St Petersburg City dissolution of marriage records are stored and managed by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, not by any city office in St Petersburg. This page gives residents, attorneys, researchers, and family members a clear path to locate, request, and copy divorce records tied to St Petersburg.
You will see how to search by name, case number, and date range. You will see where to get a certified copy of a final judgment, which fees apply, and what statewide tools confirm the same records. Each step below uses only public sources, official court portals, and current clerk contact details so you can move from a search box to a verified court document with confidence.
Where St Petersburg Dissolution Records Are Filed
St Petersburg falls inside Pinellas County, which sits in the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Every dissolution of marriage case that starts with a St Petersburg address gets filed at the county level. The City of St Petersburg does not store divorce files. The county clerk holds them. Knowing this saves you time when you need an official record.
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the legal custodian of every divorce case file for St Petersburg residents. The current Clerk is Ken Burke, CPA. His office records case events, stores the final judgment, and issues certified copies. All official record requests go through this office or through the clerk’s online portal.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| County Clerk | Ken Burke, CPA |
| Main Office Address | 315 Court St., Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Main Office Phone | 727-464-3341 |
| Judicial Circuit | Sixth Circuit |
| Official Website | pinellasclerk.com |
Why the City Office Does Not Hold These Files
Florida law gives county clerks, not city clerks, the job of recording circuit court matters. Dissolution of marriage is a circuit court case. The city of St Petersburg only runs municipal functions such as permitting, parks, and police records. For any divorce file, the only office that can issue a certified copy is the county clerk. This rule applies across Florida, from small towns to large cities.
How to Search St Petersburg Divorce Records Online
You can search most St Petersburg dissolution files from a computer or phone. The Pinellas County clerk runs a public portal that lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or date range. Searches are free to run. You only pay when you want a printed or certified copy.
Search by Party Name
A name search works well when you know the full legal name of either spouse at the time of filing. Enter the last name first, then the first name. If the search returns too many results, narrow it with a middle name, year of birth, or filing year. Many St Petersburg cases share common surnames, so a small filter helps. Court indexes can also misspell names, so try a few spelling options before giving up. If you still cannot spot the right case, contact the clerk records desk for an index lookup by phone.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives the fastest, cleanest result. The format looks like 2020 DR 012345. The first four digits show the year. The letters DR stand for Domestic Relations. The last digits are the sequence number. You can locate the case number on any prior court order, hearing notice, or attorney letter. Once entered, the portal pulls the full docket and judgment details.
Search by Date Range
A date range search helps when you only know the year a divorce happened. Pick a start and end date that cover a few months. The portal returns every case filed in that range. You can then scroll through results to spot the right party. Date searches also help confirm whether a record exists at all before paying for a copy. The portal saves your search history for thirty days, which lets you return and refine the same lookup.
Getting a Certified Copy of a Florida Divorce Decree
A certified copy carries a raised seal, a clerk signature, and a court stamp. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and other government offices all ask for this type of copy. A plain printout from the portal has no legal value. Plan ahead so you order the right version on the first try.
What a Certified Copy Includes
A certified copy of a Florida divorce decree shows the case number, the full legal names of both spouses, the judge who signed the order, and the date the judgment became final. It also includes any provisions for property division, alimony, parenting plans, and child support that the judge approved. Each page bears the clerk seal and a stamp that says Certified Copy. This seal is what makes the document valid for outside use. The clerk also attaches a certification page that lists the total number of pages and the date the clerk issued the copy.
Standard Fees and Payment Methods
The Pinellas County clerk charges a set fee for each certified page. Florida clerks follow a uniform fee schedule set by state law. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card in person. Online orders accept credit card and debit card. Mail orders require a check or money order. Always confirm the current fee before sending payment so the clerk can process your request without delay.
| Request Method | Payment Options |
|---|---|
| In Person at Clerk Office | Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit Card, Debit Card |
| By Mail | Check, Money Order |
| Online Portal | Credit Card, Debit Card |
Mail-In and In-Person Requests
Mail-in requests work for older records and for people who live out of state. Send a signed request letter, a copy of your ID, the case number or names, and your payment. The clerk mails the certified copy back to you. In-person requests give you the document the same day in most cases. The records desk opens at standard court hours. Calling ahead helps you avoid the lunch closure and any appointment rules.
Florida Statewide Divorce Records Resources
Several statewide tools support any St Petersburg search. They confirm filing status, help with forms, and issue state-level certificates. You can use these tools before or after a county search to double-check the result.
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificates
The Florida Department of Health issues a state-level divorce certificate, not the full decree. This certificate confirms the divorce happened, names both spouses, and lists the date and county. Many people use this short form for name changes, social security updates, and personal records. The state office does not have the property terms or custody orders. For those details, go back to the county clerk. The state certificate comes on security paper with a watermark and a state registrar signature.
Official website: www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/
VitalChek Ordering Portal
VitalChek is the official ordering partner for many Florida vital records offices. You can place a secure online order through VitalChek for a divorce certificate and pay with a credit card. The portal handles identity checks and sends your order to the correct state or county office. Use VitalChek when you want a fast, traceable online order. VitalChek charges a small service fee on top of the state fee, and you see the total before you confirm the order.
Official website: www.vitalchek.com
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers site links every county clerk in the state. You can use it to locate the correct clerk for any county, check fee schedules, and read news about court system changes. This site is a strong backup when a county portal is down or when you need a clerk contact outside Pinellas. The site also lists training events for clerks and the latest statewide statistics on family court filings.
Official website: www.flclerks.com
Florida E-Portal Court Records
The Florida e-Filing Portal lets attorneys and self-represented filers submit new family law cases and check the status of pending ones. The portal accepts petitions, summons, financial affidavits, and proposed judgments. You can use the portal to track your own case from filing to final judgment. The portal also shows hearing dates and judge assignments. For copies of closed cases, the county clerk portal still works better, since the e-Portal focuses on active filings rather than closed records.
Official website: www.myflcourtaccess.com
County-by-County Divorce Records Access in Florida
Florida has sixty-seven counties. Each county runs its own clerk portal. The search steps stay the same in each county, but the website and fee may change. Knowing how other major counties work helps when you need a record from a relative or spouse in another part of the state.
Orange County Florida Divorce Records
Orange County covers Orlando. The Orange County Clerk of Courts runs an online search tool that lets you look up cases by name and date. You can also order certified copies online. The Orange County courthouse handles a heavy family court caseload, so the index is large and well maintained. Most records from the past thirty years are available online. Older records require a request to the archives team, which charges a separate retrieval fee.
Miami-Dade County Dissolution Records
Miami-Dade County has one of the largest court systems in Florida. The clerk runs the Miami-Dade Clerk Online portal. You can search by party name, case number, or booking number. Dissolution records show up under the family law category. The portal also supports online certified copy orders with a credit card payment. Miami-Dade also offers a kiosk at the courthouse for walk-in certified copy requests during court business hours.
Hillsborough County Divorce Files
Hillsborough County covers Tampa. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court provides a public records search tool called HILLS Online. You can search by name, case number, or date. Family law cases appear under the DR or FM case type codes. Certified copies can be ordered through the portal or picked up at the clerk’s records desk in downtown Tampa. Hillsborough also provides free public computer stations at the clerk’s office for people without home internet access.
Broward County Dissolution Records
Broward County covers Fort Lauderdale. The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs an online search system for family cases. You can view the docket, see hearing dates, and order certified copies. Broward has high case volume, so name searches often return many results. A case number or date range narrows the list quickly. The Broward clerk portal also supports electronic certified copies with a digital seal for agencies that accept that format.
| County | Main City | Case Type Code |
|---|---|---|
| Pinellas | St Petersburg / Clearwater | DR |
| Orange | Orlando | DR |
| Miami-Dade | Miami | DR |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | DR / FM |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | DR |
Florida Statutes That Govern Dissolution of Marriage
State statutes control every divorce case in Florida. The county clerk applies these rules when accepting filings and issuing copies. Reading the statute list gives you a clear picture of what the court must do at each stage of a case.
Residency and Filing Requirements
Florida Statute 61.021 sets the residency rule. At least one spouse must live in Florida for six months before filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. The petition must be filed in the circuit court for the county where either spouse lives. St Petersburg residents file in Pinellas County, since Pinellas is their home county. A military spouse stationed in Florida can use the state as their domicile for this purpose under federal law.
Grounds and Final Judgment Timing
Florida Statute 61.052 lists the grounds for dissolution. Florida is a no-fault state, which means the only ground needed is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Florida Statute 61.019 sets the timing for the final judgment. A simple dissolution without minor children can reach a final judgment faster than a contested case with children and property disputes. Most uncontested dissolutions finalize within thirty to ninety days of filing. Contested cases can take a year or longer.
Equitable Distribution of Assets
Florida Statute 61.075 governs the division of marital assets and liabilities. Florida uses equitable distribution, which means the court divides property fairly, not necessarily fifty-fifty. The judge weighs many factors, including the length of the marriage, the income of each spouse, and the health of each party. The final judgment records the exact split. Premarital assets and inheritances are typically excluded from the split, but commingled funds can change that result.
| Florida Statute | Topic Covered |
|---|---|
| 61.021 | Residency Requirement |
| 61.043 | Commencement of Filing |
| 61.052 | Grounds for Dissolution |
| 61.019 | Timing of Final Judgment |
| 61.075 | Equitable Distribution of Assets |
| 382.023 | Reporting to Vital Statistics |
Contact Information and Office Location
Use the contact details below to reach the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court for any St Petersburg dissolution of marriage records request. Calling before visiting helps confirm hours, payment options, and any appointment rules. The clerk records desk handles walk-in certified copy requests and mail-in orders. The main clerk phone line routes you to the right department based on your selection.
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Attn: Ken Burke, CPA, Clerk
315 Court Street, Room 400
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-464-3341
Official Website: pinellasclerk.com
Records Desk Hours (subject to change, call to confirm): Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on official court holidays.
Additional Florida resources: www.flclerks.com, www.myflcourtaccess.com, www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/divorce-certificates/, www.vitalchek.com, www.flcourts.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common needs from people searching St Petersburg dissolution of marriage records. Each answer points to the right office, the right form, and the right fee so you avoid delays. Use these answers as a quick reference before placing an order or making a call. The answers reflect current Florida law, current Pinellas County clerk policies, and current statewide portal rules as of the latest update.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
In-person requests at the Pinellas County Clerk office are often filled the same day if the case file is in the active system. Mail-in requests take about seven to ten business days, depending on postal speed. Online orders through the clerk portal or VitalChek can take a few business days for processing plus shipping time. Older files from before 1990 may need extra retrieval time, since the clerk must pull physical microfilm or archived boxes from offsite storage. Files from before 1980 may take longer if the index only has a partial name or year. Always call the records desk at 727-464-3341 to confirm current turnaround before you place an order. The clerk staff can also tell you if the file is already pulled and waiting, which speeds up walk-in service. If you need the certified copy by a specific date, mention that date when you submit your request so the clerk can flag urgent orders. Many clerks offer same-day rush service for an extra fee. The rush fee is set by Florida statute and applies statewide. Payment for rush service is due when you place the order, and the clerk will not release the record until the fee clears.
Can I search St Petersburg divorce records for free?
Yes. The Pinellas County clerk portal lets anyone run a name, case number, or date search at no cost. You only pay when you want a printed page or a certified copy. Free searches give you the case docket, the parties listed, the judge, and the filing dates. The free search is the best way to confirm a record exists before paying any fee. Many Florida counties offer the same free public lookup. Orange, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and Broward each run their own portal with no charge for a basic search. You can run as many searches as you need to narrow the results. The only time you pay is when you click the print certified copy button, ask for a paper printout at the records desk, or submit a mail-in certified copy request. Free searches do not show sealed files, sealed dockets, or expunged records. Those files are hidden from public view by court order. If a case is sealed, the public portal only shows the case number and the parties. To see a sealed record, you must ask a judge to open the file by filing a written motion.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a decree?
A divorce certificate is a short state-issued form that confirms the divorce took place and shows the names of both spouses and the date. The Florida Department of Health issues this form. A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and covers property, custody, and support. The county clerk issues the decree. Most banks and government offices want the decree, since it has the court seal and full legal language. The state certificate costs less, since it is a short form on security paper. The decree costs more, since it can run twenty pages or more and each certified page carries a separate seal fee. For a name change at the Social Security office, a state certificate is enough. For a refinance, a property transfer, or a court filing in another state, the full decree is needed. Some agencies accept a court-certified copy of the decree cover page only. Other agencies want every page. Always check with the requesting agency before you order so you get the right version on the first try and avoid paying twice.
Are St Petersburg dissolution of marriage records public?
Yes, in most cases. Florida law makes family court files public once they are closed. Sealed records are the only exception. A judge can seal a record when sensitive details, such as adoption details or protected identity, are involved. Sealed files show only a basic case caption in the public index. The full file requires a court order to open. Adoption files in Florida are sealed by statute. Domestic violence files can be sealed by judge order. Some financial records tied to a divorce can be sealed if a spouse shows harm from public release. The clerk cannot open a sealed file without a court order even if you are a party to the case. If you need a sealed record, you must file a written motion and serve the other parties. The judge then decides whether the public interest outweighs the privacy interest. Most motions to unseal adoption files are denied, but motions to unseal financial records can be granted in part.
What if I only know a spouse’s first and last name?
A first and last name search can return many results in Pinellas County. Narrow the list by adding a year of birth, a filing year, or a middle name. If you do not know these details, scan the docket entries for matching party names and judge signatures. Attorney names on the docket can also help you spot the right case. Avoid paying for a copy before you confirm the match. If you still have too many results, narrow the date range to a single year. Most people know at least the year their divorce was final. You can also search by the judge’s name. Each judge signs orders in a known set of cases. Searching by judge and year can pinpoint the right case when names are common. As a last resort, you can order an index search from the clerk for a small fee. The clerk staff runs the search and sends you a list of matching cases with the docket numbers. From there, you can order the certified copy you need.
Can I request a record by mail from outside Florida?
Yes. The Pinellas County clerk accepts mail-in requests from any state. Send a signed letter that lists the case number or the full names of both spouses, the year of filing, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the certified copy fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail the record back. Add a daytime phone number so the clerk can call if any detail is missing. The clerk can also accept fax or email requests for a basic case lookup, but certified copies require the original signature and ID. Some out-of-state requesters use a notary to verify their signature and avoid sending original IDs through the mail. Always send a copy of your ID, never the original, since the clerk cannot return your original document. Allow ten to fourteen business days for round-trip mail. If you need the record faster, use an online order through the clerk portal or VitalChek, which both accept credit card payment and ship the certified copy by tracked mail.
Do I need an attorney to get a divorce decree copy?
No. Any adult can request a certified copy of a divorce decree from the county clerk. Attorneys help with new filings, custody disputes, and appeals, but a record copy is open to the public. You only need a lawyer if the record is sealed or if a court order blocks the release. Otherwise, you can place the request yourself through the clerk portal, by mail, or in person. The clerk does not give legal advice, and the clerk staff cannot tell you which documents you need for a specific legal purpose. If you are unsure whether you need a certified copy or just a regular copy, ask the requesting agency for their exact wording. The agency will tell you whether they want a certified copy, a court-stamped copy, or a plain copy. Some agencies accept a scanned certified copy sent by email. Other agencies want a paper copy with the wet seal. Knowing the requirement saves you from ordering the wrong version and paying twice.