Taylor County Florida divorce records are official court files that show when a marriage ended in this small North Florida county. The county seat is Perry.
The county was created in 1856 and named after President Zachary Taylor. These files come from the Taylor County Clerk of Court office. People search these files for many reasons. Some need proof of a divorce. Others want to check if a divorce is final. Some need a copy for a name change on other papers. The records cover cases from the late 1800s to today. Older files take longer to locate. Newer files are often online. This page shows how to search Taylor County divorce records. It shows what types of files exist. It lists fees and office hours. Read each section for full details on the local process.
Where Taylor County Divorce Records Come From
Divorce records in Taylor County come from three main places. The county clerk keeps the full case file. The state keeps a short certificate. The court that heard the case has a copy. Each place has a different job. Knowing the right place saves time and money for the requester.
The Clerk of Court Office
The Taylor County Clerk of Court is the main place for divorce files. This office sits in the county courthouse in Perry. The clerk keeps all papers filed in court cases. This includes petitions, judgments, and final decrees. The clerk stamps and certifies copies. All divorce case papers pass through this office. The clerk office is part of the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers six counties. Taylor County is one of them. The clerk office also keeps the docket number and the case schedule.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps divorce certificates. A certificate is a short form. It shows the names of both spouses. It shows the date and county of divorce. It does not show why the marriage ended. It does not show who paid child support. The Department of Health started keeping these records in 1927. Older divorce certificates may not exist at the state level. For older records, the county clerk is the only source for the data.
County Versus State Records
County records have more details than state records. The county file shows every paper in the case. It includes motions, orders, and hearings. The state certificate shows only the basic details. Most people need the county file for legal matters. Most people need the certificate for simple proof. Choose the right type before you order. Wrong orders waste time and money for both the requester and the clerk office.
How to Search Divorce Records in Taylor County
There are three main ways to search Taylor County divorce records. You can search online. You can walk into the clerk office. You can send a mail request. Each method works for different needs. Pick the method that fits your case and your timeline.
Online Court Records Search
The Taylor County clerk offers an online search tool. This tool shows cases filed in the county. You can search by name. You can search by case number. You can search by filing date. The tool shows basic case details. It does not always show full documents. Full papers cost extra. The online search works for most cases from 1980 to today. Older cases may not be in the system. You may need to call the clerk for older searches and storage pulls.
Phone and Walk-In Requests
You can call the clerk office during business hours. The phone number is listed below in the contact section. Staff can check if a case exists. They can tell you the case number. They cannot give full case details by phone. You must visit the office for full papers. Walk-in visits work well for simple requests. Bring a photo ID. Bring the names of both spouses. Bring the year of the divorce if you know it.
Mail-In Record Requests
Mail requests work for people who live far away. Send a written request to the clerk office. Include the full names of both spouses. Include the year of the divorce. Include your mailing address. Include a check or money order for the fee. Include a copy of your photo ID. The clerk mails the records back to you. Mail requests take longer than walk-ins. Plan for two to four weeks of mail time plus return delivery.
Types of Divorce Records You Can Get
Taylor County has three main types of divorce records. Each type serves a different need. Pick the type that matches your goal. Wrong orders delay your plans and cost extra fees at the window.
Final Divorce Decree
A final divorce decree is the court order that ends a marriage. It is signed by the judge. It lists the terms of the divorce. It may list child custody. It may list child support. It may list property division. A certified copy of this decree is needed for most legal steps. Banks may ask for it. Insurance companies may ask for it. Other courts may ask for it. The decree is part of the county court file.
Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate is a short state form. It shows the names of both spouses. It shows the date the divorce was final. It shows the county where the divorce was granted. It does not show the terms of the divorce. The state Department of Health issues this form. Many people call it a divorce certificate. It costs less than a full decree. It works for simple proof needs like proof of single status.
Full Case File
A full case file includes every paper in the divorce case. It has the petition. It has the response. It has motions. It has orders. It has the final decree. Lawyers often request the full file. People in follow-up cases request it too. The full file costs more than a single document. It takes longer to copy. Old files may be in storage and need extra time to pull from boxes.
Comparison of Record Types
The table below shows how the three record types differ. Use this to pick the right record for your needs and avoid double orders.
| Record Type | What It Shows | Best For | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Decree | Full court terms | Legal steps, name change | County Clerk |
| Certificate | Names and date | Simple proof of status | State Health Dept. |
| Full Case File | All case papers | Lawyers, appeals | County Clerk |
Getting a Certified Copy of a Divorce Record
A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp. This seal proves the copy is real. Courts and agencies ask for certified copies. Plain copies do not work for most legal needs. The clerk office handles all certified copy orders in Taylor County through one counter.
What You Need to Provide
The clerk office needs details to locate your record. Bring or send the full legal name of each spouse. Bring or send the year of the divorce. Bring or send the case number if you know it. Bring a photo ID. The clerk uses these details to locate the right file. Wrong details lead to wrong files and empty folders. Double check all names and dates before sending the request.
Fees You Will Pay
The clerk office charges fees for certified copies. Each certified copy of a divorce decree costs a set fee. The fee changes from time to time. Call the clerk office for the current fee. Search fees also apply. A name search costs a small fee per year range. Payment methods vary. Walk-ins can pay cash, check, or card. Mail orders need a check or money order. Some offices do not accept cards for mail orders through the post office.
How Long It Takes
Walk-in requests for certified copies take about 30 minutes. Mail requests take two to four weeks. Old case files take longer. Files from before 1980 may be in storage. Storage pulls take five to ten business days. Rush services may be available for an extra fee. Call the clerk office to ask about rush service at the front desk.
Common Fee Schedule
The table below shows common fees for Taylor County divorce records. Fees can change each budget year. Call the clerk office for current fees before sending payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified Copy of Decree | About $1 per page plus $2 certification |
| Name Search | Small fee per year range |
| Rush Service | Extra fee applies |
Florida Laws That Cover Divorce Records
Florida state laws control who can see divorce records. These laws apply to all counties. Taylor County follows the same state rules. Knowing the rules helps you plan your request and avoid surprise redactions at the counter.
Public Access Laws
Florida has strong public records laws. Most court files are open to the public. Anyone can view them. Anyone can copy them. The Florida Public Records Act covers divorce files. The law treats divorce cases like other civil cases. The public has a right to see most papers. Some papers stay sealed. Sealed papers need a court order to view and a judge signature.
Sealed and Redacted Records
Some parts of a divorce file may be sealed. A judge can seal files that involve children. A judge can seal files that involve safety. A judge can seal files that involve private money matters. Sealed files need a court order to open. Redacted files are open. Some details are hidden in the copy. Social Security numbers are often redacted. Bank account numbers are often redacted. Children’s names may be redacted on the public view.
Who Can Access Records
Most people can access public divorce files. Former spouses can access the file. Lawyers for either party can access the file. Judges can access the file. Researchers can access the file. The general public can access the file at the clerk window. Some files need extra steps. Sealed files need a court order. Files with redacted details need a clear reason to view the redacted parts under Florida law.
About the Taylor County Court System
Taylor County uses the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers six North Florida counties. The main courthouse handles all divorce cases filed in the county. The judge in the circuit hears family law cases on a set docket. The circuit has a senior judge program for older cases. Each judge follows the same state rules. Each county has its own clerk office. The clerk office handles all paper filings. The clerk office stamps all court orders. The clerk office keeps the case docket for every divorce. Visitors to the courthouse should dress in business clothes. Cell phones must be on silent in the courtroom. The court has a metal detector at the front door. Visitors should arrive early for hearings. Some cases settle before trial. Other cases need a full hearing before the judge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple mistakes when they request Taylor County divorce records. These mistakes cost time and money at the window. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them on the first try.
Wrong Names on the Request
Some people send names that do not match the court file. Nicknames do not work in the clerk system. Married names may not match the file. The file uses the legal name at the time of divorce. Check old papers to see the legal name. Send the full legal name as it appears on the court order.
Missing Year of Divorce
Some people forget to include the divorce year. The clerk office needs a year range for the search. A wide range costs more at the window. A narrow range can miss the file in the cabinet. Pick a range that covers the divorce year. Add one year before and one year after the year you think the divorce happened.
Wrong Payment Amount
Some people send the wrong fee amount. The fee can change each budget year. Call the clerk office for the current fee. Send a check or money order for the exact amount. Do not send cash through the mail. The clerk will return the request if the fee is wrong or missing a signature on the check.
Common Reasons People Request Records
People request Taylor County divorce records for many reasons. Each reason has a best record type. Pick the right type for your reason. This saves fees and reduces wait time at the clerk counter.
Name Change After Divorce
Many people change their name after a divorce. They may go back to a maiden name. They may choose a new name. The Social Security office needs proof of the divorce. The DMV needs proof of the divorce. Banks need proof of the divorce. A certified copy of the final decree works for all these needs. The decree shows the new name. The decree shows the judge approved the name change.
Property and Money Matters
Divorce records help with money and property issues. Banks may need proof to remove a spouse from a loan. Lenders may need proof for new credit. Tax agencies may need proof for filing status. Insurance companies may need proof to update policies. A certified decree works for these needs. Older money cases may need the full case file for the judge ruling.
Family Law Follow-Up Cases
Some people need divorce records for follow-up cases. A parent may file for child support changes. A spouse may file for alimony changes. A person may file to enforce property terms. These follow-up cases need the full divorce file. The full file shows what the original judge ordered. The full file helps the new court make fair orders based on the old case.
Taylor County Clerk Office Contact Details
The Taylor County Clerk of Court handles all divorce record requests. The office sits in the county courthouse. You can visit, call, or write to the office. Below are the full contact details for the clerk office and the courthouse address.
Address and Phone Number
The clerk office address is 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, Florida 32347. The phone number is (850) 838-3500. The office sits in the Taylor County Courthouse. Parking is free on the street and in the lot. The building has wheelchair access at the side ramp. Visitors enter through the main door on Jefferson Street after the metal detector check.
Office Hours
The clerk office is open Monday through Friday. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The office is closed on state holidays. Walk-in requests are best before 4:00 PM. Late visits may not be processed the same day by the staff on duty.
Forms You Will Need
The clerk office uses standard Florida forms. Form 12.902 is the petition for dissolution of marriage. Form 12.903 is the response to the petition. Other forms cover child support and property claims. Record request forms are available at the office counter. Online forms are on the clerk website for download. Some forms need a notary stamp. The clerk office does not have a notary on staff. Bring your own notary if needed for signatures on the forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers common questions about Taylor County divorce records. These answers come from the clerk office and Florida state law. The answers reflect current rules as of September 2026. Each answer gives clear steps and points you to the right office at the courthouse in Perry.
How do I locate a divorce case in Taylor County?
You can locate a divorce case in Taylor County three ways. First, search the online court records system on the clerk website. You need the full legal name of at least one spouse. Second, call the clerk office at (850) 838-3500. Staff can run a name search for a small fee per year range. Third, visit the clerk office in person at 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, Florida 32347. Walk-in requests work for same-day results in most cases filed after 1980. Bring a photo ID and the details you know about the divorce. The clerk staff can help you locate the right case file from the docket index. Cases from before 1980 may need a manual search through old paper files. Manual searches take longer at the counter. Plan ahead for old case requests. Each search covers one name and one year range at the public terminal. A wider search covers more years but costs more in fees.
What is the cost of a certified divorce copy?
A certified copy of a divorce decree in Taylor County costs a set fee per page. The current fee is about $1 per page for the copy itself. A certification fee also applies to each document. The certification fee is about $2 per document at the clerk window. A name search costs a small fee per year range in the index. Call the clerk office for the exact current fees before you send payment. Fees can change each budget year in October. Walk-in requests can pay cash, check, or credit card at the front desk. Mail requests must pay by check or money order through the postal service. Make checks payable to the Clerk of Court with the case number on the memo line. Personal checks may not be accepted for mail requests at some offices. Money orders are the safest method for mail orders from other states or counties.
Can I view divorce records online for free?
Yes. You can view basic case details online for free through the public portal. The Taylor County clerk website has a public search tool that links to the Third Judicial Circuit system. The tool shows case numbers and filing dates for every case. The tool shows party names on the docket sheet. The tool does not show full documents for free download. Full documents cost a download fee per page. Older case details may not be online in the system. You may need to call or visit the clerk office for old records in storage. The free search works for most cases from 1980 to today in the database. Each search result gives the case type, the judge name, and the court division. You can print the search results for your own files at home.
Who can request sealed divorce records?
Only certain people can request sealed divorce records from the clerk. The former spouses can request their own sealed file under court rules. Lawyers for either spouse can request the file with a bar number on the request. A judge can order the file opened for a new case on the docket. Law enforcement can request the file for active criminal cases. Researchers cannot view sealed files at the public counter. The general public cannot view sealed files at the clerk window. A person who is not on the list must file a motion with the court. The court will decide if the file should be opened for the request. The motion costs a filing fee at the clerk office. The court may hold a hearing before ruling on the motion. The hearing date goes on the docket sheet for the public view.
How long does it take to get a divorce record?
Walk-in requests take about 30 minutes for simple orders at the counter. Mail requests take two to four weeks through the postal service. Old files from before 1980 may take five to ten business days to pull from storage boxes. Rush services may be available for an extra fee at the front desk. Call the clerk office to ask about rush service for same-day pickup. Rush service is not available for mail requests through the post office. Plan ahead for time-sensitive needs like court deadlines or travel dates. Court deadlines may not wait for slow records from storage. Start your request early to avoid delays in your case. The clerk staff can give you a pickup date for walk-in orders.
Is a Florida divorce certificate the same as a decree?
No. A Florida divorce certificate is not the same as a decree under Florida law. A certificate is a short state form with basic facts. It shows only the names, the date, and the county of the divorce. A decree is the full court order with all the legal terms. It shows the terms of the divorce and the judge signature. A certificate works for simple proof needs like name changes or single status. A decree works for legal steps that need the full terms like property or support. Choose the right type for your need at the time of order. Wrong orders waste money and time at the clerk window. The state Department of Health handles certificates by mail or online. The county clerk handles decrees at the local office.
Can I use a Taylor County divorce record in another state?
Yes. A certified Taylor County divorce record works in other US states. The certified seal proves the document is real under Florida law. Most states accept Florida certified copies from other state agencies. Some states may ask for an apostille for foreign use of the document. An apostille is a state-level stamp for foreign legal use of the paper. Apostilles come from the Florida Secretary of State office in Tallahassee. The clerk office can help you locate apostille steps for your case. Apostilles are not needed for use in other US states for routine matters. Apostilles are needed only for use in foreign countries under international rules. Plan ahead for foreign use of the certified copy at the consulate.