Divorce records in DeSoto County, Florida, can be accessed through several channels. DeSotoFLCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for the county. You can also obtain records directly from the DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court, which maintains court filings from divorce cases. The Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County issues dissolution of marriage certificates. The statewide vital records office provides an additional access point for divorce certificates dating back to 1927.
DeSoto Divorce Records Search
The DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the primary custodian of divorce case files in the county. This office maintains all court orders, final judgments of dissolution of marriage, property settlement agreements, parenting plans, child support orders, and related filings. The clerk's office also offers an online records search tool where you can look up court case information.
The Florida Department of Health maintains a separate record — the dissolution of marriage certificate — which is an abstract summarizing key details from the final judgment. These certificates are available for dissolutions recorded from June 6, 1927 to the present.
DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in DeSoto
In Florida, divorce (dissolution of marriage) cases are handled by the Circuit Court. DeSoto County falls within the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. When a judge signs the final judgment of dissolution, the decree is filed and recorded by the DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The clerk's office retains the complete case file, including all motions, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and custody orders.
After the final judgment is entered, the clerk forwards a report to the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, which then creates a dissolution of marriage certificate. This certificate is not the same as the court decree — it is an abstract confirming that the dissolution was granted.
Which office to contact:
- For the full court file (final judgment, settlement agreement, custody orders, motions): Contact the DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court or submit a public records request.
- For a dissolution of marriage certificate (vital record abstract): Contact the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in DeSoto
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dissolution of marriage certificate (Florida Department of Health) | $5.00 | Same day to several business days (in person); 2–4 weeks (by mail) |
| Additional copies of dissolution certificate (same order) | $4.00 each | Same as above |
| Court record copies (standard, per page) — Clerk of Court | $1.00 per page | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Certified court record copies — Clerk of Court | $2.00 per page (plus certification fee) | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |