Port St Lucie City Dissolution Of Marriage Records are official court files that show when a marriage ended in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
These records are stored at the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court, not at any city office. Anyone who needs a copy of a divorce judgment, a case status check, or a certified decree must contact the county clerk directly. This page explains how the records work, where to find them, and what steps Port St. Lucie residents should follow.
Where Port St Lucie Divorce Records Are Stored
Dissolution of marriage records for Port St. Lucie residents are stored at the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court. The county handles every divorce filing, hearing, and final judgment in this area. City departments do not hold these records, so people should skip local offices and go straight to the county level.
St. Lucie County Clerk Role
The St. Lucie County Clerk serves as the official record keeper for all family court cases filed in the county. This includes dissolution of marriage filings, court orders, and final judgments. The current clerk is Michelle R. Miller. Her office is located at 201 S. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34950. The main phone number is 772-462-6900.
Why City Offices Do Not Store These Records
City governments in Florida do not handle family court cases. Marriage dissolutions fall under the state court system, which is managed at the county level. Port St. Lucie is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Each county clerk manages the records for that area.
19th Judicial Circuit Coverage
The 19th Judicial Circuit serves four counties. St. Lucie County is the home circuit for Port St. Lucie. The other counties have their own clerks and their own record systems. People who need records tied to a Port St. Lucie address should focus on St. Lucie County first.
How to Search Port St Lucie Dissolution Records
There are three main ways to search for dissolution of marriage records in Port St. Lucie. People can search online, search by case number, or visit the clerk’s office in person. Each method works best for different situations.
Online Case Search by Name
The St. Lucie County Clerk offers an online search tool on its website at stlucieclerk.com. Users can search by party name, filing date, or case type. This method works well for people who know the full legal name of at least one spouse. Results show case numbers, filing dates, and judge assignments.
Using the Case Number Method
People who already have a case number can pull up records faster. The case number format in Florida family court usually starts with a year code followed by a sequence. Entering the full number into the clerk’s portal brings up all related filings, motions, and final judgments tied to that case.
In-Person Records Request Steps
Some records are only available in person. The clerk’s office at 201 S. Indian River Dr. handles walk-in requests during business hours. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID, the case number if available, and payment for any fees. Staff can pull the file the same day in most cases.
- Visit the clerk’s office at 201 S. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34950
- Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it
- Fill out the records request form at the front desk
- Pay the certified copy fee if you need an official document
- Wait for staff to pull the file and process the request
Types of Records You Can Request
Several different documents fall under the dissolution of marriage category. Each one serves a different legal purpose. Knowing which one you need saves time and money.
Dissolution of Marriage Index
The index is a basic listing of all dissolution cases filed in St. Lucie County. It shows names, filing dates, and case numbers. The index does not contain details about property, children, or finances. It only confirms that a case exists. Many background checks use the index as a starting point.
Certified Divorce Decree Copies
A certified divorce decree is a stamped copy of the final judgment. It carries the clerk’s seal and a signature. Banks, insurance companies, and other agencies often require certified copies. Standard photocopies do not carry the same legal weight. Certified copies cost more but work for most legal needs.
State Divorce Certificate
The state divorce certificate is a different document from the court decree. It comes from the Florida Department of Health, not the county clerk. The certificate shows basic facts like names, date of divorce, and county of record. People use state certificates for name changes, remarriage, and Social Security updates.
| Record Type | Source | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dissolution Index | St. Lucie County Clerk | Case lookup and confirmation |
| Certified Decree | St. Lucie County Clerk | Legal proof for banks and agencies |
| State Certificate | Florida Department of Health | Name change and remarriage |
| Case File Documents | St. Lucie County Clerk | Full court record review |
Fees, Payments, and Processing Times
Record fees in Florida are set by state law. The St. Lucie County Clerk follows the same fee schedule as other counties. Payment methods and turnaround times vary based on the request type.
Certified Copy Fees
The standard fee for a certified copy of a dissolution decree in Florida is $7.50 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Most divorce decrees run two to five pages. The clerk’s office accepts cash, money orders, and most major credit cards. Personal checks are not always accepted for mail requests.
Payment Methods Accepted
In-person requests can be paid with cash, credit card, or debit card. Mail requests usually require a money order or cashier’s check. Online requests through the clerk’s portal accept credit and debit cards. VitalChek is the official third-party processor for online vital record orders in Florida.
Standard Processing Times
In-person certified copy requests often finish the same day. Mail requests take five to ten business days. Online orders through VitalChek ship within two to three business days. Rush service is available for an extra fee in most cases.
Florida Laws That Apply to Port St Lucie Cases
Florida state law controls all dissolution cases in the state. Port St. Lucie residents follow the same rules as people in Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville. The statutes below are the ones that affect records most often.
Residency Rules Under Florida Statute 61.021
Florida law requires at least one spouse to live in the state for six months before filing. The filing spouse must also be a resident of the county where the case is filed. Port St. Lucie is in St. Lucie County, so filings go to the St. Lucie County Clerk. The six-month rule applies statewide.
Grounds for Dissolution
Florida allows no-fault dissolutions. This means the filing spouse only needs to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Florida Statute 61.052 covers the legal grounds. Fault-based filings also exist but are rare in modern cases.
Final Judgment Reporting
After the court enters a final judgment, the clerk sends a report to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Florida Statute 382.023 covers this reporting process. The state then updates its vital records system. This is how state divorce certificates become available after a final judgment.
Other Florida County Resources for Divorce Records
Port St. Lucie is one of many cities in Florida. People who move or need records from other counties can use similar systems. Each county has its own clerk and its own search tools.
Nearby County Clerk Offices
Martin County Clerk, Indian River County Clerk, and Okeechobee County Clerk all serve nearby areas. Each office uses the same statewide rules but has its own fee schedule. People with cases filed in those counties should contact the correct clerk directly.
Florida eDockets Search
The Florida eDockets system lets users search family court cases statewide. The portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. Users can search by name, case number, or county. This tool works well for confirming whether a case exists before contacting a specific clerk’s office.
Other Major Florida Counties
Florida’s largest counties handle the most dissolution cases. Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Hillsborough, Duval, Palm Beach, and Pinellas counties all have their own family court systems. Each clerk’s office follows the same state rules but operates independently.
| County | Major City | Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami | 11th Circuit |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | 17th Circuit |
| Orange | Orlando | 9th Circuit |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | 13th Circuit |
| Duval | Jacksonville | 4th Circuit |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | 15th Circuit |
| Pinellas | St. Petersburg | 6th Circuit |
Contact Details and Office Hours
The St. Lucie County Clerk’s office is the main contact for Port St. Lucie dissolution records. People can call, visit, or send mail requests. The office accepts walk-in visitors during posted business hours.
Office Address: 201 S. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34950
Phone Number: 772-462-6900
Website: stlucieclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Email Contact: Available through the official website contact form
Mail Requests: Clerk of Court, 201 S. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34950
Florida Courts Self-Help Resources
Florida offers free self-help tools for people who cannot afford a lawyer. These resources help people file the right forms and follow correct procedures. They do not replace legal advice but can guide basic filings.
Family Law Forms
The Florida Courts website offers free family law forms at flcourts.gov. These forms cover petitions, financial disclosures, and final judgments. The forms are updated regularly to match current state law. Port St. Lucie residents can download them and file them at the St. Lucie County Clerk.
Self-Help Information
The Florida Courts Self-Help Center provides plain-language guides for family law matters. Topics include filing for divorce, serving papers, and final hearings. The guides explain each step in simple terms. They help people prepare before talking to a lawyer or filing on their own.
DIY Florida Document Interviews
DIY Florida is an online interview tool that creates court forms based on user answers. The tool asks questions and fills in the correct forms. People can print the finished forms and file them at the county clerk. The tool is free and available on the Florida Courts website.
Image Reference
The image below shows the St. Lucie County Clerk homepage, which is the main entry point for Port St. Lucie dissolution of marriage records searches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St Lucie Dissolution Records
People searching for Port St. Lucie dissolution of marriage records often have similar questions. The answers below cover the most common situations. Each answer reflects current Florida law and St. Lucie County Clerk procedures as of 2026.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a divorce decree in St. Lucie County?
In-person requests at the St. Lucie County Clerk’s office often finish the same day. Mail requests take five to ten business days depending on postal delivery and staff workload. Online orders through the clerk’s portal or VitalChek usually ship within two to three business days. Rush service is available for an extra fee. People who need the decree for a legal deadline should call the clerk at 772-462-6900 to confirm current processing times before submitting a request.
Can I search for Port St Lucie divorce records online for free?
Yes. The St. Lucie County Clerk offers a free online search tool at stlucieclerk.com. Users can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The search shows basic case data at no cost. However, certified copies and full case documents still carry a fee. The free search is a good way to confirm a case exists before paying for official records.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce decree is the final court order that ends the marriage. It includes details about property, children, and support. A divorce certificate is a shorter document from the Florida Department of Health that confirms a divorce took place. Most legal agencies want the certified decree. Name changes and remarriage paperwork often accept the state certificate.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Port St Lucie?
No. Florida allows self-representation in family court. Many people file on their own using forms from the Florida Courts website. The self-help center at flcourts.gov offers guides for people who choose to file without a lawyer. Complex cases involving children, businesses, or large assets usually benefit from legal help, even if filing is possible without one.
What if I do not know the exact date of the divorce?
The St. Lucie County Clerk’s online search lets users look up cases by name and date range. A wider date range produces more results, but it helps narrow down the right case. The clerk’s office staff can also help with lookups at the front desk. People should bring as much data as they have, including full names and any known filing years.
Are Port St Lucie divorce records public?
Most dissolution records in Florida are public. Anyone can search the clerk’s online portal or visit in person. Some sensitive details, like Social Security numbers and minor children’s information, are sealed by law. Financial documents filed as part of the case may also be restricted in certain situations. The basic case index, filing dates, and final judgments remain open to the public.
Can I get a Florida divorce record if the divorce happened in another state?
No. Records from other states must come from the state where the divorce was granted. Each state has its own vital records office and court system. Florida can only provide records for divorces finalized by a Florida court. People who need out-of-state records should contact that state’s vital records office or county clerk directly.