Brandon city dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, not by the city. The county handles all court papers, judgments, and certified copies for Brandon residents.
Anyone searching for a divorce case, decree, or final judgment needs to use county and state systems. This page explains exactly where to look, how to request copies, and what laws apply to dissolution cases in the Brandon area of Florida.
Where Brandon Divorce Records Are Filed
Florida family law cases, including dissolution of marriage, are filed in circuit court. Brandon sits inside the 13th Judicial Circuit, which is run by Hillsborough County. The county clerk is the official record keeper for every case filed in the circuit.
Hillsborough County Clerk Role
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court stores all dissolution filings, case dockets, and final judgments. The clerk also issues certified copies of divorce decrees. Many records are available online through the clerk’s portal, and others must be requested in person or by mail. The clerk’s main office is located at 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, Florida 33602. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number for the clerk’s office is 813-276-8100.
Florida Court System Structure
Florida has 20 judicial circuits, each covering one or more counties. Dissolution of marriage cases must be filed in the circuit where either spouse lives. After a final judgment is signed, the clerk reports the case to the Florida Department of Health. The state agency then creates an official certificate that can be used for name changes or other legal matters.
Why City Offices Don’t Hold Records
City halls in Florida do not handle court records. Brandon has a community identity, but it is part of unincorporated Hillsborough County. Because the city lacks its own court, all legal records stay with the county clerk. Residents who try to find records at city offices will be told to contact the county.
Review Hillsborough Clerk Homepage before you submit a Brandon dissolution of marriage records request.
This source helps confirm where Brandon dissolution of marriage records are filed, indexed, and copied.
How to Search Brandon Dissolution Records
Most record searches start with the Hillsborough County Clerk online portal. The portal lets users search by party name, case number, or filing date. After locating a case, users can view the docket, the final judgment, and other filings.
Online Case Search Tools
The Hillsborough County Clerk site at hillsclerk.com offers a free search tool. Users enter the last name of either spouse and a year range to see matching cases. The state also runs the Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com for statewide case lookups. Both tools show basic case data for free.
Records Available to the Public
Dissolution of marriage records are public under Florida law. Anyone can view the case number, filing date, judge, and final judgment. Sensitive details like financial affidavits, child support worksheets, and parenting plans may be sealed in some cases. Sealed records require a court order to open.
Search by Name and Case Number
Searching by name works for most users who know at least one spouse’s full legal name. A case number search gives faster, exact results for people who already have the case number from a lawyer or prior document. Both options are available on the county clerk’s site.
Getting Certified Copies of Divorce Decrees
A certified copy of a divorce decree has a raised or stamped seal and is signed by the clerk. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often require certified copies. Regular printouts from the online portal are not certified.
What Certified Copies Include
Certified copies include the cover page, the final judgment of dissolution, and any amendments. The clerk stamps each page to confirm it is a true copy. Most agencies accept certified copies as proof that a marriage ended.
Fees and Payment Methods
The Hillsborough County Clerk charges a fee for each certified copy. As of 2026, the standard fee is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification charge per document. Payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card in person. Online orders through VitalChek add a service fee.
Request by Mail or In Person
Mail requests must include the case number, both names, the year of filing, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send the request to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. In-person visits to the downtown Tampa office are accepted during business hours.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online ordering service for vital records in Florida. Users can order a state-issued divorce certificate through vitalchek.com. The state certificate differs from the court decree. The decree stays with the county clerk.
Florida State Dissolution Records
Florida keeps two types of dissolution records. The county court stores the full case file, and the state Department of Health keeps a short certificate. Each serves a different purpose.
Florida Department of Health Certificates
The Florida Department of Health issues a state certificate of dissolution. This short document proves that a divorce took place and is filed with the state. It is used for name changes, remarriage, and Social Security updates. The state certificate is separate from the full court decree.
Bureau of Vital Statistics Services
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is part of the Florida Department of Health. The bureau processes orders for divorce certificates. Users can order by mail, in person, or online through VitalChek. Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days.
Statewide Court Records Portal
The statewide portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets users search for family cases across all Florida counties. It is helpful when the filing county is unknown. Results show the county, case number, and basic status. Full documents are still pulled from the county that filed the case.
Florida Divorce Laws That Apply in Brandon
Florida law controls every dissolution case in the state. Brandon cases follow the same rules as any other Florida case because the state sets the legal standard.
Florida Statute 61.021 Residency Rule
Florida Statute 61.021 requires that at least one spouse live in Florida for six months before filing. The spouse must also live in the filing county for 90 days. Brandon residents can file in Hillsborough County once both rules are met.
Florida Statute 61.052 Grounds
Florida Statute 61.052 lists the legal reasons for dissolution. Florida allows no-fault divorce, which means the marriage is irretrievably broken. A judge grants a petition once the residency rule is met and the paperwork is correct.
Florida Statute 61.019 Final Judgment
Florida Statute 61.019 covers the final judgment. The court enters a final judgment after all issues are resolved. The judgment ends the marriage and settles property, support, and parenting matters. Once entered, the clerk reports the judgment to the state.
Other Florida Counties for Divorce Records
Florida has 67 counties, each with its own clerk office. Anyone moving or looking up an old case from another county needs to contact the right clerk. Below are the largest county clerks and what they handle.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts holds dissolution files for Miami-Dade residents. The clerk’s office is at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. The main phone number is 305-275-1155. Online search is at miamidadeclerk.gov.
Broward County Records
Broward County Clerk of Courts serves Fort Lauderdale and surrounding cities. The main office is at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is 954-831-6565. Records can be searched at browardclerk.org.
Orange County Records
Orange County Clerk of Courts covers Orlando. The office sits at 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. The phone number is 407-836-2000. The online search tool is at myorangeclerk.com.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts is the official record holder for Brandon. The address is 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Phone: 813-276-8100. Website: hillsclerk.com.
Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts is in West Palm Beach. The main office is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Phone: 561-355-2991. Records search: mypalmbeachclerk.com.
Duval County Records
Duval County Clerk of Courts covers Jacksonville. The office is at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: 904-255-2000. Online records: duvalclerk.com.
Pinellas County Records
Pinellas County Clerk of Courts serves St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The address is 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone: 727-464-7000. Records search: pinellasclerk.org.
Common Questions About Brandon Divorce Records
People often ask the same things about how divorce records work in Florida. The answers below cover the most asked points from people searching for Brandon cases.
Are Brandon divorce records public?
Yes, most Brandon divorce records are public. The case docket, the petition, and the final judgment can be seen by anyone. Some parts, like financial records, may be sealed by a judge. Sealed records need a court order before they can be opened.
How long does the search take?
Online searches through the county portal are instant. Mail requests for certified copies take 5 to 10 business days. VitalChek orders for state certificates take 3 to 5 business days plus shipping time. Rush service is available for an extra fee.
Can I get records from another county?
Yes, anyone can request records from any Florida county. The case must have been filed in that county. A person who lived in Miami before moving to Brandon would file the Miami case in Miami-Dade County. Records from that case stay with Miami-Dade, not Hillsborough.
What if I don’t know the case number?
A name search works in most cases. The clerk’s portal searches by last name and year of filing. Users can narrow the search with a first name and a year range. The portal returns matching cases with the case number.
Are divorce records free to view?
Yes, basic case data is free on the county portal. Certified copies cost money. The clerk charges per page plus a certification fee. State certificates ordered through VitalChek also carry a fee and a service charge.
Contact and Location Details
For in-person or mail requests, contact the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at the main office. Below are the full contact details for the office that handles all Brandon dissolution of marriage records.
- Office: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court
- Address: 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602
- Phone: 813-276-8100
- Website: https://hillsclerk.com/
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
- Florida Court Clerks: https://www.flclerks.com/
- Florida E-Filing: https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/
- Florida Health Certificates: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/
- VitalChek Orders: https://www.vitalchek.com
- Family Law Forms: https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms
- Self-Help Information: https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/self-help-information
- DIY Florida: https://www.flcourts.gov/sandbox/florida-courts-help/diy-florida
Florida Divorce Records FAQ
This FAQ section answers common long-tail questions about Brandon dissolution of marriage records, Florida court access, and certified copies. Each answer gives direct facts based on current Florida law and clerk procedures. Use these answers to plan your search, request, or filing before contacting the county clerk.
How do I find a Florida divorce case number?
Start at the Hillsborough County Clerk online portal at hillsclerk.com. Type the last name of either spouse and the year of filing. The portal shows the case number, judge, and filing date. Statewide searches at myflcourtaccess.com also work. If the search returns no result, the case may be filed under a different spelling or in another county. Contact the clerk’s office by phone at 813-276-8100 to ask staff to run a manual search using date of birth or Social Security number. Manual searches are not always free, and the clerk may ask for a written request and a small fee before pulling a paper file.
What is the difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate?
A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage. It is signed by a judge and filed with the county clerk. A divorce certificate is a short state document that confirms a divorce took place. The certificate is filed with the Florida Department of Health after the judge signs the final judgment. Banks, courts, and other agencies may accept either, but certified copies of the decree are the legal proof most agencies want. The decree stays with the county, and the certificate is a state record.
Can I get Brandon divorce records if I am not a party to the case?
Yes, most dissolution files in Florida are public. Any member of the public can request to view the docket, the petition, and the final judgment. Sensitive attachments like financial affidavits may be sealed by a judge. To get certified copies, the clerk requires your name, the case number, and the year. The clerk charges a fee for certification, and you must pay before the copies are released. Some sealed records require a court order before copies can be made.
How long does Hillsborough County keep divorce records?
Florida law requires clerks to keep dissolution case files permanently. Older paper files may be moved to a state archive, but they remain public. Online docket entries go back many years on the Hillsborough portal. Records from the 1960s and earlier are often on microfilm, and the clerk can pull them by request. There is no time limit for public access to a final judgment of dissolution in Florida.
What forms are needed to file a dissolution in Brandon?
Florida uses statewide family law forms. The main packet includes a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, a Family Law Financial Affidavit, and a Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure. Couples with minor children also need a Parenting Plan and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. All forms are at the Florida Courts site at flcourts.gov. Forms can be filed in person at the clerk’s office or through the e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com.
How much does a certified divorce copy cost in Florida?
As of 2026, the Hillsborough County Clerk charges $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification charge per document. A standard final judgment runs several pages, so most certified copies cost between $5 and $15. VitalChek orders for state certificates start at $17 plus shipping. Rush service and extra copies raise the total. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card in person.
Can a Brandon divorce record be changed after the final judgment?
Yes, certain parts of a final judgment can be modified. Child support, parenting time, and alimony may be changed if there is a major change in circumstances. The case must be reopened by filing a motion in the same circuit court. A simple name correction or clerical error can be fixed with a small motion and a small fee. Property division, once entered, is final and almost never changed.