Orlando City Civil Court Records cover all civil lawsuits, small claims, and other civil filings made in Orlando, Florida. The Orange County Clerk of Court holds these files because Orlando sits inside Orange County.
The court system that handles Orlando civil cases is the 9th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Orange and Osceola counties. Anyone can look at most of these records online or in person. The records show case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and judgment results. They help people check the legal history of a person, a business, or a property in Orlando.
Orange County Clerk of Court Overview
The Orange County Clerk of Court is the main office that stores civil court records for Orlando. The clerk serves as the record keeper for all civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed in the county. The current Orange County Clerk is Tiffany Moore Russell. Her office runs the online search tools used by the public and by lawyers across the state. The clerk also handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and official records of deeds.
Clerk Office Location and Contact Details
The Orange County Clerk main office sits at 425 North Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando, Florida 32801. This courthouse is in the same building as the main civil court for the 9th Judicial Circuit. The clerk phone number for general questions is (407) 836-2000. People can call this number to ask about civil case status, copy fees, or how to get a certified copy of a court order. Email support is also open through the clerk website contact form.
Office Hours and Holiday Schedule
The Orange County Clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and on state holidays. During the last week of December, the office operates on a reduced schedule. People who plan to visit the clerk for civil record searches should arrive before 3:30 PM to allow time for staff to pull files and make copies.
How the Orlando Civil Court System Works
Orlando civil cases move through a two-tier court system based on the dollar amount in dispute. The 9th Judicial Circuit Court handles larger civil cases. The Orange County Court handles smaller civil cases. Both courts file their records with the Orange County Clerk. The system aims to route cases to the right court level so hearings move faster.
9th Judicial Circuit Court Coverage
The 9th Judicial Circuit covers Orange County and Osceola County. Orlando sits in Orange County, so all Orlando civil cases at the circuit level go through the Orange County Courthouse. The Chief Judge of the circuit oversees all court operations. Circuit civil cases involve disputes worth more than $30,000. They include personal injury lawsuits, business contract fights, real property actions, and complex financial claims.
Circuit Court vs County Court Divisions
The Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. Family law, probate, guardianship, and juvenile cases also go through the Circuit Court. The County Court handles civil cases with claims up to $30,000. Small claims cases have a limit of $8,000. Eviction cases fall under the County Court, no matter the rent amount owed. Civil traffic infractions also go through County Court.
Common Types of Civil Cases Filed
People file many kinds of civil cases each year in Orlando. Common case types include:
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Breach of contract claims between people or businesses
- Personal injury lawsuits from car crashes or slips
- Debt collection actions
- Small claims for unpaid loans or damaged property
- Real estate disputes over boundaries or titles
- Injunction requests to stop harmful actions
How to Search Orlando Civil Court Records Online
Three main online tools let anyone search Orlando civil court records from home. Each tool serves a slightly different purpose. Knowing which tool fits the search saves time and gives better results. All three tools work on phones, tablets, and computers.
Orange County Clerk Online Search Tool
The Orange County Clerk website at orangeclerk.com has a free case search tool. The tool lets users search by name, case number, or party name. It covers all civil, family, probate, criminal, and traffic cases filed in Orange County. The search returns case numbers, filing dates, party names, hearing schedules, and final judgments. The tool updates daily with new filings and new docket entries.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com connects to all 67 county clerks across Florida. The portal handles more than 30 million court documents each year. Users can register for a free account to file new civil cases, view existing case dockets, and download filed documents. The portal works for lawyers and for people who represent themselves. The portal support desk is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern at (850) 577-4609.
Searching by Name, Case Number, or Date
Most online search tools offer three main search options:
- Party name search: Type the last name first, then the first name. Use quotes for exact matches.
- Case number search: Type the full case number, including the year and court code. Example: 2024-CA-001234.
- Date range search: Pick a start date and end date to see all cases filed in that window.
In-Person Records Access at the Orlando Courthouse
Some people prefer to visit the Orange County Courthouse in person to search civil records. The in-person method works well for old cases that may not show up online. Staff at the clerk window can pull physical files, make paper copies, and issue certified copies. Visitors can also look at original paper records that have not been scanned.
Visiting the Orange County Courthouse
The Orange County Courthouse sits at 425 North Orange Avenue in Orlando. Visitors enter through the main entrance on Orange Avenue. A security checkpoint requires visitors to pass through a metal detector. No weapons are allowed inside. Visitors should bring a photo ID and the case number or party name they want to search. Parking garages near the courthouse charge an hourly fee.
Requesting Certified Copies of Records
Certified copies of court orders, judgments, and other documents carry the clerk’s official seal. Banks, title companies, and other courts often require certified copies. The clerk charges a fee for each certified copy. The fee is set by Florida law and changes from year to year. People can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk window.
Copy Fees and Payment Options
The standard fee for a plain paper copy is $1.00 per page. The certified copy fee is higher and includes the clerk’s seal. People can pay copy fees with cash, personal check, cashier’s check, or major credit card. Online orders for copies through the Orange County Clerk website also accept credit card payments with a small convenience fee.
Types of Civil Records Available Online
The Orange County Clerk online tools make many types of civil records open to the public. Each record type serves a different need. Knowing the record type helps the search. The search covers cases from all of Orange County, including Orlando.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims cases involve disputes up to $8,000. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, security deposit returns, and minor property damage. Small claims records show the amount claimed, the parties involved, the hearing date, and the judgment. These records stay open to the public through the Orange County Clerk search tool.
Eviction Records
Eviction cases happen when a landlord files a complaint to remove a tenant from a rental property. Eviction records show the property address, the landlord’s name, the tenant’s name, and the court’s final order. These records help landlords screen future tenants. They also help tenants check their rental history. Eviction cases are filed in County Court.
Civil Judgment Search
Civil judgments are final court orders that require one party to pay money or take action. Judgments stay on the public record for years. Lenders, employers, and landlords often check judgment records before making decisions. The Orange County Clerk search tool shows judgments for all civil cases filed in Orlando.
Family and Probate Records
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Probate records cover wills, estate administration, and guardianship. Some family records are sealed by court order. Sealed records do not show up in public searches. Open family and probate records show up in the Orange County Clerk online search.
Filing a New Civil Case in Orlando
People who want to file a new civil case in Orlando follow a clear process. The first step is to pick the right court based on the dollar amount in dispute. The next step is to fill out the right forms. The last step is to file the forms with the Orange County Clerk and pay the filing fee. The clerk staff can answer questions about forms and procedures.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Filing fees depend on the type of case and the court. County Court civil filing fees are lower than Circuit Court fees. Small claims filing fees are lower still. The Orange County Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card for filing fees. People who cannot afford the fee can ask the court to waive the cost by filing a sworn financial affidavit.
DIY Florida Self-Help Tool
The Florida Courts system offers a free tool called DIY Florida inside the E-Filing Portal. DIY Florida asks a series of plain language questions. Based on the answers, it fills out the right court forms for the user. More than 20 form types are available, including small claims, eviction, and simple civil complaint forms. The user can then file the completed forms to the Orange County Clerk online.
Required Forms for Common Civil Cases
Each civil case type needs its own set of forms. Common required forms include:
- Civil complaint form that explains the claim
- Summons form to notify the other party
- Service of process proof
- Financial affidavit for fee waiver requests
- Notice of confidential information form under Florida Rule 2.420
Confidential and Sealed Records in Orlando
Some civil court records are kept private by law or by court order. Confidential records stay out of public view. Sealed records require a special court order to open. Knowing the rules about confidential records helps users respect privacy rights. The clerk redacts confidential data before posting files online.
Redacted Personal Information
Florida law bars Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers from public court files. Under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, parties who file court papers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form to flag private data. The clerk redacts these numbers before posting the file online. People who see their private data in a public file can ask the clerk to remove it at no charge.
Sealed Case Access Rules
A judge can order a civil case or a part of a case sealed for good cause. Common reasons include protecting trade secrets, shielding minors, or keeping personal safety. Sealed records do not appear in the Orange County Clerk public search. Only parties to the case, their lawyers, and people with a court order can see sealed files.
Florida Public Records Laws
Florida has strong public records laws that keep most civil court files open. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules. The law covers records held by state, county, and city offices in Florida. The clerk follows Chapter 119 when deciding what records to release to the public.
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 says all state, county, and city government records are open for inspection and copying by any person. The law does not require the requester to give a reason for the request. The requester does not need to live in Florida. Most civil court files qualify as public records under Chapter 119.
Who Can Access Orlando Civil Court Files
Any member of the public can access Orlando civil court files. No ID is required to use the online search tool. For in-person searches, a photo ID is needed to pass the courthouse security checkpoint. People can ask for copies of any public record, with payment of the copy fee.
Nearby Counties and Clerk Resources
People who need to search civil records near Orlando can use the clerks in nearby counties. Each county clerk runs its own search tool. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website has a directory of all 67 county clerks. The directory lists phone numbers, addresses, and website links for each office.
Osceola County Clerk of Court
Osceola County sits next to Orange County. Kissimmee is the county seat. The Osceola County Clerk of Court handles civil cases filed in the Kissimmee area. Civil cases filed in Osceola County show up in the Osceola County Clerk search tool. The 9th Judicial Circuit also covers Osceola County at the circuit level.
Seminole County Clerk of Court
Seminole County sits north of Orange County. Sanford is the county seat. Seminole County falls under the 18th Judicial Circuit. The Seminole County Clerk of Court handles civil filings in Sanford, Casselberry, Altamonte Springs, and other Seminole cities. People who live in the Orlando metro area can search Seminole civil records through the Seminole County Clerk website.
Other Major Florida County Clerks
People who need civil court records in other parts of Florida can use these county clerks:
- Miami-Dade County Clerk for Miami civil cases
- Broward County Clerk for Fort Lauderdale civil cases
- Palm Beach County Clerk for West Palm Beach civil cases
- Hillsborough County Clerk for Tampa civil cases
- Duval County Clerk for Jacksonville civil cases
Orange County Clerk Quick Contact Details
The table below shows the main contact details for the Orange County Clerk of Court. This office holds all civil court records for Orlando.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| County Clerk | Tiffany Moore Russell |
| Address | 425 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Phone | (407) 836-2000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | orangeclerk.com (not clickable) |
| Judicial Circuit | 9th Judicial Circuit |
| Florida E-Filing Portal | myflcourtaccess.com |
| Florida Court Clerks Directory | flclerks.com |
The Orange County Courthouse sits in downtown Orlando. Visitors can use the map below to find the exact location. Parking is available in nearby garages for a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
People who search Orlando civil court records often ask the same kinds of questions. The answers below cover the most common ones. They also help with less common situations. Read through to get the full picture.
Are Orlando civil court records free to search online?
Yes. The Orange County Clerk online search tool is free for anyone to use. No account or login is needed. The tool covers all civil case types filed in Orange County. Users can search by name, case number, or party. The search returns case numbers, filing dates, party names, hearing dates, and judgments. Certified copies of court orders cost a fee, but plain copies and online viewing are free.
How long for new civil cases to show online?
New civil cases usually show up in the online search within one business day of filing. The clerk scans the filed paperwork and uploads the docket entry to the online system. Some older cases from before 2010 may not show up in the online tool. People who need those records can visit the Orange County Courthouse in person and ask staff to pull the physical file.
Can I remove my name from public civil court records?
Most civil court records stay public forever. A judge can order a record sealed for good cause. Common reasons for sealing include trade secrets, personal safety, and minors. People who want to seal a record must file a motion with the court and pay the motion fee. The court holds a hearing before deciding. Sealed records do not appear in any public search.
Difference between small claims and civil court
Small claims court is a branch of county court for cases up to $8,000. The rules are simpler. Lawyers are not required. Hearings are short. Regular civil court in Orange County Court handles cases up to $30,000. The Circuit Court handles cases over $30,000. Regular civil cases follow the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Hearings take longer and may involve discovery.
Can I file a civil case in Orlando without a lawyer?
Yes. People can represent themselves in Florida civil court. The Florida Courts self-help program has forms for common case types. The DIY Florida tool inside the E-Filing Portal fills out forms based on plain language answers. The Orange County Clerk staff cannot give legal advice. They can answer questions about forms and filing procedures.
How to check for a civil judgment in Orlando
Search the Orange County Clerk online case search tool by the person’s name. Look for civil cases that show a judgment entry. The docket will show the judgment amount and the date. The judgment stays on the record for years. Lenders, employers, and landlords often check judgment records before doing business with someone.
Can I get a copy of a court document filed in a civil case?
Yes. Documents filed in civil cases are public records. The Orange County Clerk sells paper copies at $1.00 per page. Certified copies with the clerk’s seal cost more. Online copies through the clerk website also cost a fee. People can view most filed documents for free through the E-Filing Portal account after registering.