St Lucie County dissolution of marriage records are public court files that show when a marriage legally ended in St Lucie County, Florida. These files include the petition, the final judgment, and the case docket.
The St Lucie County Clerk of Court keeps these records. People can search them online, visit the clerk office in person, or request copies by mail. This page covers how to search, how to request copies, the laws that apply, and what to expect at each step. Most requests are simple once you know which office holds the file you need.
St Lucie County Clerk of Court Role
The St Lucie County Clerk of Court stores and serves all family court records filed in the county. The clerk office runs both the court records system and the official records system. These two systems hold different types of documents. The clerk also issues certified copies of final judgments. Anyone can ask for a copy if the record is open to the public. The clerk office is the first place to start any search for St Lucie County dissolution of marriage records.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main St Lucie County Clerk office sits in Fort Pierce, Florida. The current Clerk of Court is Michelle R. Miller. The office address is 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. The main phone number is 772-462-6900. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Phone calls before a visit can save time because staff can confirm if the record is ready for pickup.
Court Records vs Official Records
The clerk office runs two separate record systems. Court records hold family law cases, including dissolution of marriage filings. These show the case docket, motions, and the final judgment. Official records hold documents recorded by other parties, such as deeds and liens. A final judgment of dissolution appears in court records. A marriage license or recorded separation document may appear in official records. Most people only need court records for a divorce search. Knowing which system to check saves time on the search.
How to Search St Lucie County Dissolution Records
Three main methods exist to search for St Lucie County dissolution of marriage records. You can search online through the clerk portal. You can visit the clerk office in person. You can request a record by mail. Each method works best for different situations. Online search works well for recent cases. In-person visits help with older cases. Mail requests work for people who live far from Fort Pierce.
Online Portal Lookup
The St Lucie County clerk website offers a public records search tool. The site is stlucieclerk.com. The search tool lets users enter a name, a date range, or a case number. Results show the case style, the filing date, and the judge assigned. Some documents link to scanned images. Older cases may not have full scans online. In those cases, an in-person visit is needed to see the full file. The online tool is free for basic index searches.
Name-Based Search Steps
A name search is the most common way to find a dissolution record. Use the full legal name of either spouse. Spelling must match court documents. Include the approximate year of filing to narrow the results. Common names may return many results. Adding a middle name or initial helps. Once the correct case appears, note the case number for faster future lookups.
- Open the St Lucie Clerk online search tool at stlucieclerk.com
- Select the court records search option
- Enter the full legal name of either spouse
- Add a filing year or year range
- Review the results list for the correct case
- Note the case number and final judgment date
Case Number Lookup
Searching by case number gives the fastest results. Each dissolution case gets a unique case number when filed. The format includes a year, a sequence number, and a case type code. Family court cases use codes like “DR” for domestic relations. The clerk office can look up a case number if the name and year are known. Once you have a case number, you can pull the full docket and final judgment online.
Requesting Certified Copies of Dissolution Records
Plain copies of dissolution records work for personal review. Certified copies work for legal matters. A certified copy has the clerk seal and a signature. Courts, government agencies, and many employers require certified copies. The clerk office issues certified copies for a fee. Fees cover the work of pulling, copying, and certifying the document. The cost is set by Florida law.
In-Person Certified Copy Requests
Walk-in requests are handled at the clerk office in Fort Pierce. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk the full name of either spouse and the year of filing. If you know the case number, share that too. Pay the fee at the counter. Most requests are filled the same day. Complex requests with many pages may take longer. The clerk office can certify one document or many documents from the same case.
Mail-In Copy Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit in person. Send a written request to the clerk office. Include the full name of either spouse and the year of filing. Add a phone number and a return address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Add a check or money order for the fee. The clerk office mails the certified copy once the request is processed. Mail requests take longer than walk-in visits.
| Request Type | Fee | Turnaround | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain copy per page | $1.00 | Same day in person | Personal review |
| Certified copy | $3.00 first page, $2.00 each extra page | Same day in person, 5-10 days by mail | Legal use |
| Online docket view | Free | Immediate | Quick reference |
| Full case file | Per page fees apply | 1-3 business days | Background checks |
Florida State Laws That Apply
Florida state law controls how dissolution cases work. These laws cover who can file, how long the process takes, and how records move between offices. Records only become open to the public after the court enters the final judgment. Some parts of the file may stay sealed by court order. The clerk office follows the same rules for all public records requests across the state.
Residency Requirement
Florida law requires one spouse to live in Florida for six months before filing for dissolution. The filing spouse must also live in the county for 40 days before filing. The court checks residency at the time of filing. If residency is not met, the court can dismiss the case. This rule protects people from out-of-state filings. The clerk office does not check residency for record requests after the final judgment enters the docket.
Minimum Waiting Period
Florida law sets a 20-day minimum wait between filing and final judgment. The court can shorten this wait in special cases. A simple dissolution with no children or property issues often moves fastest. Cases with children, property, or disputes take longer. The final judgment date appears on every certified copy. The waiting period does not affect how fast the clerk can produce a copy of an existing record.
Reporting to State Health Department
After the court enters a final judgment, the clerk sends a report to the Florida Department of Health. The health department adds the record to the statewide vital statistics system. This report can take several weeks to show up at the state level. The county clerk file is always ready first. For fast results, search with the county clerk. State records work better for people who need a vital statistics certificate for ID or travel.
Other Florida Counties for Divorce Records
Florida has 67 counties. Each county clerk keeps the dissolution records filed in that county. A case filed in Miami-Dade County will not appear in a St Lucie County search. People who move or marry in another county must search that county’s records. The Florida e-filing portal lets users check basic case info statewide. For full copies, contact the county where the case was filed.
Major County Clerk Offices
Florida’s largest counties have their own clerk websites and search tools. Miami-Dade County uses the miamidadeclerk.gov portal. Hillsborough County uses hillsclerk.com. Orange County uses myorangeclerk.com. Broward County uses browardclerk.org. Palm Beach County uses clerk15.mypalmbeachclerk.com. Duval County uses duvalclerk.com. Pinellas County uses pinellasclerk.org. Each site has its own search layout, but the basic steps follow the same pattern.
| County | Clerk Website | Largest City |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | miamidadeclerk.gov | Miami |
| Hillsborough | hillsclerk.com | Tampa |
| Orange | myorangeclerk.com | Orlando |
| Broward | browardclerk.org | Fort Lauderdale |
| Palm Beach | clerk15.mypalmbeachclerk.com | West Palm Beach |
| Duval | duvalclerk.com | Jacksonville |
| Pinellas | pinellasclerk.org | St. Petersburg |
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide records of births, deaths, marriages, and dissolutions. This office issues statewide certificates. The office is part of the Florida Department of Health. For people who need a certificate for legal name changes, this is the right office. The site is floridahealth.gov. The bureau can take longer to respond than the county clerk for record copy requests.
What to Know Before Making a Request
A few simple steps can make the search faster. Have the right name and year ready. Know what type of record you need. Decide if a plain copy or a certified copy fits your purpose. Plan for the fee. Bring a valid photo ID for in-person visits. These steps reduce the chance of follow-up calls or extra trips to the clerk office.
Documents Needed for Request
To make a request, gather the names of both spouses. Add the year the case was filed. If you know the case number, write it down. Decide which document you need: the final judgment, the full case file, or a simple index entry. Bring a photo ID for in-person visits. Mail requests need a return address and payment. Phone requests work for basic questions, but the clerk cannot issue copies over the phone.
- Full legal name of either spouse
- Filing year or year range
- Case number if known
- Type of document needed
- Photo ID for in-person visits
- Payment for certified copies
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
Processing Time and Limits
Walk-in requests are often filled the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Online searches return results right away. Older cases may need extra time to pull from storage. Sealed records are not available without a court order. Expunged records are removed from public view. Some records may have redacted personal data, such as Social Security numbers, to protect privacy.
Contact St Lucie County Clerk of Court
The St Lucie County Clerk of Court office serves the public with court records and official records. The office is in Fort Pierce, Florida. Staff can answer questions about searching for dissolution records, getting certified copies, and tracking case status. Call before visiting to confirm hours and required documents. The clerk office does not give legal advice but can point you to self-help resources.
Office: St Lucie County Clerk of Court
Clerk Name: Michelle R. Miller
Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: 772-462-6900
Website: stlucieclerk.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed: State and federal holidays
Map: View St Lucie County Clerk of Court on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about St Lucie County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer gives clear, useful details for people who need court records for personal or legal reasons. The questions cover cost, timing, sealed records, name changes, statewide searches, and certified copies. Read through these answers before contacting the clerk office to save time on your request.
How much does a certified copy cost in St Lucie County?
A certified copy of a dissolution record costs $3.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page. Florida law sets these fees for all county clerks. A plain copy costs $1.00 per page. The clerk office accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards. Mail requests need a check or money order. The fee covers pulling the file, copying it, certifying the copy, and the clerk seal. Some record types may have additional fees under Florida statutes. Ask the clerk office for the exact total before sending payment.
How long does it take to get a copy by mail?
Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the clerk office receives the request. The time covers pulling the file, copying it, certifying the copy, and mailing it back. Older cases stored off-site may take longer. The clerk office processes requests in the order they arrive. Adding a self-addressed stamped envelope speeds the return mail. Tracking on certified mail gives proof of delivery. Phone the clerk office if a request takes longer than 10 business days to return.
Are dissolution records public in Florida?
Yes, dissolution records are public in Florida after the court enters the final judgment. The full case docket, motions, and final judgment are open to the public. Some parts may be sealed by court order. Common sealed items include financial records, child custody details, and personal safety concerns. Expunged records are removed from public view. Social Security numbers are redacted from public copies. The clerk office can tell you which parts of a specific case are sealed.
Can I search for a dissolution record by name online?
Yes, the St Lucie County clerk website lets users search by name. The online search tool returns case style, filing date, and judge. The tool is free for basic index searches. Full document scans may not be available for every case. Older cases may not appear online. For older cases, visit the clerk office in person. The statewide Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets users check basic case info for many Florida counties at once.
What if I need a record filed in another Florida county?
Contact the clerk office in the county where the case was filed. Each Florida county keeps its own records. The county clerk websites are listed on the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers site at flclerks.com. For a statewide vital statistics certificate, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics at floridahealth.gov. The bureau handles statewide certificates, not the full court case file. For a full case file, the county clerk is the right office to contact.
Can I change my name using a dissolution record?
Yes, the final judgment of dissolution often allows a name change for one spouse. The certified copy of the final judgment works as proof of the name change. Bring the certified copy to the Social Security office first, then update the driver’s license and other records. The name change must be part of the final judgment. A separate name change case needs a different petition. The clerk office can answer questions about which records to get for a name change.
What is the difference between a decree and a record?
A divorce decree is the final judgment that ends the marriage. A dissolution record is the full set of court files in the case. The decree is one document within the larger dissolution record. People often use the words interchangeably. For legal matters, the certified copy of the final judgment is the key document. For full case history, request the entire dissolution record. The clerk office can help you choose the right document based on your needs.