Access Glades County Civil Court Records
Glades County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Moore Haven. The 20th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed here, and the public can view records through the clerk's office or online.
Glades County Quick Facts
Glades County Clerk of Court
Tami Pearce Simmons is the Clerk of Court in Glades County. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, store court documents, and provide copies to the public. The office is in the Glades County Courthouse in Moore Haven. You can visit in person or call if you need help with civil court records.
The Glades County Clerk website has contact info, office hours, and links to search tools. Glades County is one of the smaller counties in Florida, but the clerk's office still handles a full range of civil court filings, official records, and other public documents.
The office is open on weekdays. Walk-ins can request civil court records at the counter in Glades County.
| Clerk | Tami Pearce Simmons |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 Ave J, Room 102 Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Phone | (863) 946-6010 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | gladesclerk.com |
How to Search Glades County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in Glades County online or at the courthouse. The clerk's office uses the OCRS system for online public access. OCRS stands for Official Court Records Search. You can look up civil, criminal, and traffic cases through this tool. Search by party name or case number to find the records you need.
The Glades County OCRS portal is free to use. You do not need to create an account. The site shows case details, party names, and docket entries for civil court records in Glades County.
The OCRS results show filing dates, case types, and the names of all parties. This makes it easy to find specific civil court records in Glades County.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is another way to access records. This statewide system connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases or search existing ones through the portal. It is free to register and available at all hours.
For in-person access, go to 500 Ave J, Room 102 in Moore Haven. Staff at the clerk's office can look up cases and provide copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Bring your ID when you visit. The staff can help you find the right civil court records in Glades County.
Civil Court Structure in Glades County
Glades County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee counties. Civil cases in Glades County go to one of two court levels depending on the amount in dispute.
Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property matters. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go through Circuit Court in Glades County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims cases up to $8,000 fall under County Court too. Eviction cases are heard in County Court as well.
The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Glades County and all other counties in Florida. If you are not sure which court level handles your civil case, the clerk's office in Moore Haven can point you in the right direction.
Confidential Information in Glades County Civil Court Records
Some details in civil court records must stay private. Florida law says social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers cannot 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 in Glades County.
To request redaction, file a form with the clerk. List the case name, case number, document title, and the page where the private info appears. The clerk will remove it from the public version. Attorneys and parties who file civil court papers in Glades County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This flags sensitive data so the clerk can keep it out of public view.
Sealed court records are not available to the public. Only a judge can order a file sealed. Adoption records and certain other civil case types are also confidential under state law in Glades County.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Glades County
People who want to handle a civil case without a lawyer can use free tools from the Florida Courts. The state website has forms and step-by-step guides for small claims, evictions, name changes, and other common civil matters. The clerk's office in Glades County cannot give legal advice but can direct you to the right forms.
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through interview questions and creates the court forms you need. You can submit the forms through the portal to the Glades County clerk. Filing fees still apply when you submit documents this way. The portal support desk can help with technical questions on weekdays.
Legal aid groups in southwest Florida may also help people who cannot afford a lawyer. If you have a civil court matter in Glades County and need low-cost legal help, call the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service or ask the clerk's office for a list of local resources.
Public Records Access in Glades County
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and city records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Glades County. You do not need to be a party in the case. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file, and the clerk must respond in a reasonable time.
Some limits exist. Records exempt under Section 119.0714, such as social security numbers and bank account numbers, must be kept private. Files sealed by a judge are also off limits. But most civil court records in Glades County are open to the public.
Visit the clerk's office at 500 Ave J, Room 102 in Moore Haven for in-person access. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The Find a Clerk directory lists contact info for all 67 county clerks, including Glades County.
Cities in Glades County
Glades County is one of the least populated counties in Florida. All civil court cases go through the Glades County Clerk of Court in Moore Haven. Moore Haven is the county seat and the only incorporated city in the county.
Other communities include Buckhead Ridge, Lakeport, Muse, and Palmdale. None of these have separate court systems. All civil court filings go through the clerk's office in Moore Haven.
Nearby Counties
These counties are also in the 20th Judicial Circuit with Glades 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.