Franklin County Florida divorce records are public court documents held by the local Clerk of Court in Apalachicola, Florida. These records cover all legal dissolutions of marriage filed inside the county since it formed in 1832.
Anyone can request copies for legal, personal, or genealogy reasons. The Franklin County Clerk serves as the main records custodian for court files. The Florida Department of Health issues statewide divorce certificates across all counties. The 2nd Judicial Circuit Court hears every divorce case filed in this county. Visitors to the courthouse can review public files during normal business hours. Mail and online requests offer remote access for people who cannot travel.
What Franklin County Divorce Records Include
Franklin County divorce records contain a full history of each dissolution case from filing to final judgment. The Clerk of Court stores pleadings, motions, financial disclosures, and the final decree. These documents form the legal record of the marriage ending under Florida law. Some records include child custody terms, support orders, and property division details. Sealed records have restricted access based on a valid court order. Public files are open for review and copy under Florida public records law.
Types of Divorce Documents Available
Franklin County offers several document types through the Clerk office. Each serves a different purpose based on what the requester needs. The main types include the final judgment, case docket, financial affidavits, and settlement agreements. Older files may only have the final decree if other documents were never filed. Adoption-related cases follow different sealing rules and may have limited public access.
- Final Judgment of Dissolution
- Case Docket Sheet
- Financial Affidavits
- Settlement Agreements
- Marital Settlement Contracts
- Child Support Orders
- Custody and Visitation Orders
- Petition for Dissolution
Personal Details Listed in Each Record
Each divorce file contains identifying details about both spouses named in the case. Standard entries include full legal names, dates of birth, and addresses at the time of filing. Court records also show marriage date, separation date, and grounds for divorce. Children are listed by name and birth date when custody or support applies. Property and debt details appear in the financial sections of the file. Sensitive identifiers like Social Security numbers are removed from public copies.
Difference Between Decrees and Certificates
Florida issues two main proof documents for divorce: the decree and the certificate. A decree is the full court order ending the marriage, prepared and signed by the judge. A certificate is a short form issued by the Florida Department of Health that confirms the divorce took place. The decree contains detailed legal terms about property and children. The certificate acts as proof for name changes, benefits, and remarriage.
How to Search for Franklin County Records
Franklin County offers three main search paths for public divorce records. You can search online through the Clerk website, visit the office in person, or send a written request by mail. Each method has different steps and processing times. Online tools provide fast index checks for case numbers. In-person visits allow full document review and immediate certified copies. Mail requests work for people who live outside the region.
Online Search Options for Public Records
The Franklin County Clerk maintains an online records portal through the 2nd Judicial Circuit website. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date range. The portal shows case status, party names, and basic docket entries. Full document images require a subscription or per-page fee in many cases. Free name searches work well for confirming case existence before ordering copies. The portal updates daily with new filings.
Visiting the Clerk of Court in Person
The Franklin County Clerk office welcomes walk-in visitors during regular business hours. Public computer terminals let you search the case index without a paid subscription. Staff members can pull physical files for review inside the office. You can request certified copies on the same visit when files exist in paper or microfilm form. Bring valid photo ID for any certified copy order. Same-day service is common for simple requests.
Phone and Mail Request Methods
Mail requests work for certified copies when you cannot visit the office in person. Phone requests work for status checks and general questions but not for certified copy orders. Each mail request must include full names, case details, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment by check or money order is standard for mail orders. Processing times run longer for mail than for in-person requests.
Details Needed to Start Your Search
Prepare certain facts before starting any Franklin County records search. The more details you provide, the faster the match. The Clerk staff uses these facts to locate the correct case file in the archives.
- Full legal name of both spouses
- Approximate year of filing or judgment
- Case number if known
- Marriage date or location
- Type of record you need
- Your relationship to the parties named
- Valid photo identification
- Payment for applicable fees
Requesting Certified Copies of Divorce Records
Certified copies of Franklin County divorce records carry the official court seal and clerk signature. These copies serve as legal proof for name changes, remarriage, immigration, and benefits. Plain copies work for personal reference but lack legal standing for official use. The Clerk office stamps and signs certified copies by request. Each certified copy includes a raised seal for authenticity. Most agencies require certified copies for legal filings.
Fees for Certified and Plain Copies
Standard fees apply to Franklin County records requests. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Rush fees apply for same-day processing when staff capacity allows. Fees may change without notice based on Florida statutes or county ordinances.
| Copy Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy | $7.00 | Same day to 5 business days |
| Plain Copy | $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Rush Service | Additional $10.00 | Same day (when available) |
| Federal Express | Varies by weight | 1 to 3 business days |
| Search Fee (no record found) | $5.00 | N/A |
| Authentication or Apostille | $10.00 | 3 to 5 business days |
Standard Processing Times
Standard processing for Franklin County divorce copy requests takes one to five business days. Same-day service works for simple requests filed before noon. Mail orders add delivery time based on postal service schedules. Complex searches with limited details may take up to two weeks. Holiday schedules extend processing times across the year.
Accepted Payment Methods
The Franklin County Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards for in-person requests. Mail orders require check or money order only. Online payments use credit card or electronic check through the Clerk portal. All fees must be paid before records are released to the requester. Returned checks carry additional service fees.
Mailing Address for Copy Requests
Mail requests should be sent to the Franklin County Clerk of Court at the Apalachicola courthouse. Include all required documents and fees in your envelope. Use certified mail for tracking purposes. The Clerk returns your packet with the requested records and a receipt. See the contact details below for the full mailing address.
Statewide Florida Divorce Record Sources
State agencies in Florida support county records with certificate services and statewide indexes. The Florida Department of Health handles statewide vital records for births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. The Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains certificate records from June 1927 to present. County clerks hold the original court files with full case details. State sources confirm certificate facts for verification purposes.
Florida Department of Health Services
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics issues certified copies of divorce certificates. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person at the Jacksonville office. The state office holds records from June 1927 to present for all Florida counties. Older records require county-level searches through the local Clerk. State processing takes longer for mail orders than in-person requests.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics operates under the Florida Department of Health. The office processes statewide certificate orders for all sixty-seven counties. Fees match those of county offices for standard service. Standard processing runs five to ten business days for mail orders. Walk-in service at the Jacksonville office provides same-day certificate pickup.
When to Use State Channels Instead
State channels work best for simple proof of divorce without legal details. Use the state office when you need a certificate for benefits, passport, or name change purposes. Use the county clerk when you need the full decree, financial terms, or custody orders. State certificates cost less than full certified decrees in many cases. State channels work well for genealogy and remote research.
Florida Divorce Laws That Apply in Franklin
Florida state law governs all divorce cases filed in Franklin County. The Florida Statutes Chapter 61 covers dissolution of marriage, alimony, and child-related issues. Chapter 119 governs public records access across all state and county offices. These laws apply uniformly across all sixty-seven Florida counties. Local court rules may add procedural requirements for specific filings.
Public Access Rules Under State Law
Florida has strong public records laws that make most court files open for inspection. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes gives citizens the right to view and copy public records. Sensitive personal identifiers like Social Security numbers are removed from public copies. Financial account numbers receive similar protection in displayed documents. Court records remain open unless a judge issues a sealing order.
Sealed or Confidential Divorce Cases
Some Franklin County divorce files are sealed by court order. Sealed files protect children, victims of domestic violence, or proprietary business details. Only parties named in the case or their attorneys can access sealed files without a court order. The Clerk cannot release sealed records without proper legal authority. Sealing orders follow strict legal standards set by Florida courts.
Correcting Errors on Divorce Records
Errors on Franklin County divorce records can be corrected through the Clerk office. Clerical mistakes in the decree require a court motion for correction. Personal details errors like date of birth may need a sworn statement. Certificate corrections go through the Florida Department of Health. Each correction type has its own form and fee schedule.
Franklin County Court System Details
The Franklin County court system handles all family law cases through the 2nd Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. Family court divisions handle divorce, custody, and support matters. Circuit-wide procedures apply across all six counties in the region.
2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida
The 2nd Judicial Circuit website at circuit2.org provides case search tools and forms. The site links to county-specific clerk offices for local filing. Public users can search for cases across all six counties in the circuit. Forms are available for download through the Florida Courts website. Self-represented parties can access standard family law forms at no cost.
Franklin County Clerk of Court
The Franklin County Clerk of Court serves as the official records custodian for the county. The Clerk maintains court files, issues certified copies, and processes marriage licenses. The Clerk office accepts filings for new divorce cases. Public records requests go through this office for Franklin County cases. The Clerk also handles passport applications and other official services.
Court Locations and Operating Hours
The Franklin County Courthouse stands at 33 Market Street in Apalachicola. Office hours run 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The office closes on Florida state holidays. Records counter service ends at 4:30 PM for same-day processing. Visitors should plan to arrive early for same-day certified copy requests.
Franklin County Clerk Contact Details
Use the contact details below to reach the Franklin County Clerk of Court directly. Phone calls work for status checks and general questions about case files. Written requests should include return address and contact phone number. Walk-in visits allow immediate service during normal business hours. Online portals offer 24-hour access to case searches.
Address: Franklin County Clerk of Court, 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: (850) 653-8861
Fax: (850) 653-2261
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Website: https://www.circuit2.org/
Florida Department of Health: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/
Florida Official Records Portal: https://www.myfloridacounty.com/official_records/
Common Questions About Franklin County Records
This FAQ section covers the most common questions people ask about Franklin County Florida divorce records. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Clerk office practice as of 2026. Use this section as a quick reference for common scenarios. For specific legal questions about a divorce case, consult a licensed Florida attorney. The Clerk office cannot offer legal advice to members of the public.
How much does a certified copy cost in Florida?
The standard fee for a certified copy of a Florida divorce decree is $7.00 per copy through the county Clerk office. The Florida Department of Health charges $9.00 for each certified divorce certificate, with additional fees for rush service. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page at most county clerks across Florida. Rush processing adds an extra $10.00 fee at county offices for same-day pickup. Federal Express shipping adds variable fees based on package weight and destination zone. Apostille authentication for international use costs $10.00 per document through the Florida Secretary of State. All fees are non-refundable even if no record is found, with a $5.00 search fee applying in such cases. Fees may change with state legislation or county budget decisions.
Can I view a divorce case file online for free?
Free online access to Franklin County divorce case indexes is available through the 2nd Judicial Circuit website. Users can search by name and date range at no cost to confirm case existence. The free search shows case status, party names, and basic docket entries. Full document images require a paid subscription or per-page fee at the Clerk portal. Public computer terminals at the Clerk office provide free access to all public documents during business hours. Remote free access does not include certified copies. Subscription services offer bulk access for attorneys and genealogists.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can search Franklin County divorce records without a case number through the Clerk office. Name searches use the full legal names of both spouses for best results. Adding an approximate filing year improves match accuracy in county archives. Staff members conduct manual searches when online indexes return partial results. A $5.00 search fee applies if the Clerk performs an extended search and finds no matching record. Common name variations and date ranges help narrow results. Marriage records can serve as a cross-reference when divorce dates are unknown.
Are old divorce records from the 1950s available?
Franklin County divorce records from the 1950s exist in courthouse archives, stored on microfilm for preservation. The Clerk office can retrieve these older records with a name and year search. Some very old records from before 1950 may have incomplete file contents. Florida Department of Health holds statewide divorce certificates from June 1927 to present. Pre-1927 records require direct courthouse research at the filing county. Older records may take extra time to locate and copy. Microfilm readers are available at the Clerk office for public use.
Can sealed Franklin County divorce files be opened?
Sealed Franklin County divorce files can only be opened through a court order. The party who requested sealing, or their attorney, can file a motion to unseal the records. Courts grant unsealing motions based on the reason for sealing and current circumstances. Children named in sealed adoption-related cases receive different protections under Florida law. Standard public access requests cannot bypass a valid sealing order. The Clerk office enforces all sealing orders strictly. Legal counsel can help draft an unsealing motion for eligible parties.
Who is allowed to request a certified decree copy?
Any adult member of the public can request a plain copy of a Franklin County divorce decree for personal review. Certified copies require the requester to be a named party, attorney of record, or authorized representative. Government agencies can request certified copies for official purposes at no charge. Family members may need additional documentation like a death certificate or power of attorney. The requester must present valid photo identification for all certified orders. Third-party researchers may face additional requirements for sensitive case files.
How long does mail delivery take for record copies?
Mail delivery for Franklin County divorce record copies takes seven to fourteen business days from receipt of request. Standard mail uses the United States Postal Service at the requester’s postage cost. Federal Express shipping reduces delivery to one to three business days for an added fee based on weight. The Clerk office processes mail requests within one to five business days before shipping. Weekends and Florida state holidays extend processing times. Tracking is available for certified mail and express shipping options. International mail may take longer based on destination country.