Osceola County dissolution of marriage records are the official court files that prove a marriage ended inside Osceola County, Florida. Each file holds the petition, the docket entries, and the final judgment signed by a circuit judge.
People search these records to confirm a divorce, to support a new marriage, to update a legal name, or to settle financial matters. This page explains where Osceola County keeps these records, how to search them online, and how to order a certified copy for legal use.
What These Records Contain
A dissolution of marriage record in Florida is the full case file from the circuit court that ended a marriage. Each record has several parts that work together. The petition lists the names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the date of separation. The case docket tracks every paper filed and every court event from start to finish. The final judgment, also called the divorce decree, states the court decision on property, children, support, and the date the marriage is legally over.
Osceola County dissolution of marriage records differ from the short state certificate held by the Florida Department of Health. The county file shows the full court history. The state certificate shows only basic facts for key record checks. Most legal actions, such as remarriage or name change, require the certified county decree. Insurance companies, lenders, and federal agencies often ask for the certified county file.
Main Parts of a Case File
Each Osceola County dissolution of marriage file has five core sections. The clerk stamps and stores each section under the same case number. Missing one section can slow a search.
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response and counter-petition, if filed
- Financial affidavits and supporting documents
- Hearing notes and orders
- Final judgment of dissolution
Difference Between Decree, Certificate, and Index
Three words often confuse people. The decree is the signed court order. The certificate is the state public record. The index is the list of cases kept by the clerk. Osceola County dissolution of marriage records include the decree and the index entry. The state holds the certificate.
Osceola County Clerk Of Court Office
The Osceola County Clerk of Court is the main office that holds, indexes, and issues dissolution of marriage records. The current clerk is Kelvin Soto, Esq. The office serves the 9th Judicial Circuit, which covers Osceola County and Orange County for circuit-level family matters. The clerk divides duties between court records (case files) and official records (land records, liens, and other public filings).
The clerk runs the official Osceola County dissolution of marriage records search through two systems. The first system is the court case index, which lists every family case filed in the county. The second system is the official records search, which shows recorded judgments that may affect property. Both systems pull from the same case file. Users often need both to get the full picture.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Clerk of Court | Kelvin Soto, Esq. |
| Address | 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000, Kissimmee, FL 34741 |
| Phone | 407-742-3500 |
| Judicial Circuit | 9th Judicial Circuit |
| Official Website | osceolaclerk.com |
| Court Index Portal | myflcourtaccess.com |
| Official Records Search | myfloridacounty.com (Osceola) |
Role of the Clerk in Record Keeping
The clerk receives every petition filed in Osceola County. Staff scans the petition, assigns a case number, and adds the case to the public index. The clerk also receives the final judgment, scans it, and stores the certified copy. Each step follows Florida statutes that protect the integrity of public court records.
Differences Between Court Records and Official Records
Court records cover case dockets, motions, and judgments. Official records cover recorded documents such as lis pendens, satisfaction of judgment, and final judgments that need to be recorded against real property. Most Osceola County dissolution of marriage records live in the court records system. The official records system holds a separate recorded copy when property is part of the case.
Search Records Online
People can start the Osceola County dissolution of marriage records search without leaving home. The clerk keeps an online portal that lists every family case filed since the early 1990s. Older cases exist only on microfilm or in paper files at the courthouse. Knowing the filing year helps the search run faster.
The search works best when the user enters the legal name of either spouse. Adding a birth year or middle name can shorten the result list. Searches by case number give the fastest result when the number is known. Searches by date range work when names are common or unclear.
Using the MyFloridaCourtAccess Portal
MyFloridaCourtAccess (myflcourtaccess.com) is the statewide portal for circuit court cases. Osceola County dissolution of marriage records appear under Family Civil case types. Users click the search link, choose Osceola County, pick the case type, and enter the name or case number. The portal returns a list with case number, party names, filing date, and judge. A small fee applies to view full docket images.
Using the Official Records Search
The official records search runs through myfloridacounty.com. Users select Osceola County, choose the document type (such as “Final Judgment”), and enter a name or date range. Results show the recording date and book or page numbers. A certified copy of a recorded final judgment can be ordered through this portal.
What to Do When the Case Is Not Online
Some older Osceola County dissolution of marriage records are not in the online portal. These files may sit on microfilm or in boxes stored off-site. The clerk office can pull these files with a written request or an in-person visit. A small retrieval fee applies, plus the per-page copy fee.
How to Request Certified Copies
A certified copy of Osceola County dissolution of marriage records carries the raised seal of the clerk and the signature of an authorized officer. Courts, government agencies, and most private companies require a certified copy for legal proof. Plain printouts from the online portal are not certified and cannot be used in court.
Requesters can order certified copies by mail, in person, or online. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards. Each certified copy costs a set fee, which the clerk sets under Florida law. Extra fees apply for same-day service or for searching files that need manual pull.
Details Needed for the Request
The clerk uses the request to find the right file. Missing details slow the process. Before sending the request, the user gathers every fact listed below.
- Full legal name of each spouse at the time of filing
- Case number, if known
- Filing year or judgment year
- County where the case was filed
- Mailing address for the certified copy
- Phone number for any clerk follow-up
- Payment by check, money order, or card
Mail Request Steps
Mail requests work well for people who do not live near Kissimmee. The user writes a short letter that lists the case details and the documents needed. The letter includes a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the total fee. The clerk mails back the certified copy or a note if the file cannot be found.
In-Person Request Steps
In-person requests give the fastest result. The user visits the clerk office at 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Staff pulls the file during the user’s wait. The user pays the fee and walks out with the certified copy. Some files may take one business day to pull.
Florida Statewide Divorce Record Sources
The Florida Department of Health holds statewide divorce certificates through the Bureau of Records. Each certificate shows the names of both spouses, the county of filing, the date of judgment, and the certificate number. The certificate is shorter than the full county decree and works for many public record checks.
People often need both the county decree and the state certificate. The county decree proves the court ruling. The state certificate proves the public record. Some agencies accept only one. Most government agencies accept either, but insurance and pension offices sometimes prefer the certified county decree.
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificate
The Florida Department of Health issues a divorce certificate through its Records Office. Users can order the certificate online, by mail, or in person at the state office in Jacksonville. The certificate costs a set fee under Florida law. Processing times run from a few days to several weeks based on the request method.
Other Florida Counties With Online Access
Florida has 67 counties. Each county keeps its own dissolution of marriage records. People moving from one Florida county to another must use the county where the divorce was filed. Statewide, most large counties now offer online indexes, certified copy ordering, and e-filing for new cases.
| County | Main City | Clerk Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami | miami-dadeclerk.com |
| Orange | Orlando | myorangeclerk.com |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | hcclerk.net |
| Duval | Jacksonville | core.duvalclerk.com |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | browardclerk.org |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Pinellas | Clearwater | pinellasclerk.org |
Osceola County Filing Rules And Statutes
Florida statutes set the rules for every dissolution of marriage filed in the state. Osceola County follows the same rules as every other Florida county. The rules cover who can file, where the case goes, how long the case takes, and what the final judgment covers.
Reading the statutes helps users read the Osceola County dissolution of marriage records they find. A case filed without meeting the residency rule can be dismissed. A final judgment signed before the delay period can be voided. Knowing the rules protects the user from relying on an invalid record.
Florida Residency Requirement
Under Florida Statute 61.021, one spouse must live in Florida for at least six months before filing a petition. The six-month clock starts on the day the spouse makes Florida the primary home. Active military members stationed in Florida meet the rule through their official residence.
Grounds for Dissolution
Florida is a no-fault state for divorce. Under Florida Statute 61.052, the court grants dissolution when the marriage is irretrievably broken. The statute lists a second ground based on mental incapacity, which requires a separate finding and a longer waiting period.
Circuit Court Filing and 20-Day Rule
Proceedings begin in circuit court under Florida Statute 61.043. Final judgment timing follows Florida Statute 61.019, which sets a minimum 20-day delay between the petition and the final judgment. The court may shorten the delay for good cause, but the rule protects both spouses from rushed filings.
Equitable Distribution of Property
Florida Statute 61.075 governs property and debt division. The court starts with equal split, then adjusts for factors such as earning power, length of marriage, and contributions. The final judgment lists every asset and debt assigned to each spouse.
Reporting to the State Records Office
After the court enters the final judgment, the clerk sends a report to the Florida Department of Health under Florida Statute 382.023. The Department uses the report to create the statewide divorce certificate. Reporting delays explain why the state certificate can lag behind the county decree by weeks or months.
Self-Help Resources For Family Law Matters
Self-represented users in Osceola County can use free tools from the Florida Courts system. The tools help users fill out forms, file cases, and follow court procedures. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but the self-help program explains how the process works.
People starting a new case often need both the self-help pages and the approved family law forms. The pages explain what forms apply. The forms give the exact text and layout that the court accepts.
Florida Courts Self-Help Pages
The Florida Courts self-help site (flcourts.gov) lists guides on filing, service of process, financial disclosure, and final hearings. Each guide is written in plain language and walks the user step by step. The pages cover simple, uncontested dissolutions and more complex cases.
Florida Family Law Forms
The approved forms (flcourts.gov Forms section) include the petition, response, financial affidavit, and final judgment forms. Each form has fillable fields and a clear instruction page. Using the approved forms keeps the case on track and avoids rejection at filing.
DIY Florida Document Interviews
The DIY Florida tool (flcourts.gov/sandbox/florida-courts-help/diy-florida) lets users answer questions in a guided interview. The tool fills out the right forms based on the answers. Users print the completed forms and file them with the clerk.
E-Filing Portal
Florida e-filing runs through myflcourtaccess.com. Registered users upload signed forms, pay the filing fee, and send the case to the clerk. E-filing avoids the trip to the courthouse and gives a clear filing receipt.
Cities And Filing Locations In Osceola County
Osceola County covers several cities and towns. Every dissolution of marriage filed in the county is filed at the courthouse in Kissimmee, no matter where the spouse lives. City halls do not handle dissolution filings.
People in cities such as Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and Celebration all use the same Osceola County Clerk of Court. Knowing this saves time during a search. The clerk office covers every address in the county.
Kissimmee As The County Seat
Kissimmee is the county seat of Osceola County. The main clerk office sits at 2 Courthouse Square in downtown Kissimmee. Visitors can park in the public lot next to the courthouse and walk into the clerk area on the second floor, Suite 2000.
Other Cities Within the County
Osceola County covers Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Poinciana, and several smaller communities. Each city follows the same Osceola County dissolution of marriage records rules. Searches use the same countywide portal.
- Kissimmee
- St. Cloud
- Celebration
- Poinciana
- Buenaventura Lakes
- Campbell
- Harmony
Costs, Fees, And Processing Times
The cost of Osceola County dissolution of marriage records depends on the type of request. Florida law sets most clerk fees, and the clerk cannot waive them. Knowing the fee in advance helps users budget for the request.
Processing times vary by request method. Online and in-person requests give the fastest turnaround. Mail requests add shipping time on top of clerk processing. Old files stored off-site may need an extra day or two to retrieve.
| Service | Fee Range (USD) | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Online docket view (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Instant |
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 | Same day |
| Certified copy (per document) | $3.50 – $7.00 | 1-3 business days |
| Mail request handling | $2.00 – $5.00 | 5-10 business days |
| Off-site file retrieval | $5.00 – $10.00 | 3-5 business days |
Privacy Rules And Access Limits
Florida law protects certain parts of Osceola County dissolution of marriage records. Financial affidavits, social security numbers, and minor children’s details are sealed by the court. Sealed parts stay private, even from public records searches.
Adult parties to the case can request access to sealed parts for a legal reason. The court weighs the reason against the privacy interest. Children whose names appear in the record stay protected until they reach adulthood.
Public Parts of the Record
The petition, response, docket, orders, and final judgment are public. Anyone can view these parts through the online portal or at the clerk counter. The clerk cannot redact names of adult parties from the public record.
Sealed Parts of the Record
Financial affidavits, child support worksheets, and certain medical records are sealed. Requests to view sealed parts require a written motion and a court order. The clerk cannot open a sealed file without the court order.
Identity Checks For Sensitive Requests
The clerk asks for photo ID when a request involves a sealed part or a name change. This step prevents misuse of Osceola County dissolution of marriage records. Users can prepare a driver’s license or passport before visiting.
Contact, Address, And Visiting Hours
The Osceola County Clerk of Court serves walk-in and mail visitors at the courthouse in Kissimmee. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Phone lines run during the same hours.
Official Website: https://osceolaclerk.com/
Phone: 407-742-3500
Address: 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Visiting Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Email: contact form on the official website
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common issues that come up during a search for Osceola County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer gives a clear, simple path to the right office, fee, or form. Users who still have questions after reading should call the clerk office at 407-742-3500 during business hours. The answers focus on real actions a requester can take right away.
How Do I Locate an Old Osceola County Divorce File?
Older Osceola County dissolution of marriage records may sit on microfilm or in off-site storage. Start the search at the online portal. If the case does not show up, send a written mail request with the names of both spouses and the approximate filing year. The clerk charges an off-site retrieval fee for files stored outside the courthouse. Most old files arrive within five business days of the request. The clerk may need extra time if the case is very old or the name spelling has changed.
Can I Search Osceola County Dissolution Records for Free?
The online portal shows basic case data for free. The free view covers the case number, party names, filing date, and judge. Viewing full docket images or ordering a certified copy requires a fee. Free kiosks at the courthouse also show case data, with the same paid fee for full documents. The fee structure is set by Florida law and the clerk cannot waive it.
Difference Between a Certificate and a Decree?
A divorce decree is the full signed court order that ends the marriage. A divorce certificate is the short state public record that shows basic facts. The decree proves the court decision. The certificate proves the public record. Most legal actions need the certified decree, not the certificate. Users who plan to remarry should check with the new county clerk to see which document the new marriage license office will accept.
Can I Request Records by Mail From Outside Florida?
Yes. Out-of-state requesters send a written mail request, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the fee. The clerk mails back the certified copy or a written note if the file cannot be found. Allow extra time for postal delivery in both directions. International requesters should use a money order in U.S. dollars and include a return envelope with proper international postage.
Who Can Access Sealed Parts of an Osceola Divorce File?
Sealed parts stay private from the public. Adult parties to the case can view their own sealed parts with photo ID. Other requesters must file a written motion and obtain a court order. The clerk cannot open a sealed file without the order. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether the reason for access outweighs the privacy interest.
How Long Does the Clerk Take to Issue a Certified Copy?
Standard in-person requests take one to three business days. Online requests through the official portal follow the same timeline plus postal delivery. Same-day service is available at the counter for an extra rush fee, when the file is on site. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks total when postal delivery is added on both ends.
Does Florida Recognize Out-of-State Dissolutions?
Florida recognizes valid dissolutions from other states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution. A certified copy of an out-of-state decree carries the same weight as a Florida decree for most legal uses. Users moving to Florida do not need to re-file the case in Osceola County. They only need the certified decree for any new legal action in Florida, such as a name change or remarriage.