Alachua County family court records are the official files held by the Clerk of Court in Gainesville, Florida. These files cover every type of family law case, from dissolutions of marriage and child custody to support orders, paternity, adoption, domestic violence injunctions, and parenting plans.
The Clerk Office keeps both paper files and digital copies for thousands of cases filed each year. Residents, attorneys, researchers, and other parties can search the records online or visit the main courthouse on East University Avenue during regular business hours. The records system runs under rules set by Florida state law and the Florida Supreme Court, and most case types date back to the founding of the county.
Most family court records are open to the public, but a few types stay sealed by law. Adoption files, dependency cases, and parts of domestic violence files follow strict privacy rules. The Clerk Office releases those records only with a court order. The public docket for sealed cases still shows up in search results, but the actual documents stay hidden from public view. The pages below explain what records exist, how to look them up, what rules and fees apply, and how to contact the Clerk Office for help.
Alachua County Clerk of Court Office
The Alachua County Clerk of Court Office serves as the main record holder for the county. The office stores every family case file filed in the county since the court system began keeping electronic records. Staff members help the public search for cases, request certified copies, and answer questions about filing procedures. The Clerk Office works under the rules set by Florida state law the Florida Supreme Court.
Office Location
The Clerk Office sits at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. This address places the office in the center of downtown Gainesville, near the Alachua County Courthouse. Visitors can reach the building by car, public bus, or on foot from the University of Florida campus. Free public parking sits within a short walk of the building on surrounding downtown streets, and metered parking lines the nearby avenues.
Phone and Website
People who need help before visiting can call the Clerk Office at (352) 374-3636. The phone line opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The official website at alachuaclerk.org lists office hours, fee schedules, and links to the online search tools. The website covers every service the office provides, from family case searches to traffic ticket payments and official records.
Office Hours and Holidays
The Clerk Office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on all major federal and state holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Visitors should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to finish their requests.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Current Clerk Leadership
J.K. “Jess” Irby, Esq. serves as the current Clerk of Court for Alachua County. The Clerk wins a county-wide election every four years and serves a four-year term. The Clerk Office handles court filings, record keeping, and official records for the entire 8th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk also serves as the county recorder for deeds, mortgages, liens, and other public records filed with the county.
Types of Family Court Records
Alachua County family court records fall into several main categories. Each category covers a different type of family law case. The Clerk Office keeps all these records in the same system, but the access rules and fees vary by case type. Visitors should know which type of case they need before starting their search.
Dissolution of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage records cover all divorces filed in Alachua County. These files include the original petition, financial disclosures, marital settlement agreements, and the final judgment of dissolution. The records show how the court divided property, debts, and spousal support. Most divorce records from 1987 to the present are open to the public through the online portal. Older divorce records from before 1987 sit in the archives section of the Clerk Office and require an in-person request.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody and time-sharing records cover parenting plans, visitation schedules, and custody modifications. The files include the original parenting plan, court orders, and any later changes. These records show which parent has the child on which days, who makes major decisions, and how the parents handle transportation. Custody records are open to the parties named in the case and to attorneys of record. Third parties need a court order to view most custody files in full.
Child Support Records
Child support records include the original petition, the financial affidavit from each parent, the child support guidelines worksheet, and the final support order. The Florida Department of Revenue may file documents in these cases when the state helps collect support. Support amounts follow the Florida child support guidelines, which set a base amount based on the parents’ combined income and the number of children.
Paternity Records
Paternity records cover cases where the court decides the legal father of a child. These files include the petition to establish paternity, DNA test results, and the final order. Once the court establishes paternity, the case may include child support and custody orders. Paternity records become public once the court enters the final order, and the docket appears in the online search portal.
Adoption Records
Adoption records in Alachua County stay sealed by Florida law. The Clerk Office does not show adoption files to the public, the adoptive parents, or the birth parents without a court order. Adult adoptees born in Florida can request a copy of their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Children and Families. The court can open an adoption file in rare cases, such as medical emergencies, criminal investigations, or to settle an estate.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence injunction records cover restraining orders filed under Florida Statute Chapter 741. The files include the original petition, the sworn statement from the petitioner, and the court order. Some details in these files stay sealed to protect the safety of the victim. The Clerk Office follows strict rules when releasing these records. The clerk can confirm the existence of an active injunction without sharing the protected person’s address or other private details.
Parenting Plan Records
Parenting plan records are part of every divorce and custody case where the parents have minor children. The plan covers time-sharing, decision-making, and how the parents handle disputes. The court requires parents to file a parenting plan before the final hearing. The Clerk Office keeps the original plan on file, and certified copies are available for a fee set by Florida law.
Termination of Parental Rights Records
Termination of parental rights records cover cases where the court ends the legal relationship between a parent and a child. These files are part of a dependency case or an adoption case. Most termination records stay sealed to protect the privacy of the child and the family. The Clerk Office releases these records only with a court order from a circuit court judge.
How to Search Records Online
Online searches give the fastest way to find basic case data. Two main systems cover Alachua County family cases. Each system works for different types of searches. Both systems are free to use for basic case lookups, and both pull data from the same statewide court database.
My Florida Court Access Portal
The My Florida Court Access portal, called the FACA system, covers all 67 Florida counties. The site works at myflcourtaccess.com and is free to use. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The search results show the case type, the parties named, the case status, and a list of filed documents. The portal does not show the full text of every document, but it does show the document title and filing date.
Alachua County Clerk Online Search
The Alachua County Clerk website offers a separate search tool at alachuaclerk.org. This tool links to the same statewide system. The county site lists local forms, fee schedules, and office locations. Users can search for family cases the same way they would on the statewide portal. The county site has a map of the courthouse and directions for visitors who need to come in person.
What Online Records Show
Online records show the case number, the case type, the names of the parties, the attorney of record, the assigned judge, and a list of filed documents. The system shows the date each document was filed and the type of document. Users can view some documents as PDF files for free. Other documents require a fee to view or download. Certified copies cannot be printed from the online system and require an in-person or mail request.
How to Search by Name
To search by name, type the full last name of a party into the search box. The system accepts partial names, but a full name gives the best results. Users can add a first name to narrow the search. The system lists all cases that match the name, sorted by filing date. Each result links to the full case docket with a complete list of filings.
How to Search by Case Number
To search by case number, type the full case number into the search box. Case numbers in Alachua County start with a two-digit year, a two-letter case type code, and a five-digit sequence number. For example, a 2024 divorce case might be 2024-DR-001234. Searching by case number gives the exact case, with no need to sort through name matches.
In-Person Search at the Courthouse
In-person searches work best for users who need full copies of case files. The Clerk Office has public access computers, printers, and staff to help with searches. Visitors can ask staff to pull paper files for older cases that are not in the digital system. The office handles walk-in requests during regular business hours, and the staff can guide visitors through the process.
Public Access Computers
The Clerk Office has public access computers in the main lobby. These computers run the same My Florida Court Access portal available online. Users can search, view, and print documents from these computers for a small fee per page. Staff members stand near the computers to help visitors who need assistance. The computers are open during regular office hours on a first-come basis.
What to Bring to the Courthouse
Visitors should bring a valid photo ID, the full name of at least one party to the case, the case number if known, and a method of payment. The Clerk Office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Visitors who need certified copies should bring a clear, written request that lists the document type and case number. The clerk cannot search for cases without at least one piece of identifying data.
Courthouse Security
The Alachua County Courthouse has security screening at every public entrance. Visitors must pass through a metal detector and have their bags scanned. The court bans weapons, sharp objects, and recording devices from the building. Visitors should plan for extra time at the security gate, especially during the busy morning hours. Cell phones must be turned off inside the courtrooms.
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies of family court records carry the court seal and a signature from the Clerk. Banks, government agencies, and other courts require certified copies for most legal purposes. The Clerk Office issues certified copies for a fee set by Florida law. Visitors can request copies in person, by mail, or through the online portal, depending on the document type.
Certified Copy Fees
The standard fee for a certified copy in Alachua County is $1.00 per page. The Clerk Office charges a $2.00 fee for the certification itself. Some documents, such as marriage certificates and adoption decrees, have a flat fee set by state law. The Clerk Office posts the full fee schedule on the county website, and the staff can quote exact prices before processing a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $2.00 |
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.15 |
| Search fee (per name) | $2.00 |
| Mail handling fee | $2.00 |
Payment Methods
The Clerk Office accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and credit cards. Credit card payments include a small processing fee. Visitors who want to pay by mail can send a check or money order with their written request. The Clerk Office does not accept payment by phone for most record requests, and the office does not accept starter checks.
Mail Requests for Certified Copies
Mail requests should include the full case number or party names, a clear description of the documents needed, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the fees. The request should go to the Alachua County Clerk of Court, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. Mail requests take five to ten business days to process, depending on the workload at the office.
8th Judicial Circuit Family Division
Alachua County sits in Florida’s 8th Judicial Circuit. The circuit court handles all family law cases filed in the county. Six counties share the circuit court system, and judges rotate between counties to handle heavy caseloads. The circuit court system follows the rules set by the Florida Supreme Court and the chief judge of the circuit.
Counties in the 8th Circuit
The 8th Judicial Circuit covers Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties. The main courthouse sits in Gainesville, with smaller branch courts in each county seat. Family cases filed in any of these counties appear in the same statewide search system. Records for each county are kept at the county seat where the case was filed, and certified copies must be requested from that county.
Family Court Judges
The 8th Circuit has several judges who handle family law cases. Each judge works in a specific division and covers a set of case types. The Clerk Office can tell visitors which judge handles a specific case. The 8th Circuit website lists each judge, the division, and the counties covered. The judge assignment may change if a case is transferred or a judge recuses.
Mediation and Parenting Programs
The 8th Circuit requires mediation in most family law cases before a final hearing. Mediation sessions take place at the courthouse or at a private mediator’s office. The court requires parents in custody cases to take a parenting class before the final order. The class covers the effects of divorce on children and how to reduce conflict between parents during and after the case.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some family court records stay sealed by Florida law. The Clerk Office cannot release these records without a court order. The rules for sealed records vary by case type. Visitors who need sealed records must go through a formal court process to open the file, and the court reviews each request on a case-by-case basis.
Adoption Record Rules
Adoption records stay sealed to protect the privacy of the adoptive family, the birth parents, and the child. Adult adoptees can request their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Children and Families. The court can open an adoption file for medical reasons, to settle an estate, or for other rare reasons set by state law. Each request must go through a circuit court judge.
Domestic Violence Record Rules
Domestic violence records follow special rules under Florida law. The Clerk Office can confirm that an active injunction exists, but cannot share the petitioner’s address, place of work, or other private details. The full record stays sealed to protect the victim. The court can unseal parts of the record for a law enforcement investigation or a related criminal case.
Dependency and Juvenile Records
Dependency cases involve children who were removed from their parents by the state. These records stay sealed to protect the child. The Clerk Office does not release dependency files to the public. Attorneys of record, the parents, and the Department of Children and Families can view the file with proper ID. Other parties must file a motion with the court to access the records.
Common Reasons to Request Records
People request family court records for many reasons. The most common reasons include remarrying, changing a name, applying for benefits, settling an estate, or handling a child custody issue. Attorneys request records to prepare for a hearing or to gather evidence for another case. Researchers and journalists may also request records for stories or studies, within the limits set by Florida law. Genealogy researchers can access older records that have been open to the public for the required number of years.
Official Contact and Location
The Alachua County Clerk of Court Office serves the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office sits at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. The phone number is (352) 374-3636. The official website is alachuaclerk.org. Visitors should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to complete their requests, and they should bring a valid photo ID for any certified copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Alachua County family court records. Each answer covers a specific topic that visitors ask the Clerk Office. The answers reflect the rules and fees in place as of 2026. Visitors who need current details should call the Clerk Office before visiting, since fees and procedures can change without notice.
How do I look up a family court case?
You can look up a family court case in Alachua County using the My Florida Court Access portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The portal covers all 67 Florida counties, including Alachua. To start a search, type the full last name of a party to the case into the search box. You can add a first name to narrow the results. You can also search by case number if you have it. Case numbers in Alachua County follow a standard format: a two-digit year, a two-letter case type code, and a five-digit sequence number. For example, a 2024 divorce case might show as 2024-DR-001234. The portal is free to use for basic case lookups. The results show the case type, the names of the parties, the assigned judge, the attorney of record, and a list of all filed documents. You can view some documents as PDF files for free. Other documents require a small fee per page to view or download. For full case files, certified copies, or older records not in the digital system, visit the Alachua County Clerk of Court Office at 201 East University Avenue in Gainesville. The office has public access computers and staff to help with searches. Mail requests are also accepted and take five to ten business days to process.
Are all family court records public?
Most Alachua County family court records are public, but a few types stay sealed by Florida law. Dissolution of marriage records, child custody orders, child support orders, and paternity orders are all public once the court enters the final judgment. You can search these cases by name or case number on the My Florida Court Access portal without any restrictions. Adoption records stay sealed under Florida Statute Chapter 63. The Clerk Office does not show adoption files to the public, the adoptive parents, or the birth parents without a court order. Adult adoptees born in Florida can request their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Children and Families instead of the Clerk Office. Dependency cases, which involve children removed from their parents by the state, also stay sealed. The Clerk Office does not release dependency files to the public. Parts of domestic violence injunction files stay sealed to protect the victim. The Clerk Office can confirm that an active injunction exists, but cannot share the petitioner’s address, place of work, or other private details. The full record can only be opened with a court order.
Can I access sealed adoption records?
You cannot access sealed adoption records through the Alachua County Clerk of Court Office. Florida law seals adoption files to protect the privacy of the adoptive family, the birth parents, and the child. The Clerk Office does not have the authority to open these files without a court order from a circuit court judge. Adult adoptees born in Florida have a separate path to their original birth certificate. The Florida Department of Children and Families handles requests for original birth certificates under Florida Statute Section 382.025. The adult adoptee can submit an application directly to the state office, along with the required identification and fee. The state office then issues an uncertified copy of the original birth certificate. A circuit court can open an adoption file in rare cases. The court may unseal the file for medical emergencies, criminal investigations, or to settle an estate. The party requesting the file must file a written motion with the court, serve all interested parties, and attend a hearing. The court reviews each request on a case-by-case basis before deciding whether to unseal the records.
How much does a certified copy cost?
A certified copy of a divorce record in Alachua County costs $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. A typical divorce judgment runs between 5 and 20 pages, depending on the complexity of the case. The total cost for a basic certified copy ranges from $7 to $22. The fee covers the Clerk’s cost to copy, certify, and seal the document. The Clerk Office accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person payments. Credit card payments include a small processing fee. For mail requests, send a check or money order with the written request, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the case number or party names. The Clerk Office does not accept payment by phone for most record requests. Certified copies carry the court seal and a signature from the Clerk. Banks, government agencies, and other courts require certified copies for most legal purposes, including name changes, remarriage, and benefit applications. A plain copy without the certification costs $0.15 per page, but it does not carry the legal weight of a certified copy for official use.
Clerk vs Circuit: what is the difference?
The Clerk of Court and the 8th Judicial Circuit are two separate parts of the Alachua County court system. The Clerk of Court is a county office that stores and manages all court records. The Clerk Office handles filings, maintains the docket, issues certified copies, and processes court fees. The current Clerk, J.K. “Jess” Irby, Esq., wins a county-wide election every four years and oversees the office. The 8th Judicial Circuit is the court system that hears and decides cases. The circuit covers six counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union. The circuit employs the judges, court staff, and probation officers who handle hearings, trials, and final orders. The main courthouse sits in Gainesville, with branch courts in each county seat. Both work together on every family law case in Alachua County. When a party files a new case, the filing goes to the Clerk Office. The Clerk Office assigns the case to a judge in the 8th Circuit. The judge hears the case and issues orders. The Clerk Office stores the orders and makes them available to the public. The two offices are separate but rely on each other to keep the court system running.
How long does a mail request take?
Mail requests for court records in Alachua County take five to ten business days to process. The timeline depends on the size of the case file, the number of documents requested, and the workload at the Clerk Office. Simple requests for one or two documents often go out within a week. Larger requests for full case files can take closer to ten days or more. The Clerk Office sends records by regular mail unless you include a prepaid overnight shipping label. To speed up a request, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the proper postage, a clear written description of the documents needed, the full case number or party names, and a check or money order for the fees. The Clerk Office charges a $2.00 mail handling fee in addition to the copy fees. Rush requests cannot be processed by mail. If you need records quickly, visit the Clerk Office in person at 201 East University Avenue in Gainesville. The office has public access computers and staff who can print most records while you wait. For certified copies, the in-person turnaround time is usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the file.