Alachua County civil court records are public files that show civil lawsuits filed in the local court system. The Clerk of Court office in Gainesville keeps these records and makes them open to anyone who wants to see them.
You can look up a case by name, by case number, or by party. Most records are free to view online. Older files may need a visit to the courthouse. This page covers how to find, read, and request these records in 2026.
Alachua County Clerk of Court Office
The Alachua County Clerk of Court is the main office that holds civil court records for the county. This office also handles filings, court fees, and certified copies. The clerk works under the 8th Judicial Circuit, which covers six counties in north-central Florida.
Who Maintains Civil Court Records
The current clerk is J.K. “Jess” Irby, Esq. His office staff files new civil cases, stores old case files, and gives copies to the public. They also run the online search tool used by most people looking for Alachua County civil court records. The clerk follows Florida state laws about which records stay public and which stay private.
Office Location and Contact Details
The clerk’s office sits inside the Alachua County Courthouse in downtown Gainesville. The street address is 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. This is the same building where judges hear civil cases. You can call the office at (352) 374-3636 during business hours. The fax number is (352) 338-3201. The email is Clerk@alachuaclerk.org.
Office Hours and Visitor Rules
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. You can walk in during these hours to look at files or ask for copies. Bring a photo ID. Staff can help you find a case if you have a name or case number. The office cannot give legal advice, but they can show you where to file papers and which forms to use.
How to Search Civil Court Records
You can search Alachua County civil court records in two ways. The first way is online using the clerk’s public search tool. The second way is in person at the courthouse. Both methods give you access to the same case files. The online tool works for most people because it is fast and free.
Online Court Records Search
The clerk runs a free online search at alachuaclerk.org. This tool covers civil cases, traffic cases, criminal cases, and family cases. The oldest case available online was filed on July 23, 1928. Civil case records have been online since September 2001. The search page lets you type a name or a case number and pull up the full docket. Each docket shows the parties, the judge, the hearing dates, and the documents filed.
Searching by Name and Case Number
To search by name, type the last name first. Then add the first name and middle initial. If you are looking for a business, type the company name in the company field. Case numbers in Alachua County follow a fixed format. Old case numbers looked like 1997-1234-CA. The new format is 1997CA1234. Do not add the “01” county code prefix when you type the number in the search box. Typing the wrong format can stop the search from working.
Search Limits and Document Caps
The online search has some limits to keep the system running. After 30 minutes of no activity, the session ends. You can also only open 60 documents in one hour before the system signs you out. These caps help stop heavy use that could slow the site for others. If you hit the cap, wait an hour and try again. Most people never reach the limit during a normal search.
In-Person Records Request
You can also request records in person at the Records Department on the first floor of the courthouse. The staff can pull a file for you and make paper copies. Bring a valid ID. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. You must pay at the counter. The office takes cash, checks, and most debit or credit cards. Certified copies are needed for most legal filings outside the courthouse.
Civil Court Case Types in Alachua County
Alachua County handles civil cases at two court levels. The level depends on the dollar amount in the case and the type of dispute. The 8th Judicial Circuit runs both levels. Knowing which level handles your case helps you file in the right place.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This court also hears cases that ask for non-monetary relief, like an injunction. Common types include contract disputes, personal injury claims, medical malpractice, real property disputes, and corporate lawsuits. Complex civil litigation also starts in Circuit Court. The clerk accepts new filings for these cases at the circuit filing window.
County Court Civil Cases
County Court handles civil cases with claims of $30,000 or less. This includes many common disputes between people or businesses. Examples are car accident claims under the limit, debt collection cases, and consumer complaints. The filing fees are lower than Circuit Court. The process is also faster because the rules are simpler.
Small Claims and Evictions
Small claims cases involve disputes up to $8,000. These cases use a simpler process with no lawyers required in most hearings. Landlord-tenant cases, including evictions, also go through County Court. The clerk has specific forms for evictions and small claims that you can pick up in person or print from the website.
Family, Probate, and Guardianship
Family law cases, such as divorce and paternity, go through Circuit Court. So do probate cases after a person dies and guardianship cases for minors or adults who cannot manage their own affairs. These case types used to have different codes in Alachua County. Family cases once used the CA code, but now use DR. Probate and guardianship now use CP. Mental health cases use MH. Small claims and other county cases use CC. Knowing the code can help you find an older case file.
Florida Statewide Court Records Tools
Florida runs a statewide system that connects all 67 county clerks. This system helps people search records across more than one county. It also lets you file new cases online from anywhere in the state.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com is the main statewide tool. You can register for free with an email address. Once registered, you can file new civil cases in any Florida county. You can also look up case dockets and view filed documents. The portal works for Alachua County civil court records and all other Florida counties. The portal charges a small convenience fee per filing, but the clerk does not add extra costs.
Find a Clerk Directory
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website has a Find a Clerk directory. This page lists contact details for every county clerk in the state. You can use it to reach the right office if you are not sure which county holds a case. The directory also shows the website, phone, and address for each clerk. This is helpful for people who need records from more than one county.
Official Records Search
The Alachua County clerk also runs a separate Official Records search. This tool covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. It does not cover court case files. You can use it to check if a civil judgment has been recorded against a property. The Official Records search is free to view. Certified copies of these records also need a visit to the clerk’s office.
Case Tracking and Alerts
You do not need to check the search tool every day to follow a case. The clerk offers free alert services. These services send you a notice when new documents are filed. They help lawyers, parties, and other people stay current on a case.
E-Notify Service
The Alachua County e-Notify service sends email alerts. You sign up with a case number. The system watches that case and emails you each time a new document is filed. This service is free. You can track as many cases as you need. The email shows the case name, the document type, and the filing date. You can click a link in the email to open the new document on the search site.
DIY Florida Interview Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool 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, including small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil cases. You can save your answers and finish the forms later. Once the forms are ready, you can file them through the portal. Standard filing fees still apply.
Confidential Information Rules
Florida law requires clerks to hide certain personal details from public court files. The clerk in Alachua County follows the Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order on Access to Electronic Court Records. This order lists what must stay out of public view.
Redacting Social Security Numbers
Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. If you see one of these numbers in a document, you can ask the clerk to remove it. The clerk has a “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form. You fill it out with the case name, case number, document title, and page number. The clerk then redacts the number from the public version. There is no fee for this service in Alachua County.
Notice of Confidential Information Form
Parties and lawyers who file civil court papers in Alachua County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form. This form is required under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. The form tells the clerk which data in the filing is confidential. The clerk uses this form to keep personal details out of the public search. Lawyers and self-represented parties must file this form with any document that contains protected data.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some civil case files are sealed by court order. Sealed files are not open to the public. You cannot view them through the search tool. You cannot request copies at the counter. A judge must order the file unsealed before the clerk can show it. Common reasons for sealing include trade secrets, minor settlements, and cases that risk harming a child. Adoption records and certain mental health records are also restricted by Florida law.
Public Records Laws in Florida
Florida has strong public records laws. Most government records, including civil court records, are open for inspection. You do not need to be a party in a case to see the file. You do not need to give a reason for the request.
Chapter 119 Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says that all state, county, and municipal records are open. This covers civil court records in Alachua County. The clerk must respond to a public records request within a reasonable time. Most requests are filled the same day. Large requests may take longer based on staff workload.
Limits on Public Access
Some records stay confidential. Section 119.0714 of the Florida Statutes lists protected items, such as social security numbers and bank account numbers. Records sealed by court order are also off limits. Juvenile dependency records and certain mental health records are restricted. Most other civil court files in Alachua County are open for public view.
Public Records Request Process
For public records requests, you can call the Public Records Custodian at (352) 264-6906. You can also email publicrecordsrequest@alachuacounty.us. Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. The clerk warns that if you send an email, your email address may be released in response to other public records requests. You can call or mail a written request if that is a concern. Written requests go to the Alachua County Clerk of Court at the courthouse address.
Costs and Copy Fees
Most public access to Alachua County civil court records is free. You do not pay to view case dockets online. You do not pay to search by name or case number. Fees only apply when you need paper copies or certified copies.
Certified vs Plain Copies
Plain paper copies cost a small fee per page. The clerk sets the rate each year based on state law. Certified copies cost more because the clerk must sign and stamp each page. Most legal filings, real estate closings, and name change cases need certified copies. You can ask for certified copies at the counter in person. You can also mail a written request with payment.
Online Access Fees
Viewing documents through the online search tool is free. You do not pay per page to see a PDF online. The only online fee is the E-Filing Portal convenience charge when you file a new case. This charge goes to the portal vendor, not the clerk. The clerk does not add extra fees for online viewing of civil court records in Alachua County.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Filings
People who file civil cases without a lawyer can use free resources from the clerk. The clerk cannot give legal advice, but they can help with forms and procedures. These resources save time and reduce mistakes.
Self-Help Page
The Alachua County Self-Help page has packets for common civil case types. These packets include step-by-step instructions, sample forms, and checklists. Self-represented parties can download them for free. The packets cover small claims, evictions, simple divorces, and name changes. Each packet tells you which forms to file, what fees to pay, and which court dates to expect.
Common Forms and Packets
The clerk keeps a full set of Florida Supreme Court approved forms at the courthouse. You can also print them from the Florida Courts website. Common civil forms include the civil cover sheet, the summons, the complaint, and the answer. The clerk can tell you which forms you need for your case type. They can also explain the basic steps for filing each form.
Support and Training
The E-Filing Portal support desk is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. You can call (850) 577-4609 for help with electronic filing. The portal also has training videos that show how to set up an account, submit a document, and pay filing fees. The Alachua County clerk offers in-person help at the courthouse during business hours. Library branches in Gainesville also host free legal aid clinics each month.
Cities and Nearby Counties
All civil court cases filed by people in Alachua County go through the Gainesville courthouse. The clerk serves every city and town in the county. The 8th Judicial Circuit also covers five other nearby counties.
Alachua County Cities
Gainesville is the county seat and largest city. It is home to the University of Florida and most of the county’s population. Other cities in Alachua County include Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, High Springs, Micanopy, Newberry, and Waldo. Each of these cities sends civil cases to the Alachua County Clerk of Court. The clerk’s office is the central filing point for the whole county.
8th Judicial Circuit Counties
Alachua County is one of six counties in the 8th Judicial Circuit. The other counties are Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union. Each county has its own clerk and its own search tool. If you do not know which county holds a case, check the address where the dispute took place. The court must have jurisdiction in that county for the case to be valid. You can confirm the right county by calling the clerk before you file.
Contact and Visit Details
The Alachua County Clerk of Court is the only office that holds certified civil court records for the county. Below are the full contact details, the address for in-person visits, and an embedded map of the courthouse location.
Alachua County Clerk
The full name of the office is the Alachua County Clerk of Court. The current clerk is J.K. “Jess” Irby, Esq. The official email is Clerk@alachuaclerk.org. The official website is alachuacounty.us. The mailing address and physical address are the same: 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601.
Official Address and Map
The courthouse is on East University Avenue in downtown Gainesville. It sits between Main Street and Southeast First Street. Free public parking is available behind the building. The map below shows the exact location and the street entrance used by visitors.
Phone and Email
The main phone line is (352) 374-3636. The fax line is (352) 338-3201. TDD and TTY users can reach the office through 711, the Florida Relay Service, or 1-800-955-8771. The general email is Clerk@alachuaclerk.org. Public records requests have a separate email at publicrecordsrequest@alachuacounty.us. The Public Records Custodian can be reached by phone at (352) 264-6906.
Office Hours
The clerk’s office is open from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. Walk-in visitors can request records, file new cases, and pick up certified copies during these hours. The phone lines follow the same schedule. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing for in-person record requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers common questions people ask about Alachua County civil court records. The answers below reflect the current rules and tools available through the Alachua County Clerk of Court as of 2026. Each answer gives you the steps, the costs, and the contact details you need.
What types of cases show up in the public search?
The public search shows civil cases, small claims, evictions, family cases, probate, and guardianship. It also shows traffic, criminal, and misdemeanor cases. Civil case records have been online since September 2001. Older civil files are in the courthouse archives. Adoption and sealed records do not appear in the public search. Mental health records under Chapter 394 of the Florida Statutes are also restricted. You can view the full list of restricted case types on the clerk’s website or by calling the records desk.
How do I get a certified copy of a court record?
You can request a certified copy in person at the Alachua County Courthouse. Bring a photo ID and the case number or party name. The clerk will pull the file, make a certified copy, and stamp it with the court seal. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. The fee depends on the number of pages. You can also mail a written request with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the fee. The clerk mails certified copies within five business days of receiving payment.
Are old case files from before 2001 available?
Yes, but you need to visit the courthouse. Civil cases filed before September 2001 are not in the online search. The Records Department on the first floor of the courthouse holds the older files. The oldest online case dates to July 23, 1928, but only a small number of pre-2001 cases are in the digital system. Staff can pull files from the paper archives during business hours. Call ahead to confirm the file is on site and ready when you arrive.
Can I seal a civil case in Alachua County?
You can ask a judge to seal a civil case. You must file a written motion that explains why the case should be sealed. Common reasons include trade secrets, personal safety, and minor settlements. A judge reviews the motion and holds a hearing before ruling. If the judge grants the motion, the clerk seals the file. Sealed files do not appear in the public search. You cannot view them at the counter. The judge may also order the file unsealed later if circumstances change.
How much does a record search cost?
Viewing records online is free. Searching by name or case number costs nothing. You only pay when you need paper copies. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The clerk sets the exact rate each year. There is no fee to ask for redaction of a social security number or bank account number. There is also no fee to sign up for the e-Notify alert service. The only online fee is the E-Filing Portal convenience charge when you file a new case.
What if I find a mistake in the record?
You can ask the clerk to correct a clerical error in a court record. Fill out a written request with the case number, the document name, and the page where the error appears. The clerk reviews the request and compares it to the original filing. If the original filing matches your correction, the clerk updates the public file. The clerk cannot change a court order or a judge’s ruling. Only the judge can amend a court order, and you must file a motion to do so.
Can non-residents request records from Alachua County?
Yes, public records laws apply to everyone, not just Florida residents. You can search the online tool from any state or country. You can also call the clerk’s office to ask about a case. For in-person visits, you still need a photo ID. Certified copies can be mailed to out-of-state addresses if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the correct fee. The clerk does not limit access based on where you live or work.