Taylor County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Taylor County in 2026
TaylorCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Taylor County, Florida. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final judgments, and related court documents through official channels. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, whether documents have been digitized, and any court-ordered confidentiality restrictions.
Divorce records in Taylor County may be searched through the Clerk of Court's office, the Florida Department of Health's vital records system, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online portals maintained by the state court system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Taylor County Clerk of Court maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may search family law cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
Florida Courts operates a statewide case information system that allows users to search dockets and documents across jurisdictions, including circuit court family law divisions. Taylor County falls within Florida's Third Judicial Circuit, which handles the majority of dissolution of marriage proceedings at the trial court level.
3. State Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health Certificates & Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded by the clerk of court from June 6, 1927, to the present. Members of the public may order divorce or annulment certificates through the state vital records system. Fees apply for certificate orders.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division
Taylor County Clerk of Court
108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 102
Perry, FL 32347
Phone: (850) 838-3506
Taylor County Clerk of Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final judgments and decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Taylor County Clerk of Court, 108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, FL 32347
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (850) 838-3506
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Florida may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through proper legal channels, and assist with complex searches involving multiple counties or older archived cases. The Florida Bar's lawyer referral service connects members of the public with licensed legal professionals.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Taylor County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Florida law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Taylor County may need to search adjacent counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement: Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.021, at least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Record filed in a different county
- Name variations between maiden and married names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives and not yet digitized
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (850) 838-3506 to request a manual search
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Florida Department of Health in Taylor County for vital records certificates
- Consult a licensed Florida attorney for sealed or complex records
What Are Taylor County Divorce Records?
Taylor County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Third Judicial Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Taylor County Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records under Florida law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans (when minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, notices, and court orders
- Hearing transcripts (when prepared)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk of Court for a fee.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Taylor County Clerk of Court is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The Clerk indexes records by party name and case number, maintains the official docket, and provides certified copies upon request.
State Vital Records Office
The Florida Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded from June 6, 1927, to the present. These certificates contain summary information and are distinct from the full court case file. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.008, the Department of Health is responsible for registering vital records, including dissolution of marriage certificates, statewide.
Are Taylor County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Taylor County are public court records subject to Florida's public records law, Florida Statutes § 119.01, which establishes a presumption that all state and county records are open for public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a particular need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may be filed under seal by court order
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute
Sealed Records:
A court may seal a divorce case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. High-profile cases, cases involving abuse, and cases with confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed documents with court authorization |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records require court order |
Prohibited Uses:
Florida law prohibits the use of public records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Commercial use of public records may be subject to additional restrictions under state law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Taylor County?
The Taylor County Clerk of Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of court records in accordance with Florida law. Under Florida Statutes § 28.24, clerks of court are authorized to charge standardized fees for record services statewide.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies (per document) | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies by document |
| Search fee (when applicable) | No separate search fee under current law |
| Divorce certificate (Florida DOH) | $5.00 per certificate |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to Taylor County Clerk of Court
- Credit or debit card (in-person; availability may vary for mail requests)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees in connection with their own case. Fee waivers are granted at the court's discretion upon a proper showing of financial need.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing documents at public access terminals in the courthouse
- Basic case status information provided verbally by Clerk staff
- Online docket searches through the Clerk's public portal (where available)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Taylor County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Taylor County Clerk of Court contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Florida's no-fault standard), identification of minor children, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of financial documents
- Depositions (transcripts, if filed with the court)
- Tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements (submitted as exhibits)
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset and debt inventory
- Real property descriptions and appraisals
- Vehicle, investment, and retirement account information
- Business valuations, if applicable
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income deduction orders
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Support Documents:
- Alimony orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications are confidential; only the final agreement is filed)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including equitable distribution findings, support orders, custody and timesharing provisions, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuation documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Taylor County
Proof of divorce in Taylor County is obtained through either the Taylor County Clerk of Court or the Florida Department of Health, depending on the level of detail required.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment (Clerk of Court):
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for legal purposes including remarriage, name changes, property transfers, and immigration proceedings.
- Submit a written request to the Taylor County Clerk of Court at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, FL 32347, or appear in person during business hours.
- Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of dissolution.
- Pay the applicable certification fee per the current fee schedule.
- Certified copies are typically available within 1–2 business days for in-person requests.
Divorce Certificate (Florida Department of Health):
A divorce certificate issued by the Florida Department of Health provides summary information about the dissolution and is sufficient for many administrative purposes.
- Members of the public may order a divorce or annulment certificate through the Florida Department of Health for dissolutions recorded from June 6, 1927, to the present.
- The Florida Department of Health in Taylor County can assist with certificate requests for local dissolutions.
- Certificates for dissolutions prior to June 6, 1927, are obtainable only from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted.
Florida Department of Health — Taylor County
675 W. Forest Park Drive
Perry, FL 32348
Phone: (850) 838-3500
Florida Department of Health in Taylor County
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Taylor County?
Divorce proceedings in Taylor County are presumptively public under Florida law; however, specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential under defined circumstances.
- Domestic violence cases: When a dissolution of marriage involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may restrict access to the petitioner's address, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the parties involved.
- Sealed documents: Either party may file a motion requesting that specific documents — such as mental health evaluations, substance abuse records, or financial statements containing sensitive data — be placed under seal. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right of access against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Children's records: Information identifying the residential address, school, or medical condition of a minor child is subject to restriction and is not disclosed to the general public.
- Mediation records: Under Florida law, all mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record. Only the final mediation agreement, if incorporated into the case file, is accessible.
- Court-ordered confidentiality: A judge may order an entire case file sealed upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances. Such orders are subject to review and must be supported by specific findings on the record.
- Members of the public seeking access to confidential or sealed divorce records must file a motion with the Third Judicial Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally recognized basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Taylor County Keep Divorce Records?
Taylor County divorce records are retained in accordance with Florida's court records retention schedule, which establishes minimum preservation periods for all categories of court documents.
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are retained permanently. These records are never destroyed and remain accessible through the Clerk of Court indefinitely.
- Complete case files for contested dissolution proceedings are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case under the Florida Supreme Court's records retention standards.
- Uncontested dissolution case files may be subject to shorter retention periods for certain supporting documents, though the final judgment itself is preserved permanently.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents filed as part of the case record are retained for the duration of the case file's retention period.
- Post-judgment modification records are retained as part of the original case file and follow the same retention schedule.
- Older paper records that predate electronic filing systems may be stored in physical archives or converted to microfilm. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- The Florida Department of Health retains divorce certificate records from June 6, 1927, to the present as part of the state's vital records system.
- Members of the public seeking records older than those available through the Clerk's online system should contact the Taylor County Clerk of Court directly at (850) 838-3506 to inquire about archived record retrieval.