Duval County Divorce Records
What Are Duval County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Duval County, Florida are official government documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage. These records are formally known as "Dissolution of Marriage Certificates" under Florida law and are maintained as vital records pursuant to Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. The documents contain information regarding the termination of a marital relationship between two individuals as granted by the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court serving Duval County.
Divorce records in Duval County typically include:
- The final judgment of dissolution of marriage
- Names of both parties involved in the divorce
- Date and location where the divorce was finalized
- Case number assigned by the court
- Grounds for divorce as recognized by Florida law
- Judge's signature and court seal
The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains the official repository of all divorce certificates in Florida issued after June 6, 1927. Records prior to this date may be available through the Duval County Clerk of Court where the original divorce proceedings were conducted.
Are Duval County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Duval County are classified as public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This designation means that members of the general public may access and inspect these documents without demonstrating a specific need or relationship to the parties involved in the divorce.
The public nature of these records serves several governmental purposes:
- Maintaining transparency in judicial proceedings
- Providing verification of marital status for legal purposes
- Enabling statistical analysis of demographic trends
- Supporting historical and genealogical research
However, certain information contained within divorce records may be exempt from public disclosure under specific provisions of Florida law. Pursuant to §119.071, Florida Statutes, sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain information pertaining to victims of domestic violence may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records.
Individuals who qualify for certain exemptions may file a Request for Exemption from Public Records Disclosure with Duval County to protect their personal information from public view.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Duval County in 2025
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Duval County have multiple official channels through which these documents may be obtained. The appropriate method depends on when the divorce was finalized and the specific documentation required.
For divorces finalized after June 6, 1927, records may be requested through:
Florida Department of Health in Duval County
900 University Boulevard North
Jacksonville, FL 32211
(904) 253-1000
Florida Department of Health in Duval County
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
For divorces finalized prior to June 6, 1927, or to obtain complete court files:
Duval County Clerk of Circuit Court
501 W. Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-2000
Duval County Courts
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Requestors must provide:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Applicable fees (currently $5.00 per certified copy through the Department of Health)
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Duval County Online?
Duval County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through authorized online platforms. The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains an official online ordering system for vital records certificates, including divorce certificates from 1927 to present.
To access divorce records online, interested parties may:
- Visit the Florida Department of Health's official website
- Navigate to the Certificates and Registries section
- Select the Divorce Certificate option
- Complete the required fields with accurate information
- Pay the applicable fee via credit card or electronic check
- Choose delivery method (standard mail or expedited service)
For court records related to divorce proceedings, the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court provides limited online access through their case management system. Users must register for an account and may be subject to certain access restrictions based on the nature of the information contained in the records.
It should be noted that pursuant to Florida Administrative Order AOSC14-19, certain confidential information is not available through online public access even when the underlying record is public.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Duval County?
While certified copies of divorce records in Duval County require payment of statutory fees, members of the public may inspect certain divorce records without charge under specific circumstances as provided by Florida's Public Records Law.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection of non-confidential court records at the Duval County Courthouse (501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202) during regular business hours
- Limited online searches through the Clerk of Courts public access portal (registration required)
- Use of public access terminals located at the courthouse (subject to time limitations)
Individuals conducting genealogical research may access historical divorce records at:
Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library
303 N. Laura Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-6000
The library maintains microfilm archives of local newspapers that often published legal notices of divorce proceedings, particularly for older cases.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Duval County
Divorce records in Duval County consist of multiple documents that collectively constitute the official record of marital dissolution. The specific contents vary based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.
Standard components of Duval County divorce records include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if reached by mutual consent)
- Parenting plan and child support calculations (for cases involving minor children)
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage (the official vital record)
The Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage, issued by the Florida Department of Health, contains basic information including:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Date the divorce was granted
- County where the divorce was finalized
- Case number assigned by the court
Court files maintained by the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court contain more detailed information about the proceedings, including testimony, exhibits, and judicial determinations regarding property division, alimony, child custody, and support obligations.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Duval County?
Official proof of divorce in Duval County is provided through a certified copy of the Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage. This document serves as legal evidence of marital status and is commonly required for name changes, remarriage, immigration proceedings, and other administrative purposes.
To obtain certified proof of divorce, eligible requestors may:
- Submit a completed application to the Florida Department of Health in Duval County
- Provide required identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Pay the statutory fee ($5.00 per certified copy as of 2025)
- Specify delivery method (in-person pickup or mail delivery)
Florida Department of Health in Duval County
900 University Boulevard North
Jacksonville, FL 32211
(904) 253-1000
Florida Department of Health in Duval County
For expedited service, requestors may utilize the VitalChek network, an authorized service provider for the Florida Department of Health, which offers priority processing and delivery options for an additional fee.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Duval County?
While divorce records in Duval County are generally public, Florida law provides certain mechanisms through which aspects of divorce proceedings and associated records may be maintained as confidential under specific circumstances.
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, the following information in divorce cases may be automatically confidential:
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers
- Information related to victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect
- Medical, mental health, or substance abuse records
- Information pertaining to minor children
Additionally, parties may petition the court for a sealing order under limited circumstances where:
- Privacy interests outweigh the public's right of access
- No less restrictive measures are available to protect sensitive information
- The request is narrowly tailored to specific documents or information
The court may, at its discretion, grant motions to seal certain records upon a showing of good cause as defined in §119.071, Florida Statutes. However, complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Duval County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Duval County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and statutory waiting periods.
Under Florida law, the minimum timeframe for completing a divorce is:
- 20 days from filing to final hearing for uncontested divorces (where parties have reached complete agreement)
- 45 days minimum for contested matters (where issues remain unresolved)
Typical timeframes for Duval County divorces in 2025:
- Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: 30-45 days
- Uncontested Divorce with Written Agreement: 4-6 weeks
- Contested Divorce without Minor Children: 3-6 months
- Contested Divorce with Minor Children: 6-12 months or longer
Factors that may extend the duration include:
- Mandatory parenting classes for cases involving minor children
- Property valuation disputes requiring expert testimony
- Temporary relief hearings for support or custody matters
- Court-ordered mediation sessions
- Judicial caseload in the Fourth Judicial Circuit
How Long Does Duval County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Duval County are maintained permanently in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules. The dual-custody system for these records ensures their long-term preservation and accessibility.
The retention schedule is as follows:
- The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains certificates of dissolution of marriage permanently from June 6, 1927 to present
- The Duval County Clerk of Court preserves complete case files permanently as required by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration
- Historical records (pre-1927) are maintained by the Clerk of Court with some materials transferred to the State Archives of Florida
Digital preservation initiatives have enhanced the longevity of these records, with ongoing efforts to scan and index older paper records. The Florida Department of Health maintains computerized indexes of all vital records, including divorce certificates, facilitating retrieval of historical documents.
How To Get a Divorce In Duval County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Duval County must follow procedures established by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and local court rules of the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
The process typically involves:
- Meeting residency requirements (at least one party must have resided in Florida for six months prior to filing)
- Preparing and filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Duval County Clerk of Court
- Paying required filing fees (approximately $408 for dissolution without children, $408 plus additional fees for cases with children)
- Serving the petition on the other spouse through authorized methods
- Completing mandatory financial disclosure forms
- Attending mediation if required by the court
- Participating in a final hearing before a judge
Fourth Judicial Circuit Court
501 W. Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-2000
Fourth Judicial Circuit Court
Florida law recognizes "no-fault" divorce, meaning parties need only state that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" rather than proving specific grounds for dissolution.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Duval County
Divorce forms, commonly referred to as "divorce papers," are available to the public through multiple official channels in Duval County. These standardized forms comply with requirements established by the Florida Supreme Court.
Sources for obtaining divorce papers include:
- The Clerk of Circuit Court's office at the Duval County Courthouse (501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202)
- The Fourth Judicial Circuit's Self-Help Center located in Room 103 of the courthouse
- The Florida Courts website (approved statewide forms)
- The Duval County Law Library (501 W. Adams Street, 4th Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32202)
Individuals with questions about which forms are appropriate for their specific situation may consult with staff at the Self-Help Center. While court personnel cannot provide legal advice, they can offer procedural guidance and form selection assistance.
Low-income residents may qualify for assistance through:
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
126 W. Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-8371
Lookup Divorce Records in Duval County
Florida Department of Health vital records
Duval County divorce certificates
Florida dissolution of marriage information