Indian River County court records are the official files of every legal case filed in the county. These records cover civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family matters, probate files, traffic tickets, and small claims.
The Clerk of Court stores all of these records. Most records are open to the public. People can search them for free. The clerk also gives out paper or digital copies for a small fee.
Indian River County sits on the east coast of Florida. It is part of the Treasure Coast region. The county seat is Vero Beach. Other cities in the county include Sebastian and Fellsmere. The county has a population of about 165,000 people. All court cases in the county go through one clerk’s office in Vero Beach. There are no separate court buildings in other cities.
What Are Indian River County Court Records
Court records are written accounts of legal cases. They show what happened in court. They include complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and docket entries. A docket entry is a log of every paper filed in a case. Anyone who was part of a case can read the file. Most records are open to the public. Some records are sealed by a judge. Sealed records stay private.
Indian River County court records cover cases from circuit court and county court. Circuit court handles bigger cases. County court handles smaller cases. Both courts use the same clerk’s office for filing and storage. The clerk’s office is the only place that holds the original paper files.
Court records are different from official records. Official records cover things like deeds, mortgages, and liens. The clerk has a separate search for official records. Users need to use the right search for the right type of file. Mixing them up is a common mistake.
Indian River County Clerk of Court
The Indian River County Clerk of Court runs all court record operations. The current clerk is Jeffrey R. Smith. His office is at the Indian River County Courthouse. The phone number is (772) 770-5185. The website is indianriverclerk.com. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and court holidays.
The clerk’s office files new cases. It stores old cases. It gives copies of documents to the public. It also handles jury duty, marriage licenses, and passport applications. The clerk keeps all the court’s money and pays it out as ordered by judges.
| Office | Indian River County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Jeffrey R. Smith |
| Phone | (772) 770-5185 |
| Website | indianriverclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The clerk’s website is the main online tool for records. Users can search cases, pay fees, and download forms. The site also has a separate official records search. The official records search covers deeds and liens. The court records search covers legal cases.
19th Judicial Circuit Courts
Indian River County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit. This circuit includes Martin County, Okeechobee County, and St. Lucie County. The 19th Circuit covers the Treasure Coast region of Florida. Circuit court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $50,000, family law, probate, and juvenile cases.
County court handles misdemeanors, small claims, traffic tickets, and civil cases up to $50,000. The county court judge hears cases at the same courthouse in Vero Beach. There is no separate county court building. The chief judge of the 19th Circuit is based in Martin County but oversees all four counties.
Some legal forms and self-help resources are shared across all four counties. People who live in Indian River County can use the same forms as residents of St. Lucie or Martin County. The Florida Courts website has free forms for common case types.
How to Search Indian River County Court Records Online
The clerk’s website has a free online search tool. Users can search by name, case number, or date. The search covers civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases. Results show party names, case number, filing date, and case status. Some documents are viewable online. Other documents need an in-person visit or a written request.
To get the best search results, use a full name. Partial names may bring up many results. Common last names like Smith, Johnson, or Williams may have hundreds of matches. Adding a first name and middle name helps narrow the search. A case number gives the most direct result. Case numbers follow a format like 19-2024-CA-000123.
The online search runs on the clerk’s own server. It is not a third-party site. All data comes straight from the clerk’s database. New cases show up within a few days of filing. Older cases from before 2000 may not all be online. The clerk is still adding older files to the digital system.
Users should not confuse the court records search with the official records search. The court records search is for legal cases. The official records search is for property records. Both are on the same website but in different sections.
Civil Court Records
Indian River County civil court records cover lawsuits between people or businesses. Civil cases include contract disputes, property damage claims, personal injury cases, and debt collection. The circuit court hears civil cases where the amount in dispute is over $50,000. The county court hears cases up to $50,000.
Civil case files include the complaint, the answer, motions, exhibits, and the final judgment. Each filing gets a docket entry. The docket shows every paper filed in the case. Most civil cases take 12 to 24 months to reach a final judgment. Some cases settle out of court before trial.
Anyone can read civil court records for free. Copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $2.00 per document. A certified copy has the clerk’s stamp and is accepted by other courts and government agencies. A plain copy is fine for personal use.
Criminal Court Records
Indian River County criminal court records cover all criminal cases filed in the county. Felony cases go to circuit court. Misdemeanor cases go to county court. Criminal files include the charging document, the plea, motions, evidence lists, and the sentence. Jury trial records are also in the file.
The State Attorney’s office files criminal charges. Defense attorneys file responses. The judge signs orders. The clerk files all of these papers. Most criminal cases end with a plea agreement. A smaller number go to trial. Appeals go to the District Court of Appeal.
Some criminal records are sealed. Sealed records are not public. Juvenile criminal records are confidential. Records that are part of a pre-trial diversion program may be sealed after the program ends. People can ask the court to seal a record under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.790.
Family Court Records
Indian River County family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence. The circuit court’s family division handles these cases. Family cases are heard by a judge. Some issues like child support may go before a general magistrate first.
Divorce files include the petition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, and the final judgment of divorce. Custody cases include the petition, the home study, and the custody order. Adoption files are sealed after the adoption is final. The original birth certificate is replaced with a new one that lists the adoptive parents.
Domestic violence cases often have a separate file. Injunctions for protection are kept in a confidential file. The petitioner can get copies. The respondent can get copies through an attorney. The public cannot see injunction files without a court order.
Probate Court Records
Indian River County probate court records cover wills, estates, and guardianship. The circuit court’s probate division handles these cases. Probate cases involve the transfer of property after someone dies. Guardianship cases involve the care of a minor or an adult who cannot care for himself.
Probate files include the will, the petition, the inventory, and the final discharge. Wills become public after the person dies. The original will is filed with the clerk. Anyone can ask for a copy of the will after probate opens. Guardianship files are sealed in some cases. Mental health records linked to guardianship are confidential.
Traffic Court Records
Indian River County traffic court records cover traffic tickets and infractions. The county court handles most traffic cases. Drivers can pay the fine online, attend traffic school, or fight the ticket in court. Most traffic cases do not go to trial. Drivers choose to pay or go to school instead.
Traffic case files include the citation, the payment receipt, and any court orders. If a driver attends traffic school, that record is sent to the clerk. The clerk reports the completion to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Points on the driver’s license are kept by the state, not the county.
Some traffic cases become criminal cases. A DUI charge starts as a traffic stop but is a criminal misdemeanor. A traffic accident with serious injury can lead to felony charges. These cases go to criminal court, not traffic court.
Small Claims Court Records
Indian River County small claims court records cover cases up to $8,000. The county court hears small claims. Common small claims cases include security deposit disputes, unpaid bills, and property damage. Small claims cases use simple forms. Lawyers are not required.
Small claims files include the statement of claim, the answer, and the judgment. The judge hears the case without a jury. Most small claims cases are decided in one hearing. The judgment can be appealed to circuit court within 30 days. Appeal cases get a new file in circuit court.
Appellate Court Records
Indian River County appellate court records cover appeals from circuit and county court. Appeals from the 19th Circuit go to the District Court of Appeal, Fourth District, in West Palm Beach. Some appeals go directly to the Florida Supreme Court. The appellate court reviews the lower court’s decision for legal errors.
Appellate records are online through the Appellate Court Information System. ACIS is a free statewide system. Users can search for Indian River County cases by name, case number, or lower tribunal case number. ACIS shows the briefs, the opinions, and the case status. Most appellate decisions are public.
Public Access Laws in Florida
Florida has strong public records laws. Florida Statute Chapter 119 says most government records are public. Court records are included. The law applies to Indian River County the same as every other county. People have the right to see and copy public records.
Florida Statute Section 119.0714 lists what must be redacted. The clerk removes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and similar data before giving out copies. The clerk also removes information about victims of certain crimes. People who file documents must remove confidential data before filing.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 covers court records. The rule says all court records are public unless sealed. Judges can seal records for good cause. The party asking for sealing must show why the record should be private. Sealing is rare. Most records stay public.
Record Sealing and Confidentiality
Some Indian River County court records are not public. Juvenile records are confidential. Mental health records are confidential. Adoption records are sealed. Trade secrets and certain business records can be sealed. The judge must sign an order to seal a record.
People can ask the court to seal their own records. The request must be in writing. The person must show that the record causes a specific harm. The judge holds a hearing. The state may object. If the judge grants the request, the record is sealed. Sealed records are removed from the online search.
People can challenge a sealed record. Under Florida Rule 2.420, anyone can ask the court to open a sealed record. The request goes to the judge who sealed it. The court weighs the public interest against privacy. The decision is final unless appealed.
Getting Copies of Court Records
Indian River County court records can be copied in three ways. Users can visit the courthouse in person. They can order by mail. They can download from the online system. Each method has a fee. The fees are set by Florida law.
Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. The search fee is $2.00 per year per name. If a user needs the clerk to look up an old case, the search fee applies. A specific case number avoids the search fee.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.00 |
| Name search (per year, per name) | $2.00 |
Payment methods at the courthouse include cash, check, money order, and credit card. Online payments use a credit card or debit card. There is a small processing fee for card payments. Mail requests must include a check or money order. Cash is not accepted by mail.
E-Filing New Court Cases
Lawyers and self-represented parties can file new cases online. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal handles all new filings. The portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. Users create an account. They upload their documents. They pay the filing fee. The clerk reviews the filing. The clerk accepts or rejects the filing.
Most case types require e-filing. Some case types can still be filed in person. The clerk’s website lists which case types must be e-filed. The filing fee for a new civil case is $400.00 in circuit court and $300.00 in county court. Family and probate cases have different fees.
E-filed documents are available online the same day. Self-represented filers may need help with the e-filing system. The Florida Courts Help center has free guides. The clerk’s office staff can answer basic questions about the portal.
Visiting the Courthouse in Person
The Indian River County Courthouse is in downtown Vero Beach. The address is 2000 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960. The building has free parking. Users need to go through a security checkpoint. No weapons, food, or drinks are allowed inside.
The clerk’s office is on the first floor. Users can use public computers to search records. The clerk’s staff helps with searches. There is a copy machine in the office. Staff can make copies for users for the standard fee.
Court hearings are open to the public. People can watch trials and other proceedings. Court schedules are posted online and at the courthouse. Visitors should dress in business casual clothing. Phones must be silenced. Children must be supervised.
Mail Requests for Court Records
Users can mail a written request to the clerk. The request must include the case number, the names of the parties, and the documents needed. The request must include a check or money order for the fees. The clerk’s mailing address is on the website.
Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. The clerk processes requests in the order received. Busy times like the end of the month may take longer. Users should not send cash by mail. Cash can be lost or stolen in the mail.
The clerk returns copies by mail. The envelope must have enough postage. Certified copies are sent by regular mail unless the user asks for certified mail. Certified mail costs extra. The clerk does not fax copies to users.
Cities in Indian River County
Indian River County includes three main cities. Vero Beach is the county seat. Most of the population lives in Vero Beach. Sebastian is in the northern part of the county. Fellsmere is a smaller city in the western part of the county. All three cities use the same clerk’s office for court records.
There are no separate court buildings in Sebastian or Fellsmere. Court hearings take place in Vero Beach. People from Sebastian or Fellsmere must travel to Vero Beach for in-person services. The online search works the same for all cities in the county.
Common Problems and Solutions
One common problem is missing search results. Old cases may not be in the online system. Users should call the clerk’s office for help with old cases. The clerk’s staff can search the paper files for cases that are not online.
Another common problem is sealed records. Users may see a case number but no documents. The record may be sealed. The clerk cannot give out sealed records. Users need a court order to see sealed records.
Redaction is a common issue. The clerk redacts certain data from public copies. Users may see blanks where Social Security numbers used to be. This is required by law. The original document in the court file may have the full number.
Payment problems can happen. Online payments need a valid card. Old addresses or wrong zip codes cause payment failures. Users should call the clerk if a payment does not go through. The clerk’s staff can help with payment issues.
Contact Information and Location
Indian River County Clerk of Court
2000 16th Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 770-5185
Website: indianriverclerk.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
View the Indian River County Courthouse on Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/2000+16th+Ave,+Vero+Beach,+FL+32960
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian River County Court Records
Here are answers to common questions about Indian River County court records. These questions come from people who search for records every day. The answers reflect the latest rules and fees in 2026. Each answer gives clear steps and current cost numbers. Read all seven questions to learn the full system.
How do I look up someone who has a case in Indian River County?
You can search by name on the clerk’s website. Go to indianriverclerk.com. Click on the court records search link. Type the full name of the person. Look at the results. The search is free. You can do as many searches as you want. The search covers all case types. It includes civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases. Old cases from before 2000 may not show up. The clerk is still adding older cases to the online system. If you cannot locate a case, call the clerk at (772) 770-5185. The staff can search the paper files. There may be a $2.00 search fee per year per name. A full name with middle initial works best. Common last names may return many results. Add a date of birth to narrow the search. The clerk’s staff cannot give legal advice. They can only help with records searches. For legal advice, talk to a lawyer. The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service if you need one.
Are Indian River County court records free to view?
Yes, looking at records is free. You can search online at no cost. You can go to the courthouse and read files for free. Fees only apply when you want copies. Plain copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. You need a certified copy for legal proceedings. A plain copy is fine for personal use. Online documents you can download are usually free. Some documents are view-only and cannot be downloaded. You need to come to the courthouse for those. The public computers at the clerk’s office let you view records for free. You can print from the public computers for $0.25 per page. The clerk accepts cash, check, or card for print fees. Bring a photo ID to use the public computers. The clerk may limit computer time during busy hours. Plan to come early in the morning for the best computer access. The clerk’s office has free wifi for people who bring their own laptops.
Can I get Indian River County court records from another state?
Yes, the online system works from anywhere. You can search and view records from any computer with internet access. You can download documents and print them. You can also mail a request to the clerk. Include the case number and a check for the fees. The clerk will mail copies to any address in the United States. International mail takes longer. The clerk can mail to other countries but the user must pay postage. The clerk does not fax records. Email requests are not accepted for copies. The clerk’s office does not email court documents. This rule protects the privacy of people in the records. Out-of-state users can pay by check or money order in US dollars. The clerk does not accept foreign currency. Some users hire a Florida-based runner service. These services charge a fee to pick up records in person. The clerk works with many of these services.
How long does it take to get a certified copy by mail?
Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. The clerk processes requests in order. End of the month is busy. Holiday seasons take longer. Plan ahead if you need records for a court date. You can pay extra for faster service. The clerk does not offer overnight delivery. Users can use a private courier like UPS or FedEx. Send a prepaid return envelope. The clerk will use the envelope to send copies back. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the request. The clerk will use that envelope. Make sure the postage is correct. Unpaid postage causes delays. Write the case number on the check or money order. This helps the clerk match the payment to the request. Keep a copy of the request for your records. The clerk’s office does not track requests after they leave the building. Users should call if records do not arrive within 14 days.
Can I remove my court record from the public search?
You can ask the court to seal your record. You must file a written request. The request must say why the record should be sealed. You must show specific harm from the public record. The judge holds a hearing. The state can object. If the judge grants the request, the record is sealed. Sealed records are not in the public search. Expunged records are destroyed. Florida law allows sealing and expungement for certain crimes. You cannot seal a record if you were convicted of the crime. You can only seal a record if charges were dropped or you were found not guilty. Some misdemeanor convictions can be sealed after a waiting period. The waiting period is usually 10 years. The Florida Statutes Section 943.059 covers expungement. Section 943.058 covers sealing. You can get a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The certificate is needed to file the request with the court.
What is the difference between the court records search and the official records search?
The court records search covers legal cases. It shows civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family matters, probate files, traffic tickets, and small claims. The official records search covers property records. It shows deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land records. Both searches are on the clerk’s website. Users need to pick the right search for the right type of record. Property records are kept by the clerk because Florida law makes the clerk the official recorder for the county. The official records search uses a different system from the court records search. Each system has its own login. The official records search charges a fee for some documents. The court records search is free. Users who need both types of records should plan to use both search tools. The clerk’s office staff can help point users to the right search for their needs. Some users need records from both systems for one legal matter.
Can I file a new case in Indian River County online?
Yes, new cases are filed online. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. You create an account. You select Indian River County. You choose the case type. You upload your documents. You pay the filing fee. The clerk reviews the filing. The clerk accepts or rejects the filing. If rejected, the clerk sends a reason. You fix the issue and refile. Self-represented filers can use the e-filing portal. The Florida Courts Help center has free guides. The filing fee for a new civil case is $400.00 in circuit court. The filing fee for a new small claims case is $300.00. Family cases have different fees. Probate cases have different fees. The portal accepts credit cards and debit cards. There is a small processing fee for card payments. Users who cannot use the portal can file in person at the clerk’s office. The clerk’s staff helps with the paper filing process. Paper filings take longer to process than e-filings. Most lawyers use the e-filing portal for all of their cases. The portal also allows service of court papers on other parties through the e-system.