Find Civil Court Records in Lakeland
Lakeland civil court records are kept by the Polk County Clerk of Court. All civil cases from Lakeland go through the 10th Judicial Circuit, with the main courthouse located in Bartow.
Lakeland Quick Facts
Polk County Clerk of Court
Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, but the county seat is Bartow. That is where the main clerk's office sits. Civil court records for Lakeland are handled by the Polk County Clerk of Court, Stacy M. Butterfield. The clerk's office manages all civil case filings, court documents, and official records for the county.
The Polk County Clerk website has online tools for searching court records. You can look up Lakeland civil court cases from home. The site also connects to e-filing and other court services.
The Bartow courthouse is about 20 minutes south of Lakeland. Many tasks can be done online instead of driving to the courthouse.
| Clerk | Stacy M. Butterfield |
|---|---|
| Address | 255 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 |
| Phone | (863) 534-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | polkclerk.com |
How to Search Lakeland Civil Court Records
You can search Lakeland civil court records online for free. The Polk County online court records system lets you look up cases by name or case number. This tool covers circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, and other case types filed in Lakeland.
Results show the case type, filing date, parties, and current status. Some docket entries and documents may be viewable online. For full document images or certified copies, you may need to contact the clerk directly.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is another way to access Lakeland civil court records. It connects to all 67 county clerks statewide. You can file new civil cases and view existing ones. Creating an account is free and takes just a few minutes.
For in-person access, go to the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow. Staff can search civil court records and provide copies. Copy fees apply. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Bring your ID when visiting the courthouse.
Lakeland residents who need records from the 10th Judicial Circuit should start with the Polk County Clerk website. The online tools work around the clock, so you do not have to wait for business hours.
Civil Court Structure for Lakeland Cases
Lakeland is in the 10th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Civil cases in Lakeland go to one of two court levels based on the amount in the claim.
Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. Contract disputes, injury lawsuits, property disputes, and foreclosures are common Circuit Court cases in Lakeland. Family law, probate, and guardianship matters also go to Circuit Court. County Court handles civil claims up to $30,000. Small claims under $8,000 are in County Court as well. Eviction filings for Lakeland rental properties go through County Court.
Not sure which court level is right for your Lakeland civil case? Call the clerk at (863) 534-4000. Staff can point you to the correct filing location.
Getting Copies of Lakeland Civil Court Records
You can get copies of Lakeland civil court records in person, by mail, or online. At the courthouse in Bartow, plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies are available for a higher fee. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and credit cards.
Mail requests are also possible. Write to the Polk County Clerk at 255 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. Include the case number or party names, what documents you need, and payment. Allow extra time for mail processing.
Online access through the clerk's website lets you view some documents at no cost. For certified copies, contact the office. Electronic certified documents may be available for a fee depending on the case type.
Confidential Information in Lakeland Civil Court Records
Certain details in civil court records stay private. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. This applies to all Lakeland civil court records. If you find these numbers in a public document, ask the clerk to redact them. There is no fee for this service.
Filers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form tells the clerk which parts of a filing contain private data. The clerk then keeps that information out of public view. Adoption records and sealed cases cannot be accessed through the public search system.
Public Records Law and Lakeland Civil Court Records
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes government records open for inspection and copying. Civil court records in Lakeland fall under this law. You do not have to be a party in a case to view the file. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court record held by the Polk County Clerk.
The clerk must respond within a reasonable time. A few categories are exempt. Social security numbers, sealed files, and certain personal details are off limits. But most Lakeland civil court records are fully open to the public, whether you search online or visit the courthouse.
Florida's public records law is sometimes called the Sunshine Law. It gives broad access rights to everyone, not just Florida residents.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Lakeland
Free tools are available if you plan to handle a civil case on your own. The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for common case types. DIY Florida, part of the E-Filing Portal, walks you through form preparation with simple questions. Over 20 civil form types are available.
The clerk's office in Bartow cannot give legal advice. Staff can tell you which forms to use for your Lakeland civil case but cannot fill them out for you. For legal help, consider Legal Aid of Polk County or the Polk County Bar Association for lawyer referrals.
Standard filing fees still apply when you submit civil court documents. The E-Filing Portal support desk is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time at (850) 577-4609.
Polk County Civil Court Records
Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, but all civil court records go through the clerk's office in Bartow. For more on court procedures, fees, and search tools covering Lakeland and the rest of Polk County, see our full county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Lakeland and have civil court records pages on this site. Tampa is to the west in Hillsborough County. Kissimmee and Orlando are to the east.