Orlando City Dissolution Of Marriage Records are filed and stored at the Orange County Clerk of Courts, not at any Orlando city office. The Orange County Clerk keeps the full case file, the final judgment, and the official record copy that most people need for name changes, property matters, or other legal updates.
Anyone living in Orlando who wants a divorce record must work with the county court system, since the city of Orlando does not run a family court and does not issue copies of marriage dissolution paperwork.
Where Orlando Divorce Records Are Kept
All Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records sit in the Orange County Clerk of Courts office. This office runs the 9th Judicial Circuit court, which covers Orange and Osceola counties. The clerk files the petition, stores the final judgment, and stamps certified copies. People often call the city of Orlando by mistake, but the city clerk does not handle divorce cases. The county clerk is the only office with the full record.
Orange County Clerk of Courts Office
The Orange County Clerk of Courts is the main office for Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records. The current clerk is Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. The main office sits at 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. The phone number for the main line is 407-836-2000. Office hours for the records desk are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Visitors should bring a photo ID before asking for any record search or certified copy.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County | Orange County, Florida |
| Circuit | 9th Judicial Circuit |
| Clerk | Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. |
| Address | 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Phone | 407-836-2000 |
| Office Hours | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Website | orangeclerk.com |
Why the County, Not the City, Holds the Records
Florida law places family court cases under the circuit court system, which is run by counties. The city of Orlando only handles local matters like permits, utilities, and city taxes. Family law cases, including marriage dissolution, fall under the circuit court. The Orange County Clerk is the legal custodian of all Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records. This setup keeps divorce files in one place with one chain of custody, so people can trust the copies they get from the clerk.
How to Search Orlando Divorce Records by Name
A name search is the most common way to look up Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records. The Orange County Clerk runs an online portal where users can search by last name, first name, and year of birth. Older cases that were filed before the digital system went live may only show up in the in-person index. Free name searches are available on the clerk site, but certified copies cost a fee.
Online Search Through the Clerk Portal
The clerk’s official site, orangeclerk.com, has a public records search tool. Users can type in the full legal name of either spouse and pick a date range to narrow the results. The portal will show case number, filing date, judge, and case status. Users who need the full final judgment must order a certified copy through the same site or visit the clerk office in person. The system works best for cases filed after 1986, when Orange County moved to electronic indexing.
In-Person Name Search at the Records Desk
Some people cannot find what they need online. Older cases, paper-only files, and sealed records may not appear in the digital index. In those cases, a visit to the records desk at 425 N. Orange Ave. is the right path. The records clerk will search the physical docket books and microfilm if needed. Visitors should bring a photo ID, the full name of at least one spouse, and a rough year of filing. A standard search takes about 15 to 30 minutes, but deeper searches may take longer.
What Records Are Available in Orange County
The Orange County Clerk stores several types of family court records tied to Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records. Each type serves a different legal purpose. Knowing the difference saves time and money when ordering documents.
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
The petition is the first document filed by the spouse who starts the case. It lists the names, addresses, date of marriage, and the relief requested. This document is public unless sealed by a judge. Most people do not need a certified copy of the petition unless they are reopening or appealing a case.
Final Judgment of Dissolution
The final judgment is the court order that ends the marriage. It covers property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. This is the document most people need when remarrying, updating a name, or closing joint accounts. The clerk issues a certified copy with a raised seal for a fee. The fee for a certified copy in 2026 is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee, which means most standard judgments cost $8.00 to $15.00 in total.
Case Status and Hearing Records
People often need a case status check to see if a divorce is final. The clerk portal shows the current status, including pending motions, scheduled hearings, and the final judgment date. Court minutes and hearing recordings may be available for an extra fee. Audio recordings of hearings are kept for two years before they are deleted, so requesters should order copies quickly if they need them.
Divorce Certificate from the State of Florida
A divorce certificate is different from a court judgment. The Florida Department of Health issues a state-level certificate that confirms a marriage was legally ended. This document is needed for social security updates, name changes, and some federal purposes. The state certificate can be ordered through the Florida Department of Health or through VitalChek. Most people only need either the state certificate or the court judgment, not both, so it pays to know which one matches the task at hand.
| Document Type | Source | Best For | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petition | Orange County Clerk | Reopening an old case | $1.00 per page |
| Final Judgment | Orange County Clerk | Name change, remarriage, banking | $8.00–$15.00 certified |
| Case Status | Online portal | Quick status check | Free |
| State Divorce Certificate | FL Department of Health | Social Security, federal agencies | $20.00–$30.00 |
How to Get a Certified Copy of an Orlando Divorce Decree
Certified copies of Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records can be ordered three ways: online through the clerk portal, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own timeline and fee. The fastest path is the in-person visit, but the online and mail routes work for people who live out of state or cannot travel to Orlando.
Ordering a Certified Copy Online
The Orange County Clerk accepts online orders for certified copies. Users create an account, search for the case, and add the certified copy to a cart. Payment runs through a credit or debit card. Most online orders are processed within 2 to 5 business days, plus mail time. The clerk ships certified copies through the U.S. Postal Service or FedEx, depending on the shipping option picked at checkout.
Ordering by Mail
People who prefer mail can send a written request to the clerk office. The request must include the full names of both spouses, the case number if known, the year of filing, and a signed release. A check or money order for the certified copy fee must be included. The clerk office address is 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. Mail orders usually take 7 to 14 business days to arrive.
Ordering in Person
Walk-in customers can visit the records desk on the second floor of the clerk office. The desk opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Customers should bring a photo ID and know the case number or year. Same-day service is common for in-person requests, with the certified copy often ready within the same hour.
Florida Statutes That Cover Orlando Divorce Records
Florida state law controls how Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records are filed, sealed, and released. Knowing the key statutes helps people understand their rights and limits when searching for records.
Residency Rule – Florida Statute 61.021
At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing for dissolution. This rule applies to all Orlando cases. The clerk checks residency at the time of filing, and the court may dismiss cases that do not meet the rule. This statute does not affect the right to look up older cases, only the right to file a new case.
Grounds for Dissolution – Florida Statute 61.052
Florida is a no-fault state, which means the only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This rule has been in place since 1971. No proof of wrongdoing is needed. This statute matters for record searchers because all Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records will list the same ground, which makes the petition text predictable across cases.
Filing Procedure – Florida Statute 61.043
This statute sets out how a dissolution case begins. The spouse who files pays a filing fee, submits a petition, and serves the other spouse with formal notice. The clerk records the filing date, which becomes the official start of the case. Anyone tracking a case through the portal will see this date in the docket.
Final Judgment Timing – Florida Statute 61.019
This statute limits when a court can enter a final judgment. For cases with minor children, the court must wait at least 60 days after service. For cases with no minor children, the wait drops to 20 days. The clerk enters the final judgment after the judge signs it, and that date appears on all certified copies of the judgment.
Vital Statistics Reporting – Florida Statute 382.023
After the clerk enters the final judgment, the clerk reports the divorce to the Florida Department of Health. This step puts the case into the state vital statistics system, which is what makes state-level divorce certificates possible. The process takes about 60 to 90 days after the final judgment, so people who need a state certificate right away should plan for that wait.
Comparing Orange County With Other Large Florida Counties
People who move between Florida counties sometimes need records from more than one location. The process for getting Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records is similar to the process in other large counties, but there are small differences in fees, portals, and office hours.
Miami-Dade County Divorce Records
Miami-Dade runs a separate online portal at miami-dadeclerk.gov. The filing fee and certified copy fees are slightly higher than Orange County. The Miami-Dade clerk also reports to the Florida Department of Health under the same statute, so the state certificate is interchangeable between counties.
Hillsborough County Divorce Records
Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, runs its clerk site at hillsclerk.com. The fees and process are close to Orange County. The main difference is office location in downtown Tampa. People with cases in both Hillsborough and Orange need to contact each county separately.
Broward County Divorce Records
Broward County covers Fort Lauderdale and uses browardclerk.org for online searches. The portal covers cases filed after 1978. The certified copy fee is the same as Orange County, but the office hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Palm Beach County Divorce Records
Palm Beach County uses mypalmbeachclerk.com. The portal shows civil, family, and criminal cases. People searching for an Orlando case should not use the Palm Beach portal, since records are stored separately by county. The same rule applies in reverse for people who need records from another Florida county.
| County | Main City | Portal | Certified Copy Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Orlando | orangeclerk.com | $8.00–$15.00 |
| Miami-Dade | Miami | miami-dadeclerk.gov | $10.00–$20.00 |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | hillsclerk.com | $8.00–$15.00 |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | browardclerk.org | $8.00–$15.00 |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | mypalmbeachclerk.com | $8.00–$15.00 |
Common Mistakes People Make When Searching Orlando Records
Many people waste time and money because of small errors in their search. The list below shows the most common problems and how to avoid them.
Searching the Wrong County Portal
People who were married in Orlando but now live in another Florida city often search the wrong county portal. Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records stay in Orange County even if the person moves to Tampa or Miami. The case never transfers counties. Searchers should always use orangeclerk.com if the case was filed in Orange County.
Using a Married Name Instead of a Legal Name
After a divorce, many people go back to a maiden name. Older records will still show the married legal name at the time of filing. A search for a maiden name may miss the case. Searchers should try both names, including the name at the time of the marriage and the name right after the divorce.
Confusing a Certificate With a Decree
The state certificate and the court decree are not the same. The certificate confirms a divorce happened, but the decree is the full court order. A bank or the Social Security office may want one, while a remarriage or a name change often needs the other. Picking the right document saves a second fee.
Forgetting to Bring ID for In-Person Visits
The records desk will not release certified copies without a photo ID. This rule blocks people who send a friend or family member without a signed authorization. To send someone else, the requester must sign a written release and the representative must bring their own photo ID plus a copy of the requester’s ID.
Simplified Dissolution of Marriage in Florida
A simplified dissolution is a faster, lower-cost option for couples who agree on every issue. The process is available through the same Orange County Clerk office that holds regular Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records. The case still produces a public record, but the docket is shorter and the hearing is often waived.
Who Can Use the Simplified Process
Couples qualify for simplified dissolution if they have no minor children, no shared debts that cannot be split, and full agreement on property. Both spouses must sign the joint petition. If even one issue is in dispute, the case must move to a regular dissolution. The court does not approve simplified dissolutions for marriages under three years in some cases, depending on the judge.
Records Created by a Simplified Dissolution
Simplified cases still create a final judgment, which the clerk stores like any other case. The judgment is part of Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records and stays on the public docket. The state vital statistics office still gets a report, so a state certificate can still be ordered through the Department of Health.
Free vs Paid Record Searches
Many websites claim to offer free Florida divorce searches, but the data they show is often old or incomplete. The only source with the full, current, certified Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records is the Orange County Clerk.
What Free Search Tools Show
Free search tools show case number, filing date, and party names. They do not show sealed records, financial affidavits, or settlement terms. Free searches are good for confirming a divorce happened and for finding a case number for a paid order. They are not good for legal filings that need the full judgment.
What Paid Tools Add
Paid services add full docket entries, court minutes, and certified copies. The clerk’s own portal is the cheapest paid option, since third-party services add a markup. People who need just one certified copy should order directly from the clerk. People who need bulk data for legal research can use the clerk’s subscription service.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Some Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records are sealed by a judge. Sealed records are not part of the public search. Common reasons for sealing include protection from domestic violence, sensitive financial data, or a minor child named in the case.
How to Tell if a Record Is Sealed
A sealed case will not show up in the public portal at all. Searchers will see no result for a name search, even if they know the case exists. The only way to get a sealed record is through a court order, which requires a written motion and a judge’s signature.
Adoption and Name Change Records
If a dissolution case includes a name change for a spouse, the new name appears in the final judgment. If the case includes an adoption, the adoption records are filed separately and are always sealed. The dissolution file will not show the adoption file. People who need adoption records must contact the circuit court that handled the adoption, which may or may not be the same county.
Where to Order State-Level Divorce Certificates
State-level certificates of Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records are issued by the Florida Department of Health, not the county clerk. The state certificate is a one-page document that proves a divorce was recorded in Florida. It does not show the terms of the judgment.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health runs the Office of Vital Statistics. The office is in Jacksonville, but orders can be placed online or by mail. The standard fee in 2026 is $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each extra copy. Most orders are processed within 5 to 10 business days.
VitalChek Ordering Service
VitalChek is the official ordering service for Florida vital records. The site is vitalchek.com. VitalChek charges an extra processing fee on top of the state fee, but it offers faster shipping and credit card payment, which the state office does not always accept by mail.
How State and County Records Connect
The county clerk sends the final judgment to the state vital statistics office. The state office then creates a state certificate tied to the same case. If the case is still fresh, the state certificate may not be ready yet. People who need a state certificate right away can check the state’s online index at the Florida Department of Health site to see if the case has been reported.
Tips for a Smooth Record Search
Small steps can save a lot of time. The list below covers the most useful tips for anyone working with Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records.
- Write down both legal names exactly as they appeared at the time of the divorce.
- Know the year of filing, even if the exact date is unknown.
- Use the clerk portal first, since most cases filed after 1986 are online.
- Visit the records desk for older cases that do not appear online.
- Bring a photo ID, a check or money order, and a written request for in-person orders.
- Order the state certificate only if the court decree does not fit the task.
- Call the clerk office at 407-836-2000 before visiting to confirm hours and fees.
Contact Details and Office Hours for Orange County Clerk
The contact details below are the most current for the Orange County Clerk of Courts office. People who need Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records should reach out to this office first before going to any city office or third-party vendor.
- Office: Orange County Clerk of Courts
- Address: 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
- Phone: 407-836-2000
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: orangeclerk.com
- Filing Department: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays
- Records Desk: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays
- Payment Methods: Cash, check, money order, credit card (in person and online)
FAQ
The questions below cover the most common points people ask about Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records. Each answer is short, direct, and based on current Florida law and 2026 clerk practice. If a question is not listed here, the Orange County Clerk’s office can be reached at 407-836-2000 during business hours.
How long does it take to get a certified copy in Orange County?
In-person requests at the records desk are often ready the same day, often within one hour. Online orders take 2 to 5 business days plus mail time. Mail orders take 7 to 14 business days from the day the clerk office receives the request. The clerk office does not email certified copies, since the certified seal must be physical. People who need faster delivery can pay for FedEx shipping at checkout.
Are Orlando divorce records public?
Yes, most Orlando Dissolution Of Marriage Records are public. Anyone can search the clerk portal by name and see case number, filing date, and judge. The full judgment is public unless a judge seals the case. Financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and child custody details may be sealed in some cases. Sealed records can only be opened with a court order.
Can I search Orlando divorce records for free?
Yes, the Orange County Clerk portal lets anyone search by name at no cost. The free search shows case number, party names, and filing date. The certified copy of the judgment costs a fee. People who only need a status check or a case number do not have to pay anything.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage. A divorce certificate is a state-level proof that the divorce was recorded. The decree has the details, and the certificate has the summary. Banks and Social Security often want the certificate. Remarriage and name changes often need the decree.
Can I get an Orlando divorce record if I was married in another state?
If the divorce was filed in Orange County, the case is on file with the local clerk even if the marriage license came from another state. If the divorce was filed in another state, the Orange County Clerk will not have the file. People in that case should contact the state or county where the divorce was granted.
What if I cannot find the case in the online portal?
Older cases filed before 1986 may not be in the digital index. The clerk office keeps physical records and microfilm going back to the early 1900s. A visit to the records desk at 425 N. Orange Ave. is the fastest path for those cases. The clerk can also search by case number if the requester knows it.
Is there a way to get an Orlando divorce record from outside the United States?
Yes. The clerk office accepts mailed requests from outside the country. International requesters should include a self-addressed envelope with international postage or a FedEx account number for return shipping. The clerk can also ship via international courier for an extra fee. Payment by international money order is accepted in U.S. dollars.