Miami Beach City civil court records are public files that show civil lawsuits filed in or connected to Miami Beach, Florida. These records include contract disputes, property cases, small claims, evictions, and money judgments.
They are kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court because Miami Beach does not run its own court system. Anyone can look at these records online or at the clerk’s office in downtown Miami.
How the Miami Beach Court System Works
Miami Beach sits inside Miami-Dade County, which belongs to the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers all civil, criminal, family, and probate cases in the county. Civil cases from Miami Beach follow the same rules and filing paths as cases from any other city in the county. Two court levels handle civil matters: Circuit Court and County Court.
Circuit Civil Court in Miami Beach
Circuit Civil Court handles cases where the amount in dispute is more than $30,000. These cases often involve complex legal questions. Examples include breach of contract lawsuits above the $30,000 limit, personal injury claims, real estate disputes, and business litigation. Circuit Court also handles family law, probate, guardianship, and appeals from County Court. The main Circuit Civil courthouse for Miami-Dade is at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130.
County Civil Court in Miami Beach
County Civil Court handles cases where the amount in dispute is $30,000 or less. This includes most landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and minor contract disagreements. Small claims cases in Miami Beach are limited to claims of $8,000 or less. Eviction filings for Miami Beach rental properties go through County Court. The same Miami-Dade courthouse processes these filings.
Why Miami Beach Has No Separate Court Clerk
Miami Beach is a city, not a county. Florida law places court clerk duties at the county level, not the city level. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court serves every city in the county, including Miami Beach, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Homestead, and Doral. The current Clerk of Court is Juan Fernandez-Barquin. His office handles all filings, record keeping, and public access for Miami Beach civil cases.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court is the main office for Miami Beach civil court records. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office can answer questions about case status, filing procedures, and certified copies. Phone support is available during business hours at (305) 275-1155.
Clerk Office Address and Phone
- Office: Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
- Street Address: 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
- Phone: (305) 275-1155
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Website: miamidadeclerk.com
North Dade Justice Center
Miami Beach residents who live closer to North Miami can visit the North Dade Justice Center at 15555 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach, FL 33160. This branch handles some civil filings and can pull up Miami Beach cases. Call ahead to confirm which services are offered at this location before visiting.
How to Search Miami Beach Civil Court Records Online
Searching Miami Beach civil court records online is free and open to the public. No account is required for basic searches. You can search by name, case number, or party type. The search pulls up active and closed civil cases filed in the 11th Judicial Circuit.
Using the Miami-Dade Clerk Website
The official Miami-Dade Clerk website at miamidadeclerk.com has a court records search tool. Go to the Court Records section and enter the full name of a person or business. You can also enter a case number if you have one. Results show the case type, filing date, party names, judge, and current status. Docket entries and hearing dates also appear. Some document images are linked to the case file.
Florida E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com links to all 67 Florida county clerks, including Miami-Dade. You can file new civil cases and check existing ones through this portal. Creating a free account lets you save searches, get email alerts, and upload documents. The portal is the best tool for attorneys and people handling their own cases.
Search by Case Number
Every Miami Beach civil case has a unique case number. The format for circuit civil cases is 20XX-XXXXX-CA. The format for county civil cases is 20XX-XXXXX-CC. Small claims cases use 20XX-XXXXX-SC. Entering the full case number in the clerk search gives you the exact file without needing a name. This is the fastest way to track a specific case.
Search by Name for Miami Beach Parties
To search by name, type the last name first, then the first name. You can also search by business name. Results show all civil cases where that person or business is a party. This includes plaintiff, defendant, and third-party entries. Check the case type to know whether the case is contract, eviction, small claims, or other civil matter.
Types of Civil Cases in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is a coastal city with a busy real estate market, a strong hospitality industry, and a large rental population. These factors shape the types of civil cases filed here. The most common civil case types include landlord-tenant disputes, debt collection, property damage, contract issues, and personal injury claims.
Eviction Records and Landlord-Tenant Cases
Eviction cases are among the most common civil filings connected to Miami Beach rental properties. These cases go through County Court under the Florida Residential Landlords and Tenant Act. Most eviction filings in Miami Beach are for non-payment of rent or lease violations. Records show the property address, tenant name, landlord name, and judgment amount. You can search eviction records by tenant name or property address.
Contract Disputes and Business Litigation
Contract disputes often involve real estate transactions, business deals, and service agreements. Many Miami Beach businesses file or face contract claims each year. Cases above $30,000 go to Circuit Court. Cases at or below $30,000 go to County Court. The docket shows filings, motions, and final judgments.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court handles cases up to $8,000 in Miami Beach. These cases are simpler and faster than regular civil cases. Common small claims include security deposit disputes, minor property damage, unpaid personal loans, and small service contract issues. Small claims hearings happen in the same Miami-Dade courthouse complex. Records are part of the county clerk database.
Civil Judgment and Lien Searches
When a Miami Beach civil case ends with a money judgment, the winning party can record the judgment in Official Records. This turns the judgment into a lien on real property in Miami Beach. Searching Official Records by owner name or property address shows recorded judgments. This is critical for anyone buying property or checking a person’s financial background.
Official Records vs. Court Case Records
Many users mix up court case records and official records. They are different systems run by the same clerk. Each serves a different purpose. Knowing the difference helps you search the right database.
What Court Case Records Show
Court case records show the full history of a civil lawsuit. This includes the initial complaint, summons, motions, court orders, and final judgment. You see who filed what and when. Court records are useful for tracking a case and seeing the legal steps taken by both sides. These records are kept in the court records database.
What Official Records Show
Official Records cover property-related filings. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions of judgment, and tax certificates. Official Records search is the right tool for checking if a civil judgment has been recorded as a lien. The Official Records database is separate from the court case database but is on the same clerk website.
How to Search Official Records for Miami Beach
To search Official Records, go to miamidadeclerk.com and click on Official Records. You can search by name, document type, recording date, or instrument number. The site returns scanned images of each recorded document. Viewing documents is free. Certified copies cost a small fee per page. Official Records are a key part of any Miami Beach property background check.
Fees and Costs for Miami Beach Civil Records
Searching Miami Beach civil court records online is free. Viewing basic case data costs nothing. Some services carry fees. Knowing the costs upfront helps you plan your search or request.
Free Search Options
The clerk website lets you search by name or case number at no cost. Basic case details, party names, filing dates, and hearing schedules are all free. Public access terminals at the courthouse also offer free searches. The Florida E-Filing Portal lets you create a free account to save searches.
Paid Services and Copy Fees
Certified copies of court documents cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee in most cases. Document images online are usually free to view but may cost a small fee to print or download. Rush processing is available for an extra charge. Payment at the clerk’s office can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Online payments use a secure portal.
Filing Fees for New Civil Cases
Filing a new civil case in Miami Beach costs money. The fee depends on the case type and amount in dispute. County civil cases under $30,000 have lower filing fees than Circuit civil cases. Small claims cases have the lowest fees. Current fee schedules are posted on the clerk website. You must pay the filing fee when you submit the case, or request a fee waiver based on income.
Confidential and Sealed Records in Miami Beach
Not all Miami Beach civil court records are public. Florida law protects certain types of data from public view. The clerk follows strict rules about what can be shown to the public and what stays sealed.
Personal Information Kept Private
Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor children’s names are kept private. The clerk redacts this data from public files. Anyone filing a civil case in Miami Beach must submit a Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form tells the clerk which data to protect.
Sealed and Expunged Cases
Some civil cases are sealed by court order. Adoption records, certain family law files, and cases involving trade secrets may be sealed. Once sealed, these records do not show up in the public search. Expunged records are removed from public access completely. Sealed and expunged files can only be opened with a new court order.
How to Request Redaction of Your Data
If your private data appears in a public Miami Beach civil court record, you can ask the clerk to remove it. There is no fee for redaction under Florida law. Submit a written request to the clerk identifying the case number and the data to be redacted. The clerk has 30 days to process the request.
Public Records Law and Sunshine Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public broad access to government records. Civil court records in Miami Beach fall under this law.
What Chapter 119 Covers
Chapter 119 requires government agencies to open their records to the public. This includes civil court case files kept by the Miami-Dade Clerk. Anyone can request access. You do not need to be a party to the case, a lawyer, or a resident of Florida. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time. The law applies to digital and paper records alike.
Exemptions From Public Access
Some categories of records are exempt. These include sealed cases, confidential personal data, certain law enforcement files, and records protected by other Florida statutes. Even with exemptions, the default rule is that records are public. The clerk must cite a specific exemption when denying a records request.
How to Make a Public Records Request
To make a public records request for Miami Beach civil court records, submit a written request to the clerk. Include the case name, case number, or document type. The clerk will respond with the records or an estimate of the cost. There is no fee to make the request, but copies may cost money. Requests are usually processed within 5 to 10 business days.
Self-Help Resources for Miami Beach Civil Cases
People who file or defend civil cases without a lawyer are called pro se litigants. Miami Beach has several resources to help pro se litigants handle civil cases. The clerk’s office cannot give legal advice, but it can point you to self-help tools.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts Self-Help Center at flcourts.gov has free forms and guides for civil cases. The site covers small claims, evictions, debt claims, and other case types. Instructions are written in plain language. Form packets can be downloaded and filled out on your computer. The Self-Help Center is a good starting point for any Miami Beach civil case.
DIY Florida Form Builder
DIY Florida is part of the E-Filing Portal. It creates court forms for you by asking simple questions. Over 20 form types are available, including small claims, eviction responses, and civil complaint forms. The tool reduces errors and saves time. Forms can be saved and filed directly through the portal.
Legal Aid in Miami-Dade County
Legal Aid of Miami-Dade County provides free legal help for low-income residents. They handle civil cases involving housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues. The Dade County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service that connects Miami Beach residents with attorneys who offer reduced rates. Both services are good options when you need legal help but cannot afford a full-service attorney.
Common Civil Case Procedures in Miami Beach
Civil cases follow a set of standard steps from filing to judgment. Miami Beach cases follow the same Florida Rules of Civil Procedure as cases in any other part of the state. Knowing the steps helps you track a case or file your own.
Filing a New Civil Case
To file a new civil case in Miami Beach, prepare a complaint or petition. Fill out the case opening form. Pay the filing fee or request a waiver. Submit the documents through the E-Filing Portal or in person at the clerk’s office. Once filed, the clerk assigns a case number and issues a summons. The summons is served on the other party to start the case.
Serving the Other Party
After filing, you must serve the other party with a copy of the complaint and summons. Service can be done by a process server, the sheriff’s office, or certified mail. The other party has 20 days to respond. If they do not respond, you can ask the court for a default judgment.
Discovery and Motions
During discovery, both sides exchange information. This can include written questions, document requests, and depositions. Motions are written requests to the judge. Common motions ask the court to dismiss the case, force the other side to share documents, or decide a question before trial. The docket shows all filed motions and the judge’s rulings.
Trial and Final Judgment
Most civil cases in Miami Beach settle before trial. If the case goes to trial, both sides present evidence and witnesses. The judge or jury decides the outcome. The final judgment is recorded in the case file. If the judgment is for money, it can be recorded in Official Records and become a lien on real property in Miami Beach.
How to Get Certified Copies of Miami Beach Records
Sometimes a basic search is not enough. You may need an official certified copy of a court record. Certified copies are accepted by other courts, government agencies, and businesses. The clerk issues certified copies for a fee.
Requesting a Certified Copy Online
You can request certified copies through the Miami-Dade clerk website. Search for the case, select the documents you need, and place an order. The clerk processes the request and mails a paper certified copy. Some documents are available as electronic certified copies with a digital signature. Online requests are faster than mail or in-person orders.
Requesting a Certified Copy In Person
To get a certified copy in person, go to the clerk’s office at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Bring the case number or full names of the parties. Staff will pull the file and make certified copies. You get the copies the same day in most cases. Payment is due at the time of the request.
Requesting a Certified Copy by Mail
Mail a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, document type, your contact details, and a check or money order for the fees. Mail requests take longer to process. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of the documents. The clerk will mail the certified copies back to you.
Other Florida Counties for Civil Court Records
Florida has 67 counties, each with its own clerk of court. Miami Beach is in Miami-Dade, but other counties have their own civil records. If you need to search civil records in another Florida county, you will need to use that county’s clerk website.
Broward County Civil Court Records
Broward County is north of Miami-Dade. Cities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines are in Broward. The Broward Clerk of Court website is browardclerk.org. Civil cases in Broward follow the same rules but are filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
Orange County Civil Court Records
Orange County is home to Orlando. The Orange County Clerk of Courts runs records search at myorangeclerk.com. Orange County cases are part of the 9th Judicial Circuit. Civil search tools are similar to Miami-Dade but with different case number formats.
Hillsborough County Civil Court Records
Hillsborough County covers Tampa. The Hillsborough Clerk of Court website is hillsclerk.com. Civil cases fall under the 13th Judicial Circuit. Search tools cover civil, family, and probate records.
Duval County Civil Court Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville. The Duval County Clerk of Courts runs records at duvalclerk.com. Duval is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit. Online search is free and open to the public.
Palm Beach County Civil Court Records
Palm Beach County is north of Broward. The Palm Beach County Clerk website is mypalmbeachclerk.com. Civil cases are handled in the 15th Judicial Circuit. Search tools include name search and case number lookup.
Pinellas County Civil Court Records
Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The Pinellas County Clerk website is pinellasclerk.org. Civil cases are part of the 6th Judicial Circuit. Records search is free and online.
How Long Are Miami Beach Civil Records Kept?
Florida has record retention rules for civil court files. The retention period depends on the case type. Knowing the retention period helps you know what records still exist.
Retention Periods for Different Case Types
Civil case files are kept for at least 5 years after the final judgment. Some cases with longer appeal windows are kept longer. Adoption and sealed records are kept permanently. Eviction cases are kept for 5 years. Small claims cases are kept for 5 years. After the retention period, older paper files may be moved to storage or destroyed, but digital records often remain available online.
Accessing Older Miami Beach Records
Older civil case files from Miami Beach may not be in the online system. To see older records, contact the clerk’s office. Staff can pull paper files from storage. A small retrieval fee may apply. Some older records have been scanned and added to the online database over time.
E-Filing Requirements in Miami Beach
Most civil filings in Miami Beach must be done through the E-Filing Portal. Paper filing is still allowed in some cases, but e-filing is faster and cheaper. Attorneys are required to e-file. Pro se litigants can choose e-filing or paper filing.
Creating an E-Filing Account
To e-file, create a free account at myflcourtaccess.com. You need a valid email address. Once logged in, you can select the Miami-Dade Clerk as the filing location. The portal walks you through choosing the case type, uploading documents, and paying fees. Most filings are processed the same day.
Accepted File Formats and Sizes
The E-Filing Portal accepts PDF files. Each file can be up to 50 MB. Documents must be text-searchable. Scanned images of signed pages are accepted, but the text layer is required. If your PDF is too large, split the document into smaller files before uploading.
E-Filing Support and Help Desk
The E-Filing Portal has a support desk open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. Call (850) 577-4609 for help with technical issues. The Miami-Dade Clerk also has a local e-filing help line during business hours. The portal has a knowledge base with answers to common questions.
Civil Court Records and Background Checks
Civil court records are part of a public background check. Landlords, employers, lenders, and business partners often check civil records. Knowing what shows up helps you understand how your own records appear to others.
What Civil Records Show About a Person
Civil records show lawsuits a person was involved in. This includes cases where the person was a plaintiff or defendant. The records show case type, judgment amount, and current status. Open cases and closed cases both appear. Judgments and dismissals both show up in the record.
How to Remove Wrong Information
Court records cannot be edited just because someone disagrees with the result. However, sealed records can be hidden from public view. Expunged records are removed. If the data shown is incorrect, the clerk can correct it. Contact the clerk’s office with proof of the error.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Beach Civil Court Records
This section answers the most common questions people ask about Miami Beach civil court records. Each answer gives you clear facts so you know what to expect. Use these answers to plan your search or filing. The information reflects current clerk rules and Florida law as of 2026.
How Do I Search Miami Beach Civil Court Records for Free?
You can search Miami Beach civil court records for free on the Miami-Dade County Clerk website at miamidadeclerk.com. Click on Court Records and enter a name or case number. The search returns active and closed civil cases from across the county, including all Miami Beach filings. The Florida E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com also offers free searches once you create a free account. No payment is required to view basic case data, party names, filing dates, and hearing schedules. Both tools work from any computer or phone with internet access.
Can I View Miami Beach Civil Court Records Online?
Yes, most Miami Beach civil court records are online. The clerk’s online database includes case types, party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and final judgments. Many case documents are also scanned and available for viewing. Some older records and sealed cases are not online. To view a sealed record, you need a court order. For older paper files, visit the clerk’s office in person or contact the clerk by phone to request a file pull.
What Is the Difference Between County Court and Circuit Court in Miami Beach?
County Court handles civil cases with $30,000 or less in dispute. Circuit Court handles civil cases with more than $30,000 in dispute. Small claims cases in Miami Beach are limited to $8,000 or less and go through County Court. Eviction cases also go through County Court. Family law, probate, guardianship, and appeals from County Court go to Circuit Court. The same Miami-Dade courthouse handles both levels.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy of a Miami Beach Civil Record?
Online requests for certified copies are usually processed within 1 to 3 business days. In-person requests at the clerk’s office are often filled the same day. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days depending on volume. Rush processing is available for an extra fee. The clerk will mail paper certified copies to your address or give you a digital certified copy with an electronic signature.
Are Eviction Records Public in Miami Beach?
Yes, eviction records are public. Eviction cases filed in Miami Beach go through Miami-Dade County Court and are part of the public court record. You can search eviction cases by tenant name, landlord name, or property address. Records show the case filing date, judgment, and any money awards. Sealed eviction records are not public. Expunged eviction records are removed from public access.
Can I Remove My Personal Information From a Miami Beach Civil Court Record?
You can ask the clerk to redact personal data like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers from public files. This redaction is free under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. Submit a written request to the clerk with the case number. You cannot remove the case itself from the record. To seal a case, you must file a motion with the court and get a judge’s order.
What Happens If I Cannot Find a Miami Beach Civil Record Online?
If you cannot find a Miami Beach civil record online, the case may be very old, sealed, or in paper storage. Contact the Miami-Dade Clerk’s office at (305) 275-1155 and ask staff to search the archive. There may be a small retrieval fee for older paper files. You can also visit the courthouse in person with the case details. Staff can pull the file and make copies for you.