Hernando County family court records cover all legal filings handled by the 5th Judicial Circuit in Brooksville, Florida. These records include divorce filings, child custody orders, child support documents, paternity cases, adoption files, and domestic violence petitions.
The Hernando County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official record keeper for every family case decided in the county. Anyone can review most of these records through the Clerk’s online portal, by visiting the office in person, or by submitting a written request. This page explains the record types, search methods, access rules, fees, and office details you need to locate family court documents in Hernando County.
Hernando County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Hernando County holds all family court records at the main office in downtown Brooksville. Staff process every filing, maintain the case index, and issue certified copies to the public. You can reach the Clerk’s office by phone, email, or in person during business hours.
Clerk Office Location and Hours
The Hernando County Clerk’s office sits at 20 North Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601. The building is located in the historic downtown square, with public parking available on surrounding streets. Standard office hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except court holidays.
Phone, Email, and Official Website
You can call the Clerk’s main line at (352) 754-4201 for general record questions. The official website at hernandoclerk.org provides the latest fee schedule, online search tools, and downloadable forms. Email requests go through the contact form on the Clerk’s website for non-urgent record lookups.
Types of Family Court Records Available
The Clerk’s office organizes family court records by case type. Each category produces specific documents that the Clerk files and indexes. Knowing the record type helps you request the right file and locate it faster.
Dissolution of Marriage and Divorce Records
Divorce cases in Hernando County are filed as dissolutions of marriage under Florida Statute Chapter 61. The case file includes the petition, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and the final judgment. You can request a certified copy of the final judgment for name changes, remarriage, or legal proof of single status.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Custody cases produce parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and court orders that outline how parents divide responsibilities. These records show the primary residence of each child, holiday schedules, and decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and religion. The Clerk maintains these files for every active and closed case.
Child Support Court Records
Child support filings include income withholding orders, payment ledgers, and modification petitions. The Florida Department of Revenue handles most enforcement actions, but the court file stays with the Hernando County Clerk. You can review support payment history and any arrears balances tied to a specific case number.
Paternity Establishment Records
Paternity cases document the legal establishment of a father-child relationship. The file contains the petition, DNA test results (when filed), acknowledgment forms, and orders on support or custody. These records are often needed for birth certificate changes, child support, or inheritance claims.
Adoption Records and Sealing Rules
Adoption files in Florida are automatically sealed once the court finalizes the adoption. The Clerk cannot release the file to the public without a court order. Adult adoptees may request non-identifying background information through the Florida Department of Children and Families, while sealed files require a judge’s approval to open.
Domestic Violence and Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases include petitions for protective injunctions, sworn statements, and court orders. Hearings are often expedited because of the safety concerns involved. The Clerk keeps a public index of active injunctions, which law enforcement and victims can check for current order status.
How to Search Family Court Records
You can search Hernando County family court records using three methods: online through the Clerk portal, in person at the Brooksville office, or by mail and phone. Each method works for different situations, and the Clerk charges a search fee in some cases.
Searching Online Through the Clerk Portal
The Clerk’s online portal at hernandoclerk.org allows you to search family court records using a party name, case number, or filing date range. The portal shows case type, filing date, judge assigned, and hearing schedule. Most cases filed after 2010 appear in the system, while older files may require an in-person visit.
Searching In Person at the Brooksville Office
Visiting the Clerk’s office gives you access to the full physical file, including documents that may not appear online. Public terminal computers are available for self-service searches. Bring a valid photo ID and be ready to pay the copy fee if you need printed documents. Staff can pull files from the archive if you have the case number or full party name.
Searching by Mail or Phone Request
You can mail a written request to the Clerk’s office for a record search or certified copy. Include the case number (if known), full names of both parties, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Phone requests work for simple confirmation of case status, but certified copies must go through the mail or in-person process.
Public Access Laws in Florida
Florida law gives the public the right to inspect most court records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The Clerk applies this rule to family court files, but several sensitive record types stay restricted by statute to protect privacy and safety.
Records Open to the Public
Most divorce filings, custody orders, child support judgments, and paternity orders are public records. You can review the petition, motions, and final orders in these cases. The Clerk’s online portal shows a case summary, while the full file requires a terminal login or in-person request.
Records Sealed or Restricted by Law
Adoption files, sealed divorce documents, and cases involving minors may have restricted access under Florida Statute 119.0714. The Clerk automatically redacts Social Security numbers, bank account details, and minor children’s identifying information. To access a sealed file, you must file a motion with the court and show legal cause.
Fees for Copies and Certified Records
The Hernando County Clerk charges standard fees for record searches and copies. Knowing the cost helps you plan your request and avoid delays. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards for in-person payments.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online record search | Free | Basic case lookup via the Clerk portal |
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 | Black and white, letter or legal size |
| Certified copy | $3.00 per document | Plus per-page copy fee |
| Written record search | $2.00 per name per year | For mail or phone searches without a case number |
| Exemplified certificate | $7.00 | Authentication for out-of-state or federal use |
Electronic Filing in Hernando County
Florida requires mandatory electronic filing for most family law cases. The Clerk’s e-filing portal lets attorneys and self-represented filers submit documents 24 hours a day. The system timestamps each filing and sends confirmation to the user’s registered account.
How E-Filing Works for Family Cases
You create an account on the Florida Courts eFiling Portal and link it to your Hernando County case. The system accepts common file formats, including PDF and Word, and rejects documents that exceed page limits. Once accepted, the filing enters the court record and becomes part of the public file unless the court orders it sealed.
The Hernando County e-filing portal accepts new family court filings and provides electronic access to filed documents in active cases.
Benefits of the E-Filing Portal
E-filing removes the need to drive to the courthouse for routine filings. Filers can submit motions, petitions, and supporting documents at any time, and the system accepts credit card payments for filing fees. The Clerk processes e-filings faster than paper submissions in most cases, which speeds up the overall case timeline.
5th Judicial Circuit Family Court
Hernando County sits within the 5th Judicial Circuit, which covers five counties along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Family court cases are heard by circuit judges who travel between counties or hold full-time dockets in Brooksville. The Clerk’s office in each county maintains its own records, so you must request files from the county where the case was filed.
Counties Sharing the 5th Circuit
You can find family court records in the following counties under the 5th Judicial Circuit:
- Citrus County
- Hernando County
- Lake County
- Marion County
- Sumter County
Each county Clerk operates independently, though court rules and procedures stay consistent across the circuit. If you need records from another county, contact that Clerk’s office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover common record search scenarios, sealed file rules, and certified copy procedures in Hernando County family court. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Clerk’s office practices as of 2026.
How do I find a divorce record in Hernando County?
You can search for a Hernando County divorce record using the Clerk’s online portal by entering at least one party’s full name. The portal shows the case number, filing date, and final judgment date. If the case is older than the online database, visit the Clerk’s office in Brooksville with a valid photo ID and pay the search fee. Certified copies of the final judgment are available for $3 plus per-page copy fees.
Can I view child custody records online?
Yes, most child custody case summaries appear in the Clerk’s online portal after 2010. You can see the case type, judge assigned, and hearing schedule. Full custody documents, including parenting plans and time-sharing orders, are available through the e-filing portal or by in-person request at the Clerk’s office.
Are adoption records public in Florida?
No, adoption records are sealed under Florida law once the court finalizes the adoption. The Clerk cannot release the file without a court order. Adult adoptees may request non-identifying medical and background information through the Florida Department of Children and Families.
What does a certified copy of a court order include?
A certified copy includes a raised or stamped Clerk’s seal, a signature from the Deputy Clerk, and a certification that the document is a true copy of the record on file. Courts, agencies, and other government bodies often require certified copies for legal filings, name changes, and proof of court actions.
How long does the Clerk keep family court records?
Permanent family court records, including final judgments, are kept indefinitely by the Hernando County Clerk. Older paper files may move to the State Archives of Florida for long-term storage. Adoption files are sealed and kept separately under stricter retention rules.
Can I request records if I am not a party to the case?
Yes, most family court records in Hernando County are public. You can request case information as a third party unless the court has sealed the file or a statute restricts access. Sealed records require a court order before the Clerk can release any documents to a non-party.
What payment methods does the Clerk accept for record fees?
The Hernando County Clerk accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards for in-person payments. Mail requests require a check or money order. The online portal accepts credit card payments for e-filing fees and certified copy orders.