Orlando City Florida divorce records are the official court files that show when a marriage ended in Orange County. These records are stored and managed by the Orange County Clerk of Courts.
People search these records to prove a divorce, change a last name, update a will, or settle financial matters. The main files in the system are the final judgment, the case docket, and the state certificate of dissolution. The public can search the index by name. Certified copies are available for a small fee. This page covers how the records work, who can ask for them, where to search, and what to do when files are old, sealed, or missing.
What Are Orlando City Florida Divorce Records
Orlando City Florida divorce records are the paper and digital files created when a court ends a marriage. They are kept at the county level. Orange County holds every divorce case filed in Orlando. Three main document types exist in the system. The final judgment is the signed order that ends the marriage. The case docket lists every hearing, motion, and ruling. The certificate of dissolution is a short form sent to the state vital records office. Each document type has a different use.
Types of Documents Available
The Orange County Clerk of Courts stores four common document types tied to each divorce case. Each one answers a different question. Knowing which file you need before you place an order saves time and fees. The clerk can pull any of these documents when you have the case number or the names of both spouses.
- Final Judgment of Divorce – the signed court order that ends the marriage
- Case Docket – a list of every court action filed in the case
- Certificate of Dissolution – a short form sent to the state after the judge signs the final order
- Financial Affidavits and Parenting Plans – supporting forms filed during the case
Who Can Request These Records
Florida law treats divorce records as public records. Any adult can search the public index by name. A copy of the final judgment or the docket can be ordered by any person who can name the parties and the case number. The requester does not need to be a spouse, an attorney, or a relative. Sealed or impounded files require a court order from a judge before the clerk can release them to the public.
What Information Appears on Each Record
The final judgment shows the full legal names of both spouses, the case number, the judge’s name, and the date the court signed the order. The certificate of dissolution shows the names, the county where the case was filed, and the date the court entered the final order. The docket shows every motion, hearing, and ruling from the date of filing through the closure date. Each record carries the official clerk stamp and case seal.
Florida Laws That Control These Records
Three main Florida laws control how Orlando divorce records are filed, stored, and released. These laws set the rules for access, the rules for filing, and the rules for sealing. Anyone who needs a record should know the basics of each rule so they can plan their request.
Chapter 61 Dissolution Rules
Florida Statute Chapter 61 covers the rules for dissolving a marriage. This chapter sets the grounds for divorce, the filing rules, and the forms that must be used. The forms are approved by the Florida Supreme Court. Every divorce case in Orlando must use the standard Chapter 61 forms. The clerk checks the forms before the judge can sign the final order.
Chapter 119 Public Records Rules
Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives the public the right to see and copy most government records. Divorce records fall under this rule. The clerk must let any person view the case docket and the final judgment. The clerk can charge a copy fee. Sensitive data such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are removed from public copies.
Sealed and Impounded Records
A judge can order a divorce file to be sealed or impounded. Sealed records are hidden from the public. Impounded records are held by the clerk and shown only to the judge and the parties. A person who wants to open a sealed file must file a motion and show a valid legal reason. The judge reviews the motion before any record is released.
Where to Search Orlando Divorce Records
Four main sources are used to search Orlando divorce records. Each source covers a different angle. The county clerk holds the court files. The state vital records office holds the short certificates. The Florida official records portal holds recorded documents. The courthouse lobby holds public terminals that anyone can use at no cost.
Orange County Clerk of Courts Online Portal
The Orange County Clerk of Courts runs an online portal at occompt.com. The portal lets users search by name, by case number, and by date range. The portal shows the case type, the filing date, the judge, and the docket entries. Users can view the docket for free. Users must pay a fee to view or print the final judgment.
Florida Department of Health Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics keeps the certificate of dissolution for every Florida divorce filed since June 1927. The office can issue a state-certified copy of the certificate. A state-certified copy can be used to update a Social Security record, a passport, or a name change form. The office can be reached by mail, by online order, or in person at the Jacksonville central office.
Florida Official Records Search
The Florida official records portal at myfloridacounty.com holds recorded documents such as liens, deeds, and final judgments that have been recorded in the public books. Users can search by name, by document type, and by date range. Recorded final judgments appear in this system. This portal is a useful cross-check when the clerk portal shows limited docket entries.
In Person at the Courthouse
The Orange County Courthouse has public terminals in the clerk’s office lobby at 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801. The terminals let users search the case index at no cost. Staff at the clerk’s window can pull court files for a copy fee. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Photo ID is required for any in-person copy request.
How to Search by Name and Date
Most users begin their search with the names of both spouses and an approximate filing date. The clerk portal accepts first name, last name, and year range. Searching by name and year range is the fastest way to find a case when the exact filing date is unknown.
Online Name Search Steps
The clerk portal follows a standard search flow. Each step narrows the result list. Users who enter full names and a wide date range usually find the case on the first try. The search results show the case number, the case type, and the filing date. Clicking the case number opens the full docket.
- Open the Orange County Clerk portal at occompt.com
- Choose Court Records from the menu
- Enter the last name and first name of either spouse
- Select Domestic Relations as the case type
- Enter the year range for the filing date
- Click Search to see the list of matching cases
- Click the case number to open the docket view
Searching by Case Number
Users who already have the case number can skip the name search. The case number starts with the year, the court division code, and a sequence number. Orange County divorce cases use the DR code for Domestic Relations. Entering the full case number in the portal opens the docket right away.
What to Do When Search Results Are Limited
Sometimes the portal shows no results or only a partial docket. The most common cause is a name spelling mistake. Try alternate spellings, swap first and last names, or remove the middle initial. If the case was filed before 1980, the file may be on microfilm. Call the clerk at (407) 836-2000 and ask for a manual search.
The official Orange County Clerk homepage used to search Orlando divorce records is shown below.
Certified Copies Versus Plain Copies
The clerk offers two copy types. Each copy type has a different price and a different use. Knowing the difference helps you order the right copy the first time and avoid a second fee.
When a Certified Copy Is Required
A certified copy carries the clerk’s raised seal and the registrar’s signature. Banks, passport offices, Social Security offices, and insurance companies often require a certified copy. The certified copy proves the divorce on its own without extra court paperwork. Most agencies will not accept a plain photocopy when the rule calls for proof of the court order.
What a Plain Copy Covers
A plain copy shows the same text as the certified copy but without the raised seal or the registrar’s signature. A plain copy works for personal records, family history research, and reference use. A plain copy costs less than a certified copy. A plain copy cannot be used as legal proof for most government or financial agencies.
Fees and Payment Options
The clerk sets copy fees by Florida statute. Payments can be made in cash, by check, by money order, or by credit card. Online orders add a small processing fee for the credit card charge. The table below shows the current fees for the most common copy types.
| Document Type | Copy Fee | Cert Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Judgment – plain copy | $1.00 per page | N/A | $1.00 per page |
| Final Judgment – certified copy | $1.00 per page | $7.00 | $1.00 per page + $7.00 |
| Certificate of Dissolution – state copy | $5.00 | $7.00 | $12.00 |
| Docket printout | $2.00 per page | N/A | $2.00 per page |
Searching Other Florida Counties
People who lived in more than one Florida county during a marriage may need to search county by county. Each county has its own clerk portal. Each county uses the same Chapter 61 forms and the same Chapter 119 public access rules. The clerk contact details change by county. The search steps are the same.
Miami-Dade County Divorce Records
Miami-Dade County holds divorce cases filed in the Miami-Dade circuit court. The clerk portal at miamidadeclerk.gov lets users search by name and case number. Records date back to 1909. The clerk office is at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33130. The office phone is (305) 275-1155.
Hillsborough County Divorce Records
Hillsborough County holds cases filed in Tampa and the surrounding area. The clerk portal at hillsclerk.com lets users search by name. Records date back to 1846. The clerk office is at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33602. The office phone is (813) 276-8100.
Broward County Divorce Records
Broward County holds cases filed in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area. The clerk portal at browardclerk.org lets users search by name. Records date back to 1915. The clerk office is at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The office phone is (954) 831-6565.
Palm Beach County Divorce Records
Palm Beach County holds cases filed in West Palm Beach and the surrounding area. The clerk portal at mypalmbeachclerk.com lets users search by name. Records date back to 1909. The clerk office is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. The office phone is (561) 355-2996.
Duval County Divorce Records
Duval County holds cases filed in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. The clerk portal at duvalclerk.com lets users search by name. Records date back to 1842. The clerk office is at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. The office phone is (904) 255-2000.
Common Problems and Solutions
Some users run into problems when they search for older files or files with name changes. Most problems have a simple fix once you know where to look. The list below covers the three most common issues that come up with Orlando divorce record searches.
Spelling Mistakes in Names
A small spelling difference can hide a file. Search by last name only if the first name search returns no results. Try the spouse’s last name at the time of marriage and the spouse’s current last name. Old files may also list a maiden name under the case caption. Calling the clerk with a date range often solves the issue.
Records Older Than 1927
Divorce records filed before June 1927 were kept by the local probate court. Many of these files were moved to the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. The archives can be searched at fcit.myflorida.com. Users can order copies by mail for a small fee. Some very old files have been lost to fire or to flooding over the years.
Records That Have Been Sealed
A sealed record is hidden from the public. A person who wants to see a sealed file must file a motion with the court that issued the seal. The motion must state the legal reason for the request. The judge reviews the motion and rules on the request. The clerk cannot release the file without a signed court order.
Using Divorce Records After Judgment
Most people need their divorce records long after the judge signs the order. Banks, the Social Security office, and the passport office all need proof of the final order. Keeping a clear copy archive saves time and avoids repeat trips to the courthouse.
Legal Name Changes
A name change after divorce uses the final judgment as the proof. The person takes the certified copy to the Social Security office to update the Social Security card. The person then takes the new card and the certified copy to the DMV to update the driver’s license. Banks and insurance companies also need the certified copy.
Updating Banks and Government Records
Banks, credit card companies, and retirement plan offices all need a copy of the final judgment after a divorce. The order lists any property or account changes from the marriage. Sending a certified copy to each agency protects the person from future claims on joint accounts.
Orange County Clerk Contact Details
The Orange County Comptroller and Clerk of Courts is the official custodian of Orlando City Florida divorce records. The office takes phone orders, walk-in orders, and online orders. The main office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on state holidays. Phone hours match office hours. Mail orders are processed in the order they arrive.
- Website: https://www.occompt.com/
- Phone: (407) 836-2000
- Address: 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Public Terminal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common issues users face when searching for Orlando divorce records. The answers focus on the search process, the copy fees, and the legal rules. Each answer is based on current Florida law and current clerk policy. Users who need legal advice should contact a licensed attorney in Florida.
Are Orlando divorce records free to search?
Yes, the public index search is free on the Orange County Clerk portal. Users can search by name and by case number at no cost. The portal also shows the case docket at no cost. Fees apply only when the user requests a copy of a document. The fee for a plain copy starts at one dollar per page. The fee for a certified copy adds a seven dollar certification charge per document. The clerk accepts credit cards for online orders. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person orders. Users who need a state-certified certificate of dissolution pay the Florida Department of Health fee schedule.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Walk-in orders at the Orange County Courthouse are filled the same day in most cases. Online orders are processed within one business day. Mail orders take five to seven business days after the clerk receives the request. State-certified copies from the Florida Department of Health take three to five business days for online orders. Mail orders to the state office take two to three weeks. Rush service is available for an extra fee on state orders. The clerk does not charge extra for rush service on county orders.
Can I view a sealed divorce record in Florida?
No, sealed records are hidden from the public. Only the parties to the case, their attorneys, and the judge can view a sealed file. A person who is not a party must file a motion to unseal the record. The motion must state the legal reason for the request. The judge reviews the motion and may hold a hearing. The judge may grant or deny the request based on the facts in the motion. The clerk cannot release the file without a signed court order.
What’s the difference between decree and certificate?
The final judgment of divorce is the full court order that ends the marriage. The judgment covers property division, alimony, parenting plans, and any other relief ordered by the judge. The certificate of dissolution is a short form sent to the state. The certificate shows only the names, the county, and the date the court entered the final order. Banks and courts ask for the full judgment. The Social Security office and the passport office accept the state certificate as proof.
Can I get a divorce record from another Florida county?
Yes, every Florida county keeps its own divorce records. Users must contact the clerk of the county where the case was filed. The Florida Department of Health also keeps a state certificate for every Florida divorce filed since June 1927. The state office can issue a certified copy of the certificate even if the county file is lost. Users who do not know the county can search the state records index at the Florida Department of Health website.
Do I need an attorney to request a divorce record?
No, any adult can request a copy of a divorce record. The clerk does not require a power of attorney or a court order for public files. The requester only needs to identify the case by name, by case number, or by filing date. Sealed files still require a court order. Users who need legal advice about a divorce should contact a licensed attorney. The Florida Bar offers a lawyer referral service on its website.
What if the divorce was many years ago?
Older divorce files are still on file but the format may be different. Files filed before 1990 are often on microfilm. Files filed before 1927 may be at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. The clerk can still pull the file for a copy fee. The state archives charge a separate copy fee. Users who cannot find the file at the county should contact the Florida State Archives or the Florida Department of Health. The state office can search a name index that goes back to June 1927.