Bradford County Florida divorce records are public court files held by the Bradford County Clerk of Court, with state-level certificate copies provided through the Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics. People search these records to confirm a divorce is final, get a copy of the judgment, or update legal documents after a marriage ends.
This page covers the records, the law behind them, and the steps to request copies in Bradford County.
How to Request Bradford County Divorce Records
Bradford County divorce records are split between two main sources. The county clerk holds the full court case file, including the petition, hearings, and the final judgment. The state vital records office holds short-form certificates that prove a divorce was granted. Most people need both at different times, so it helps to know which office to contact first.
Bradford County Clerk of Court
The Bradford County Clerk of Court sits in Starke, Florida, and serves as the official keeper of all court records filed in the county. This office keeps the complete divorce case file, which is often called the court file. You can request the final judgment, also called the divorce decree, from this office in person, by mail, or online through the clerk’s records portal. The clerk also handles docket entries, which list every hearing date and filing in the case.
The clerk’s office is located at 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can reach the office by phone at (904) 966-6280. Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours, and mailed requests are processed in the order received.
Florida Office of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville issues statewide divorce certificates. These certificates are short-form documents that confirm a divorce took place, the date it was finalized, and the names of both spouses. They do not include case details, financial terms, or custody orders. Many agencies accept this certificate as proof of divorce because it carries an official state seal.
You can order the certificate online through VitalChek, by mail using a state application form, or in person at the Jacksonville office. Standard processing takes five to ten business days, with rush options available for an extra fee.
Online Court Records Search
The Bradford County Clerk offers an online records search tool that lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. This tool is a good first step to confirm the case number and judge before placing a copy order. The Florida Eighth Judicial Circuit also provides case search access for cases filed in Bradford County through the circuit court’s case management system.
Online searches show basic case data, such as party names, filing date, and case status. The full judgment document still needs to be ordered through the clerk if you need a certified copy. Online indexes may be missing older records, so a manual name search may be needed for cases filed before the digital system was built.
Types of Divorce Documents Available
Different documents serve different legal needs. A divorce decree, a case docket, and a state certificate each have their own purpose. Knowing which one to request saves time and money.
Divorce Decree or Final Judgment
The divorce decree is the signed court order that ends the marriage. It includes the judge’s name, the date the divorce was granted, and the terms of the ruling. This includes property division, alimony, child custody, and child support orders when applicable. Banks, insurance companies, and other agencies often require a certified copy of this document.
Case Docket and Hearing Records
The case docket is a chronological list of every action taken in a divorce case. It shows when the petition was filed, when each motion was heard, and when the final judgment was entered. Lawyers and people handling post-divorce legal matters often request docket records to confirm the case history. The docket does not include the actual contents of motions or orders, only the entries.
Certified vs Plain Copies
Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and signature and are accepted by most government agencies. Plain copies show the same text but lack the official seal, so they are usually accepted only for personal reference. A plain copy costs less than a certified copy, but it cannot be used for legal filings or official updates.
| Document Type | What It Contains | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Divorce Decree | Final judgment with court seal | Name changes, remarriage, legal filings |
| Plain Copy of Decree | Same judgment, no seal | Personal records, reference |
| Case Docket | List of all filings and hearings | Case history, legal research |
| State Certificate | Short-form confirmation of divorce | Quick proof for agencies |
Florida Law on Divorce Records
Florida law sets the rules for both divorce filings and public access to court records. Two main chapters of Florida law control what people can see and what stays sealed.
Public Access Under Florida Law
Florida’s Public Records Act, found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, makes most court records open to the public. Divorce records are part of this open system, which means anyone can view the case docket and order copies. The clerk may redact certain sensitive details, such as Social Security numbers and minor children’s identifying information, before releasing copies.
Dissolution of Marriage Filing Rules
The grounds for divorce, filing requirements, and case procedures come from Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. A dissolution of marriage in Bradford County begins when one spouse files a petition in the circuit court. The court then issues final orders after both parties meet the filing requirements. The final judgment date is the legal end of the marriage.
Florida allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce filings. Most filings today are no-fault, which means the marriage is described as irretrievably broken. Fault-based filings, including adultery or abandonment, are still allowed but rarely affect the outcome of property or custody terms.
Records Request Fees and Processing Times
The cost and turnaround time for a divorce record request depends on the document type and the office handling the order. County clerk fees are set by Florida statute, and state certificate fees are set by the Department of Health.
County Clerk Copy Fees
The Bradford County Clerk charges a set fee per page for regular copies and a higher fee for certified copies. The fee schedule is posted on the clerk’s website and updated each year. Most certified divorce decree orders cost between $20 and $40, depending on page count and certification level. Mailed requests must include payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope speeds delivery.
State Certificate Fees
The Florida Office of Vital Statistics charges a base fee for each divorce certificate, with extra charges for rush processing and additional copies. The standard fee is around $30 for one certificate, and rush service adds an additional fee that brings the total higher. Online orders through VitalChek include a service charge on top of the state fee.
Rush orders placed online are typically processed in two to three business days. Standard mail orders take seven to ten business days. Mail delays can add extra time, so online or in-person orders are faster for time-sensitive needs.
Common Reasons People Request Divorce Records
Divorce records are used for many legal and personal purposes after a marriage ends. The most common uses involve legal name changes, remarriage verification, and ongoing family court matters.
Name Change After Divorce
Many people change their name back to a previous name after a divorce. To do this, the Social Security Administration and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles both require a certified copy of the divorce decree. The decree serves as legal proof of the name change without needing a separate court order.
Remarriage Verification
Before a person can remarry in Florida, the new spouse or the marriage license office may ask for proof that any previous marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or a state certificate both serve this purpose. Some counties also accept a death certificate for a deceased former spouse, but a divorce decree is the standard proof when a marriage ended in divorce.
Post-Divorce Legal Matters
People often need certified divorce records for ongoing legal work after the case ends. This includes enforcement actions on alimony or child support, modifications of custody orders, and property transfer paperwork. The clerk’s case docket helps confirm the date and terms of prior orders in these later filings.
Searching for Older Divorce Records
Bradford County has court records dating back many decades, but older cases may not appear in the online search system. Paper records are kept in storage at the courthouse, and some have been microfilmed or scanned for digital access.
Records Before 1980
Divorce cases filed before 1980 are stored in the clerk’s archives. These records often exist only in paper form or on microfilm. Researchers and family historians who want older records should contact the clerk’s office in advance to confirm the records exist and schedule a time to review them. Search fees and copying fees still apply.
Records From the 1980s and 1990s
Cases from the 1980s and 1990s may appear in the online system, but records are not always complete. Some older case files were only partially scanned, so the online index may show a case without the actual document images. A manual request through the clerk is often needed to get older certified copies.
Bradford County Clerk Office Contact Details
The Bradford County Clerk of Court is the main point of contact for all court record requests in the county. The office serves both walk-in customers and mail requests.
Official website: https://www.bradfordclerk.com
Office address: 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091
Phone: (904) 966-6280
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics website: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/
How Florida Divorce Records Compare to Other Records
People often confuse divorce records with marriage records, birth records, and death records. Each type has its own source office and its own request process.
Divorce vs Marriage Records
Marriage records are filed with the county clerk where the marriage license was issued. Divorce records are filed with the clerk where the divorce was granted. These are often different counties. People who married and divorced in different counties need to contact two separate offices to get full records.
Divorce vs Other Court Records
Divorce cases are a specific type of family court record. Other family court matters include paternity cases, adoption records, and juvenile dependency cases. While these are also public records, the documents and forms are different. A divorce decree cannot be used to prove paternity or adoption.
Privacy Protections in Divorce Records
Even though divorce records are public, Florida law protects sensitive details from full public view. Some information is redacted before copies are released to protect privacy.
Redacted Information
The clerk removes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers before releasing copies. Children’s full names and dates of birth may also be redacted in public versions of the file. Sensitive medical and financial details are often sealed by court order, which means they cannot be released at all without a new court order.
Sealed Records
In rare cases, a divorce file can be sealed by court order. This happens when public access would cause serious harm to a party or a child. Sealed records are not available through normal request channels, and the clerk cannot release them without a new ruling from the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions people have about Bradford County Florida divorce records. The questions below cover cost, timing, and how to handle common issues.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce decree in Bradford County?
Certified copies of a Bradford County divorce decree are usually ready in three to five business days when ordered in person at the clerk’s office. Online and mail orders take longer, often seven to ten business days, because of mail delivery and processing time. Rush options are sometimes available for an extra fee. Plan ahead if you need the document for a deadline.
Can I search Bradford County divorce records for free?
Yes, the Bradford County Clerk’s online search tool is free to use. You can look up case numbers, party names, and filing dates without paying. The free search shows basic case data, but certified copies still have to be ordered and paid for through the clerk. State certificates always have a fee because they are official sealed documents.
Are Bradford County divorce records public?
Yes, Bradford County divorce records are public under Florida law. The case docket, hearing dates, and final judgment are all open to the public. Some sensitive details are redacted before copies are released, and certain files can be sealed by court order. Most people can view and request copies without showing a reason.
What if I do not know the case number?
If you do not know the case number, you can request a manual name search through the Bradford County Clerk. Provide the full legal name of each spouse and an approximate date range. The clerk will search the records and confirm whether a case exists. There may be a search fee for manual lookups, but the cost is usually small.
Can I get a Florida divorce certificate instead of the full decree?
Yes, the Florida Office of Vital Statistics issues short-form divorce certificates. These certificates prove a divorce was granted and show the date and the names of both spouses. They do not include custody or property terms. Many agencies accept the certificate in place of the full decree for simple proof of divorce.
What if the divorce was filed in another Florida county?
If the divorce was filed in a different Florida county, you need to contact that county’s clerk of court. Florida divorce records are kept by the county where the case was filed, not by the state. The Florida Office of Vital Statistics can issue a state certificate no matter which county handled the case.
Can I get a divorce decree apostille through Bradford County?
Yes, after you have a certified copy of the divorce decree, the Florida Department of State can add an apostille. An apostille is an extra certification used for documents sent to other countries that joined the Hague Apostille Convention. The clerk’s office cannot issue the apostille directly, but they can tell you how to send the certified copy to the Department of State for that step.