Divorce records in Manatee County, Florida, are available through several channels. ManateeCourt.us allows for quick access to public divorce information in the county. Additionally, court records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and divorce certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health. You can request them in person, by mail, or online, depending on the type of document you need.
Manatee Divorce Records Search
In Florida, divorce cases are officially called "dissolution of marriage." All materials of such cases in Manatee County are handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the 12th Judicial Circuit. This office keeps the complete court file: the final judgment of divorce, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, alimony, and related motions.
Separate from the court file is the dissolution of marriage certificate. It is issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Florida Department of Health for records starting from June 6, 1927. This document confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain details of property settlement or custody.
Main office of the court clerk:
Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Divorce court records are generally public according to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, although certain documents — such as financial affidavits or information about minors — may be sealed by the court.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Manatee
Divorce cases in Manatee County are handled by the Circuit Court — the state's general jurisdiction court, family law division. After the final judgment is issued, the court clerk registers it and keeps the entire case file. This is where you should go if you need copies of specific court documents: judgments, settlement agreements, or custody orders.
If confirmation of the fact of divorce is sufficient — for example, for remarriage or name change — order a certificate from the Department of Health. Supreme Court of Florida-approved family law forms are also available online for those preparing documents themselves.
Below is the contact information for both institutions.
Clerk of the Circuit Court (court case file)
Florida Department of Health (dissolution of marriage certificate)
The local health office in the county — Florida Department of Health in Manatee County — does not issue divorce certificates but can assist with other vital records.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Manatee
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of dissolution of marriage certificate (Vital Statistics) | $5.00 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Each additional certificate copy (ordered at the same time) | $4.00 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Copy of court document (Clerk of Court) — per page | $1.00 | Usually 1–5 business days |
| Certified copy of court document | $2.00 for certification + $1.00 per page | Usually 1–5 business days |