Florida Divorce Certificate Apostille
Florida divorce certificates follow the vital-record path when issued through accepted state channels.
If your destination requests a full decree, use the decree workflow instead of the certificate abstract path.
At a Glance - Florida Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics / accepted dissolution record channels |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Apostilles Section) |
| State Fee | $10 standard; $20 total for Clerk-certified route scenarios |
| Submission | Mail or walk-in |
| Office Address | 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303 |
| Mailing Address | Department of State, Division of Corporations, Apostilles Section, P.O. Box 6800, Tallahassee, FL 32314 |
| Processing Model | Queue-based, no expedited mail |
| Primary Rejection Risk | Using abstract where decree is required |
Divorce Certificate Route vs Decree Route
Use this route when a certified dissolution certificate is acceptable for your destination authority.
Accepted
- Certified Florida dissolution/divorce certificate from accepted source.
- Original certified record with clear official signature/seal.
- Completed request form and correct fee.
- Return shipping setup included.
Not Accepted
- Uncertified docket printouts.
- Scanned or photocopied divorce certificates.
- Out-of-state divorce certificates submitted to Florida.
- Certificate route used where full decree is mandatory.
Requirements Checklist
Must Have
- Certified dissolution certificate (or switch to decree route if required).
- Completed apostille request form.
- Correct payment matching chosen path.
- Return envelope/label.
- Destination-country details clearly stated.
Destination-Country Checks
- Confirm whether destination accepts certificate abstract or needs decree.
- Check record age and translation requirements.
- If using for remarriage abroad, verify local civil office checklist.
- For non-Hague destinations, prepare additional legalization sequence.
Mail Packet Checklist
Use this sequence when preparing your divorce certificate submission packet for Florida.
- Certified Florida divorce/dissolution certificate.
- Completed apostille request form.
- Payment in correct amount.
- Return shipping materials.
- Optional note clarifying purpose (immigration, remarriage, registration).
Step-by-Step Florida Process
- Verify destination accepts certificate route (not decree).
- Obtain certified dissolution certificate from accepted Florida source.
- Complete request form and include payment.
- Assemble packet with return envelope/label.
- Submit to Florida Apostilles Section by mail or walk-in.
- Keep apostille and certificate attached for submission abroad.
Fees and Processing Details
| Service Item | Florida Guidance |
|---|---|
| Standard apostille fee | $10 per document |
| Clerk-certified route scenario | $20 total path |
| Record issuance fee | Separate fee from issuing office |
| Expedited mail | Not offered |
| Payment method | Check or money order |
Top Rejection Scenarios and Fixes
| Issue | Why It Fails | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong record type chosen | Some destinations require decree, not certificate abstract | Confirm destination requirement and switch path if needed. |
| Photocopy submitted | Florida requires certified original records | Use original certified document. |
| Incomplete form/payment mismatch | Packet cannot be processed to completion | Resubmit with corrected request form and fee. |
If Destination Country Is Not in Hague Apostille Convention
A Florida apostille is designed for Hague Convention destinations. For non-Hague destinations, your document may require additional authentication/legalization after state-level processing.
- Confirm final legalization chain with the destination country consulate/embassy first.
- Keep the full document set intact; never detach certificates after issuance.
- Plan timing early because non-Hague flows can be significantly longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a divorce certificate the same as a decree?▼
No. Decree is the court order; certificate is usually a record abstract.
Can I apostille either one?▼
Yes, if each is submitted through its correct certified document path.
When should I use this page?▼
Use this guide when destination accepts certified divorce certificate rather than decree.
Can I submit online only?▼
Florida apostille process is based on physical document submission.
Does Florida offer expedited mail apostille?▼
No. Florida indicates no expedited mail processing for apostilles.
Can another person submit for me?▼
Yes, third-party submission is allowed.
The key quality step is path selection: decree vs certificate. Using the wrong one can invalidate an otherwise perfect apostille packet.
When in doubt, obtain both certified records and choose based on destination instructions; this avoids late-stage rejection risk.
Verification Log
Official Sources Used For This Page
Below are the official government and convention sources used to prepare and verify this page.