Lee County Divorce Records
What Are Lee County Divorce Records?
Lee County divorce records are official government documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals within Lee County, Florida. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 382.0255 and serve as the official documentation of divorce proceedings. Divorce records typically contain the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Lee County Circuit Court.
The Florida Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics is the designated custodian of divorce records in Lee County and throughout the state. These records are categorized as vital records, similar to birth and death certificates, and are maintained in accordance with state regulations governing public records.
Divorce records serve multiple purposes:
- Legal documentation of marital status change
- Evidence for legal name changes following divorce
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Records necessary for certain financial and property matters
- Historical documentation for genealogical research
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County maintains divorce records dating back to June 6, 1927. Records prior to this date may be available through alternative sources such as county court archives.
Are Lee County Divorce Records Public?
Lee County divorce records are classified as public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This designation means that members of the public may access these records with certain limitations and restrictions.
While divorce records are generally public, access to specific information contained within these records may be restricted under the following circumstances:
- Records containing information about minor children
- Cases involving domestic violence where protective orders are in place
- Records sealed by court order for specific legal reasons
- Documents containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County provides access to divorce records while adhering to privacy protections mandated by state law. Pursuant to § 382.025, Florida Statutes, certified copies of divorce records may be issued to:
- Either party named on the record
- Legal representatives of either party
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
- Individuals with a tangible interest as defined by statute
Members of the general public without a direct interest may obtain an informational copy that contains limited details about the divorce but omits certain personal information.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lee County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Lee County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Florida Department of Health in Lee County serves as the primary resource for obtaining certified copies of divorce certificates.
To locate a divorce record, requestors must provide:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce record
- Date of divorce (month and year at minimum)
- County where the divorce was granted
- Relationship of the requestor to the individuals named in the record
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Requests may be submitted through the following methods:
Florida Department of Health in Lee County
3920 Michigan Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33916
(239) 461-6100
Florida Department of Health in Lee
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
For divorces finalized after June 6, 1927, requestors may also contact:
Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
(904) 359-6900
Florida Department of Health
The current fee for a certified copy of a divorce record is $5.00 per copy, payable by check or money order to the Florida Department of Health.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Lee County Online?
Lee County residents and authorized individuals may access certain divorce record information through designated online platforms. The Florida Department of Health offers limited online services for divorce record requests through their VitalChek service.
To conduct an online search for divorce records, requestors should:
- Visit the Florida Department of Health's official website
- Navigate to the Vital Records section
- Select the divorce certificate request option
- Provide required identification and relationship information
- Submit payment for applicable fees
Additionally, the Lee County Clerk of Court maintains an online records search system that provides access to divorce case information filed with the court. This system allows users to search by:
- Party names
- Case number
- Date ranges
- Case type
Lee County Clerk of Court
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Lee County Court Records
It is important to note that online access to divorce records may be limited in scope compared to in-person requests, and certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.071.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Lee County?
Members of the public seeking to access divorce records without incurring fees have limited options available in Lee County. While certified copies require payment of statutory fees, certain informational resources may be accessed without charge.
Free access options include:
- In-person review of non-confidential court records at the Lee County Courthouse
- Public access terminals at the Lee County Clerk of Court's office
- Public library resources for historical divorce records
- Online case information through the Lee County Clerk's public records portal
Lee County Justice Center
1700 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-1700
Florida Courts in Lee County
Public access terminals are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
While viewing basic case information may be available without charge, obtaining official copies or certified documents will require payment of statutory fees as established by Florida law. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24, the clerk may charge a fee for copies of any public records.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Lee County
Lee County divorce records contain specific information as required by Florida Statutes § 61.043. These records typically include several key components that document the legal dissolution of marriage.
Standard information contained in Lee County divorce records includes:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Date and location of the divorce filing
- Date the divorce was finalized
- Case number assigned by the court
- Grounds for divorce as recognized by Florida law
- Judge's signature and court seal
- Distribution of marital assets and liabilities (in final judgment)
- Child custody arrangements, if applicable
- Child support determinations, if applicable
- Alimony or spousal support provisions, if ordered
The level of detail available in publicly accessible divorce records may vary based on confidentiality provisions and whether certain portions of the case were sealed by judicial order. Records containing information about minor children typically have additional privacy protections in accordance with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Lee County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Lee County must obtain a certified copy of their divorce record from an authorized government agency. A certified copy bears an official seal and signature, verifying its authenticity for legal purposes.
To obtain proof of divorce, eligible individuals should:
- Complete an Application for Florida Divorce Record
- Provide acceptable identification
- Submit the required fee of $5.00 per certified copy
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for mail requests
Requests may be submitted to:
Florida Department of Health in Lee County, Vital Statistics
3920 Michigan Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33916
(239) 461-6100
Divorce Certificates in Lee County
For expedited service, individuals may utilize the VitalChek service available through the Florida Department of Health website. Additional fees apply for expedited processing and delivery options.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Driver's license
- State-issued identification card
- Passport
- Military identification
Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 64V-1.016, certified copies serve as legal proof of divorce and are accepted by government agencies for official purposes including name changes, remarriage, and immigration matters.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Lee County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Lee County may be granted confidential status. Florida law provides specific provisions for maintaining privacy in divorce cases when legally justified.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
- Cases involving domestic violence or stalking concerns
- Matters affecting the safety and welfare of minor children
- Protection of sensitive financial information
- Situations involving vulnerable adults
- Cases where public disclosure would cause significant harm
To request confidentiality, parties must file a motion with the court pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, demonstrating good cause for sealing all or portions of the divorce record. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right to access against privacy interests.
Even when records are sealed, certain basic information typically remains public, such as the case number and parties' names, unless the court specifically orders otherwise. Confidentiality orders are subject to periodic review and may be modified or terminated by subsequent court order.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Lee County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Lee County varies based on several factors, including case complexity and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Florida law establishes minimum timeframes that apply to all divorce cases.
For uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all issues, the process typically takes:
- Minimum 20 days from filing to finalization (statutory waiting period)
- Approximately 4-6 weeks for simple, uncontested cases
- Up to 3 months if minor procedural issues arise
Contested divorces involving disputes over assets, child custody, or support may require:
- 6-12 months for moderately complex cases
- 1-2 years for highly contested matters involving substantial assets or complex custody issues
- Additional time if appeals are filed
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.19, the court may not enter a final judgment of dissolution of marriage until at least 20 days have elapsed from the date of filing the original petition for dissolution of marriage, except upon a showing of injustice or hardship.
How Long Does Lee County Keep Divorce Records?
Lee County divorce records are maintained permanently in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules. The Florida Department of Health and the Lee County Clerk of Court preserve these records indefinitely as they constitute vital statistics and important legal documents.
The retention schedule includes:
- Permanent retention of final judgments of dissolution of marriage
- Long-term preservation of associated court filings
- Archival storage of historical divorce records
- Digital conversion of older records for preservation purposes
While the physical location of older records may change over time, with some being transferred to state archives or converted to microfilm/digital format, the legal obligation to maintain these records remains constant. This ensures that individuals can access proof of divorce regardless of when the dissolution occurred.
Records dating back to June 6, 1927, are maintained by the Florida Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics. Records prior to this date may be available through the State Archives of Florida or the Lee County Clerk of Court's historical records division.
How To Get a Divorce In Lee County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Lee County must follow specific procedures established by Florida law. The dissolution of marriage process requires adherence to statutory requirements and court rules.
To commence a divorce in Lee County, petitioners must:
- Establish Florida residency (at least one party must have resided in Florida for six months prior to filing)
- File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Lee County Clerk of Court
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $408 for cases without children, $408 plus additional fees for cases with children)
- Serve the petition on the other spouse according to Florida Rules of Civil Procedure
- Attend mandatory parenting classes if minor children are involved
- Complete and file financial affidavits and mandatory disclosure documents
- Participate in mediation if required by the court
Lee County Clerk of Court, Family Law Division
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Lee County Courts
Self-represented litigants may obtain assistance through:
Lee County Self-Help Center
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 1st Floor
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-2835
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
How To Get Divorce Papers In Lee County
Individuals seeking to obtain divorce forms and documentation in Lee County have several resources available to them. The Florida Supreme Court has approved standardized family law forms that are accepted in all Florida counties.
Divorce papers may be obtained through:
- The Lee County Clerk of Court's office (in-person)
- The Florida Courts website (downloadable forms)
- The Lee County Law Library
- Legal aid organizations serving Lee County residents
Lee County Clerk of Court, Family Law Division
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Florida Courts in Lee County
Required forms typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without dependent children)
- Financial Affidavit
- Notice of Social Security Number
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit (if children involved)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if children involved)
- Marital Settlement Agreement (for uncontested cases)
Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.105, all family law forms must be completed in their entirety with all required attachments. Incomplete filings may be rejected by the clerk or result in processing delays.
Lookup Divorce Records in Lee County
Request divorce certificates in Lee County