Santa Rosa Public Records /Santa Rosa County Divorce Records

Santa Rosa County Divorce Records

What Are Santa Rosa County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Santa Rosa County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.043, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. Divorce records, officially termed "dissolution of marriage" records in Florida, document the legal termination of a marital union as granted by the Santa Rosa County Circuit Court.

These records typically consist of several components:

The initial petition for dissolution of marriage
Financial affidavits from both parties
Parenting plans (when minor children are involved)
Property settlement agreements
The final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Divorce records serve multiple important purposes for citizens, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling remarriage
Supporting legal name changes
Verifying eligibility for Social Security benefits
Documenting status for loan applications
Establishing status for immigration matters

The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court maintains these records as part of their official duties under Florida law. The records document the court's decisions regarding property division, child custody arrangements, child support obligations, alimony awards, and other pertinent matters related to the dissolution of marriage.

Are Santa Rosa County Divorce Records Public?

Santa Rosa County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Florida Public Records Act, Chapter 119, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is subject to important limitations.

The following aspects of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:

Case docket information (case numbers, parties' names, filing dates)
Final judgments of dissolution (with certain information redacted)
Court hearing schedules
General case status information

However, Florida law provides several significant exceptions to public access:

Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other financial information are redacted pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420
Records containing information about minor children
Domestic violence affidavits and injunctions
Financial affidavits and statements
Records sealed by court order for specific privacy concerns

Certified divorce certificates, which provide basic information about the divorce but not the full case details, have restricted access under Florida law. Only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:

The parties named in the divorce
Their legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a court order authorizing access
Certain government agencies for official purposes

Members of the public seeking divorce record information may access basic case information through the Santa Rosa County Clerk's online records system, though sensitive information will be redacted in accordance with privacy laws.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Santa Rosa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Santa Rosa County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For basic divorce verification:

Contact the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics, which maintains a statewide index of divorces granted since June 6, 1927. Requesters must provide:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce (at least the year)
- County where the divorce was granted
- Requester's relationship to the named parties
Visit or contact the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court:

Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Boulevard
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5552
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court

Submit a written request to the clerk's office including:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Required fees (currently $1.00 per page for copies, $2.00 per page for certified copies)
For certified copies of divorce certificates (not the full court file), contact:

Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County
5527 Stewart Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 983-5200
Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County

Requesters should note that pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.025, access to certified divorce certificates is restricted to the individuals named in the record, their legal representatives, or persons with a court order.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Santa Rosa County Online?

Santa Rosa County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce records online, though the level of detail available varies based on the requester's status and the nature of the information sought.

The primary online resources include:

Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court Records Search
- Navigate to the Santa Rosa County Clerk's official website
- Select "Records Search" from the main menu
- Choose "Court Records" from the available options
- Enter search criteria (names of parties, case number, or date range)
- Select "Family Law" or "Dissolution of Marriage" as the case type
- Review the results, which typically include basic case information
Florida Department of Health Vital Records
- Visit the Florida Department of Health's Vital Records page
- Select the option to order records online
- Create an account or log in to the VitalChek system
- Provide required information about the divorce record sought
- Pay the applicable fee ($5.00 for a computer certification)
- Note that only parties to the divorce or their legal representatives may order certified copies
Florida Courts Public Access System
- Access the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Register for a free account if you don't already have one
- Use the case search function to locate divorce cases
- Enter relevant search criteria (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Review available case information and documents

Users should be aware that certain sensitive information is automatically redacted from online records in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420. Additionally, some documents may not be available online and may require an in-person visit to the clerk's office for viewing.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Santa Rosa County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Santa Rosa County have several options available, though free access typically provides more limited information than paid services.

Free access methods include:

In-Person Inspection at the Clerk's Office
- Visit the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court during regular business hours:
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Boulevard
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5552
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
- Request to view public divorce case files
- Provide case numbers or names of parties involved
- While viewing is free, copying documents incurs standard fees ($1.00 per page)
Basic Online Case Information
- Access the Santa Rosa County Clerk's public records search
- Use the court records search function without creating an account
- Enter known information about the case (names, approximate dates)
- View basic case information including:
  - Case number
  - Parties' names
  - Filing date
  - Case type
  - Case status
  - Hearing dates
- Note that document images typically require payment to view
Law Library Resources
- Visit the law library located at:
Santa Rosa County Law Library
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5552
- Use public access terminals to search court records
- Access legal research databases that may contain divorce case information
- Consult with law librarians for assistance in locating public records
Florida Courts Public Access
- Use the Florida Courts Public Access System to search for basic case information
- Access is free for basic docket information
- Document images typically require payment

Researchers should note that while basic case information may be available at no cost, obtaining certified copies or complete case files typically involves payment of statutory fees. Additionally, access to certain sensitive information may be restricted regardless of payment status, in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.071 governing exemptions to public records access.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Santa Rosa County

Divorce records in Santa Rosa County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal process and final resolution of a marriage dissolution. These records typically include multiple document types that collectively constitute the official record of the divorce proceeding.

The standard components of a complete divorce record include:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- The initial filing that commences the divorce action
- Contains basic information about the marriage and grounds for dissolution
- Identifies the petitioner's requests regarding property division, child custody, support, etc.
Answer and/or Counter-Petition
- The responding spouse's formal reply to the petition
- May include counterclaims or alternative requests for relief
Financial Affidavits
- Sworn statements from both parties detailing:
  - Income sources and amounts
  - Monthly expenses
  - Assets and their values
  - Liabilities and outstanding debts
Child-Related Documents (when applicable)
- Parenting plans outlining time-sharing arrangements
- Child support guidelines worksheets
- Certificates of completion for required parenting courses
Property Settlement Agreements
- Detailed plans for division of marital assets and debts
- Specifications regarding disposition of the marital home
- Provisions for division of retirement accounts, investments, etc.
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- The court's official order terminating the marriage
- Judicial determinations on all contested issues
- Incorporation of any mediated or negotiated agreements
- Specific orders regarding:
  - Alimony awards and duration
  - Child custody and visitation schedules
  - Child support amounts and payment methods
  - Property division implementation
  - Name change authorizations (if requested)
Post-Judgment Filings (when applicable)
- Motions for modification of the original judgment
- Enforcement actions for non-compliance
- Appeals of judicial decisions
Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
- Official vital record documenting the divorce
- Contains basic information including:
  - Names of parties
  - Date of marriage
  - Date of divorce
  - County where divorce was granted

These records are maintained by the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court in accordance with Florida's records retention requirements. The level of detail available to the public may be limited by confidentiality provisions under Florida law, particularly regarding financial information and matters involving minor children.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Santa Rosa County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Santa Rosa County have several options for obtaining documentation that verifies the dissolution of marriage. The appropriate method depends on the level of detail required and the intended use of the verification.

For basic proof of divorce:

Obtain a Divorce Certificate
- Contact the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County
- Complete an Application for Florida Dissolution of Marriage Certificate
- Provide required identification
- Submit the application with the current fee ($5.00 per certificate)
- Note: Only parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, or persons with a court order may obtain certified copies
Request a Certified Copy of the Final Judgment
- Visit or contact the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court:
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Boulevard
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5552
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
- Provide the case number (if known) or names of both parties and approximate date
- Pay the certification fee ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies bear the clerk's official seal and are accepted as legal proof
Order Records Online
- Visit the Florida Department of Health's Vital Records page
- Select the option to order records through VitalChek
- Complete the required information and identity verification
- Pay the applicable fees ($5.00 for the certificate plus service fees)
- Choose delivery method (standard mail, expedited shipping)
Mail-In Requests
- Download and complete the Application for Florida Dissolution of Marriage Certificate
- Include a copy of valid photo identification
- Provide a check or money order for the appropriate fee
- Mail to:
Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

For divorces granted prior to June 6, 1927, proof must be obtained directly from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court, as these records are not maintained by the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.025, certified copies of divorce certificates are available only to the parties named in the record, their legal representatives with proper authorization, or individuals who have obtained a court order. However, anyone may request a certification of the fact of divorce, which confirms only that the divorce occurred without providing additional details.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Santa Rosa County?

While divorce proceedings in Santa Rosa County are generally matters of public record, Florida law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individuals' legitimate privacy interests.

The following elements of divorce cases may be subject to confidentiality protections:

Automatic Confidentiality Under Florida Law
- Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain information is automatically protected, including:
  - Social Security numbers
  - Bank account numbers
  - Credit card numbers
  - Medical records
  - Information related to minor children
  - Domestic violence victim information
Sealing Records by Court Order
- Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files
- The court must find that:
  - A substantial privacy interest outweighs the public's right of access
  - No less restrictive measures are available
  - The requested sealing is no broader than necessary
- Judges apply the standards established in Florida Statutes § 119.071 when considering such requests
Confidential Filing Designations
- Certain documents may be filed as "confidential" if they contain:
  - Information subject to existing privacy laws
  - Trade secrets or proprietary business information
  - Information that could lead to identity theft
  - Details that could compromise personal safety
Alternative Dispute Resolution Confidentiality
- Mediation sessions and communications are confidential under Florida Statutes § 44.405
- Settlement negotiations conducted through mediation remain private
- Only the final agreement, if incorporated into the judgment, becomes public
Collaborative Divorce Process
- Parties utilizing the collaborative law process under Florida Statutes § 61.55-61.58 maintain greater privacy
- Negotiations and discussions remain confidential
- Only the final agreement is filed with the court

Individuals seeking maximum privacy in divorce proceedings should consult with a qualified family law attorney to discuss available options under current Florida law. While complete confidentiality is rarely possible, strategic use of existing legal provisions can help protect sensitive personal and financial information from unnecessary public disclosure.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Santa Rosa County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Santa Rosa County varies significantly based on several key factors. Under current Florida law, the minimum waiting period between filing and finalization is 20 days, but most cases take considerably longer to resolve.

The timeline for divorce in Santa Rosa County is influenced by:

Type of Divorce Filing
- Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (uncontested with no children/property disputes)
  - Typically 30-45 days from filing to finalization
  - Requires complete agreement on all issues
  - Both parties must attend the final hearing
- Regular Uncontested Divorce
  - Generally 60-90 days from filing to completion
  - Parties have reached agreement on all issues
  - May not require court appearances beyond the final hearing
- Contested Divorce
  - 6 months to over a year, depending on complexity
  - Requires judicial resolution of disputed issues
  - May involve multiple hearings and potential trial
Court Scheduling Factors
- Current caseload of the Santa Rosa County Circuit Court
- Availability of hearing dates (typically 4-8 weeks from request)
- Judicial calendar constraints
- Statutory time requirements for notices and responses
Case-Specific Variables
- Complexity of asset division (businesses, retirement accounts, real estate)
- Child custody and time-sharing disputes
- Need for expert witnesses (business valuators, forensic accountants)
- Discovery complications or delays
- Temporary relief hearings

According to statistics from the Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator, the average time to disposition for contested family law cases in Florida's First Judicial Circuit (which includes Santa Rosa County) is approximately 273 days from filing to final judgment.

For simplified dissolutions meeting all statutory requirements, the Santa Rosa County Clerk's office typically processes these cases within 30 days of filing, assuming all paperwork is correctly completed and both parties appear at the required hearing.

Parties seeking the most expeditious resolution should consider:

Utilizing mediation services early in the process
Promptly responding to discovery requests
Considering collaborative divorce approaches
Ensuring all required financial disclosures are complete and accurate

How Long Does Santa Rosa County Keep Divorce Records?

Santa Rosa County maintains divorce records in accordance with Florida's comprehensive records retention schedules established by the Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.

The retention periods for divorce records vary by document type:

Court Case Files
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Permanent retention
- Case files with no minor children involved: 10 years after case closure
- Case files involving minor children: 10 years after the youngest child reaches majority (age 18)
- Post-judgment modifications: Same retention period as the original case file
Vital Records Documentation
- Certificates of dissolution of marriage: Permanent retention
- These records are maintained by both:
  - The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
  - The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (for divorces after June 6, 1927)
Docket and Index Records
- Case dockets and indices: Permanent retention
- These provide searchable access to case information indefinitely
Administrative Records
- Hearing schedules and administrative documents: 5 years
- Routine correspondence: 3 years
- Financial records related to case filing fees: 5 years

These retention schedules are established pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.021 and detailed in the General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerk of Court Records.

For historical research purposes, divorce records predating 1927 may be available through:

Santa Rosa County Historical Society
5559 Stewart Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 623-9866

Individuals seeking copies of older divorce records should note that while the records themselves are retained permanently, the format may change over time. Older records may be maintained on microfilm or in digital archives rather than as original paper documents.

How To Get a Divorce In Santa Rosa County

Residents seeking to dissolve a marriage in Santa Rosa County must follow specific procedures established under Florida law. The process varies depending on the circumstances of the marriage and the level of agreement between the parties.

The primary methods for obtaining a divorce in Santa Rosa County include:

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
- Available when:
  - Both spouses agree to use this procedure
  - No minor children or dependent children
  - Wife is not pregnant
  - At least one spouse has lived in Florida for 6 months
  - Both agree on property division
  - Neither seeks alimony
- Process:
  - Obtain forms from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
  - Both parties complete and sign forms
  - File forms with filing fee (currently $408.00)
  - Attend final hearing together
Regular Uncontested Dissolution
- Appropriate when:
  - Parties agree on all issues but don't qualify for simplified dissolution
  - Minor children are involved
  - Property division is agreed upon
- Process:
  - File Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  - Serve petition on spouse or have spouse file Answer and Waiver of Service
  - Complete mandatory financial disclosures
  - Submit parenting plan if children involved
  - File marital settlement agreement
  - Attend final hearing
Contested Dissolution
- Necessary when:
  - Parties disagree on key issues
  - Complex assets require valuation
  - Child custody is disputed
- Process:
  - File Petition for Dissolution
  - Serve petition on spouse
  - Spouse files Answer and possible Counter-Petition
  - Complete mandatory financial disclosures
  - Attend case management conference
  - Participate in mediation (required in most cases)
  - Conduct discovery if necessary
  - Attend pretrial conference
  - Participate in trial if issues remain unresolved

All divorce proceedings in Santa Rosa County are handled by:

Santa Rosa County Circuit Court
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5554
Santa Rosa County Circuit Court

Individuals considering divorce should note that Florida is a "no-fault" divorce state under Florida Statutes § 61.052, meaning that either spouse may file for dissolution by stating that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" without proving specific misconduct.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Santa Rosa County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Santa Rosa County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documentation. The appropriate method depends on the complexity of the case and the specific circumstances of the marriage dissolution.

The following resources are available for obtaining divorce papers:

Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
- Visit the clerk's office in person:
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Boulevard
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5552
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
- Request the appropriate packet based on your situation:
  - Simplified Dissolution of Marriage packet
  - Dissolution of Marriage with No Children packet
  - Dissolution of Marriage with Children packet
  - Modification of Final Judgment packet
- Pay the applicable fee for form packets (typically $5-20 depending on complexity)
Online Resources
- Access forms through the Florida Courts Self-Help website
- Download fillable PDF forms for various types of divorce proceedings
- Forms are organized by category and include detailed instructions
- Available at no cost, though printing may be required
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms
- Visit the Florida Supreme Court's Family Law Forms page
- Select the appropriate forms based on your specific situation
- Download and complete according to the included instructions
- These are the official forms accepted by all Florida courts
Legal Aid Services
- Contact Legal Services of North Florida for assistance:
Legal Services of North Florida
1741 North Palafox Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
(850) 432-8222
Legal Services of North Florida
- Determine eligibility for free or reduced-cost legal assistance
- Receive guidance on completing forms correctly
Law Library Resources
- Visit the Santa Rosa County Law Library:
Santa Rosa County Law Library
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5552
- Access reference materials and form books
- Use public computers to download and complete forms
- Receive limited procedural assistance from library staff

All divorce filings in Santa Rosa County must comply with the requirements of Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and include the appropriate filing fees (currently $408.00 for new dissolution cases, with additional fees for motions and certifications).

Lookup Divorce Records in Santa Rosa County

Divorce Certificates | Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa

Divorce | Florida Department of Health

Santa Rosa / First District / Court Locations / Court Structure / Courts

Florida Courts

Other Categories in Florida

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records