Monroe County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Monroe County in 2026
MonroeFLRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Monroe County, Florida. Members of the public may find case summaries, final judgments, party names, and related court filings through official resources and third-party directories. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage petitions, final decrees, parenting plans, marital settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders.
Divorce records in Monroe County are maintained primarily by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts and may also be accessed through the Florida Department of Health for certified divorce certificates. Members of the public may search these records through several official channels.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Monroe County Clerk of Courts operates an online case search portal through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Clerk's own public access system. This is the most common method for locating dissolution of marriage cases and is available at no cost for basic case information. Copies of documents may require a fee.
2. State Court System Portal
The Florida Courts public access portal provides a statewide search tool that allows members of the public to search across multiple jurisdictions. This consolidated database is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
3. State Vital Records
Florida registers divorce certificates through the Florida Department of Health. As noted by the Florida Department of Health, "The certificate is issued as an abstract of the information taken from the judgment and is acceptable as evidence that a dissolution was finalized and granted." Members of the public may request divorce or annulment certificates from the state vital records office for divorces finalized on or after June 6, 1927.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court Family Division:
Monroe County Clerk of Courts
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3423
Monroe County Clerk of Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person include searching case files, viewing documents at public access terminals, requesting certified copies, and receiving staff assistance with locating records.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Monroe County Clerk of Courts, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, your contact information, and payment for copies.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence.
- Processing time is typically one to two weeks for standard requests.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (305) 292-3423
- Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, case status, and filing date.
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filings, or confidential information by phone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Florida can access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through proper legal channels, and assist with complex searches. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys for professional assistance.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Monroe 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 are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.021, one party must have resided in Florida for at least six months before filing.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately after the final hearing; records are typically available within days to a few weeks of the final judgment being entered.
- Older divorces may be archived and not fully digitized; additional retrieval time should be anticipated.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
- Verify the correct county of filing.
- Attempt alternate spellings of both spouses' names.
- Search under both the married name and maiden name.
- Check the Florida Department of Health vital records database.
- Contact the Clerk's office directly at (305) 292-3423.
What Are Monroe County Divorce Records?
Monroe County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. These records are maintained by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts as part of the family law court file and constitute public records subject to Florida's public records laws.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits from both parties, proposed and final parenting plans, marital settlement agreements, all motions and court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution.
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any alimony or spousal support obligations, child custody and timesharing arrangements, child support orders, and any approved name changes. Certified copies of the final judgment are available from the Clerk of Courts.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original final judgment.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title purposes
- Estate planning and probate proceedings
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Monroe County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Florida Department of Health maintains divorce certificates as vital records for dissolutions finalized on or after June 6, 1927, through its vital records office.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are governed by Florida Statutes § 61.052, which establishes irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as the sole ground for divorce in Florida. Public access to court records is governed by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
Are Monroe County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Monroe County are public court records subject to Florida's broad public records framework. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both 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 pursuant to Florida court rules.
- Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted.
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access.
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted.
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records.
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order.
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted.
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and related evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety.
- Mental health and medical records incorporated into the case file are restricted.
- Substance abuse treatment information is protected under both state and federal law.
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are withheld from public access.
Sealed Records:
A court may seal a dissolution of marriage 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. Mediation communications are confidential under Florida Statutes § 44.405 and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of the record; sealed records require a court order.
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Florida law prohibits the use of public records for fraudulent purposes.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Monroe County?
The Monroe County Clerk of Courts charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Under current Florida law, copy and certification fees for court records are set by statute and apply uniformly across the state.
Current Fee Structure:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies (per document) | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Exemplified/authenticated copies | Additional fee applies |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Fees may vary |
- The Florida Department of Health charges a separate fee for divorce certificates obtained through the state vital records office. At present, the fee for a divorce certificate is $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Payment at the Clerk's office is accepted by cash, check, money order, and major credit cards.
- Payment for mail requests must be submitted by check or money order made payable to the Monroe County Clerk of Courts.
- Members of the public may inspect records at the courthouse at no charge; fees apply only to copies.
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for divorce record copies, though indigent parties to an active case may petition the court for relief from certain fees.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Monroe County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts contains a comprehensive set of documents generated throughout the proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
The case caption identifies the case number, the name of the court and division, the names of the petitioner and respondent, the judge assigned, and the attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the petition was filed, the filing fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the case.
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets out the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's information, the date and location of the marriage, the grounds for divorce (irretrievable breakdown under Florida's no-fault statute), information about minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition states the respondent's position and any independent requests for relief.
Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
Discovery materials may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial documents, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
The marital asset inventory describes and values all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, business interests, and personal property. The debt inventory identifies mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations. Appraisals and expert valuations may be filed for real property, businesses, and significant personal property.
Children-Related Documents:
Where minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule for regular periods, holidays, and vacations, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. The child support calculation worksheet reflects both parties' incomes, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.
Settlement Documents:
The marital settlement agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all issues in the case, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, and child-related provisions. Where the parties participated in mediation, a mediation agreement may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders may address interim custody, support, use of the marital home, and restraining orders during the pendency of the case. The final judgment of dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all relief granted. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is entered as a separate order directing the plan administrator.
Post-Judgment Documents:
After entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on those petitions, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and contempt proceedings for non-compliance.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Monroe County?
Proof of divorce in Monroe County may be obtained in two primary forms: a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution from the Clerk of Courts, or a divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment:
Members of the public may request a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution directly from the Monroe County Clerk of Courts. This document bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for most purposes, including remarriage, name changes, and property transfers.
Monroe County Clerk of Courts
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3423
Monroe County Clerk of Courts
Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the Clerk's online portal where available. The requester must provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce or the case number.
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificate:
The Florida Department of Health issues divorce certificates as abstracts of information taken from the final judgment. These certificates are available for dissolutions finalized on or after June 6, 1927, and are accepted as evidence that a dissolution was finalized and granted. Requests may be submitted through the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County by mail or in person.
Florida Department of Health in Monroe County
1100 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 293-7500
Florida Department of Health in Monroe County
Requesters must provide the full names of both parties, the date of the divorce, and the county where the divorce was granted, along with the applicable fee and a valid government-issued photo identification.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Monroe County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Monroe County are presumptively public, but Florida law provides mechanisms for sealing specific records or entire case files under defined circumstances.
- A court may seal a divorce case file or individual documents upon a written motion and a finding that the privacy interest of a party or child outweighs the public interest in access.
- Domestic violence victims may request that their residential addresses and contact information be withheld from public records pursuant to Florida's Address Confidentiality Program.
- Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and similar identifying information are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court procedure.
- Mediation communications are confidential and not subject to disclosure under Florida Statutes § 44.405.
- Child custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological evaluations of minor children may be sealed by court order to protect the children's welfare.
- Cases involving allegations of sexual abuse or child abuse may be sealed in whole or in part.
- A party seeking to seal records must file a motion with the court, provide notice to all parties, and demonstrate good cause; the court then applies a balancing test before entering a sealing order.
- Confidential settlements reached outside of court are not filed as part of the public record and are not subject to public access.
How Long Does Monroe County Keep Divorce Records?
Monroe County maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Florida Supreme Court's records retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for all court records.
- Final judgments of dissolution and the complete case files for contested divorce proceedings are retained permanently by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts.
- Uncontested dissolution case files are retained for a minimum of ten years from the date of the final judgment under current Florida court records retention schedules.
- Post-judgment modification orders and enforcement records are retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to that case.
- Electronic records created through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal are maintained in accordance with the same retention schedules as paper records.
- Records that have exceeded their retention period may be destroyed pursuant to authorization from the Florida Division of Library and Information Services under Florida Statutes § 257.36.
- Vital records divorce certificates maintained by the Florida Department of Health are retained permanently.
- Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Monroe County Clerk of Courts directly to confirm availability, as some historical paper records may have been transferred to archival storage.
- The Florida Courts website provides additional guidance on records retention policies applicable to family law cases statewide.