Coral Springs City Civil Court Records are filed and stored through the Broward County Clerk of Court office. Coral Springs does not run its own civil court.
Every civil case, judgment, and filing from this city goes through the county clerk system in Fort Lauderdale. Residents can look up these records online at no cost or visit the central courthouse in person during business hours.
Where Coral Springs Civil Court Records Are Filed
All civil court records from Coral Springs sit in one place: the Broward County Clerk of Court office. This office handles paper filings, electronic submissions, and public record requests for the entire county, which includes 31 cities. The clerk is the official record keeper for every civil case that passes through the 17th Judicial Circuit court system.
Broward County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The main clerk office sits in the Broward County Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The building is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone support runs during the same hours at (954) 831-6565. The official website at browardclerk.org holds the full online case search tool.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Broward County Clerk of Court |
| Street Address | 201 SE 6th Street |
| City, State, ZIP | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Main Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Official Website | browardclerk.org |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Judicial Circuit |
Why Coral Springs Uses the Broward County System
Coral Springs sits inside Broward County, which falls under the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. State law requires all civil court cases to go through the county-level clerk office that covers the area where the case was filed. No city in Florida runs an independent civil court for general disputes. The clerk acts as the neutral record holder for every party in a case.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Structure
The 17th Judicial Circuit covers all of Broward County. Two court levels handle civil matters. Circuit Court hears cases where the claim amount is over $30,000. County Court hears cases where the claim is $30,000 or less. Small claims cases with claims up to $8,000 also go through County Court. The same clerk office handles filings for both levels.
How to Search Coral Springs Civil Court Records Online
Three main online tools let anyone search civil court records from Coral Springs. All three tools are free to use. The first tool is the Broward Clerk website case search. The second is the Florida E-Filing Portal, which links all 67 counties. The third option is third-party aggregator websites, which pull data from official sources.
Using the Broward Clerk Official Website
The Broward Clerk website at browardclerk.org has a public case search tool. Users type a party name, case number, or attorney bar number. Results show case type, filing date, current status, and hearing schedule. Each result links to the full docket, which lists every paper filed in the case. The tool refreshes each night with new filings from that day.
Florida E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com serves as the statewide filing and search hub. Registered users can search public records across every Florida county. Free accounts take a few minutes to create. The portal accepts credit cards for paid searches and certified copies. It works on phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Free vs Paid Search Options
Basic case data is free on both the Broward Clerk site and the Florida E-Filing Portal. Paid services charge for features like full document images, bulk exports, background check reports, and certified copies. Most users only need the free tools. People who need certified copies for legal filings should pay the official clerk fee, which is usually $1 per page plus a $2 certification charge.
Types of Civil Cases Filed From Coral Springs
Civil cases cover disputes between people, businesses, or organizations. Criminal cases follow a different path and are not covered here. The types of civil cases most often filed from Coral Springs include debt collection, contract disputes, personal injury claims, property damage, landlord-tenant issues, and small claims money disputes.
Circuit Court Civil Cases (Over $30,000)
Circuit Court handles every civil case where the money claim exceeds $30,000. Common case types in this court include personal injury lawsuits, complex contract disputes, real property lawsuits, intellectual property claims, and class action cases. Family law matters like divorce, custody, and adoption also go through Circuit Court. Probate and guardianship cases sit in this court too.
County Court Civil Cases (Under $30,000)
County Court handles civil cases where the claim is $30,000 or less. These cases move faster and follow simpler rules. Common types include car accidents with minor injuries, simple contract disputes, consumer complaints, and property damage claims. Most Coral Springs residents who file a civil lawsuit end up in County Court because their claim falls below the $30,000 threshold.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims cases involve money disputes up to $8,000. Lawyers are not required, and parties often represent themselves. Common small claims filings from Coral Springs include unpaid debts, security deposit returns, minor car accident damage, and repair disputes. The court charges lower filing fees for small claims. Hearings usually happen within 60 to 90 days of filing.
Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Records
Eviction cases fall under County Court and follow special timelines. Landlords file these cases to remove tenants who do not pay rent or violate lease terms. The clerk posts summons, complaints, and judgments. Most eviction records become public the day they are filed. Tenants can search these records before signing a new lease.
Search Methods for Civil Court Records
The Broward Clerk search tool accepts four main search fields. Each method works best in different situations. People who know the exact case number get the fastest results. People who only know a name can still search but may see more results to sort through.
Searching by Party Name
Type the full name of any party listed in the case. The tool searches both plaintiff and defendant names. Results show all matching cases with the party role listed. Use last name first for best results. Common names return many results, so adding a middle name or birth year narrows the list.
Searching by Case Number
Every civil case in Broward County gets a unique case number. The format follows the year, court type, and sequence. For example, a 2024 Circuit Court civil case might show as CACE-24-0012345. Type the full number with dashes or without them. This method returns one exact result.
Searching by Date Range
Set a start date and end date to see every case filed in that period. The date range tool helps researchers, reporters, and attorneys track filing trends. Court staff can pull older records on request. The online tool covers cases filed from the early 1990s to the present day.
Searching by Attorney Bar Number
Florida attorneys have a state bar number. Type the bar number to see every case where that lawyer appeared. Plaintiffs and defendants can use this tool to check a lawyer’s track record before hiring. The result list shows case type, role, and current status.
In-Person Records Access at the Courthouse
Online searches cover most needs. Some records still require a trip to the courthouse. Older files from before the early 1990s often sit in physical storage. People who need certified copies with a raised seal must visit the clerk office in person. The clerk staff helps with self-service terminals during business hours.
Location and Driving Directions
The Broward County Central Courthouse sits at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. From Coral Springs, take I-95 South or Florida’s Turnpike South. The drive takes 25 to 40 minutes without traffic. Public parking garages sit next to the courthouse on SE 6th Street and Broward Boulevard. Metered street parking is also available nearby.
Public Terminal Access at Clerk Office
The clerk office has free public terminals on the first floor. These terminals run the same search tool as the website. They offer faster speed, larger screens, and help from clerk staff nearby. Printers are available for a small fee per page. The terminals accept cash and card payment for copies.
Copy Fees and Certified Documents
Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per document plus the per-page copy fee. Apostille copies for use outside the United States cost more and require extra steps. Most records become available for pickup the same day. Mail requests are accepted with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment.
Florida Public Records Laws and User Rights
Florida has strong public records laws. Most civil court files are open for anyone to see. State lawmakers wrote these rules to keep government fair and open. People do not need to explain why they want a record. The clerk office must provide records within a reasonable time.
Chapter 119 Florida Statutes Explained
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the main public records law. It says that all government records are open unless a specific law says otherwise. Civil court records fall under this rule. The law lets any person inspect or copy records. The clerk office cannot deny a request without a clear legal reason.
Records Sealed by Court Order
Some civil records get sealed by a judge. Sealed records stay private. Common sealed cases include those involving trade secrets, minors, medical details, or sensitive financial data. People who want to view a sealed record must file a motion with the court. The judge decides whether to open the file. Sealed records do not show up in the online search tool.
Confidential Information Redaction Process
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 protects sensitive data in public records. Filers must add a Notice of Confidential Information form when they submit papers with social security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card data. The clerk then redacts these items from the public version. Any person can ask the clerk to redact private data that appears by mistake at no charge.
Filing New Civil Cases From Coral Springs
People who want to start a new civil case from Coral Springs file through the Broward County Clerk. The clerk accepts paper filings at the office window and electronic filings through the E-Filing Portal. Most new filings now happen online. The portal is faster and cheaper than paper.
E-Filing Requirements and Process
Register a free account at myflcourtaccess.com. Pick the correct case type from the dropdown menu. Upload the complaint or petition as a PDF. Pay the filing fee with a credit card. The portal routes the filing to the Broward County clerk. Most filings get accepted within one business day.
Filing Fees for Civil Cases
Civil filing fees depend on the case type and claim amount. Small claims cases cost around $55 to file in 2026. County Court civil cases cost between $300 and $400. Circuit Court civil cases start near $400 and rise with the claim amount. The exact fee shows during the E-Filing checkout process. Fee waivers exist for people who meet income limits.
DIY Florida Form Builder Tool
DIY Florida sits inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks users through question prompts and builds court forms for them. Over 20 civil case types are supported. People who cannot afford a lawyer use this tool to file small claims, evictions, and simple contract cases. The forms get filed through the portal to the Broward County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply.
Self-Help Resources for Coral Springs Residents
Free legal help resources serve Coral Springs residents who file civil cases without a lawyer. These resources cover small claims, evictions, family law, and consumer disputes. The Florida Supreme Court runs a statewide self-help program. Local legal aid groups in Broward County offer free advice to people who qualify by income.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts Self-Help Center at flcourts.gov offers plain-language forms and instructions. Users download the forms, fill them out, and file them with the clerk. The center covers small claims, evictions, simple divorce, and name changes. Forms are available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. The site updates forms each year to match current Florida law.
Legal Aid Organizations in Broward County
Several nonprofit legal aid groups serve Coral Springs residents. Broward County Legal Aid offers free help with housing, consumer, and family cases for low-income clients. Coast to Coast Legal Aid covers similar issues across South Florida. Applicants must show proof of income and residency. Walk-in clinics run at public libraries each month.
Small Claims and Eviction Forms
The self-help center has step-by-step packets for small claims and evictions. Each packet includes the complaint form, service instructions, and hearing tips. Landlords use the eviction packet to file against non-paying tenants. Tenants use the packet to file counterclaims or defenses. Forms follow Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 7.140 for small claims matters.
Nearby Cities Sharing the Same Court System
Many cities near Coral Springs share the Broward County Clerk office. People who live in these cities file and search civil records the same way. The same case search tool at browardclerk.org covers every city in the county. The same fees and rules apply across the entire 17th Judicial Circuit.
Fort Lauderdale Civil Records
Fort Lauderdale is the county seat and the largest city in Broward County. Civil cases from Fort Lauderdale make up the largest share of the clerk database. The same search tool covers Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs cases. The central courthouse sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale on SE 6th Street.
Pompano Beach Civil Records
Pompano Beach sits north of Fort Lauderdale along the coast. The city falls inside Broward County and uses the same clerk office. Civil case searches through the Broward Clerk website return Pompano Beach cases alongside Coral Springs cases. Results show the city in the case header for easy sorting.
Plantation and Sunrise Records
Plantation and Sunrise sit west of Fort Lauderdale. Both cities use the Broward County Clerk for all civil matters. The clerk office stores civil court records for these cities in the same database. Search results show the filing city for each case. People who move between these cities can use the same search process.
Contact Details and Official Resources
Broward County Clerk of Court website: browardclerk.org. Phone number for records questions: (954) 831-6565. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Street address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Florida E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com. Florida Courts Self-Help Center: flcourts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers the most common questions people ask about Coral Springs City Civil Court Records. Each answer gives clear, direct facts based on current Florida law and clerk office rules as of 2026. People who need legal advice for a specific case should still speak with a licensed Florida attorney.
Are Coral Springs civil court records free to view online?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk website offers free access to basic case data for every civil case filed in the county, including all Coral Springs cases. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number without paying anything. Full document images of every paper filed in a case are also available at no cost through the online docket viewer. The clerk charges only for printed copies, certified copies, and bulk data exports that exceed normal use limits.
How far back do online civil court records go for Coral Springs?
The online search tool covers cases filed from the early 1990s to the present day. Records from before that period exist in physical storage at the Broward County courthouse. People who need older records must visit the clerk office in person or submit a written records request by mail. Court staff can pull archived files within five business days for most requests. Some very old archived files require a longer search time.
Can I remove my civil court case from public search results?
Only a judge can seal a civil court record. A party must file a written motion that explains the legal reason for sealing. Common reasons include trade secrets, medical privacy, identity theft, or harm to a minor. The judge holds a hearing and decides based on Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. Sealed records no longer appear in the online search tool. Expungement is a different process and applies only to criminal cases.
What is the difference between a Circuit Court and County Court civil case?
The main difference is the dollar amount at stake. Circuit Court hears civil cases where the claim is over $30,000. County Court hears civil cases where the claim is $30,000 or less. Small claims cases with claims up to $8,000 also go through County Court under simpler rules. Both courts use the same Broward County Clerk office for filings and records. Case numbers show the court level in the prefix.
Do I need a lawyer to file a small claims case from Coral Springs?
No. Florida law does not require a lawyer for small claims court. Most small claims parties represent themselves. The Florida Courts Self-Help Center has free forms and instructions. The DIY Florida tool inside the E-Filing Portal builds the forms for users. Filing fees are lower for small claims. Hearings last 15 minutes or less. People with complex cases may still want a lawyer for advice.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Coral Springs civil record?
In-person requests for certified copies usually finish within 30 minutes at the clerk window. Online requests through the E-Filing Portal take one to three business days for digital delivery. Mail requests take two to three weeks. The clerk charges $2 per certified document plus the per-page copy fee. Payment by cash, card, or money order works for in-person visits. Online orders require a credit card.
Can I search Coral Springs civil records by phone?
No. The clerk office does not offer a phone search service for civil records. Staff can answer general questions about how the system works. They cannot run case searches over the phone or read file contents to callers. The online tools at browardclerk.org and myflcourtaccess.com are the only way to search records. People without internet access can use the free public terminals at the courthouse.