Search Florida court records through the official state portals, county clerk websites, and the Florida Courts system. Florida keeps public court files for civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases.
You can look up case dockets, view filed documents, and check court dates from home at any time. The state has 67 counties and 20 judicial circuits, each with its own Clerk of Court who manages case files. Free search tools exist for appellate cases through the ACIS portal. Paid options are available for certified copies and full document access through county clerk offices.
Florida Court System Structure
Florida’s court system has two main levels: trial courts and appeals courts. Trial courts hear cases first. They include circuit courts and county courts. Circuit courts handle serious criminal cases, major civil disputes, family law, probate, and juvenile matters. County courts handle small claims, traffic tickets, misdemeanors, and civil cases under $50,000. Florida has 20 judicial circuits covering all 67 counties. Each circuit includes one or more counties grouped together for court administration purposes.
Above the trial courts sit the District Courts of Appeal. Florida has six District Courts of Appeal that hear appeals from trial courts. At the top sits the Florida Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the state. The Supreme Court reviews decisions from the District Courts of Appeal and handles cases involving constitutional issues, death penalty appeals, and disputes between lower courts.
Trial Court Types and Case Categories
Florida trial courts sort cases into specific divisions based on the legal matter. Each division keeps its own set of court records. Knowing which division handled a case helps you pick the right search tool. The main divisions are civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims. Some counties also have specialized courts for drug cases, mental health, and veterans’ issues.
| Court Division | Case Types | Where to Search |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Civil | Lawsuits over $50,000, injunctions, complex disputes | County Clerk Portal |
| County Civil | Small claims, landlord-tenant, contract disputes under $50,000 | County Clerk Portal |
| Criminal | Felonies, misdemeanors, DUIs, violations of probation | County Clerk Portal |
| Family | Divorce, custody, child support, adoption, paternity | County Clerk Portal |
| Probate | Wills, estates, guardianships, mental health | County Clerk Portal |
| Traffic | Moving violations, infractions, traffic citations | County Clerk Portal or MyFloridaCounty |
| Appellate | Appeals from trial courts | ACIS Portal |
Florida Court Record Search by Name
You can search Florida court records by name using several official methods. The most direct path goes through the county clerk’s website where the case was filed. Most county clerks in Florida run online portals that let you search by party name, case number, attorney name, or filing date. The search is free. You see a list of matching cases with basic details like case number, filing date, and case status.
To search by name, type the full legal name of a person involved in the case. The system shows cases where that person appears as a party. Results include criminal cases, civil cases, family cases, and traffic cases filed in that county. Some counties let you narrow the search by case type or date range. This helps you find the right case faster.
For statewide name searches, the Florida Courts website links to each county’s search portal. You must check each county separately. The state does not run a single name search across all 67 counties. The ACIS portal covers appellate courts only, not trial court records.
Florida Court Case Number Search
A Florida court case number search gives the most exact results. Every court case gets a unique case number when filed. The format varies by court type. Circuit civil cases use a year and sequence number, like 2024-CA-001234. County civil cases follow a similar pattern. Criminal cases use “CF” for felonies and “MM” for misdemeanors. Family cases start with “DR” for divorce or “SC” for support cases.
Type the full case number into the county clerk’s search tool to pull up the complete docket. The docket lists every filing in the case, from the initial complaint to the final judgment. You see motions, orders, evidence filings, and court decisions. Most county portals show the docket for free. Viewing attached documents may cost a fee per page.
Florida Appellate Case Records Through ACIS
The Appellate Case Information System (ACIS) is the official portal for Florida appellate court records. It covers the Florida Supreme Court and all six District Courts of Appeal. ACIS replaced the older eDCA system in 2024. It now serves as the single search tool for all appellate court records across Florida.
ACIS lets you search by case number, party name, attorney name, or lower tribunal case number. No registration is needed for basic searches. The system is free for public access to dockets and filed documents. Some documents stay restricted by court rule or statute. Attorneys of record and self-represented litigants in active cases can register for access to sealed or confidential filings in their own cases. If you already set up an ACIS account in one appellate court, you do not need to register again for the other Florida appellate courts.
A user guide sits on the ACIS portal for help with searches. The portal posts new appellate court decisions each week. You can subscribe to email alerts for opinions from the Supreme Court or any District Court of Appeal.
Florida Supreme Court Records
The Florida Supreme Court is the state’s highest court. More than 90 justices have served on it since Florida became a state in 1845. The court posts opinions, oral argument schedules, administrative orders, and standard jury instructions on its website. You can subscribe to get new opinions sent to your email each Thursday morning when regular releases come out.
Search Florida Supreme Court opinions by case number, party name, or keyword. The court’s docket is open to public view. Briefs filed in cases are available for download. Oral argument audio recordings are posted after each session. Live streaming is available for most arguments held in Tallahassee.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 controls public access to judicial branch records. The public has access to all court records except those shielded by specific rules. Some items stay exempt from public access, including trial court memoranda, draft opinions, and complaints against judges until probable cause is found.
Florida Circuit Court Case Records
Florida circuit court case records cover the most serious legal matters in each county. Circuit courts hear felonies, family law, probate, juvenile cases, and civil disputes over $50,000. Each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits serves one or more counties. You access circuit court records through the county clerk’s website where the case was filed.
Common circuit court case types include:
- Felony criminal cases (case numbers starting with “CF”)
- Divorce and family law (case numbers starting with “DR” or “SC”)
- Probate and estates (case numbers starting with “PR”)
- Civil lawsuits over $50,000 (case numbers starting with “CA”)
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency
- Injunctions for protection (domestic violence, repeat violence, sexual violence)
Search circuit court records by name or case number on the county clerk portal. Larger counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Hillsborough run their own search systems. Smaller counties may use the shared CiviTek Florida portal, which provides a uniform search interface across multiple counties.
Florida County Court Records
Florida county court records cover less serious matters handled at the county level. County courts process misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, and civil cases under $50,000. Every county in Florida has a county court division. Records are kept by the same Clerk of the Circuit Court who handles circuit-level cases.
Search county court records through the same county clerk portal used for circuit cases. The portal separates case types so you can narrow your search to county-level matters only. Misdemeanor criminal cases use “MM” case numbers. Traffic cases use “TR” numbers. County civil cases use “CC” numbers. Small claims cases use “SC” numbers in some counties.
County court records include arrest reports, charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and payment records for fines. Traffic records show citation numbers, violation details, fine amounts, and whether the person completed traffic school. Small claims records show the claim amount, hearing dates, and judgment entries.
Florida Civil Case Records
Florida civil case records cover disputes between individuals, businesses, or government entities. These cases do not involve criminal charges. Civil records include lawsuits, contract disputes, property disputes, personal injury claims, and employment matters. Circuit civil courts handle cases over $50,000. County civil courts handle cases at or below $50,000.
Search civil case records by party name, case number, or attorney name. The docket shows every motion, response, order, and judgment. You can view the initial complaint, answer, counterclaims, and discovery filings. Settlement agreements may be on the docket if filed with the court. Final judgments show the outcome, including monetary awards and court costs.
Civil court records stay public after the case ends. Sealed civil records exist in limited situations, such as cases involving trade secrets, minors, or court-ordered protection. To seal a civil record, a party must file a motion and show good cause under Florida law.
Florida Criminal Case Records
Florida criminal case records cover charges brought by the state against individuals. These include felonies, misdemeanors, DUIs, drug offenses, and violations of probation. The clerk’s office keeps the official record. The county sheriff’s office keeps arrest reports separately. You access criminal records through the county clerk portal where the case was filed.
Criminal record searches show charges, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentencing. You see the arresting agency, booking date, and bond information. Disposition codes show whether a case ended in conviction, acquittal, dismissal, or diversion. Expunged or sealed criminal records are not visible to the public. Florida law allows certain offenders to seal or expunge their records after meeting specific requirements.
For a statewide criminal background check, use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) system. FDLE provides certified background checks for employment, licensing, and personal use. The Florida Courts system only shows records from the county where you search.
Florida Family Court Case Records
Florida family court case records cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and domestic violence injunctions. These cases are handled by the circuit court’s family division. Records are kept by the county clerk. Search family court records by party name or case number on the county clerk portal.
Family records include petitions, financial affidavits, parenting plans, support orders, and final judgments. Adoption records are sealed by default. Paternity cases may be sealed if requested by the parties. Domestic violence injunction files may be partially sealed to protect the petitioner’s address and contact information.
The Florida Supreme Court provides free family law forms on the Florida Courts Help website. Self-represented parties use these forms to file divorce, custody, and support cases. The forms include step-by-step instructions for each filing.
Florida Probate Court Records
Florida probate court records cover wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. The probate division of the circuit court handles these matters. Search probate records by deceased person’s name, case number, or attorney name on the county clerk portal.
Probate records show the will, petition for administration, inventory of assets, creditor claims, and final distribution. Guardianship records show the petition, medical reports, and accounting filings. Some probate records are sealed for privacy, especially those involving minors or disabled adults.
Florida Traffic Court Records
Florida traffic court records cover moving violations, non-moving infractions, and traffic citations. Most traffic cases are handled in county court. The clerk’s office processes payments, maintains records, and tracks compliance with court orders. Search traffic records by citation number, driver name, or case number on the county clerk portal.
You can pay traffic tickets online through MyFloridaCounty.com or the county clerk’s payment portal. Traffic school is available for eligible citations. Completing traffic school keeps points off your driving record. Failure to pay or appear results in a suspended license and additional fees.
Florida Small Claims Court Records
Florida small claims court records cover civil disputes where the claim is $8,000 or less. These cases are heard in county court. Common small claims matters include unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, and property damage claims. Search small claims records by party name or case number on the county clerk portal.
Small claims procedures are simplified. Parties represent themselves in most cases. Hearings are short and informal. The judge issues a judgment after hearing both sides. Appeals from small claims court go to circuit court.
E-Filing in Florida Courts
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is the statewide system for filing court documents online. It serves as a single access point for more than 770,000 users across Florida. The portal handles over 30 million documents each year. You can file cases from home at any time since the system runs around the clock.
Batch filing saves time for attorneys and litigants who need to submit many documents at once. The portal has saved filers an estimated $38 million in postage over 14 years of use. Under Florida Statute 119.0714, clerks must keep social security numbers and bank account numbers confidential in court records without anyone having to ask.
Filing through the portal is free, but court fees and payment processing charges still apply. Credit card transaction fees went up to 3.95% as of July 2025. For help, call the support desk at (850) 577-4609 on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. Self-represented litigants make up a large share of portal users. Over 220,000 self-represented filers use the system along with 82,000 attorneys and 1,400 judges.
The E-Filing Authority is an intergovernmental body that oversees the portal. It includes the 67 elected Clerks of the Circuit and County Court plus the Clerk of the Supreme Court for Florida’s appellate courts.
Florida County Clerk Records
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has an elected Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. These clerks carry out nearly 1,000 statutory duties. They safeguard court records, manage official documents, and handle financial tasks for county government. The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers association connects all 67 clerks and provides public services.
You can pay traffic citations, search official records, and check jury duty info through the clerks’ site. The clerks also run the Hope Card Program, which gives free cards to people with final injunctions for protection in Florida. Under Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14, clerks can make many public court document images available for online viewing. The order sets security permissions based on the type of user and the type of case.
Some counties in Florida use the CiviTek Florida portal for online court records search. Larger counties run their own search systems. As of April 2016, new authentication rules require that registered user agreements be notarized before enhanced access to Florida court records is granted.
Florida Court Records Help and Self-Resources
Florida Courts Help is the state’s self-help center for people who need to work through the court system on their own. The site points you to local self-help centers, free legal aid, and family law forms across Florida. All court forms are provided free of charge by the Florida Supreme Court.
Self-help staff can help you find forms and point you to resources, but they cannot give legal advice or tell you how to handle your case. For trouble with forms or if you have a disability that makes a form hard to use, reach the Florida State Courts Self-Help Center at selfhelp@flcourts.org or call (850) 921-0004. A FAQ page on the site covers common questions about Florida court forms and how to use them.
Local self-help centers operate in many counties. They offer free workshops on divorce, custody, eviction, and small claims. Volunteer attorneys staff some centers to answer basic questions. Check the Florida Courts Help site for a list of local centers by county.
Pay for Florida Court Records and Court Fees
MyFloridaCounty.com is the statewide payment portal for court-related fees in Florida. You can pay child support, traffic tickets, or search official records through this site. Payments go straight to the Florida state dispersal unit. You get instant confirmation that your payment was accepted.
You can create an account for faster payments down the road. The site takes credit cards and sends a receipt right away. Many people use this portal so they do not have to wait in line at the courthouse for Florida court records. You can also choose to take traffic school at the same time if you are paying a citation.
Certified copies of court documents cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee in most counties. Plain copies cost $1 per page. Some counties charge more for expedited service or documents over a certain age. Contact the county clerk for exact fees.
Public Access Laws and Florida Court Records
Florida law makes most court records open to the public. Florida Statute Chapter 119, the Public Records Law, states that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection. Court records fall under this law. Anyone can request them.
Exemptions exist for specific record types. These include:
- Records sealed by court order
- Records expunged under Florida law
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency records
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment records
- Trade secrets filed in civil cases
- Personal information like Social Security numbers (redacted automatically)
- Home addresses of judges, law enforcement, and domestic violence victims (in some cases)
To request records not available online, submit a public records request to the county clerk. Most clerks accept requests by mail, email, fax, or in person. The clerk has a set time to respond, usually within a few business days. Fees may apply for copies and research time.
Free Florida Court Records Search Methods
You can search Florida court records for free using official government websites. The free options include:
- ACIS portal for all appellate court records (Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal)
- County clerk websites for trial court records in each of the 67 counties
- Florida Courts Help site for self-help forms and court contact information
- Florida Supreme Court website for opinions, orders, and oral argument audio
- MyFloridaCounty.com for traffic ticket and child support payments and lookups
Free searches show the docket, case type, party names, and hearing dates. Viewing the full text of filed documents may cost a fee. Certified copies always cost money. Third-party record sites charge subscription fees but are not required for public access.
Official Contact Information for Florida Court Records
For questions about Florida court records, contact the state courts system or the county clerk where the case was filed. The main state office handles appellate records and court policy. County clerks handle trial court records.
Florida State Courts System (Main Office): 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1900. Phone: (850) 922-5081. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. The main office does not keep trial court records. Contact the county clerk for those.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal Support: Phone: (850) 577-4609. Email through the portal help page. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. The support desk helps with technical issues, password resets, and filing questions.
Florida State Courts Self-Help Center: Email: selfhelp@flcourts.org. Phone: (850) 921-0004. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. Staff answer questions about court forms, filing procedures, and local self-help resources.
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers: The association website (flclerks.com) links to all 67 county clerks. Each county clerk has its own phone number, address, and office hours. Most county clerk offices open at 8:30 AM and close at 5:00 PM on weekdays.
Common Issues When Searching Florida Court Records
People run into several issues when searching Florida court records. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:
Name search returns no results: Try variations of the name. Search with and without middle names. Check for misspellings. Try searching by date of birth or case number instead. The system may use different name formats.
Documents not showing online: Older case files may not be digitized. Cases filed before 2000 often require an in-person visit to the clerk’s office. Newer cases are usually online, but some document types may be restricted.
Sealed or confidential records: You cannot view sealed records without a court order. Expunged records are destroyed and unavailable. Adoption and juvenile records are confidential by law.
Wrong county: Florida has 67 counties. Make sure you search the county where the case was filed. Court cases stay in the county where they were opened, even if the parties move.
System errors: County clerk portals sometimes go down for maintenance. Try again later or call the clerk’s office. The ACIS portal also has scheduled maintenance windows posted on the home page.
Florida Court Record Authentication and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Florida court records have an official court seal. They prove the record is real and accurate. You need certified copies for immigration, name changes, property sales, and court filings in other states. Plain copies are fine for personal reference.
To get a certified copy, contact the county clerk where the case was filed. You can request by mail, in person, or online through the county portal. Most clerks charge $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests. Processing takes 1 to 5 business days depending on the county.
The Florida Department of State offers apostille services for court records used in foreign countries. An apostille certifies the document for use in countries part of the Hague Convention. Contact the Florida Department of State for apostille requests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Court Records
Below are answers to common questions about searching Florida court records. These cover the most asked topics about access, fees, and procedures.
How Do I Search Florida Court Records for Free?
Search Florida court records for free through official government websites. The ACIS portal covers all appellate courts at no cost. County clerk websites cover trial courts in each of the 67 counties. You see case dockets, party names, filing dates, and hearing dates without paying. Viewing the actual filed documents may cost a fee per page. Certified copies always cost money. Third-party websites charge for the same public records. The free official sources provide the same data without subscription fees.
Can I View Sealed Court Records in Florida?
Sealed court records stay hidden from public view. You cannot view them without a court order. To access sealed records, you must file a motion with the court that sealed them. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. Adoption records, juvenile records, and trade secrets are common examples of sealed records. Expunged records are destroyed and cannot be recovered. Some sealed records become available after a set time period.
What Is the Difference Between Circuit and County Court in Florida?
Circuit courts handle serious cases like felonies, family law, probate, and civil disputes over $50,000. County courts handle less serious cases like misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims, and civil disputes under $50,000. Both courts operate under the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Florida has 20 judicial circuits, each covering one or more counties. Every county has its own county court. The same clerk’s office manages records for both court levels in each county.
How Long Does Florida Keep Court Records?
Florida keeps court records permanently for most case types. Felony criminal cases, civil cases, and family cases stay on file indefinitely. Misdemeanor records are kept for at least 5 years after the case closes. Traffic records are kept for at least 3 years. Juvenile records may be sealed or destroyed when the person turns 24. Older records may be stored in archives rather than online. Contact the county clerk for records not available on the website.
What Information Shows Up in a Florida Court Record Search?
A Florida court record search shows the case number, party names, attorney names, filing dates, case type, and case status. It includes the docket, which lists every motion, order, and judgment. You see hearing dates, trial dates, and sentencing information. Financial information like bond amounts, fines, and restitution may appear. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted automatically under Florida law.
How Do I Find Out If Someone Has a Warrant in Florida?
Active warrants show up in the court record system if a case has been filed. For outstanding warrants where no case has started, contact the local sheriff’s office or police department. Florida does not have a single statewide warrant search portal. Each county posts warrant lists on the sheriff’s website. Some counties post active warrant lists. The FDLE sexual offender registry shows warrants for failure to register. Public records requests can be filed for warrant lists under Florida’s Public Records Law.
Can I Remove My Court Records From Public View in Florida?
Florida allows sealing or expungement of certain criminal records. You must meet eligibility requirements under Florida Statute 943.059. Most people can seal or expunge one qualifying case. You cannot seal convictions for serious crimes like murder or sex offenses. The process requires a certificate of eligibility from FDLE, then a court filing. Sealed records stay hidden but still exist. Expunged records are destroyed. Civil and family cases are harder to seal and require a court order based on specific circumstances.