Highlands County court records are public files kept by the Clerk of Court in Sebring, Florida. Anyone can look up civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases through the clerk’s online portal or at the courthouse.
This page shows you exactly how to search, what types of records exist, what laws control access, and how to get certified copies. You will learn the office address, phone number, hours, fees, and statewide systems that connect to Highlands County.
What Are Highlands County Court Records
Highlands County court records are written documents created during a court case. They include the initial filing, motions, orders, judgments, and the final ruling. The Clerk of Court stores every document the court receives or creates. These records serve as the legal memory of each case. You can see who sued whom, what the charges were, when hearings happened, and what the judge decided.
Each record has a case number, party names, and a case type label. The case type tells you which court handled the matter. Felonies, divorces, and probate go to the circuit court. Misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and small claims stay in county court. Both courts use the same clerk office in Sebring. You do not need to know which court heard the case to start a search. The clerk staff can point you to the right file once you give them a name or case number.
Highlands County Clerk of Court Office
The Highlands County Clerk of Court acts as the official record keeper for the entire county. The office is run by Clerk Sherry H. Polsgrove. Staff members file new cases, store old files, and give copies to the public. The clerk also collects court fees, fines, and child support payments. All public-facing services run from the main courthouse in Sebring.
The main office sits at 430 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870. The phone number for general questions is (863) 402-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. You can reach the clerk by phone, in person, or through the official website at highlandsclerk.org.
Highlands County belongs to the 10th Judicial Circuit. The 10th Circuit also covers Hardee and Polk counties. Circuit-wide forms and procedures apply to all three counties. The clerk office in Sebring handles the daily records work for Highlands only. Polk County keeps its own records in Bartow, and Hardee keeps its own in Wauchula.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Highlands County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Sherry H. Polsgrove |
| Address | 430 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870 |
| Phone | (863) 402-6565 |
| Website | highlandsclerk.org |
| Hours | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 10th (Hardee, Highlands, Polk) |
How to Search Highlands County Court Records Online
The clerk runs a free online search system through the court records page on its website. You can use the system from any computer or phone with internet access. No account or login is required for basic searches. The system covers most civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate filings in the county.
Follow these steps to run a search:
- Go to highlandsclerk.org and click the “Court Records” link.
- Pick a search type: name, case number, or date range.
- Type a last name, first name, or full case number.
- Press the search button.
- Read the results list for matching cases.
- Click a case to see the full docket and filings.
Search results show the case number, party names, filing date, case type, and current status. Some documents open as PDF files you can view or save. Other documents require a copy fee. If you cannot locate what you need, call the clerk office at (863) 402-6565 during business hours. Staff can confirm case numbers or schedule an in-person lookup.
Use full names for the best results. Partial names produce longer lists. A middle name or date of birth helps narrow the list. Case numbers are the fastest way to locate a specific file. You can usually locate a case number on a court summons, traffic ticket, or prior paperwork from the clerk.
Types of Court Records Available in Highlands County
The clerk office holds records for every case type filed in the county. Each type has its own docket and document set. The search system groups cases by category so you can filter your results. Below are the main record types and what they contain.
Civil Court Records
Civil cases cover disputes between people or businesses. They include contract claims, property damage, personal injury, and debt collection. Civil cases with claims over $50,000 go to circuit court. Claims at or below $50,000 stay in county court. Civil records show the complaint, the answer, motions, exhibits, and the final judgment. You can see settlement amounts, court dates, and rulings.
Criminal Court Records
Criminal records include every felony and misdemeanor case filed in Highlands County. Felonies go to circuit court. Misdemeanors stay in county court. Each criminal case shows the charging document, the plea, motions, evidence orders, and the sentence. You can see bond amounts, probation terms, and final dispositions. Sealed criminal records do not appear in the public search.
Family Court Records
Family court covers divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence. The clerk stores petitions, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and final judgments. Some family records are sealed by law. Adoption cases and certain domestic violence files are not public. Divorce decrees are public once the judge signs them.
Probate Court Records
Probate cases deal with wills, estates, and guardianships. The records show the will, the petition for administration, the inventory of assets, and final orders. You can see who was named executor, who the heirs were, and how property was divided. Guardianship records include medical reports and care plans. Some guardianship details are sealed.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic cases include moving violations, DUIs, and driving with a suspended license. Each case shows the citation, the plea, and the fine. Many traffic cases resolve without a trial. You can see whether a driver paid the fine, attended traffic school, or lost their license. Commercial driver cases get extra attention because of federal reporting rules.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims cases cover disputes at or below $8,000. They move through county court fast. The records show the claim, the response, the hearing date, and the judgment. Small claims records are popular with landlords, contractors, and consumers. You can see who sued, who won, and what the court ordered.
Appellate Court Records
Appellate records come from appeals filed after a circuit or county court ruling. Appeals move to the District Court of Appeal or to the Florida Supreme Court. The records show the original case, the notice of appeal, the briefs, and the appellate opinion. You can search appellate records through the state ACIS system at acis.flcourts.gov.
Public Access Laws That Govern Highlands County Court Records
Florida law makes most court records public. The clerk follows three main rules when releasing files. Knowing these rules helps you predict what you can see.
Florida Statute Chapter 119
Chapter 119 sets the public records law for Florida. It says any record made or received by a public agency is open for inspection. Court records fall under this rule. A person can ask for copies and only pays the fee set by law. The statute lists a few narrow exceptions, mostly for security, medical, or personal data.
Florida Statute Section 119.0714
Section 119.0714 lists the personal details the clerk must remove before releasing records. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor children’s names get redacted. The clerk also removes the account numbers tied to debts. The person who files the document must redact the same details before submission.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420
Rule 2.420 controls which court records can be sealed. It starts with the rule that records are public. It then lists the narrow cases where a judge can seal a file. Juvenile cases, mental health hearings, and trade secrets are common seal reasons. Anyone can ask the court to seal a record, but the judge makes the final call. You can challenge a seal by filing a written motion under Rule 2.420.
Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14
This order lets Florida courts post public court documents online. Highlands County follows it. The clerk posts thousands of new records each month. Old paper records from before 2000 are not online. The clerk scans them on request, but the scan fee applies.
How to Get Certified Copies of Highlands County Court Records
You can get a copy of any public record three ways: in person, by mail, or online. Plain copies cost less. Certified copies cost more because the clerk signs and stamps them. Courts and government agencies usually require certified copies for legal use.
In-Person Copy Requests
Visit the clerk office at 430 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk staff the case number or the party name. Pay the copy fee at the cashier window. Most plain copies print right away. Certified copies take a few extra minutes while the clerk signs and seals them.
Mail Copy Requests
Send a written request to the clerk office. Include the case number, the documents you need, and your contact details. Add a check or money order for the copy and search fees. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. The clerk returns the copies by regular mail unless you include a prepaid return envelope.
Online Copy Requests
The online search system lets you view many records for free. To download a printable PDF, you may need to pay a small fee. Certified copies are not available for online download. You must come in person or send a mail request for any certified copy.
Standard Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy, per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy, per document | $2.00 (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Record search, per year per name | $2.00 |
| Fax filing, per document | Varies |
Visiting the Highlands County Courthouse in Person
The Highlands County Courthouse sits in downtown Sebring. It is a single building that holds both the circuit and county courts. The clerk office is on the first floor. Public records terminals sit near the entrance. You can use the terminals for free to look up cases and view documents.
You will need a photo ID to enter the secure area. Cell phones must be on silent. Weapons are not allowed. Dress code applies in courtrooms. You can take notes in the public areas. Photographing court files is not allowed without clerk approval.
Parking is free around the courthouse. Public transit serves Sebring through the Highlands County Transit bus system. The closest bus stop is two blocks south on Commerce Avenue. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to pass through security.
Filing New Court Documents in Highlands County
Most new court documents in Florida must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The e-filing system accepts civil, criminal, family, and probate filings. You need a free account to use it. The system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Some documents still need paper filing. These include original wills, certain sealed records, and documents that the court orders filed in person. Check the clerk website for the current paper filing rules. The clerk office staff can confirm whether your document type qualifies for paper filing.
E-filed documents reach the clerk faster than paper filings. You get a stamped copy by email within minutes. The clerk reviews the filing and accepts or rejects it. A rejected filing comes back to you for correction. An accepted filing becomes a public record after the clerk reviews it.
Statewide Systems That Cover Highlands County
The clerk office is the main source for Highlands County records. Several statewide systems add more search options. Use these systems when the clerk search does not have what you need.
Florida Courts Homepage
The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov is the main entry point for the state court system. It links to every circuit and county court. You can locate court forms, self-help guides, and contact details for clerks across the state. The site also explains the rules that govern records access.
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers site at flclerks.com lists every county clerk in Florida. You can confirm clerk contact details, office hours, and service fees. The site also links to statewide payment portals for traffic tickets and criminal fines.
MyFloridaCounty Payment Portal
The MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com lets you pay court fines, traffic tickets, and child support online. You can look up a case by name or case number. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. You get a receipt by email after payment.
Appellate Court Information System (ACIS)
ACIS at acis.flcourts.gov covers Florida appellate courts. You can search Supreme Court and District Court of Appeal cases for free. If a Highlands County case was appealed, you can track the appeal through ACIS. The system shows briefs, oral argument dates, and final opinions.
Florida Courts Help Center
The Florida Courts Help Center at help.flcourts.gov gives free self-help forms and guides. Topics include divorce, custody, eviction, small claims, and name change. The center also runs a phone helpline staffed by court clerks. Call (863) 402-6565 for local Highlands County help or use the statewide line on the help site.
Cities and Communities Served by Highlands County Court Records
Highlands County covers about 1,106 square miles in central Florida. The county has three main cities and several smaller communities. All court records for the county sit in Sebring at the clerk office. You do not need to visit a city office to look up a case.
| City | Role | Population (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sebring | County seat | 11,000 |
| Avon Park | City | 9,000 |
| Lake Placid | City | 2,300 |
| Placid Lakes | Census-designated place | 3,500 |
| Spring Lake | Census-designated place | 400 |
Sebring hosts the Ridge League Arts Festival each year and the famous Sebring International Raceway. Avon Park is home to South Florida State College. Lake Placid is known for its many murals painted on downtown buildings. Each town has its own police department, but all serious criminal cases move to the Highlands County court system.
Nearby Counties and Their Court Records
Highlands County borders several other Florida counties. Each one runs its own clerk office. You may need to check a nearby county if a case involved a different jurisdiction. Use the table below to locate the right county.
| County | County Seat | Border Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Polk County | Bartow | North |
| Hardee County | Wauchula | West |
| DeSoto County | Arcadia | Southwest |
| Glades County | Moore Haven | South |
| Okeechobee County | Okeechobee | East |
| Osceola County | Kissimmee | Northeast |
Polk County and Hardee County share the 10th Judicial Circuit with Highlands. Their clerk offices follow similar procedures. DeSoto, Glades, and Okeechobee are in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Each has its own search portal. Use the same name or case number search method when checking nearby counties.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Most people run into the same problems when they search court records. Here are the top issues and quick fixes.
Record Not Located Online
Older paper records may not be in the online system. The clerk office in Sebring still has the file. Call (863) 402-6565 and ask for a manual search. The clerk charges $2.00 per year searched per name. Plan for a 5 to 10 business day turnaround for old records.
Name Spelling Variations
Court records use the spelling on the original filing. A name like “Smith” can show up as “Smyth” or “Schmitt” in different cases. Try a few spelling variations. Adding a date of birth or middle name helps. The clerk staff can run a multi-name search if you pay the search fee.
Sealed or Expunged Records
Sealed records do not appear in the public search. Expunged records are physically destroyed under court order. You cannot see either one without a court order. If you are the subject of the record, you can file a motion to unseal under Florida Rule 2.420. The court holds a hearing before ruling.
Redacted Details
The clerk removes sensitive details before posting records. You may see “XXXX” in place of a social security number. The redacted version is still the official record. You cannot get the original without a court order.
System Downtime
The online system goes down for maintenance on some weekends. The clerk posts a notice on its homepage before scheduled downtime. If the site is down, try again after an hour. You can also call the clerk office for help during business hours.
Records Request Letter Sample for Highlands County
A clear written request speeds up the steps. Use the sample below as a template. Replace the brackets with your own details.
Highlands County Clerk of Court
430 S Commerce Ave
Sebring, FL 33870
To Whom It May Concern:
I am requesting copies of the following court records:
- Case Number: [Insert case number]
- Party Name: [Insert full name]
- Case Type: [Insert type, e.g., civil, criminal, family]
- Documents Needed: [e.g., final judgment, motion, order]
I am enclosing a check or money order for $______ to cover the copy and search fees. Please mail the copies to:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Thank you,
[Your Signature]
[Date]
How to Correct Errors in Highlands County Court Records
Errors in court records can cause legal trouble. Common errors include wrong spelling, wrong dates, and wrong party details. Fix the error as soon as you spot it. The clerk can change simple clerical mistakes with a written request. More serious errors need a court order.
For a simple spelling correction, file a “Motion to Correct Clerical Error” with the clerk. The motion explains the mistake and the correct detail. The judge signs an order, and the clerk updates the file. The review takes about two weeks.
For wrong case outcomes, file a “Motion to Reopen” or “Motion for Reconsideration.” The court holds a hearing. You must show clear proof of the error. The judge decides the next step. This review can take 30 to 60 days.
Public Records vs. Confidential Records in Highlands County
Florida law draws a clear line between public and confidential records. The clerk makes every public record available for viewing. Confidential records stay sealed. Below is a short list of records in each category.
Public Records
- Civil case dockets and judgments
- Criminal case dockets and judgments
- Divorce decrees
- Probate orders
- Traffic citations and dispositions
- Small claims judgments
- Appellate opinions
Confidential Records
- Juvenile case files
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment records
- Sealed records by court order
- Expunged records
- HIV test results in criminal cases
- Personal details redacted under Section 119.0714
Key Things to Remember About Highlands County Court Records
The clerk office in Sebring is your one-stop source. The online portal handles most searches for free. Older paper records still need a manual search request. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Florida law makes most records public. A small list of cases stays sealed by statute or court order.
Bring a valid photo ID when you visit in person. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Call (863) 402-6565 with questions. The clerk staff will point you to the right file. For appeals, use the statewide ACIS system. For statewide systems, use the Florida Courts and clerks portals.
Contact and Location
Highlands County Clerk of Court
430 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, Florida 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6565
Website: highlandsclerk.org
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Highlands+County+Clerk+of+Court+Sebring+FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Highlands County court records. Each answer covers a specific topic that searchers ask about the clerk office and the records system. The questions cover criminal lookups, juvenile files, certified copy costs, traffic tickets, record sealing, mobile access, and the difference between public and court records. Reading these answers will save you time and help you avoid common mistakes when you start your search.
How do I look up a criminal case in Highlands County?
Go to the clerk’s online portal at highlandsclerk.org and click Court Records. Type the full name of the defendant or the case number. Filter by case type to show only criminal results. The system shows the charges, court dates, and final disposition. Sealed criminal cases do not appear. If the case is older than 20 years, call the clerk office to check the paper archives. You can also visit the courthouse in person and use a public records terminal to search the criminal docket for free.
Can I see juvenile records in Highlands County?
No. Juvenile records are confidential under Florida law. The clerk does not post them online or release them in person. Only the juvenile, the juvenile’s parents, the attorney, and certain agencies can see the file. A judge can order a record unsealed, but the order must follow Rule 2.420. Most juvenile records get destroyed when the person turns 24. The destruction happens automatically under Florida Statute Section 985.24.
How much does it cost to get a certified copy of a divorce decree in Highlands County?
The fee is $1.00 per page for plain copies plus a $2.00 certification fee. A standard divorce decree runs 3 to 10 pages. The total cost ranges from $5.00 to $12.00 for a certified copy. Pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk office. Mail requests must include a check or money order. Online requests for certified copies are not available at this time. You must come in person or send a mail request with payment.
Are traffic tickets public record in Highlands County?
Yes. Traffic tickets become public record the moment the clerk files them. You can see the citation, the plea, and the final outcome through the online search. If the driver paid the fine, the record shows the payment date. If the case went to trial, the record shows the verdict. Some commercial driver cases have extra details because of federal reporting rules. CDL holders should review their records regularly to confirm accuracy.
How do I seal a record in Highlands County?
File a “Motion to Seal” or “Petition to Expunge” with the clerk office. The motion explains the legal basis for sealing. You must get a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement first. The court holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the motion. Sealed records do not appear in the public search. Expunged records are physically destroyed. The whole review can take 6 to 12 months from start to finish.
Can I view court records from my phone?
Yes. The clerk’s online portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. The site adjusts to your screen size. You can search, view, and download PDFs from any device with a web browser. The mobile site is free to use. You need a data connection to load new pages. Saved PDFs work offline after the first download. The clerk does not offer a dedicated mobile app at this time.
What is the difference between a public record and a court record in Highlands County?
Public records include any document created by a public agency, such as property records, marriage licenses, and court filings. Court records are a subset of public records that deal only with court cases. The clerk office manages both, but they sit in different databases. Court records follow special rules under Florida Rule 2.420. Property records follow a different set of rules under the county recorder. The clerk can help you identify which system holds the record you need.