Divorce records in Santa Rosa County, Florida, are available through several channels. SantaRosaCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about divorces in this county. Additionally, the full text of a court decision can be obtained from the clerk of the circuit court that issued the decision. The Florida Department of Health issues a certificate of dissolution of marriage. Public record requests are also accepted by the county office.
Santa Rosa Divorce Records Search
In Florida, divorce is officially called "dissolution of marriage." Two main agencies maintain the relevant records in Santa Rosa County:
- Clerk of the Circuit Court — maintains the complete court case: final judgment of divorce, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and all procedural documents.
- Florida Department of Health — issues certificates of dissolution of marriage, which confirm the fact of divorce but do not contain details of the court decision.
The clerk's office is headed by Jason D. English, Esq. This is where you should go if you need a certified copy of the court decision or any document from the case.
The collection of court records includes divorce judgments, parties' settlement agreements, alimony and custody orders, as well as motions to modify conditions. Records are generally public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, although some materials — such as financial affidavits — may have restricted access.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Santa Rosa
Divorce cases in Santa Rosa County are handled by the Circuit Court, which is part of the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over family matters, including divorce, property division, and custody.
Once a final decision is made by a judge, the document is filed with the clerk's office. This is the only place where you can obtain the full text of the decision or a certified copy of a specific court document.
The Department of Health maintains a separate registry. It has been keeping certificates of dissolution of marriage since June 6, 1927. Such a certificate confirms the fact and date of divorce but does not replace the court decision.
Where to Go Depending on Your Needs
| What You Need | Where to Go | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Full text of the court decision, copies of case documents | Clerk of the Circuit Court | 4025 Heritage Trail, Milton, FL 32570 — (850) 981-5554 |
| Certificate of dissolution of marriage (fact of divorce) | Florida Department of Health — Santa Rosa County | 5527 Stewart St, Milton, FL 32570 |
| State-level certificate (by mail or online) | Florida Department of Health — Bureau of Vital Statistics | P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 |
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Santa Rosa
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of court document (Clerk of Court) | $2.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional; plus $2.00 for certification | Usually 1–3 business days for in-person requests |
| Court record search | $2.00 per name per year of search | Depends on the scope of the request |
| Certificate of dissolution of marriage (Florida DOH — local office) | $5.00 | Usually on the day of request or within a few business days |
| Certificate of dissolution of marriage (Florida DOH — state-level by mail) | $5.00 | Approximately 2–4 weeks |