Find Civil Court Records in Miami

Miami civil court records are managed by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. As the county seat, Miami is home to the main courthouse where all civil cases in Miami-Dade County are filed and stored.

Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court

Miami civil court records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court, Juan Fernandez-Barquin. The main clerk's office is at 73 West Flagler Street in downtown Miami. This is the largest trial court in Florida, serving a county of over 2.7 million people. The volume of civil cases is huge.

The Miami-Dade County Clerk website has online tools for searching court records and official records. You can look up Miami civil court cases by name or case number at no cost. The site also provides e-filing, traffic payment, and marriage license services.

The clerk's office is in the Miami-Dade County Courthouse. Walk-in service is available on weekdays during business hours.

How to Search Miami Civil Court Records

You can search Miami civil court records online. The Miami-Dade County court records search is free and open to the public. Type in a name or case number to find civil cases. The system covers all case types filed in Miami-Dade County, from small claims to major contract disputes.

Results show case type, parties, filing date, and current status. You can view docket entries and some document images. For full document access or certified copies, contact the clerk's office or visit the courthouse in person.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to Miami civil court records. This statewide platform links to all 67 county clerks in Florida. You can file new civil cases electronically and view existing ones. Setting up an account is free.

In-person access is available at the main courthouse. Staff can look up Miami civil court cases and make copies. Copy fees apply. Bring your ID when visiting. The courthouse can be busy, so allow extra time if you plan to visit.

The 11th Judicial Circuit processes a massive number of civil cases. Online tools are the fastest way to search Miami civil court records without dealing with the lines at the courthouse.

Civil Court Structure in Miami

Miami is in the 11th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers all of Miami-Dade County. It is the largest trial court in Florida by case volume. Civil cases go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. These include contract disputes, injury claims, property actions, and foreclosures. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases are also in Circuit Court. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims under $8,000 go here too. Eviction filings for Miami rental properties are in County Court.

Miami has dedicated civil divisions that focus on different case types. If you are not sure where to file, the clerk's office can help. Call (305) 275-1155.

Official Records in Miami

The Miami-Dade County Clerk also keeps official records separate from court case files. The official records search covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments. This is a different system from the court records search, but both are available through the clerk's website.

If you need to find out whether a civil judgment has been recorded against a Miami property, use the official records search. Recorded judgments become liens on real property. A search by name or property address can show these liens and other recorded documents in Miami.

Confidential Information in Miami Civil Court Records

Certain data in civil court records is kept private. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must not show up in public court files. This applies to all Miami civil court records. If you spot these numbers in a public document, tell the clerk. They will redact them at no charge.

Filers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form alerts the clerk to private data in a filing so it stays out of public view. Sealed records and adoption files are completely off limits in the public search.

Public Records Law and Miami Civil Court Records

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes government records open for inspection and copying. Miami civil court records fall under this law. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file. You do not need to be a party in the case.

The clerk must respond in a reasonable time. A few categories are exempt. Social security numbers, sealed files, and certain personal data are off limits. But the vast majority of Miami civil court records are open to the public. You can check them online or visit the courthouse for copies.

Florida's public records law, sometimes called the Sunshine Law, is one of the strongest in the country. For Miami residents and anyone else, this means broad access to civil court documents.

Self-Help for Civil Cases in Miami

Free resources exist if you plan to handle a civil case without a lawyer in Miami. The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for common civil case types. DIY Florida, built into the E-Filing Portal, walks you through questions and fills out court forms for you.

Over 20 form types cover small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. You can file completed forms electronically to the Miami-Dade County clerk. Filing fees still apply. The E-Filing Portal support desk is open weekdays at (850) 577-4609.

The clerk's office cannot give legal advice. For legal help in Miami, try Legal Aid of Miami-Dade County or the Dade County Bar Association lawyer referral service. These groups help people who need representation for civil court cases but cannot pay for a private attorney.

Miami-Dade County Civil Court Records

Miami is the county seat of Miami-Dade County. All civil court records for the county go through the same clerk's office. For more on court procedures, fees, and search tools that cover Miami and the rest of the county, see our full guide.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Miami and have civil court records pages on this site. Other Miami-Dade cities share the same clerk. Broward County cities to the north use a different clerk.