Homestead City dissolution of marriage records are court files held by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts, not the City of Homestead government. Anyone who lived in Homestead, got married in Homestead, or filed for divorce while living in Homestead can ask the county clerk for a copy of the final judgment.
The county keeps the full case file, the signed decree, and the index entry. This page shows the exact steps to search, view, and order a certified copy of Homestead City dissolution of marriage records in 2026.
What Dissolution of Marriage Records Cover
A dissolution of marriage record is the full court file for a divorce case. It has the petition, the answer, financial papers, court orders, and the final judgment. The final judgment is the signed decree that ends the marriage. It shows the names of both spouses, the date the court granted the divorce, and the terms the judge ordered.
Key Parts of a Dissolution File
Each file contains several standard papers. Knowing what is inside helps you order only the parts you need.
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (the form that starts the case)
- Financial Affidavit and supporting pay records, bank statements, and tax returns
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if the spouses agreed on terms)
- Parenting Plan and time-sharing schedule (when children are part of the case)
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (the signed court order)
- Notice of Final Judgment sent to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Who Keeps the Records
Florida circuit courts handle all divorce cases. Homestead sits inside the 11th Judicial Circuit, which covers Miami-Dade County. The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County stores every dissolution file. The Florida Department of Health only gets a short report of the final judgment for vital statistics use. The county keeps the full court file and the official signed decree.
Why Homestead Residents Use County Records
The City of Homestead does not handle divorce cases. City hall only covers local rules, permits, and city services. All Homestead dissolution of marriage records sit in the county court system. This is true for every city inside Miami-Dade County, from Homestead and Florida City to Miami Beach and Aventura.
City Limits vs County Court
Florida law gives circuit courts the power over family cases. A resident of Homestead can file at the main Miami-Dade courthouse or at the south county courthouse that serves Homestead and the Florida Keys. Both locations store files for Homestead City dissolution of marriage records under the same clerk office. The same fees and same search tools apply at either location.
11th Judicial Circuit Coverage
The 11th Judicial Circuit is one of the largest in Florida by case count. It handles thousands of dissolution cases each year. The clerk office indexes every case by party name, case number, and filing year. The same search tools cover Homestead, Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah, and every other city in the county.
How to Search Dissolution Records in 2026
You have three main search paths: by name, by case number, or by attorney name. The clerk office keeps a public index that you can check from any device. Each search path gives a different result, so pick the one that fits what you know about the case.
Online Name Search
The Miami-Dade clerk website lets you search by last name and first name. You can also narrow the search by filing year. The search returns a list of matching cases with the case number, filing date, and judge. Clicking the case number opens the docket sheet, which lists every paper filed in the case. The docket sheet shows you what is in the file before you pay for copies.
Case Number Search
If you already have the case number, the search is faster. The case number starts with the year, the court code, and a sequence number. Type the full number into the search box and the docket appears right away. This is the best path when you have a printed or saved record from a prior request.
County Clerk Portal Walkthrough
The main clerk portal at miami-dadeclerk.com holds the search tools for Homestead City dissolution of marriage records. The portal has a free public search and a paid certified copy order page. You can also use the statewide Florida e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com to check basic case status from any device.
- Open the clerk website and click “Court Records Search.”
- Pick “Family” as the case type.
- Enter the last name and first name of one spouse.
- Add a year range if you know the filing year.
- Review the case list and click the matching case number.
- View the docket sheet to confirm the final judgment date.
- Use the “Order Copies” link to request a certified decree.
Requesting a Certified Copy of a Divorce Decree
A certified copy has the court seal and a clerk signature. Banks, insurance firms, the Social Security Administration, and other agencies need a certified copy for name changes or proof of single status. Plain copies only work for personal review and cannot be used for legal updates.
In-Person Request at the Clerk Office
You can walk in to the main Miami-Dade clerk office and ask for a certified copy at the records desk. Bring a photo ID and the case number or the names and year of the case. The clerk staff will pull the file, copy the final judgment, attach the court seal, and hand it to you the same day in most cases.
Mail Request
You can also mail a written request to the clerk office. Include the case number, the full names of both spouses, the year of the judgment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Add a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail requests usually take 7 to 14 business days, based on the 2026 clerk office turnaround times.
Online Request Through the Clerk Portal
The clerk portal lets you place a certified copy order online with a credit card. You search the case, add the decree to the cart, and pay the fee. The clerk office prints, seals, and mails the certified copy. Online orders are faster than mail orders and ship within 5 business days in most cases.
Fees and Payment Methods
Florida law sets the standard fee for a certified copy. The base fee covers one certified copy of one document. Extra copies of the same document cost less per page. The clerk office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card for in-person and online orders. Mail orders must include a check or money order.
| Request Type | Fee (2026) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (standard) | $7.00 per document | Same day in person |
| Additional Pages | $1.00 per page | Same day in person |
| Online Certified Copy | $7.00 + service fee | 5 business days |
| Mail Order Search Fee | $2.00 per name/year | 7-14 business days |
| Exemplified Copy (with apostille ready) | $25.00 | Up to 10 business days |
Florida Dissolution of Marriage Statutes
Florida statutes control every divorce case, even when the case is filed in a county court. Knowing the main statutes helps you read the decree and follow the court rules for post-judgment changes.
Residency and Filing Rules
Florida Statute 61.021 says at least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing. Florida Statute 61.043 covers the filing rules and the waiting period. The case starts when the petition is filed and the clerk assigns a case number. The court cannot enter a final judgment until at least 20 days after the date of service, except in cases that meet the rule for default or simplified dissolution.
Grounds and Final Judgment
Florida is a no-fault state for divorce. Florida Statute 61.052 lists the grounds for dissolution of marriage, which include the marriage being irretrievably broken. Florida Statute 61.019 sets the timing rules for the final judgment. Florida Statute 61.075 controls how the court divides marital assets and liabilities. A homestead property owned by the spouses is subject to the same division rules as any other asset, with certain creditor protections under the Florida Constitution.
Vital Statistics Reporting
After the court signs the final judgment, the clerk sends a report to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics under Florida Statute 382.023. The state then updates the divorce index. The state index is separate from the county court file. You can order a state-level divorce certificate through the Florida Department of Health or VitalChek for a different fee and use case than the county decree.
Florida Department of Health Certificate Option
Many people confuse the county decree with the state certificate. Both prove a divorce, but they serve different needs. The county decree is the full court order with all terms listed. The state certificate only proves that the court granted the divorce.
Statewide Certificate vs County Decree
The state certificate works for Social Security, passport, and most federal name changes. The county decree is required for real estate updates, retirement plan changes, and most legal filings tied to the terms of the divorce. Order the county decree when you need the full terms. Order the state certificate when you only need proof that the marriage ended.
Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online ordering service for Florida vital records. You can order a divorce certificate online at vitalchek.com or through the Florida Department of Health website. The state charges a base fee and VitalChek adds a service fee. Mail and in-person orders are also available at the Florida Department of Health office in Jacksonville.
Forms and Self-Help Resources
People who file a new case need Florida Supreme Court approved forms. The forms are free and cover every part of a family case. You can fill them out by hand or use the DIY Florida tool that asks questions and fills the forms for you.
Florida Family Law Forms
The Florida Courts website hosts the full set of family law forms. Form 12.901 is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Form 12.902 covers financial affidavits. Form 12.990 is the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. Each form has a set of instructions you can read before filling in the blanks.
Self-Help Programs
The Florida Courts self-help program offers free legal aid for people who file without an attorney. The program covers divorce, paternity, and other family cases. You can call, visit a self-help center, or use the online chat tool. The Miami-Dade clerk office also has a family court self-help desk in person for Homestead residents.
Common Issues and Solutions
Record searches hit a few common snags. Most issues have simple fixes once you know the cause.
Name Confusion in Old Records
Older Homestead City dissolution of marriage records may show a maiden name, a former married name, or a spelling variant. Search by each name the spouse used. Add a wide year range. If the search still fails, contact the clerk office in person with a photo ID and ask for a manual index search.
Missing or Sealed Files
Some files are sealed by court order, especially cases involving minors, domestic violence, or sensitive financial data. You cannot view a sealed file without a court order. Adopted cases are sealed by law and stay closed to the public. A private investigator or attorney can file a motion to unseal a file when the law allows.
Out-of-State and International Use
A certified copy of a Florida divorce decree works in other U.S. states without extra steps. For use in a foreign country, you may need an apostille from the Florida Department of State. The clerk office can issue an exemplified copy that includes a court seal and signature for apostille processing.
Official Contact Details for 2026
The main Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts office holds Homestead City dissolution of marriage records. Use the contact details below to reach the records desk before visiting.
Office: Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
Address: 73 W. Flagler St., Suite 133, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-275-1155
Website: miami-dadeclerk.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
South County Courthouse (serves Homestead): 10710 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay, FL 33189
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have the same questions about Homestead City dissolution of marriage records. The answers below reflect the 2026 rules, fees, and procedures used by the Miami-Dade clerk office and the Florida Department of Health. Each answer is direct and based on the current public rules posted on the official websites.
Are Homestead dissolution records public?
Yes. Homestead City dissolution of marriage records are public court records under Florida law. The clerk office keeps the docket sheet open for online search. The full case file is also open to view in person. Sealed files, adoption cases, and cases with a court-issued protective order are the only exceptions. A sealed file requires a court order to open, and only people with a legal stake in the case can ask for that order.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
In-person requests are filled the same day in most cases. The clerk staff pulls the file, copies the final judgment, attaches the court seal, and signs the certificate. Online orders ship within 5 business days. Mail orders take 7 to 14 business days. The clerk office posts the current turnaround times on its website at miami-dadeclerk.com. Heavy volume months, like January and July, can add 1 to 2 days to mail orders.
Can I search for free?
Yes. The online docket search is free. You can look at the case list, the docket sheet, and the basic case details without paying a fee. You only pay when you order a copy of a document. The free search covers Homestead City dissolution of marriage records filed in any year, from the oldest indexed case to the most recent filing. Third-party websites charge a fee for the same data, so use the clerk portal to avoid extra costs.
What is the difference between a decree and a certificate?
A decree is the full court order with all terms. A certificate is a short vital record that only proves the marriage ended. The county clerk issues the decree. The Florida Department of Health issues the certificate. Most agencies want the decree for legal updates. Most federal agencies accept the certificate for name changes. Order the one that fits the use case to avoid extra cost.
Can I get a divorce record from before 1970?
Yes. The clerk office has files going back to the founding of Miami-Dade County. Older files may sit on microfilm and require an in-person visit to view. Some early files are handwritten. The clerk staff can help you read older files. The search fee still applies, and certified copies of older judgments cost the same as newer ones under Florida law.
Do I need a lawyer to get a copy?
No. You can order a certified copy of Homestead City dissolution of marriage records without a lawyer. The clerk office serves the public directly. You only need a lawyer when you want to change the terms of a past judgment, file a motion to unseal a file, or handle a foreign apostille for a foreign country. For simple copy requests, a photo ID and the case details are enough.
What if the case was filed in another Florida county?
The county where the case was filed is the only county that holds the full court file. If the divorce was filed in Orange County, Hillsborough County, or any other Florida county, you must contact that county’s clerk office. The Florida Department of Health holds the statewide index and can point you to the correct county. The statewide index covers every Florida county, including Homestead City dissolution of marriage records filed in Miami-Dade County.