Find Civil Court Records in Hernando County

Hernando County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Brooksville. The 5th Judicial Circuit covers all civil cases filed in Hernando County, and the clerk's office provides public access through online tools and in-person visits.

Hernando County Clerk of Court

Doug Chorvat Jr. is the Clerk of Court in Hernando County. This office handles all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, maintain court documents, and provide copies to anyone who needs them. The main office is at the Hernando County Courthouse on Main Street in Brooksville. You can stop by in person or call for help with civil court records.

The Hernando County Clerk website has contact info, office hours, and links to online search tools. The clerk's office also processes official records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. With a population of about 195,000, Hernando County sees a high volume of civil court filings each year. The clerk's staff handle everything from small claims to major civil suits.

The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins can request copies of civil court records at the front counter in Hernando County.

How to Search Hernando County Civil Court Records

There are several ways to search civil court records in Hernando County. The clerk 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 free tool. Search by party name or case number.

The Hernando County OCRS portal is open to the public at no charge. No account is needed to search. The results display case details, party names, filing dates, and docket entries for civil court records in Hernando County.

The OCRS tool shows case type, parties, and filing date for each result. This is a fast way to find civil court records in Hernando County without leaving your home.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also gives access to Hernando County records. This statewide system connects to all 67 county clerks. Register for a free account to search cases or file new civil documents. The portal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For in-person searches, visit the courthouse at 20 N Main St in Brooksville. Staff can look up civil cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Bring your ID. The clerk's office can help you locate the right civil court records in Hernando County.

Civil Court Structure in Hernando County

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

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. This covers contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go through Circuit Court in Hernando County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Eviction cases are heard in County Court as well.

The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Hernando County and every other county. If you are unsure which court level handles your civil case, the clerk's office in Brooksville can help you figure it out.

Confidential Information in Hernando County Civil Court Records

Certain details in civil court records are private under Florida law. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must not appear in public court files. If these numbers show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to remove them. There is no fee for redaction in Hernando County.

To request redaction, file a form with the clerk's office. Include the case name, case number, document heading, and the page where the private info appears. The clerk will take it out of the public file. Parties and lawyers who file civil court papers in Hernando County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 to flag sensitive data.

Sealed court records are not open to the public. A judge must issue an order to seal a file. Adoption records and some other case types are also kept private by state law in Hernando County.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Hernando County

People handling a civil case on their own can use free tools from the Florida Courts. The state website has forms and guides for small claims, evictions, name changes, and other common civil matters. The clerk's office in Hernando County cannot provide legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms and filing windows.

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through a set of questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 form types are available. Submit the completed forms through the portal to the Hernando County clerk. Filing fees still apply. The portal support desk can help with tech questions on weekdays.

Legal aid groups in the Tampa Bay area and central Florida may help people in Hernando County who cannot afford a lawyer. Call the clerk's office or the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service to find low-cost help for civil court matters.

Public Records Access in Hernando 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 Hernando County. You do not need to be a party in a case. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file. The clerk must respond in a reasonable time.

Some records are exempt from public access. Social security numbers and bank account numbers must be kept private under Section 119.0714. Sealed files are off limits too. But the great majority of civil court records in Hernando County are open to the public.

For in-person access, visit 20 N Main St in Brooksville. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies run higher. The Find a Clerk directory has contact info for all 67 county clerks, including Hernando County.

Cities in Hernando County

Hernando County has several communities. All civil court cases go through the Hernando County Clerk of Court in Brooksville. Brooksville is the county seat, though Spring Hill is the largest community by population.

Other communities in Hernando County include Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, and Ridge Manor. All of them use the Hernando County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

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