Accessing Free Online Florida Divorce Records: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview of Florida Divorce Records

Divorce records, like other vital records, are publicly accessible as mandated by law in the United States. In Florida, these records have been systematically collected and maintained by the State Office of Vital Statistics under the Florida Department of Health since 1927. This initiative began with legislation aimed at centralizing marriage and divorce records, which are officially termed as the Dissolution of Marriage Records.

Historical Context and Current Statistics

Florida, being the fourth largest state by population in the U.S., has a significant number of divorce records filed annually. With a population exceeding 21 million in recent years, and a divorce rate of about 3.6 per 1,000 inhabitants as of 2019 (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the state sees a substantial volume of dissolution cases.

How to Access Records

Obtaining a copy of a divorce record in Florida is straightforward due to the absence of restrictions on these public records. The process involves a nominal fee of $5 per record. It's important to note that the Florida Department of Health enforces a "NO REFUNDS" policy, even if the requested records are not found, in which case a certificate of non-existence is issued instead.

Requesting Records by Mail

To order by mail:

1. Prepare a signed letter or complete an application form detailing the required record and requester's information.
2. Include the appropriate fee via check or cash.
3. Mail to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. If the exact date of the divorce is unknown, specify a possible range of years, adding $2 for each additional year searched to aid in locating the record.
4. Additional copies can be requested simultaneously for $4 each.

Processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, though a "RUSH" service is available for expedited processing at an additional cost of $10. For immediate needs, express delivery ensures overnight processing and delivery.

Role of Commercial Record Keepers

While state databases are not interconnected, commercial record keepers provide an essential service by hosting comprehensive, live databases that facilitate quicker and more convenient searches for divorce records across states. These databases are regularly updated, ensuring reliability and ease of access.

Benefits of Using Commercial Databases

• Speed: Faster access compared to traditional methods.
• Convenience: Search from anywhere, without the need to visit a government office.
• Comprehensiveness: Ability to search across multiple states.

For more detailed information on accessing Florida divorce records, visit the Florida Department of Health's Vital Statistics website.

Conclusion

Accessing divorce records in Florida is a process made efficient by the centralized efforts of the State Office of Vital Statistics. Whether through direct requests to the state or via commercial databases, obtaining these records can be accomplished with relative ease. Understanding the specific procedures and fees involved can further streamline the experience.