Monroe County court records include all case files, filings, and legal documents held by the Monroe County Clerk of Court office in Key West, Florida. These records cover civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and appellate cases filed in the county court system.
Anyone can search and view these records online or at the courthouse, except for files sealed by a judge or protected by Florida law.
The records serve as the legal history of every dispute, criminal charge, and other matter brought before the local court. The clerk’s office stores the files, runs the public search system, and issues copies to people who ask for them. Most files stay open to the public under Florida public records law.
What Are Monroe County Court Records
Monroe County court records are the official files kept by the county clerk for every case handled in the local court system. The records include the original filings, motions, orders, judgments, and final rulings for each case. They serve as the legal history of disputes, criminal charges, and other matters brought before the court.
The Monroe County court system is part of Florida’s 16th Judicial Circuit. Monroe is the only county in this circuit, which makes it different from most circuits in Florida that cover multiple counties. All circuit-level and county-level cases flow through one clerk’s office based in Key West.
These records exist for the public to review. Florida law opens most court files to anyone who asks. A judge must order a file sealed for it to be closed. Some records stay private by state law, such as juvenile cases and mental health hearings.
Monroe County Clerk of Court Office
The Monroe County Clerk of Court serves as the main record keeper for the entire county. Clerk Kevin Madok runs the office. The main office sits at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West, Florida. The phone number for the clerk’s office is (305) 292-3416. The official website is monroecounty-fl.gov/clerk.
The clerk’s office performs several duties. It files new cases. It stores all documents for active and closed cases. It issues certified copies of court records. It accepts payments for court fees and fines. It also runs the online search system for the public.
The office has two satellite locations to help residents in the upper and middle Keys. One sits in Marathon. The other sits in Plantation Key. These satellite offices help with basic records requests and provide copies of common documents. More complex requests may need to go through the main Key West office.
Office hours for the Monroe County Clerk of Court are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays.
How to Search Monroe County Court Records Online
The fastest way to look up Monroe County court records is through the clerk’s online search system. The online portal sits at monroecounty-fl.gov/clerk/court-records. The system lets you search by party name, case number, attorney name, or date of filing.
Steps to Use the Online Search System
Start by visiting the clerk’s court records page. Choose the search type you want from the drop-down menu. Enter the party name or case number in the search field. Click the search button. Review the list of matching cases. Click on a case number to view the full case detail page. The detail page shows all filed documents, hearing dates, and party contact details.
The online system works best for cases filed in recent years. Older paper-only records may not appear in the digital search. For records filed before the early 2000s, you may need to contact the clerk’s office by phone or visit in person.
The search system covers most case types. This includes civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases. Some sealed or confidential cases do not show up in public search results, even if the file exists in the clerk’s office.
Types of Court Records Available
Monroe County court records include many case categories. Each category follows its own rules for what stays public and what stays sealed. Below are the main types of records you can search.
Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between people or businesses. These cases often involve contract issues, property damage, personal injury, and debt collection. Civil cases in Monroe County where the amount at stake exceeds $50,000 are handled in circuit court. Smaller civil cases sit in county court.
You can search civil case records by party name. The search returns the case number, filing date, type of case, and the current status. You can also pull up motions, orders, and final judgments through the online system.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records cover charges brought by the state against a person. Felony cases are heard in circuit court. Misdemeanor cases are heard in county court. The clerk files all charging documents, motions, plea agreements, and sentencing orders.
You can search criminal records using the defendant’s name. The search returns the case number, the charges filed, the next hearing date, and the final disposition. Some criminal records get sealed after the case ends, especially for certain non-conviction outcomes.
Family Court Records
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. The clerk files all petitions, financial disclosures, and final judgments in these cases.
Family records follow stricter privacy rules. Details about minor children, financial accounts, and health records often get redacted before the file goes public. The basic case docket remains visible through the online search, but the full document set may need a request to the clerk.
Probate Court Records
Probate records cover the handling of a deceased person’s estate. These cases include wills, asset inventories, and final distributions to heirs. The clerk files the original will, the petition for probate, and the final order closing the estate.
You can search probate records by the deceased person’s name or by the case number. Many probate files are open to the public, but some details about beneficiaries and asset values may be redacted.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records cover citations, driving infractions, and DUI cases heard in county court. The clerk files the citation, any plea entered by the driver, and the final judgment.
You can search traffic cases using the citation number or the driver’s name. Some traffic records get removed from public view after a set time period if the driver completes traffic school or pays the fine on time.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court records cover civil disputes where the amount at stake is $8,000 or less. These cases move quickly and do not need an attorney. The clerk files the claim, the response, and the judgment.
You can search small claims cases by party name. The search returns the claim amount, the hearing date, and the court’s decision. Small claims hearings are public, and the basic docket remains visible after the case closes.
Appellate Court Records
Appellate records cover cases appealed from the circuit or county court to a higher court. The 16th Judicial Circuit Court handles appeals from Monroe County circuit and county courts. Appeals that go beyond the circuit level move to the Florida District Court of Appeal.
You can search appellate records through the Florida Appellate Court Information System at acis.flcourts.gov. The ACIS system shows case briefs, oral argument dates, and the final written opinion from the appellate judges.
Monroe County Court Record Lookup Methods
There are several ways to look up court records in Monroe County. The best method depends on the case type, the age of the file, and how quickly you need the records.
Online Search
The online search system at the clerk’s website works for most active and recently closed cases. The system is free to use. You do not need an account. You can search as many times as you need.
Phone Request
You can call the clerk’s office at (305) 292-3416 during business hours. Staff can confirm whether a record exists and tell you the fees for copies. The phone line gets busy around lunch and late afternoon, so calling mid-morning is the best option.
In-Person Request
You can visit the clerk’s office at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West. Walk-in visitors can use the public computers to search the records system. Staff can help you pull case files and make copies. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card payments for copies.
Mail Request
You can send a written request to the clerk’s office by mail. The address is Monroe County Clerk of Court, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. Include the case number, the documents you need, and a check or money order for the fees. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to complete.
Public Access and Privacy Rules
Florida law opens court records to the public. Florida Statute Chapter 119 sets the main rule. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 controls which court files stay open and which can be sealed. The Monroe County clerk follows these rules for all cases.
Most records stay public. Sealed records are limited to specific situations. A judge must order a file sealed. Examples of cases that may be sealed include juvenile records, mental health hearings, and certain family court matters involving children.
Personal details get redacted before records go public. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and similar sensitive data are removed. The clerk performs this redaction for older records. Anyone filing a new document must remove confidential details before submitting the file.
If you believe a court record is being wrongly withheld, you can file a written motion under Florida Rule 2.420. The motion asks the court to review the clerk’s decision. The court will hold a hearing and rule on whether the record must be made public.
Fees for Monroe County Court Records
Florida law sets the fees for court records. The Monroe County clerk follows the same fee schedule used by other Florida county clerks. The standard fees appear in the table below.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copies (per document) | $2.00 |
| Search fee (per name per year) | $2.00 |
| Faxed documents (per page) | $1.00 |
| Online transaction fee | $3.50 |
Fees must be paid before records are released. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card at the office. Online payments are handled through the MyFloridaCounty portal.
How to Get Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and serve as legal proof of the record. You may need certified copies for immigration, name changes, retirement benefits, or other legal matters.
To get a certified copy, request the document at the clerk’s office, by mail, or through the online portal. Pay the certified copy fee of $2.00 per document plus the per-page copy fee. The clerk stamps the document with the official seal and signs it as the record keeper.
The online portal offers certified copies for some document types. For older records or rare documents, you may need to visit the office in person or send a mail request with the exact case number and document description.
Monroe County Court Filings and E-Filing
All new court cases in Monroe County must be filed through the Florida E-Filing Portal. The portal sits at myflcourtaccess.com. The system connects to all Florida clerks, including the Monroe County clerk.
E-filing is required for attorneys. Self-represented parties can use the system as well. You create an account, select Monroe County as the filing location, upload the PDF documents, and pay the filing fee. The clerk receives the filing immediately and handles it during business hours.
The E-Filing Portal accepts filings for civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases. The system generates a confirmation receipt and a file-stamped copy of each document. E-filed documents become part of the public court record once the clerk accepts them.
Historical Court Records
Older court records from Monroe County may not appear in the online search system. Some records date back to the 1800s, when Monroe County was first established. These older files are kept in paper format or on microfilm at the clerk’s office.
You can request historical records by contacting the clerk’s records department. Some historical records have been digitized and posted on the clerk’s website. Others require a visit to the records archive in Key West. The clerk charges the same copy fees for historical records as for current records.
Researchers, genealogists, and attorneys often look for historical records. The clerk’s staff can help you locate older files by case number, party name, or subject matter. Research fees may apply for extensive searches that take more than 30 minutes.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Some users run into problems when searching Monroe County court records. The most common issues have simple fixes. The list below shows what to check when something goes wrong.
- No search results: Try a different spelling of the name. Check the case type. Confirm the year of filing. Some older cases may not be in the digital system.
- Document missing from case page: The document may be sealed or pending redaction review. Contact the clerk’s office for help pulling the file.
- E-Filing Portal error: Clear your browser cache and try again. Make sure the PDF file size does not exceed the portal’s limit. Check the filing fee for the case type.
- Cannot locate old case: Older cases may sit in paper archives. Call the records department for help locating the file.
Monroe County Courthouse Locations
Monroe County operates courthouse services across the Florida Keys. The main courthouse sits at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West. The Marathon satellite office serves the middle Keys. The Plantation Key office covers the upper Keys.
All three locations handle basic court records requests. The main Key West office handles complex requests, certified copies, and historical research. The satellite offices help with payments, simple searches, and standard copies.
Contact Information and Office Hours
You can reach the Monroe County Clerk of Court using the details below. The clerk’s office handles phone calls, walk-in visits, and email messages during posted business hours.
Office: Monroe County Clerk of Court
Address: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3416
Website: monroecounty-fl.gov/clerk
Email: clerk@monroecounty-fl.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Marathon satellite office is at 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The Plantation Key office is at 88800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036. Both satellite offices keep similar hours to the main Key West location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monroe County Court Records
Many people have specific questions about searching and using Monroe County court records. The questions below cover the most common issues. Each answer gives clear, direct steps you can follow. If your question is not here, call the clerk’s office at (305) 292-3416 during business hours for personal help.
How do I search Monroe County court records for free?
The Monroe County clerk’s online search system at monroecounty-fl.gov/clerk/court-records lets you look up cases at no charge. You do not need to create an account. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The search returns the case docket, the next hearing date, and the full list of filed documents. You can view most documents on screen without paying. The system charges a fee only when you ask for a certified copy of a record. Free search works for civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases filed in the county. Records filed before 2000 may not be in the digital system. You can still ask for those records by phone, mail, or in person.
Can I see sealed court records in Monroe County?
Sealed court records are not available to the public. A judge must order a file sealed for it to be closed. Examples of sealed records include juvenile cases, mental health hearings, and certain family court matters. The clerk’s online search system does not show sealed records. You cannot see them through the public search. If you need a sealed record, you must file a written motion with the court. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 controls this motion. The court will hold a hearing and decide whether to unseal the file. Parties to the original case have an easier time getting sealed records opened than outside requesters. The motion must show a strong reason for the court to lift the seal.
What is the difference between court records and official records in Monroe County?
Court records cover lawsuits, criminal cases, and other court matters. Official records cover property documents like deeds, mortgages, liens, and marriage licenses. The Monroe County clerk handles both types, but they sit in different sections of the records system. The court records search sits at monroecounty-fl.gov/clerk/court-records. The official records search sits at monroecounty-fl.gov/clerk/official-records. You need to use the right search system for the type of record you need. Court records show the legal history of a case. Official records show who owns a piece of property or who holds a lien. Fees are similar for both types. The clerk charges the same copy and certification fees regardless of which system you use.
How long does it take to get court records by mail in Monroe County?
Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to complete. The clerk’s office handles requests in the order they arrive. Requests for older records may take longer because staff need to pull the file from the records archive. Certified copies add one extra day for the certification seal. You should include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request. The clerk’s office accepts checks and money orders for payment. Do not send cash through the mail. You can also call the clerk at (305) 292-3416 to check the status of your mail request. The clerk does not offer overnight mail delivery for court records, but you can pay for expedited shipping through a courier service if you provide the prepaid label.
Can I access Monroe County court records from another state?
Yes. The clerk’s online search system works from any computer with internet access. You can view case dockets, read documents, and request copies from another state. You do not need a Florida address to use the system. For mail requests, you can send payment by check or money order in US dollars. The clerk will mail the records to your out-of-state address. Some online services also pull data from the Monroe County clerk’s system and let you search from outside Florida. The official source is always the clerk’s website. Third-party services may charge extra fees. The clerk’s online system stays free to use for basic searches.
Are Monroe County traffic records public?
Yes. Traffic records in Monroe County are public. The clerk files citations, plea entries, and final judgments. You can search traffic cases by the citation number or the driver’s name. The search returns the case number, the charge, the plea, and the sentence. Some traffic records get removed from public view after a set period if the driver meets the conditions for removal. The conditions include completing a driving school course, paying the fine on time, or getting the case dismissed. The clerk’s online system shows current traffic cases. Removed cases no longer appear in the public search. You can ask the clerk about a specific case if you cannot locate it in the system.
How do I look up Monroe County court records from before 2000?
Records from before 2000 may not be in the digital system. You can request historical records by calling the clerk’s office at (305) 292-3416. Staff can search the paper archive or microfilm files for older cases. Research fees may apply for older cases that take more time to locate. The clerk charges the standard copy and certification fees for historical records. Some historical records have been digitized and posted on the clerk’s website. You can check the records archive section of the website first. If the record is not online, send a written request to the clerk. Include the case number, the party name, and the year of filing. The clerk’s office can locate the file and provide copies for the standard fees.
Meta Title: Monroe County Court Records – Search, Lookup & Access
Meta Description: Search Monroe County court records online. Look up civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims case records from the Monroe County Clerk of Court.
Suggested Internal Links:
- Florida Courts statewide portal (flcourts.gov)
- Monroe County Clerk of Court official site (monroecounty-fl.gov/clerk)
- Florida E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com)
- Appellate Court Information System (acis.flcourts.gov)
- MyFloridaCounty payments portal (myfloridacounty.com)