Santa Rosa County, Florida Divorce Records
Santa Rosa divorce records are comprehensive collections of documents related to the dissolution of a marriage. The details of legally recognized Santa Rosa divorce records may include the divorce decree, child custody arrangements, alimony, and property division. These records often serve as legal evidence of the parties’ marital status when remarrying or updating a name on financial accounts or passports. Individuals also seek such records for estate administration, genealogical research, background checks, and other legal and financial purposes.
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court and Comptroller is the main source of divorce records in the county. The Clerk’s Office provides public access to court and official records through several channels.
Santa Rosa divorce stats: According to the 2024 American Community Survey marital status estimates, approximately 12.9% of Santa Rosa residents aged 15 and older were divorced compared to Florida’s statewide rate of 12.1%. The same data showed that 54.6% of Santa Rosa County residents were married, compared to 47.9% statewide.
Are Divorce Records Public in Santa Rosa County?
Yes. Florida court-access rules for judicial records protect the public’s right to access most information filed during a dissolution of marriage proceeding. This means anyone, including a member of the press, a business competitor, or simply a curious person, can access divorce records unless otherwise stated by certain state law.
In Florida, divorces fall under family law, which is accessible to the public through the local county clerk’s office. Therefore, Santa Rosa residents and the general public may access divorce records through the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller’s office or online court records portal, unless the records are sealed, confidential, or otherwise protected by law.
Some elements of a divorce record that are available to the public include:
- Names of the parties involved
- Filing date
- Case number
- Property division details
- Spousal and child support orders
- Custody arrangements
Despite the general availability of court records, including divorce records, some records may be redacted, sealed, or classified as confidential under Florida law, court rules, or court orders. Examples of these records include:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical or mental-health records
- Information involving minor children
- Parenting-plan evaluations
In addition, parties who are not comfortable with the disclosure of personal information in divorce case documents may request additional record sealing in some cases. However, the petitioner must demonstrate that privacy concerns outweigh the public’s right of access for the court to grant the request.
How to Find Divorce Records in Santa Rosa County
The following steps discuss the step-by-step process for locating divorce records in Santa Rosa County:
Step 1: Identify useful information on the parties involved for the search.
Providing the name of both spouses, the case number, or the approximate date or year helps expedite the search process. Santa Rosa County expects requesters to include these details in a records search request, as well as the type of document needed (e.g., plain or certified copy).
Step 2: Browse Santa Rosa County’s Online Court Records Search.
For requesters who may not wish to visit the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller in person, the Clerk’s online public records portal offers an easier route to obtaining court records, including divorce case information. The Clerk’s Online Court Records Search portal offers different access options for users.
The level of access typically determines the type of information one can access. While general public users may access docket information, case summaries, and other publicly disclosable court records, registered users often receive extensive access to documents, enhanced search functions, and the ability to purchase copies online. Typical search criteria often include a party’s name, business name, or case number with filter options, such as case date range, Social Security Number, date of birth, age, and court type.
Note: Certain records are not accessible to users under Florida’s confidential laws, regardless of their registration status (level of access).
Step 3: Request copies from the Clerk if required.
Individuals seeking actual copies of divorce records or other dissolution of marriage information that are not available online may submit a form to purchase copies or view documents to the Records Department of the Santa Rosa County Clerk’s Office. They may also use the Clerk’s copy-request form to order certified copies to be delivered by mail, email, or pick-up.
Requesters are typically expected to provide record-identifying information, such as spouses’ names, case number (if known), type of document requested, and payment information during the record request process.
For requesters who may wish to obtain certified copies through this route, the contact and mailing addresses of the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller are as follows:
4025 Avalon Blvd.
Milton, FL 32583
Phone: (850) 981-5554
Fax: (850) 626-7849
Email: PublicRecordRequest@santarosaclerks.com
Mailing Address
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
6495 Caroline St., Suite A
Milton, FL 32570
Step 4: Request a certified divorce certificate through the Florida Department of Health.
Requesters seeking official legal proof of a dissolution of marriage may request a certified divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. This office maintains divorce certificates from June 6, 1927, to the present day. It is worth noting that this document (divorce certificate) is an abstract taken from the final judgment, not the actual divorce judgment.
The contact details of the agency are as follows:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
| Method | Where to Go | Info Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online search | Santa Rosa County Public Records Search Portal | Party names, case number if known, approximate filing year | Basic searches are generally free; copy fees may apply | Immediate access to online case information |
| In-person request | Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller, 6495 Caroline Street, Milton, FL 32570 | Valid identification and case details | Copy and certification fees may apply | Often the same day for standard requests |
| Mail request | Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court, Court Records Division | Written request, names of parties, payment information | Fees vary depending on copies and certification | Several business days plus mailing time |
| Certified divorce certificate | Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics | Names of spouses, divorce date, county, requester details | $5 for one calendar-year search and one certified copy; additional fees may apply | 3–5 business days for many computer certificates, excluding shipping |
| Third-party record search websites | Commercial public-records providers | Name and approximate location/date | Subscription or search fees may apply | Often immediate, but unofficial |
Overview of the Santa Rosa County Court System
In Santa Rosa County, the Family-Law Division of the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida handles divorce cases (officially known as "dissolution of marriage"). This Circuit Court also serves the neighboring counties of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton. Under Florida law, divorce court cases, officially referred to as "dissolution of marriage" actions, are usually filed and processed through the circuit court's family law division.
In Florida, the Family Law Division has legal authority over cases involving the dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence injunctions, and paternity issues. Consequently, requesters seeking Santa Rosa family court divorce filings often search for divorce petitions, family law case records, custody matters, parenting plans, support orders, and final judgments filed through the Santa Rosa County division of the 1st Judicial Circuit Court.
In Santa Rosa County, the County Courthouse is the primary location for family law and divorce cases, as well as most circuit court proceedings. At the same time, the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller is responsible for maintaining records generated from most divorce court cases.
The contact and locational details of the main county courthouse and the principal court record custodian are as follows:
Santa Rosa County Courthouse
4025 Avalon Boulevard
Milton, FL 32583
Phone: (850) 981-5580
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller
6495 Caroline Street, Suite A
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 983-1974
Online Access to Santa Rosa County Divorce Records
Individuals seeking Santa Rosa divorce records online should begin with the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller’s Online Court Records Search (OCRS) system. This database offers anonymous (general user) public access to court case information, including divorce information. The portal also provides different access options (e.g., registered, attorney, and party access) that offer users who sign up for an account wider access to court documents.
Anonymous (general public) users may search the portal and access docket information, case summaries, and other publicly available court records. In contrast, registered users typically receive broader access to documents, enhanced search capabilities, and can order and purchase copies of court records online.
The level of access typically determines the type of information users can access. While general public users may access docket information, case summaries, and other publicly disclosable court records, registered users often receive extensive access to documents, enhanced search functions, and the ability to purchase copies online. Typical search criteria often include a party’s name, business name, or case number with filter options, such as case date range, Social Security Number, date of birth, age, and court type.
To search the OCRS system as a general public user:
- Visit the Santa Rosa Public Records page and click on “Search Court Records”. This action takes the user to the Online Court Records Search access option page.
- Select the Public User option, read and accept the terms and conditions to enter the Online Court Records Search interface.
- On the search page, choose the preferred search option: person search or case search.
- If conducting a person search, enter a party’s last name or business name.
- Consider using the filter options to narrow the search results. Available options include date case filed (from and to), Social Security number, date of birth, and court type (choose the “domestic relations/family field).
- Click "Search" and review the search results.
Search results may yield basic case information, docket entries, filing dates, party names, and some publicly available orders or judgments.
Note: Certain divorce-related information may not be visible online in accordance with Florida’s privacy laws.
For official copies, such as certified or exemplified copies of court records, including divorce-related files, requesters may need to contact the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller for an in-person visit.
Alternatively, requesters may look up Santa Rosa County divorce records through third-party websites that offer access to free divorce records for a fee. They should, however, note that government agencies do not regulate these websites. Therefore, the correctness or reliability of the information provided by these platforms cannot be guaranteed.
What’s Typically Included in a Santa Rosa Divorce Record
In Santa Rosa County, the elements of a divorce record often depend on the type of documents (e.g., certificate, decree, or case file) being viewed. However, typical components of a publicly disclosable Santa Rosa County divorce record typically include:
- The spouses' full names
- Case number and court division
- Filing date and case status
- Legal basis for dissolution of marriage (e.g., “irretrievably broken”)
A public Santa Rosa County divorce record may also include court orders relating to property division, alimony, or spousal support determinations, child custody and visitation rulings, child support obligations, attorneys' names and filings, court orders and docket entries, and settlement agreements contained in the judgment.
Notwithstanding, not all information in a divorce record is accessible to the public. Florida law and court rules exempt certain details from public disclosure. For example, family law records involving children, abuse allegations, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, medical information, or court-sealed documents may be redacted, confidential, or unavailable for public inspection.
| Information | Available to the Public? |
|---|---|
| Names of spouses | Yes, generally available in public case searches |
| Divorce date/final judgment date | Yes, unless the case is sealed |
| Case number | Yes |
| Filing date | Yes |
| Case status | Yes |
| Docket entries | Yes, although linked documents may be limited |
| Final judgment of dissolution | Often available or requestable unless sealed |
| Custody or parenting arrangements | Sometimes restricted, especially where children are involved |
| Financial disclosures | Often restricted, redacted, or unavailable online |
| Social Security numbers/financial account details | No, generally confidential or redacted |
| Medical or mental-health information | Usually confidential |
| Abuse allegations or protected-address information | Often sealed or restricted |
How to Get Certified Copies of Santa Rosa Divorce Records
In Santa Rosa County, requesters seeking certified copies of the complete divorce decree, final judgment, docket records, or court-file documents may request them from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller. In comparison, information seekers should request Santa Rosa divorce certificates from the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. The agency maintains divorce certificates from June 6, 1927, to the present day.
Requesters seeking divorce records should note the difference between a certified and an informational copy. A certified copy (also referred to as an “official divorce record copy”) is a legally recognized copy bearing a stamp or seal and official signature of the Clerk or issuing agency stating that the document is a true and complete copy of the original court record. People usually need certified copies when remarrying, updating passports, filing court documents, making insurance claims, for immigration, and other legal matters.
On the other hand, informational copies are usually used for genealogy or personal records. They cannot be used for legal identification as they do not carry the same legal weight as certified copies.
| Type of Copy | Use Case | Who Can Request | Legally Valid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy | Remarriage, court filings, name changes, immigration, official benefits, legal proceedings | Usually, any requester, if the record is public, parties or authorized persons may be needed for restricted records | Yes |
| Informational/Plain Copy | Genealogy, personal reference, background research, general review | Generally, anyone can access the record if it is public | No, not usually accepted as official proof |
Requesting a Certified Divorce Record in Santa Rosa County
Step 1. Determine the type of divorce record required.
The type of record a requester is looking for usually determines which office to approach. They may request the complete divorce decree, final judgment, or documents from the divorce court file from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller. In contrast, applicants may obtain divorce certificates from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics, the custodian of divorce certificates from June 6, 1927, to the present.
Step 2. Identify and collate necessary information.
To search for divorce records, custodian agencies usually expect information seekers to provide identifying information, such as the spouses' full names, approximate divorce date or year, case number (if available), type of document requested, and contact information.
Step 3. Submit the request.
Applicants may request certified copies of divorce records (e.g., divorce decree or final judgment) by submitting a “Request for Copies or Viewing of Court Records” form to the Clerk’s Office in person, by mail, or by email.
Santa Rosa requesters may request divorce certificates from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics via three main routes: online (through the state-authorized vendor), in person, or by mail. The contact and mailing address of the Clerk’s Office and the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics are as follows:
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
6495 Caroline St., Suite A
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 981-5554
Fax: (850) 626-7849
Public records email: PublicRecordRequest@santarosaclerks.com
Florida Department of Health, Vital Statistics
1217 N. Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Lobby hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.
Mailing Address
Florida Department of Health, Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Step 4: Provide identification if required.
Public divorce records are generally open to the public under Florida law. However, the type of document or method of request may require identification. Custodian agencies may also require additional verification if the document contains restricted or confidential information.
Step 5: Pay the applicable fees.
Certified copies of court documents, including divorce records, usually incur fees. The Santa Rosa County Clerk currently charges $1.00 per page for hard copies (not more than 14 inches by 8½ inches) and $2.00 per document for certification, and $7.00 per document for exemplification. Depending on the request, additional search fees or service charges may apply in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.24.
For Florida divorce certificates requested through the Department of Health, the agency charges a $5.00 search fee for one calendar year and a certified copy. Additional certified copies cost $4.00 each. Other charges that may apply include a rush processing fee ($10.00) and a shipping and handling fee ($1.00).
Step 6: Wait for processing and delivery.
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller’s official record request pages do not state a standard processing timeframe for court-record copy requests. This suggests that processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the request, record availability, and payment processing.
In comparison, the Florida Department of Health processes most computer-generated certificates in approximately 3 to 5 business days, excluding delivery time.
Santa Rosa Divorce Records Summary
| Custodian | Available Record Type | Access Method | Fees & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller | Full divorce case files, docket entries, court orders, final judgments, certified divorce decrees | Online public portal, mail request, email request, or in person | Public searches are generally free; court-record copies are generally $1.00 per page, and certified copies are generally $2.00 per document under Fla. Stat. § 28.24 |
| First Judicial Circuit of Florida – Family Law Division | Divorce proceedings, family-law filings, hearings, judicial orders | Court proceedings and Clerk-managed access systems | Some family-law records may be confidential, sealed, or redacted under Florida court rules |
| Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics | Certified divorce certificates (abstracts of dissolution records) | Mail request, walk-in request, or online ordering through authorized vendors | $5 for one calendar-year search and one certified copy; additional copies and rush processing may cost extra; the certificate is not the full divorce decree |
| Santa Rosa County Public Records Search Portal | Online divorce case searches, docket information, and some document access | Free online search portal | Availability varies by case; some documents or images may be restricted or unavailable online |
| Third-party record search websites | Aggregated divorce and public-record information | Online search, usually subscription or fee-based | Convenience may come at a cost; records may be incomplete, unofficial, or outdated compared to county or state sources |