Glades County court records are public documents filed and stored by the Clerk of Court in Moore Haven, Florida. Joe Flint serves as the current Clerk of Court and oversees all court record operations for the county.
Glades County sits in south-central Florida as part of the 20th Judicial Circuit. The county has fewer than 14,000 residents, making it one of the smallest counties in the state. Court records cover civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, small claims, and appellate cases. Most records are open to the public under Florida law. You can search these records online, visit the courthouse, or submit a written request by mail.
Glades County Clerk of Court Office
The Glades County Clerk of Court acts as the official record keeper for all judicial matters in the county. Joe Flint holds the position of Clerk and manages daily operations. The office is located inside the Glades County Courthouse at 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, Florida 33471. You can reach the clerk’s office by phone at (863) 946-6010. The office handles new case filings, maintains existing case files, issues certified copies, and processes public record requests. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The clerk’s office closes on weekends and official state holidays.
Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives the public the right to view most government records. Court records fall under this same public records law. The clerk must redact sensitive personal data before releasing any document. Social security numbers, bank account details, credit card numbers, and dates of birth get removed. Minor children’s names also get redacted in many family court cases. Anyone can request these records without showing identification or stating a reason.
| Office Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Glades County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Joe Flint |
| Address | 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Phone | (863) 946-6010 |
| Website | gladesclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET |
| Judicial Circuit | 20th Circuit |
| County Seat | Moore Haven |
20th Judicial Circuit Court System
Glades County operates under the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also covers Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee counties. The main circuit courthouse sits in Fort Myers, but Glades County handles its own filings locally. Circuit court judges hear felony criminal cases, civil cases where damages exceed $50,000, family law matters, probate cases, and juvenile cases. County court judges handle misdemeanor crimes, civil cases under $50,000, small claims disputes, and traffic infractions. Both court levels send their records to the Glades County Clerk’s office for storage and public access.
The 20th Circuit processes thousands of cases each year. Lee and Collier counties generate most of the case volume. Glades County contributes a much smaller share due to its rural nature and small population. Anyone searching for case records should confirm the correct county. A case filed in Hendry County will not appear in Glades County searches and vice versa.
Glades County Court Case Search Methods
You have three main ways to search Glades County court records. The fastest method is the online portal run by CiviTek. You can also visit the courthouse in person during business hours. Mail requests work for people who cannot travel to Moore Haven. Each method has different costs and turnaround times.
Online Court Record Search
The CiviTek online portal serves as the digital gateway to Glades County court records. The system covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases filed in the county. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The basic search is free to use. You do not need an account to view case summaries. The portal shows filing dates, case types, party names, and current status. You can also view some documents directly on the screen. Other documents require a download or in-person pickup.
To run a search, visit the CiviTek website and select Glades County from the county dropdown. Enter the last name of the person involved in the case. Add a first name if you have it. Click the search button and review the results. Each result shows a case number, filing date, case type, and judge assigned. Click on a case number to see the full docket. The docket lists every document filed in that case with dates and document types.
Online searches work best for recent cases filed in the last 10 to 15 years. Older cases may not appear in the digital system. Paper records from before the digital conversion only exist at the courthouse. If your online search returns no results, contact the clerk’s office by phone for help locating older files.
In-Person Courthouse Search
Visiting the Glades County Courthouse gives you the most complete access to records. Public computers sit in the clerk’s office lobby for record searches. Staff members can assist with searches at the front counter. You can view original documents, request certified copies, and ask questions about case status. Plan to bring a valid photo ID. You do not need to show why you want the records.
The clerk’s office staff can pull files from the courthouse storage room. Some files get pulled within minutes. Others stored off-site may take one to two business days. The office will contact you when off-site files arrive. You can then return to view the records or pay for copies to be mailed.
Mail Request for Court Records
Mail requests work for people living outside the Moore Haven area. Write a letter to the Glades County Clerk of Court at 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471. Include the case number if you know it. If you only know the party name, list the full name and approximate year of the case. Describe the specific documents you need. Include a check or money order for the search and copy fees. The clerk will process the request and mail the copies back to you.
Mail requests take five to ten business days to process. Add mailing time for round-trip delivery. The clerk charges a $2.00 search fee per name per year searched. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a $2.00 certification fee per document. Call the clerk at (863) 946-6010 for a fee estimate before sending payment.
Glades County Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between people or businesses. These cases do not involve criminal charges. Common civil case types include contract disputes, property disagreements, personal injury claims, and debt collection. Civil cases in Glades County are split between circuit court and county court based on the dollar amount. Cases seeking $50,000 or more go to circuit court. Cases seeking less than $50,000 go to county court.
Each civil case generates a docket with multiple documents. The initial filing starts with a complaint or petition. The defendant files a response. Both sides may file motions, exhibits, and proposed orders. The final judgment or dismissal closes the case. All these documents become part of the public record. You can search for civil records by case number or party name through the CiviTek portal.
Glades County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records cover cases where the state charges someone with a crime. Misdemeanor cases go to county court. Felony cases go to circuit court. The clerk’s office stores all criminal filings, including arrest affidavits, charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation records. Misdemeanor traffic crimes like DUI also fall under criminal records in some cases.
Criminal record searches show current charges, past convictions, and case outcomes. You can search by defendant name or case number. Sealed or expunged records will not appear in public searches. Juvenile criminal records stay confidential and are not available to the public. Records of cases that ended in acquittal may still appear unless a judge ordered them sealed.
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records. The process requires a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. After getting that certificate, the person files a petition with the court. A judge reviews the petition and decides whether to grant the sealing. Once sealed, the records disappear from public searches.
Glades County Family Court Records
Family court records handle domestic matters. Common case types include divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and domestic violence injunctions. The 20th Circuit’s family division handles these cases in Glades County. Most family court files contain sensitive personal details. Florida law requires the clerk to redact specific data from these records before public release.
Divorce records show marriage dates, property divisions, custody arrangements, and support orders. Adoption records remain sealed after the adoption becomes final. The only way to access adoption files is through a court order. Paternity cases show biological father determinations and support obligations. Domestic violence injunction files may have portions sealed to protect the petitioner.
To search family court records, use the CiviTek portal or visit the clerk’s office. Many family law forms are available through the Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov. Self-represented parties can download divorce, custody, and support forms without cost.
Glades County Probate Court Records
Probate court records cover wills, estates, and guardianship matters. When someone dies owning property in Florida, their estate goes through probate court. The court validates the will, appoints a personal representative, and oversees the distribution of assets. Glades County probate cases are filed in circuit court.
You can search probate records by decedent name or case number. The records show the will, inventory of assets, creditor claims, and final distribution orders. Will files stay sealed during the probate process in some cases. After the estate closes, the will becomes a public record. Guardianship records cover both minor children and incapacitated adults. These files show the guardian’s powers, reporting requirements, and court oversight.
Probate searches take longer than other case types because of the volume of paperwork. Each estate generates dozens of documents. The clerk’s office can pull a complete probate file for a flat search fee plus per-page copy charges.
Glades County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records cover moving violations, driving infractions, and traffic-related misdemeanors. Common traffic case types include speeding tickets, careless driving, driving with a suspended license, and accident-related charges. Most traffic cases result in fines. Some lead to license suspension or points on the driving record.
You can pay traffic fines online through the MyFloridaCounty portal. The portal links to the Glades County Clerk’s payment system. You can also contest a ticket by appearing in court. Court appearances happen at the Glades County Courthouse in Moore Haven. Traffic school options may be available for certain violations to keep points off your license.
Search traffic records by driver name, case number, or citation number. The online portal shows the violation, fine amount, and court date. Closed cases show the final disposition, including whether the driver paid the fine, completed traffic school, or had the case dismissed.
Glades County Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court handles civil disputes where the amount in controversy is $8,000 or less. Common small claims cases include security deposit disputes, consumer complaints, and small contract disagreements. Small claims cases use simplified procedures without formal discovery or complex motions. The goal is a quick resolution without hiring an attorney.
Small claims cases in Glades County are heard in county court. The clerk’s office files all paperwork, including the statement of claim, summons, and final judgment. You can search these records through the same CiviTek portal used for other case types. The records show the amount claimed, the parties involved, and the court’s ruling.
Florida small claims court does not require a lawyer. People often represent themselves. The Florida Courts Help center provides free forms and instructions for small claims filers.
Glades County Appellate Court Records
Appellate court records cover cases appealed from lower courts. When a party loses in circuit court or county court and wants a review, they file an appeal with the District Court of Appeal. Glades County cases fall under the Second District Court of Appeal based in Lakeland. The appellate court does not retry the case. It reviews the lower court’s decision for legal errors.
You can search appellate records through the Appellate Court Information System (ACIS) at acis.flcourts.gov. The system is free to use. You can search by party name, case number, or lower court case number. ACIS shows the appellate briefs, oral argument recordings, and final opinions. Not every Glades County case goes to appeal. Most end at the trial court level.
Types of Records Not Available to the Public
Florida law lists specific record types that stay confidential. Sealed records are not available even if they exist. Expunged records have been destroyed and cannot be retrieved. Juvenile criminal records stay confidential under Florida Statute 985. Mental health commitment records stay sealed under Florida Statute 394. Adoption records stay sealed after the adoption becomes final.
Sensitive personal data gets redacted from all public records. This data includes social security numbers, bank account information, credit card numbers, and taxpayer identification numbers. Dates of birth get partially redacted in some records. Driver’s license numbers and passport numbers also get removed. Home addresses of judges, law enforcement officers, and certain public officials stay confidential.
Records can be sealed for many reasons. Victims of certain crimes can request sealing. Witnesses can request protective orders on their personal details. Businesses can request sealing of trade secrets. Medical records filed as part of a case stay confidential. Financial account numbers in divorce cases stay redacted.
How to Challenge a Sealed Record
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 allows people to challenge sealed records. If you believe a record has been wrongly sealed, you can file a written request to unseal it. The request goes to the judge who sealed the case. The judge reviews the request and decides whether to keep the seal or lift it. You must show a legitimate reason for needing the record.
The challenge process requires a written motion. The motion states your name, your relationship to the case, and the reason you want the record opened. The judge may hold a hearing before deciding. Some challenges succeed, especially when no statute protects the record. Others fail when the law requires confidentiality.
Fees and Costs for Glades County Court Records
Florida law sets standard fees for court records. All 67 counties charge the same rates. The clerk’s office cannot waive these fees except in limited circumstances. Below are the current fees for Glades County court records.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00 plus copy fees |
| Name search (per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Case number search | No charge if case number provided |
| Authentication/apostille | Additional secretary of state fees apply |
Payment methods vary by location. In-person payments can be cash, check, money order, or card. Mail requests require check or money order. Online payments through the portal accept credit and debit cards with a small processing fee.
How to Get Certified Copies of Court Records
Certified copies carry the clerk’s official seal and signature. Banks, government agencies, and employers often require certified copies. The clerk’s office in Moore Haven can certify any court record on file. You must request the certification in person or by mail. Online requests for certified copies are not available for all record types.
To get a certified copy, provide the case number and a description of the document. Pay the $1.00 per page copy fee plus the $2.00 certification fee. The clerk will pull the file, make the certified copy, and attach the official seal. Same-day service is available for in-person requests during office hours.
Historical Records and Archives
Glades County has kept court records since the county formed in 1921. Older records from the 1920s through the 1990s exist only in paper format. These records sit in storage at the courthouse or off-site at a records center. Some historical files have been microfilmed. The clerk’s office is working to digitize older files, but the process takes years.
People searching for very old court records should call the clerk’s office first. Staff can tell you whether a specific record exists and where it sits. Retrieval fees apply for off-site storage records. The fees cover the cost of pulling the file and bringing it to the courthouse for review.
E-Filing in Glades County
Florida requires electronic filing for most new court cases. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com handles all e-filings. Attorneys must use the portal for all circuit and county court filings. Self-represented parties can also use the portal or file paper documents in person at the clerk’s office.
E-filed documents get added to the case docket the same day. The filer receives a confirmation email with the filing date and time. Filing fees can be paid by credit card or electronic check through the portal. Rejected filings come back with a reason for rejection. Common rejection reasons include missing signatures, wrong case numbers, and unpaid fees.
Contact Details and Office Location
The Glades County Clerk of Court office sits in the Glades County Courthouse in Moore Haven, Florida. Below are the full contact details for in-person visits, phone calls, and mail requests.
Office: Glades County Clerk of Court
Clerk: Joe Flint
Address: 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Phone: (863) 946-6010
Website: gladesclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Frequently Asked Questions About Glades County Court Records
Below are answers to common questions about Glades County court records. These cover search methods, fees, record availability, and access rules. The information reflects current Florida law and clerk office practices as of 2026.
How do I search for Glades County court records online for free?
You can search Glades County court records for free through the CiviTek online portal. Visit the CiviTek Florida website and select Glades County from the county list. Enter the party name or case number in the search bar. The system shows case summaries without charge. Some documents are free to view. Others require a paid download or in-person pickup. The portal covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Searches run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to register an account to view basic case data. Create a free account if you want to save searches or download documents.
Can I view sealed court records in Glades County?
Sealed court records are not available to the general public. Only parties named in the case, their attorneys, and certain government agencies can view sealed files. Some sealed records become available after a set number of years. Others stay sealed forever. To request access to a sealed record, file a written motion with the court. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. You must show a legitimate legal reason for viewing the record. Mere curiosity is not enough.
What is the difference between certified and uncertified copies of court records?
Certified copies carry the clerk’s official seal and signature. They prove the document is a true copy of the original court record. Banks, government agencies, and other institutions often require certified copies. Uncertified copies are plain photocopies. They show the document content but lack the official seal. Uncertified copies work for personal reference. They do not work for legal filings, immigration cases, or official transactions. The clerk charges an extra $2.00 fee for each certified copy beyond the standard per-page copy fee.
Are traffic tickets public record in Glades County?
Yes, traffic tickets and traffic court cases are public record in Glades County. You can search traffic cases by driver name, case number, or citation number through the online portal. The records show the violation, fine amount, court date, and final outcome. You can also pay traffic fines online through the MyFloridaCounty payment system. Closed cases show whether the driver paid the fine, completed traffic school, or had the ticket dismissed. Outstanding tickets appear in court records until resolved.
How do I find criminal case results in Glades County?
Criminal case results appear in the court record after the case closes. You can search by defendant name or case number through the CiviTek portal. The docket shows the charges, plea, verdict, and sentence. For older criminal cases from before the digital system, contact the clerk’s office. Staff can pull paper files and check the outcome. You can also request criminal history records from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement through their official website. FDLE provides statewide criminal history checks for a small fee.
Can I get Glades County court records from another state?
Yes, out-of-state residents can request Glades County court records by mail. Write a letter to the clerk’s office with the case number, party name, and the documents you need. Include a check or money order for the search and copy fees. The clerk will mail copies back to you. Allow 7 to 14 business days for the full process. Online searches also work from any state with internet access. The CiviTek portal is available nationwide. You can view, download, and print documents remotely.
How long does it take to get court records by mail from Glades County?
Mail requests for Glades County court records typically take 7 to 14 business days from the date the clerk receives your letter. Processing time depends on the number of requests ahead of yours and the availability of the files. Add mailing time for delivery in both directions. Standard mail within Florida takes 3 to 5 business days each way. Priority mail or expedited shipping can speed the return delivery. Call the clerk’s office at (863) 946-6010 to check the status of a pending mail request.