Palm Beach County court records are public files kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. These records show case details from civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic courts across the county.
Anyone can look up Palm Beach County court records online for free through the clerk’s eCaseView system. The county sits in Florida’s 15th Judicial Circuit. About 1.5 million people live in Palm Beach County. The county seat is West Palm Beach. Mike Caruso is the current Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
What Palm Beach County Court Records Include
Court records in Palm Beach County hold written proof of every case filed in the local court system. They show the names of people involved, the charges or claims, court dates, rulings, and final judgments. The clerk’s office stores these records for all case types. The records come in three main forms. First, case summaries list basic facts. Second, court documents include motions, petitions, and orders. Third, transcripts capture spoken words from hearings and trials.
Florida law makes most court records open to the public. Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives citizens the right to see government records. This law covers court records in Palm Beach County. A judge can seal a record, or a specific law can block public view. Sealed records stay out of public search results. Common sealed records involve juvenile cases, mental health hearings, and certain family court matters.
The 15th Judicial Circuit Court System
Palm Beach County sits in the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers only Palm Beach County. The chief judge leads the circuit. Circuit courts hear serious criminal cases, civil disputes over $50,000, family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from county court. County courts handle misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, and civil cases under $50,000.
The 15th Judicial Circuit runs courthouses in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Belle Glade. The main courthouse stands in downtown West Palm Beach. All court records from every courthouse in the county go to the clerk’s office. The clerk keeps them in one central system. This central setup makes searching faster for the public.
Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the official record keeper for Palm Beach County. Mike Caruso holds this position. The clerk files new cases, stores old records, and gives copies to the public. The clerk’s office runs the county budget, handles passport applications, and manages jury services.
The main clerk’s office sits at 205 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The phone number is 561-355-2996. The email for record requests is publicrecords@mypalmbeachclerk.com. The clerk’s website at mypalmbeachclerk.com gives access to all search tools and forms.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller |
| Name | Mike Caruso |
| Phone | 561-355-2996 |
| publicrecords@mypalmbeachclerk.com | |
| Website | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Address | 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Circuit | 15th Judicial Circuit |
How to Search Palm Beach County Court Records Online
The clerk’s office runs a free online search system called eCaseView. This system covers civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases. No account is needed for a basic search. Visitors can search by name, case number, or citation number. The system shows case summaries, party names, hearing dates, and charge details.
eCaseView has two access levels. Guest users can search without signing in. Registered users get extra features. Registered users can search by date of birth, booking number, and arrest date. Registration costs nothing. Attorney accounts give access to court document images for most case types. Document images for mental health, guardianship, probate, and family cases stay restricted. Only registered users and attorneys of record can view those files.
To search court records in Palm Beach County, follow these steps:
- Go to mypalmbeachclerk.com
- Click on “Court Records” or “eCaseView”
- Pick the search type (name, case number, citation)
- Type the search details
- Pick a date range if needed
- Review the results list
- Click on a case to see full details
Some users outside North America need a VPN to reach eCaseView. The system blocks some foreign IP addresses. Users who travel or live abroad can use a VPN service to reach the search system.
Types of Court Records in Palm Beach County
The clerk’s office keeps records for many case types. Each type has its own section in the court system. Knowing the type helps users locate the right records faster.
Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between people or businesses. They include contract disagreements, property fights, personal injury claims, and debt cases. Civil cases in Palm Beach County court handle disputes over $50,000. County court handles civil disputes under $50,000. Records show the claim, the response, motions filed, and final rulings. Most civil court records are public.
Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records cover cases where the state charges someone with a crime. They include felonies, misdemeanors, and DUI charges. Felony cases go through circuit court. Misdemeanor cases go through county court. Records show the charges, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentences. Most criminal records are public. Records involving juveniles stay sealed.
Family Court Records
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. These cases go through the family division of the circuit court. Many family court records have restricted access. Divorce records show basic case details. Adoption records stay sealed by law. Paternity records may be public, but some details get removed.
Probate Court Records
Probate court records cover wills, estates, and guardianship cases. When someone dies with a will, the probate court handles the estate. When someone cannot manage their own affairs, the court appoints a guardian. Records show the will, the inventory of assets, and court orders. Many probate records are public. Mental health records stay sealed.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records cover driving violations. They include speeding tickets, red light camera tickets, and license suspensions. These cases go through county court. Records show the violation, the fine amount, and the outcome. Most traffic records are public. Users can pay traffic fines through the MyFloridaCounty portal.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court records cover disputes involving $8,000 or less. Common cases include unpaid debts, security deposit returns, and property damage. The court keeps things simple and fast. No lawyers are required. Records show the claim, the court date, and the judgment. Small claims records are public.
Searching by Name, Case Number, or Other Methods
Users can search Palm Beach County court records in several ways. The search way depends on what the user knows about the case.
Searching by name works for known parties. Users type the last name and first name. The system shows cases where that person appears as a party, attorney, or witness. Common names may return many results. Adding a date of birth helps narrow the search.
Searching by case number gives the fastest results. Every case filed in Palm Beach County gets a unique case number. The format includes the year, the case type code, and a sequence number. Users with the case number can pull up full details right away.
Searching by citation number works for traffic cases. The citation number prints on the traffic ticket. Users type the number to see the court date and fine amount.
Searching by booking number works for criminal cases. The booking number comes from the Palm Beach County Jail. Registered users can search by booking number, date of birth, and arrest date. Guest users cannot use these search fields.
Official Records vs Court Records
Many users confuse official records with court records. The clerk’s office keeps both, but they serve different purposes. Court records deal with lawsuits and criminal charges. Official records deal with property and personal documents.
Official records include deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, and birth certificates. The clerk’s office records these documents after they get signed. The Official Records search runs on a separate system from eCaseView. Users looking for property records need to use the official records search, not the court records search.
Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, family cases, and traffic cases. The eCaseView system handles these searches. Picking the right system saves time and gives better results.
Filing Court Documents in Palm Beach County
Most new court filings in Palm Beach County go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Florida law requires electronic filing for most case types. The portal runs around the clock and accepts filings for all 67 Florida counties. Filers create an account, pick the court, upload the document, and pay the filing fee.
Filers must remove personal details from court documents before submitting. Florida Statute 119.0714 lists what counts as confidential. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must come out. The clerk’s office redacts these details from public records. Filers who leave confidential data in their documents may face penalties.
People who want to file court documents on their own can use the clerk’s Self-Service Center. The center gives forms and basic instructions. Staff can help with paperwork questions. They cannot give legal advice. The Florida Courts Help website at help.flcourts.gov offers free court forms and guides for self-represented filers.
Electronic certified copies of court records are available from the clerk. These copies carry the clerk’s digital certification. They work for legal and government purposes. Users can order them online through the clerk’s website. The Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14 allows the clerk to post most public court document images online. Sealed records stay out of public view no matter the way someone tries to reach them.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Not every court record is open to the public. Florida law lists many record types that stay sealed. Adoption records stay sealed forever. Mental health commitment records stay sealed. Juvenile criminal records stay sealed. Records that a judge orders sealed stay sealed until a court lifts the order.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 sets the rules for public access to court records. The rule lists what records are public, what records are sealed, and what records are confidential. The rule also tells the clerk how to handle redaction requests.
People who want to seal their own criminal record can file a petition. The court reviews the case and decides whether to grant the request. A sealed record disappears from public search. A confidential record stays out of public view but still exists in the system. The clerk cannot share a confidential record with the public.
Appellate Court Records
Some Palm Beach County cases get appealed. Appeals go to one of Florida’s five District Courts of Appeal. Palm Beach County sits in the Fourth District Court of Appeal. The Appellate Court Information System at acis.flcourts.gov gives free access to appellate records. Users can track appeals, read briefs, and see rulings from all five districts and the Florida Supreme Court.
Appeals are not new trials. The appellate court reviews the lower court’s ruling for legal errors. Most appeal records are public. Some appeal briefs stay sealed when the underlying case is sealed.
Palm Beach County Courthouse Locations
Palm Beach County runs several courthouses across the region. All records from these locations go to the clerk’s central system. Users can visit any location to file documents or ask questions.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Main Courthouse (West Palm Beach) | 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | 561-355-2996 |
| South County Courthouse (Delray Beach) | 200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444 | 561-274-1400 |
| North County Courthouse (Palm Beach Gardens) | 3188 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 | 561-624-6600 |
| West County Courthouse (Belle Glade) | 29716 State Road 80, Belle Glade, FL 33430 | 561-996-4843 |
| South County Civic Center (Boca Raton) | 1500 NW 1st Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561-620-3000 |
Free Court Records Resources
Several free systems help users locate Palm Beach County court records. The clerk’s eCaseView system is the main one. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website at flclerks.com links to all 67 county clerks. This site helps users who need records from another Florida county.
The MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com handles court fee payments. Users can pay traffic fines, criminal court costs, and civil filing fees. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. Receipts print right away.
The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov gives general details about the state court system. Users can learn how courts work, find legal self-help materials, and contact local courts. The site has separate sections for self-represented filers, attorneys, and the public.
Contact Details
Office: Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Phone: 561-355-2996
Email: publicrecords@mypalmbeachclerk.com
Official Website: mypalmbeachclerk.com
Address: 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Common Questions About Palm Beach County Court Records
Here are answers to questions many people ask about Palm Beach County court records. These answers cover searching, filing, and reaching Palm Beach County court records through the clerk’s systems.
How do I look up a court case in Palm Beach County?
The fastest way to look up a court case in Palm Beach County is the eCaseView search system. Go to mypalmbeachclerk.com and click the eCaseView link. Type a name, case number, or citation number. The system shows case summaries at no cost. Registered users can see more details and search by booking number or date of birth. People who prefer in-person searches can visit the main courthouse at 205 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. Staff at the public terminal can help users start a search. The clerk’s office takes record requests by mail or email too. Send a written request with the case details to the clerk’s office. Include payment for copies if needed. The clerk’s office usually responds to record requests within three to five business days. For older records stored off-site, the wait time may extend to seven business days. Users who need records for legal deadlines should plan ahead and submit their requests early.
Are Palm Beach County court records free to view?
Yes, the basic search in eCaseView is free. Users can look up case summaries, party names, and hearing dates at no cost. Court document images carry a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. The clerk charges a fee for each certified copy based on Florida statutory rates. Users can pay fees online, by mail, or at the courthouse. Some third-party websites offer court record searches for a fee. The clerk’s free systems give the same records without the cost. Users who need many records can save money by using the free system instead of paid third-party services. The free eCaseView system pulls data straight from the clerk’s official database. Paid third-party sites often use the same data but add extra fees for searches the clerk offers for free.
How long does the clerk keep court records?
The clerk keeps most court records for many years. Florida law sets minimum retention periods for each record type. The clerk keeps many records longer than the minimum. Felony case files stay in the system for at least 75 years after the final disposition. Misdemeanor case files stay for at least 5 years after closure. Traffic cases stay for at least 3 years. Civil case files stay for at least 5 years after the final judgment. Family case files stay for at least 10 years. Probate case files stay for at least 10 years after the estate closes. Old records move to off-site storage. Users can still request old records through the clerk’s office. The clerk can pull them from storage within a few business days. The clerk’s records retention schedule meets standards set by the Florida Department of State.
Can I see sealed court records in Palm Beach County?
No, sealed court records are not open to the public. Only the people named in the case and their lawyers can see them. Judges can see sealed records. Law enforcement can see sealed records for official business. People who want to see a sealed record must file a motion with the court. The court reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. A judge can unseal a record for a good reason. A lawyer can help with the motion paperwork. People who try to view sealed records without court approval may face legal trouble under Florida law. The law treats unauthorized attempts to view sealed records as a serious matter. People with a legitimate need for sealed records should always go through the proper court channels rather than trying to reach the records through unofficial means.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Palm Beach County?
Pay traffic tickets online through the MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com. Users can pay by mail or at the clerk’s office. The traffic ticket shows the citation number, the fine amount, and the deadline. Users can pay with a credit card, debit card, check, or money order. Paying the ticket means the user accepts the violation and gives up the right to a court hearing. Users who want to fight the ticket can request a court hearing. The hearing request must be filed before the deadline on the ticket. Users who miss the deadline may face late fees, a suspended license, or a bench warrant. Drivers who cannot afford the fine can request a payment plan or traffic school through the court. The clerk’s office can guide users through the payment plan request paperwork.
Can I get court records from other Florida counties?
Yes, every Florida county has its own court records system. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website at flclerks.com lists all 67 county clerks. Each county has its own search system. The search systems work the same way as eCaseView. Users can search by name, case number, or citation. The state Supreme Court and the District Courts of Appeal have their own search systems. The ACIS system at acis.flcourts.gov gives access to appellate records from across the state. Users looking for a case that started in one county and moved to another county will need to check both county systems. Some cases involve multiple counties, so users should verify the county where the case was originally filed. The clerk’s office can help users identify the correct county for a specific case.
What happens if my court record has wrong details?
Users who spot wrong details in their court record can file a motion to correct the record. The motion must go to the court that handled the case. Users can get the correct motion form from the clerk’s office. The motion must show what is wrong and what the correct details are. The court reviews the motion and decides whether to fix the record. Simple errors like name spellings get fixed quickly. Bigger errors may need a court hearing. A lawyer can help with the motion paperwork. Users should fix errors as soon as they spot them. Wrong details in a court record can cause trouble with jobs, loans, housing applications, and professional licenses. The clerk’s office can guide users through the correction paperwork. There is no fee for filing a motion to correct a clerical error in a court record.
Palm Beach County court records stay open and free to search through the clerk’s systems. The eCaseView system gives round-the-clock access from any computer, tablet, or phone. Users with questions can call 561-355-2996, send an email to publicrecords@mypalmbeachclerk.com, or visit the courthouse in West Palm Beach during business hours.