Access Charlotte County Civil Court Records
Charlotte County civil court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Punta Gorda. The 20th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Charlotte County, and the clerk's office provides public access to court files online and at the courthouse.
Charlotte County Quick Facts
Charlotte County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Charlotte County is Roger D. Eaton. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, store court documents, and provide copies of civil filings to the public. The office sits at the courthouse on Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records.
The Charlotte County Clerk website has tools for looking up court cases and official records online. The clerk handles civil cases, criminal cases, traffic citations, family law, and probate for the county. All civil case documents go through this office in Punta Gorda.
The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests in Charlotte County.
| Clerk | Roger D. Eaton |
|---|---|
| Address | 350 E Marion Ave Punta Gorda, FL 33950 |
| Phone | (941) 505-4716 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | charlotteclerk.com |
How to Search Charlotte County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in Charlotte County online or in person. The clerk's website provides access to court case information and official records. Online searches are free and open to anyone. You can look up cases by name or case number. Keep in mind that online data is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal action.
For certified copies of civil court records, you need to visit the clerk's office in person or make a request by mail. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are valid for court use. Plain copies cost less but do not have legal certification. The clerk follows state rules on what can appear in online search results.
You can also search civil court records at the Charlotte County courthouse, 350 E Marion Ave in Punta Gorda. Staff can help you find cases and make copies. Bring your ID when you visit. The clerk's office keeps official records alongside court case files, including deeds, mortgages, and recorded judgments.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Charlotte County civil court records. This statewide tool connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases through the portal at any time. It is free to register. The portal has more than 770,000 users and handles over 30 million documents per year.
Civil Court Structure in Charlotte County
Charlotte County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties. Civil cases in Charlotte County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.
Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court in Charlotte County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Evictions and landlord-tenant cases go to County Court as well.
The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for Charlotte County and every other county in the state. If you are not sure which court level handles your civil case, the clerk's office in Punta Gorda can help.
Official Records in Charlotte County
The Clerk of Court also keeps official records separate from court case files. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Official records are useful if you need to find civil judgments recorded against property in Charlotte County. The clerk maintains both the court records index and the official records index.
Online records are not official legal documents. For certified copies of any record, you must get them from the clerk's office. The clerk follows the Florida Supreme Court rules on what can appear online. Sealed records and confidential files are not available through the public search in Charlotte County.
The Find a Clerk directory on the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website lists contact info for all 67 county clerks. Use it to reach the Charlotte County clerk or any other clerk in the state for help with civil court records.
Confidential Information in Charlotte County Civil Court Records
Some details in civil court records are kept private. Under Florida law, social security numbers and bank account or credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. If these numbers show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no fee for redaction requests.
Parties and attorneys who file civil court papers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags any confidential data so the clerk can keep it out of public view. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain other personal details in civil court records.
Charlotte County follows the same state rules on confidentiality that apply to all 67 Florida counties. If you need help with a redaction request, call the clerk's office at (941) 505-4716.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Charlotte County
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through interview questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 forms are available for small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Charlotte County clerk's office. 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. Call if you need help with electronic filing of civil court cases in Charlotte County. Training videos on the portal show how to set up an account, submit documents, and pay fees. Self-represented litigants can register for free.
The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for common civil case types. The clerk's office cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for your type of case.
Public Records Access in Charlotte County
Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Charlotte County. You do not need to be a party in a case. You can ask to see any public civil court file. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time.
Some limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential. But most civil court files in Charlotte County are open to the public. For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 350 E Marion Ave in Punta Gorda. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more.
Cities in Charlotte County
Charlotte County includes Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and other communities. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Charlotte County Clerk of Court. Punta Gorda is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.
None of the cities in Charlotte County meet the population threshold for a separate city page. All residents use the Charlotte County clerk's office in Punta Gorda for civil court matters.
Nearby Counties
These counties are also in the 20th Judicial Circuit with Charlotte County. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the correct county for the court to have jurisdiction.