Wakulla County Public Records /Wakulla County Divorce Records

Wakulla County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Wakulla County in 2026

WakullaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Wakulla County, Florida. Members of the public may locate dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, case docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Record availability varies by case age, filing method, and whether any court-ordered restrictions apply.

Records can be searched through official resources including the Clerk of Court's online portal, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Florida Department of Health's vital records office, and third-party aggregator tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Wakulla County Clerk of Court maintains an online case search system that allows members of the public to search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies or certified records.

2. State Court System Portal

The Florida Courts website provides court location information and links to clerk websites for the First Judicial Circuit, which includes Wakulla County. Members of the public may use this portal to navigate to the appropriate clerk's online search tool.

3. State Vital Records

The Florida Department of Health maintains dissolution of marriage certificates for divorces recorded by the clerk of court from June 6, 1927, to the present. These certificates provide official confirmation of a dissolution but contain less detail than the full court case file.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Family Division

Wakulla County Clerk of Court
3056 Crawfordville Highway
Crawfordville, FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-0905
Wakulla County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include:

Searching case files by party name or case number
Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
Requesting certified copies of final judgments and decrees
Staff assistance for locating archived or older records

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to the Wakulla County Clerk of Court at the address above. Each written request should include:

Full legal names of both parties
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known
Requestor's name and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees
A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on record age and volume.

By Phone

The Clerk of Court may be reached at (850) 926-0905. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, and advise on case status or filing date. Detailed document contents and copies of filed records cannot be provided by telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Florida may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents through appropriate legal motions. The Florida Bar's lawyer referral service can assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names where applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Wakulla County
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under § 47.011, Florida Statutes, venue for civil actions, including family law matters, is proper in the county where the defendant resides or where the cause of action accrued.

Florida requires that at least one spouse have resided in the state for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of a petition for dissolution, pursuant to § 61.021, Florida Statutes.

Time Considerations

Recent divorces: Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time. Records from before June 6, 1927, are obtainable directly from the Clerk of Court rather than through the Florida Department of Health.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a record may not appear in a search include:

Searching the wrong county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case remains pending and has not been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Members of the public encountering these issues may contact the Clerk of Court at (850) 926-0905, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County for vital records assistance.

What Are Wakulla County Divorce Records?

Wakulla County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Wakulla County Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records under Florida law.

Types of Divorce Records

Court Case Files include the complete set of documents filed during the proceeding:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits from both parties
Parenting plans (where minor children are involved)
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and hearing notices
Transcripts of court proceedings
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

The Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any alimony or spousal support awarded, child custody and timesharing arrangements, child support obligations, and any court-ordered name restoration.

Supporting Documents filed in the case may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.

Purpose of Divorce Records

Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes:

Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
Supporting name change documentation
Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
Providing evidence in immigration proceedings
Supporting Social Security benefit claims
Genealogical and family history research

Legal Framework

Florida's dissolution of marriage statutes are codified at § 61.001 et seq., Florida Statutes. Florida operates as a no-fault dissolution state, meaning that irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole ground required. Public access to court records is governed by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and implemented through the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.

As the Florida Supreme Court has stated, "The presumption is that court records are open to inspection by any person." This presumption applies to dissolution of marriage case files, subject to specific statutory and rule-based exceptions.

Are Wakulla County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Wakulla County are public court records, accessible to any member of the public under Florida's broad public records framework. Access is subject to specific restrictions protecting sensitive personal and financial information.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Court orders and judgments
Final judgment of dissolution
Property division orders
General case status

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.425
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
Schools attended by children are not disclosed
Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
Psychological evaluations of minor children are restricted

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse records are restricted
Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected under Florida's Address Confidentiality Program

Sealed Records:

A court may seal a dissolution case or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. High-profile cases, cases involving abuse, and cases with confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public record.

Who Can Access Records:

General public: May access all non-restricted case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
Researchers and media: Have access to public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order.

Prohibited Uses:

Members of the public may not use divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Wakulla County?

The Wakulla County Clerk of Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with § 28.24, Florida Statutes, which governs clerk service charges statewide.

Service	Current Fee
Plain paper copies (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copies (per document)	$1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies; contact Clerk
Record search (staff-assisted)	No separate search fee in most cases
Duplicate judgment or decree	$1.00 per page + $2.00 certification

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check or money order payable to the Wakulla County Clerk of Court
Credit or debit card (in-person; fees may apply)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Parties to the case who are represented by legal aid organizations may also qualify for reduced or waived fees. The Clerk's office can provide information on the fee waiver application process.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket entries online through the Clerk's public portal
Confirming case existence and status by telephone
Reviewing documents at public access terminals in the courthouse (no copy fee for viewing only)

What's Included in Divorce Records in Wakulla County

A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Wakulla County Clerk of Court contains the following categories of documents.

Basic Case Information:

Case number, court division, and assigned judge
Names of petitioner and respondent
Names and contact information of attorneys of record
Filing date and case type designation

Initial Pleadings: The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, asserts the ground of irretrievable breakdown, identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested including property division, support, and custody. The Response states the respondent's position and may include a counterpetition.

Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to file financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset and debt inventories
Real property appraisals and business valuations
Expert reports on asset values
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

Children-Related Documents (where applicable):

Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
Custody evaluations and home studies (which may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Settlement Documents:

Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
Mediation agreements (terms may be incorporated into the MSA; mediation communications remain confidential)

Court Orders and Final Judgment:

Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which constitutes the official court order ending the marriage and contains the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all relief awarded

Post-Judgment Documents:

Petitions to modify custody or support
Contempt motions and enforcement orders
Income deduction orders

What Is Typically Redacted or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details and mental health evaluations
Substance abuse treatment records
Mediation communications

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Wakulla County?

Proof of divorce in Wakulla County may be obtained through two primary channels depending on the level of detail required.

Certified Copy of Final Judgment (Court Records):

A certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof and is issued by the Wakulla County Clerk of Court. Members of the public may request a certified copy:

In person at the Clerk's office at 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327
By mail with a written request, payment, and self-addressed stamped envelope
Online through the Clerk's case search portal where electronic certified copies are available

The fee is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document.

Dissolution of Marriage Certificate (Vital Records):

For a summary certificate confirming that a dissolution occurred, members of the public may apply through the Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County. The Florida Department of Health maintains dissolution of marriage certificates for cases recorded from June 6, 1927, to the present. These certificates are suitable for many administrative purposes, including remarriage applications and name change proceedings, but do not contain the full terms of the dissolution.

Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County
39 Arran Road
Crawfordville, FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-3591
Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County

For divorces granted before June 6, 1927, proof of dissolution must be obtained directly from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted, as these records were not registered with the state vital records system.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Wakulla County?

A dissolution of marriage proceeding in Wakulla County may be made confidential in whole or in part under specific legal circumstances. Florida law does not provide for blanket confidentiality of divorce cases; however, courts retain authority to seal records or restrict access upon a proper showing.

Circumstances under which records may be confidential include:

Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims are protected. Florida's Address Confidentiality Program shields residential addresses from public disclosure.
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical information of minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect their welfare.
Mental health and substance abuse records: These records are protected by both state and federal law and are not part of the public case file.
Sealed by court order: A party may file a motion to seal specific documents or the entire case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right of access against the privacy interests at stake.
Mediation communications: Under Florida law, all mediation communications are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
Confidential settlement terms: Parties may agree to keep specific financial terms confidential, though the final judgment itself remains a public record.

Members of the public seeking to seal records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a compelling interest that outweighs the presumption of public access established under Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution.

How Long Does Wakulla County Keep Divorce Records?

Wakulla County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Florida's court records retention schedules established by the Florida Supreme Court and the Division of Library and Information Services.

Retention periods for dissolution of marriage records currently in effect include:

Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently. These records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely through the Clerk of Court.
Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with many records retained permanently due to the nature of the final judgment.
Financial affidavits and supporting financial documents: Retained for a minimum of 5 to 10 years depending on document type.
Parenting plans and child support orders: Retained until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional retention period, given the ongoing enforceability of these orders.
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period.
Archived paper records: Cases filed before electronic filing systems were implemented may be stored in off-site archives. The Clerk of Court can facilitate retrieval of archived records, though additional processing time may be required.

The Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS1-SL governs retention requirements for court records maintained by county clerks. Members of the public seeking records from closed or archived cases should contact the Wakulla County Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.

Lookup Divorce Records in Wakulla County

Florida dissolution of marriage certificates — Florida Department of Health
Divorce certificates and public records requests in Wakulla County — Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County
Wakulla County court locations and clerk website — Florida Courts, First District