florida public court records overview and key highlights

What these records cover

Florida courts make many case materials accessible to the public, including civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims dockets. Typical entries show filings, hearing dates, dispositions, judgments, and party names, along with a case number and division. Some details are withheld under statute-juvenile matters, sealed or expunged cases, and certain identifiers-so a public view may differ from the official file. For certified copies, the clerk of court remains the source of record.

How to search effectively

State and local portals

Most counties host searchable portals, and statewide tools aggregate e-filing and appellate information. You can look up by name, case number, citation, or date range, then refine by court level or division. Basic viewing is often free, while downloadable PDFs or certification may carry a fee. In-person kiosks at the clerk’s office provide broader access when online results seem incomplete.

• Availability: 24/7 online access for many counties
• Content: docket snapshots, minute entries, some exhibits
• Notifications: optional alerts for updates
• Limits: sealed items, redactions, identity mismatches
• Tip: verify spellings and confirm the final disposition