West Palm Beach City Court Records are managed by the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller office. This office runs both circuit court and county court operations from the main courthouse at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
The clerk stores every type of case filing for the entire county, including civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate matters.
Anyone can look up these records. Florida law makes court files public. A person can search by name, case number, or filing date. Most searches are free. Some documents need a small fee. This page explains how the system works, where to look, and what each type of record contains.
What West Palm Beach City Court Records Include
West Palm Beach City Court Records cover all court cases filed in Palm Beach County. The county is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit. Circuit court handles felonies, major civil cases, family law, and probate. County court handles misdemeanors, small claims, traffic, and other lower-level civil cases. Both types show up in the same online search tool.
The clerk’s office keeps dockets, party names, filing dates, hearing schedules, and document images. Some records stay sealed by court order. Juvenile cases and certain family law files are not public. Arrest records and booking photos come from the sheriff’s office, not the clerk.
Types of Court Records Available
- Civil cases: Contract disputes, personal injury, foreclosure, small claims
- Criminal cases: Felonies at circuit level, misdemeanors at county level
- Family cases: Divorce, custody, paternity, domestic violence
- Traffic cases: Tickets, DUI, driving offenses
- Probate cases: Wills, estates, guardianships
How to Search West Palm Beach City Court Records Online
The eCaseView portal is the main tool for looking up West Palm Beach City Court Records. It runs on the clerk’s website. A user can search by name, case number, citation number, or date range. No account is required for a basic search. The system shows case status, party names, docket entries, and filing dates.
Search results load fast. The system covers cases filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit. If a search shows too many results, a narrower date range or a middle name helps cut the list down. Some older cases from the early 1990s and before may not appear online. Those require an in-person visit or a special records request.
Search Tips for Better Results
- Start with the last name only
- Add a first name to narrow results
- Use a date range if known
- Check spelling carefully
- Try variations of the name if no results show
Official Records vs Court Records in West Palm Beach
The clerk’s office runs two separate search systems. The eCaseView portal handles court cases. The Official Records Search handles property records, deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments. Both are public, but they serve different purposes.
A person looking for a property deed or a recorded lien uses the Official Records Search. A person looking for a lawsuit or criminal case uses eCaseView. The Official Records search goes back many years. It accepts searches by name, instrument number, or book and page.
| Record Type | Search System | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Court Cases | eCaseView | Civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate |
| Property Records | Official Records Search | Deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments |
| Court Activity Reports | Clerk Cart Reports | Monthly and yearly filing data |
Criminal Court Records in West Palm Beach
Criminal cases in West Palm Beach follow Florida’s two-tier system. Felonies go through circuit court. Misdemeanors stay in county court. The Palm Beach County Clerk stores the records for both. A person can look up charges, case status, and hearing dates through eCaseView.
Arrest records and booking information come from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. A full statewide criminal history check goes through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Court records and arrest records are two separate systems with different search tools.
Criminal court files stay open to the public unless a judge orders them sealed. Under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, anyone can view most criminal case files. Juvenile records are not part of the standard public search. Sealed cases will not show up in any online results.
Criminal Record Lookup Process
- Step 1: Visit the eCaseView portal on the clerk’s website
- Step 2: Enter the full legal name of the person
- Step 3: Add a date of birth if too many results appear
- Step 4: Click on the case number for full details
- Step 5: View docket entries, charges, and hearing dates
Civil Court Records in West Palm Beach
Civil court records cover disputes between people or businesses. This includes contract problems, personal injury claims, foreclosure actions, and small claims. Circuit court handles cases where the amount in dispute is more than $50,000. County court handles small claims up to $8,000. Both types appear in the same eCaseView search.
Civil case files contain the complaint, answer, motions, and orders. Many of these documents are available as image files online. A user can view and download them for free. Certified copies cost $1 per page through the clerk’s office.
Small Claims Court in West Palm Beach
Small claims court handles cases up to $8,000. These cases move faster than regular civil cases. The filing fee is lower. Lawyers are not required. A person can file a small claims case without an attorney. Forms are available at the clerk’s office and online through the Florida Courts Help center.
Small claims cases show up in the same eCaseView search. A user can check hearing dates, judgment entries, and payment records. The Self-Help Center at the courthouse can help with filling out forms.
Family Court Records in West Palm Beach
Family court covers divorce, child custody, paternity, child support, and domestic violence cases. Some family records are confidential by law. Dependency cases and child abuse cases have tight access rules. The clerk follows state law on what stays public and what gets shielded.
Divorce records, custody orders, and support orders are public. Financial documents filed in family cases may be sealed. Adoption records are always sealed. Domestic violence injunction files may have portions redacted for safety reasons.
Family Court Access Rules
- Divorce decrees: public
- Custody orders: public
- Financial affidavits: may be sealed
- Adoption records: sealed
- Dependency cases: restricted access
- Domestic violence injunctions: partial access
Probate Court Records in West Palm Beach
Probate court handles wills, estates, and guardianships. These cases deal with what happens after someone dies or when an adult cannot make their own decisions. Probate files include the will, inventory of assets, and final distribution orders.
Most probate records are public. Some mental health records linked to guardianship cases may be sealed. A user can search probate cases by the deceased person’s name or by the case number assigned by the clerk.
Traffic Court Records in West Palm Beach
Traffic cases in West Palm Beach include speeding tickets, reckless driving, DUI, and license offenses. These cases go through county court. A person can look up their ticket by citation number. The system shows the court date, fine amount, and case status.
Paying a traffic fine is possible through MyFloridaCounty.com. A person can also contest a ticket by appearing in court. The clerk’s office handles payments, but only a judge can reduce or dismiss a fine.
How to Get Certified Copies of West Palm Beach City Court Records
Certified copies of court records cost $1 per page. A person can order them online through the clerk’s website, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Certified copies have an official stamp and signature from the clerk. Courts, government agencies, and most employers require certified copies for legal use.
Regular printouts from the eCaseView system are not certified. They work for personal reference but cannot be used as legal documents. A person needing a certified copy must request it through official channels.
Ways to Request Certified Copies
- Online: Order through the clerk’s certified copy request page
- By mail: Send a written request with case details and a check
- In person: Visit the clerk’s office at 205 North Dixie Highway
- By phone: Call 561-355-2996 for assistance
E-Filing Court Documents in West Palm Beach
E-filing is required for most case types in Florida. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal allows lawyers and self-represented people to file documents online. The portal runs 24 hours a day. Filing fees apply, and credit card processing adds about 3.95% per transaction.
Self-represented people can create an account and file documents the same way lawyers do. The portal sends a notification when the clerk accepts or rejects the filing. Most filings are accepted within a few hours during business days.
Self-Help Center for West Palm Beach Court Records
The Self-Help Center at the West Palm Beach courthouse helps people who file cases on their own. Staff answer questions about family law and county civil procedures. They do not give legal advice, but they help with forms and procedures.
The Self-Help Center phone number is 561-355-7048. It sits on the first floor of the main courthouse. Free Navigator appointments are available at the West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Delray Beach locations. Navigators help people complete court documents and answer questions about filing steps.
Palm Beach County Courthouse Locations
Palm Beach County has several courthouse locations. Each handles different case types. The main courthouse in West Palm Beach handles most circuit and county court business. Satellite locations serve other parts of the county.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Main Courthouse (Hurley) | 205 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | 561-355-2996 |
| West County Courthouse | 2950 State Road 15, Belle Glade, FL 33430 | Available on site |
| South County Courthouse | 200 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444 | Available on site |
| North County Courthouse | 3188 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 | Available on site |
Fourth District Court of Appeal
The Fourth District Court of Appeal handles appeals from Palm Beach County. The courthouse sits at 110 South Tamarind Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. A person traveling by car takes I-95 to Exit 70, Okeechobee Boulevard, then heads east and turns left on South Tamarind Avenue.
Appeals go through the Fourth District when a party loses at the circuit court level and asks a higher court to review the decision. Appeal records are public and can be searched through the court’s website.
Privacy Rules for West Palm Beach City Court Records
Florida law protects certain personal details in court records. Under Florida Statute 119.0714, the clerk removes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive data from public view. This happens automatically. A person does not need to file a request for this protection.
Sealed cases do not appear in search results at all. A judge must order a case sealed. Common reasons include protecting minors, preventing identity theft, or keeping trade secrets private. Expunged records are deleted and cannot be viewed by the public.
Requesting Older Court Records in West Palm Beach
Records from the early 1990s and before may not show up in the online system. A person can request older records through the clerk’s records department. Some files are stored off-site and require time to retrieve. A small fee may apply for searching and copying old files.
The clerk’s office can search by name, case number, or party type. A written request with as much detail as possible speeds up the process. Turnaround time depends on the age of the record and the storage location.
Court Calendar and Hearing Schedules
Court calendars show when cases are scheduled for hearing. The 15th Circuit posts trial dockets online. Each division maintains its own schedule. A person can check the docket for a specific judge or division to find hearing dates.
Remote hearings are available for many case types. The court uses Zoom for virtual appearances. A person receives a link by email before the hearing date. Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing can result in a default judgment or a bench warrant.
Paying Court Fines and Fees in West Palm Beach
Court fines, fees, and costs can be paid online through MyFloridaCounty.com. A person can also pay in person at the clerk’s office or by mail. Online payments process immediately and provide a receipt. Credit card fees apply for online and phone payments.
Payment plans are available for people who cannot pay the full amount at once. A person must request a payment plan through the clerk’s office. Missing a payment can result in additional fees or a driver’s license suspension for traffic cases.
Jury Duty and West Palm Beach City Court Records
Jury duty summons come from the clerk’s office. A person can check their jury status online or by phone. The portal shows service dates, reporting times, and courthouse locations. Failure to respond to a jury summons can result in a contempt of court charge.
Jury selection happens at the main courthouse in West Palm Beach. Some jury service is now available by video for certain case types. The clerk’s website has full details on jury duty rules and exemptions.
Contact Information for West Palm Beach City Court Records
People who need help with West Palm Beach City Court Records can contact the clerk’s office directly. The main office handles all record requests, certified copies, and general questions. Phone lines are open during business hours on weekdays.
Address: 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Main Phone: 561-355-2996
Self-Help Center: 561-355-7048
Website: mypalmbeachclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Courts System Overview
Florida has a three-tier court system. The Florida Supreme Court sits at the top. The District Courts of Appeal sit in the middle. The Circuit and County Courts sit at the bottom. Palm Beach County is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit, which covers only Palm Beach County.
The Florida Courts website provides general information about court structure and public access rules across the state, including Palm Beach County. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website connects all 67 county clerks in one place and provides links to each clerk’s online tools.
Florida Court Clerks Resources
- Florida Courts official site: flcourts.gov
- Florida Court Clerks site: flclerks.com
- Florida Courts Help: help.flcourts.gov
- Florida Courts E-Filing: myflcourtaccess.com
- MyFloridaCounty payments: myfloridacounty.com
Common Issues with West Palm Beach City Court Records Searches
Sometimes a search returns no results. Common reasons include misspellings, sealed records, or cases filed under a different name. A person should try variations of the name and check for middle names or initials. Married names may differ from birth names.
Old cases from before 1990 may require a special records request. Juvenile cases do not appear in public searches. Federal cases are not in the county system. A person looking for federal court records must search the federal court database instead.
Legal Help and Attorney Resources
A person who needs legal help with a court case can contact the Palm Beach County Bar Association. The lawyer referral service connects people with attorneys who practice in specific areas. Some attorneys offer free consultations. Legal aid organizations help low-income residents with family law, housing, and consumer issues.
The Self-Help Center at the courthouse provides free forms and procedural help. Staff can explain how to file documents and what forms to use. They cannot give legal advice or represent a person in court.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Palm Beach City Court Records
People often have questions about court records in West Palm Beach. The following answers cover the most common questions. These answers reflect the rules and procedures in effect in 2026 based on current Florida law and clerk office practices.
How much does it cost to search West Palm Beach City Court Records?
Basic searches through the eCaseView portal are free. A person can search by name, case number, or date range without paying anything. Viewing case details and docket entries is also free. Certified copies cost $1 per page. Printed copies from the public terminal at the courthouse cost a small fee per page. Online payment processing adds a percentage fee for credit card transactions.
Can I view sealed records in West Palm Beach?
No, sealed records are not visible to the public through any search tool. A judge must order a case sealed for it to disappear from public view. Once a case is sealed, only the parties named in the case, their attorneys, and certain government agencies can access the file. Expunged records are destroyed and cannot be viewed by anyone, including the person who was the subject of the case.
How do I find out if someone has a warrant in West Palm Beach?
Active warrants show up in the eCaseView search. A person can search by name and check the case status. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office also maintains a warrant list. Warrants for failure to appear, failure to pay fines, or new criminal charges all appear in court records. A person with an active warrant should contact an attorney or turn themselves in at the sheriff’s office.
Are divorce records public in West Palm Beach?
Yes, divorce records are public. The final judgment of divorce, the petition, and most related filings can be viewed through eCaseView. Financial affidavits, child custody evaluations, and certain sensitive documents may be sealed by the court. A person can request a certified copy of the divorce decree through the clerk’s office for $1 per page plus any applicable search fees.
Can I remove my record from public view in West Palm Beach?
A person can request to seal or expunge certain criminal records under Florida law. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and the person’s criminal history. The process requires a petition to the court and a hearing before a judge. Not all cases qualify for sealing or expungement. A person should consult an attorney for help with this process.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a court record?
Online certified copy requests are usually processed within a few business days. In-person requests at the clerk’s office are often filled the same day. Mail requests take longer, usually one to two weeks. The processing time depends on the age of the record and the workload at the clerk’s office. Older records stored off-site may take additional time to retrieve.
What information do I need to search for a court record?
A person needs at least a last name to start a search. A first name and date of birth help narrow results. A case number provides the most accurate search. Other helpful details include the approximate year of the case, the type of case, and the court division. The more details a person has, the faster and more accurate the search will be.