This privacy policy explains how your data is collected, stored, used, and protected when you search for Florida divorce records through our service. We also cover the privacy rules that apply to public divorce records held by Florida courts and government agencies.
By using this site, you accept the practices described here.
What This Privacy Policy Covers
This page covers two separate areas of privacy. The first area is your personal data when you visit our website. The second area is the privacy rules that apply to Florida public divorce records held by courts, clerks, and state agencies. Both areas matter if you want to search for divorce decrees, marriage dissolution records, or certified copies in Florida.
Your Data on Our Site
When you visit our site, we collect some data from your device and your browser. This data helps us run the site, fix problems, and improve your search results. We do not collect more data than we need to operate the service.
Florida Public Divorce Records Privacy
Florida divorce records are public under Florida’s Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This means most divorce decrees, case files, and final judgments can be viewed by any member of the public. Your privacy is limited once a divorce case is finalized and filed with the Clerk of Court.
Data We Collect From You
We collect two types of data from users who search for Florida divorce records. The first type is what you type into the search box. The second type is data your browser sends us automatically when you load a page.
Search Query Data
When you type a name, county, or case number into our search tool, we send that text to our data partners. They return matching divorce records, case numbers, and court locations. We do not store your search queries on our servers after the search is complete. We do not build a profile of who you are based on the names you search for.
Automatic Device Data
Each time you load a page on our site, our servers log basic technical details. This data helps us spot problems, measure traffic, and improve the site. The data we log includes:
- Your IP address
- Your browser type and version
- Your device type and operating system
- The pages you visit and how long you stay
- The website that sent you to our page
- The date and time of your visit
How We Use Your Data
We use the data we collect for clear, specific purposes. We do not use your data for reasons outside the list below. If we ever change how we use your data, we will update this page and notify you when possible.
Running the Search Service
We use your search input to query our data partners and return matching Florida divorce records. The data partners process your search and send back results like divorce case numbers, filing dates, and court locations. Your search input is not kept after the results load.
Improving Site Performance
We use automatic device data to find slow pages, broken links, and other technical issues. We also use it to count how many people visit each page. This helps us decide which pages to build, fix, or remove.
Showing Relevant Ads
We use third-party ad networks to display ads on some pages. These networks may use cookies to show ads that match your interests. You can opt out of personalized ads through your browser settings or through the ad network’s own opt-out page.
Cookies and Tracking
Cookies are small text files your browser stores on your device. We use cookies for basic site functions, traffic measurement, and ad delivery. You can block or delete cookies through your browser at any time. Blocking cookies may cause parts of the site to stop working as expected.
Types of Cookies We Use
We use four main types of cookies on this site. Each type has a clear job. None of them collect sensitive personal data like your Social Security number or bank account details.
- Essential cookies that keep the site running
- Analytics cookies that count visits and page views
- Preference cookies that remember your settings
- Advertising cookies that support ad delivery
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our site are placed by third parties, not by us. These include Google Analytics, ad networks, and search data partners. Each third party has its own privacy policy. We recommend you read their policies to learn how they handle your data.
Florida Divorce Records and Public Access
Florida is a strong public records state. Most divorce records are open to the public once the case is closed. This rule comes from Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. Knowing these rules helps you protect your own privacy when you file for divorce.
What Is Public in a Divorce File
The Clerk of Court keeps the full case file. Most parts of that file are public. The clerk must let any person view, copy, or request certified copies of the public parts. Items that are public include the final judgment of divorce, the case number, the names of both spouses, the filing date, and the county where the case was heard.
What Can Be Sealed or Restricted
Some parts of a divorce file can be sealed by a judge. A judge can seal financial records, child custody details, personal identification numbers, and certain medical records. The party asking for the seal must file a written motion and show a clear reason. Sealed records are not part of the public file.
Sensitive Personal Information
Florida law requires clerks to redact certain sensitive details before releasing public records. Redacted items often include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and the names of minor children. The redaction is done to protect against identity theft and fraud.
Who Else Gets Your Data
We do not sell your personal data. We do share your data with a small list of trusted partners who help us run the site. Each partner must follow data protection rules. We list every type of partner below so you know exactly where your data goes.
Search and Data Partners
We send your search input to data partners who maintain large Florida public records databases. These partners return matching divorce records to us. They do not receive your IP address or device data. They only get the search terms you typed.
Analytics Providers
We use Google Analytics to count visits and measure how people use the site. Google may set cookies and collect IP addresses. Google has its own privacy policy that explains how they handle that data. You can install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on to stop tracking.
Advertising Networks
We work with ad networks that show ads on our pages. These networks may use cookies to show ads based on your visits to this site and other sites. Each ad network has its own data practices. You can opt out through the Digital Advertising Alliance or the Network Advertising Initiative.
Legal Requests
We share data when we receive a valid court order, subpoena, or search warrant. We also share data when required by federal, state, or local law. We will challenge any legal request we believe is too broad or improper.
How We Protect Your Data
We use industry-standard security tools to protect the data we collect. These tools include encryption, firewalls, access controls, and regular security audits. No system is perfect, but we take every reasonable step to keep your data safe from theft, loss, and unauthorized access.
Encryption and Secure Connections
All data sent between your browser and our site travels over HTTPS with TLS encryption. This stops third parties from reading your data while it moves across the internet. Our internal systems also use encryption for stored data.
Access Controls
Only a small number of trained staff can access the data we collect. Each staff member uses multi-factor authentication. We log every access to data and review those logs for unusual activity. Staff who no longer need access have their permissions removed right away.
Data Retention
We keep automatic device data for up to 24 months. We keep search query data for less than 24 hours. We delete data on a set schedule. We do not keep data longer than we need it for the purposes listed in this policy.
Your Privacy Rights
You have rights over the personal data we collect. These rights depend on where you live. Florida residents have rights under Florida law. Residents of other states like California, Virginia, Colorado, and Connecticut have rights under their own state laws. European Union residents have rights under the GDPR.
Right to View Your Data
You can ask us what personal data we have about you. We will send you a copy within 45 days. If we need more time, we will tell you why and give you a new deadline. You can submit a data request by email or through our contact form.
Right to Correct Your Data
You can ask us to fix any data we have about you that is wrong or incomplete. We will update the data within 30 days. If a third party holds the data, we will forward your correction request to that party.
Right to Delete Your Data
You can ask us to delete the personal data we have about you. We will delete it within 45 days unless we have a legal reason to keep it. We may keep data needed to follow the law, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements.
Right to Opt Out of Sale
California residents can opt out of the sale of their personal data. We do not sell personal data, but we still honor opt-out requests. You can submit an opt-out request at any time. We will respond within 15 business days.
Children Under 18
This site is not meant for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we learn we have collected data from a child, we will delete it as soon as possible. Parents who believe their child provided data can contact us to request deletion.
Third-Party Links
Our pages link to other websites, including Florida court websites, county clerk sites, and state agency pages. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those other sites. Once you leave our site, the privacy policy of the new site applies. Read their policies before you share any data.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we will post the updated version on this page and change the effective date at the top. Major changes will be announced through a banner on the site or by email if you have an account. Check this page often to stay up to date.
Florida Official Contacts for Divorce Records
The list below includes the main Florida agencies that hold divorce records. You can contact them directly to order certified copies, ask about a case, or request a record search. Office hours and phone numbers were verified as of August 2026.
Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps records of divorces that occurred in Florida from June 1927 to the present. You can order a Florida divorce certificate through their office. The bureau is part of the Florida Department of Health. Walk-in service is available at the Jacksonville office. Mail orders are accepted statewide.
- Phone: 904-359-6900
- Website: www.floridahealth.gov/certificates
- Address: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET
Florida Clerks of Court
Each Florida county has a Clerk of Court that holds the full case file for divorces filed in that county. The clerk can provide certified copies of the final judgment, the case docket, and supporting documents. Fees and access rules vary by county. Most clerks offer online, mail, and in-person service.
Major County Clerk Contact Details
The table below lists the clerk contact details for the largest Florida counties. These counties handle the highest number of divorce filings each year. Always call the clerk before visiting to confirm hours, fees, and document requirements.
| County | Clerk Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | 305-275-1155 | www.miami-dadeclerk.com |
| Broward | 954-831-6565 | www.browardclerk.org |
| Orange | 407-836-2000 | www.myorangeclerk.com |
| Hillsborough | 813-276-8100 | www.hillsclerk.com |
| Palm Beach | 561-355-2996 | www.mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Duval | 904-255-2000 | www.duvalclerk.com |
| Pinellas | 727-464-7000 | www.pinellasclerk.org |
| Lee | 239-533-5000 | www.leeclerk.org |
Frequently Asked Questions About Privacy and Florida Divorce Records
Below are answers to common questions about privacy when searching for Florida divorce records. These questions cover public access, data security, sealed records, and what to do if your data is exposed. Each answer reflects Florida law and current practice as of August 2026.
Are Florida divorce records public?
Yes. Most Florida divorce records are public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. Once a divorce case is closed and the final judgment is filed with the Clerk of Court, any person can view the public parts of the case file. This includes the names of both spouses, the case number, the filing date, the county, and the terms of the final judgment. The clerk may redact sensitive details like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers before releasing the file.
Can I seal my divorce records in Florida?
Yes, but only in limited cases. A judge can seal part or all of a divorce file if the party asking for the seal shows a clear privacy or safety reason. Common reasons include threats of harm, financial fraud risks, and the protection of minor children. The party must file a written motion and serve the other side. The judge will hold a hearing before deciding. Sealed records cannot be viewed by the public without a new court order.
How long does the Bureau of Vital Statistics keep divorce records?
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps records of divorces that occurred from June 1927 to the present. Earlier records may exist in county archives but are not held by the state bureau. You can order a Florida divorce certificate through the bureau for any divorce filed within this date range. Older county records may be available only from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted.
Do I need a reason to search Florida divorce records?
No. Florida law does not require you to give a reason to view public divorce records. The Public Records Law states that any person can request access to public records without showing a purpose. You do not need to be a party to the case. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to prove a family relationship. The clerk must provide access unless the record is sealed or exempted by law.
Is it legal to search Florida divorce records online?
Yes. Online searches through official clerk websites, third-party public records sites, and state databases are legal. You may use the results for personal, legal, or business purposes. You may not use the data to stalk, harass, commit identity theft, or break any other law. Florida law treats misuse of public records the same as misuse of private records.
What should I do if my divorce information appears online without my consent?
Start by filing a motion to seal the records with the clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. A judge can order sensitive details redacted from online indexes. You can also ask third-party sites to remove your records by following their opt-out process. Florida’s strong public records law makes removal difficult, but a valid court order will require most sites to comply.
How do I order a certified copy of a Florida divorce decree?
You can order a certified copy of a Florida divorce decree from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted. You can also order a Florida divorce certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics for divorces from June 1927 forward. The clerk can provide a certified copy of the full final judgment. The bureau can only provide a certificate with basic facts like names, date, and county. Fees range from $5 to $25 plus shipping.