Search Florida Court Records Online

Are you in need of court records in Florida? Whether you are conducting research, looking for legal information, or simply curious about a case, obtaining court case records can be a valuable resource. Find how to perform a Florida court records search from the courts and public record sites.

To start your Florida public record records search you will first need to collect some information. You can either search by the name of the person of interest or their Florida court case number. Then by plugging that into a court or public record site, you can access a wealth of information.

How to Obtain Florida Court Records

There are several ways to obtain court records in Florida, including through the courts themselves and through public record sites. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Determine the Type of Court Record You Need

Before you begin your search, it is important to determine the type of court record you need. This will depend on the type of case or information you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for a criminal record, you will need to search for these in the criminal court. If you are looking for a divorce record, you will need to search for these in the family court.

2. Visit the Court’s Website

The first place to start your search for court records is on the court’s website. Most courts in Florida have an online portal where you can search for and request records. You can find a list of these on the various Florida courthouse website.

3. Submit a Public Records Request

You can submit a public record request if the records you are looking for are not available online. This can be done through the courthouse website or by contacting the Florida clerk of the court directly. Keep in mind that there may be a fee for obtaining case records through a public records request.

4. Use Public Record Sites

Another option for obtaining Florida court records is through public record sites. These sites compile publicly available from various sources. These may include court cases, criminal records, convictions, sentencings, arrest warrants, bench warrants, and comprehensive background checks.

5. Use Clerk of the Courts

Looking up Florida court records from the Florida Clerk of the Courts is a reliable way to access legal information. They is the official custodian of records for the various courts in Florida. They maintain and manage a comprehensive database of records, including case files, judgments, orders, and other relevant documents.

You can visit their website or physical office for your inquiry. Anyone can search for and retrieve information for a wide range of cases. Make sure you know the full name of the person or their case number before contacting this department.

Types of Courts in Florida

Florida has a complex court system with several different types within the state. Here are the main types of courts in Florida:

Florida Circuit Court

The Florida Circuit Court is the state’s trial court of general jurisdiction. It has the authority to hear a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family law, probate, and juvenile cases.

When searching for records, the Florida Circuit Court is a valuable resource. You can find information related to civil disputes, criminal charges, divorces, child custody cases, probate matters, and juvenile proceedings. Whether you are conducting legal research or performing background checks, the Florida Circuit Court records can provide valuable information.

Florida Supreme Court

The Florida Supreme Court is the highest in the state and has the final say on all legal matters in Florida. It has the authority to review decisions made by lower courts and to interpret the state’s constitution. This is the highest judicial branch in the state.

While the Florida Supreme Court does not typically maintain individual records. It does however hold important case files and opinions that set legal precedents. These records can be accessed for research and legal purposes. They provide a lot of valuable information on significant legal cases, and constitutional issues in the state of Florida.

Florida District Court of Appeal

The Florida District Court of Appeal is the intermediate appellate court in the state. It has the authority to review decisions made by the circuit courts and to hear appeals from administrative agencies. It uses a multi-judge panel with a chief justice that presides.

The District Court of Appeal does not maintain individual court records, but it plays a crucial role in the appellate process. It reviews the decisions made by the lower courts, ensuring that they are fair and in compliance with the law. The decisions of the Florida appeals courts provide valuable insight into the the various laws in the state.

Conclusion

Obtaining Florida court records can be a valuable resource for legal research, background checks, and more. You have the choice to obtain records directly from the courts or through public record sites. Knowing type of record you need and the different types of courts in Florida is an important first step. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily obtain the information you are looking for. Remember, this is all publicly available information that anyone can access online via the Florida Sunshine Law.