Marriage and divorce records are official public records that document important legal events related to marriage and the dissolution of marriage. These records may be used to confirm marital status, support legal proceedings, complete government applications, research family history, or obtain certified documents for personal and financial matters. Depending on the type of record requested and Florida law, some records are available for public inspection, while others may have restricted access or require proof of eligibility before certified copies can be issued.

In Citrus County, marriage records are maintained by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Divorce case records, including final judgments and court filings, are also maintained by the Clerk of Court. However, certified divorce certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. Understanding which office maintains a specific record helps applicants request the correct document and avoid unnecessary delays. This guide explains the different types of marriage and divorce records, how to search for them, what information they contain, how to request certified copies, and the public access rules that apply under Florida law.

How to Search Marriage Records

Individuals can search Citrus County marriage records through several official request methods. The appropriate option depends on whether you need basic record information, a certified copy, or a marriage license. The Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller provides online resources for searching official records, obtaining marriage license information, and requesting certified copies.

For official resources, visit: https://www.citrusclerk.org/243/Marriage-Licenses

Search Marriage Records Online

The Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court provides an online records search system that allows users to locate recorded marriage records using publicly available information. Individuals looking for marriage records through the Citrus County Court system can use this search to find recorded documents, verify filing information, and review publicly available record details before requesting certified copies when needed. Searches can generally be completed using:

• Name of either spouse
• Marriage date
• Recording date
• Document number
• Book and page reference

Providing accurate information improves search results and helps distinguish records involving individuals with similar names.

Request Marriage Records in Person

Individuals who need certified copies or assistance locating a record may visit the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court during normal business hours. Before visiting, it is helpful to have:

• Full names of both spouses
• Approximate marriage date
• Government-issued photo identification
• Payment for applicable copy fees

Bringing complete information helps staff locate the correct record more efficiently.

Request Marriage Records by Mail

Marriage records may also be requested by mail. A written request should generally include:

• Full names of both spouses
• Approximate marriage date
• County where the marriage was recorded
• Return mailing address
• Contact information
• Required payment

Incomplete requests may require additional processing timing.

How to Search Divorce Records

To search divorce case records or request court documents, use the official records search provided by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller: https://www.citrusclerk.org/243/Marriage-Licenses

Search Divorce Records Online

Users may search available court records using:

• Case number
• Party name
• Filing date
• Court division

The online system provides access to publicly available case information. Certain confidential or sealed documents are not available through public searches.

Request Divorce Records in Person

Certified copies of divorce decrees and other court documents may be requested from the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Applicants should provide the names of both parties, the case number (if available), or the approximate date the divorce was finalized to help locate the correct record. Depending on the request, copy fees and identification requirements may apply before certified documents are issued.

Request Divorce Records by Mail

Mail requests should include:

• Names of both parties
• Approximate divorce date
• Case number, if available
• Contact information
• Return mailing address
• Required fees

For certified divorce certificates (not court decrees), requests should be submitted to the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Marriage Record Categories

Although many people use the terms interchangeably, several different marriage-related documents are created during the marriage licensing and recording process. Each document serves a specific legal purpose and contains different information depending on its function. Understanding these differences helps ensure you request the correct record for your personal, legal, or official needs.

Marriage License

A marriage license is issued before a wedding ceremony takes place. It grants legal authorization for two individuals to marry after meeting Florida’s legal requirements. The marriage license generally includes:

• Full legal names of both applicants
• Date the license was issued
• License number
• County of issuance
• Expiration date
• Signature requirements

Once the marriage ceremony is completed and the signed license is returned to the Clerk of Court for recording, it becomes part of the county’s official public records.

Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is the official document confirming that a marriage has been legally performed and recorded. Unlike the marriage license, the certificate serves as proof that the marriage actually occurred.

Marriage certificates are commonly used for:

• Name change requests
• Passport applications
• Social Security updates
• Insurance benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Banking and financial transactions
• Immigration documentation
• Estate administration

Certified copies of marriage certificates may be required whenever an official government agency or financial institution requests legal proof of marriage.

Certified Marriage Records

A certified marriage record is an official copy of a recorded marriage document bearing the certification of the issuing office. Certified copies are commonly required when submitting legal documents or completing official government transactions. Unlike informational copies, certified copies carry legal certification confirming they are true copies of the original record maintained by the Clerk of Court.

Information Needed Before Searching

Preparing basic information before beginning a search can make the process faster and more accurate.

Helpful information includes:

• Full legal names of both spouses
• Approximate marriage date
• Marriage license number (if known)
• Recording date
• County where the marriage was recorded

Providing complete information reduces the likelihood of locating incorrect records and helps the Clerk identify the appropriate document.

How to Request Certified Marriage Records

Certified marriage records are issued by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Certified copies are often required when submitting official documentation to government agencies, courts, employers, insurance companies, or financial institutions. Applicants should review current identification requirements and applicable fees before submitting a request.

Identification Requirements

When requesting certified marriage records, applicants may be asked to provide:

• Government-issued photo identification
• Full names of both spouses
• Marriage date
• Contact information
• Payment of required fees

Supplying complete information helps prevent delays during processing.

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the request method and current office workload. In-person requests may be completed more quickly when records are immediately available. Mail requests generally require additional time for delivery and document processing. If online ordering services are available, applicants may be able to monitor the status of their request throughout processing.

Types of Divorce Records

Several official documents are created throughout a divorce proceeding, from the initial filing to the court’s final judgment. Each document serves a specific legal purpose and contains different information about the case, making it important to request the record that best meets your needs.

Divorce Case File

A divorce case file contains the complete court record for a dissolution of marriage case. As the case progresses, documents are added to the file until the court enters a final judgment. A typical case file may include:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Responses and Answers
• Court Motions
• Financial Affidavits
• Parenting Plans (when applicable)
• Child Support Documents
• Hearing Notices
• Court Orders
• Final Judgment

The contents of a case file vary depending on the circumstances of each divorce.

Divorce Decree

A divorce decree, also known in Florida as the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, is the official court order ending a marriage. The decree is signed by the judge and establishes the legal rights and responsibilities of both parties after the divorce becomes final. Depending on the case, the final judgment may address:

• Division of marital property
• Allocation of debts
• Child custody and parental responsibility
• Parenting time
• Child support
• Spousal support (alimony)
• Restoration of a former name
• Other court-approved agreements

Certified copies of a divorce decree are often required for future legal proceedings, property transfers, retirement benefits, or other official matters.

Divorce Certificate

A divorce certificate differs from a divorce decree. A divorce certificate is a vital record issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. It serves as official proof that a divorce occurred but does not contain the detailed court orders included in a divorce decree. A divorce certificate generally includes:

• Names of both parties
• Date the divorce became final
• County where the divorce was granted
• Certificate number
• Filing information

Many government agencies accept a divorce certificate as proof of divorce when detailed court findings are not required.

Certified Divorce Records

Certified divorce records are official copies issued by the office responsible for maintaining the original record. Depending on the document requested:

• Certified copies of divorce decrees are issued by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
• Certified divorce certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Certified documents are commonly required during court proceedings, property transactions, retirement benefit applications, passport requests, and other legal matters.

Public Access to Divorce Records

Many divorce case records are public records under Florida law. Members of the public may generally review basic case information and many court filings maintained by the Clerk of Court. However, access is not unlimited. Certain documents may be confidential or restricted under Florida law or by court order. Information involving minors, financial account numbers, medical information, or other protected personal data may be removed from public copies or withheld entirely. The availability of a document depends on applicable statutes, court rules, and judicial orders.

Sealed Divorce Records

In some situations, the court may order all or part of a divorce record to be sealed. Sealed records are not available through public record searches and may only be accessed by authorized individuals or pursuant to a court order. Records may be sealed when they contain:

• Information involving minor children
• Confidential financial records
• Sensitive personal information
• Protected legal documents
• Other information specifically protected under Florida law

Individuals seeking access to sealed records must follow the procedures established by the court.

Marriage Records vs. Divorce Records

Although both marriage and divorce records relate to marital status, they are created for different legal purposes and maintained by different government offices. Understanding the differences can help you request the correct document and avoid unnecessary delays.

Choosing the correct document depends on why you need the record. Government agencies may only require proof that a marriage or divorce occurred, while courts and attorneys often require certified court documents containing the complete legal judgment.

Who Can Access Marriage Records?

Florida law generally treats recorded marriage records as public records. Basic marriage record information may be available through official county record search systems maintained by the Clerk of Court. Individuals commonly requesting marriage records include:

• The spouses named on the marriage record
• Family members conducting genealogy research
• Attorneys representing a client
• Government agencies performing official verification
• Members of the public requesting publicly available records

Certified copies are issued by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Applicants may be required to provide identifying information and pay the applicable copy fees before certified copies are released. Although most marriage records are public, access to certain information may be limited if disclosure is restricted by Florida law or a court order.

Who Can Access Divorce Records?

Many divorce court records are public under Florida law; however, access varies depending on the document requested and whether the record contains confidential information. Publicly available records generally include:

• Case number
• Names of the parties
• Filing date
• Court division
• Scheduled hearings
• Final judgment, unless otherwise restricted

Certain documents or portions of a case file may not be available for public inspection if they contain confidential information protected by law.

Access to restricted records may be limited to:

• Either former spouse named in the case
• Attorneys representing a party
• Individuals authorized by a court order
• Government agencies with legal authority
• Other individuals permitted by Florida law

Records involving minor children, financial account numbers, medical information, Social Security numbers, or other confidential information may be redacted or sealed before public release.

Office Contact Information

The Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is responsible for maintaining marriage licenses, marriage records, divorce case records, and certified copies of court documents filed in Citrus County.

Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

Physical Address
110 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450

Telephone
(352) 341-6424

Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Closed on county-recognized holidays)

Official Website
https://www.citrusclerk.org

For certified divorce certificates, contact the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, which maintains statewide vital records for divorces finalized in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about searching, requesting, and obtaining Citrus County marriage and divorce records. The answers below explain common procedures, document types, public access rules, and certified copy requests. Whether you need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or general case information, these frequently asked questions can help you understand the process and locate the appropriate record more efficiently.

How do I search for marriage records in Citrus County?

Marriage records can be searched through the official records system maintained by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Searches are typically performed using the names of both spouses, the approximate marriage date, document number, or other available record information. Providing accurate details helps narrow the search results and makes it easier to locate the correct marriage record.

Are Citrus County marriage records public?

Yes. Most recorded marriage records are considered public records under Florida law and may be viewed through the official county records system. While basic record information is generally available to the public, certified copies must be requested from the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller and may require payment of the applicable fees before they are issued.

How do I search for divorce records?

Divorce records can be searched through the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller using the names of the parties, the case number, filing date, or other available case information. Online searches may provide access to publicly available case details, while certified court documents or complete case files may require a separate request through the Clerk’s Office.

Are all divorce records available to the public?

No. Although many divorce court records are public under Florida law, some documents may be confidential or sealed by the court. Records containing sensitive personal information, financial information, medical records, or information involving minor children may be restricted or partially redacted before they are released for public inspection.

Who issues certified marriage records?

Certified copies of marriage records are issued by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, which is the official custodian of marriage records recorded within the county. Certified copies are commonly requested for legal, financial, and government purposes and are accepted as official proof of marriage.