Access DeSoto County Civil Court Records
DeSoto County civil court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Arcadia. The 12th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in DeSoto County, and the clerk's office provides public access to court files online and at the courthouse.
DeSoto County Quick Facts
DeSoto County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in DeSoto County is Nadia K. Daughtrey. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. It is the only office in the county authorized to accept and maintain official records. Staff file new cases, store court documents, and hand out copies of civil filings. The office is at the courthouse on East Oak Street in Arcadia.
The DeSoto County Clerk website has tools for searching records online. The clerk maintains records including deeds, mortgages, and judgments affecting title ownership. Documents are accepted and recorded in the Official Record. An index of parties' names, document type, Official Records Book and Page is available online.
The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours.
| Clerk | Nadia K. Daughtrey |
|---|---|
| Address | 115 E Oak St, Rm 101 Arcadia, FL 34266 |
| Phone | (863) 993-4876 |
| Fax | (863) 993-4870 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | desotoclerk.com |
How to Search DeSoto County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in DeSoto County online or in person. The DeSoto County records search page gives access to both court records and official records. Civil information is available from approximately 1980 to the present. Traffic information is available from 1995 to the present.
DeSoto County also uses the Online Court Records Search (OCRS) system. The DeSoto County OCRS page provides another way to search court cases online. This tool gives public access under Florida Administrative Order AOSC 16-107. The search is free and you do not need an account.
The website is provided "as is." The DeSoto County Clerk uses its best efforts to maintain it, but makes no guarantees about the accuracy, currency, or content. The clerk is not responsible for any damages or disputes from the use of the site. For official copies, visit the courthouse at 115 E Oak St in Arcadia.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases through the portal at any time. It is free to register and has more than 770,000 users statewide.
Official Records in DeSoto County
The DeSoto County records and information page explains what types of documents are maintained. The clerk records three categories of documents: all land documents, all orders entered by the court, and other documents required by law such as marriage licenses. Documents can be viewed online or at the courthouse in Arcadia.
Online records are not official legal documents. For certified copies, you must visit the clerk's office. The clerk follows state rules on what information can appear online. Sealed records and confidential files stay out of the public search. The complete official record is available at the courthouse during business hours.
Civil Court Structure in DeSoto County
DeSoto County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Manatee and Sarasota counties. Civil cases in DeSoto 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. 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 all Florida counties. If you need help figuring out which court handles your case, call (863) 993-4876.
Public Records Access in DeSoto 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 DeSoto County. You do not need to be a party in a case. You can ask to see any public civil court file.
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 DeSoto County are open to the public. The clerk's office can help you with public records requests during business hours at the courthouse in Arcadia.
Self-Help Resources in DeSoto 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. Standard filing fees still apply. The E-Filing Portal support desk is available weekdays at (850) 577-4609.
The Find a Clerk directory lists contact info for all 67 county clerks. The clerk's office in DeSoto County cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for your civil case.
Cities in DeSoto County
DeSoto County includes Arcadia and other small communities. All civil court cases for these areas go through the DeSoto County Clerk of Court. Arcadia is the county seat and the only location for filing and looking up civil court records in the county.
None of the cities in DeSoto County meet the population threshold for a separate city page. All residents use the DeSoto County clerk's office in Arcadia.
Nearby Counties
These counties are also in the 12th Judicial Circuit with DeSoto 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.