Miami Dade County Florida divorce records are official files kept by the county clerk and state health offices. These records show when a marriage ended in court and what the judge ordered.
People search these records to confirm a divorce, get a legal copy, or update personal files after a case closes. The county clerk in Miami-Dade holds the full case file. The state holds a shorter certificate. Knowing which office to contact saves time and money.
What Divorce Records Include in Miami-Dade County
Divorce records in Miami-Dade County come from the Circuit Court family law division. Each file holds the court papers, the final judgment, and the case history. The file proves that a marriage ended under Florida law. The state also keeps a shorter version called a certificate. Both serve different needs. One shows the court order. The other gives a quick proof of divorce for outside use.
Common Documents You Can Request
You can ask for several types of files from the Miami-Dade clerk. Each file serves a different purpose. Picking the right one depends on why you need it.
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
- Certified copy of the divorce decree
- Case docket sheet with filing dates
- Property settlement and parenting plan
- Court order sealing or redacting records
- Amended judgments after appeal
Who Files These Records in Florida
Florida divorce cases start in the circuit court where one spouse lives. In Miami-Dade County, cases go to the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit. The clerk of court receives all papers. The judge signs the final order. The clerk then stores the file in the court record system. The Florida Department of Health receives a copy of the basic facts. That copy becomes the state certificate.
How Florida Law Controls Public Access
Florida divorce records are public by law. State law allows any person to look at court files. Some private facts stay hidden. Names of children, bank numbers, and Social Security numbers get removed from public copies. The goal is to keep court work open while protecting personal data.
Florida Statute Chapter 61
Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes controls family law cases. This law covers divorce, custody, support, and name changes. The law tells judges how to handle each case. It also tells clerks what to record. Every divorce in Miami-Dade County follows these rules. Reading Chapter 61 gives a clear view of how Florida handles marriage dissolution.
Florida Statute Chapter 119
Chapter 119 sets the rules for public records. It says court records must be open unless a law closes them. Divorce cases stay open under this chapter. The clerk must let any person see the file. The clerk may charge a fee for copies. Some parts of the file may stay sealed by court order.
Where to Request Miami-Dade Divorce Records
You have three main offices to contact. Each one holds a different part of the record. The county clerk holds the full file. The state holds a short certificate. The court itself holds sealed parts. Pick the office that fits your need.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts is the main source for divorce files. The clerk handles the 11th Judicial Circuit Court. You can visit in person, mail a request, or use the online portal. The online portal shows basic case data. For full copies, you need the case number or full names.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps short divorce certificates. These certificates show names, county, and date of divorce. They do not show the full court order. The Bureau is part of the Florida Department of Health. You can order a certificate by mail or online through their office in Jacksonville.
Florida Department of Health State Office
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state office processes all Florida divorce certificates. They charge a fee for each search. You can order a certificate for yourself or for a family member. The state office does not handle the full court file. They only manage the basic certificate.
How to Search for Divorce Records
You can search by name, case number, or date. Each search method works in a different way. Online tools give quick results. In-person visits give the most detail. Mail requests work for older files. Pick the method that matches your case.
Search by Name Online
The Miami-Dade clerk website lets you search case records by name. Type the full legal name of either spouse. Add a birth year if you know it. The system shows matching cases with filing dates. You can click each case to see the docket. This tool works well for recent cases. Older paper files may not appear online.
Case Number Lookup
If you have the case number, you can pull the full file fast. The case number looks like a year, a code, and a number. For example, 2024 DR-012345. Each code tells the court system what type of case it is. DR stands for dissolution. CF means criminal. Use the case number with the clerk search tool for the best result.
In-Person Records Counter
Visit the clerk office in downtown Miami for older cases or sealed files. The records counter staff can pull paper files from storage. Bring a photo ID and the case details. You can ask for copies on the spot. You can also ask for certified copies with the court seal.
Certified Copy vs Plain Copy
The type of copy you need depends on how you plan to use the record. A certified copy has the court seal. A plain copy is a photocopy without the seal. Many agencies only accept certified copies. A plain copy works for personal files.
When You Need a Certified Copy
Certified copies work for legal matters. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies ask for certified copies. A certified copy proves the document is real. The court seal and signature make it valid. Plan ahead because certified copies cost more and take longer.
When a Plain Copy Works
Plain copies work for personal records. Keep a plain copy in your home file for reference. Use it to remember court dates or settlement terms. Plain copies cost less and arrive faster. They have no legal weight outside of personal use.
Side-by-Side Copy Comparison
The table below shows the main differences between a certified copy and a plain copy. This helps you pick the right type before you place your order.
| Feature | Certified Copy | Plain Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Court seal | Yes | No |
| Accepted by agencies | Yes | Rarely |
| Cost per page | Higher | Lower |
| Use case | Legal filings, name change, remarriage | Personal file, memory aid |
| Processing time | Same day or 1-2 days | Same day |
Fees and Processing Times
Records fees in Miami-Dade County follow a state fee schedule. The clerk charges per page and per certification. The state charges a flat fee for each certificate search. Mailing adds extra time. Online orders process faster than mail orders.
Clerk Copy Fees
The Miami-Dade clerk charges a fee for each page copied. The fee covers paper, ink, and staff time. Certified copies add a seal fee. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the office. Online payments work for web orders.
State Certificate Fees
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges a fee per search. The fee covers the search itself, even if no record is found. The state office accepts money orders and credit cards. Mail orders take longer to process. Online orders through approved vendors cost more but ship faster.
Standard Processing Times
Most requests take a few business days to process. Online requests often finish in one to three days. Mail requests take one to three weeks. In-person requests finish the same day for files that are already in the system.
Rush or Expedited Service
You can pay extra for rush service. Rush orders finish within 24 hours when the file is on site. Old paper files pulled from storage take longer even with rush fees. Plan ahead during court holidays when offices close.
Records Cover Cities Inside Miami-Dade County
Divorce cases filed in Miami-Dade County cover residents from many cities. Each city falls under the same Circuit Court. The clerk office handles all filings for the whole county. You do not need to know the city to request a record. You only need the county and case details.
Miami, Hialeah, and Miami Beach
Cases from the cities of Miami, Hialeah, and Miami Beach all file with the same clerk. The court serves the urban core of the county. Most cases from these cities are recent and appear in the online system. Older cases may need an in-person visit to the clerk office.
Homestead, Doral, and Kendall
Cases from Homestead, Doral, Kendall, and other suburban areas file in the same Circuit Court. Each city shares the county clerk system. The records stay under one county office. You can request any case from these cities through the same search tools.
Using Records After Divorce Is Final
After the court signs the final judgment, you may need the record for several reasons. Name changes, property matters, and new marriages all use divorce records. Keep certified copies in a safe place. Update agencies as soon as the divorce is final.
Name Change Updates
A divorce judgment can restore a former name. The judge orders the name change in the final decree. You can then update your name with the Social Security office, DMV, and passport office. Each agency asks for a certified copy of the decree. Plan ahead and order extra certified copies.
Property and Financial Matters
Property division happens in the divorce judgment. Banks, lenders, and title companies ask for a copy after the case closes. The decree shows who owns what. The decree also shows who pays which debts. Keep a certified copy for any future financial step tied to the divorce.
Remarriage and New Filings
If you plan to remarry, you need proof of divorce. Florida law requires a copy of the final judgment before issuing a new marriage license. The clerk at the marriage license office checks that the prior case is closed. Bring a certified copy to the license appointment.
Other Florida Counties and Cross-Reference
Some searches span more than one county. If you lived in another county before Miami-Dade, your case may file there. Florida allows filing in the county where either spouse lives. Cross-reference each county to find all matching cases.
Orange, Hillsborough, and Broward Counties
Orange, Hillsborough, and Broward counties handle their own divorce filings. Each county has its own clerk office. Each clerk runs its own online search. If either spouse lived in those counties, the case may file there instead of Miami-Dade.
Palm Beach, Duval, and Pinellas Counties
Palm Beach, Duval, and Pinellas counties also keep their own divorce files. Check each county clerk site for cases that file in those regions. Statewide searches through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics can help you find the right county before ordering.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts main office handles walk-in requests. The state vital records office in Jacksonville handles certificate requests. Each office has set hours. Plan visits during open hours.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
Address: 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Phone: 305-275-1155. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed on federal and state holidays. Website: miamidadeclerk.gov.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: 904-359-6900. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on state holidays. Website: floridahealth.gov/certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common issues people face when searching for divorce records in Miami-Dade County. Each answer gives a clear, factual response. Use these answers to plan your next step before contacting the clerk or state office.
How long does it take to get a certified divorce decree in Miami-Dade County?
Certified copies take one to three business days when you order online or in person at the downtown clerk office. Mail requests take one to three weeks based on mail service and office workload. The clerk charges a fee for the certification seal in addition to the page fee. Old paper files pulled from storage take longer even with rush service. Plan ahead and order extra certified copies if you need them for several agencies at once.
Can I search Miami-Dade divorce records for free?
Yes, you can search case indexes for free on the Miami-Dade clerk website. The search tool shows case numbers, names, and filing dates at no cost. You pay only when you order a copy. Free searches help you confirm a case exists before paying for documents. The state vital records office charges a fee for certificate searches even when no record is found.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce certificate is a short form from the state health office. It lists names, county, and date of divorce. A divorce decree is the full court order. The decree includes property orders, custody terms, and support amounts. Most legal matters need the decree. A simple proof of divorce needs only the certificate. Pick the form based on what your agency asks for.
Are Miami-Dade divorce records open to the public?
Yes, divorce records are public under Florida law. Anyone can view the case file. Some private data gets removed from public copies. Sealed records stay closed by court order. You can search the clerk index without giving a reason. You can order copies as long as the case is open to public view.
Can I find divorce records by case number in Florida?
Yes, case number lookup gives the fastest result. The Miami-Dade clerk search tool accepts case numbers. The case number format is the year, a code, and a sequence. DR stands for dissolution of marriage. Use the case number when you know it. The clerk pulls the file faster when you give the exact case number instead of just names.
What if I do not know the exact date of the divorce?
You can still search by name with an approximate year. The clerk search tool allows a date range. Give the year plus or minus one year if you are unsure. Older cases from before the online system may need an in-person visit. Bring as much detail as you can to help staff narrow the search.
How do I request a Florida divorce certificate by mail?
Send a written request to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Include full names, date or year of divorce, county, and your contact details. Add a money order for the search fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail. The state office mails back a certificate if the record is on file.