Are Palm Beach County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, Palm Beach County divorce records are considered public records under Florida law. This means that the general public can usually access divorce information via a public record request. The Florida Public Record Act and Family Law Rules of Procedure govern the creation of divorce records, how they are maintained, and who may access them. Record seekers may obtain Palm Beach County divorce records from their custodians at the county Clerk of the Circuit court and the Florida Department of Health. The law also provides restrictions on the release of sensitive information that a divorce record may contain including social security information and financial details.

Who Can Access Palm Beach County Public Records?

The Florida Public Record Act or Sunshine Law permits the general public to access Palm Beach County divorce records. The following parties are typically allowed to access divorce records to various degrees.

• The divorced couple has full access to the divorce records and may request all parts including any confidential documents such as child custody arrangements and financial details.
• Lawyers and other legal representatives of the divorced couple can request divorce records for legal reasons such as child custody matters, adjustments to the agreements, or appeals.
• Immediate family members such as parents and children may be able to access divorce records particularly if they are involved in legal proceedings concerning custody, guardianship, or estate inheritance.
• The general public is typically allowed to access basic divorce details. However confidential information such as information concerning minors, banking details, and social security numbers may be restricted from public access.
• Government agencies such as law enforcement, social services, and licensing boards may access divorce records for investigations or other legal reasons.
• Researchers and journalists may require divorce records for genealogy research and other academic reasons.

While divorce records are typically open to the general public confidential or sensitive information may be restricted by the law. Information concerning minors, financial affidavits, sensitive personal details, and other sealed information may be restricted to only authorized persons. Anyone who wishes to access such information will require a court order.

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

No, Under the Florida Sunshine law, a requester does not have to provide a purpose or use when requesting divorce records. The law permits access to most government records without giving a reason. However, record seekers are advised to only request public records for legitimate purposes.

Palm Beach divorce records may be accessed by different parties for various reasons. Legal proceedings, background checks, child custody hearings, citizenship applications, genealogy studies, and inheritance checks are examples of why a divorce record may be requested.

How do you Request Divorce Records in Palm Beach County?

Record seekers may obtain copies of Palm Beach divorce records from the Clerk’s Office Records Service Center operated by the Palm Beach Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. The clerk’s office offers access to divorce records in person, by mail, and online.

Requesters may obtain copies of divorce records in person at any of the Clerk’s Office Locations. Visitors may simply come into the office during business hours and make their requests at the counter.

To order by mail, requests must use the Records Service Transmittal Form to request a search and copies of the divorce record. The completed form should be mailed to the office at:

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Records Service Center
P.O. Box 4526
West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4526

Mailed requests should include payment and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for the return of the records. Requesters can also choose the option to pick up the order at any of the offices designated on the form. For any questions, requesters may call the records department at (561) 355-2932

The clerk's office also allows visitors to view and print certified records for a fee and uncertified records for free. Users may use the online search tools to access Court Documents and Official Records.

Payment during an in-person request is accepted in cash, credit cards, escrow accounts, checks, and money orders. Only checks, money, orders, and escrow accounts may be used to pay for mailed requests.

Interest parties can also request a Divorce Certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The requests can be made by submitting the Application Form in person or by mail. Walk-in requests can be made at the office located at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Mailed requests should be sent to the following address.

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210,
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

What Information is Included in a Palm Beach County Divorce Record?

Under Florida Sunshine Laws the general public may access any non-restricted information contained in Palm Beach County divorce records. Any confidential information can only be accessed by the parties to the divorce and the legal representatives. Divorce records will typically contain the following details.

• The full names of the parties to the divorce(the petitioner and respondent)
• The filling date and the date of the final hearing
• General case information
• The terms of the divorce
• The final judgment

To protect the privacy and security of the parties to the divorce, sensitive information such as child custody details, financial information, confidential agreements, and social security numbers will typically be restricted from the general public.

Fees for Accessing Palm Beach County Divorce Records

Copies of Palm Beach divorce records cost $1 per page for uncertified copies. Certification of the record will cost $2 per instrument plus an additional $1 for a required cover page with a unique code and QR code which can be scanned to authenticate the record. The requester will be charged $2 per year and per name if a year-by-year search is required. Electronically certified copies cost $8 per document, this includes a $6 service fee and a $2 statutory fee. Payments by credit or debit cards and services such as Apple Pay will incur a 3.5% processing fee.

The Palm Beach Clerk’s Office may offer fee waivers to certain groups such as victims of crimes and low-income applicants. Certain government agencies may also obtain records at no cost. To inquire about qualifications for a waiver or reduced rate, record seekers may call the clerk’s office at (561) 355-2996

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

The time taken to obtain divorce records from the Palm Beach County Clerk's Office will typically depend on the type of record, the request method, and if the record is readily available. Online requests are the quickest, if the record is available online then the request can view or print the record immediately after they pay the fees. In-person requests at the office are also completely quick. Record seekers may obtain the records on the same day while they wait. Mailed requests are typically completed within 5 to 10 working days. Mailed requests from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take between 3 to 5 working days.

If records are required quickly, record seekers may call the Palm Beach County Clerk's Office at (561) 355-2996 to inquire about the availability of expedited requests. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics office expedited services for an additional $10 fee.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Palm Beach County?

Record seekers may request certified and uncertified copies of divorce records from the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller website. Copies of official records can be obtained from the Official Records page while copies of court records can be obtained from the Court Records page. These search tools allow users to purchase certified copies or view and print out uncertified copies.

Third-party websites such as Floridacourtrecords.us may also be a viable option for locating Palm Beach County divorce records. These websites allow users to look up records across jurisdictions using any internet-ready device. It should be noted that these sites are not affiliated with official sources so the records they provide cannot be guaranteed.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Palm Beach County Divorce Records?

Yes, while most Palm Beach divorce records will be public under Florida law there are some exceptions. The law will restrict access to a divorce record if it contains the following information.

• Private information concerning minors
• Sensitive business information
• Personal financial information
• Protective orders or information concerning domestic violence and abuse
• Medical or mental health records

Although the divorced couple and their lawyers may be able to access full records, these records will be strict from the general public. To acquire these records the applicant must obtain a court order usually from the court which restricts the records.