Florida Public Records /Florida Court Records Online

Florida Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Florida Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Florida are generally open to the public. The Florida Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Sunshine Law ensure public access to records created or received in connection with the official business of any government agency. According to Section 119.07(1)a of the Sunshine Law, record custodians must allow inspection or copying of records by any interested person at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions.

To access these records, a requester must provide specific details to facilitate the search. These details often include the case number, names of the involved parties, and the type of document sought. Some records may be confidential, especially if their release would threaten the administration of justice or involve sensitive information.

What Information Appears in a Florida Court Records Search?

Case dockets
Transcripts of court proceedings
Motions filed by parties
Filed exhibits
Orders and judgments
Information about litigants
Case status and disposition

How To Find Court Records in Florida

To obtain court records in Florida, the first step is to identify the court where the case was filed. Florida's court system comprises the Supreme Court, District Courts of Appeal, Circuit Courts, and County Courts. Once the appropriate court is identified, you can visit the court clerk's office to request records.

Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through some courts' electronic case management systems. While many records are available for free, some may require a fee for copying or certification. For instance, Broward County charges $1 per document page and $2 for certified documents. Mail requests often require a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Public Access to Florida Court Records

The Supreme Court of Florida provides online access to its opinions, disposition orders, case summaries, and dockets. These records can be searched by various criteria such as case number, party name, or filing date. The District Courts of Appeal also offer online docket information, which is updated daily.

Trial court records can be accessed in person or by mail. Some counties, like Broward and Miami-Dade, offer online portals for public access. Fees may apply for obtaining copies or certified documents.

Searching Florida Court Records by Name

To search Florida court records by name, determine the court where the case was filed. Visit the court during business hours or send a mail request to the clerk's office. Alternatively, check the court's website for an online search tool.

Requesters must provide at least the first and last name of a party involved in the case. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of copies. Fees may be required for in-person or mail requests, and payment options typically include cash, personal check, money order, or cashier's check.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Florida

Many Florida courts offer free online access to court records through their case management systems. These systems allow users to view and download records without cost. Visit the court's website to find the appropriate portal.

If online access is not available, visiting the courthouse to use public terminals may be an option. Some third-party websites also provide access to court records, though they may charge a fee. These sites can be useful for searches across multiple jurisdictions.

Exemptions for Florida Court Case Lookup

Certain court records are exempt from public access in Florida. These include:

Adoption records
Unexecuted arrest and search warrants
Records jeopardizing the fairness of justice
Grand jury records
Victim information in sexual offenses or child abuse cases
Juvenile delinquency records
Presentence investigation reports
Records restricted by federal or state law

Exemptions are specified by Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. Access to these records may be granted under specific conditions, such as a court order or a request by a case party.

Finding a Court Docket in Florida

A Florida court docket lists pending cases or summarizes proceedings in a court. Dockets can be found at courthouses or online if the court provides electronic access. For example, the Florida Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal offer online docket portals.

To find a docket, you may need details such as the case number, party names, or filing dates. These details help in locating the docket and understanding the status and proceedings of a case.

What Information Is Found in Florida Judgment Records?

Florida judgment records include:

Names of litigants
Judge's name
Judgment date
Claims or charges
Issued judgment

These records are available to the public under the Florida Freedom of Information Act. To obtain a judgment record, visit the clerk's office in the court where the case was finalized or use the court's online portal. Fees may apply for copies and certification.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Florida Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Florida are publicly accessible. These records provide financial information about individuals and corporations that have filed for bankruptcy. The records are available from the North, Middle, and Southern Bankruptcy Courts of Florida.

Requesters must provide details such as the debtor's name and case number. Records can be accessed in person at the courthouse, through the PACER service, or by calling the case access telephone line. Some services may charge a fee, while others offer free access under certain conditions.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Florida

To find bankruptcy records, visit the Florida bankruptcy courthouse where the case was filed, register for the PACER service, or call the case access telephone line. PACER allows users to access records online, often without charge if usage is below a certain threshold.

In-person visits to the courthouse allow free viewing of records, though copying fees may apply. The court's website can provide additional information on obtaining records.

Different Types of Courts in Florida

Supreme Court: Highest appellate court
District Courts of Appeal: Intermediate appellate courts
Circuit Courts: General jurisdiction trial courts
County Courts: Limited jurisdiction trial courts

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Florida

Florida's small claims courts handle minor legal disputes where the amount in controversy does not exceed $8,000, excluding costs, interests, and attorneys' fees. These courts are divisions of County Courts and operate under special rules that allow individuals to represent themselves without an attorney.

Civil cases involving amounts up to $30,000 are handled by County Courts, while Circuit Courts handle cases exceeding $30,000. Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction and can hear almost any type of criminal or civil case, whereas County Courts have limited jurisdiction and handle specific legal matters.

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