St Lucie County Florida divorce records are official court files that confirm a marriage has been legally ended by a judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit. These records are kept by the St.
Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The clerk’s office stores the full court file, including the petition, the final judgment, and any later filings. People need these records for name changes, remarriage proof, real estate updates, bank account changes, and many other legal tasks.
Where to Find St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records
St Lucie County Florida divorce records live in one main place: the county clerk’s office. The clerk runs the court system locally. The clerk also handles all paper and digital files for family cases. Florida law supports broad public access to these files through state rules.
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court
The St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main office that holds divorce case files. The clerk’s office accepts search requests online, by mail, and in person. The clerk handles the official records search portal for St Lucie County Florida divorce records. You can visit the website at stlucieclerk.com to start a search.
Circuit Court Family Division
The 19th Judicial Circuit Court serves St. Lucie County. The Family Division handles all dissolution of marriage filings. This division is part of the same office that stores St Lucie County Florida divorce records. Family court staff can help you locate a case number or a filing date.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics issues state-level certificates. These certificates confirm a divorce happened in Florida. They do not include the full court file. The Bureau of vital statistics can help when you only need short proof of divorce, not the full decree.
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the Office of Vital Records in Jacksonville. This office stores statewide divorce certificate records from 1927 to the present. You can order a certificate from this office if you need proof that the divorce was recorded at the state level. This is a separate step from getting the full county case file.
Third-Party Record Websites
Some private websites collect Florida public divorce records from many counties. These sites can help you check basic facts. They do not give certified copies. For legal use, always go to the county clerk or the state vital records office for an official copy.
How to Search St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records
Searching St Lucie County Florida divorce records takes a few clear steps. The right search method depends on what you have. A case number makes the search faster. Names and dates work too.
Search by Name
A name search is the most common way to find St Lucie County Florida divorce records. The clerk’s online system lets you search by last name, first name, or both. Use the name the person had at the time of filing. Be ready for common names to return many results. You may need to add a date range to narrow the list.
Search by Case Number
A case number search is the fastest method. The case number looks like a year, a court code, and a sequence number. If you already know the case number, you can skip the name search. Case numbers stay the same on every document in the case file. They help you find every filing tied to that one divorce.
Search by Date Range
A date range search helps when you know roughly when the divorce was filed. The clerk system lets you set a start date and an end date. This cuts down the number of files to check. It works well with a name search.
Florida Divorce Case Number Search Tool
The clerk site includes a case search tool. The tool pulls data from the official court docket. You can search by name, case number, or date. Each result shows the party names, the filing date, and the case status. This is the same data used by court staff for St Lucie County Florida divorce records.
Types of Documents in St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records
St Lucie County Florida divorce records are made up of different document types. Each type serves a different purpose. Knowing the difference helps you order the right one.
Divorce Certificate
A Florida divorce certificate is a short state-issued document. It confirms the basic facts: who, when, and where. It does not show court orders on property, children, or support. Many people call this the “short form.” The state Bureau of vital statistics issues these certificates.
Divorce Decree
A Florida divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage. It includes the judge’s ruling on property, children, support, and other issues. The decree is signed by the judge and filed with the clerk. The county clerk keeps the original. Certified copies come from the clerk.
Final Judgment of Divorce
The Florida final judgment of divorce is the formal court order. It is often called the “final judgment.” It is the same as the decree in most cases. The judgment lists the court terms that both spouses must follow. This is the document most banks and agencies ask for.
Court Docket Sheet
A court docket sheet lists every filing in the case in order. It shows what was filed and when. The docket sheet helps you see the full history of the case. It does not include the full text of every document.
Dissolution of Marriage Records
Florida dissolution of marriage records is the full set of court papers. The term “dissolution” means the same as “divorce” under Florida law. All files in the family court file use this term.
How to Request Copies of St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records
You can request copies of St Lucie County Florida divorce records in three ways. Each way has its own steps and fees.
Online Request
The clerk’s website lets you place a copy order online. You need a case number or full party names. You pay the fee by credit card. The system emails you when the copy is ready. Online requests work well for plain copies.
In-Person Request
You can visit the clerk’s office in person. The main office is in Fort Pierce. Bring a photo ID and the case facts. You can pay by cash, card, or check. In-person requests are often ready the same day.
Mail Request
You can mail a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the full names, date range, and case number if you have it. Include a self-addressed envelope and a check for the fee. Mail requests take longer but reach people who cannot visit in person.
Fees and Copy Types for St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records
The clerk charges fees for copies. Fees vary by copy type. Knowing the fee helps you plan your request.
| Document Type | Copy Type | Fee (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Copy | Standard | $1.00 per page |
| Certified Copy | Certified | $3.50 per document plus pages |
| Docket Sheet | Printed | $2.00 per page |
| Divorce Certificate (State) | State Issued | Check current state fee |
Florida Law and St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records
Florida law shapes how St Lucie County Florida divorce records work. Two key chapters cover these files. Florida Chapter 61 covers family law and divorce procedure. Florida Chapter 119 covers public records access. Together, these laws support open access to court files while protecting certain facts.
Public Inspection Rules
Florida Chapter 119 lets any person inspect or copy public court records. The clerk must let you see the file unless a judge has sealed it. Most divorce files are open. Sealed files require a court order to view.
Redaction Rules
The clerk removes sensitive facts from public copies. Redacted items include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s full names. This protects people while keeping the file open.
Sealed Records
A judge can seal a divorce file. Sealed files are not open to the public. Common reasons include safety concerns and protected identity cases. You can ask the court to unseal a file, but you must show a good reason.
Certified Copy of a Florida Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a Florida divorce decree is the official copy with a raised or stamped seal. Banks, agencies, and other courts ask for certified copies. The clerk at the county level issues certified copies of the decree. The state issues certified copies of the short certificate. Pick the right one based on what you need.
Using St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records After Judgment
After a divorce is final, people use St Lucie County Florida divorce records for many life tasks. Each task has a document match.
Name Change Updates
To change your name back or to a new name, you need a certified copy of the final judgment. Take it to the Social Security office first, then the DMV, then banks and other agencies.
Remarriage Proof
If you plan to remarry, the county clerk or the state vital records office can give you proof that your prior divorce was final. The county clerk shows the final judgment date. The state certificate shows the same on a short form.
Property and Financial Updates
Banks, lenders, and title companies ask for the divorce decree. They need to see the terms on property and debt. A certified copy is usually required.
Retirement and Benefits
Pension plans and benefit offices ask for a certified copy of the final judgment. The decree shows how benefits are split between spouses.
Florida Dissolved Marriage Records vs. Divorce Records
“Dissolved marriage records” and “divorce records” mean the same thing under Florida law. Florida dissolved marriage records is the legal term for divorce. Both terms point to the same court file at the clerk’s office.
Florida Marriage Dissolution Records by County
Florida marriage dissolution records are kept at the county level. Each county has its own clerk. If the divorce happened in another county, contact that county’s clerk. Common Florida counties with high case volume include Orange County Florida divorce records, Miami-Dade County divorce records, Broward County divorce records, Hillsborough County divorce records, Palm Beach County divorce records, Duval County divorce records, and Pinellas County divorce records.
Apostille for St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records
An apostille is a state seal that proves a Florida document is real for another country. If you need St Lucie County Florida divorce records for use abroad, you may need an apostille. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. The clerk can certify the copy first, then you send it to the state for the apostille.
St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records Source
The clerk’s website is the main source for St Lucie County Florida divorce records. You can search and order from one place.
Clerk Website: https://www.stlucieclerk.com/
Supporting Portal: https://www.circuit19.org/
State Records Guidance: https://www.myfloridacounty.com/official_records/
Florida Chapter 61 Reference: https://www.flclerks.com/
Family Law Forms: https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms
Contact Details for St Lucie County Clerk
The St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves the public Monday through Friday. The office handles family court files, including St Lucie County Florida divorce records. Visitors can request copies in person during business hours. Phone lines are open during the same hours for case status questions and fee details.
St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court
201 South Indian River Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Website: https://www.stlucieclerk.com/
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About St Lucie County Florida Divorce Records
The questions below cover what people most often ask about St Lucie County Florida divorce records. Each answer gives direct facts you can use right away. The answers draw from Florida law, clerk rules, and the way the court system handles these files every day.
Are St Lucie County Florida divorce records public?
Yes. St Lucie County Florida divorce records are public under Florida law. Florida Chapter 119 supports public access to court files. The clerk lets anyone view or copy the file unless a judge has sealed it. Sensitive data like Social Security numbers is removed from public copies. Most divorce files are fully open from filing through final judgment and beyond.
How do I get a certified copy of a Florida divorce decree?
You can get a certified copy of a Florida divorce decree from the county clerk that handled the case. For St Lucie County Florida divorce records, contact the St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Bring a photo ID, the case number if you have it, and pay the certified copy fee. You can order in person, by mail, or online through the clerk’s website.
What is the difference between a Florida divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A Florida divorce certificate is a short state-issued document. It confirms the basic facts of the divorce. A Florida divorce decree is the full court order. It includes the judge’s terms on property, children, and support. The state Bureau of vital statistics issues certificates. The county clerk issues certified copies of the decree.
Can I search St Lucie County Florida divorce records for free?
Yes. A free Florida divorce records search is open through the clerk’s online search tool. You can search by name, case number, or date range. Viewing the docket is free. Copies and certified copies have fees. The clerk charges per page and per certified document.
How long does it take to get St Lucie County Florida divorce records?
In-person requests at the clerk’s office are often ready the same day. Online orders take one to three business days. Mail orders take longer because of postal time plus clerk processing. The clerk’s office can give you a current time estimate when you place the order.
Can I get St Lucie County Florida divorce records from another state?
Yes. You can request St Lucie County Florida divorce records by mail from another state. Include the full names, the date range, and the case number if you know it. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the copy fee. The clerk will mail the copy to you.
Do I need a lawyer to get St Lucie County Florida divorce records?
No. You do not need a lawyer to request copies of St Lucie County Florida divorce records. The clerk serves any requester. A lawyer is only needed if you want to unseal a file or fight a denial. For simple copy requests, you can act on your own.