Leon County family court records are official files that show every family law case filed in Tallahassee, Florida. These records cover divorce, custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases.
The Leon County Clerk of Court keeps these files at 301 South Monroe Street, Suite 100. Anyone can look at most family court records because Florida law supports open access to public court files. This page explains how to search, view, and request copies of these records using online tools or by visiting the clerk’s office in person.
Clerk of Court Office and Location
The Leon County Clerk of Court serves as the main keeper of all family court records in the county. The office sits in downtown Tallahassee, near the Florida State Capitol building. The current Clerk of Court is Gwen Marshall Knight, who oversees daily record operations and staff who help visitors. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can call (850) 606-4000 to ask questions before traveling to the office.
Office Address and Hours
The clerk’s office occupies Suite 100 at 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Free public parking is available in nearby garages and on surface lots within walking distance. The office closes on all federal and state holidays. Visitors should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to complete any research or request copies. Security screening takes place at the entrance, so bags and personal items pass through metal detectors before entry.
Phone and Online Support
Phone support runs during regular business hours at (850) 606-4000. Staff can answer simple questions about record types, fees, and search steps. They cannot give legal advice or interpret court orders. The clerk’s official website at leoncountyfl.gov offers forms, fee schedules, and links to online search portals. Email support is available through the contact form on the website for non-urgent questions.
Types of Family Court Records
Leon County family court records cover several case types under Florida family law. Each type has its own file system and access rules. Most cases are open to the public, but some files stay sealed to protect children and victims. Knowing the case type helps you choose the right search method and know what details you can see.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records show the full legal process that ends a marriage. These files include the initial petition, financial affidavits, property lists, and the final judgment. A final judgment covers division of property, alimony, and debt assignment. Leon County divorce court records are public once the court signs the final judgment. Sealed financial documents may be redacted in online views.
Child Custody and Visitation Records
Child custody case records include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and court orders that decide where children live. Leon County child custody case records also contain any motions to modify custody and the judge’s written decisions. These files stay public, but details about minor children may be removed to protect privacy. Parents, attorneys, and approved researchers can request full copies.
Child Support Records
Child support records show the amount of support ordered, payment history, and any enforcement actions. Leon County child support court records are kept by the clerk and the Florida Department of Revenue. Most payment data is public, but personal financial information stays sealed. Online searches show the case number, parties, and current support status.
Paternity Case Records
Paternity records establish legal fatherhood through court action. Leon County paternity case records include DNA test results, admission of paternity forms, and orders that set support or custody. These files are public after the court issues a final order. Some sensitive documents, like DNA results, may be sealed by court order.
Adoption Records
Leon County adoption court records are sealed under Florida law. Only the adoptive parents, the adopted adult (after age 18), and certain state agencies can access these files. Birth parents do not get automatic access to adoption records without a court order. Sealed adoption files keep identities private for life unless a court opens them for good cause.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence injunction records contain petitions, court orders, and hearing notes. Leon County domestic relations court records of this type may be sealed or partially redacted to protect victims. The clerk can confirm if an injunction exists, but the full file may require a court order to view. Law enforcement agencies have full access for safety reasons.
How to Search Records Online
Online search is the fastest way to check Leon County family court case information. The state of Florida runs a free portal called My Florida Court Access at myflcourtaccess.com. This portal covers all counties, including Leon County. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date from any device with internet access.
My Florida Court Access Portal
My Florida Court Access shows case type, party names, filing date, and current status for each case. Users can view a list of filed documents and download some records for free. Sensitive family data, like financial forms and sealed documents, are not shown in the free public view. The portal updates daily with new filings and scheduled hearings.
Search Steps and Tips
To search effectively, gather the full legal name of at least one party, the approximate filing year, and the case type. Enter the last name first, then the first name in the search box. Narrow results by adding a date range or case number. If you get too many results, add a middle initial or exact birth year. The portal saves your last search for quick follow-up checks.
Limits of Online Records
Online records show only basic case data and selected filed documents. Full file access, including sealed exhibits, certified copies, and complete financial forms, requires a visit to the clerk’s office. The online portal does not allow users to view documents filed under seal. Some older cases from before 2006 may not be available online and need an in-person search.
Searching Records in Person
Some research needs require an in-person visit to the Leon County Clerk of Court. Public computers sit in the lobby of the clerk’s office for free use. Staff members help visitors run searches and pull files during business hours. An in-person visit gives full access to case files, exhibits, and original paper documents not scanned online.
What to Bring
Visitors must bring a valid government photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Bring any case numbers, party names, or filing dates you already have. A notebook and pen help record case details. Phone cameras are allowed, but flash photography of court files may be restricted. Avoid bringing large bags, as security may inspect them at the entrance.
Public Computer Use
The clerk’s office provides free public computers with access to My Florida Court Access and internal court databases. Each session runs for 30 minutes during busy periods. Staff can extend your session if no one is waiting. Printers are available for a small fee per page. The computers do not save your search history, so write down any case numbers you need for later visits.
Requesting File Access
Ask the clerk staff to pull a specific case file from the records room. Files can take 15 to 30 minutes to retrieve, depending on the age and size of the case. You can review the file in a designated reading area. Staff will return the file to storage when you finish. Do not remove original documents from the office. You can order copies of any pages you need.
Fees, Certified Copies, and Payment
The clerk’s office charges fees for copies, certifications, and special record searches. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card. A small service fee applies to credit card transactions.
Certified Copy Requests
A certified copy of a family court record carries the clerk’s seal and signature, which makes it valid for legal use. Many agencies, including passport offices, insurance companies, and other courts, require certified copies instead of regular copies. You can request certified copies in person or by mail. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a copy of your photo ID.
Fee Schedule Table
The following table shows common fees for Leon County family court record services. Prices are set by Florida statute and may change with new state laws. Always check the current fee schedule on the clerk’s website before requesting services.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy per page | $1.00 | Black and white |
| Color copy per page | $2.00 | Available on request |
| Certified copy per page | $2.00 | Plus $2.00 per document |
| Document certification | $2.00 | Per certified document |
| Record search fee | $2.00 | Per name per year |
| Fax filing fee | $10.00 | Per fax filing |
Access Rules and Sealed Records
Florida’s public records law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) allows access to most court files. Some family court records stay sealed to protect children, victims, and private financial data. Sealed records need a court order to open. The clerk can tell you if a record is sealed but cannot show its contents without proper legal authority.
Sealed Adoption Files
All Leon County adoption court records are sealed under Florida law. Only the court, the Department of Children and Families, and approved adults named in the adoption can view these files. Adopted adults who want their original birth certificate must file a request with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth parents seeking contact must go through a state-approved reunion registry.
Confidential Financial Records
Financial affidavits in divorce and support cases often contain bank numbers, income data, and asset details. These records are sealed in most cases. Only the parties, their attorneys, and the court can see the full financial picture. The clerk removes sensitive financial data from online views of the case docket.
Juvenile Dependency Records
Juvenile dependency cases, which involve child welfare, are not family court records under the same rules. These files are kept by the juvenile court division and stay sealed to protect the child and family. Access to juvenile records requires a court order or the consent of the parties involved.
Record Request by Mail
Residents who cannot visit the clerk’s office in person can request records by mail. Mail requests work well for certified copies and small document orders. The clerk processes mail requests in the order received and ships copies back by regular mail or UPS.
Mail Request Steps
Send a written request to the Leon County Clerk of Court at 301 South Monroe Street, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Include the case number, party names, and the specific documents you need. Attach a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for the correct fees. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return shipment.
Processing Time for Mail
Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days to process, depending on staff workload. Old or archived cases may take longer because staff must retrieve files from offsite storage. You can call (850) 606-4000 to check the status of a mail request. The clerk’s office does not email copies of court records for security reasons.
E-Filing and New Case Filings
Attorneys and self-represented parties file new family court cases through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. This system allows electronic submission of petitions, motions, and supporting documents. E-filing speeds up case processing and gives immediate confirmation of receipt.
E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal accepts filings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users create an account, select the case type, and upload documents in PDF format. The system charges a small convenience fee per filing. Self-represented filers can request a fee waiver based on income. Once accepted, filings appear in the online court record within 1 to 2 business days.
E-Filing Benefits for Researchers
New family cases filed through the e-portal show up in online searches faster than paper filings. Researchers tracking recent custody or divorce cases can use the e-filing date to narrow their search. The portal also shows filing party names, attorney names, and document types without needing an office visit.
Leon County Courthouse Visitor Information
Visitors to the Leon County family court should plan for parking, security, and wait times. The courthouse serves thousands of people each week for hearings, filings, and record requests. Following visitor rules helps the process run smoothly.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the Tallahassee City Hall garage on Duval Street, the Kleman Plaza garage, and several metered lots near the courthouse. The walk from these garages takes 5 to 10 minutes. Public bus routes stop near the courthouse on Adams Street. The building has wheelchair access at the main Monroe Street entrance.
Security Screening
All visitors pass through metal detectors at the entrance. Weapons, including pocket knives and mace, are not allowed inside. Leave these items in your car or at home. Cell phones are allowed but must be silenced inside courtrooms. Food and drinks are not allowed past the security checkpoint.
Office Contact Details
The Leon County Clerk of Court family records office can be reached at (850) 606-4000. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on all state and federal holidays. The official website is leoncountyfl.gov. The mailing address is 301 South Monroe Street, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover common concerns from people who search Leon County family court records. Each answer gives direct, useful facts to help you complete your search. These answers reflect the current rules of the Leon County Clerk of Court as of 2026.
How do I find a divorce case number in Leon County?
You can find a Leon County divorce court record case number by searching the My Florida Court Access portal using the full legal names of both spouses. Select “Family” as the case type and enter the filing year if known. The portal shows the case number, filing date, and current status. If you cannot find it online, visit the clerk’s office with a photo ID. Staff can search archived records from 1978 to the present for a small search fee per name per year.
Are child custody records public in Leon County?
Most Leon County child custody case records are public, but specific details about minor children are removed. The case docket, parenting plan, and court orders are open to public view. Financial documents, medical records, and sealed exhibits are not public. A court order can seal an entire custody case in rare cases, such as when child safety is at risk. The clerk can confirm the public status of any case file.
Can I view adoption records in Leon County?
No, Leon County adoption court records are sealed under Florida law. Only the court, the Department of Children and Families, and the adoptive parents can see the full file. An adopted adult who is 18 or older can request a copy of their original birth certificate through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth parents seeking contact must use the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry, which only releases information if both parties register.
How much does a certified copy cost in Leon County?
A certified copy of a family court record costs $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. A small service fee applies to credit card payments. You can request certified copies in person or by mail. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a copy of your photo ID. Processing takes 7 to 14 business days by mail.
What information do I need to search a family court record?
To search Leon County family court case information, gather the full legal name of at least one party, the case type (divorce, custody, support, etc.), and the approximate filing year. A case number makes the search faster and more exact. If you have a court order from the case, the case number is printed at the top of the first page. The clerk can run a search using just a name and year for a small fee.
Can I access family court records from home?
Yes, you can access most Leon County family court online records through the My Florida Court Access portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal is free and works on any computer or smartphone. You can see case status, party names, filing dates, and selected documents. Some records, like sealed financial forms and adoption files, are not available online. For these records, visit the clerk’s office in person or request copies by mail.
What if a record is sealed or restricted?
If a Leon County family court record is sealed, the clerk cannot show the file without a court order. To open a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court that issued the seal. A judge reviews the motion and decides if good cause exists to open the file. Domestic violence injunction records and juvenile dependency records are common examples of sealed files. The clerk can confirm if a record is sealed but not its contents.