Search Florida civil court records through the statewide E-Filing Portal or any county Clerk of Court office. All 67 Florida counties keep their own civil case files.
These files include lawsuits, judgments, liens, and other court papers. You can look up cases by name or by case number. The files are open to the public. You do not need to be a lawyer or a party in the case. This page explains where to search, how to search, and what you can find in 2026.
How Florida’s Civil Court System Works
Florida runs two levels of trial courts for civil cases. Each level handles different dollar amounts and case types. Civil courts settle disputes between people, businesses, or groups. They do not handle criminal cases. Civil cases cover contracts, injuries, property, family law, and small claims. Each court keeps its own files. Knowing which court handled your case helps you pick the right search tool.
Circuit Courts vs County Courts
Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction. They handle civil cases with claims above $30,000. They also handle family law, probate, juvenile, and felony criminal cases. County Courts handle smaller civil cases with claims up to $30,000. They also handle small claims up to $8,000. Landlord-tenant disputes usually go through County Court. The dollar limit sets which court hears your case. Check the claim amount on your court papers to know which court to search.
Florida’s 20 Judicial Circuits
Florida splits its 67 counties into 20 judicial circuits. Each circuit has one main court that serves all counties in its area. Some circuits cover one county. Others cover several smaller counties. The 11th Circuit covers Miami-Dade County alone. The 9th Circuit covers Orange and Osceola counties. The 13th Circuit covers Hillsborough County. Each circuit runs its own civil case docket. You can find your circuit on the Florida Courts website.
Appellate Courts Above Trial Courts
Five District Courts of Appeal sit above the trial courts. They hear appeals from circuit and county court decisions. The Florida Supreme Court sits at the top. It hears appeals from the District Courts of Appeal and cases about state law. The Supreme Court Clerk’s Office is at 500 South Duval Street in Tallahassee, Florida. Its hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Civil appeals move through this court structure in order from the trial level up.
Two Main Ways to Access Civil Court Records
Florida gives you two main paths to see civil court records. The first path is online. The second path is in person at a clerk’s office. Both paths lead to the same case files. Most people start with the online search because it works any time of day. Some people visit the clerk’s office for certified copies of court documents. Pick the path that fits your needs.
Online Search Through the E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com is the single statewide site for court records. It links more than 770,000 users to civil court files in all 67 counties. You can search for cases and view filed papers through this portal at any time. It has saved filers an estimated $38 million in postage by giving a way to send documents without mail or a courier. Attorneys, self-represented filers, and the public can all use this tool from home or an office.
In-Person Visits to County Clerk Offices
Each county Clerk of Court holds the original civil case files. You can walk into any clerk’s office during business hours to search for files, ask for copies, or file new civil court papers. Most offices are open Monday through Friday. Staff can look up cases by name or case number. Certified copies of civil court documents cost more than plain ones. Both are available at the counter. The Florida court locations page lists every courthouse in the state.
Mail and Phone Requests for Court Records
Some county clerks accept mail requests for copies of civil court records. You send a written request with the case name, case number, and the documents you need. You also include a check or money order for the copy fees. Phone requests work for basic case status checks. The clerk’s office staff can tell you the next hearing date or the case outcome. They cannot give legal advice by phone or mail.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal Details
The Florida Courts E-Filing Authority runs the statewide portal. This body includes all 67 elected Clerks of the Circuit and County Court plus the Clerk of the Supreme Court. The portal lets users file cases at any time. It is free to register. Only statutory filing fees and small payment processing charges apply when you file civil court papers in Florida. The portal accepts credit cards and electronic checks from checking or savings accounts.
Who Can Use the E-Filing Portal
More than 82,000 attorneys and 220,000 self-represented filers use the portal. It handles over 30 million documents each year. Registration is open to Florida Bar attorneys, pro hac vice attorneys, state agency counsel, court reporters, creditors, media, mediators, mental health professionals, process servers, and self-represented filers. Anyone with a civil case or a need to search can sign up. The FAQ page answers common questions about registration and fees.
Portal Registration and Account Setup
To register, you visit the portal and create a new account. You pick your user type from the list above. You enter your name, email, bar number (for lawyers), and contact details. You make a password. You confirm your email through a link sent to your inbox. The whole process takes about five minutes. Once registered, you can log in any time to search files or submit new papers.
Payment Methods and Filing Fees
The portal accepts credit cards from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. It also takes electronic checks from checking or savings accounts. Filing fees depend on the type and value of the claim. In Broward County, county civil filing fees range from $55 for claims up to $100 to $400 for claims between $15,000 and $50,000. A summons costs $10 per defendant. Writ fees run $85. These amounts differ by county. Check with your local clerk before you file.
DIY Florida Self-Help Program
DIY Florida is a free program inside the portal. It walks users through interview questions to fill out official court forms. More than 20 forms are available in five areas: landlord-tenant cases, small claims, domestic violence, simplified dissolution, and domestic relations. The program creates the forms for you. Then you can send them through the portal to the clerk’s office. Standard filing fees still apply when you submit civil court documents through the DIY system.
Florida Public Records Laws
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says that all state, county, and municipal files are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. This includes civil court files. You do not need to be a party in the case. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The law says providing access to public files is a duty of each agency. Requests can be made in writing or spoken aloud. The custodian must respond within a reasonable time frame.
Chapter 119 Public Records Act
Chapter 119 covers all branches of state and local government. It says public records are open unless a specific law makes them private. Court files fall under this law by default. You can ask for civil court files at any clerk’s office. The clerk must let you see the file during business hours. They can charge a small copy fee. They cannot deny you access because you live in another state or country.
Section 119.0714 Confidentiality Rules
Some limits apply to civil court files. Section 119.0714 of the Florida Statutes lists items that clerks must keep confidential. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, debit card numbers, charge card numbers, and credit card numbers are exempt from public access. Clerks will redact these at no charge if you submit a written request with the case name, case number, document heading, and page number. Other private data includes the identities of abuse victims and certain juvenile records.
Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 spells out what files in the judicial branch are automatically confidential. This includes certain juvenile records, identities of abuse victims, and trade secrets. Some financial details are also private. Court orders can seal or expunge specific case files. Sealed files are not open to the public. Expunged files are destroyed. Both require a court order based on Florida law.
Civil Court Records by Florida County
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has its own Clerk of Court who keeps civil court files. Pick a county below to find local contact details, search tools, and resources for civil court records in that area. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website at flclerks.com lists all 67 county clerks. It includes phone numbers, addresses, and links to each clerk’s website. This is a good first step when you need files from a specific county.
Miami-Dade County Civil Court Records
Miami-Dade County runs the 11th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Courts office is at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33130. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. The clerk’s website has a free online search tool. You can search by name, case number, or party type. The office also accepts in-person requests for certified copies of civil court records. The phone number for the main clerk line is (305) 275-1155.
Broward County Civil Court Records
Broward County runs the 17th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Courts office is at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. The clerk’s website has an online search tool for civil cases. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The office charges standard copy fees for paper documents. The phone number is (954) 831-6565.
Orange County Florida Civil Court Records
Orange County is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit along with Osceola County. The Clerk of Courts office is at 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. The clerk’s website offers free online search of civil court files. You can search by name or case number. The phone number for the main line is (407) 836-2000.
Hillsborough County Civil Court Records
Hillsborough County runs the 13th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Court office is at 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida 33602. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. The clerk’s website has an online search tool for civil cases filed in Hillsborough County. You can search by name, case number, or party type. The phone number for the main line is (813) 276-8100.
Palm Beach County Civil Court Records
Palm Beach County runs the 15th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Courts office is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. The clerk’s website offers a free online search for civil cases. You can search by name, case number, or party role. The phone number for the main line is (561) 355-2991.
Duval County Civil Court Records
Duval County runs the 4th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Courts office is at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. The clerk’s website has a search tool for civil and family court files. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. The phone number for the main line is (904) 255-2000.
Pinellas County Civil Court Records
Pinellas County runs the 6th Judicial Circuit along with Pasco County. The Clerk of Court office is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. The clerk’s website has an online search for civil cases. You can search by name or case number. The phone number for the main line is (727) 464-7000.
How to Search Records by Name
You can search Florida civil court records by name through the E-Filing Portal or any county clerk’s website. Enter the last name first, then the first name. Some sites need a date of birth to narrow the search. You can also search by business name for civil cases involving companies. The results show the case number, filing date, case type, and current status. Click the case number to see the full docket and filed documents.
How to Search Records by Case Number
A case number lookup is faster than a name search. Each civil case has a unique number that stays the same through the life of the case. The format includes the year, court type, case type, and a sequence number. For example, 2024-CA-001234 means a 2024 circuit civil case. Enter the full number into the E-Filing Portal or the county clerk’s search tool. You will see the case docket, hearing dates, and filed documents right away.
Small Claims Court Records in Florida
Small claims cases involve claims of $8,000 or less. They go through County Court. The rules are simpler than other civil cases. People often file small claims without a lawyer. Records include the complaint, the answer, the judgment, and any appeals. You can search small claims files through the same E-Filing Portal or county clerk search tools. Small claims records stay on the public docket for several years. Some counties offer online payment for small claims judgments.
Filing a New Civil Lawsuit in Florida
To start a civil case in Florida, you file a complaint or petition with the Clerk of Court in the proper county. Filing fees depend on the type and value of the claim. A summons costs $10 per defendant. Writ fees run $85. The Supreme Court filing information page has details on appellate-level filing. Supreme Court case filing fees are $300. A notice of joinder costs $295. Attorneys must file through the E-Filing Portal. The court does not accept faxed or emailed filings.
Florida accepts several payment methods for civil court filing fees. Most clerks take cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, and major credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted at some offices. Some counties accept attorney trust account checks that say “Trust Account” or “IOLTA” on them. Check your county clerk’s policy before you go to file civil court papers. Self-represented filers should register as “Self-Represented Litigant” on the portal.
The E-Filing Portal offers training videos that show users how to file civil court documents online. These cover account setup, document submission, and payment processing. The portal’s support desk is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time at (850) 577-4609 for anyone who needs help with filing civil court records in Florida.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Use the contact details below to reach the main offices that handle Florida civil court records. The Florida Supreme Court Clerk’s Office is at 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Phone: (850) 577-4609. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers is at flclerks.com. The Florida Courts main site is at flcourts.gov. Each county clerk has its own phone number and address listed on the Find a Clerk directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about searching Florida civil court records. These cover cost, access, sealing, and what to do if you cannot find a case. The answers reflect current Florida law and court rules as of 2026. If you have a specific legal question, contact a licensed attorney in Florida for advice. The clerk’s office cannot give legal advice but can help you find forms and explain filing steps.
Are Florida civil court records free to search?
Yes, basic online searches through the E-Filing Portal and most county clerk websites are free. You can view case dockets, party names, hearing dates, and filed documents at no cost. You pay only when you need certified copies of court documents. Certified copies have a court seal and work for legal matters. Plain copies do not have a seal and cost less. Filing new civil cases also costs money. The fee depends on the case type and dollar amount of the claim.
Can I search civil court records without registering?
Yes, anonymous public users can view all civil court records that are not sealed, expunged, or made confidential by court order or law. No registration is needed for basic searches through the E-Filing Portal or county clerk websites. You only need to register when you want to file new documents, pay filing fees, or save search results. Registration is free and takes about five minutes to complete.
What if I cannot find a case in the online search?
Try a different search method if you cannot find a case online. Search by the full case number if you have it. Try variations of the name (full name, last name only, or business name). Check the right county because civil cases are kept by the county where they were filed. Older cases from before 2000 may not be online. Contact the county clerk’s office for help with older files. The clerk’s staff can look up paper records for you.
How long are civil court records kept in Florida?
Florida law requires clerks to keep civil court records for different time periods based on the case type. Most civil case files are kept for at least 20 years. Some case types are kept longer. Judgment liens stay on the public record for 10 years and can be renewed. After the retention period, some files are moved to state archives. Sealed and expunged files are destroyed according to court order. Check with your county clerk for the exact retention period for your case type.
Can I remove my civil court record from public view?
You can ask the court to seal or expunge a civil case file in limited situations. Sealing hides the file from public view but keeps it in the court system. Expungement destroys the file. Florida law sets specific rules for who can ask for sealing or expungement. Most civil cases do not qualify unless they involve identity theft, mistaken identity, or a court order. Criminal cases have different rules. Talk to a lawyer if you want to seal or expunge a record.
Do I need a lawyer to search civil court records?
No, you do not need a lawyer to search civil court records. The records are open to everyone. You can search by name or case number through the E-Filing Portal or any county clerk’s website. You can visit the clerk’s office in person during business hours. The clerk’s staff can help you use the search tools and find the right files. They cannot give legal advice on what the records mean or what to do next. A lawyer can help you act on what you find.
What information appears in a civil court record?
A civil court record shows the case number, filing date, case type, plaintiff and defendant names, the judge assigned, hearing dates, and the final judgment. Filed documents include the complaint, answer, motions, orders, and the final judgment. Some records also show the dollar amount of the claim, attorney names, and witness lists. Sealed parts of the file are not shown in the public search results. Redacted items include social security numbers and financial account numbers.