The Florida Family Court Records Database is a public system that holds court files for family law cases across all 67 counties. These files cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence matters.
Anyone can look at most of these records for free through the Florida State Courts System or a local Clerk of Court website. The database helps lawyers, parents, researchers, and the public check case status, view filings, and request copies of court orders.
What Are Florida Family Court Records?
Florida family court records are official court files for cases handled by the family law division of each Circuit Court. The family law division hears cases that involve marriage, children, and domestic safety. Each case creates a paper trail that includes the petition, motions, financial forms, hearings, and the final order from the judge. Most of these files stay open to the public under Florida’s strong public records law.
Types of Family Court Cases
Family courts in Florida handle seven main case types. Each one creates its own set of records. Knowing the case type helps you pick the right search tool and the right county clerk to contact.
- Dissolution of marriage, also called divorce
- Child custody and time-sharing plans
- Child support orders and payment records
- Paternity actions to name a child’s legal father
- Adoption petitions and final decrees
- Domestic violence injunctions for protection
- Name changes for adults and minors
Who Maintains These Records
The Clerk of Court in each county holds the original family court files. Clerks are elected officials who run the records department for their county. The Florida Department of Revenue holds extra child support payment data. The Florida State Courts System acts as a statewide hub that links each county database into one search network.
What Records Stay Public
Most family court records stay open. Petitions, financial affidavits, parenting plans, support orders, and final judgments are all open to view. Florida law removes a few sensitive items from public view. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are redacted before any record goes online. Domestic violence petitions that get dismissed without a full hearing are sealed after July 1, 2017. Adoption records and cases that involve minors can carry extra protections under state law.
How to Search the Florida Family Court Database
You can search family court records online, in person, or by mail. Online search is the fastest way to check basic case data. Each of the 67 counties runs its own online search tool. The statewide portal links many of these county tools into one place. You will need a few key facts to start your search, such as a party name, case number, or filing date.
Using the Statewide E-Portal
The statewide e-portal at MyFloridaCourtAccess.com lets you search cases filed in many counties. The portal was built for e-filing, but it also shows case data and court calendars. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. Results show the case type, filing date, judge, and next hearing date. The portal is free to use, and you do not need to create an account to run a basic search.
Searching by County Clerk Website
Each county clerk runs its own public records search tool. Some counties use the Odyssey platform, while others use a different vendor. The search tools show case lists, party details, docket entries, and in many counties, scanned court documents. Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Duval, and Palm Beach all run full public search portals that let you view case images online.
Using the Case Number Search
A case number is the fastest way to pull up one specific file. Florida family cases use a uniform format that shows the year, court type, county, and case sequence. For example, case number 2024-DR-001234 means a domestic relations case filed in 2024. The county clerk can look up the exact format for their circuit if you call ahead.
Searching by Party Name
You can search by full legal name if you do not know the case number. First name, last name, and date of birth will narrow the results. Many search tools let you filter by case type, so you only see family cases. Avoid using nicknames or maiden names, since the database uses the legal name on file at the time of filing.
Florida Family Court Records by County
Florida has 67 counties, and each one runs its own family court records system. Some counties have large online portals with full document images. Smaller counties may only show basic case data and require an in-person visit to see the full file. The list below shows the six most searched counties and the public search tools they offer.
Hillsborough County Family Court Records
Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, uses the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court online portal. You can search family cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal shows docket entries, hearing dates, and document images for most family filings. The clerk’s office sits at 800 East Twiggs Street in Tampa and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone support is available at (813) 276-8100.
Miami-Dade County Family Court Records
Miami-Dade County has one of the busiest family courts in the state. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts runs an online search tool that covers family, civil, and criminal cases. You can search by name, case number, or business name. The portal shows case events, party details, and downloadable documents for a small fee per page. The main clerk’s office sits at 73 West Flagler Street in Miami.
Broward County Family Court Records
Broward County handles family cases in the 17th Judicial Circuit. The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs a public search portal that shows case data, hearing schedules, and filed documents. The portal works on desktop and mobile browsers. The main office is at 201 Southeast 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, and phone support runs at (954) 831-6565 during business hours.
Orange County Family Court Records
Orange County, which includes Orlando, runs its records through the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The online search tool covers the 9th Judicial Circuit. You can search family cases by name, case number, or filing date. The portal also lets you buy certified copies of court orders online. The main office sits at 425 North Orange Avenue in Orlando, and the phone line is (407) 836-2000.
Duval County Family Court Records
Duval County, home to Jacksonville, uses the Duval County Clerk of Courts online portal. The portal covers the 4th Judicial Circuit and shows family, civil, traffic, and criminal cases. You can search by name or case number and view docket entries. Document images cost a small fee per page. The clerk’s office sits at 501 West Adams Street in Jacksonville.
Palm Beach County Family Court Records
Palm Beach County handles family cases through the 15th Judicial Circuit. The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller runs a public search portal that shows case data, party details, and filed documents. You can search by name, case number, or citation. The main office is at 205 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, and phone support runs at (561) 355-2991.
Types of Family Court Cases You Can Search
Florida family courts handle a wide range of cases. Each case type creates its own kind of record, and each one follows a different set of legal steps. The list below covers the six most common family case types that show up in the public search tools.
Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage Records
Divorce cases, called dissolution of marriage in Florida, are the most common family filings. The case starts with a petition that lists the grounds for divorce, the children, and the assets. Both sides file financial affidavits, and most cases end with a marital settlement agreement and a final judgment of dissolution. The 20-day waiting period starts after the petition is served, and the case becomes final when the judge signs the final judgment. All of these filings are open to the public unless a judge orders them sealed.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody cases in Florida focus on time-sharing plans and parental responsibility. Each case creates a parenting plan, a child support worksheet, and often a custody evaluation report. The parenting plan lists the weekday and weekend schedule, holiday time, and how the parents will share decisions about school, health, and religion. These plans are public records, and you can view them through the county clerk’s online search tool.
Child Support Court Records
Child support cases are filed either as part of a divorce or as a separate action. The Florida Department of Revenue files most support cases involving children born outside of marriage. The case file includes the support order, payment history, and any enforcement actions. Parents can check payment history through the State Disbursement Unit at (877) 769-0251 or the MyFloridaCounty.com portal.
Paternity Court Records
Paternity cases name a child’s legal father. The case file includes the petition, DNA test results, and the final order that names the father. Once paternity is established, the court can order child support, time-sharing, and parental responsibility. Paternity records are open to the public, but the DNA lab results are often sealed to protect the child’s privacy.
Adoption Court Records
Adoption cases are private under Florida law. Most adoption files are sealed when the case closes. The sealed file includes the birth certificate of the child, the home study, and the final adoption decree. Adult adoptees can request a copy of their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Health after they turn 18. A judge can open the adoption file for a good cause, such as a medical need.
Domestic Relations and Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases move through the court on a fast track. A petitioner can file for an injunction for protection at no cost under Florida Statute 741.30. The court can grant a temporary injunction the same day, and a full hearing must happen within 15 days. All injunction hearings are recorded, and the recordings are public records. Petitions that get dismissed without a full hearing are sealed after July 1, 2017.
How to Get Certified Copies of Records
A certified copy of a court record has an official seal and is accepted by other courts, government agencies, and employers. You can request a certified copy in person, by mail, or online through the county clerk’s portal. The cost and processing time depend on the county and the type of record you need.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
You can walk into any county clerk’s office and ask for a certified copy of a family court record. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it. The clerk will pull the file, certify the copy, and apply the official seal. Most offices charge $1 per page for a regular copy and an extra $2 for the certification. The wait time is usually under 30 minutes for simple requests.
Mail and Online Certified Copy Requests
You can mail a written request to the clerk’s office for a certified copy. Include the case number, party names, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the fees. Many counties also let you order certified copies through their online portal using a credit card. The mailed request can take 7 to 14 business days, while online orders often process within 24 to 48 hours.
Fees and Processing Times
The cost of a certified copy varies by county. Most counties charge between $1 and $3 per page, plus a small certification fee. Some counties charge a flat fee of $7 to $10 for a single certified document. The chart below shows the standard fees and processing times for the six most searched counties.
| County | Certified Copy Fee | Online Processing Time | Mail Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough | $1 per page + $2 certify | 24 hours | 7 to 10 business days |
| Miami-Dade | $1 per page + $2 certify | 48 hours | 10 to 14 business days |
| Broward | $1 per page + $2 certify | 24 hours | 7 to 10 business days |
| Orange | $1 per page + $2 certify | 24 hours | 5 to 7 business days |
| Duval | $1 per page + $2 certify | 48 hours | 10 to 14 business days |
| Palm Beach | $1 per page + $2 certify | 24 hours | 7 to 10 business days |
Sealed and Restricted Records in Florida
Some family court records are sealed or restricted by law. A sealed record is hidden from the public and can only be opened by a court order. A restricted record is open only to the parties in the case and their lawyers. Florida law lists a few clear rules for which records get sealed and who can see them.
What Records Get Sealed
Florida law seals adoption files, paternity DNA results, and dismissed domestic violence petitions. Cases that involve trade secrets, child welfare investigations, and certain juvenile records can also be sealed. A judge can seal any family court file for good cause, such as protecting a child or a victim of violence. The sealing order must be in writing and must state the legal reason for the seal.
How to Request Access to Sealed Records
You can file a motion to unseal a family court record. The motion must state who you are, why you want the record, and what you plan to do with it. A judge will review the motion and hold a short hearing. The judge will balance your need for the record against the privacy rights of the people named in the file. A granted motion lets you view the file and request copies through the clerk’s office.
Florida Family Court E-Filing Portal
Florida requires e-filing for most family court cases. The statewide portal at MyFloridaCourtAccess.com handles all electronic filings. Lawyers and self-represented filers can submit petitions, motions, and supporting documents through the portal. The portal also lets users view the register of actions and track the case schedule.
How E-Filing Works
You create an account on the e-filing portal and pick the county where you want to file. The portal walks you through a list of court-approved forms and asks for the case data. You upload your documents as PDF files and pay the filing fee by credit card or e-check. The clerk reviews the filing and either accepts it or sends it back for correction. Most filings are accepted within one business day.
Register of Actions Explained
The register of actions is the official list of every event in a court case. It shows the date of each filing, the type of filing, and the party who submitted it. You can view the register of actions for free through the e-filing portal or the county clerk’s online search tool. The register is the best way to track what has happened in a case and what the next step will be.
Florida Family Court Contact and Office Hours
The main office for statewide family court questions is the Florida State Courts System. The office sits at 500 South Duval Street in Tallahassee, Florida 32399. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The statewide phone line for court records is (850) 922-5081. The Self-Help Center phone line is (850) 921-1904 and offers recorded help in English and Spanish around the clock.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Family Court Records
Many people have questions about how the Florida Family Court Records Database works. The answers below cover the most common questions about search tools, fees, sealed records, and certified copies. Each answer gives clear steps so you can run your search or request without delay. Use these answers as a quick reference before you contact the clerk’s office.
How do I look up a family court case in Florida?
You can look up a family court case in Florida through the MyFloridaCourtAccess.com portal or the county clerk’s online search tool. Start with the party’s full legal name, the case number, or the filing date. The search will show the case type, judge, and next hearing date. You can also view the register of actions and any document images that the county has uploaded. The basic search is free, and you do not need an account.
Are Florida divorce records public for free?
Yes, Florida divorce records are public, and you can view the case data for free through the county clerk’s portal. The final judgment of dissolution, the marital settlement agreement, and the financial affidavits are open to the public. Certified copies cost a small fee per page, and the certification adds a few extra dollars. You can order a certified copy online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office.
Can I see child support payment records online?
Yes, you can see child support payment records online through the MyFloridaCounty.com portal. The portal shows the most recent payments, the balance owed, and the case status. You can also call the State Disbursement Unit at (877) 769-0251 for payment questions. Parents who do not know their case number can use their Social Security number and date of birth to pull up the case.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a court order?
It takes between 24 hours and 14 business days to get a certified copy of a court order, depending on the county and the request method. Online orders process in 24 to 48 hours for most counties. Mail orders take 7 to 14 business days because of the post office and the clerk’s processing time. In-person orders are usually ready the same day if you have the case number.
Can I view adoption records in Florida?
Most adoption records in Florida are sealed when the case closes. Adult adoptees can request a copy of their original birth certificate from the Florida Department of Health after they turn 18. A judge can open a sealed adoption file for good cause, such as a medical need or a family emergency. You must file a written motion and show proof of the medical or family need before the court will consider the request.
What is the difference between a public record and a sealed record?
A public record is open for anyone to view, while a sealed record is hidden from the public by a court order. The clerk’s office keeps sealed records in a separate file and only releases them to the parties named in the case or to a lawyer with a court order. You can ask the clerk to confirm whether a record is sealed before you file a motion to view it. Most family court files are public, but adoption files, dismissed domestic violence petitions, and certain juvenile records are sealed by law.
Can I search family court records by name for free?
Yes, you can search family court records by name for free through the county clerk’s online search tool or the statewide e-filing portal. The search shows case data, party details, and the register of actions at no cost. Viewing document images may require a small fee per page, and certified copies cost a bit more. The free search is enough for most people who only need to check case status or pull a recent filing.