Leon County court records are public documents filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Tallahassee, Florida. These records cover civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases heard in the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
Anyone can search them online, view them in person, or request certified copies. This page explains exactly where to look, what each record contains, and what Florida law allows you to see.
What Are Leon County Court Records
Court records are written files created every time someone files a case in Leon County. Each case gets a unique number. The clerk keeps all papers, orders, motions, and judgments linked to that number. Records show who sued whom, what the charges are, who appeared in court, and what the judge decided. They also include a docket sheet, which lists every event in the case from start to finish.
Florida law treats most of these files as public. Florida Statute Chapter 119 sets the rule that government records must be open for review. The clerk makes them available unless a judge has sealed the file or a state law blocks access. Sensitive data like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s details are removed before the public sees them.
Who Maintains Court Records in Leon County
The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all trial court records for the 2nd Judicial Circuit. The current clerk is Gwen Marshall Knight. The office stores paper files from past decades and digital files from recent years. The clerk also runs the online portal where people search for cases without visiting the building.
The clerk’s office is separate from the courts themselves. Judges handle the rulings. The clerk handles the paperwork. When you need a copy of a final judgment, a marriage license, or a court transcript, the clerk produces it. The judge cannot give you a file copy because the judge does not store the case file.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller |
| Address | 301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301 |
| Phone Number | (850) 606-4000 |
| clerk_judicial@leoncountyfl.gov | |
| Website | leoncountyfl.gov |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Judicial Circuit | 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida |
How to Search Leon County Court Records Online
The fastest way to look up a case is through the clerk’s online search tool. The portal lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. You do not need an account. The system covers civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases filed in Leon County since the late 1990s. Older files may not appear online and require a trip to the clerk’s office.
Start at the Leon County online services page. Click on the court records search link. Type the last name of a party in the case. The system will return a list of matching cases. Click on a case number to see the full docket, party list, and filing dates. Some cases have scanned images of the actual documents attached. Others show only the docket entries.
The clerk’s online search page looks like this. You can pick the search type, enter the name, and view the results right away.
Basic searches are free. Certified copies and full document images may cost extra. The clerk charges one dollar per page for regular copies and two dollars per page for certified copies. Credit cards are accepted online. In-person payments can be cash, check, money order, or card.
Types of Court Cases in Leon County
The 2nd Judicial Circuit handles every type of state court case filed in Leon County. Each type has its own division within the clerk’s system. Knowing the case type helps you narrow your search and find the right file faster.
Leon County Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between two or more private parties. Common civil cases include contract disagreements, property line conflicts, personal injury claims, medical malpractice suits, and debt collection actions. A civil case starts when the plaintiff files a complaint with the clerk. The clerk assigns a case number and opens the file. From that point, every motion, response, and order becomes part of the public record.
You can search civil cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. Most civil cases in Leon County are filed in Circuit Civil Court because the dollar amount exceeds fifteen thousand dollars. County Civil Court handles smaller civil disputes under that amount.
Leon County Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records track charges brought by the State of Florida against a person. Felonies are filed in Circuit Criminal Court. Misdemeanors are filed in County Criminal Court. Each criminal case shows the charging document, the plea entered, hearings held, evidence motions, and the final sentence.
You can search criminal cases online the same way you search civil cases. Enter the defendant’s full legal name. The system returns every case where that name appears as a defendant. You will see the case number, the charges, the filing date, and the current status. Arrest records alone are kept by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, not the clerk.
Leon County Family Court Records
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. These cases are filed in the Family Law Division of the Circuit Court. Adoption records are sealed after finalization. Domestic violence injunction files may be temporarily sealed to protect the petitioner.
Divorce records are public after the judge signs the final judgment. You can see the petition, financial affidavits, and the final decree. Child custody and support records are public, but the clerk redacts the children’s full names and Social Security numbers before posting online.
Leon County Probate Court Records
Probate court records deal with wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments. When someone dies owning property in Florida, their will goes through probate court in the county where they lived. If they lived in Leon County, the case is filed here. Guardianship cases involve a court-appointed person managing the affairs of a minor or an incapacitated adult.
Most probate records are public. You can see the will, the inventory of assets, and the final distribution order. Guardianship records involving minors are sealed. Mental health commitment records are also confidential under Florida law.
Leon County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records cover citations issued in Leon County. These include speeding tickets, red light camera violations, reckless driving charges, and driving under suspension. Most traffic cases are heard in County Court. You can search traffic cases online, pay fines, or request a hearing through the clerk’s portal.
Traffic cases make up a large share of the Leon County docket. Many people resolve them by paying the fine online without appearing in court. Others contest the ticket and request a hearing.
Leon County Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court records cover civil disputes where the amount in question is eight thousand dollars or less. Common small claims cases include security deposit disputes, minor contract issues, and personal property damage claims. These cases are heard in County Civil Court but use simplified rules.
You do not need a lawyer in small claims court. The clerk’s office provides the forms. After the judge rules, the final judgment becomes part of the public record. If the losing party does not pay, the winning party can record a judgment lien through the clerk’s office.
Leon County Appellate Court Records
Appellate court records are not kept by the Leon County Clerk. Appeals from the 2nd Judicial Circuit go to the First District Court of Appeal, which sits in Tallahassee. The appellate court keeps its own records. The Leon County Clerk only stores the trial court record that was appealed. To see the appellate brief and ruling, you must contact the First District Court of Appeal directly.
Florida Public Records Laws and Leon County
Two main Florida laws control access to court records. The first is Florida Statute Chapter 119, the Public Records Law. It says any record made or received by a public agency in the course of business is open to the public. The second is Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, which lists the specific categories of court records that are confidential.
Under Rule 2.420, the clerk must keep certain items private. These include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and details that could reveal the identity of a confidential informant. The clerk also seals records involving children, trade secrets, and grand jury proceedings. All other records are open.
Florida Statute 119.0714 requires the clerk to redact sensitive personal data from court records before posting them online. This rule stops identity theft and protects people named in civil filings. When you view a case online, some fields may show as redacted. To see the unredacted version, you must visit the clerk’s office in person with valid photo ID.
How to Request Physical Court Records
You can request paper copies of any public court record from the Leon County Clerk. Bring the case number or the party names. Tell the clerk at the public counter what documents you need. The clerk will pull the file and make copies while you wait. For older files stored off-site, retrieval may take one to three business days.
You can also mail a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, the names of the parties, and the specific documents you want. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail. Mail the request to the Monroe Street address shown above.
Court Records Fees and Payment Methods
The clerk charges standard fees under Florida Statute 28.24. The most common charges are listed in the table below. Payment methods include cash, personal check, money order, and credit or debit cards. A convenience fee applies to card payments. The clerk does not accept payment by phone without prior arrangement.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy per page | $2.00 |
| Document certification | $2.00 plus copy fee |
| Online docket search | Free |
| Search fee per name (over 5 years) | $2.00 per year per name |
| Returned check fee | $25.00 or 5% of check |
Sealed and Confidential Records in Leon County
Some Leon County court records are sealed by court order. A judge can seal a case to protect privacy, hide a trade secret, or shield a juvenile. Once a case is sealed, the clerk cannot show the file to the public. The parties to the case can still view it with proper ID. Anyone else needs a court order to open the file.
Common sealed records include adoption files, juvenile delinquency cases, dependency cases, mental health commitment orders, and certain domestic violence petitions. Wills become public after probate opens. Pre-probate wills held for safekeeping are sealed until the testator dies.
E-Filing System for Leon County Courts
All new court filings in Leon County go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Attorneys must use the portal. Self-represented parties can use it or file paper documents at the clerk’s office. The portal accepts civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims filings. It also accepts motions, responses, and proposed orders in existing cases.
After you file a document through the portal, the clerk reviews it for compliance. If the clerk accepts it, the document gets added to the case docket and you receive an email confirmation. If the clerk rejects it, you receive an email explaining the reason. You can fix the issue and refile without paying a second filing fee in most cases.
Free Legal Help in Leon County
Legal Aid of North Florida provides free legal services to Leon County residents who meet income guidelines. The group handles family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer cases. You can contact Legal Aid by phone at (850) 222-3008 or visit their office in Tallahassee.
The Tallahassee Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. If you need a paid attorney, the service can match you with one in the right practice area. The 2nd Judicial Circuit also has a self-help center at the courthouse. Staff at the self-help center can help you find the right forms. They cannot give legal advice or represent you in court.
Common Court Record Search Scenarios
People search Leon County court records for many reasons. An employer may run a background check on a job applicant. A landlord may check whether a potential tenant has prior evictions. A person may verify that a divorce was finalized. A lawyer may look up a party involved in a new case. The online portal works for all these situations as long as the records are public.
Background checks through the clerk’s office are limited to court records only. The clerk does not provide criminal history reports from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. For a full state background check, contact FDLE directly. The clerk’s search shows only cases filed in Leon County, not cases from other Florida counties or other states.
The home page of the Leon County clerk’s online portal combines court records, official records, and marriage license applications in one place.
Leon County Court Locations and Hours
Most Leon County court hearings take place at the Leon County Courthouse at 301 S. Monroe Street. Some hearings, especially family and juvenile cases, may take place at satellite locations. Always check your court summons for the exact address. Arrive at least thirty minutes early to clear security.
The clerk’s public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and on official state holidays. You can still search records online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phone support is available during regular business hours at (850) 606-4000.
The map above shows the Leon County Courthouse at 301 S. Monroe Street in downtown Tallahassee. Parking is available in nearby public garages for a fee. Street parking is limited.
Nearby Florida Counties Court Records
Leon County borders several other Florida counties. If you need records from a nearby county, you must contact that county’s clerk directly. Court records do not transfer between county systems. Each clerk keeps separate files for cases filed in their jurisdiction.
- Gadsden County Clerk of Court – 10 East Washington Street, Quincy, FL 32351 – (850) 875-8601
- Wakulla County Clerk of Court – 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327 – (850) 926-0905
- Jefferson County Clerk of Court – 1 Courthouse Circle, Monticello, FL 32344 – (850) 342-0218
- Liberty County Clerk of Court – 10818 NW State Road 20, Bristol, FL 32321 – (850) 643-2215
Contact Details for Leon County Clerk of Court
You can reach the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court using the details below. The office serves the public for all court record requests, official records searches, and marriage license applications. Visit during business hours or contact by phone or email for faster help with simple questions.
Official website: leoncountyfl.gov
Phone: (850) 606-4000
Email: clerk_judicial@leoncountyfl.gov
Address: 301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Frequently Asked Questions About Leon County Court Records
The questions below cover the most common issues people face when searching Leon County court records. Each answer includes the specific rules, fees, and procedures that apply in the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Read through them before contacting the clerk to save time on your search.
How do I find out if someone has a criminal case in Leon County?
Search the Leon County Clerk’s online portal by entering the person’s full legal name. The system returns every criminal case where that name appears as a defendant. You will see the case number, the charges filed, the current status, and the next hearing date. The search is free. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person with the person’s name and date of birth to confirm a match. Remember that this search only covers Leon County. For state-wide criminal history, request a report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement through their official website. Employers and landlords often require the FDLE report because it covers every Florida county, not just Leon.
Are Leon County divorce records public after the case closes?
Yes. Once a Leon County judge signs the final judgment of divorce, the case file becomes public. You can search the docket online and see the date of filing, the parties’ names, and the list of hearings held. The final decree itself is also public and shows how the judge divided property, assigned parental responsibility, and set support amounts. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers and minor children’s full names are redacted from the online version. To see the unredacted file, visit the clerk’s office in person with valid photo ID. Adoption records finalized in Leon County remain sealed permanently. You cannot access them without a specific court order based on a compelling reason.
Can I view Leon County court records from my phone?
Yes. The Leon County Clerk’s online portal is mobile-friendly. Open the website on your phone’s browser, tap the court records search link, and enter the name or case number. The portal displays docket entries, party lists, and available document images. You can save the results or print them from your phone. The portal does not require an app download. If you have a slow connection, the basic docket view loads faster than the full document image view. For the best mobile experience, use a modern phone with an updated browser like Chrome, Safari, or Edge. The clerk does not charge extra fees for mobile access.
What does it cost to get a certified copy of a Leon County court order?
The clerk charges two dollars per page for a certified copy under Florida Statute 28.24. A typical final judgment runs five to fifteen pages, so the total cost ranges from ten to thirty dollars. The clerk adds a two dollar certification fee per document. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit card. A small convenience fee applies to card payments. You can request the certified copy in person, by mail, or online through the clerk’s portal. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the exact amount. The clerk will not process the request until payment clears.
How long does the Leon County Clerk keep paper court files?
The clerk keeps all court files permanently unless a court order directs destruction. Florida law requires clerks to retain most case files for at least twenty years, and many file types are kept forever. Felony criminal case files are kept permanently. Misdemeanor files are kept for at least ten years after the case closes. Civil case files are kept for at least ten years. Probate files are kept permanently. Older files that are not stored in the main building may be held at the clerk’s records center. You can still request copies of any file regardless of age, but retrieval from off-site storage takes one to three business days.
Can I remove a record from the Leon County court website?
Only a judge can order a record sealed or expunged. You cannot remove a record by simply asking the clerk. To start the process, file a petition with the Leon County Clerk. The petition must meet the legal standards set by Florida Statute 943.0585 for expungement or 943.059 for sealing. You may qualify if the case was dropped, you were found not guilty, or you completed a diversion program. Most people do not qualify if they were convicted. The clerk cannot advise you on whether you qualify. Consult a licensed Florida attorney or contact Legal Aid of North Florida if you cannot afford a lawyer. The petition filing fee is typically forty-one dollars plus service costs.
What is the difference between Leon County court records and official records?
Court records and official records are two different systems kept by the same clerk. Court records include civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims case files. Official records include deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates. The online portals are separate. Searching one does not return results from the other. The marriage license portal, for example, is part of the official records system. To get a certified copy of a marriage license from Leon County, use the official records search tool, not the court records search. Each tool has its own fees and access rules. Both portals are free to search and charge only for copies.