Miami Dade County civil court records are the official files that show every civil lawsuit filed in this Florida county. These records include lawsuits about money, property, contracts, injuries, and family matters.
The 11th Judicial Circuit handles these cases. The Miami Dade Clerk of Court Office keeps the files. You can look up these records online, by phone, or in person. Anyone can search them because Florida has open public records laws.
The Miami Dade County Court System
Miami Dade County runs the largest trial court system in Florida. It handles more civil cases each year than most other counties in the state. The court system splits cases between two levels based on how much money is at stake.
The 11th Judicial Circuit
The 11th Judicial Circuit covers only Miami Dade County. No other county sits inside this circuit. This setup exists because Miami Dade has more than 2.7 million people. The circuit handles major civil lawsuits, family law cases, probate matters, and felony criminal cases. All circuit civil court records in Miami Dade County come from this branch of the court.
Miami Dade County Clerk of Court Office
Juan Fernandez-Barquin serves as the Clerk of Court for Miami Dade County. His office stores every court file for the county. The clerk staff file new lawsuits, keep old case files, and give people copies of records. The main office sits at 73 West Flagler Street in downtown Miami. Branch offices also operate in Hialeah, Homestead, and other parts of the county. Each branch can help with civil court records in Miami Dade County.
Civil Case Divisions in Miami Dade County
Civil cases in Miami Dade County split into two main divisions. The Circuit Court Division handles claims over $30,000. This includes contract fights, personal injury lawsuits, real property disputes, and business lawsuits. The County Court Division handles claims up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 also go through County Court. Eviction cases fall under County Court too. Both divisions feed records into the same clerk office database.
How to Search Miami Dade County Civil Court Records
You have three main ways to search civil court records in Miami Dade County. You can use the clerk website, the Florida E-Filing Portal, or visit the office in person. Each method works for different needs.
Online Search Through the Clerk Website
The miamidadeclerk.com website has a free court records search tool. Anyone can use it without paying. Type a name, case number, or date into the search box. The tool pulls up matching civil court records from Miami Dade County. Results show the case number, party names, judge name, case type, and filing date. You can also see docket entries and some document images right on the website.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The myflcourtaccess.com portal serves all of Florida. You can search civil cases through this statewide tool. Registration is free for everyone. Attorneys must file new cases through this portal in Miami Dade County. People without lawyers can also file and search here. The portal connects to the same Miami Dade civil court records database.
In-Person Record Requests
You can visit the main clerk office at 73 West Flagler Street in Miami. Staff at the front desk can look up civil court records for you. Bring a photo ID. You can also visit branch courthouses in Hialeah, the south part of the county, or other locations. In-person visits help when you need help from staff or want certified copies of civil court records in Miami Dade County.
Search by Name, Case Number, or Party
The search tools let you look up civil court records using different pieces of information. A name search works if you know the full name of a party. A case number search works if you have the court case number from a lawyer or earlier search. A party search finds all cases where a person or business appears as a plaintiff or defendant. Each search type gives you the same basic case details.
Types of Civil Court Records Available
Many kinds of civil cases make up the public record in Miami Dade County. Each type of case creates its own set of files and docket entries.
Circuit Civil Court Records
Circuit civil cases involve claims above $30,000. These lawsuits cover complex business disputes, large contract fights, serious personal injury claims, medical malpractice, and real property matters. Circuit civil court records include the initial complaint, motions filed by both sides, court orders, and the final judgment. These cases often last months or years and create large case files.
County Civil Court Records
County civil cases involve claims from $8,001 up to $30,000. These cases move faster than circuit cases. Common county civil disputes include debt collection, smaller contract fights, property damage claims, and consumer lawsuits. County civil court records in Miami Dade County show the same basic steps as circuit cases but cover smaller dollar amounts.
Small Claims Records
Small claims cases handle disputes up to $8,000. People often file these cases without a lawyer. Common small claims matters include unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, minor car accidents, and property damage. Small claims court records in Miami Dade County show quicker hearings and simpler paperwork than other civil cases.
Landlord-Tenant and Eviction Records
Eviction cases go through County Court in Miami Dade County. The court handles landlord claims to remove tenants for unpaid rent or lease violations. The court also handles tenant countersuits. Landlord-tenant court records show the complaint, tenant response, hearing dates, and the writ of possession. These files matter because they affect housing and credit reports.
Foreclosure Records
Foreclosure cases happen when lenders sue to take back property. Most foreclosure court records in Miami Dade County deal with residential mortgages. These cases appear in the Circuit Court because the property value usually exceeds $30,000. The files show the mortgage, notice of default, lis pendens, and final judgment of foreclosure.
Civil Judgment Records
A civil judgment is the court order at the end of a lawsuit. It says who wins and what they get. Civil judgment records show money awards, property transfers, or other court orders. Judgments stay on the record for years. They can affect credit, property ownership, and future lawsuits.
Florida Court Records Access Laws
Florida has strong public records laws. These laws apply to all court records, including Miami Dade County civil court records.
Public Records Law Chapter 119
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all government records are open. This includes state, county, and city records. Court records fall under this law. You do not need to be a party in a case to see the file. Anyone can look at most civil court records in Miami Dade County. The law also lets you get copies for a small fee.
Confidential Information Rules
Some data must stay private even in public court records. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists what stays confidential. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor child information get removed from public files. Anyone can ask the clerk to take this data out. There is no fee for the redaction request in Miami Dade County.
Sealed and Expunged Records
A court can seal a record by order. Sealed records stay hidden from public search. Expunged records get deleted from public view. Both situations require a court order. The clerk cannot show sealed or expunged civil court records in Miami Dade County without proper court permission. Most civil cases stay public because sealing requires a strong reason.
Costs and Fees for Records
The clerk office charges small fees for copies and certified records. Online basic searches stay free.
Copy Fees
Regular paper copies cost a set amount per page. The fee covers the cost of paper and printing. You pay at the clerk window when you visit in person. Online document copies also carry a fee through the website payment system. The fee schedule updates each year under Florida law.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies carry the official court seal. These copies prove the record is real. Banks, lawyers, and government agencies often ask for certified copies. The fee runs higher than regular copies. Each certified page or document gets its own fee under the clerk fee schedule.
Online Access Fees
Basic online searches are free. Viewable docket entries are free. Some document images cost a fee to view or download. The fee shows up before you open the document. You can pay by credit card through the secure clerk payment system.
Self-Help and Legal Resources
People without lawyers can get help with civil cases. The court system offers forms, guides, and referrals.
Florida Courts Self-Help
The flcourts.gov website has a self-help section. You can find form packets for common civil case types. The site covers small claims, evictions, family matters, and other cases. The Miami Dade clerk office cannot give legal advice. Staff can only point you to the right forms for civil court records in Miami Dade County.
DIY Florida Forms
The DIY Florida tool sits inside the E-Filing Portal. It asks you questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. The tool covers more than 20 form types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Miami Dade clerk. You still pay the standard filing fees.
Legal Aid Organizations
Miami Dade County has legal aid groups that help low-income residents. These groups handle housing, consumer, and family civil matters. The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service. You can also contact the Miami Dade Bar Association for attorney referrals. Many lawyers in Miami offer free first consultations on civil cases.
Other Florida Counties for Civil Records
Florida has 67 counties. Each county runs its own clerk office and court system. You must file your case in the right county. The case must connect to that county for the court to hear it.
Broward County
Broward County sits north of Miami Dade. Fort Lauderdale is the county seat. The 17th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases there. The Broward Clerk of Court website lets you search civil cases online. Broward uses the same statewide E-Filing Portal as Miami Dade County for new filings.
Orange County
Orange County covers Orlando and the Central Florida area. The 9th Judicial Circuit hears civil cases in Orange County. The Orange County Clerk of Courts website offers online record searches. Orange County has one of the busiest civil dockets in the state because of the Orlando population.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County covers Tampa and the Tampa Bay area. The 13th Judicial Circuit handles civil cases there. Hillsborough court records search works through the clerk website. The Hillsborough clerk also uses the statewide portal for new e-filings.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County sits north of Broward County. West Palm Beach is the county seat. The 15th Judicial Circuit hears all civil cases in Palm Beach County. The clerk website offers online searches for civil case docket information.
Duval County
Duval County covers Jacksonville in northeast Florida. The 4th Judicial Circuit handles civil cases there. Duval court records search runs through the clerk website. The Duval clerk also accepts e-filings through the statewide portal.
Pinellas County
Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The 6th Judicial Circuit handles civil cases in Pinellas. The Pinellas clerk website offers online record searches. The same statewide E-Filing Portal accepts new cases for Pinellas County.
Lee and Polk Counties
Lee County covers Fort Myers and southwest Florida. The 20th Judicial Circuit handles civil cases in Lee County. Polk County covers Lakeland and the central Florida ridge. The 10th Judicial Circuit handles civil cases in Polk County. Both counties have their own clerk websites and use the statewide E-Filing Portal for new civil filings.
Contact and Office Locations
The main Miami Dade Clerk of Court office sits in downtown Miami. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk phone number is (305) 275-1155. The website is miamidadeclerk.com. The address is 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Branch offices operate in Hialeah, Homestead, and other parts of the county for civil record requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common things people ask about Miami Dade County civil court records. Each answer gives you the facts you need to search, file, or get copies of civil case files. The answers below come from Florida law, court rules, and current clerk office policies as of August 2026.
How long does it take to get copies of civil court records?
Standard copies take minutes at the clerk window when you visit in person. Online document downloads show up right after you pay the fee. Certified copies take longer because staff must add the court seal and sign the document. Expect certified copies within a few business days when you visit in person. Mail requests for certified copies take one to two weeks based on mail delivery time. The clerk office does not guarantee same-day service for certified documents.
Can I search civil court records for free in Miami Dade County?
Yes. Basic searches on the miamidadeclerk.com website stay free. You can look up cases by name or case number without paying. Docket entries also show up for free. You only pay when you want to view or download certain document images. In-person searches at the clerk window also stay free. You only pay for copies and certified records. Florida public records law keeps these searches open to everyone.
What if I cannot find a civil case in the online search?
Try a different search method. Name searches work best with full legal names. Try different spellings or remove middle names. Case number searches need the exact court case number format. Old cases from before 1980 may not appear in the online database. Contact the clerk office by phone at (305) 275-1155 for help with older records. The clerk staff can look up older civil court records in Miami Dade County on internal systems.
Are divorce records part of Miami Dade civil court records?
Divorce cases go through the Family Court Division of the Circuit Court. These cases appear in the same online search tool as other civil court records in Miami Dade County. You can search for divorce cases by party name. The files show petitions, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and final judgments. Sealed portions of divorce records stay hidden from public view. Adoption records and some juvenile matters stay sealed by Florida law.
Can I remove my civil case from public search?
Sealing a record requires a court order. You must file a motion asking the judge to seal the case. The judge grants the motion only for strong legal reasons. Most civil cases stay public forever. Expungement applies mostly to criminal records, not civil cases. Even after a case ends, the docket stays public. You cannot remove a settled or dismissed civil case from public search in Miami Dade County without a court order.
Do I need a lawyer to file a civil case in Miami Dade County?
No. You can file a civil case without a lawyer. People file small claims, evictions, and other civil cases on their own. The clerk office has self-help forms for common case types. The DIY Florida tool helps fill out the right forms. For complex cases involving large amounts of money, a lawyer helps protect your rights. Legal aid groups offer free help for people who qualify based on income.
What happens if I miss my court date in a civil case?
The court can enter a default judgment against you. This means you lose the case automatically. The other side gets what they asked for in their complaint. You can ask the court to set aside the default, but you must show good reason for missing the date. The civil court records in Miami Dade County will show the default judgment. This judgment affects your credit and can lead to wage garnishment or property liens. Always attend your scheduled court dates or send your lawyer.