Union County civil court records are public files kept by the Clerk of Court in Lake Butler, Florida. These records show every civil case filed in the county.
Anyone can view them online or at the clerk’s office on West Main Street. Union County sits inside the 8th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers six counties in north central Florida. Civil cases here can be small claims or large lawsuits. The clerk keeps a separate file for each case. You can look up cases by party name or case number. You can also visit the office in person during business hours. This page covers how to search these records. It explains online tools, walk-in visits, fees, and confidentiality rules.
What Are Union County Civil Court Records?
Union County civil court records are the official files for every civil lawsuit filed in the county. Civil lawsuits are cases between two people or companies. They are not criminal cases. The records include complaints, motions, judgments, and orders. Each file has a case number. That number stays the same from start to finish.
Who Keeps These Records
The Union County Clerk of Court keeps every civil record filed in the county. Kellie Hendricks Rhoades is the current Clerk of Court. Her office stores paper files and digital copies. Staff add new filings each day. They send older files to state storage. The clerk’s office is the only place with the original records.
Types of Civil Cases Filed
Union County handles many kinds of civil cases. Contract disputes are common. Landlord-tenant cases are common too. Personal injury claims and debt collection lawsuits also go through this court. Each type of case has its own division code. The clerk sorts files by type. This makes searches easier for the public.
What Records Show in a Civil File
A full civil file shows the names of both parties. It lists the lawyers on each side. It shows the filing date and the case status. The docket lists every motion and order. Judgments appear near the end of the file. Older files may have paper notes added by hand. Newer files are fully digital.
Union County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Union County Clerk of Court is the main office for all civil records. It is in downtown Lake Butler. The office handles filings, searches, copies, and certifications. Staff answer phone questions each business day. The office does not give legal advice. Staff can point you to the right forms.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk’s office sits at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The building is the Union County Courthouse. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays. It closes at 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Holiday closures follow the Florida state calendar.
How to Contact the Clerk
You can call the clerk’s office at (386) 496-3711. The phone line is open during office hours. Staff answer questions about case status and copy fees. You can also write to the office by mail. The mailing address is the same as the office address. Online contact goes through the clerk’s website form.
Staff Roles and Public Services
Deputy clerks handle new filings. Other clerks process copies and certified records. A records custodian answers old file requests. Courtroom clerks help during hearings. The clerk does not give legal advice. Staff can show you which form you need. They cannot help you fill it out.
| Office Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Kellie Hendricks Rhoades |
| Street Address | 55 W Main St, Room 103 |
| City and ZIP | Lake Butler, FL 32054 |
| Phone Number | (386) 496-3711 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Website | unionclerk.com |
| Judicial Circuit | 8th Circuit |
How to Search Records Online
Most Union County civil court records are online. Two main search tools work for the public. The county clerk website links to a case search. The Florida E-Filing Portal also has records. Both tools are free to use. You only pay if you need certified copies.
Using the Clerk Website Portal
The Union County Clerk website is unionclerk.com. The site links to the official case search tool. You can pick civil cases from a drop-down menu. Type a name or case number into the search box. Results show case type, judge, and status. You can view docket entries for free. The portal works on phones and computers.
Florida E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal covers every county clerk. It has Union County civil court records too. The portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. You must create a free account to use it. The portal shows new and old filings. Lawyers and self-represented filers both use it.
Searching by Party Name
You can search by the full name of a party. Last name first works best. You can add a first name to narrow the search. Results show every case tied to that name. Common names may show many cases. You can filter results by case type or year. The filter helps you find the right file fast.
Searching by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to search. The number format is the year, then a code, then a sequence. For example, 2024-CA-000123. Type the full number into the search box. The case file opens right away. You see the docket and all documents. Case numbers appear on every court paper.
Free vs Paid Record Access
Viewing case data online is free. You can pull up dockets and party names at no cost. Certified copies cost money. Plain paper copies cost less. The portal may charge a small fee for full document downloads. Most users never need to pay. You only pay when you need proof of a record.
In-Person Record Requests
Some people need to visit the clerk’s office in person. The office has older records on microfilm. It also has paper files for very recent cases. Walk-in visitors can use a public computer. Staff help with copy requests at the front counter.
What to Bring to the Clerk
Bring a photo ID when you visit the clerk. Bring the case number if you have it. Bring the full legal name of any party. Bring cash or a check for copy fees. Some offices accept cards for larger amounts. Call ahead to confirm payment methods.
Copy and Certification Fees
Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The clerk stamps certified copies with a raised seal. Authentication adds another fee. The clerk can give you a fee schedule at the counter. The fees follow Florida state law.
Self-Service Computer Terminals
The clerk’s office has a public computer for searches. You can search by name or case number. The terminal prints search results for a small fee. You cannot save files to a USB drive. You can take printed copies home. The terminal is open during office hours.
Civil Court Structure in Union County
Union County civil cases go to one of two court levels. The dollar amount of the claim decides the level. Claims over $30,000 go to Circuit Court. Claims up to $30,000 go to County Court. Each level has its own division in the courthouse.
8th Judicial Circuit Overview
The 8th Judicial Circuit covers six counties. Union County is one of them. The others are Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, and Levy. The chief judge sits in Gainesville. Each county has its own courthouse. The circuit handles major felony, family, probate, and civil cases.
Circuit Civil Division Cases
Circuit Court handles the largest civil cases. These include contract claims over $30,000. Personal injury lawsuits go here. Real property disputes over $30,000 also land here. The Circuit Civil Division covers injunctions and declaratory judgments. Appeals from County Court come up to this level.
County Civil Division Cases
County Court handles smaller civil cases. Claims between $8,000 and $30,000 go here. Landlord-tenant eviction cases go here too. County Court also handles small claims up to $8,000. The division moves faster than Circuit Court. Most civil cases in Union County fall in this group.
Small Claims Cases and Limits
Small claims cover disputes up to $8,000. Common types include unpaid debts and minor contract issues. The rules are simple. Lawyers are not required. Parties can file a small claims lawsuit themselves. The clerk’s office has the right forms for this court.
| Case Type | Court Level | Dollar Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Small Claims | County Court | Up to $8,000 |
| County Civil | County Court | $8,001 to $30,000 |
| Circuit Civil | Circuit Court | Over $30,000 |
| Evictions | County Court | Any amount |
| Real Property | Circuit Court | Any amount |
Confidentiality and Sealed Records
Most civil court records in Union County are open to the public. Some records stay sealed. Florida law lists the data that must stay private. The clerk removes protected data before showing files to the public. Anyone can ask for redaction.
Protected Information Types
Social Security numbers must stay private. Bank account numbers stay private. Credit card numbers stay private too. Tax ID numbers fall in the same group. Minors’ names can be redacted in some family cases. The clerk handles all redaction requests for free.
Redaction Request Process
To ask for redaction, file the “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form. List the case name and number. Add the document heading and page number. The clerk removes the protected data from the public version. There is no fee for this service.
Sealed Case Access Rules
A judge can order a full case sealed. Sealed cases are not open to the public. Only the parties and lawyers can view them. Some parts of a case can be sealed. Other parts stay open. The clerk follows every court order on sealing.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases
People without a lawyer can file civil cases. Florida has free tools to help. The state courts website has form packets. The DIY Florida tool fills out forms for you. The clerk’s office can show you where to start.
DIY Florida Form Builder Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool in the E-Filing Portal. You answer simple questions. The tool fills out the right court forms. It covers small claims, evictions, and other civil cases. You can file the forms through the portal. Filing fees still apply.
Self-Represented Litigant Help
The Florida Courts self-help page has free form packets. Each packet covers one case type. The packets include step-by-step instructions. The clerk’s office cannot give legal advice. Staff can show you which packet fits your case.
Help Desk Phone Support
The E-Filing Portal help desk takes phone calls. The number is (850) 577-4609. The desk is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. Staff help with portal logins and form questions. They cannot give legal advice.
Fees, Copies, and Certification Costs
Fees for Union County civil court records follow Florida state law. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. Online viewing is free. You only pay when you need paper proof of a record.
Standard Page Copy Fees
Plain paper copies cost $1.00 per page. The clerk can copy single pages or full files. Double-sided pages count as one page each. Large files may take longer to copy. The clerk takes payment at the front counter.
Certified Copy Pricing
Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page. Each extra page costs $1.00. The clerk adds a raised seal to the copy. The seal proves the copy is real. Banks, courts, and employers often ask for certified copies.
Online Access Charges
Viewing case data online is free. The portal does not charge for searches. Some document downloads cost a small fee. The portal shows the fee before you pay. Credit cards work for online payments.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online case search | Free |
| Online docket view | Free |
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $2.00 |
| Certified copy (extra page) | $1.00 |
| Redaction request | Free |
Common Civil Case Types in Union County
Union County has a small population. The county seat is Lake Butler. Civil cases here cover many topics. Most cases involve money disputes between neighbors or local businesses. Some cases involve property lines or contracts.
Contract Dispute Filings
Contract disputes happen when one side does not keep a promise. Common cases include unpaid invoices and broken service deals. The damages ask for the money owed. Sometimes the case asks for the work to be done right. Contract disputes make up a large share of civil files.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Landlord-tenant cases often involve evictions. A landlord asks the court to remove a tenant for unpaid rent. The court holds a quick hearing. The clerk’s office has the right forms. Self-represented tenants can file an answer for free.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims ask for money after an accident. Car crashes are common. Slip and fall cases appear too. These claims usually go to Circuit Court. The damages can be large. Most cases settle before trial.
Debt Collection Lawsuits
Debt collection cases ask for unpaid credit card or loan balances. Creditors file these claims often. The damages are the amount owed plus fees. Many debt cases settle fast. Some cases go to judgment if the debtor does not answer.
Cities and Communities Served
Union County has a few small communities. All civil cases from these places go through the Union County Clerk. There are no separate city courts. Every filing lands in the Lake Butler courthouse.
Lake Butler County Seat
Lake Butler is the county seat of Union County. The clerk’s office sits here. All filings happen at this office. The courthouse handles hearings for every civil case. Most residents live within a short drive of the office.
Raiford Records Location
Raiford is a small community in Union County. Civil cases from Raiford go to the Lake Butler clerk. There is no local court office. Residents must visit Lake Butler for filings or copies. The drive is short for most people in Raiford.
Worthington Springs Filing
Worthington Springs is the third community in Union County. Civil cases here also go to Lake Butler. The clerk’s office handles every filing. Residents can search records online without driving to the office.
Nearby County Civil Court Records
Union County is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit. Five other counties share this circuit. You may need records from a nearby county. Each county has its own clerk. Each clerk keeps its own civil files.
Alachua County Records
Alachua County is the largest county in the 8th Circuit. Gainesville is the county seat. The Alachua Clerk has full civil records for that county. You can search the Alachua Clerk website online. The Gainesville office handles walk-in requests.
Baker County Records
Baker County sits east of Union County. Macclenny is the county seat. The Baker County Clerk keeps civil files for Baker County. You can search online or visit the office. The office handles filings, copies, and certifications.
Bradford County Records
Bradford County sits south of Union County. Starke is the county seat. The Bradford County Clerk keeps civil files for that county. The office handles small claims, evictions, and larger civil cases. You can search records online.
Gilchrist County Records
Gilchrist County is southwest of Union County. Trenton is the county seat. The Gilchrist County Clerk keeps civil records there. You can search by name or case number. Walk-in requests are handled at the Trenton office.
Levy County Records
Levy County is the southernmost county in the 8th Circuit. Bronson is the county seat. The Levy County Clerk keeps civil records. You can search online or visit the office. The office handles filings and copy requests.
Public Records Laws and Access Rights
Florida has strong public records laws. These laws give you the right to view civil court files. The clerk must follow the law on every request. Some data stays private. Most data stays open.
Chapter 119 Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and city records are open. This rule covers civil court files. You do not need to be a party in the case. You do not need to give a reason. You only need to ask the clerk.
Section 119.0714 Exceptions
Section 119.0714 lists the data that stays private. Social Security numbers fall in this list. Bank account numbers stay private too. Credit card numbers stay private. The clerk removes this data before showing files. You can ask for redaction at no cost.
Right to View Public Files
You have the right to view most civil court files. You can view them online or in person. You can ask for copies. You can ask for certified copies. The clerk must respond to your request in a reasonable time. The clerk cannot deny you without a court order.
Verification and Authentication
You may need to prove a record is real. The clerk can help with this. Certified copies work for most needs. Some cases need an apostille. The clerk can tell you which one you need.
Court Record Verification Methods
A certified copy proves a record is real. The clerk adds a raised seal. The seal comes from the State of Florida. Banks, employers, and courts accept certified copies. Some federal agencies need an apostille. The Secretary of State issues apostilles in Florida.
Business and Personal Use
People use certified copies for many reasons. Background checks use certified copies. Loan applications need them. Divorce records need certified copies. Adoption papers need them too. The clerk can give you a copy the same day in most cases.
Legal Use Requirements
Lawyers use certified copies in court. The certified copy proves the document is real. The other side cannot object to the copy. Federal courts also accept certified copies. You may need extra copies for large cases.
Official Contact and Visit Details
The Union County Clerk of Court is the best place to start. The office is easy to reach. Staff answer questions during business hours. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Plan your visit during the work week.
Physical Address
The clerk’s office is at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The building sits in the center of town. Free parking is nearby. The building has signs for the clerk’s office. Visitors check in at the front counter.
Phone and Online Contact
Call the clerk at (386) 496-3711 during office hours. Staff answer questions about case status and copy fees. You can also reach the office through the website form at unionclerk.com. The clerk answers email requests within two business days.
Hours and Holiday Schedule
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. The office is closed on weekends. The office follows the Florida state holiday calendar. Holiday closures include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ covers common questions about Union County civil court records. Each answer gives you clear steps. You can use these answers for most search tasks. For special cases, call the clerk’s office in Lake Butler. Staff can point you to the right tool or form.
How do I look up Union County civil court records for free?
You can search Union County civil court records for free on the clerk’s website at unionclerk.com. Click the case search link. Pick civil cases from the menu. Type a party name or case number into the search box. The portal shows case type, filing date, judge, and docket entries. The Florida E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com also has these records. Both portals are free for searches. You only pay when you need paper copies or certified copies. The clerk’s office in Lake Butler also offers free in-person searches during business hours.
What types of civil cases are filed in Union County?
Union County handles many civil case types. Contract disputes are the most common. Landlord-tenant eviction cases happen often. Personal injury claims go through Circuit Court. Debt collection lawsuits appear on the docket too. Small claims up to $8,000 go to County Court. Larger civil cases up to $30,000 also stay in County Court. Cases over $30,000 go to Circuit Court. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases are also civil. They follow the same search rules on the clerk’s website.
Can I view sealed or confidential civil case files?
You cannot view sealed civil case files in Union County. A judge must order a case sealed first. Sealed cases are off-limits to the public. Only the parties and their lawyers can view them. Some data inside open cases also stays private. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are redacted. You can file a “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form to remove your data from public files. The clerk handles this request at no cost.
How do I get a certified copy of a court file?
You can order a certified copy from the Union County Clerk’s office. Visit the office at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler. Bring a photo ID and the case number. Pay the certified copy fee at the counter. The fee is $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each extra page. The clerk adds a raised seal to the copy. The seal proves the copy is real. You can also order certified copies by mail. Send a written request with the case number and a check.
What is the difference between Circuit and County civil court?
Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. The dollar amount of the claim decides the court level. Circuit Court also handles family law, probate, and guardianship. County Court handles small claims up to $8,000 and evictions. Union County is in the 8th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers six counties in north central Florida. The circuit’s main office sits in Gainesville.
Are Florida civil court records available to non-residents?
Yes. Florida civil court records are open to anyone. You do not need to live in Florida to view them. You do not need to be a citizen. You do not need to be a party in the case. Florida law gives the public the right to view these records. The clerk must give you access to public files. You can search online from anywhere in the world. You can also visit the office in person during business hours.
How long does Union County keep civil court records?
Union County keeps civil court records based on Florida law. Most civil case files stay in the clerk’s office for several years. Older files go to state storage. Some records are kept forever. Judgments and orders are kept for at least 20 years. Older case files can still be searched by the clerk’s staff. You can call the clerk at (386) 496-3711 to ask about an old case. Staff can pull files from state storage on request.