Acquiring Online Florida Divorce Records This Year

Understanding Florida Divorce Records

Divorce records in Florida are maintained by the state and document the dissolution of a marriage legally recognized by the court. These records typically contain details such as the names of the individuals involved, the date and location of the divorce, case numbers, and sometimes the reasons for the separation.

Where to Find These Records

• For records from June 1927 to the present: The Florida Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics maintains these records. Each record can be requested for a fee of $5 per copy.
• For records before June 1927: These are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was granted.

How to Request Divorce Records

To request a divorce record, you will need to provide:

• Full names of both parties involved
• The maiden name of the wife
• Date of the divorce
• County or city where the divorce was granted

Payments for these records are typically made via check or money order. It's important to note that while divorce records are considered public information, Florida law restricts the availability of these records online to ensure privacy and security. Full copies of divorce documents are not available online and must be requested in person or through mail.

Choosing the Right Service for Accessing Records

When deciding how to access Florida divorce records, you have two main options:

1. Free Services: These can provide basic information but may lack comprehensiveness and reliability.
2. Paid Services: For a fee, these services offer detailed and accurate information, which is crucial for legal proceedings or detailed genealogical research.

Why Opt for Paid Record Providers?

Paid services ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data, which is essential when the records are needed for legal reasons or detailed historical research. They also provide customer support and streamlined access to records, which can save time and effort.

The Importance of Accurate Data

Divorce records are often sought for sensitive and critical reasons. The accuracy of this data can impact legal proceedings, inheritance claims, and personal history searches. Inaccurate information can lead to legal challenges or historical inaccuracies in genealogical research.

Statistical Insights

According to the Florida Department of Health, there were over 77,000 divorces in Florida in 2019 alone. This high volume of cases underscores the importance of an efficient system for managing and accessing divorce records.

Conclusion

Accessing Florida divorce records online involves understanding where and how to request these documents and choosing the right service based on your needs. Whether for personal, legal, or research purposes, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information obtained is paramount. By following the guidelines outlined above, individuals can navigate this process more effectively.

For more detailed information on accessing public records, you can visit the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics or consult the Clerk of the Circuit Court for historical records.