Okaloosa County Divorce Records
What Are Okaloosa County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Okaloosa County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained as part of the official public records system pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.222, which mandates the recording and preservation of all official records by the Clerk of Circuit Court.
Divorce records typically include:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Marital Settlement Agreements
- Parenting Plans (if applicable)
- Child Support Orders (if applicable)
- Name Change Orders (if applicable)
- Financial Affidavits
In the State of Florida, divorce is legally referred to as "dissolution of marriage." All dissolution proceedings in Okaloosa County are processed through the Family Law Division of the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court.
Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 E. James Lee Boulevard
Crestview, FL 32536
(850) 689-5000
Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts
Are Okaloosa County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Okaloosa County are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. Members of the public may access these records through the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court.
However, certain information within divorce records may be exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Information related to victims of domestic violence
- Records pertaining to minor children
- Medical information
Florida Statutes § 119.071 provides specific exemptions to protect sensitive personal information. Additionally, pursuant to Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.400, parties may request that certain records be sealed if disclosure would cause harm.
The Clerk of Circuit Court is responsible for redacting confidential information before making records available to the public. Individuals seeking access to divorce records must complete a public records request form and may be required to provide identification.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Okaloosa County in 2025
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Okaloosa County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court.
To obtain divorce records in person:
- Visit the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing the names of the parties and approximate date of divorce.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record search and copies.
Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court - Crestview Office
101 E. James Lee Boulevard
Crestview, FL 32536
(850) 689-5000
Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court - Fort Walton Beach Office
1940 Lewis Turner Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 651-7200
For certified copies of divorce records dating back to June 1927, individuals may also contact the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County. The Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains these records and can provide certified copies for official purposes.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Okaloosa County Online?
Okaloosa County provides digital access to divorce records through the Clerk of Circuit Court's online records system. This service allows individuals to search for divorce records without visiting a physical office location.
To access divorce records online:
- Visit the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court's official website.
- Navigate to the "Official Records Search" section.
- Create a user account if required.
- Enter search criteria such as names of parties, case number, or date range.
- Review search results and select relevant documents.
- Pay applicable fees for viewing or downloading documents.
The online system provides access to records filed after 1990. For older records, individuals may need to contact the Clerk's office directly. Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-24.003(3)(a), certain confidential information may be redacted from online records.
Users should note that while basic record information may be available online, certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained through official channels such as the Clerk's office or the Florida Department of Health.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Okaloosa County?
Members of the public may access divorce records in Okaloosa County at no cost through several methods, although fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection at the Clerk of Circuit Court's office during regular business hours. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), public records must be open for inspection by any person.
- Public access terminals located at the courthouse provide free on-site access to electronic records.
- The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative may offer access to public records databases.
While inspection of records is free, the following fees typically apply for copies:
- $1.00 per page for standard copies
- $2.00 per page for certified copies
- Additional fees may apply for extensive research or record retrieval
Individuals experiencing financial hardship may file an affidavit of indigency with the court to request a waiver of copy fees pursuant to Florida Statutes § 57.081.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Okaloosa County
Divorce records in Okaloosa County contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution proceedings. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes § 61.043 and include multiple components that document the legal termination of marriage.
Standard components of Okaloosa County divorce records include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Answer and/or Counter-Petition
- Financial Affidavits from both parties
- Marital Settlement Agreement detailing division of assets and liabilities
- Parenting Plan (if minor children are involved)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable)
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
Additional documents may include:
- Temporary relief orders
- Mediation agreements
- Depositions and interrogatories
- Name change orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage serves as the official court order terminating the marriage and addressing all relevant issues including property division, alimony, child custody, and support obligations.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Okaloosa County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Okaloosa County must obtain a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage or a Certificate of Dissolution. These documents serve as official verification that a divorce has been granted.
To obtain certified proof of divorce:
- Contact the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court where the divorce was finalized.
- Complete a records request form specifying the need for a certified copy.
- Provide the names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number (if known).
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay the required fee of $2.00 per page for certified copies.
For divorces finalized after June 1927, individuals may also obtain a Certificate of Dissolution from the Florida Department of Health. This document provides basic information about the divorce but does not include the full text of the judgment.
Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County
221 Hospital Drive NE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 833-9240
Certified copies are required for various legal purposes, including:
- Remarriage
- Name change procedures
- Immigration matters
- Settlement of estates
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Okaloosa County?
While divorce records in Okaloosa County are generally public, Florida law provides mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. Parties seeking confidentiality must follow specific legal procedures established under Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.400.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
- Protection of minor children
- Domestic violence concerns
- Prevention of fraud or harassment
- Protection of business information or trade secrets
- Safeguarding sensitive personal or financial information
To request confidentiality:
- File a motion to seal records with the court handling the divorce case.
- Demonstrate good cause for sealing the records.
- Request the least restrictive means of protecting confidential information.
The court may order complete sealing of records or redaction of specific information. Even when records are sealed, certain government agencies may retain access for official purposes.
Individuals with domestic violence concerns may also file for an address confidentiality program through the Florida Attorney General's Office pursuant to Florida Statutes § 741.465.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Okaloosa County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Okaloosa County varies based on case complexity and whether the dissolution is contested or uncontested. Florida law establishes minimum timeframes and procedural requirements that affect the overall timeline.
For uncontested divorces (where both parties agree on all issues):
- Minimum waiting period: 20 days after filing (Florida Statutes § 61.19)
- Typical completion time: 4-6 weeks from filing to final judgment
- Requirements include complete financial disclosure and signed marital settlement agreement
For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):
- Duration may range from 6 months to over a year
- Factors affecting timeline include:
- Discovery process complexity
- Court calendar congestion
- Mediation requirements
- Trial scheduling
The First Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which serves Okaloosa County, requires mediation for most contested family law cases before trial dates are set. This requirement is pursuant to Administrative Order 2015-00-01.
First Judicial Circuit Court - Okaloosa County
101 E. James Lee Boulevard
Crestview, FL 32536
(850) 689-5000
Florida Courts - Okaloosa
How Long Does Okaloosa County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Okaloosa County are permanently maintained in accordance with Florida's records retention schedule. The Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services establishes retention requirements pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36.
Key retention policies include:
- Court case files, including divorce records, are permanently retained by the Clerk of Circuit Court.
- Electronic records are maintained in perpetuity through digital preservation systems.
- Microfilm or other archival formats may be used for long-term preservation of older records.
While the physical location of older records may change over time, the legal obligation to maintain these records remains constant. Records may be transferred to state archives after a designated period while remaining accessible to the public.
For research purposes, individuals seeking historical divorce records should note:
- Records from 1990 to present are typically available in electronic format
- Records from 1950 to 1990 may be stored on microfilm
- Records prior to 1950 may require specialized archival research assistance
How To Get a Divorce In Okaloosa County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Okaloosa County must follow procedures established under Florida Statutes Chapter 61. The process involves multiple steps and adherence to specific legal requirements.
To initiate a divorce in Okaloosa County:
- Establish residency: At least one party must have resided in Florida for six months prior to filing (Florida Statutes § 61.021).
- Prepare and file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of Circuit Court.
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $408 as of 2025).
- Serve the petition and related documents to the other spouse following Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
- File mandatory financial disclosure forms within 45 days of service.
- Attend mediation if required by the court.
- Participate in a final hearing before a judge.
Individuals may access standardized family law forms approved by the Florida Supreme Court. Self-represented litigants may also seek assistance through the Family Law Self-Help Program at the courthouse.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Okaloosa County
Divorce papers, including the necessary forms to initiate or respond to a dissolution of marriage, are available through multiple channels in Okaloosa County. These documents must comply with Florida Supreme Court approved formats.
To obtain divorce papers:
- Visit the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court office in person.
- Access the Florida Courts website to download standardized family law forms.
- Utilize the Family Law Self-Help Program at the courthouse for guidance.
- Request forms by mail from the Clerk's office (include a self-addressed stamped envelope).
Required forms typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without dependent children)
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Family Law Financial Affidavit
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit (if children involved)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable)
After completing the forms, parties must file them with the Clerk of Court either in person or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Filing fees apply unless a fee waiver is granted based on financial hardship.
Lookup Divorce Records in Okaloosa County
Search Okaloosa County divorce records
Find divorce certificates through Florida Department of Health
Access Okaloosa County public records