a one-page summary with the basic divorce facts. It costs more than a county copy but works for most agencies.
When to Use State vs County
Use a state divorce certificate when you need quick proof of divorce for an agency that does not need court terms. Use a county certified copy when you need the full court order, such as for property splits or custody updates. The table below shows the main differences:
| Feature | County Clerk Copy | State Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Document Type | Full final judgment | One-page summary |
| Best For | Legal matters, court orders | Name updates, simple proof |
| Fee Range | $10 to $60 | $25 to $30 |
| Turnaround | Same day in person, 7-14 days by mail | Same day in person, 5-10 days by mail |
| Sealed Case Issues | Court order needed | Not affected by county seal |
How to Order from Bureau of Vital Statistics
You can order a state divorce certificate in three ways. Walk into the Bureau of Vital Statistics office in Jacksonville. Order online through the Florida Department of Health portal. Or mail a request with a check and a copy of your ID. The Bureau charges a search fee even if no record is found. Make sure you have the date and county of divorce before you order to avoid the search fee.
Using Divorce Records After the Judgment
After a Nassau County divorce is final, the records often support name updates and other legal steps. A final judgment can change a last name, split property, set support, and end a marriage. You will need the certified copy for many of these tasks. Keep the original certified copy in a safe place and use plain copies for everyday tasks.
Updating Social Security After Divorce
The Social Security Administration asks for a certified copy of the divorce judgment to change a last name on a Social Security card. Bring the certified copy and a photo ID to any Social Security office. The clerk will file the copy and update the card. You can also mail the request with the certified copy and the SSA-81 form. The new card arrives in the mail within 14 days.
Updating Driver License and Other IDs
Florida requires a name update on a driver license within 30 days of a court-ordered name change. Bring a certified copy of the divorce judgment to a Florida DMV office. The clerk will scan the certified copy and issue a new license. Use the same certified copy to update passports, bank accounts, and insurance policies. Most agencies accept the same copy as long as the seal and signature are clear.
Common Problems and Fixes
Most search problems fall into a few common buckets. A wrong name spelling, an old case off the portal, or a missing case number can slow you down. Each problem has a simple fix that keeps the search moving. Use the tips below to solve the most common search issues.
Missing Case Numbers
If you do not have the case number, search by name on the Clerk portal. The portal returns matching cases with their case numbers. Save the case number for future use. If the portal returns no results, call the Clerk at 904-548-4600 and ask for a manual name search. Staff will check the index and tell you the case number and filing date.
Old Records Not Online
Records filed before 1987 may not appear on the online portal. These older records sit on microfilm in the Clerk vault. Visit the courthouse and ask staff to pull the right microfilm reel. The reel holds hundreds of cases, so bring a date range to narrow the search. Staff can print plain copies from the microfilm reader for a small fee.
Name Mismatches and Spelling
Names can differ between the petition and the final judgment. A spouse may go by a nickname on the petition and a legal name on the final judgment. Search both names and check each result. If the case still does not appear, widen the date range by five years. Family name changes after marriage can also cause mismatches. Use the marriage record to confirm the legal name at filing.
Nassau County Clerk Contact Details
The Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all divorce record requests in person, by mail, by phone, and online. Use the contact details below to reach the office during business hours. The office follows Florida public records law and responds to all lawful requests in the order received.
Office Address: 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, Florida 32097. Phone: 904-548-4600. Website: www.nassauclerk.com. Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on Florida state holidays. Free parking sits next to the courthouse. Public terminals stay open during office hours. Plan your visit for midweek mornings to avoid the longest lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common Nassau County divorce record topics. Each answer gives a clear path based on Florida law and current Clerk practice. If your case has a unique fact, call the Clerk at 904-548-4600 for a direct check. Most questions below can also be answered through the online portal at www.nassauclerk.com.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce copy?
Walk-in requests at the Nassau County Clerk office are processed the same day in most cases. You wait in line, place your request, pay the fee, and leave with the certified copy. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days each way, depending on mail speed and office workload. Online certified copy orders through the Clerk portal are processed within one business day and mailed the next day. Add courier mail if you need a faster return. Plan ahead for mail during holidays or storm season when mail slows down across northeast Florida.
Are Nassau County divorce records free to view?
Yes, you can view Nassau County divorce records for free at the courthouse public terminals. The terminals show the same case index and document images as the online portal. You only pay when you print pages or request a certified copy. The free view is great for researchers who just need facts and not stamped copies. Bring a USB drive if the terminal supports saved images, or write down the facts you need.
Can I search Nassau County divorce records by name online?
Yes, the Clerk portal at www.nassauclerk.com has a name search box. Type the last name first, then add the first name. Use the date range filter to narrow the list. You can also search by case number for a faster result. The portal covers cases from 1987 to the present. Older cases sit on microfilm at the courthouse and require a visit or a mail request.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce certificate is a one-page summary issued by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. It lists the names, date, and county of divorce. A divorce decree is the full court order issued by the Nassau County judge. The decree covers property, support, custody, and the final judgment. Use the certificate for simple proof and the decree for any legal step that needs court terms. Both come from different offices and cost different fees.
Can a sealed Nassau County divorce file ever be opened?
Yes, a sealed file can be opened by a court order. File a motion to unseal with the Nassau County Circuit Court. A judge will review the motion and the reason for the request. Common reasons include safety updates, fraud claims, and post-judgment enforcement. The court may unseal part of the file or the whole file. The Clerk staff can give you the motion form and the filing fee.
Do I need a lawyer to get a copy of a Nassau County divorce record?
No, you do not need a lawyer. Florida public records law lets anyone ask for a divorce record. You only need a lawyer if you want to unseal a file, challenge a record, or use the record in a new court case. For simple copy requests, the Clerk office handles the work without a lawyer. Many people pick up their own certified copies in person and save the lawyer fee.
What if the divorce happened outside Nassau County?
Each Florida county keeps its own divorce records. If the divorce happened in another county, contact that county Clerk. For divorces in other states, contact the vital records office in that state. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics can give you the county of divorce if you only know the year and state. Once you know the county, the right Clerk office can give you the certified copy.