Miami City civil court records are public files that show civil lawsuits filed in Miami-Dade County. The records include complaints, motions, judgments, and other court papers.
Anyone can look at these records for free through online search tools or by visiting the clerk’s office in downtown Miami.
What Are Miami Civil Court Records
Civil court records are the official papers from lawsuits that do not involve criminal charges. These cases cover disputes between people, businesses, or groups over money, property, contracts, or personal rights. Miami civil court records are stored by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court.
The clerk keeps a digital file for every case. Each file has a docket number, party names, hearing dates, and court orders. Most records from 1978 to today are open to the public.
Who Runs the Miami Civil Court Records
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court runs the records office. The clerk is the official keeper of all court files for the county. His office handles millions of filings each year.
This clerk’s office sits at 73 West Flagler Street in Miami, Florida 33130. It serves a population of more than 2.7 million people across Miami-Dade County.
| Office Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Street Address | 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Main Phone | (305) 275-1155 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | miamidadeclerk.com |
Which Court Handles Miami Civil Cases
Miami sits in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers all of Miami-Dade County. It is the largest trial court system in the state by total case volume.
The 11th Circuit splits civil cases between two court levels. The split depends on how much money the case is worth and what type of dispute it is.
How to Search Miami Civil Court Records Online
The fastest way to search Miami civil court records is through the clerk’s online portal. You can search from home at any time of day. No login or account is needed for basic searches.
Free Search Tools on the Clerk Website
The Miami-Dade Clerk website has a free court records search at miamidadeclerk.com. You can type a person’s name or a case number into the search box. Results show case details within seconds.
The search tool covers every civil case type filed in the county. This includes small claims, landlord-tenant cases, contract disputes, and major lawsuits over $30,000.
Search by Name
A name search works when you know the full legal name of a party. The tool shows all civil cases linked to that name. You can filter results by case type, year, or court division.
Results for each case show the docket number, filing date, case type, judge assigned, and current status. Some cases also show upcoming hearing dates.
Search by Case Number
A case number search is the most direct method. Each civil case has a unique docket number. The format uses a two-digit year, a court code, and a sequence number.
Type the full case number into the search bar. The system pulls up the exact file with all docket entries and linked documents.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal links to all 67 county clerks in the state. This statewide system lets you file new civil cases and view existing case files.
The portal connects directly to Miami-Dade County records. You can use the same portal to file a new civil lawsuit in Miami or check the docket on a pending case.
Creating an E-Filing Account
You can set up a free account on the portal at myflcourtaccess.com. The account lets you file papers, receive court notices, and track case progress.
Lawyers must use the portal to file most civil papers. Self-represented filers can also use it to file small claims, evictions, and other common civil cases.
DIY Florida Form Tool
The portal has a free tool called DIY Florida. It asks simple questions about your case. Then it fills out the right court forms for you based on your answers.
The tool covers more than 20 case types. These include small claims, eviction filings, name changes, and simple divorces. You can file the completed forms through the same portal.
Types of Civil Cases in Miami
Miami hears thousands of civil cases each year. The court splits them into two main levels based on the dollar amount and case type.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
The Circuit Court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute is over $30,000. It also handles specific case types no matter the dollar value.
Common Circuit Court civil cases include:
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Medical malpractice claims
- Complex contract disputes
- Real property lawsuits
- Foreclosure actions
- Business litigation
- Defamation claims
County Court Civil Cases
The County Court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute is between $8,000 and $30,000. It also handles most eviction cases.
County Court cases often move faster than Circuit Court cases. The procedural rules are simpler. Hearings happen sooner after filing.
Small Claims Court
Small claims cases cover disputes where the amount is $8,000 or less. These cases use very simple procedures. Lawyers are not required.
Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, minor property damage, and small contract disputes. The hearing happens within a few weeks of filing.
Landlord-Tenant Cases
Eviction cases in Miami go through the County Court. These are some of the most common civil filings in the area. Most evictions involve nonpayment of rent.
Landlord-tenant cases often move on a fast timeline. The court can rule on possession within days after the hearing in clear cases.
Civil Case Docket and Documents
The civil docket is the running list of every paper filed in a case. It shows the timeline of the lawsuit from start to finish.
What the Docket Shows
The docket entry list includes the date of each filing, the title of each paper, and which party filed it. The list grows as the case moves through the court.
Key docket information includes:
- Filing date of the lawsuit
- Names of all parties
- Names of all lawyers
- Assigned judge
- Type of relief sought
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Final judgment details
Accessing Court Documents
Many court documents are available online through the clerk search tool. You can view PDFs of motions, orders, and judgments for most cases.
Older paper-only files may need an in-person visit. The clerk can pull the file and make copies for a fee.
Certified Copies of Records
Certified copies carry the clerk’s official seal. Banks, courts in other states, and government agencies usually ask for certified copies.
The fee for a certified copy in Miami-Dade County is set by state law. You can order certified copies in person at the clerk’s office or by mail.
Civil Judgment Search and Liens
A civil judgment is the court’s final order at the end of a lawsuit. Judgments can award money or order someone to do or stop doing something.
Recorded Judgments in Miami
Money judgments are often recorded in the official records. Recorded judgments become liens on real property in Miami-Dade County.
The official records search at miamidadeclerk.com lets you look up recorded judgments by name. This search is separate from the court case search.
Searching by Property Address
You can also search the official records by property address. This shows all liens and recorded documents tied to a specific piece of real estate in Miami.
Common recorded documents include:
- Civil judgments
- Mortgage liens
- Tax liens
- Construction liens
- Deeds
- Easements
Civil Court Records in Other Florida Counties
The search method for civil court records is similar across Florida. Each county has its own clerk of court with its own online portal.
Broward County Civil Records
Broward County is just north of Miami-Dade. Its county seat is Fort Lauderdale. The clerk runs search tools at browardclerk.org.
The 17th Judicial Circuit handles Broward civil cases. Cases over $30,000 go to Circuit Court. Smaller disputes go to County Court.
Orange County Civil Records
Orange County includes Orlando. The clerk serves the 9th Judicial Circuit. The search portal is at myorangeclerk.com.
Orange County civil cases cover a wide range. The clerk handles more than 100,000 civil filings each year.
Hillsborough County Civil Records
Hillsborough County includes Tampa. The 13th Judicial Circuit serves the county. Records are at hillsclerk.com.
Hillsborough’s civil docket is one of the busiest in Florida. The clerk offers online docket search by name and case number.
Palm Beach County Civil Records
Palm Beach County sits north of Broward. Its county seat is West Palm Beach. The clerk’s office is at clerk.org.
The 15th Judicial Circuit handles Palm Beach civil cases. Free docket search tools are available on the clerk website.
Duval County Civil Records
Duval County includes Jacksonville. The 4th Judicial Circuit serves the area. Records are at duvalclerk.com.
Duval’s civil search tool covers all case types. You can search by name, case number, or attorney bar number.
Pinellas County Civil Records
Pinellas County includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The 6th Judicial Circuit covers the county. Records are at pinellasclerk.org.
Pinellas has a strong online docket search. Most civil case papers are available as PDFs through the clerk portal.
Privacy Rules in Civil Court Records
Florida law protects certain private data in public court files. The clerk must remove sensitive personal data before making records public.
Confidential Information Rules
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists what counts as confidential. This rule applies to every court record in the state.
Confidential data includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Debit card numbers
- Tax identification numbers
- Minor children’s names in certain cases
Form to Flag Confidential Data
Filers must use a Notice of Confidential Information form. This form tells the clerk that private data appears in the filing. The clerk then seals that data from public view.
If you spot private data in a public court record, tell the clerk. The clerk will redact it at no cost to you.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some civil cases are sealed by court order. Sealed files are not open to the public. Adoption files are always sealed under state law.
Expunged records are removed from public search. Expungement is rare in civil cases and usually needs a court order.
Florida Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the main public records law. It is one of the strongest open records laws in the country. People often call it the Sunshine Law.
The law says any person can ask to see or copy public records. You do not need to be a party to a case. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
The clerk must respond to records requests within a reasonable time. Some exemptions apply. Confidential data, sealed files, and certain personal details are kept private.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Filings
Free resources help people handle civil cases without a lawyer. The Florida Courts website has self-help pages with forms and guides.
Florida Courts Self-Help Page
The self-help page at flcourts.gov has forms for common civil case types. You can download the forms as PDFs and fill them out by hand or on a computer.
The page covers small claims, evictions, simple divorces, name changes, and other family law matters.
Legal Aid in Miami-Dade
Legal Aid of Miami-Dade County helps people who cannot pay for a lawyer. They handle civil cases like evictions, public benefits, and family law.
The Dade County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can match you with a private lawyer for a low-cost initial consult.
Lawyer Help at the Courthouse
The Miami-Dade courthouse has self-help centers in some divisions. Staff can help you fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice or represent you in court.
Contact Miami Civil Records Office
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court is the main office for all civil records in Miami. You can reach the office by phone, in person, or through the official website.
Office Location
The clerk’s office is in the Miami-Dade County Courthouse at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. The courthouse is in downtown Miami across from the Government Center Metro station.
Phone Support
Call (305) 275-1155 to ask about civil court records. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wait times are shorter early in the morning.
Online Resources
The clerk’s official website is miamidadeclerk.com. You can search records, view dockets, and file new cases online at any time. The site works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions people ask about Miami City civil court records. These answers cover the basics of search, access, fees, and rules. They apply to civil cases filed in Miami-Dade County through the 11th Judicial Circuit.
Are Miami civil court records free to search online?
Yes. Basic searches on the Miami-Dade Clerk website are free. You can look up cases by name or case number without paying. You can also view many docket entries for free. Fees only apply when you ask for printed copies or certified copies with the clerk’s seal.
How far back do the online records go?
The Miami-Dade Clerk website has civil cases from 1978 to the present day. Older paper-only files exist for cases before 1978. Those records need an in-person visit to view. You can ask the clerk to pull old files from the records archive for a fee.
Can I remove my name from a public civil court record?
Most civil court records stay public forever. You can ask the court to seal a record only in special cases. Sealing needs a judge’s order. Common reasons include safety issues, identity theft, or personal medical data. Expungement is rare in civil cases.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can search by full legal name instead. The clerk’s search tool shows every case linked to that name. You can narrow the results by year, case type, or court division. If the name is very common, you may need a date of birth or address to find the right person.
Can I access Miami civil records from another state?
Yes. The Miami-Dade Clerk website works in any state. You only need internet access and a name or case number. Certified copies can be mailed to you for a fee. You can also hire a Florida attorney to pull records on your behalf.
What is the difference between court records and official records?
Court records are case files. They cover lawsuits, motions, judgments, and hearing notes. Official records cover deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments. Both are kept by the Miami-Dade Clerk, but they are separate search systems on the website.
How do I file a new civil case in Miami?
You can file through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or in person at the clerk’s office. First, pick the right form for your case type. Then fill out the form and pay the filing fee. The clerk will assign a case number and a judge to your case.