Search Citrus County Civil Court Records

Citrus County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Inverness. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Citrus County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court files online and at the courthouse.

Citrus County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Citrus County is Traci Perry. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, store court documents, and provide copies of civil filings. The office is at the courthouse on Apopka Avenue in Inverness. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records.

The Citrus County Clerk website has tools for looking up court cases and official records online. The clerk offers several online services including court record search, official records search, online court dockets, and a Recording Activity Notification System (R.A.N.) that detects potentially fraudulent documents for free.

The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests in Citrus County.

How to Search Citrus County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Citrus County online or in person. The Citrus County court records search (SCORSS) provides access to public records. SCORSS stands for Secure Courts Online Record Search. The system balances convenience with protection of confidential information as determined by the Florida Legislature.

The online search is free and open to anyone. Some records may be sealed through a legal process. Sealed or confidential records will not appear in the public search. For more detailed access, a subscription service is available for court dockets and official records documents not available for public inspection.

You can also search civil court records in person at the Citrus County Courthouse, 110 N Apopka Ave in Inverness. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID when you visit. Certified copies cost more than plain copies but both are available at the counter.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Citrus 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. Over 770,000 users rely on the portal across the state.

Official Records in Citrus County

The Citrus County official records search gives access to deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. This is separate from the court case search. Official records are useful if you need to find civil judgments recorded against property in Citrus County.

New recording requirements took effect on January 1, 2024. Section 695.26 of the Florida Statutes now requires that certain documents recorded in a county's official records must include the post office address of each witness along with the witness's printed name. The Citrus County clerk's office will not accept documents submitted for recording without the required witness address information. Email addresses are not acceptable. You must provide a physical address or PO Box.

For redaction of exempt information, anyone can request removal of data under Section 119.071. This includes military discharge records, death certificates, and court files related to family law, juvenile procedure, or probate rules. Grantor and grantee names cannot be removed from the index. Your request must be notarized and state the statutory basis for the exemption.

Civil Court Structure in Citrus County

Citrus County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties. Civil cases in Citrus County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.

The Citrus County circuit civil division handles cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases go to Circuit Court too. The Citrus County civil court division handles cases up to $30,000, including small claims and evictions. Replevin cases where property does not exceed $8,000 also go through County Court.

Self-help packets with forms and instructions are available. Each packet has the forms you need and tells you how to fill them out and file them. The clerk's office cannot provide legal advice or help you complete forms. But the packets cover most common civil case types in Citrus County.

Online Services in Citrus County

The Citrus County online services page lists all the tools available through the clerk's website. These include court record search through SCORSS, official records search, online court dockets by court date and judge name, tax deed search, and MyFloridaCounty for statewide searches.

The Recording Activity Notification System (R.A.N.) is a free service that helps detect potentially fraudulent documents filed against your property. The PayKidz system handles child support and alimony payments online. These tools make it easier for Citrus County residents to manage court-related matters without visiting the courthouse.

Public Records Access in Citrus 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 Citrus 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 Citrus County are open to the public. To submit a redaction or exemption request, send it online or mail it to 110 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450.

Cities in Citrus County

Citrus County includes Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa, and other communities. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Citrus County Clerk of Court. Inverness is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.

None of the cities in Citrus County meet the population threshold for a separate city page. All residents use the Citrus County clerk's office in Inverness for civil court matters.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 5th Judicial Circuit with Citrus 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.