Boca Raton city civil court records are public files kept by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court. Anyone can search these records online, by phone, or in person.
Boca Raton does not run its own court. All civil cases filed in the city go to the county clerk in West Palm Beach. This page explains how the system works, how to search the records, what types of cases get filed, and what fees apply for copies.
How Boca Raton Civil Cases Are Filed
Civil cases in Boca Raton start when a person files a complaint with the county clerk. The clerk opens a case file, assigns a case number, and stores all related papers. Each party in the case can add documents over time. Judges issue orders based on the papers filed. Anyone can read these public papers later through the clerk’s records system.
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Role
The Clerk of Court for Palm Beach County is Mike Caruso. His office handles all civil filings for Boca Raton and other cities in the county. The clerk stores case files, accepts new filings, issues copies, and runs the online search portal. The clerk does not decide cases. Judges in the 15th Judicial Circuit make the rulings.
The 15th Judicial Circuit Explained
Florida splits its courts into 20 judicial circuits by region. Boca Raton sits inside the 15th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers all of Palm Beach County. The circuit has main courthouses in West Palm Beach and branch locations across the county. Civil cases from Boca Raton are assigned to judges working in this circuit.
Circuit Court vs County Court Differences
Florida courts separate civil cases by dollar amount. Circuit Court handles civil cases where the claim is over $30,000. County Court handles civil cases where the claim is $30,000 or less. Small claims cases with claims up to $8,000 also go to County Court. The same clerk office processes both levels, but the case types are tracked separately.
| Court Level | Case Type | Claim Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | Major civil lawsuits | Over $30,000 |
| County Court | Standard civil cases | $30,000 or less |
| County Court | Small claims | $8,000 or less |
Three Ways to Search Boca Raton Records
People looking for Boca Raton city civil court records have three main paths to search. Each path shows different amounts of detail. Some paths cost money. Others are free. The right choice depends on what kind of record you need and how fast you need it.
Online Case Search Through Palm Beach Clerk
The Palm Beach County Clerk runs a free online case search at palmbeachclerk.com. Users can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The search shows case status, filing dates, party names, and a list of documents filed in each case. Most civil case types are covered, including small claims, contract disputes, and personal injury cases. The portal is open 24 hours a day from any device with internet access.
Florida E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers all 67 county clerks in the state. Boca Raton residents can use this portal to search Palm Beach County civil cases and file new papers. Setting up an account is free. Registered users can see their full case file, pay filing fees, and upload new documents. The portal also has a free DIY Florida program that fills out court forms through a question-and-answer path.
In-Person Searches at the Courthouse
The Palm Beach County Courthouse sits at 205 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. Public computer terminals are available inside the clerk’s office for record searches. Staff can help locate case files and make copies. Visitors need a photo ID to enter the building. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Parking is available near the courthouse for a fee.
Phone and Mail Request Paths
People who cannot visit in person can call the clerk’s office at (561) 355-2996. Staff can confirm case status and basic details over the phone. Written requests can be mailed to the courthouse address. Mail requests must include the case number or party name, plus payment for any copy fees. Mail responses take about 5 to 10 business days.
Types of Civil Cases in Boca Raton
Civil cases cover disputes between people, businesses, or groups. Boca Raton courts handle many types of civil matters each year. Some cases involve money claims. Others involve property or contract issues. Each case type follows its own set of procedures.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cases involve claims for $8,000 or less. These cases use simple forms and skip many formal court rules. People often file small claims cases without a lawyer. Common small claims topics include unpaid bills, damage to property, and minor contract disputes. The same Palm Beach County Clerk handles these filings for Boca Raton residents.
Landlord-Tenant and Eviction Cases
Landlord-tenant cases cover disputes over rent, leases, security deposits, and evictions. Eviction cases in Boca Raton go through County Court under the clerk’s office. Landlords file eviction papers when tenants fail to pay rent or break lease terms. Tenants can file responses and counterclaims. The clerk’s office stores all related documents in the public case file.
Contract Disputes and Debt Collection
Contract disputes happen when one party claims another broke a signed agreement. Debt collection cases involve creditors seeking payment for unpaid debts. Both types of cases are common in Boca Raton civil court. The amount claimed decides whether the case goes to Circuit Court or County Court. Case files include the original contract, payment records, and court orders.
Personal Injury and Property Cases
Personal injury cases involve claims for harm caused by an accident or negligence. Property cases involve disputes over real estate or land. These cases always go to Circuit Court because the claim amounts are usually over $30,000. Boca Raton personal injury cases often include car accidents, slip and fall injuries, and product liability claims. Court files include medical records, accident reports, and settlement agreements.
Fees for Copies and Record Requests
The Palm Beach County Clerk charges set fees for copies and certified records. Standard copy rates apply to regular paper prints. Certified copies cost more because they carry the clerk’s official seal. Online account users can view records for free but pay fees for downloading or printing copies.
Standard Copy Fees
Plain paper copies cost $1.00 per page. This rate applies to copies made at the courthouse or printed from the online portal. Self-service copy machines inside the clerk’s office cost $0.25 per page. Bulk copy requests for large files receive a small discount. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s office.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each extra page. A certified copy proves the document is a true copy of the original court record. Many banks, employers, and government agencies require certified copies for legal matters. The clerk’s seal and signature appear on each certified page.
Online Access Costs
Searching the online case index is free. Viewing basic case details online is free. Downloading documents costs $0.10 per page through the Palm Beach Clerk portal. The Florida E-Filing Portal charges $1.00 per filing for new case submissions. Standard filing fees vary by case type and apply to most civil filings.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online case search | Free |
| Plain paper copy | $1.00 per page |
| Self-service copy | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy (first page) | $2.00 |
| Certified copy (each extra page) | $1.00 |
| Online document download | $0.10 per page |
| E-Filing Portal filing fee | $1.00 per filing |
Florida Public Records and Privacy Laws
Florida has strong public records laws. Most court records are open to the public for free. The same laws cover Boca Raton city civil court records. Some private details stay hidden from public view. Rules protect sensitive personal data from being shared.
Chapter 119 Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes most government records public. Court records fall under this law. The law lets any person ask to see or copy court files without giving a reason. The clerk must provide access during regular business hours. Anyone in the public can request copies by phone, mail, or in person.
Rule 2.420 Confidential Data
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists private details that must stay out of public court files. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers are protected. Minors’ names and identities are protected in some cases. Filers must use a Notice of Confidential Data form when sensitive details must appear in a court document.
Redaction Requests
Anyone who sees private details in a public court file can ask the clerk to remove them. The clerk redacts the data at no charge. Redacted details are removed from the public version of the file. The original sealed record remains in the court’s files for legal review. Boca Raton residents can file redaction requests at the courthouse or by mail.
Self-Help Programs for Boca Raton Filers
People can file civil cases in Boca Raton without hiring a lawyer. The Florida court system offers free programs to help. These programs guide users through court forms and filing steps. Self-help paths work for small claims, evictions, and other basic civil cases.
DIY Florida Program
DIY Florida is a free program built into the E-Filing Portal. Users answer simple questions about their case. The program fills out the right court forms. More than 20 form types are available. Completed forms can be filed right through the portal. Standard filing fees still apply.
Self-Help Form Packets
The Florida Courts self-help page at flcourts.gov offers free form packets. Packets are available for small claims, evictions, debt claims, and name changes. Each packet has clear instructions written for people without legal training. Forms work in any Florida county, including Palm Beach County. Boca Raton residents can download packets and print them at home.
E-Filing Portal Support
The E-Filing Portal support desk is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. Users can call (850) 577-4609 for help with account setup, document upload, or filing errors. Training videos on the portal show how to set up an account and submit documents. Boca Raton filers can use the same support line for any county.
Palm Beach County Courthouse Contact Details
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court serves Boca Raton residents. The main courthouse sits in West Palm Beach. Visitors can search records, file papers, and get certified copies at the clerk’s office. Phone and online paths are also available. The office address, phone number, and operating hours are listed below for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Mike Caruso |
| Office Address | 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone Number | (561) 355-2996 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Official Website | palmbeachclerk.com |
| Statewide Portal | myflcourtaccess.com |
| Florida Clerks Directory | flclerks.com/page/findaclerk |
| Self-Help Resources | flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/self-help-information |
| Florida Public Records Law | leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html |
| E-Filing Support Line | (850) 577-4609 |
Common Questions About Boca Raton Records
This section covers questions people often ask about Boca Raton city civil court records. Each answer gives clear facts about how to search, what costs apply, and what types of records exist. The answers cover online access, copy fees, retention rules, and privacy protection. Readers can use these answers to plan their searches, file redaction requests, and check the right offices for help. Many people ask similar questions about how far back the records go, what shows up in a background check, and which case types appear most often in Boca Raton courts. The answers below cite specific rules, fee amounts, and office contact details so users can take action right away.
Can I Search Boca Raton Civil Records for Free?
Yes. The Palm Beach County Clerk’s online case search is free for anyone with internet access. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number through the palmbeachclerk.com portal at any time of day. The search shows case status, party names, filing dates, hearing schedules, and a list of all documents filed in each case. Viewing basic case details on your screen costs nothing. Downloading or printing documents costs $0.10 per page through the portal. The Florida E-Filing Portal also offers free account setup for users who want to file new cases or check existing ones. The DIY Florida program inside the E-Filing Portal helps people prepare court forms at no charge. Standard filing fees apply when you file a new civil case, but searching existing public records is always free. Phone requests through the clerk’s office at (561) 355-2996 can confirm basic case details at no charge.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Civil Case in Boca Raton?
No. Florida courts let people file civil cases without hiring a lawyer. The Florida Courts self-help page at flcourts.gov offers free form packets for small claims, evictions, debt claims, and name changes. Each packet has clear instructions written for people without legal training. The DIY Florida program inside the E-Filing Portal fills out forms through simple questions and answer choices. The program covers more than 20 form types used in Florida courts. Court staff can answer questions about forms, filing procedures, and clerk hours. Staff cannot give legal advice or predict case outcomes. People with complex cases involving large money amounts often hire lawyers for help with court rules and legal arguments. Boca Raton residents with simple small claims cases usually file without a lawyer. Local legal aid groups in Palm Beach County offer free legal help for low-income residents facing civil cases.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Civil Records?
The clerk keeps civil records based on Florida record retention rules set by the state. Most civil case files are kept for at least 10 years after the case closes. Some case types are kept longer based on state law. Older records may be moved to state archives in Tallahassee. Records older than 50 years may have limited online access and require in-person visits to view. Users can request archived records through the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office. The clerk charges standard copy fees for archived records. Some sealed or expunged records are kept in confidential storage and not shown in public searches. People who need old records for legal reasons should contact the clerk’s office in advance to confirm the file exists and is available for viewing. Most searches through the online portal cover cases filed since the late 1990s.
Can I Remove Private Details From Public Records?
Yes. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 protects private details from public view in court files. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minors’ names are protected. You can file a redaction request with the clerk to remove these details from public files. There is no fee for redactions. Court staff can help you complete the redaction form at the courthouse or by mail. The redacted version stays public for future searches. The original sealed file remains in court records for legal review. Boca Raton residents can submit redaction requests at the courthouse in West Palm Beach or by mail to the clerk’s office. Requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process. Sensitive details like medical records and trade secrets also qualify for protection under Florida law.
What Civil Case Types Appear Most Often in Boca Raton?
Boca Raton courts handle many types of civil cases each year. Common case types include debt collection, contract disputes, landlord-tenant matters, personal injury, and small claims. Eviction cases appear often because of Boca Raton’s active rental market. Personal injury cases are common because of busy roads like I-95 and the high number of tourists. Property dispute cases involve real estate conflicts and homeowner association issues. Foreclosure cases also appear in Palm Beach County court records. Contract disputes often involve home improvement projects, business agreements, and service contracts. Debt collection cases include credit card debt, medical bills, and unpaid loans. Each case type follows its own court procedures and filing rules. Boca Raton residents can check the clerk’s online portal to see the full list of case types filed in the county.
How Far Back Do Online Records Go?
The Palm Beach County Clerk’s online portal covers cases filed from the late 1990s to the present day. Older case files from the 1980s and earlier exist only in physical archives at the courthouse in West Palm Beach. Users searching for cases from before the digital era must visit the courthouse in person to view these older records. Staff can pull archived files during business hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays. Standard copy fees apply for archived records at $1.00 per page. Some files from the 1970s and earlier may have been transferred to state archives in Tallahassee. The clerk’s office can help users locate files that are no longer stored at the local courthouse. Users should call (561) 355-2996 before visiting to confirm archived files are available for viewing on the day of their visit.
Can I Use Boca Raton Records for Background Checks?
Public civil court records show pending lawsuits, court judgments, case outcomes, and party names. Employers, landlords, lenders, and insurance companies often check these records as part of their screening processes. Third-party background check services pull data from the same public portals available to individuals. Self-searches produce the same results as paid background checks. Records show only civil court cases like debt collection, contract disputes, and personal injury claims. Criminal records come from a different search system managed by law enforcement agencies. Eviction records appear in civil court files and may show up in background checks for renters. Judgment records show money owed to other parties. Boca Raton residents can run their own background checks using the free clerk portal at palmbeachclerk.com.