Divorce records in Alachua County, Florida, can be accessed through several channels. AlachuaCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the circuit court that issued the decree, the Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court, or the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. The path you choose depends on whether you need the full court file or a divorce certificate.
Alachua County Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Alachua County are maintained by two separate offices. The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps the complete court case files — including the petition, final judgment of dissolution of marriage, property settlement agreements, parenting plans, custody orders, and any related motions or filings. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, maintains divorce certificates, which are shorter summary documents confirming that a divorce was granted.
For court records, contact the Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court:
Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Clerk's office handles in-person and written requests for divorce case records. Many case docket entries are also searchable through the Clerk's online court records portal. For divorce certificates, the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County can process orders in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Alachua County
In Florida, divorce cases — formally called "dissolution of marriage" — are handled by the Circuit Court, Family Law Division. Alachua County falls within the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Once a judge signs the final judgment of dissolution, the Clerk of the Circuit Court files and maintains the original decree as part of the permanent court record.
The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, also receives a report of each divorce and maintains divorce certificates statewide. Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full court file (judgment, settlement agreements, custody orders, motions) — contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- Divorce certificate (summary verification that a divorce occurred) — contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics or the local county health department office.
Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court — Family Law
Florida Department of Health in Alachua County — Vital Records
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (Statewide)
Florida divorce certificates are available from June 6, 1927 forward through the state office. Court records at the Clerk's office may go back further depending on the case. Divorce records in Florida are generally public, though certain financial disclosures and records involving minors may have restricted access. If a case file has been sealed by court order, the Clerk's office will not release those documents without authorization.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Alachua County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics) | $5.00 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Additional copies of divorce certificate (same order) | $4.00 each | Included with initial order |
| Court record copies (non-certified) | $1.00 per page | Same day to several business days |
| Certified court record copies | $2.00 per page (plus $2.00 certification fee) | Same day to several business days |
| Online divorce certificate order via VitalChek | $5.00 plus processing and shipping fees | 5–7 business days (standard) |