Orlando city court records are public files that show what happens in court cases filed in Orange County, Florida. These records cover criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family matters, traffic tickets, probate actions, and small claims.
Anyone can look them up online through the Orange County Clerk of Courts or visit the courthouse in downtown Orlando to view paper files. This page explains how the records work, where to find them, what they cost, and what types of cases the system covers.
What Orlando City Court Records Include
Orlando city court records contain the full history of a case from the day it was filed until the court closes it. Each record holds the names of the people involved, the case number, the type of case, the judge assigned, and a list of all filings and hearings. You can see motions, orders, judgments, sentences, and final dispositions. Most records also show the attorney of record and the court division where the case was heard.
People search these records for many reasons. Landlords check eviction history. Employers run background checks. Lawyers research past cases. Family members look up divorce files. The records give a clear picture of legal actions that touch people’s lives in Orlando.
Records exist at two court levels in Orange County. The Orange County Courthouse handles county court cases like misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic offenses. The same building houses the circuit court, which handles felonies, major civil cases, family law, and probate. Both sets of records go through the Orange County Clerk of Courts.
Who Maintains Orlando City Court Records
The Orange County Clerk of Courts keeps all court records for Orlando. This office runs under Florida state law and answers to the Florida Constitution. The Clerk is an elected position, and the current office manages millions of files for the county’s 1.4 million residents.
The Clerk’s office is located at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. This building sits in the heart of downtown Orlando near Lake Eola. The main phone line is (407) 836-2000. The office runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours until 6:00 p.m. on some days for specific services like passport applications and marriage licenses.
Records are kept in three forms. Paper files fill the courthouse basement archives. Microfilm stores older records. Digital scans cover most cases filed after 2000. The Clerk’s office has worked to scan older files through grants, but some records from the 1980s and earlier still require in-person viewing.
Types of Court Records Available in Orlando
Orange County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in Orlando cover two categories. Felony cases go through the 9th Judicial Circuit Court. Misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses stay in Orange County Court. Both are public unless a judge orders them sealed. The records show charges, plea deals, trial outcomes, sentences, probation terms, and any appeals.
The Orange County Clerk indexes criminal cases by defendant name, case number, and arrest date. You can see the arresting agency, which might be the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, or Florida Highway Patrol. Each case lists the State Attorney’s office as the prosecuting party.
Orange County Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between people, businesses, or government agencies. Circuit civil cases involve amounts over $50,000. County civil cases handle smaller disputes. Common case types include contract disagreements, personal injury claims, property disputes, foreclosure actions, and insurance conflicts.
These records show the plaintiff and defendant names, the amount in question, the cause of action, and the resolution. Many civil cases settle before trial, so the records often include settlement agreements and dismissals.
Orange County Family Court Records
Family court records handle divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence matters. The 9th Circuit Family Division operates at the Orange County Courthouse. Some family records are partially confidential. Financial affidavits and child support worksheets may be sealed, but case outcomes and hearing dates remain public.
Adoption records are sealed by law. Juvenile dependency records are not available through the public search system. Domestic violence injunction files show the petition, the order, and the hearing dates, but the exact terms may be redacted in online access.
Orlando Traffic Court Records
Orlando traffic court records cover traffic citations issued in Orange County. These include speeding tickets, red light camera violations, reckless driving charges, and DUI offenses. Most traffic cases are misdemeanors, but DUI can be a felony. The records show the citation number, the issuing officer, the court date, and the final disposition.
You can pay traffic fines online through MyFloridaCounty.com without going to court. But if you want to contest the ticket or see the full record, you need to search the Clerk’s system. The online portal shows the fine amount, any late fees, and whether the case is still open or closed.
Orange County Probate Court Records
Probate court records deal with wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments. These cases happen when someone dies with or without a will, or when a person cannot manage their own affairs. The records show the decedent’s name, the personal representative, the inventory of assets, and the final distribution.
Guardianship records are public, but some medical details may be redacted. Mental health commitment records have strict privacy rules. Most probate records are viewable through the My E Clerk system, but older estate files from before 1990 may require a visit to the records department.
Orange County Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court handles disputes involving $8,000 or less. Cases include unpaid debts, security deposit returns, minor property damage, and small contract issues. The process is simpler than regular civil court, and many people file these cases without an attorney.
Records show the plaintiff’s claim, the defendant’s response, the hearing date, and the judge’s ruling. Small claims cases move quickly, often resolving within 60 to 90 days of filing. The records remain in the system for several years, making them useful for credit checks and tenant screening.
How to Search Orlando City Court Records Online
My E Clerk Portal
The My E Clerk portal at myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com is the main tool for searching court records. You can search by party name, case number, citation number, or date range. The system covers all case types filed in Orange County, including those from Orlando.
Basic searches are free. You see the case caption, the filing date, the current status, and the next hearing date. Registered users can view document images for a small fee per page. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To search by name, type the last name first, then the first name. The system shows all matching cases, even those with common names. You can narrow results by case type or year. If you know the case number, the search goes faster because it pulls up that specific file directly.
Here is a screenshot of the My E Clerk search portal:
Florida Court Records Search Through the State Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 counties. You can search Orange County cases there, but the My E Clerk portal gives more detail for local records. The state portal works better for checking cases in multiple counties at once.
Lawyers use the E-Filing Portal to submit new cases and send documents to the court. The public can use it to view case dockets and download filed documents. There is no cost to search, but credit card fees apply when paying filing fees online. The portal accepts major credit cards and electronic checks.
Orange County Clerk Official Records
The Orange County Clerk of Courts keeps two types of records. Court records deal with cases. Official records deal with property, liens, marriages, and business filings. The official records search runs through a separate system at myorangeclerk.com.
For court case searches, stick with the My E Clerk portal. For property records, liens, marriage licenses, and business filings, use the official records search. The systems do not share data, so you may need to search both depending on what you need.
The Clerk’s homepage looks like this:
In-Person Records Access at the Orange County Courthouse
You can view court records in person at the Orange County Courthouse. The Records Department sits on the first floor of the courthouse at 425 N. Orange Avenue. Public terminals let you search the same system available online. Staff can help you find cases and explain how to request copies.
Bring a valid photo ID. You will need to sign in at the security checkpoint. The courthouse has metal detectors and bag restrictions. Leave large bags, weapons, and outside food in your car or use the lockers near the entrance.
Parking is available in the Orange County Parking Garage on Jefferson Street. The first hour is free, and each additional hour costs $2. The garage fills up fast during the morning rush, so plan to arrive before 9:00 a.m. for the best chance at a spot. Street parking exists but has a 2-hour limit.
Older records that are not yet scanned require a written request. Fill out a records request form at the front desk. Staff will pull the file from storage. This process takes 1 to 3 business days depending on the age and size of the file. There is a $1 per page charge for copies, plus a $2 retrieval fee for older files.
Fees and Costs for Orlando Court Records
Searching court records online is free. Viewing case information costs nothing. You only pay when you need copies or certified documents. The Clerk’s office charges $1 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $7 certification fee per document.
Examples of common costs:
- Standard copy: $1 per page
- Certified copy: $1 per page plus $7 certification
- Authenticated copy (apostille): $1 per page plus $7 certification plus state fee
- Document image from online portal: $0.25 per page for registered users
- Microfilm print: $1 per page
- Rush retrieval: additional $5 fee
Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card. In person, you can use the card readers at the cashier window. Online payments go through the secure portal. There is a 3.95% convenience fee for credit card transactions on the state portal. The My E Clerk portal charges a small convenience fee as well, usually around 2.75%.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Orlando
Some court records are sealed by court order or by law. Sealed records do not show up in public searches. Expunged records are physically destroyed or restricted from view. Only the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and certain government agencies can access them.
Common reasons for sealing records include:
- Dismissed criminal charges
- Completed diversion programs
- Juvenile cases (most are automatically sealed)
- Adoption files
- Mental health commitment records
- Sensitive family court details
To seal or expunge a record, you must file a petition with the court. The Orange County Clerk can help you with the forms. The process takes 4 to 6 months on average. You may need a lawyer for complex cases, but the Florida Courts Help website offers free forms for simple expungements.
Under Florida Statute 943.059, you may qualify for expungement if you were arrested but never charged, if charges were dropped, or if you completed a pretrial intervention program. You can only expunge one record in your lifetime. The waiting period is generally 10 years from the date the case was resolved.
Common Uses for Orlando City Court Records
People search court records for many reasons. Here are the most common uses:
Background checks: Landlords, employers, and volunteer organizations often run background checks. Court records show criminal history, eviction filings, and civil judgments that affect someone’s reliability or trustworthiness.
Legal research: Lawyers and self-represented parties research similar cases to build their arguments. Seeing how past cases were decided helps predict outcomes and craft better legal strategies.
Genealogy research: Family historians look up probate records, divorce decrees, and old criminal cases to learn about their ancestors. Orlando records going back to the 1800s are available in the courthouse archive.
Personal knowledge: People check their own records to make sure the information is correct. Errors in court records can affect credit reports, job applications, and security clearances. If you find an error, you can file a motion to correct it.
Journalism: Reporters search court records to verify stories, check public officials’ histories, and report on criminal cases. Florida’s strong public records laws support transparent journalism.
How Long Are Court Records Kept
Florida law sets minimum retention periods for court records. The Clerk cannot destroy files before these periods expire. Retention times depend on the case type:
- Felony criminal cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Family cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Probate cases: 10 years after estate closed
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 5 years after final judgment
Many records are kept longer than the minimum. The Orange County Clerk has scanned millions of older records and stores them in digital archives. Even after paper files are destroyed, the digital scans remain available through the online portal.
Contact Information for Orlando City Court Records
Orange County Clerk of Courts
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: myorangeclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Extended hours: Tuesday and Thursday until 6:00 p.m. for select services
You can also reach the Records Department directly at (407) 836-2060 for questions about specific files. The Civil Division phone is (407) 836-2050. The Criminal Division phone is (407) 836-2030. The Family Division phone is (407) 836-2090. The Traffic Division phone is (407) 836-2700.
For payments online, visit myfloridacounty.com. For court forms and self-help resources, visit help.flcourts.gov. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website at flclerks.com connects you to all 67 county clerks across the state.
Below is a map showing the location of the Orange County Courthouse:
Frequently Asked Questions About Orlando City Court Records
This section answers common questions about searching and using court records in Orlando. The answers reflect current Florida law and Orange County Clerk practices as of 2026.
How do I find out if someone has a warrant in Orlando?
You can check for active warrants through the Orange County Sheriff’s Office website. The Sheriff’s office maintains a public warrant search that shows outstanding warrants issued in the county. You can also call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at (407) 836-4357. The My E Clerk system shows case status but does not specifically list warrants. For the most accurate results, use the Sheriff’s warrant search tool directly. Warrants from other counties do not show up in Orange County searches, so check neighboring counties like Osceola and Seminole if needed.
Are juvenile court records available to the public in Orlando?
No, juvenile court records are not available to the public. Florida law automatically seals most juvenile records. Only the minor, their parents or guardians, their attorney, and certain government agencies can access them. If a juvenile is charged as an adult, the case transfers to adult court and becomes public. Juvenile records may be eligible for expungement once the person turns 24 or after 5 years of clean record, whichever comes first. The Orange County Clerk cannot release juvenile records without proper authorization from the court.
Can I get a copy of my own sealed record in Orlando?
Yes, you can request a copy of your own sealed or expunged record. You must file a motion with the court that issued the sealing order. If your record was expunged, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is the only agency that can provide a copy. You will need to provide fingerprints and valid identification. The request takes about 30 days to process. There is a $50 fee for retrieving expunged records from FDLE. Sealed records are easier to access because they still exist in the court system but require a court order to view.
How far back do Orlando online court records go?
The My E Clerk portal covers cases filed from 1986 to the present. Records from 1986 to 2000 may have limited document images but show full case details. Cases from before 1986 exist in paper and microfilm format at the courthouse. The Orange County Clerk has been digitizing older records through ongoing projects, but coverage varies. To access records older than 1986, visit the Records Department in person or submit a written request. Some historical probate and land records go back to the 1800s and require special retrieval procedures.
What is the difference between the My E Clerk and the Florida E-Filing Portal?
My E Clerk is the Orange County Clerk’s local court records search system. It covers only Orange County cases and offers the most detailed local information. The Florida E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 Florida counties. Lawyers use it to file new cases and submit documents electronically. The public can use it to view dockets and check case status across multiple counties. For Orlando-specific searches, My E Clerk is faster and shows more detail. For statewide searches or multi-county legal research, the Florida portal works better.
Can I remove my court record from public view in Orlando?
You can seal or expunge some court records under Florida law. Expungement completely destroys the record. Sealing hides it from public view but keeps it in the system. To qualify, your case must meet specific criteria set by Florida Statute 943.059. Most misdemeanors and some felonies qualify if you were not convicted, completed a diversion program, or were a victim of mistaken identity. You can only expunge one record in your lifetime. The process takes 4 to 6 months and requires fingerprinting, background checks, and a court hearing. The Florida Courts Help website at help.flcourts.gov offers free forms and instructions for simple expungement cases.
How much does it cost to run a background check through Orlando court records?
Running a background check through Orlando court records is free if you do the search yourself online. The My E Clerk portal charges nothing to search and view basic case information. Document images cost $0.25 per page for registered users. If you hire a third-party background check service, costs range from $25 to $150 depending on the depth of the search. For employment or tenant screening, most professionals use commercial services that pull from multiple databases. The official court records are the most accurate source because third-party services sometimes have outdated information.