Lee County Public Records /Lee County Divorce Records

Lee County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Lee County in 2026

LeeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to divorce records in Lee County, Florida. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final judgments, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final 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 any court-ordered restrictions.

Records may be searched through the Lee County Clerk of Courts, the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, the Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized third-party research tools.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Lee 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 certified copies or document downloads.

Access the Lee County Clerk of Courts online case search to locate family law case records.
Search by petitioner or respondent name, case number, or filing date range.
Free basic information includes case number, filing date, docket entries, and case status.
Document images may require a fee to view or download.

2. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides access to electronically filed court documents across Florida jurisdictions, including Lee County family law cases filed after the statewide e-filing mandate took effect.

Search across multiple Florida counties from a single interface.
Useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
Some documents may be restricted from public view per court order.

3. Florida Department of Health – Vital Statistics

Florida does not issue a separate "divorce certificate" in the same manner as a birth or death certificate; however, the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains a Dissolution of Marriage Index for divorces granted in Florida.

Provides a verification letter confirming a divorce occurred, not a full court record.
Current fee: $5.00 per search (additional copies $4.00 each).
Processing time: approximately 3–5 business days for online requests.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court – Family Law Division

Lee County Justice Center – Clerk of Courts 1700 Monroe Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 Phone: (239) 533-5000 Lee County Clerk of Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Services available in person:
- Search case files by name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final judgments and decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older records

Records Department – Archived Cases

Older dissolution of marriage records that predate electronic filing may be stored in the Clerk's records management facility. Members of the public seeking archived paper files should contact the Clerk's office directly to arrange retrieval, as additional processing time may be required.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to:

Lee County Clerk of Courts – Records Department P.O. Box 2469 Fort Myers, FL 33902 Phone: (239) 533-5000 Lee County Clerk of Courts

Include the following with each written request:

Full legal names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
Approximate date of divorce or filing date range
Case number (if known)
Requester's full name, mailing address, and contact information
Specific documents requested (e.g., final judgment, complete case file)
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Lee County Clerk of Courts)
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents

Processing time for mail requests is typically 1–2 weeks, though archived records may require additional time.

By Phone

The Clerk of Courts may be reached at (239) 533-5000 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm:

Whether a case exists in the system
The assigned case number
Current case status
Filing date

Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any information classified as confidential by court order over the telephone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Florida may access dissolution of marriage records on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be subject to restricted access. Parties seeking legal representation may use the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service to locate a family law attorney. Attorney access is particularly useful in cases involving sealed records, post-judgment modifications, or enforcement proceedings.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Lee County
Names of minor children (if part of the case)
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Florida Statutes § 61.021, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public should search the county of residence at the time of filing, not the county where the marriage ceremony occurred. If the county of filing is uncertain, the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal allows cross-county searches.

Residency Requirement:

Florida requires that at least one spouse be a resident of the state for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition, as established under Florida Statutes § 61.021. The petition is filed in the county where that spouse resides.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
Allow several business days to two weeks for the final judgment to be processed and indexed.
Electronic filings are typically available more quickly than paper-filed cases.

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing (generally prior to 2013 in Lee County) may exist only in paper format.
Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Some older records may not be digitized and must be reviewed in person.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different Florida county.
Name variations exist between maiden name, married name, and legal name at filing.
Spelling differences in party names affect search results.
The case is still pending and has not been finalized.
The record is sealed or subject to a confidentiality order.
Very old records are stored off-site and require special retrieval.

Next Steps:

Contact the Clerk's office at (239) 533-5000 for assistance.
Attempt alternate name spellings and both spouses' names.
Search the Florida Department of Health Dissolution of Marriage Index.
Consult the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for statewide results.
Retain a licensed Florida attorney for complex searches or sealed record requests.

What Are Lee County Divorce Records?

Lee County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which serves Lee County. These records are maintained by the Lee County Clerk of Courts as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to Florida's public records law.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

A complete dissolution of marriage case file in Lee County contains the following categories of documents:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage – the initiating pleading filed by the petitioner
Summons and proof of service – documentation that the respondent was properly notified
Response or Answer – the respondent's formal reply, including any counterpetition
Financial Affidavits – mandatory disclosure of both parties' income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Parenting Plan – if minor children are involved, the court-approved custody and timesharing arrangement
Marital Settlement Agreement – a comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
Motions and Orders – interim court orders on temporary custody, support, and property use
Hearing transcripts – official records of court proceedings
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage – the court's binding order ending the marriage

Final Decree

The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the primary document most individuals seek when requesting divorce records. It establishes:

The legal date of dissolution
Division of marital assets and debts
Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
Child support obligations, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Lee County Clerk of Courts and serve as legal proof of divorce for purposes such as remarriage, name changes, estate planning, and immigration proceedings.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents within the case file may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, property appraisals, business valuations, retirement account statements, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement benefits, and post-judgment modification orders reflecting changes to custody or support arrangements after the original decree.

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

Clerk of Court

The Lee County Clerk of Courts is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage records filed in Lee County. The Clerk indexes records by the names of both parties, assigns case numbers, and provides certified copies upon request.

State Vital Records Office

The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains a statewide Dissolution of Marriage Index but does not retain the full court file. The index provides verification that a divorce occurred in Florida and is useful when the county of filing is unknown.

Legal Framework:

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Florida are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 61, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a divorce in the state. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole required ground for dissolution. Public access to court records is governed by Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420, which together establish the presumption of public access and the procedures for restricting access to specific categories of information.

Are Lee County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Lee County are public court records under Florida law, and members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within dissolution of marriage files are subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing pursuant to court rules and state statutes.

What Is Public:

The following information is available to any member of the public:

Case number and filing date
Names of the petitioner and respondent
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and outcomes
Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Property division orders
General case status (pending, closed, appealed)
Marital Settlement Agreements incorporated into the final judgment

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information

Pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420, certain financial identifiers are subject to mandatory redaction from publicly accessible court records:

Social Security numbers (redacted to last four digits)
Bank account numbers
Credit card numbers
Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)

Children's Information

Florida courts apply heightened protections to information concerning minor children in family law proceedings:

Residential addresses of minor children
Names of schools children attend
Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
Child custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)

Sensitive Personal Information

Domestic violence allegations, evidence, and related protective orders
Mental health records and evaluations
Substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses and contact information of domestic violence victims
Mediation communications (confidential by statute under Florida Statutes § 44.405)

Sealed Records

A court may seal an entire case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public and require a court order to unseal. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.

Who Can Access Records:

General public: Access to all non-restricted, non-sealed documents; may be required to present identification at the courthouse; copy fees apply.
Parties to the case: Full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
Attorneys of record: Access to the complete case file; may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a showing of legitimate need.
Researchers and media: Access to public portions of the record; First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting; court permission required for sealed records.

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use the information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any activity that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, academic research, and personal verification of marital status.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties. Certain entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protective services investigators, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled to access restricted records by statute without filing a separate motion.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lee County?

The Lee County Clerk of Courts charges fees for copies and certified copies of dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Florida law. Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge at public access terminals located in the courthouse.

Current Fee Schedule:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy (per document)	$2.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page
Exemplified/authenticated copy	$2.00 + $1.00 per page + additional authentication fee
Electronic copy (where available)	Varies; check portal
Search fee (Clerk-conducted name search)	$2.00 per name per year searched
Florida Vital Statistics divorce verification	$5.00 per search; $4.00 per additional copy

These fees are established pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24, which governs the service charges that clerks of court may collect for copies, certifications, and related services.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order payable to "Lee County Clerk of Courts" (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (in-person and online portal, where available)

Fee Waivers:

Indigent parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to waived or reduced fees for copies of their own case records. A motion for determination of indigency must be filed with the court, and approval is at the court's discretion.

What Is Available at No Charge:

In-person inspection of public court records at courthouse terminals
Online case docket review through the Clerk's case search portal (basic case information only)
Confirmation of case existence and status by phone

What's Included in Divorce Records in Lee County

A dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Lee County Clerk of Courts is a comprehensive collection of documents reflecting every stage of the legal proceeding. The contents vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate.

Basic Case Information

Every case file includes a case caption identifying the case number, the court division, the names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and the attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date the petition was filed, the filing fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the court's authority.

Initial Pleadings

The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Florida's no-fault standard), information about minor children if applicable, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The Response or Answer reflects the respondent's position, including any admissions, denials, or counterpetition for dissolution.

Financial Affidavits are mandatory in all Florida dissolution cases and contain detailed disclosure of both parties' monthly income from all sources, monthly expenses, all assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and personal property), and all liabilities including mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card debt, and other obligations.

Property-Related Documents

The case file contains a marital asset inventory, debt inventory, and any appraisals or expert valuations obtained during the proceedings. Real property appraisals, business valuations, and retirement account statements are filed as exhibits and form the evidentiary basis for the court's equitable distribution determination.

Children-Related Documents

When minor children are involved, the case file includes a Parenting Plan approved by the court, which specifies legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody and primary residence, the regular timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation schedules, transportation arrangements, and provisions for communication between the parents and with the children. A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet reflects the calculation of child support based on both parties' incomes, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

If the court ordered a custody evaluation, the evaluator's report and recommendations are part of the file, though access may be restricted. Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed to represent the children's interests, are similarly included but subject to restricted access.

Settlement Documents

The Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is a comprehensive written contract executed by both parties that resolves all issues in the dissolution, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. When incorporated into the Final Judgment, the MSA becomes a court order enforceable through contempt proceedings. Mediation agreements, if the parties participated in court-ordered mediation, may be incorporated into the MSA; however, the communications that occurred during mediation sessions are confidential under Florida law.

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case address interim custody, temporary support, exclusive use of the marital home, and any injunctions or restraining orders. The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, the equitable distribution of all marital assets and debts, spousal support provisions, child custody and timesharing orders, child support orders, and any name restoration granted by the court.

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a separate court order, when applicable, that instructs a retirement plan administrator to divide retirement benefits between the parties in accordance with the terms of the final judgment.

Post-Judgment Documents

The case file is supplemented over time by post-judgment filings, including petitions to modify custody or support, motions for contempt based on non-compliance with court orders, income deduction orders for child support enforcement, and any appellate proceedings. These documents reflect the ongoing legal history of the case after the original dissolution was granted.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed

The following categories of information are subject to redaction or restricted access within the case file:

Social Security numbers (redacted to last four digits)
Bank account and financial account numbers
Residential addresses and school information for minor children
Domestic violence allegations and related evidence (may be sealed)
Mental health evaluations and records
Substance abuse treatment records
Trade secrets contained in business valuations
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lee County

Proof of divorce in Lee County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Lee County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the Clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for purposes such as remarriage, name change applications, Social Security benefit claims, immigration proceedings, and estate administration.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Online: Access the Lee County Clerk of Courts case search portal, locate the case, and follow the instructions for ordering certified copies through the online system. Payment by credit or debit card is accepted online.
In Person: Visit the Lee County Justice Center at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Present the case number or the names of both parties to the clerk, request a certified copy of the Final Judgment, and pay the applicable fee ($2.00 certification fee plus $1.00 per page).
By Mail: Submit a written request to the Lee County Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 2469, Fort Myers, FL 33902. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, a check or money order for the applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow 1–2 weeks for processing.
Florida Vital Statistics Verification: For a verification letter confirming that a divorce occurred in Florida (not a full court record), submit a request to the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. The current fee is $5.00 per search. This option is useful when the county of filing is unknown or when only verification of marital status is needed rather than the full decree.

Lee County Justice Center – Clerk of Courts 1700 Monroe Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 Phone: (239) 533-5000 Lee County Clerk of Courts

Florida Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Statistics P.O. Box 210 Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 Phone: (904) 359-6900 Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lee County?

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Lee County are presumptively public under Florida law; however, specific records or entire case files may be made confidential under defined circumstances.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:

Domestic violence cases: When a party is a victim of domestic violence, the court may restrict public access to residential addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim and minor children.
Sealed case files: A party may file a motion to seal the case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open proceedings against the privacy interests at stake.
Children's information: Pursuant to Florida court rules, certain information identifying minor children, including their addresses, schools, and medical records, is subject to restricted access in all family law cases.
Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse are protected under both state and federal law and are not accessible to the general public.
Mediation communications: Under Florida Statutes § 44.405, all mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
Confidential settlements: Settlement terms that the parties agree to keep confidential and that are not incorporated into the final judgment are not filed with the court and therefore do not become part of the public record.

Members of the public who believe a record has been improperly restricted may file a motion with the court challenging the confidentiality designation.

How Long Does Lee County Keep Divorce Records?

The Lee 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 and applicable Florida law.

Retention Periods:

Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage: Retained permanently. Final judgments are considered permanent court records and are never destroyed.
Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with many records retained permanently due to the nature of the proceedings.
Financial affidavits and supporting financial documents: Retained for the duration of the case file retention period; some financial exhibits may be returned to the parties or destroyed after a specified period.
Post-judgment modification files: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period following the final disposition of the modification proceeding.
Archived paper records: Older paper case files that predate electronic filing are retained in the Clerk's records management facility and may be retrieved upon request, though additional processing time may be required.

Florida's court records retention schedules are established pursuant to the authority of the Florida Supreme Court and the Florida Department of State. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Lee County Clerk of Courts directly at (239) 533-5000 to confirm availability and arrange retrieval of archived materials.

The Florida Department of State Division of Library and Information Services publishes the general records schedules applicable to court records, which govern minimum retention periods for all categories of court documents maintained by Florida clerks of court.