Kissimmee City family court records are held by the Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court, not the city clerk. The city of Kissimmee falls inside Osceola County, and all family law cases filed by Kissimmee residents go through the county court system.
These files cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Knowing where these records live saves you time, money, and frustration when you need a case number, a copy of a judgment, or proof of a court order.
Who Keeps Kissimmee City Family Court Records
The records you need live at the county level. Kissimmee does not run its own court system. The city clerk handles local matters like permits and city council minutes, but family law files stay with the county. Below are the offices and the role each one plays.
Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller serves as the official record keeper for all family court cases in Kissimmee. The current clerk is Kelvin Soto, an elected constitutional officer. His office files, stores, and provides access to every divorce decree, custody order, and support judgment issued in the county. The main office sits at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. The phone number for the clerk’s office is (407) 742-3500. The official website is osceolaclerk.org.
Kissimmee City Clerk vs. County Clerk
Many people confuse the city clerk with the county clerk. The City of Kissimmee Clerk sits at 101 Church Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741, with a phone number of (407) 518-2308. That office keeps city commission records, local contracts, and permits. It does not hold any family court files. Always contact the county clerk when you need court documents, case searches, or certified copies of family law orders.
The 9th Judicial Circuit Court Role
Osceola County sits within the 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit court hears all family law cases that arise in the county, including those filed by Kissimmee residents. Judges assigned to the family division issue rulings on divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption. The clerk’s office then stores the paperwork generated by those hearings. This setup means every Kissimmee family court record is filed and indexed under Osceola County through the 9th Circuit.
Types of Family Court Records in Kissimmee
Family court covers a wide range of cases. Each case type creates a paper trail that becomes a public record. Some files are open to anyone. Others stay sealed by court order. Below are the main categories of records you can request from the Osceola County Clerk.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce filings rank as the most common family court case in Kissimmee. A complete divorce file usually contains the petition, the answer, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and the final judgment of dissolution. You can also find parenting plans, child support worksheets, and any orders on property division. Florida requires at least one spouse to live in the state for six months before filing. Once a judge signs the final judgment, the clerk stores the packet and indexes it under both spouses’ names.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Files
Custody cases create detailed records about time-sharing schedules, parental responsibility, and decision-making rights. A parenting plan filed in a Kissimmee case spells out weekday schedules, holiday rotations, and travel rules. The clerk keeps these plans along with any motions to modify custody, contempt orders, and relocation requests. These records help parents, attorneys, and new judges see the history of a custody arrangement.
Child Support and Paternity Cases
Child support cases produce income records, payment histories, and court orders setting monthly amounts. The clerk files paternity actions that establish legal fatherhood, which then triggers support obligations. Paternity files often include DNA test results, voluntary acknowledgments, and orders adjudicating fatherhood. All of these documents stay on file at the Osceola County Courthouse and can be viewed by the parties involved.
Adoption and Guardianship Records
Adoption cases generate records that are often more sensitive. The clerk files the petition to adopt, the home study, the consent forms, and the final adoption decree. Adoption records may be sealed once a judge enters the final order. Guardianship records follow a similar path, with petitions, inventories, and annual reports filed in the clerk’s office. Sealed adoption files require a court order to open.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence cases move fast. The clerk files petitions for restraining orders, temporary injunctions, and final injunctions. These files show the sworn statements of the petitioner and any evidence presented to the judge. Injunction records may be sealed if the court finds that public access could endanger a party. Otherwise, they stay on the docket for public review.
How to Search Kissimmee Family Court Records Online
You do not need to drive to the courthouse for a basic search. The Osceola County Clerk runs a free online portal that lets you look up cases by name, case number, or citation number. You can also use statewide tools to widen your search. Below are the main online systems and what each one offers.
Using the Osceola Clerk Website
Start at osceolaclerk.org and click on the court records link. The portal lets you search by party name, case number, or date range. Results show the case type, filing date, judge assigned, and docket entries. Some documents are free to view. Others carry a per-page fee. The system updates daily, so new filings appear quickly.
The Florida E-Filing Portal
Lawyers and self-represented parties file new family court cases through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal works for all Florida counties, including Osceola. You can create an account, upload your PDF forms, and pay the filing fee online. The portal also lets you serve documents on the other side and track your case status.
PERCH Search System
PERCH stands for Public Electronic Records Courthouse Hub. It is the official statewide case search system used by many Florida clerks. Osceola County participates in PERCH, so you can look up Kissimmee family court cases from a single search box. PERCH pulls docket entries, hearing dates, and party names from the clerk’s database in real time.
How to Request Certified Copies
A regular printout only proves you saw a record. A certified copy proves the record is real and carries the clerk’s seal. Banks, employers, and other courts usually require certified copies. The Osceola County Clerk offers three ways to get one.
In-Person Requests
Visit the clerk’s office at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it. Staff at the recording division can pull the file, make a certified copy, and stamp it with the clerk’s seal on the spot.
Online and Mail Requests
The Osceola Clerk accepts certified copy requests through its online portal and by mail. For mail requests, send a written request that includes the case number, the names of both parties, the document you need, and your contact details. Include a check or money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. The clerk mails the certified copy once payment clears.
Fees and Payment Methods
Fees for certified copies follow Florida state law. The clerk charges a set fee per document plus a per-page charge. The office accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. Call (407) 742-3500 to confirm the current fee before you visit or mail your request. Fees can change with state budget updates.
Filing Family Court Cases in Kissimmee
Filing a new family court case means submitting the right forms to the right office. Most new cases can now be filed online. The 9th Judicial Circuit also runs a self-help program for people who do not have a lawyer. Below is what you need to know to file a family court case in Kissimmee.
E-Filing Requirements
Attorneys must file family court papers through the Florida E-Filing Portal. Self-represented parties can file electronically or in person. To e-file, create an account at myflcourtaccess.com, select Osceola County, and choose the case type. Upload your PDF documents, pay the filing fee, and the clerk’s office reviews the submission. You receive an email confirmation once the clerk accepts the filing.
Self-Represented Litigants
People without lawyers can file on their own. The clerk’s office does not give legal advice, but it does provide forms and basic instructions. Self-represented litigants should expect to follow the same rules as attorneys when it comes to format, deadlines, and service of process. Local rules in the 9th Circuit may add extra requirements, so check with the clerk before filing.
Required Family Law Forms
Florida uses a standard set of family law forms statewide. You can download them for free from the Florida Courts website. The forms cover petitions for dissolution of marriage, petitions to establish paternity, motions to modify child support, and many other family law actions. Make sure you use the latest version of each form, as older versions may be rejected by the clerk.
The SOFIA Self-Help Program
SOFIA, or State of Florida Interactive Access, is a free online tool that helps self-represented parties fill out family court forms. The system asks plain-language questions and produces ready-to-file court documents. SOFIA works for dissolution of marriage, paternity, and other family law cases. The 9th Circuit also offers in-person self-help through the Family Self-Help Program, which can review your paperwork before you file.
Visiting the Osceola County Courthouse
Some tasks still require a trip to the courthouse. Certified copies, sealed records, and in-person document review all happen at the main office. Plan your visit so you can get in and out without delays.
Location and Parking
The Osceola County Courthouse sits in downtown Kissimmee at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. The building is close to U.S. Highway 192 and the Orange Blossom Trail. Public parking is available near the courthouse for a small fee. Arrive early to find a spot and clear security.
Office Hours and Security
The clerk’s office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Security screening is required for all visitors. You must pass through a metal detector and show a valid photo ID. Weapons, including pocket knives, are not allowed inside the building.
What to Bring
Bring a valid photo ID, the case number, and the full legal names of both parties. If you do not know the case number, the staff can search by name and date of birth. Bring a method of payment if you plan to request certified copies. The clerk accepts cash, cards, checks, and money orders.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Not every family court file is open to the public. Florida law allows judges to seal records in certain cases. Knowing the rules helps you decide what you can see and what stays private.
Rule 2.420 Confidentiality
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 governs which court records stay confidential. The rule protects Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and the names of minor children in some cases. It also allows a judge to seal any record when public access would cause clear harm. The clerk removes or redacts confidential data before showing files to the public.
How to Seal a Record
A party who wants to seal a family court record must file a motion asking the judge to do so. The motion must explain why sealing is needed. The judge holds a hearing and weighs the request against the public’s right to see court files. Adoption files are sealed automatically after the final order. Other cases require a judge’s ruling.
Contact and Visit Details
Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Phone: (407) 742-3500. Website: osceolaclerk.org. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The ADA Coordinator for the courthouse can be reached at (407) 742-2417 at least seven days before any scheduled court appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions people ask when they need Kissimmee family court records. These questions come from real search patterns and reflect what users want to know before they visit the clerk or file a case.
Can I view Kissimmee family court records for free?
Yes. The Osceola County Clerk’s online portal offers free case lookups. You can search by name, case number, or date range and see docket entries, hearing dates, and party names. The portal does not charge a fee to view basic case data. Fees apply only when you request copies of documents or want certified copies with the clerk’s seal.
How do I find a divorce decree in Kissimmee?
Start at osceolaclerk.org and search by the full legal names of both spouses. Filter the results by case type to find the dissolution of marriage file. The docket will list the final judgment of dissolution. You can then order a certified copy of the decree through the clerk’s office in person, by mail, or online.
What family court forms do I need to file for divorce in Osceola County?
Florida requires the standard family law forms for dissolution of marriage. The packet includes the petition, summons, financial affidavit, and parenting plan if you have minor children. You can download the forms for free from the Florida Courts website. SOFIA can also generate the forms for you through its online interview.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a court order?
In-person requests for certified copies are processed the same day. Mail requests usually take five to ten business days, depending on postal times. Online orders through the clerk’s portal are processed within one to three business days. Delays can happen if the file is old, archived, or pulled for another court action.
Are juvenile dependency records part of family court records in Kissimmee?
Juvenile dependency cases are filed in a separate division and follow different rules. These records are usually confidential and not available for public view. Only the parties, their attorneys, and approved agencies can access dependency files. You cannot search juvenile dependency cases through the regular family court portal.
What should I do if I cannot find a case in the online portal?
Older cases may not show up in the online portal if the clerk has not yet digitized them. Call (407) 742-3500 and ask the recording division to check the archives. You may need to visit the courthouse in person to request a manual search. Bring as much detail as possible, including names, dates, and the court order if you have it.
Can I seal my own family court record in Kissimmee?
You can ask the court to seal your record by filing a motion. The judge will hold a hearing and decide whether sealing is proper under Florida law. Adoption files are sealed automatically. Other family court records stay public unless the judge rules otherwise. The clerk cannot seal a record on its own.