Sumter County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Sumter County in 2026
SumterCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Sumter County, Florida. Members of the public may use this resource to locate dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, case numbers, and related court documents. Available record categories include divorce decrees, parenting plans, marital settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Sumter County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Sumter County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.
- Access the Sumter County Clerk of Courts online case search
- Search by petitioner or respondent name
- Free basic case information (case number, filing date, case status)
- Document copies require payment of applicable fees
2. State Court System Portal
The Florida Courts system provides access to dockets and documents across Florida's court system, including circuit court family law cases filed in Sumter County.
- Search dockets across Florida's court system
- Access case information from the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which serves Sumter County
- Consolidated statewide database for court records
3. State Vital Records
Florida registers divorce certificates through the Florida Department of Health. As stated by the Florida Department of Health, "The certificate is issued as an abstract of the information taken from the judgment and is acceptable as evidence that a dissolution was finalized and granted."
- Order divorce certificates through the Florida Department of Health
- Certificates confirm that a dissolution was finalized
- Fees apply per certificate
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court Family Division:
Sumter County Clerk of Courts
215 E. McCollum Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33513
Phone: (352) 569-6600
Sumter County Clerk of Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final judgments and decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
Florida Department of Health in Sumter County
1028 N. Boulevard Street
Bushnell, FL 33513
Phone: (352) 793-0088
Florida Department of Health in Sumter County
- Handles in-person and mail requests for divorce certificates
- Issues birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Sumter County Clerk of Courts, 215 E. McCollum Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: Requests are processed within 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record age
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (352) 569-6600
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Florida may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing, and assist with complex or older cases. Members of the public seeking legal representation may use the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service to locate qualified family law counsel.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Sumter County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Florida are filed in the circuit court of 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 § 61.021, Florida Statutes, one spouse must have resided in Florida for at least six months before filing for dissolution of marriage.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately after a final hearing
- Allow several days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived cases may require additional retrieval time
- Not all older records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (352) 569-6600
- Try alternate name spellings for both parties
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check Florida Department of Health vital records for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Florida attorney for assistance with sealed or complex cases
What Are Sumter County Divorce Records?
Sumter County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Sumter County Clerk of Courts as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to Florida's public records laws.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans (when minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and notices
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support provisions, if any
- Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk of Courts upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details and modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title purposes
- Estate planning and probate proceedings
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Sumter County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files, indexes records by party name, and provides certified copies upon request. The Florida Department of Health maintains divorce certificates as a separate vital record, offering an abstract of the final judgment as evidence that a dissolution was granted.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are governed by Chapter 61, Florida Statutes, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a divorce. Florida is 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 § 119.07, Florida Statutes.
Are Sumter County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Sumter County are public court records subject to Florida's public records laws. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted pursuant to state law and court rules.
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 divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Certain financial statements (access may be limited)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving domestic violence
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal a divorce 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 records are confidential under Florida law and are not part of the public court file.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed documents upon proper showing |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of protective orders. Florida law prohibits the use of public records for commercial solicitation in certain circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Sumter County?
The Sumter County Clerk of Courts charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with § 28.24, Florida Statutes, which establishes the schedule of fees applicable to clerk services statewide.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain 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 for current rates |
| Record search by staff | $2.00 per year searched (if applicable) |
| Divorce certificate (Florida DOH) | $5.00 per certificate |
Additional Fee Information:
- Inspection of public records at a public access terminal is available at no charge
- Copies made by the requestor at a self-service terminal may be subject to a per-page fee
- Certified copies of the final judgment of dissolution are required for most legal purposes, including remarriage and name changes
- The Florida Department of Health charges $5.00 for each divorce certificate ordered; additional copies ordered at the same time are $4.00 each
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, check, money order, and major credit cards
- Fee waivers are not available for divorce record copies under standard clerk fee statutes; indigent parties involved in active proceedings may petition the court for waiver of certain fees
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online case docket review through the Clerk's public portal
- In-person inspection of public case files at the courthouse
- Verbal confirmation of case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Sumter County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Sumter County Clerk of Courts contains all documents filed by the parties, issued by the court, and entered into the record throughout the proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution, children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production and responses
- Depositions (transcripts, if filed)
- Tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements (filed as exhibits)
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet and support order
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications are confidential; only the resulting agreement is filed)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
- Court orders on modification petitions
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Sumter County?
Proof of divorce in Sumter County may be obtained in two primary forms: a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage from the Clerk of Courts, or a divorce certificate from the Florida Department of Health.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment:
A certified copy of the final judgment is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for all legal purposes, including remarriage, name changes, property transfers, and immigration proceedings.
- Submit a request in person or by mail to the Sumter County Clerk of Courts at 215 E. McCollum Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513
- Provide the case number, names of both parties, and approximate date of divorce
- Pay the applicable certification fee per § 28.24, Florida Statutes
- Certified copies are available at the courthouse during regular business hours or by mail upon receipt of a written request and payment
Divorce Certificate from the Florida Department of Health:
The Florida Department of Health in Sumter County issues divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Florida. These certificates serve as an abstract of the final judgment and are acceptable as evidence that a dissolution was granted.
- Order in person at 1028 N. Boulevard Street, Bushnell, FL 33513
- Order by mail through the Florida Department of Health
- Fee: $5.00 per certificate; $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
- Accepted payment: check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health
Online Verification:
Members of the public may verify the existence of a divorce case and obtain the case number through the Sumter County Clerk of Courts online portal. Online verification does not constitute a certified copy and is not accepted as legal proof of divorce for most official purposes.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Sumter County?
Divorce proceedings in Sumter County are presumptively public, but Florida law permits certain records and portions of case files to be maintained as confidential under specific circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims are protected from public disclosure under Florida law
- 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: Evaluations and treatment records submitted in evidence are subject to confidentiality protections
- Sealed cases: A party may petition the court to seal the entire case file or specific documents upon a demonstrated showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the need for privacy
- Mediation records: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public
- Guardian ad litem reports: Reports prepared by a guardian ad litem appointed to represent children's interests are restricted from general public access
- High-profile cases: Courts may seal records in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public benefit
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. Florida's public records framework is established under Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution.
How Long Does Sumter County Keep Divorce Records?
The Sumter County Clerk of Courts retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently; these records do not expire and are maintained indefinitely as part of the official court record
- Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum of 10 years after the case is closed, with permanent retention for cases involving final judgments
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule
- Archived paper records: Older records predating electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time; not all archived records have been digitized
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the online portal for the duration of the retention period
Florida's records retention requirements for court records are established by the Florida Supreme Court and administered through the Office of the State Courts Administrator. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than 10 years ago should contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.