Broward County Divorce Records
What Are Broward County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Broward County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts through the Family Division as part of their statutory responsibility under Florida law. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, all petitions for dissolution of marriage must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court, resulting in the creation and maintenance of these records.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- The initial petition for dissolution of marriage
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Marital settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements, if applicable
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
The Broward County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining them in accordance with Florida public records laws. These documents serve multiple purposes, including providing legal proof of marital status change, documenting property division, and establishing child custody arrangements.
Broward County Clerk of Courts - Family Division
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Broward County Family Court Division
Are Broward County Divorce Records Public?
Broward County divorce records are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation establishes that most government records, including court records, are available for public inspection and copying. Members of the public may access these records through various methods established by the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
However, certain exceptions to public access exist:
- Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive personal information may be redacted before public disclosure
- Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access pursuant to Florida Statutes § 741.30
- Records pertaining to minor children may have limited accessibility
- Cases sealed by court order are not available to the general public
The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, establishes the right of access to public records while also acknowledging the legislature's authority to exempt certain records from disclosure when necessary to protect privacy rights or sensitive information. Individuals seeking divorce records should be aware that while most information is publicly accessible, certain personal details may be protected from disclosure under applicable privacy laws.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Broward County in 2025
Locating divorce records in Broward County requires following specific procedures established by the county clerk's office. Members of the public may utilize several methods to obtain these records in 2025:
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Visit the Broward County Courthouse in person:
- Bring identification and case information if available
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
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Submit a written request by mail:
- Include specific information about the divorce case
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
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Access records through the online records search portal
For comprehensive divorce records, requestors should contact:
Broward County Clerk of Courts - Records Department
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 64V-1.0131, certified copies of divorce certificates may also be obtained through the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics for divorces finalized after June 6, 1927.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Broward County Online?
The Broward County Clerk of Courts provides digital access to divorce records through its electronic database systems. Members of the public may conduct online searches through the following methods:
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Access the Broward County Official Records Search portal
- Search by party name, case number, or date range
- View non-confidential documents electronically
- Download or print available records for a fee
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Utilize the Clerk's Case Search system:
- Navigate to the Broward County Clerk's website
- Select "Court Records" from the main menu
- Enter relevant search criteria (names, dates, case numbers)
- Review search results for matching cases
Online access is governed by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which establishes guidelines for electronic access to court records. Users should note that while basic case information is typically available online, certain documents may require in-person requests due to confidentiality restrictions or technical limitations.
For assistance with online record searches, contact:
Broward County Clerk of Courts - Records Department
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Broward County Clerk of Courts
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Broward County?
Broward County provides several options for accessing divorce records without payment, though certain limitations apply. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to access records without fees:
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Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Available during regular business hours
- Located in the public records section
- Allow viewing of non-confidential records without charge
- Printing fees may still apply
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Online case docket information:
- Basic case information viewable without charge
- Includes party names, case numbers, and filing dates
- Document images may require payment
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Public library resources:
- Select Broward County libraries offer access to legal databases
- May include historical divorce record indexes
- Staff assistance available for research guidance
While viewing basic record information may be free, fees typically apply for obtaining copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24, the clerk may charge $1.00 per page for copies and $2.00 per document for certification.
Broward County Main Library - Government Documents
100 S Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-357-7444
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Broward County
Divorce records in Broward County contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. These records typically include the following components as required by Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Answer and/or Counter-Petition - The responding spouse's formal reply
- Financial Affidavits - Sworn statements detailing each party's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- Marital Settlement Agreement - Document outlining the division of property and debts
- Parenting Plan - Details regarding time-sharing and decision-making for minor children
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet - Calculations for child support obligations
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage - The court's final order terminating the marriage
Additional documents may include:
- Temporary relief orders
- Mediation agreements
- Depositions and interrogatories
- Guardian ad litem reports, if applicable
- Name change orders, if requested
The content of these records is governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 61, which establishes requirements for dissolution proceedings. Certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and financial account details, may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these documents in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Broward County?
Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Broward County may obtain documentation through established procedures. The following methods are available for securing legal evidence of dissolution:
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Certified Copy of Final Judgment:
- Visit the Broward County Courthouse Records Department
- Provide the case number or names and approximate date of divorce
- Pay the certification fee ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Receive a court-sealed certified copy
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Certificate of Divorce:
- Contact the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Complete an application form with required identification
- Submit the appropriate fee ($5.00 per certificate)
- Receive an official state-issued certificate
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Mail Request to Clerk's Office:
- Send written request with case information
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Provide self-addressed stamped envelope
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.0255, divorce certificates are available through the state vital records office for divorces granted after June 6, 1927. These certificates serve as legal proof of divorce for purposes such as remarriage, name changes, and benefits applications.
Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 N. Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-359-6900
Florida Department of Health
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Broward County?
While Florida maintains a strong public records policy, certain provisions exist for maintaining confidentiality in divorce proceedings under specific circumstances. The following conditions may warrant confidential treatment of divorce records in Broward County:
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Sealing by Court Order:
- Parties may petition the court to seal records
- Must demonstrate compelling privacy interests that outweigh public access rights
- Judge must issue specific findings supporting the sealing order
- Governed by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(c)(9)
-
Automatic Confidentiality Protections:
- Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account information
- Documents revealing the identity of domestic violence victims
- Records pertaining to dependency proceedings
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse treatment records
-
Limited Confidentiality Measures:
- Use of pseudonyms in exceptional cases
- Redaction of sensitive information from publicly accessible documents
- In-camera review of particularly sensitive evidence
The Florida Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness for court records. Accordingly, complete confidentiality is rarely granted except in extraordinary circumstances. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding available options under Florida Statutes § 119.071 and relevant case law.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Broward County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Broward County varies based on several factors, including case complexity and the parties' cooperation level. The following timelines represent typical processing periods:
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Simplified Dissolution of Marriage:
- Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing
- Typical completion time: 30-45 days
- Requirements: No minor children, pregnancy, or alimony claims; complete agreement on property division
-
Uncontested Divorce:
- Minimum processing time: 4-6 weeks
- Requirements: Both parties agree on all issues but don't qualify for simplified dissolution
- Final hearing typically scheduled 30-45 days after filing
-
Contested Divorce:
- Duration: 6 months to over 1 year
- Factors affecting timeline:
- Discovery complexity
- Court calendar congestion
- Mediation requirements
- Trial scheduling
Florida law imposes a 20-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.19. Additionally, at least one party must have been a Florida resident for six months before filing, as required by Florida Statutes § 61.021.
The Broward County Family Court Division provides case management services to help ensure timely processing of divorce cases in accordance with established time standards.
How Long Does Broward County Keep Divorce Records?
Broward County maintains divorce records permanently in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules. The following retention policies apply to divorce documentation:
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Court Case Files:
- Maintained permanently by the Clerk of Courts
- Includes all pleadings, orders, and judgments
- Governed by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430
- Records may transition from paper to microfilm or digital format over time
-
Official Records:
- Final judgments recorded in Official Records
- Maintained permanently in searchable database
- Available for public inspection indefinitely
-
Index Information:
- Party names, case numbers, and filing dates
- Maintained permanently for reference purposes
- Accessible through clerk's office and online systems
The permanent retention of divorce records serves important public interests, including establishing legal precedent, documenting property transfers, and providing evidence of marital status. These retention policies are established pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.30 and the General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerk of Courts records.
While records are maintained permanently, the accessibility format may change over time, with older records potentially requiring special request procedures for retrieval from archives.
How To Get a Divorce In Broward County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Broward County must follow specific procedures established by Florida law. The process includes the following steps:
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Establish Residency:
- At least one spouse must have resided in Florida for six months prior to filing
- Residency must be verified by affidavit or testimony
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Prepare and File Required Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902)
- Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j))
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if applicable)
- Parenting Plan (if minor children involved)
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Serve the Other Party:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Or file an Answer and Waiver of Service if cooperative
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Complete Mandatory Disclosure:
- Exchange financial information within 45 days of service
- Submit Child Support Guidelines Worksheet if applicable
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Attend Mediation (if required):
- Mandatory for contested issues involving parental responsibility
- May be ordered for financial disputes
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Attend Final Hearing:
- Present settlement agreement or argue contested issues
- Judge issues Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
All required family law forms are available through the Florida Courts website or at the Broward County Courthouse. Filing fees (approximately $408 for dissolution of marriage) must be paid upon submission unless a fee waiver is granted based on financial hardship.
Broward County Courthouse - Family Division
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
How To Get Divorce Papers In Broward County
Individuals seeking divorce documentation in Broward County may obtain the necessary forms through several authorized channels. The following options are available for accessing divorce papers:
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Broward County Courthouse:
- Visit the Family Law Self-Help Center
- Request specific forms from the clerk's office
- Receive guidance on form completion from staff (not legal advice)
- Pay nominal fees for form packets
-
Online Resources:
- Download official Florida Supreme Court approved forms
- Access Broward County Clerk's website for local forms
- Print forms for completion and filing
-
Legal Aid Services:
- Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida
- Legal Aid Service of Broward County
- Provides assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
Required forms vary based on circumstances but typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without children)
- Financial Affidavit (short or long form)
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit (if children involved)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable)
Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.105, all family law forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions provided. Forms are available in English and Spanish versions.
Broward County Courthouse - Self Help Center
201 SE 6th Street, Room 1800
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Lookup Divorce Records in Broward County
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Broward County Family Court Division
Broward County Official Records Search
Florida Department of Health - Divorce Certificates