Are Broward County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records are public in Broward County. According to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, the interested public can access Broward County divorce documents if the information is non-sensitive and does not infringe on privacy and constitutional rights. Per Florida and United States laws, divorce information such as the names of the divorced parties, filing dates, and final judgments are public records. However, the Florida Public Records Law, Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, and federal laws exempt public access to some divorce documents and information. For privacy and security reasons, Broward County divorce records custodians will redact or restrict public access to:

• Social Security Numbers
• Financial account details
• Protected personal information like dates of birth, home address, and other contact information
• Domestic violence records
• Information relating to minors in divorce settlements
• Court-restricted documents or information
• Medical and mental health histories.

Access to non-public Broward County divorce records by non-involved parties is by judicial orders.

Who Can Access Broward County Divorce Records?

Per Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, any interested entity can access Broward County divorce records; these include:

• The public
• Government agencies
• Journalists and media organizations
• Attorneys
• Researchers and academics
• Business entities.

However, comprehensive access to Broward County divorce records depends on the requesting parties. The following entities are legally authorized to access restricted and non-restricted Broward County divorce records:

• Attorneys representing the involved parties
• Judges and court personnel
• Law enforcement and government agencies
• Mediators and guardians ad litem
• Next of kin or authorized representatives (in cases involving death or incapacitation of an involved party).

Non-legally authorized individuals can access the names of the involved parties, dates of divorces, and final judgments of Broward County divorces. However, they require judicial orders to access non-public documents and information.

Under Florida laws, only legally authorized entities can have full access to divorce records. Individuals seeking to verify their eligibility to access non-public Broward County divorce records should:

• Gather the necessary documents to prove their eligibility. These include:
• government-issued IDs
• Proof of relationship (such as birth certificates or marriage records)
• Attorney credentials
• Court orders, power of attorneys, or letters of authorization from parties to the divorces
• Visit the Broward County Clerk of Courts at:

The Broward County 17th Judicial Circuit
201 SE 6th Street,
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565

• Request guidance on additional steps (if applicable).

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Divorce Records in Broward County?

No, Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes does not mandate that requesters state their purposes in order to access Broward County divorce records. However, records seekers must demonstrate eligibility to access non-public divorce records or information and may have to declare their reasons for access.

Nonetheless, Florida laws require individuals to access Broward County divorce records for legitimate reasons. For instance, inquirers can access Broward County divorce records for:

• Litigation purposes
• Business or asset verifications
• Genealogical or family research
• Background checks
• Immigration or citizenship applications
• Informational purposes.

How do you Request Divorce Records in Broward County?

Access to Broward County divorce records depends on whether the documents are public or restricted. Inquirers can access public Broward County divorce information online through the Broward County Clerk of Courts Public Case Search Portal. Alternatively, visit or send mail requests to the Broward County Clerk of Courts Office.

Broward County divorce record seekers should note that access to non-public documents requires formal requests that may involve proof of eligibility. Also, access to hard copies of Broward County divorce records may attract charges.

What Information is Included in a Broward County Divorce Record?

The Florida Public Records Law mandates public access to non-confidential information relating to Broward County divorce records. These include:

• Names of the petitioners and respondents
• Case information (including case number, filing and hearing dates, and case status)
• Dates of marriages and separations
• Final judgments
• Basic terms of divorce (contested or uncontested separating).

Due to security and privacy concerns, the Broward County Clerk of Courts Office will redact financial details, Social Security Numbers, child custody and agreements, and medical and mental health histories.

Fees for Accessing Broward County Divorce Records

Accessing Broward County divorce records may incur charges (especially for individuals seeking physical copies of documents). The Florida Public Record Law permits custodian agencies to charge minimal fees to cover the costs of making documents available to the interested public. The following costs applies to access to Broward County divorce records:

Electronic copies - $8.00 per certified copy

In-person requests:

• Copy fee - $1.00 per page of document
• Certification - $2.00
• Search fee - $2.00

By request:

• Copy fee - $2.00 per page of document
• Certification fee - $2.00 per document
• Search fee - $2.00 annually.

Requesters can make payments through cashier checks, money orders, personal checks, and credit cards (credit card payments require the physical presence of card owners).

Indigent status and fee waivers may permit eligible individuals who cannot afford the costs of access to Broward County divorce records to access them for free. For instance, custodian agencies may waive all or most applicable charges for veterans, senior citizens, charitable organizations, and low-income applicants.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in Broward County?

After requests and making all applicable payments, it may take up to 2 weeks for requesters to receive copies of Broward County divorce records. Factors such as the volume of requests, the complexity of the records, verification of requesters, and staff availability may influence the timeline for receiving Broward County divorce record request documents. Information seekers should confirm the availability of expedited delivery from the Broward County Clerk of Courts Office when requesting divorce records.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Broward County?

Yes, the public can request Broward County divorce records online. The Broward County Clerk of Courts Office offers online access to divorce records through their Public Case Information Portal. In addition, record seekers can access Broward County divorce records online through third-party platforms like Floridacourtrecords.us. However, there are no guarantees on the accuracy of documents or information from non-government sources.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Broward County Divorce Records?

Yes, there are exceptions to accessing Broward County divorce records. Under Florida laws, the public cannot access divorce information if it relates to:

• Minors
• Active legal proceedings
• Protective orders or domestic violence
• Financial account details or Social Security Numbers
• Property division
• Medical or mental health records.

Public access to restricted Broward County divorce records requires judicial orders unless the requester is legally authorized.