Seminole County, Florida Divorce Records
Seminole divorce records are official documents issued by the state to prove the dissolution of a marriage. Although divorce documents are most commonly used as evidence in divorce court proceedings, they have value to the general public for a range of legal purposes. These typically include updating your driver’s license, determining who owns what assets after the divorce, establishing child support obligations, proving parentage for benefit claims, and conducting genealogical research. Seminole divorce records are public records. However, some information in the document is restricted to eligible parties.
Seminole County Divorce Rates: In 2023, Florida had a divorce rate of 3.0 divorces per 1,000 Florida residents. Additionally, according to state statistics, about 13% of all Florida marriage unions result in a divorce. The Seminole County divorce rate is similar to the state level, with about 11.8% of the county’s population currently divorced.
Are Divorce Records Public in Seminole County?
Yes. Most divorce records in Seminole County are public under Florida’s broad public record laws. Usually, the public may request the following information about divorce records: the names of the parties involved, the date filed, and the current status of the case. However, there are restrictions on accessing sensitive or confidential information contained in the divorce decree. Therefore, certain sensitive issues relating to minor children, financial accounts, domestic violence cases, or other private custody arrangements are restricted from public access and will only be available to the parties involved.
How to Find Divorce Records in Seminole County
Divorce records for Seminole County, Florida, can be searched online, in person at the courthouse, or by submitting a written request by mail. The majority of divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Seminole County. They will provide you with access to divorce court documents, such as divorce cases, decrees, and final judgments.
Step 1. Obtain the Required Information
It is essential to gather accurate information before initiating your search. Get the following information listed below:
- The full names of both spouses
- The year or approximate year that the divorce took place
- The divorce case number
- The county in which the divorce complaint was filed
Step 2. Search Online Records
Often, the most efficient way to find divorce records is through the Seminole County clerk of court’s Search Records page. The clerk’s office provides free access to various types of divorce-related records, including divorce case files, family court filings, and publicly available docket information.
Step 3: Visit the Clerk’s Office in Person
If a certified copy of the divorce record is required, the record seeker may need to visit the courthouse directly. The Seminole County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s office is located at:
101 Eslinger Way
Sanford, FL 32773
(407) 665-4300
To request the record in person, bring along a valid government-issued ID, case details, and the fees. In-person requests are typically processed the same day.
Step 4. Request Records by Email or Fax
Record seekers can also request copies of divorce records by emailing or faxing a written request to the Clerk’s Office. The request should include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number, and identifying information. Mail or fax the request to:
Seminole County Clerk of Court & Comptroller
clerk@seminoleclerk.org
Fax: (407) 665-4405
Alternatively, if a record seeker only needs proof of a divorce, they can request a Florida divorce certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The office accepts walk-in and mail applications for divorce certificates. All requests must be in writing and include the full names of both spouses, the date of dissolution, and the county in which the divorce was granted. It costs $5 to order a divorce certificate. All requests can be submitted at:
Florida Department of Health, Vital Statistics
1217 N Pearl Street
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
| Method | Where to Go | Info Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Seminole Clerk Records Portal | Full name, date range, case number, and case type | Free or small fee | Instant |
| In Person | Seminole County Clerk of Court | Valid ID, full names, and case number if available | Varies by copy type | Often the same day |
| By Mail | Seminole County Clerk of Court | Request form, payment, and identifying information | $5 | 1–3 weeks |
| State Certificate Request | Florida Vital Statistics Office | Names of Spouses and divorce date or year | $5 search fee (excluding shipping fees) | Several business days |
Overview of the Seminole County Court System
All divorces that occur in Seminole County are administered through the Family Court Division of the Seminole County Circuit Court. The Family Court Division is responsible for processing all family court matters related to divorce. These include child support, child visitation rights, spousal support, and other court orders related to the dissolution of marriage. All Seminole family court divorce filings**,** paperwork, and documentation may be obtained at the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.
The Family Court Division is located at:
101 Eslinger Way,
Sanford, FL 32773
Online Access to Seminole County Divorce Records
All divorces that occur in Seminole County are administered through the Family Court Division of the Seminole County Circuit Court. The Family Court Division is responsible for processing all family court matters related to divorce. These include child support, child visitation rights, spousal support, and other court orders related to the dissolution of marriage. All Seminole Family Court divorce filings, paperwork, and documentation may be obtained at the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
The Family Court Division is located at:
101 Eslinger Way,
Sanford, FL 32773
The Clerk’s portal provides a quick and convenient way to find Seminole County divorce records online without physically visiting the courthouse.
In addition, eligible persons may order certified copies of the divorce records for a fee if needed. Third-party websites also provide free online divorce lookups in Seminole County. However, they are unofficial sources, and the records on those sites may be incomplete or out of date. Therefore, when searching for official and current divorce records, use the official Clerk’s portal.
What’s Typically Included in a Seminole Divorce Record
A Seminole County, Florida divorce record generally consists of various types of information describing what happened to the marriage and how it ended. The amount of detail in the divorce record is usually determined by which specific documents are sought. For example, a divorce certificate provides basic information about the divorce case, whereas the divorce decree contains the complete court file, which may include petitions to the court. The divorce decree also includes financial disclosure statements, child custody and visitation orders, and other court orders.
The typical details that can be found in a Seminole County divorce record include spouses’ full names, marriage date and location, date filed and date finalized, court case filing number, and court information. It also includes the grounds for the divorce and the division of property and debt. Others include the terms of spousal support, child custody, and visitation, as well as the attorneys involved with each spouse.
While divorce documents are considered public records, not all the information contained in them is publicly available. Certain information on divorce records is sealed or redacted to protect individual safety and privacy. In Semilore County, this information includes:
- Child abuse or neglect claims
- Domestic violence allegations
- Allegations regarding minor children
- Financial account numbers
- Information related to medical and mental health issues
- Personal identifiers, such as social security numbers
- The Final Judgment or decree
Here is a summary of what divorce information is publicly available, and what is not.
| Information | Available to the Public? |
|---|---|
| Names of spouses | Yes |
| Divorce date | Yes |
| Case number | Yes |
| Filing status and court actions | Yes |
| Final judgment or decree | Usually |
| Child support details | Sometimes restricted |
| Custody arrangements | Sometimes restricted |
| Property division orders | Limited access in some cases |
| Financial disclosures | No |
| Social Security numbers | No |
| Medical or abuse-related records | Commonly sealed |
How to Get Certified Copies of Seminole Divorce Records
Individuals who want to provide evidence of their divorce to courts, lawyers, employers, insurance companies, government agencies, or other organizations will need an official divorce record copy from Seminole County rather than a plain copy. Official copies of divorce records are usually needed when getting married again, applying for a passport, filing a lawsuit, dealing with insurance issues, and changing one's last name.
Official copies of divorce records from Seminole County can be obtained through either the Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller or the Florida Department of Health, depending on the type of document needed.
Here are the main differences between a certified copy and an informational copy.
| Type of Copy | Use Case | Who Can Request | Legally Valid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy | Remarriage, court filings, and legal verification | Spouse, attorney, court, and authorized party | Yes |
| Informational Copy | Genealogy, research, and public information | Anyone, if the record is public | No |
To request a certified divorce decree in Seminole, record seekers typically need to provide the following:
- The names of both spouses
- The date or approximate date of the divorce
- The case number
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Self-addressed and stamped envelope if applying by mail
Persons requesting the document may send a written request to the Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. The request may be completed in person or submitted by email or fax. It costs $5 to request the document. Processing times for email and fax requests vary. However, persons who order the record in person may receive the document immediately.
Persons who require proof that a divorce occurred, an informational copy, may request the certificate from the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. The office offers walk-in and mail-in services. Requesters must complete the Application for Dissolution of Marriage form. There is a $5 fee, plus an additional $4 for each additional copy of the certificate. Processing times are typically within 3-5 business days.
Seminole Divorce Records Summary
| Custodian | Available Record Type | Access Method | Fees & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller | Full divorce case files, final judgments, certified divorce decrees, and court filings | Online portal, email request, or fax requests | $5 per certified copy. Uncertified copies cost $1 per page |
| Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics | Florida divorce certificates and limited summary records | Mail and in-person requests | $5 for the first certificate and $4 for subsequent copies. There is also a $10 rush fee. |
| Family Court Records Division | Divorce motions, custody orders, support filings, and related court records | In-person or court records search | Fees vary. Some documents are restricted, while others are redacted per privacy laws |
| Third-Party Websites | Aggregated divorce records | Online search (paid) | Convenience-based service at a cost. Information may be incomplete or outdated |