Flagler County Dissolution Of Marriage Records are court files that prove a marriage ended in Florida. They include the case docket, the final judgment, and the index entries made by the clerk.
People search these files for legal proof, name changes, property matters, remarriage, genealogy, or background checks. The Flagler County Clerk of Court keeps the local files, and the Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide certificate index. Both sources serve different needs, and knowing which office to use saves time and money.
Where Records Are Stored
Records of every dissolution filed in Flagler County are stored at the county courthouse in Bunnell. The clerk maintains the original case file and the docket entries. The state health office keeps a separate certificate index that shows the basic facts. County records are the full source, while state records are a summary used for short certificates. Most users need county records because they include the decree and all motions.
Who Maintains the Records
The Flagler County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper. This office is led by Clerk Tom W. Bexley. The office runs the family law division where dissolution cases are filed and indexed. Statewide, the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, holds the divorce certificate index under Chapter 382 of Florida law.
The Flagler County Clerk of Court
The clerk’s office sits in the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center at 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110-0787. The main phone line is 386-313-4400. The clerk’s online portal is flaglerclerk.com. Visitors can search public terminals at the courthouse or use the official records search from any computer with internet access.
Florida Department of Health Role
The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide index of every dissolution reported by county clerks. The department issues short-form certificates that show the names of both spouses, the county of filing, and the date of the judgment. These certificates are accepted by most state and federal agencies for basic proof. The clerk’s office still holds the only copy of the full decree.
Online Search Portals
Online portals let you search from home before you visit the courthouse. Each portal serves a different purpose, so use the right tool for your need. Always check spelling and date ranges before paying for copies.
flaglerclerk.com Portal
The Flagler clerk website provides a public records search tool. You can search by name, case number, or document type. The portal shows case style, filing date, and judgment date. It also links to the official records system for land and marriage related filings. Free search results show basic case data, and certified copies must be ordered through the clerk.
Florida Official Records Search
The statewide official records system is run by the Florida Association of Court Clerks. Users can search across all counties using one search box. This tool is best for checking if a record exists in Flagler or another county. Records shown here are copies of recorded documents, not the full court case file. Deep case details still need a clerk visit.
Florida Court E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts e-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com is the main system for attorneys and self-represented filers. You can file new petitions and review active cases. The portal does not show every closed case, so older files may need a clerk search. Attorneys use this portal every day, but the public can register as a guest filer for view-only access.
How to Find a Record by Name
Name searches work best when the spelling and year match court files. Variations in spelling can lead to missed results. Try a wide year range first, then narrow the search if you get too many results.
Searching by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to pull a file. Flagler dissolution cases use the prefix DR followed by a two-digit year and a sequence number, such as 2024 DR 001234. Once you have the case number, the clerk staff can pull the full file in minutes. If you do not know the number, the online portal can search by party name and show matching case numbers.
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and signature, and they are accepted by every court and agency. They are different from plain copies, which only show the text without the seal. Most legal filings, name changes, and remarriage steps need a certified copy. Plain copies work for personal review but not for official use.
Steps to Get a Certified Copy
Follow these steps to order a certified copy of a Flagler County dissolution of marriage record. Each step helps prevent delays or rejected requests.
- Gather the full legal names of both spouses, the year of filing, and the case number if known.
- Visit flaglerclerk.com and open the official records search or court records search tool.
- Confirm the case style, filing date, and judgment date match the file you need.
- Choose the certified copy option and add it to the cart or fill out the request form.
- Pay the fee by credit card online, or pay by cash or check at the clerk window.
- Provide a mailing address if you want the copy mailed, or pick it up at the courthouse.
Fees and Costs You Should Know
The clerk charges per page for copies and an extra fee for the certification seal. Certified copy fees in Florida usually run about one dollar per page plus a small certification fee. Additional search time may add a small fee if staff must pull a file from archives. Mailing costs are extra and depend on the shipping method. Always check the latest fee schedule on the clerk website before you order.
Florida Laws That Apply
Florida statutes set the rules for filing, judgment timing, and reporting. These laws apply in Flagler County the same way they apply in every other county. Knowing the law helps you understand timelines and what records the clerk must release.
Six-Month Residency Rule
Florida Statute 61.021 requires that one spouse live in Florida for at least six months before filing for dissolution. The court can dismiss a case if residency is not met. This rule does not affect the right to view old records, but it affects new filings. Record seekers do not need to prove residency to request a copy.
Time Before Final Judgment
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a minimum delay before entry of a final judgment. Simple dissolutions need at least twenty days between filing and judgment. Cases with minor children or property disputes often take longer. The county clerk will not show a final judgment until the court signs it, so older search results may only show the petition, not the end of the case.
Reporting to the State
Florida Statute 382.023 requires the clerk to report every final judgment to the state health office. This report feeds the statewide certificate index. The reporting step takes a few weeks, so recent judgments may not yet show in state searches. County records update faster than state records because the clerk enters the judgment locally on the same day.
What Records Can You See
Most dissolution records in Florida are public under state law. Anyone can view the case docket, the final judgment, and many supporting motions. Some parts of a case may be sealed by court order, and those parts are not open to the public.
Public Access Limits
The clerk must protect personal data such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s identifying details. Those numbers are redacted from public copies. Financial affidavits and child support worksheets may be sealed in cases that involve domestic violence or sensitive custody issues. The clerk can tell you which parts of a file are sealed before you pay for copies.
Sealed or Restricted Cases
A judge may seal an entire case if the petition shows good cause. Sealed cases do not appear in online search results. Only the parties named in the case, their attorneys, and certain agencies can request access. The clerk will ask for a court order or written consent before releasing sealed records.
Step-by-Step Request Process
This process covers the most common request path for a member of the public. It works for genealogy searches, legal proof, and remarriage paperwork. Follow the steps in order for the smoothest result.
- Call the clerk at 386-313-4400 to confirm the record is on file and the index entry matches your search.
- Write down the case number, the year of filing, and the spelling of both names.
- Decide if you need a plain copy, a certified copy, or a short state certificate.
- Submit your request online at flaglerclerk.com or in person at the courthouse.
- Pay the fee and choose pickup or mail delivery.
- Review the copy for accuracy as soon as you receive it and contact the clerk about any errors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many requesters lose time because of simple errors. Spelling mistakes in the party name are the top cause of failed searches. A second common mistake is searching the wrong county, since Florida has sixty-seven counties and family courts serve specific regions. A third mistake is ordering a plain copy when a certified copy is needed, which leads to a second order and a second fee. Always confirm the spelling, the county, and the copy type before paying.
Other Counties in Florida
Flagler County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit along with Volusia, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. Each county has its own clerk, and each clerk keeps its own records. The same search steps apply in every county, but the portal address and phone number change. Users searching statewide may need to check several county portals if they are unsure where the case was filed.
| County | Clerk Office | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Flagler | Tom W. Bexley, Bunnell | Local filings, certified decrees |
| Volusia | Volusia County Clerk, DeLand | Adjacent filings, shared circuit |
| Putnam | Putnam County Clerk, Palatka | Rural area cases |
| St. Johns | St. Johns County Clerk, St. Augustine | Coastal area cases |
Flagler County Office Details
The Flagler County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for every dissolution filed in the county. Office hours run Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and the counter closes during the lunch hour at many clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm hours, payment methods, and the right division for your request. The office address and contact details are listed below for your use.
Office: Flagler County Clerk of Court
Clerk: Tom W. Bexley
Address: Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110-0787
Phone: 386-313-4400
Website: flaglerclerk.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Questions About Flagler Records
The questions below cover the most common search requests, copy needs, and legal rules that affect Flagler County dissolution files. Each answer is built to clear up confusion and to point you toward the right office or form. Review them before you submit a request so you avoid delays or extra fees.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Online orders for certified copies of Flagler County dissolution of marriage records are often processed within three to five business days. In-person requests at the clerk window can be finished in about thirty minutes if the file is on the active shelf. Files stored off-site may take one to two extra business days to pull. Mailing adds transit time based on the shipping option you select.
Are dissolution records free to view?
Yes, basic index searches on the Flagler clerk website are free. The clerk charges only when you order a printed page or a certified copy. The free search result shows the case style, the filing date, and the judgment date. To read the full decree, you must pay for a copy through the portal or at the clerk window.
Can I search if I only know one spouse’s name?
Yes, the clerk portal accepts partial name searches. You can enter one last name with a first initial or a full first name. Results will show all matching cases in Flagler County during the year range you select. You may need to sort through results if the surname is common. Adding a year range and a middle initial can narrow the list quickly.
What if the case was filed in another county?
If the dissolution was filed in another Florida county, you must contact that county clerk. Florida has sixty-seven counties, and each one keeps its own files. The statewide official records search can help you find the right county when you are not sure where the case was filed. Once you locate the right county, follow the same request steps used in Flagler.
Are online records always up to date?
Online records update on a daily schedule, but not in real time. A judgment entered at the end of the day may not appear online until the next morning. Recent filings can take a few days to index. If your search returns no results and you believe the record exists, call the clerk at 386-313-4400 to confirm the filing date.
Can a sealed record be reopened?
A sealed record can only be reopened by court order. You must file a written motion asking the judge to unseal the case. The judge will weigh privacy, safety, and public interest before granting the request. If granted, the clerk will release the record to you. If denied, the record stays sealed and the clerk cannot share the file.
Do I need an attorney to request a record?
No, a member of the public can request a dissolution record without an attorney. You only need a valid ID and the right payment method for certified copies. If you want to file a motion to unseal a record, the court encourages legal help because the motion must follow specific rules. The clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can explain the form numbers you need.