Search Lake County Civil Court Records

Lake County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Tavares. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Lake County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court files through online tools and in person at the courthouse.

Lake County Clerk of Court

Gary J. Cooney is the Clerk of Court in Lake County. This office handles all civil court records for the county. Staff process new filings, maintain court documents, and provide copies to the public. The main office is at the Lake County Courthouse on Main Street in Tavares. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records.

The Lake County Clerk website has tools for searching court records and official records online. The site also lists contact info, office hours, and forms. With a population of about 400,000, Lake County handles a large volume of civil court filings each year. The clerk's office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other official documents as well.

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

How to Search Lake County Civil Court Records

There are several ways to search civil court records in Lake 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 include case details, party names, and docket entries.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Lake County civil court 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 runs at all hours.

The E-Filing Portal is the primary way to submit new civil filings in Lake County.

After you set up an account, you can file civil complaints, motions, and other court papers online. The portal sends your documents to the Lake County clerk for processing.

For in-person searches, go to 550 W Main St in Tavares. Staff at the clerk's office can look up civil cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Bring your ID when you visit. The clerk's office can help you find the right civil court records in Lake County.

Civil Court Structure in Lake County

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

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 through Circuit Court in Lake County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 are part of County Court. Eviction cases and landlord-tenant disputes fall under County Court as well.

The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for Lake County and all other counties. If you are not sure which court level fits your case, the clerk's office in Tavares can help.

Confidential Information in Lake County Civil Court Records

Some data in civil court records must remain private. Florida law says social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers cannot appear in public court files. If you find these in a document, you can ask the clerk to remove them. Redaction is free in Lake County.

File a redaction request form with the clerk. Include the case name, case number, document heading, and page where the info appears. The clerk will strip it from the public file. Parties and lawyers who file civil court papers in Lake County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 to flag sensitive data before it enters the public record.

Sealed records cannot be viewed by the public. A judge must order a file sealed. Adoption records and certain other case types are also confidential under state law in Lake County.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Lake County

People handling 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 Lake County cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms and filing windows.

You can find forms and instructions on the Florida Courts self-help portal for civil cases filed in Lake County.

DIY Florida is a free online tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions about your case and generates the court forms. File the completed forms through the portal to the Lake County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply. The portal support desk is available weekdays.

Legal aid groups in central Florida may help people in Lake County who cannot afford a lawyer. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida covers this area. Call the clerk's office or the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service for more options.

Public Records Access in Lake County

Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and city records are open for inspection and copying. This includes civil court records in Lake County. You do not need to be a party in the case to view the file. Anyone can ask, and the clerk must respond in a reasonable time.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Social security numbers and bank account numbers listed in Section 119.0714 must be kept private. Sealed files are off limits. But the vast majority of civil court records in Lake County are open to the public.

For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 550 W Main St in Tavares. 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 Lake County.

Cities in Lake County

Lake County has many towns and communities. All civil court cases go through the Lake County Clerk of Court in Tavares. Tavares is the county seat, though Clermont and Leesburg are among the larger communities.

Other cities and towns include Eustis, Mount Dora, Lady Lake, Groveland, Minneola, Mascotte, Fruitland Park, Umatilla, and Howey-in-the-Hills. None have separate court systems. All civil court filings in Lake County go through the clerk's office in Tavares.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 5th Judicial Circuit with Lake County. Check the address where the dispute took place to make sure you file in the right county for jurisdiction.