Columbia County Civil Court Records Search
Columbia County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Lake City. The 3rd Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Columbia County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court files online and at the courthouse.
Columbia County Quick Facts
Columbia County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Columbia County is James M. Swisher Jr. 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 Hernando Avenue in Lake City. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records.
The Columbia County Clerk website has tools for searching court cases and official records online. The clerk handles civil, criminal, traffic, and family law cases. The county civil department maintains records for eviction lawsuits, small claims cases, and other civil lawsuits involving less than $15,000.
The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests in Columbia County.
| Clerk | James M. Swisher Jr. |
|---|---|
| Address | 173 NE Hernando Ave Lake City, FL 32055 |
| Phone | (386) 758-1342 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | columbiaclerk.com |
How to Search Columbia County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in Columbia County online or in person. The Columbia County court search lets you look up civil cases by name or case number. Circuit civil cases, county civil cases, and foreclosure cases are all available in the search tool. The search is free and open to anyone.
Columbia County also uses the Online Court Records Search (OCRS) system at the Columbia County OCRS page. This tool provides public access to court case information under Florida Administrative Order AOSC 16-107. You do not need an account for basic searches. Contact the clerk's office for user ID and password help if you need more detailed access.
Keep in mind that online information is not intended as an authoritative public record or legal document. It has no legal force or effect. For official copies, visit the clerk in person. You can also search civil court records at the courthouse, 173 NE Hernando Ave in Lake City. Staff help you find cases and make copies.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Columbia County civil court records. This statewide tool connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases any time. It is free to register.
County Civil Department in Columbia County
The Columbia County civil department maintains records for eviction lawsuits, small claims cases, and other civil lawsuits less than $15,000. This department handles the intake, filing, and storage of all county-level civil cases. If your case involves less than $15,000 in damages, it goes through the County Court division.
Columbia County is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor counties. Circuit Court handles civil cases above $30,000, including contract disputes, personal injury, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court.
Official Records in Columbia County
The Columbia County official records search gives access to deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. This is separate from the court case search. Official records help when you need to find civil judgments recorded against property in Columbia County.
Online records are not official legal documents. For certified copies, visit the clerk's office. The clerk follows state rules on what can appear online. Sealed records and confidential files are not available through the public search.
Public Records Access in Columbia 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 Columbia County. You do not need to be a party in a case. 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 Columbia County are open to the public. For public records requests, contact the Public Records Liaison at the clerk's office in Lake City. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more.
The Find a Clerk directory lists contact info for all 67 county clerks in Florida. Use it to reach the Columbia County clerk or any other clerk for help with civil court records.
Cities in Columbia County
Columbia County includes Lake City, Fort White, and other communities. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Columbia County Clerk of Court. Lake City is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.
None of the cities in Columbia County meet the population threshold for a separate city page. All residents use the Columbia County clerk's office in Lake City for civil court matters.
Nearby Counties
These counties are also in the 3rd Judicial Circuit with Columbia 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.