Davie City Florida divorce records are public court files filed through the Broward County court system. These files show when a marriage legally ended.
They list both spouses’ full legal names. They show the case number, the judge, and the date the court signed the final judgment. Residents, lawyers, and other people use these files to confirm marital status, settle money matters, change legal names, or update government papers after a divorce case closes.
What Divorce Records Include
A divorce record is a paper file that proves a court ended a marriage. In Florida, the legal term for divorce is dissolution of marriage. Davie sits inside Broward County. So all Davie divorce files are filed at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The Town of Davie itself does not keep these files.
Who Files These Documents
The Broward County Clerk of Courts creates and stores these files. When a person files for divorce in Davie, the case is sent to the Broward Circuit Court. The clerk’s office then adds each paper to the case file. The judge signs the final judgment. The clerk stamps the file as a public record. Every paper filed in the case is part of the record.
Documents Found in Each File
Three main papers make up a divorce record. Each one serves a different purpose:
- Petition for Dissolution – The form that starts the case. It names both spouses. It lists the reason for the divorce.
- Final Judgment – The judge’s signed order that ends the marriage. It covers property, money, children, and names.
- Divorce Certificate – A short paper that shows basic details like names, date, and county. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics issues this one.
Types of Cases to Search
You may see different file names when you search. Some common types include:
- Civil case files under Chapter 61
- Family court files with custody or support issues
- Domestic relations files for married couples
- Simplified dissolution files for couples without children
- Child support orders linked to a divorce
All of these may show up in a Davie divorce search since the family court division handles them all.
Main Sources for Davie Records
You can find Davie divorce records through three main places. Each place holds different pieces of the same case. The best approach is to check all three to get a full picture of any case. No single source has every detail.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The county clerk holds the full case file. This includes every paper filed in the case. You can search the clerk’s online system from home. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person. The main office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The phone number is (954) 831-6565.
Florida Official Records Site
The state runs an online portal at myfloridacounty.com. This system shows recorded documents from all Florida counties. Davie divorce records may show up here once they are officially recorded. Use this site to cross-check a case number. Use it to see docket events from another angle. Some older files may only appear in the state portal.
State Vital Statistics Office
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This office keeps statewide divorce certificates from 1927 to today. Mail orders take about two to four weeks. Online orders through approved vendors are faster. The Jacksonville office takes walk-in orders Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This office only handles the short certificate, not the full case file.
How to Search for Records
You can search Davie divorce records online, by mail, or in person. Each method needs different details. Online search is the fastest for most people. Start with the county clerk’s site before paying any third-party service.
Online Search Method
Start your search on the Broward County Clerk website. Click on the court records search link. Enter the last name of one spouse. Add a first name if you know it. Pick the date range if you know when the case was filed. Look for cases marked dissolution of marriage. These are divorce cases. Write down the case number for later use.
Search by Spouse Name
Name searches work well when you know both spouses. Use the full legal name. Try different spellings. Try the maiden name. Check for middle name matches. Some files may list names in a different order. Try both names in the search box to get more results. Older files often have name order issues due to old data entry.
Search by Case Number
A case number search is the most exact search. The case number looks like this: CO-CE-20-012345. Each part of the number tells you something. CO means civil court. CE means circuit civil. The next two digits show the year. The last numbers are the case count for that year. Use the case number when you know it for sure to skip past name search errors.
Free vs Paid Search Tools
Free search options exist on the Broward Clerk site. You can look up case details without paying. You see court dates and party names. You only pay when you want a paper copy. State vital records charge a fee for each certificate copy. Third-party sites charge a fee for the search plus copies. They can help with old or hard-to-find files.
Ordering Certified Copies
A certified copy has the court’s stamp. It has the clerk’s signature. It has a raised seal. Courts and government agencies accept certified copies. Plain copies are not accepted for legal use. Certified copies prove the document is real and complete.
Standard Copy Costs
The cost of certified copies varies by document type and county. Here is a clear cost breakdown for Davie and statewide orders:
| Document Type | Standard Fee | Extra Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Final Judgment (Certified) | $1.00 per page | $2.00 certification fee |
| Complete Case File Copy | $1.00 per page | $2.00 certification fee |
| Divorce Certificate (State) | $5.00 each | $10.00 rush fee available |
| Plain Copy of Any Document | $1.00 per page | No certification |
| Apostille for International Use | $10.00 per document | Added to certified copy |
Details Needed for Orders
Have these details ready before you place your order:
- Full legal name of each spouse at time of divorce
- Date the divorce was finalized
- County where the divorce was granted
- Case number if known
- Your own ID and contact details
- Reason for the request
Missing details slow down your order. County staff may need extra time to search for the right file. Always double-check spelling before you submit.
Standard Wait Times
Wait times change based on how you order:
- Online orders – 1 to 3 business days for digital copies
- Mail orders – 2 to 4 weeks depending on archive lookup
- In-person orders – Same day for simple certified copies
- Rush orders – 24 to 48 hours with extra fee
- State vital records mail – 5 to 10 business days
Ways to Submit Requests
Pick the method that fits your timeline:
- Online – Use the Broward Clerk e-records system. Pay by card. Get digital copies fast.
- By Mail – Send a written request with payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- In Person – Visit the clerk’s office. Bring your ID. Pay at the counter.
- By Phone – Call (954) 831-6565. Credit card payment is accepted for mailed copies.
Florida Divorce Laws
Florida has clear laws about divorce records. These laws control who can see the records. They control what can be shared. They control how long files are kept. Court staff follow these rules for every request.
Public Records Law
Florida Public Records Law under Chapter 119 gives the public the right to see most court files. Divorce records fall under this law. Anyone can request a copy. You do not need to be part of the case. You only need to follow the request process. Some details may be redacted for safety before the file is shared.
Dissolution of Marriage Rules
Florida Statutes Chapter 61 controls all divorce cases. The law covers filing rules. The law covers residency rules. The law covers grounds for divorce. The law covers how property gets split. The law covers child custody and support. Most divorce papers you see come from cases filed under this chapter of state law.
Privacy and Redaction Rules
Some details get removed from public view. These include Social Security numbers. Bank account numbers get redacted. Credit card numbers get hidden. Children’s names may be removed in some cases. Home addresses are redacted in domestic violence cases. The clerk’s office handles the redaction before sharing copies with requesters.
Other Florida Counties
Davie is one town in a state with 67 counties. Each county keeps its own divorce files. The process is similar across the state. The contact details and fees are different.
Major County Court Systems
Here are the main county courts that handle Florida divorce files:
| County | Main City | Court System |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | Miami | 11th Judicial Circuit |
| Broward County | Fort Lauderdale | 17th Judicial Circuit |
| Hillsborough County | Tampa | 13th Judicial Circuit |
| Orange County | Orlando | 9th Judicial Circuit |
| Palm Beach County | West Palm Beach | 15th Judicial Circuit |
| Duval County | Jacksonville | 4th Judicial Circuit |
| Pinellas County | Clearwater | 6th Judicial Circuit |
| Lee County | Fort Myers | 20th Judicial Circuit |
| Polk County | Bartow | 10th Judicial Circuit |
| Brevard County | Titusville | 18th Judicial Circuit |
Differences Between Counties
Each county uses its own court system. Each one has its own online search tools. Each one sets its own fees. Some rural counties take longer to process mail orders. Big city counties often have faster online systems with more search filters. The steps to search stay the same across Florida even when the tools look different.
Common Uses for Records
People order divorce records for many reasons. The files hold legal proof of the end of a marriage. That proof is needed for many life events. Banks, courts, and government agencies all ask for certified copies.
Name Changes After Divorce
Many people change back to a former name after divorce. The final judgment usually lists the right to use a former name. People take that judgment to the Social Security office. They take it to the DMV. They take it to banks and other agencies to update their legal name. The certified copy makes the change official.
Property and Money Updates
Divorce judgments split property. They split bank accounts. They split retirement plans and pensions. People need these files to update accounts. They need them to sell homes. They need them to claim or split retirement funds. Lenders ask for the divorce judgment before they approve new loans based on new income.
Remarriage Proof Needs
Couples who plan to remarry need proof of divorce. The marriage license office will ask for it. Insurance companies may ask too. A certified copy of the final judgment or the state-issued divorce certificate works for most places. The document must show the date the prior marriage legally ended.
Smart Search Tips
A few simple tips can save you time. They can save you money too. The right prep makes the search smoother. Many people hit the same roadblocks when they search without prep.
Common Mistakes to Skip
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using nicknames instead of legal names on the search
- Skipping the date range when you search the database
- Forgetting to check both county and state systems
- Not writing down the case number once you find it
- Paying for full copies when plain copies work for your needs
- Trusting third-party search fees without checking the free county site first
What to Do With Missing Files
Some old files are hard to find. Try these steps when files seem missing:
- Contact the clerk’s office for a manual search by staff
- Check the Florida State Archives for very old cases
- Try different name spellings and maiden names
- Search nearby counties if the spouse may have moved
- Contact a family lawyer for help with sealed files
- Ask for the index entry if the full file is in long-term storage
Office Contact Details
Below are the main offices that handle Davie divorce records. Save these details before you place your order. Each office handles a different piece of the same case.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 N Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: floridahealth.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Florida Official Records Portal
Website: myfloridacounty.com
Hours: 24/7 online access
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Davie City Florida divorce records. Each answer gives clear steps. Each one points to the right office for your needs. Use these answers to plan your search before you contact the clerk.
How Long Does a Search Take?
Online searches through the Broward County Clerk portal take only a few minutes. You type the name. You pick a date range. You press search. The screen shows matching cases right away. The free search gives case numbers, party names, filing dates, and division codes. You do not need to pay to see these basic case details.
The wait time changes once you order copies. In-person orders at the clerk’s office on the first floor are ready the same day in most cases. Simple certified copies of one or two pages print on the spot. Mail orders take two to four weeks. You send a written request with payment. You include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk processes the request and ships the copies back to you.
State vital records certificates take five to ten business days by mail. The Jacksonville office handles all state-level certificate orders. Online orders through approved vendors are faster. Rush options cut the wait time to 24 to 48 hours for an extra fee. The clerk’s office in Broward can also process rush orders for people who need same-day service for time-sensitive legal matters.
Can I Find Records for Free?
Yes. Free search options exist on the Broward County Clerk website. You can look up case details without paying. You can see court dates and party names. You can see the judge assigned and the case division. You pay nothing to read the docket sheet entries for any divorce case in the system.
You only pay when you want a paper copy. State vital records charge for every certificate copy because the state prints each one on special paper. Third-party sites charge a fee for the search plus copies. They add their own fees on top of the state rate. Some third-party sites charge monthly fees that add up fast.
The best free option is the county clerk’s site. Use it first. If you need a state certificate, order it directly from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics to save money. Skip third-party sites for the lowest cost route. Always check the official government site before you pay a private company.
Are Sealed Records Available?
Sealed divorce records stay private. Only the people named in the case can see them. A court order can unseal a file. You must show good cause to the judge. The judge will hold a hearing before granting access to a sealed file.
Domestic violence cases may have sealed details. The court seals addresses and contact details to protect the spouse. Adoption cases tied to a divorce stay sealed forever in most cases. Sealed financial records may include private business details. The court seals these to protect trade secrets and family money.
Contact a lawyer if you need a sealed file opened. The lawyer can file a motion to unseal. You must show the judge why you need access. The judge will balance your need against the privacy interests of the people in the case. Public safety agencies may also get access through a separate legal process.
What If I Don’t Know the Date?
You can still search without an exact date. Use a wide year range. Try the past ten years if needed. Look for cases that match the names. Write down the case number once you find it. The clerk’s office can run a manual search if you have no luck online.
Start with a five-year range. Widen the range if you see no matches. Try different name combinations. The spouse may have used a different legal name during the case. Use the Social Security Death Index to find date clues for people who are no longer living. Marriage records may also list prior divorce details that point you to the right case.
For very old cases, contact the State Archives of Florida. The archives store older files in paper and microfilm. They can search for cases going back to 1927. You may need to pay a small search fee. The archives team can pull the file for legal use once they locate the right entry.
Can Out-of-State People Request?
Yes. Out-of-state requests work the same way. You can order online. You can order by mail. You can name a local agent to pick up in-person copies. Mail orders work well for people who live far away. Add enough time for shipping.
Online orders through the clerk’s portal accept out-of-state credit cards. You pay with a card. The clerk mails the certified copy to your address. The mail takes three to five extra days beyond the regular processing time. Add that to your planning for legal deadlines or court dates.
You can also hire a Florida attorney to request the file for you. The attorney acts as your local agent. The attorney picks up the certified copy. The attorney can then mail it to you or use it in court filings. Apostille requests for documents used outside the United States must go through the Florida Department of State for authentication.
What Is a Divorce Certificate?
A divorce certificate is a short paper that proves a marriage ended. It lists the names of both spouses. It lists the date. It lists the county where the court granted the divorce. It does not list the reasons. It does not list property splits. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics issues these papers statewide.
The state certificate is different from the court judgment. The court judgment is a longer paper with the full details of the case. The certificate is a one-page summary. Most people use the certificate for basic proof needs. Banks and government agencies usually accept either paper.
The state issues certificates from 1927 to today. Older records may only exist in paper archives. You can order certificates online through the Florida Department of Health portal. You can also mail a request to the Jacksonville office. The state charges a small fee for each certificate copy.
How Long Are Records Kept?
Broward County keeps divorce records forever. Paper files move to the State Archives after a set time. Digital files stay in the clerk’s system forever. The State Archives holds files going back to the early 1900s. Older files may take longer to pull from the archive.
The clerk scans new paper files into the digital system as cases close. Old paper files from before 2000 may still be in paper form only. The clerk pulls those files by hand when someone orders a copy. That takes extra time. You may wait two weeks for an old paper file copy.
The State Archives of Florida holds the oldest files. Cases from the 1920s through the 1970s sit in Tallahassee. You can visit the archives in person. You can also order copies by mail. The archives charge their own fees. They work with the county clerk to make sure every Florida divorce record stays available for legal use.