Access Indian River County Civil Court Records

Indian River County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Vero Beach. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Indian River County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court files both online and at the courthouse.

Indian River County Clerk of Court

Ryan L. Butler is the Clerk of Court in Indian River County. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, maintain court documents, and provide copies to the public. The main office is at the Indian River County Courthouse on 16th Avenue in Vero Beach. You can go in person or call for help with civil court records.

The Indian River County Clerk website provides access to court records, official records, and other clerk services. The site has tools to look up cases online. The clerk's office in Indian River County also records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other official documents. With about 165,000 residents, the county handles a solid volume of civil court filings each year.

The office is open weekdays. Walk-ins can request copies of civil court records at the counter in Indian River County.

How to Search Indian River County Civil Court Records

There are several ways to search civil court records in Indian River County. The clerk's website has a court records search tool that lets you look up cases by name or case number. The search covers circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, and other case types. Results show case details, party names, filing dates, and docket entries.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Indian River County civil court records. This statewide system connects to all 67 county clerks. You can register for free to search cases or file new civil documents. The portal runs at all hours.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is the main way to file new civil cases in Indian River County.

After you create an account, you can submit civil complaints, motions, and other court papers online. The portal sends your documents to the Indian River County clerk for processing.

For in-person searches, go to the courthouse at 2000 16th Ave in Vero Beach. Staff at the clerk's office can look up civil cases and make copies for you. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Bring your ID. The staff are there to help you find the right civil court records in Indian River County.

Civil Court Structure in Indian River County

Indian River County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. Civil cases in Indian River 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 lawsuits, and real property matters. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go through Circuit Court in Indian River County. County Court takes civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Eviction cases go to County Court as well.

The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Indian River County and all other counties. If you are not sure which court level handles your civil case, the clerk's office in Vero Beach can help.

Confidential Information in Indian River 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 you spot these in a document, you can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no fee for this in Indian River County.

File a redaction request form with the clerk's office. Include the case name, case number, document title, and page where the private info appears. The clerk will strip it from the public version. Parties and attorneys filing civil court papers in Indian River County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 to flag sensitive data.

Sealed records are not available to the public. A judge must issue an order to seal a file. Adoption records and certain other case types are also kept confidential by state law in Indian River County.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Indian River 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 guides for small claims, evictions, name changes, and other common civil matters. The clerk's office in Indian River County cannot give legal advice, but staff can direct you to the right forms.

You can also use the Florida Courts self-help portal for forms and instructions relevant to civil cases in Indian River County.

DIY Florida is a free tool built into the E-Filing Portal. It asks you questions and creates the court forms you need. File the completed forms through the portal to the Indian River County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply. The portal support desk can help with tech questions on weekdays.

Legal Services of the Treasure Coast may help people in Indian River County who cannot afford a lawyer. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service is another option. Call the clerk's office to ask about local legal resources for civil cases.

Public Records Access in Indian River 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 includes civil court records in Indian River County. You do not need to be a party in the case to see the file. Anyone can ask, and the clerk must respond in a reasonable time.

Some records are exempt. Social security numbers and bank account numbers listed in Section 119.0714 must stay private. Sealed files are off limits. But most civil court records in Indian River County are fully open to the public.

Visit the clerk's office at 2000 16th Ave in Vero Beach for in-person access. Plain 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 Indian River County.

Cities in Indian River County

Indian River County has several towns and communities. All civil court cases go through the Indian River County Clerk of Court in Vero Beach. Vero Beach is the county seat and the main place for filing and looking up civil court records.

Other communities include Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores, and Orchid. None have separate court systems. All civil court filings in Indian River County go through the clerk's office in Vero Beach.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 19th Judicial Circuit with Indian River County. If you need to verify which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. Filing in the right county is needed for jurisdiction.