Hillsborough County Divorce Records
What Are Hillsborough County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Hillsborough 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 county's vital records system and contain information pertaining to divorce proceedings that have been finalized through the Hillsborough County court system.
Divorce records typically include:
- Final judgment documents
- Dissolution of marriage certificates
- Court orders related to the divorce proceedings
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Names of both parties involved in the divorce
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of these records pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.222, which mandates the recording and preservation of all official records. These documents become part of the permanent public record once filed with the court and processed by the Clerk's office.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court
George E. Edgecomb Courthouse
800 E. Twiggs Street, Room 101
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 276-8100
Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
Are Hillsborough County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Hillsborough County are classified as public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," establishes that most government records, including divorce proceedings, are accessible to the general public.
Members of the public may request access to divorce records through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court. However, certain limitations and exceptions to public access exist:
- Records containing social security numbers, bank account information, and certain personal identifying information may be redacted before public disclosure
- Cases involving minors may have restricted access
- Records sealed by court order are not available to the public
- Domestic violence cases may have confidentiality protections under Florida Statute § 741.465
The Florida Supreme Court has authorized the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller to provide electronic viewing of court records, further facilitating public access while maintaining necessary privacy protections as mandated by law.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Hillsborough County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Hillsborough County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The county has established multiple channels for accessing these vital records.
To obtain divorce records in person:
- Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse
- Present valid photo identification
- Provide the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Pay the applicable fees ($1.00 per page for copies, with an additional $2.00 for certified copies)
For mail requests:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk's Office including names of parties, approximate date of divorce, and contact information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for the appropriate fees
Additionally, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County provides divorce reports for events that occurred from 1927 to the present. As of May 2025, the fee for a divorce report is $5.00 for one certification and $4.00 for each additional certification of the same record.
Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County
1105 East Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 307-8000
Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Hillsborough County Online?
Hillsborough County provides comprehensive online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The county's commitment to technological advancement has resulted in user-friendly systems for retrieving these documents electronically.
The primary online resources for accessing divorce records include:
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Hillsborough County Clerk's Official Records Search - This portal allows users to search for divorce decrees and related documents that have been recorded in the county's official records.
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County Public Records Search - The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County maintains an index of Official Records that is searchable online.
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Court Records Search - This system provides access to court case information, including divorce proceedings.
To conduct an online search, users must:
- Select the appropriate search portal based on the type of record needed
- Enter relevant search criteria (names, case numbers, date ranges)
- Review the search results to identify the desired record
- Follow the portal's instructions for viewing or requesting copies
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain confidential information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy while maintaining public access to essential legal documentation.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Hillsborough County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Hillsborough County have several options available. The county provides free viewing of records through various channels, though fees may apply for obtaining physical or certified copies.
Free access methods include:
- In-person inspection at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court office, where public terminals are available for searching and viewing records without charge
- Online viewing through the Hillsborough County Official Records Search portal, which allows free access to view digital copies of recorded documents
- Public library resources, where internet access to county record systems is available at no cost
While viewing records is free, standard fees apply for obtaining copies:
- $1.00 per page for standard copies
- $2.00 additional charge for certification of documents
- Research fees may apply for extensive requests requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time
The City of Tampa Public Records Links page provides additional resources for locating various public records, including divorce documents, at no cost for initial viewing.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Hillsborough County
Divorce records maintained by Hillsborough County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution of marriage. These records are structured to provide a complete legal account of the proceedings and resulting judgments.
Standard components of Hillsborough County divorce records include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that begins the divorce process
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage - The court's final ruling that legally terminates the marriage
- Marital Settlement Agreement - Details regarding division of assets and liabilities
- Parenting Plan - If applicable, outlines custody arrangements and parental responsibilities
- Child Support Orders - Documentation of financial support obligations for minor children
- Name Change Orders - If applicable, legal authorization for resumption of pre-marital name
Additional documents may be included depending on the specific circumstances of each case, such as:
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
- Temporary relief orders issued during the pendency of the case
- Mediation agreements and outcomes
- Depositions and other discovery materials
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.222, ensuring their preservation and accessibility.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Hillsborough County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Hillsborough County must obtain a certified copy of their divorce decree. This official document serves as conclusive evidence of the dissolution of marriage for legal purposes.
To acquire proof of divorce, requestors may:
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Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court in person with:
- Valid photo identification
- Case number (if known) or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Payment for applicable fees
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Submit a request by mail to the Clerk's Office including:
- Written request with names, case information, and contact details
- Copy of photo identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Check or money order for fees
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Request a divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, which provides an official verification of the divorce but contains limited information compared to the full decree.
As of May 2025, fees for certified copies are:
- $1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee from the Clerk's Office
- $5.00 for one certification and $4.00 for each additional certification from the Department of Health
Certified copies contain an official seal and signature, making them acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name changes, and immigration proceedings.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Hillsborough County?
While divorce records in Hillsborough County are generally public documents, Florida law provides certain mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in specific circumstances. The protection of sensitive information is governed by Florida Statutes and court rules.
Circumstances under which divorce proceedings may receive confidential treatment include:
- Cases involving domestic violence where a party may request confidentiality under Florida Statute § 741.465
- Matters involving minor children where the court determines confidentiality serves the best interest of the child
- Situations where public disclosure would create risk of harm to a party
- Cases containing sensitive financial or personal identifying information
To request confidentiality:
- Parties must file a motion with the court specifically requesting that records be sealed
- The court must find that confidentiality is necessary to protect legitimate interests that outweigh the public's right of access
- Any order sealing records must be narrowly tailored to protect only the information requiring confidentiality
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court implements confidentiality measures as directed by court order and in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which governs public access to court records.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Hillsborough County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Hillsborough County varies based on several factors, including case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. Florida law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual resolution times depend on individual circumstances.
For uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all issues:
- Minimum waiting period of 20 days after filing before a final hearing can be scheduled
- Total processing time typically ranges from 4-6 weeks from filing to final judgment
- Simplified dissolution procedures may expedite the process when qualifying conditions are met
For contested divorces involving disputes over assets, support, or child custody:
- Proceedings may extend from several months to more than a year
- Mandatory mediation is required before trial in most cases
- Discovery processes, including financial disclosure, add to the timeline
- Court scheduling and backlog can impact hearing dates
Factors that may extend the timeline include:
- Complex asset division requiring valuation of businesses or property
- Child custody evaluations
- Relocation issues
- High-conflict cases requiring multiple hearings
The Hillsborough County Family Law Division processes cases in accordance with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, which establish procedural requirements that affect case timelines.
How Long Does Hillsborough County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Hillsborough County are maintained permanently as part of the county's official records. This retention policy ensures the ongoing availability of these important legal documents for future reference and verification.
The preservation of divorce records follows these protocols:
- Original paper documents are scanned and digitized for electronic storage
- Physical records are archived according to state retention schedules
- Electronic records are maintained in perpetuity through the Hillsborough County Official Records system
- Backup systems ensure records survive potential data loss or physical damage
This permanent retention policy is established pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.222, which mandates that the Clerk of Circuit Court shall record all instruments required or authorized by law to be recorded. Divorce decrees fall under this statutory requirement as official court judgments.
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County maintains divorce certificate records dating back to 1927, providing an additional repository for verification of divorce events.
How To Get a Divorce In Hillsborough County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Hillsborough County must follow specific legal procedures established by Florida law. The process involves several required steps and documentation.
To initiate a divorce (legally termed "dissolution of marriage") in Hillsborough County:
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Establish residency requirement - At least one party must have been a Florida resident for six months prior to filing, as verified by a Florida driver's license, voter registration, or affidavit of corroborating witness
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File the appropriate petition with the Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Regular Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without children)
- Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (if qualifying)
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Pay the required filing fee (approximately $408 for dissolution of marriage as of 2025)
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Serve the petition to the other spouse unless they agree to waive formal service
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Complete mandatory financial disclosure forms
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Attend mediation if there are disputed issues (required in most cases)
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Finalize the divorce through:
- Written settlement agreement approved by the court
- Final hearing before a judge if agreement is reached
- Trial if issues remain contested
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court provides forms and information for self-represented litigants, though legal representation is recommended for complex cases.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Hillsborough County
Individuals seeking to obtain divorce papers in Hillsborough County have multiple options for accessing the necessary legal forms. These documents are essential for initiating and completing the dissolution process.
Divorce papers may be obtained through the following methods:
- In-person at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court's office, where staff can provide the appropriate forms based on individual circumstances
- Online through the Hillsborough County Clerk's website, which offers downloadable PDF versions of all required forms
- Through the Florida Courts Self-Help website, which provides standardized state-approved family law forms
- From the Law Library located in the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, which maintains reference copies of all legal forms
Standard divorce packets include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial Affidavit
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Final Judgment forms
- Child-related forms if applicable
Fees for blank forms are minimal, typically $1.00-$2.00 per form when obtained in person. Many forms are available for free download online. Completed divorce records from previous cases can be obtained through the official records search portal for the standard copy fee of $1.00 per page.
Lookup Divorce Records in Hillsborough County
Search Hillsborough County divorce records online
Access the Clerk's official records database
View court records electronically
Request public records from Hillsborough County
Find vital records including divorce certificates