The Florida State Registrar is responsible for maintaining and issuing various public records, including vital records, court records, and other documents. These records are essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations to access and utilize for various purposes, such as verifying identities, conducting research, and resolving disputes. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the different types of records maintained by the Florida State Registrar, as well as the procedures for accessing and obtaining these records.
Vital Records
Vital records are documents that record significant life events, such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. The Florida State Registrar maintains vital records from 1917 to the present. These records are confidential and can only be accessed by authorized individuals, such as the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, or children. To obtain a vital record, individuals must submit a request to the Florida Department of Health, along with the required fee and identification.
Types of Vital Records:
- Birth certificates: Records of births that occurred in Florida from 1917 to the present.
- Death certificates: Records of deaths that occurred in Florida from 1917 to the present.
- Marriage certificates: Records of marriages that occurred in Florida from 1917 to the present.
- Divorce certificates: Records of divorces that occurred in Florida from 1917 to the present.
Accessing Vital Records
To access vital records, individuals can submit a request to the Florida Department of Health, either in person, by mail, or online. The request must include the required information, such as the person's name, date of birth or death, and the county where the event occurred. The fee for obtaining a vital record varies depending on the type of record and the method of request.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $15 (in person), $20 (by mail), $25 (online) |
| Death certificate | $10 (in person), $15 (by mail), $20 (online) |
| Marriage certificate | $10 (in person), $15 (by mail), $20 (online) |
| Divorce certificate | $10 (in person), $15 (by mail), $20 (online) |
Court Records
Court records are documents that record court proceedings, including case files, transcripts, and judgments. The Florida State Registrar maintains court records from the county courts, circuit courts, and appellate courts. These records are public and can be accessed by anyone, unless they are sealed or exempt from public disclosure.
Types of Court Records:
- Civil court records: Records of civil cases, including lawsuits, divorces, and small claims cases.
- Criminal court records: Records of criminal cases, including arrests, trials, and convictions.
- Family court records: Records of family law cases, including child custody, child support, and adoptions.
- Probate court records: Records of probate cases, including wills, estates, and guardianships.
Accessing Court Records
To access court records, individuals can visit the courthouse where the case was heard, or search online through the Florida Courts website. The website provides access to court records, including case information, court calendars, and judgments. Some court records may be sealed or exempt from public disclosure, and can only be accessed by authorized individuals.
Court records can be searched by case number, party name, or attorney name. The search results will provide information on the case, including the case type, filing date, and disposition.
How do I obtain a copy of a court record?
+To obtain a copy of a court record, you can visit the courthouse where the case was heard and request a copy from the clerk's office. You can also search online through the Florida Courts website and download a copy of the record. The fee for obtaining a copy of a court record varies depending on the type of record and the method of request.
Are all court records public?
+No, not all court records are public. Some court records may be sealed or exempt from public disclosure, and can only be accessed by authorized individuals. These records may include juvenile cases, adoption cases, and cases involving sensitive or confidential information.
Other Public Records
In addition to vital records and court records, the Florida State Registrar maintains other public records, including property records, business records, and professional licenses. These records are public and can be accessed by anyone, unless they are exempt from public disclosure.
Types of Other Public Records:
- Property records: Records of property ownership, including deeds, mortgages, and liens.
- Business records: Records of businesses, including articles of incorporation, annual reports, and business licenses.
- Professional licenses: Records of professional licenses, including medical licenses, law licenses, and engineering licenses.
Accessing Other Public Records
To access other public records, individuals can search online through the Florida Department of State website, or visit the local county clerk's office or business office. The search results will provide information on the record, including the record type, filing date, and status.
Fee Schedule:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Property record | 5 (in person), 10 (by mail), 15 (online)</td></tr> <tr><td>Business record</td><td>10 (in person), 15 (by mail), 20 (online) |
| Professional license | 10 (in person), 15 (by mail), $20 (online) |
