Pinellas County Florida divorce records are court files that show when a marriage ended in this county. These records are kept by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
People search Pinellas County Florida divorce records to check if a divorce was final, to get a copy of the decree, or to update legal papers after a marriage ends. Most records from Pinellas County are open to the public. Some parts may be hidden to protect private details like a Social Security number or a bank account. This page covers how to search, request, and use Pinellas County Florida divorce records in plain steps.
How Pinellas County Florida Divorce Records Are Filed
Each divorce in Pinellas County starts as a court case. The case is filed with the Clerk of Court and gets a case number. The case number stays with the file for the whole life of the case. This number is the fastest way to pull up a record at a later date. The county office stores the full court file. The state office stores a shorter summary. Both files belong to the same case.
Where Divorce Cases Start in Pinellas County
Divorce cases in Pinellas County start at the Clerk’s main office in Clearwater. The Clerk accepts the petition, assigns a case number, and routes the file to a judge. The Clerk also runs the online portal where you can look up cases by name. The court office in Clearwater is the only place that holds the original signed decree.
What Files Are Made During a Divorce Case
A divorce file can include the petition, the answer, financial papers, child support papers, and the final judgment. The final judgment is the document that ends the marriage. It has the judge’s signature and the court seal. Other papers in the file are often called the docket. The docket lists each step in the case with dates.
Search Pinellas County Florida Divorce Records by Name
A name search is the most common way to look up a divorce file. The Pinellas County Clerk website has a public access tool that lets you search by last name. You can also search by first name, middle name, or year. The search works best when you know the full name and the time frame. A name search returns a list of cases. You then click on a case to see the docket and the documents.
Name Search Steps on the Clerk Website
The online name search follows a clear order. Each step helps narrow the results so you find the right case.
- Open the Pinellas County Public Access site.
- Pick the case type for family or domestic cases.
- Type the last name of one spouse.
- Add the first name if you know it.
- Enter a year range if the date is unknown.
- Review the case list for matches.
- Click the case number to see the docket.
Case Number Versus Name Search
A case number search returns one exact file. A name search can return many files. If you already have a case number, use it. The case number is faster and gives a clean result. If you only have a name, the name search works but may show other cases with the same name. Always check the full name, the year, and the judge’s name to confirm the right case.
Free and Paid Search Options
Basic searches on the Clerk site are free. You can see the case list, the docket, and the dates without paying. Paid options apply when you want to view or print the actual document images. Each certified copy has a fee. The fee is set by Florida law and is the same at every county clerk office in the state.
| Service | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Name search online | Free | Case list and docket view |
| Document image view | Small fee per page | Scanned court papers |
| Plain copy of decree | Fee per page | Non-certified paper copy |
| Certified copy of decree | Higher fee | Court seal and stamp |
Get a Certified Copy of a Pinellas Divorce Decree
A certified copy has the court seal and a stamp. It proves the document is real. Banks, insurance firms, and government offices often ask for a certified copy. A plain copy is just a printout. It has no seal. A plain copy is fine for personal records. A certified copy is needed for legal use.
Who Can Request a Certified Copy
Florida law allows the people named in the case to ask for a certified copy. This includes either spouse, an attorney for one of the spouses, or a court-appointed person. Other people can ask for a copy if they show a direct legal reason. The Clerk checks each request and may ask for proof of identity. Proof can be a photo ID or a signed letter from one of the spouses.
Documents Needed to Place an Order
The Clerk asks for clear details to match the right file. A request with missing data can lead to a delay or a wrong match. Use the list below to prepare your order before you contact the office.
- Full legal name of each spouse
- Date of birth or age at filing
- Approximate year the divorce was final
- Case number if you have it
- Court division if known
- Photo ID for the person who picks up the copy
- Signed request form from the Clerk website
Fees and Payment Methods
Fees follow the state fee schedule. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Payment can be cash, money order, or credit card. Credit cards may carry a small processing fee. Mail orders need a money order or check. Online orders use a credit card through the Clerk’s payment portal. Always add a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail returns.
Pinellas County Florida Divorce Records Online Tools
Pinellas County runs three main online tools. Each tool has a separate job. Knowing which tool to use saves time and avoids wrong results. The Clerk website links to all three tools from one main page.
Public Access Portal Features
The Public Access portal is the main search tool. It shows cases by name, by case number, and by date. It also shows the docket for each case. The portal covers family cases, civil cases, criminal cases, and traffic cases. Family cases include divorce, paternity, and adoption. The portal is free to use and runs on most web browsers.
Official Records Search System
The Official Records system holds recorded court documents such as liens, deeds, and judgments. Final divorce decrees that are recorded with the county appear here. The search works by party name or by document type. This tool is good when you need to confirm a recorded divorce judgment for a property matter.
Court Records and County Records
Court records are the case files held by the Clerk. County records are the recorded documents held by the Recording Office. Both offices are part of the Clerk. Court records include every paper in the case. County records only include the papers that get officially recorded. A final divorce decree can appear in both systems if it was recorded.
Florida Laws That Cover Divorce Records
Florida state law sets the rules for divorce cases and public records. The two main laws are Chapter 61 and Chapter 119. Each chapter covers a different part of the process. Knowing these laws helps you understand what is open and what is sealed.
Florida Chapter 61 Dissolution Rules
Chapter 61 of Florida Statutes covers the end of a marriage. It sets the rules for filing, residency, parenting plans, and support. It also sets the time frame for waiting periods. Chapter 61 guides what the judge signs on the final judgment. The Clerk applies Chapter 61 when accepting a petition or issuing a final decree.
Florida Chapter 119 Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes covers public access to government records. The law says most records are open. It also says some details must be redacted before a record is released. Redacted details include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s names. The Clerk redacts these details on every copy before it is given out.
Sealed and Redacted Divorce Files
A divorce file can be sealed by a judge in rare cases. A sealed file is closed to the public. A redacted file is open but with some details removed. A judge may seal a file to protect a party from harm or to hide sensitive business data. Most divorce files are not sealed. They are redacted copies that keep privacy while keeping the record open.
Divorce Records From Other Florida Counties
Florida has 67 counties. Each county clerk holds the divorce files for that county. A divorce case can only be filed in the county where the petition is filed. If the spouses live in different counties, they file in the county where they last lived together. Records from other counties follow the same rules as Pinellas County records.
Hillsborough County Divorce Records
Hillsborough County is next to Pinellas County. Its clerk office is in Tampa. The search tools are similar to Pinellas. The state system lets you move between counties with the same name search format. A case filed in Hillsborough will not show up in a Pinellas search.
Pasco County Divorce Records
Pasco County is north of Pinellas. Its clerk office is in Dade City. The Pasco clerk also runs a public access portal. The same request rules apply for certified copies. Each county charges the same fee for a certified copy under state law.
Orange County and Statewide Records
Orange County is in central Florida. Its clerk office is in Orlando. Statewide records are not held by one office. Each county holds its own files. The Florida Department of Health holds only the certificate abstracts of divorce. The state does not hold full court files.
Common Uses for Pinellas Divorce Records
People request Pinellas County divorce records for many reasons. Each reason may need a different type of copy. A plain copy works for personal use. A certified copy works for legal use. The list below shows the most common reasons for a request.
Name Change After Divorce
A spouse may want to return to a maiden name after the divorce. The final judgment often includes a name change order. This order can be used to update a Social Security card, a driver’s license, and a passport. The Social Security office needs a certified copy of the judgment. The DMV and passport office also ask for a certified copy.
Remarriage and Proof of Divorce
To get married again, a person must show that the previous marriage ended. A certified copy of the final divorce decree is accepted as proof. The marriage license office asks for the certified copy before issuing a new license. The copy must show the judge’s signature and the court seal.
Genealogy and Family History
Family researchers use divorce records to confirm family links. The records can show maiden names, marriage dates, and child names. These details help build a family tree. Older files from the early 1900s may be on microfilm. The Pinellas County library has a genealogy section with local records.
Florida Vital Records and Divorce Certificates
Florida vital records are kept by the Florida Department of Health. Vital records include birth, death, marriage, and divorce. The Department of Health keeps a short record called a certificate. The certificate confirms that a divorce happened. It does not include the full court file.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Role
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is part of the Florida Department of Health. The Bureau keeps state-level certificate records for each divorce filed in Florida. The Bureau does not have the full court file. The Bureau can issue a state certificate of divorce for use in other states or countries.
State Certificates and County Decrees
A state certificate is a one-page document with the names of the spouses, the date, and the county. A county decree is the full court document with all the legal terms. The two documents serve different needs. A state certificate works for simple proof. A county decree works for detailed proof.
| Feature | State Certificate | County Decree |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Florida Department of Health | Pinellas County Clerk |
| Content | Basic facts only | Full court order |
| Format | One page | Many pages |
| Use | Proof of divorce | Legal detail and proof |
| Court seal | No | Yes on certified copy |
Pinellas County Clerk Contact Details
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main office for divorce records. The office has a main location in Clearwater. You can visit in person, call, or mail a request. Online requests go through the Clerk website. The Clerk website lists forms, fee tables, and contact numbers.
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Website: https://www.mypinellasclerk.gov/
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common points about Pinellas County Florida divorce records. Each answer gives a clear path to the right office, the right form, and the right fee. Read through these before you place a request to avoid common delays and errors.
How do I search Pinellas County Florida divorce records by name for free?
Open the Pinellas County Public Access portal at ccmspa.pinellascounty.org. Select the family case type, then enter the last name and first name of one spouse. Add a year range if you know the filing year. The search shows a list of matching cases with the case number, the filing date, and the judge’s name. Click the case number to see the docket entries. The docket shows each step in the case with dates. This search is free. You only pay if you order a document image or a certified copy.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree in Florida?
A divorce certificate in Florida is a short state form that confirms a divorce happened. It has the names of the spouses, the date, and the county of filing. It comes from the Florida Department of Health. A divorce decree is the full court order signed by a judge. It comes from the Pinellas County Clerk for divorces filed in this county. The decree includes the legal terms, property division, custody orders, and support orders. Use a certificate for simple proof. Use a decree for legal detail or to update other agencies.
Can I get a certified copy of a Pinellas divorce decree online?
Yes. The Pinellas County Clerk website has an online order portal for certified copies. You place the order, pay the fee by credit card, and the Clerk mails the copy to you. You must fill out the request form with the full names and the year. The case number speeds up the order. The Clerk processes online orders during business days. Allow time for mail delivery after the copy is printed. You can also pick up a certified copy in person at the Clearwater courthouse with a photo ID.
Are Pinellas County divorce records public, and what parts are sealed?
Yes. Most Pinellas County divorce records are public under Florida law. The public file includes the docket, the petition, and the final judgment. Some parts are redacted before the file is released. Redacted parts include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor children’s full names. A judge can also seal the full file in rare cases when a party shows harm. Sealed files are not open to the public. A sealed file needs a court order to open it.
How long does it take to get a divorce decree copy from Pinellas County?
The time depends on the request method. In-person requests at the Clerk office can be filled the same day if the case is closed and the file is on the shelf. Mail requests take about 7 to 14 business days. Online requests take about 5 to 10 business days plus mail time. Old cases from before 1990 can take longer because the files may be in offsite storage. The Clerk charges a search fee if the case is hard to find. Always include the case number to speed up the search.
Can I search Pinellas divorce records by case number instead of a name?
Yes. A case number search is the fastest way to pull up a file. The Public Access portal has a case number search field. Enter the full case number with the year and the sequence code. A case number search returns only one file. It skips the step of sorting through name matches. The case number is printed on any court paper from the case. If you lost the case number, the name search can help you find it. The name search returns the case number in the result list.
What if the divorce happened in another Florida county and not Pinellas?
You must contact the clerk in the county where the divorce was filed. Each county clerk in Florida holds its own divorce files. A Pinellas search will not show a divorce filed in Hillsborough, Pasco, or Orange County. The Florida Department of Health can issue a statewide certificate for any divorce filed in the state. The state certificate works when you only need basic proof and not the full decree. For a full decree, contact the county clerk where the case was filed.