Orlando city family court records are kept by the Orange County Clerk of Court, not the Orlando City Clerk. Every divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption case filed by Orlando residents goes to the county clerk’s office.
The 9th Judicial Circuit Court handles all family law matters for Orlando and the rest of Orange County. You can look up these records online, in person, or by mail.
Who Maintains Orlando Family Court Records
The Orange County Clerk of Court stores and manages all family court records for Orlando residents. Family law is a county-level function in Florida, so the city clerk has no part in keeping court files. This setup means one central office holds every divorce decree, custody order, and support judgment for people who live in Orlando.
Orange County Clerk of Court Role
Tiffany Moore Russell serves as the elected Orange County Clerk of Court. Her office runs the records system for the 9th Judicial Circuit. The clerk accepts new filings, stores old case files, issues certified copies, and runs the public search website. All family court records in Orlando pass through this one office.
9th Judicial Circuit Court Coverage
The 9th Judicial Circuit Court covers Orange and Osceola counties. For Orlando, this circuit hears all family law cases, including divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Every judge who handles a family case sits in this circuit, and every file stays with the Orange County Clerk.
How to Search Family Court Records
You have three main ways to search Orlando family court records: online through the clerk’s website, in person at the courthouse, or by mail. Each method works for different needs. Online search gives quick case status. In-person search lets you view full files. Mail requests work for certified copies.
Online Search Tools and Portals
The Orange County Clerk website at www.orangeclerk.com has a free case search tool. You can type a name or case number and pull up basic case data. The site shows party names, filing dates, case type, judge, and hearing schedule. Some documents are viewable as PDF files right on the site.
In-Person Records Search Steps
You can visit the clerk’s office at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Bring a photo ID and pass through security. Public computer terminals let you search the same database as the website. Staff at the public service window can help you pull older files from the archives. Older paper files may take a day or two to retrieve.
Searching by Case Number
If you know the case number, search is the fastest. Case numbers follow a format like 2024-DR-001234. Enter the full number in the search bar on the clerk’s website. The result page will show all filings in that case, plus the next hearing date and assigned judge.
Searching by Party Name
Name search works when you do not know the case number. Type the last name first, then the first name. You can narrow results by case type, such as divorce or custody. The system shows all cases where that person appears as a party. You can click each case to see full details.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Orange County family court records cover every type of family law case. Each case type produces different documents. Some files are public, and others are sealed or restricted. Knowing what each case type contains helps you pull the right records.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce cases produce petitions, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, parenting plans, and final judgments. The final judgment of dissolution is the most requested document. It shows who got what property, who pays support, and the terms of custody. Most divorce records are public after the case closes.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing
Custody cases create parenting plans that list each parent’s time with the child. Records include the custody order, modification motions, and any evaluations done by the court. Time-sharing schedules and decision-making duties appear in the final order. These files stay public unless a judge seals them.
Child Support Order Records
Child support cases include the support order, payment history, and any enforcement actions. The Florida Department of Revenue also keeps its own payment records, but the court order itself stays with the Orange County Clerk. You can pull the order, modification history, and arrears balance.
Paternity Establishment Records
Paternity cases show who the legal father is. Records include the petition, DNA test results, and the final order of paternity. Once established, the court may also enter support and custody orders in the same file. Paternity records stay public unless sealed for good cause.
Adoption and Guardianship Records
Adoption records are sealed by Florida law once an adoption is final. Before finalization, the petition and home study are public. After finalization, only the adoptee, birth parents in some cases, or a court order can open the file. Guardianship records follow similar rules and may be restricted for privacy.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence cases move fast. A victim can get a temporary injunction within hours. The final injunction hearing happens within 15 days. Records include the petition, hearing transcript, and the final injunction order. These files are public, but victim addresses are redacted for safety.
Requesting Certified Copies of Records
Certified copies carry the court seal and are valid for legal use. You need certified copies for name changes, immigration, remarriage, or other court filings. The Orange County Clerk issues certified copies in person, by mail, or online through an approved vendor.
Documents Needed for Request
You must show a valid photo ID to get certified copies. Acceptable IDs include a Florida driver license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You also need the case number or enough details to find the file, such as full names of both parties and the year the case was filed.
Fees and Payment Options
Each certified copy costs $1.00 per page under Florida law. Most orders cost between $2 and $10 total. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s office. Online orders through the official vendor add a small processing fee.
Processing and Delivery Times
In-person requests are filled the same day, often in minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, plus return mail time. Online requests through the vendor take 2 to 5 business days for electronic delivery. Rush service is not offered for mail or online orders.
Orlando City Clerk vs County Clerk
Orlando has two separate clerk offices with very different jobs. The city clerk handles local government files, while the county clerk handles all court files. Many people go to the wrong office first, so it helps to know the difference before you visit.
City Clerk Services and Limits
The Orlando City Clerk keeps city commission minutes, local laws, contracts, and business permits. The office sits at 400 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, and the phone number is (407) 246-2251. The city clerk does not hold court files, divorce decrees, or any family law records. If you need a court document, you must go to the county clerk instead.
County Clerk Court Services
The Orange County Clerk of Court sits at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, and the phone number is (407) 836-2000. This office holds all family court records for Orlando. The county clerk also runs the official search site at www.orangeclerk.com and the e-filing portal for new cases and motions.
E-Filing Family Court Documents
Florida requires lawyers to file family court papers online. Self-represented parties can file online too, but they are not required to. The Florida E-Filing Portal handles every new case, motion, and supporting document filed in Orange County family court.
Creating Your E-Filing Account
Go to www.myflcourtaccess.com and click the register link. Enter your name, email, and a password. You will get a confirmation email. Once your account is active, you can file new cases, add documents to existing cases, and pay filing fees with a credit card.
Document Format Requirements
All filed documents must be in PDF format. Each file must be under 50 MB. Use clear, readable scans at 300 DPI or higher. Name each file with the document title, such as “Petition for Dissolution.pdf” or “Financial Affidavit.pdf”. The system rejects files that are scanned sideways or have missing pages.
Visiting the Clerk’s Office Downtown
The Orange County Clerk’s main office is in the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. You can do a records search, request certified copies, or file new papers in person. Knowing the location details saves time on your visit.
Office Address and Operating Hours
The Orange County Clerk of Court is at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on state and federal holidays. The public service window closes at 4:30 PM for new requests.
Security Screening at the Courthouse
All visitors pass through a metal detector at the courthouse entrance. You cannot bring weapons, sharp objects, or large bags. Cell phones are allowed but may be searched. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to clear security and reach the clerk’s window before closing.
Parking and Public Transit Access
Public parking garages sit within two blocks of the courthouse. The Orange County Parking Garage on Pine Street is the closest option. Rates run about $2 per half hour. The Courthouse bus stop on LYNX routes 3, 7, and 11 is a short walk from the entrance.
Florida Statewide Court Records Access
The Florida E-Filing Portal lets you search court records across all 67 counties. This tool helps when you do not know which county holds a case, or when you need to check filings statewide. The portal covers all family law case types.
Using the Florida E-Filing Portal
The portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com holds records for every Florida county court. You can search by name, case number, or attorney bar number. Search results show the county, case type, and filing date for each match. You can view documents filed in the last 30 days for free.
Account Registration Process
Register with a valid email and password. The system sends a verification link within minutes. Click the link to activate your account. Once active, you can file new cases, serve documents, and check case status across all Florida courts using one login.
Sealed and Restricted Court Records
Some family court records are sealed or restricted by law. A sealed record is hidden from public view. A restricted record has parts redacted, such as Social Security numbers or bank account data. Knowing the difference helps you set expectations before you search.
Common Reasons for Sealing
Judges seal records to protect children, victims of abuse, or sensitive financial data. Adoption files are sealed after finalization. Juvenile dependency records are sealed by law. Paternity and custody cases may be sealed if a party shows good cause for privacy.
Petitioning to Unseal Records
You can file a motion to unseal records if you have a legal reason. Common reasons include background checks, estate matters, or government investigations. The judge reviews the motion and balances public interest against privacy. Unsealing is not automatic and often requires a formal hearing.
Contact Details and Location
The Orange County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all Orlando family court records. The main office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and serves as the central hub for family law filings, records searches, and certified copy requests. Below are the official contact details for the office.
- Office: Orange County Clerk of Court
- Address: 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
- Phone: (407) 836-2000
- Website: www.orangeclerk.com
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Orlando family court records. These questions reflect real concerns from people searching for divorce decrees, custody orders, and other family law documents. Each answer gives clear, factual details you can act on right away.
How Do I Find an Orlando Divorce Decree?
You can find an Orlando divorce decree by searching the Orange County Clerk’s online database at www.orangeclerk.com using the case number or full names of both spouses. If the divorce was filed in Orlando, it is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit court system and stored with the county clerk. For a certified copy, visit the clerk’s office at 425 N. Orange Avenue with a photo ID, or request one by mail for $1 per page. Older paper files from before 1995 may need an in-person visit or a mail request to the archives unit.
Are Child Custody Records Public in Orlando?
Yes, most child custody records in Orlando are public, but sensitive details are redacted. You can see the parenting plan, time-sharing schedule, and custody order through the clerk’s online search. Social Security numbers, bank data, and minor children’s full names are removed for privacy. Adoption records and sealed dependency files are not public. You can pull basic custody records online, but certified copies need an in-person or mail request to the Orange County Clerk’s office.
Can I Search Family Court Records for Free?
Yes, basic case search on www.orangeclerk.com is free. You can see party names, case type, filing dates, judge, and hearing schedule at no cost. Some documents are viewable as PDF files for free. Certified copies cost $1 per page under Florida law. The Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com also offers free statewide search. Paid services only speed up requests or pull older archives, but they are not required to view public records.
What Is the Difference Between Sealed and Restricted Records?
Sealed records are hidden from public view by court order. Only parties to the case, their lawyers, and the judge can see them. Restricted records have parts redacted, such as Social Security numbers, but the rest stays public. Adoption files are sealed after finalization under Florida law. Custody and paternity cases are restricted by default but stay public unless a judge orders them sealed. You can file a motion to unseal records if you have a legal reason and the judge agrees.
How Long Does It Take to Get Certified Copies?
In-person requests at the Orange County Clerk’s office are filled the same day, often in under 15 minutes for simple orders. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days for processing, plus return mail time. Online requests through the official vendor at www.orangeclerk.com take 2 to 5 business days for electronic delivery. Rush service is not offered for mail or online orders. Bring a photo ID and the case number to speed up in-person service.
Can I Access Family Court Records From Other Florida Counties?
Yes, the Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 Florida counties. You can search by name, case number, or attorney bar number across the state. This tool helps when you do not know which county holds a case, or when a case was transferred. Each county has its own fee schedule for certified copies. For local Orlando cases, use the Orange County Clerk’s website for faster results and same-day pickup options.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File Family Court Papers in Orlando?
No, you can file family court papers on your own in Orlando. The Florida E-Filing Portal lets self-represented parties file online, but it is not required. Many self-represented filers submit paper documents in person at the clerk’s office. The clerk’s staff can answer questions about forms and procedures, but they cannot give legal advice. The Orange County Law Library offers free help with family law forms, and local legal aid groups provide low-cost help for qualifying residents.