Are divorce records public in Florida? Yes, they generally are. Florida law considers divorce records public documents, which means most people can access them. However, it’s important to understand which parts are truly public, what might be restricted, and how to get copies of those records.
Divorce records include all legal documents filed during a divorce proceeding. These often contain:
Final judgment of dissolution
Parenting and custody plans
Asset and property division agreements
Financial disclosures
In Florida, each county’s Clerk of Court keeps these records. Therefore, you’ll need to know where the divorce was filed to access the correct documents.
Now, let’s answer the key question: Are divorce records public in Florida for everyone? For the most part, yes. But there are some restrictions to be aware of.
The following information is usually available to anyone:
Full names of the individuals involved
County and date of filing
Case status and final ruling
This openness promotes transparency and accountability within the legal system.
However, not every detail is available to the public. Certain sensitive elements are typically withheld or redacted:
Social Security numbers
Bank account or financial details
Information on child abuse or domestic violence
Mental health records
As a result, while you can view most of the file, deeply personal or harmful information stays private.
You can obtain Florida divorce records in several ways:
Search Online
Many counties have an online portal via the Clerk of Court’s website.
Visit the Clerk of Court
You can request records in person at the local courthouse.
Mail a Request
If you prefer, submit a written request by mail. Just be sure to include valid identification.
💡 For official guidance, visit the Florida Department of Health’s Vital Records page.
Yes — but only under specific circumstances. If both parties agree and the court approves the motion, the divorce file may be sealed. This usually happens when:
The case involves public figures
There are minor children involved
Domestic violence or abuse played a role
Since sealing records requires a judge’s approval, it isn’t automatic or guaranteed.
Many people access divorce records for personal or legal reasons, such as:
Conducting background checks
Tracing family history or genealogy
Verifying someone’s marital status
Gathering evidence for a related legal matter
To explore the divorce process in greater depth, check out our related article: How to Get a Divorce.
So, are divorce records public in Florida? In short, yes — but not everything is open to the public. While many documents are easy to obtain, others may be sealed for privacy or safety reasons. Understanding the law ensures you’re accessing records responsibly and legally.
Need help protecting your privacy or retrieving documents? Call us today at 813-499-9993 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.