Find Civil Court Records in Leon County

Leon County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Tallahassee. The 2nd Judicial Circuit covers all civil filings in Leon County, and the clerk's office provides public access to case files both online and at the courthouse.

Leon County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Leon County is Gwen Marshall Knight. This office handles all civil court records for the county. Staff process new case filings, maintain court documents, and provide copies of civil records. The main office is at 301 S Monroe St in downtown Tallahassee. You can visit the clerk's office in person or call to get help with civil court records in Leon County.

The Leon County Clerk website offers tools for searching court cases and official records online. As the state capital, Tallahassee sees a high volume of civil court filings each year. The clerk's office serves both residents and state agencies that need access to Leon County civil court records.

You can visit the Leon County clerk's office on weekdays during business hours. The staff can help you find civil court records or point you to the right forms for your case type.

How to Search Leon County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Leon County online or in person. The Leon County clerk's website provides a search tool for court cases. You can look up cases by party name or case number. The search is free and open to the public. It covers civil, family, probate, and other case types filed in Leon County.

The Leon County clerk's online search tool is available around the clock. You do not need an account to look up basic case information. Search results show the case number, party names, case type, and filing date. To view documents tied to a civil case, you may need to visit the courthouse or use the e-filing portal.

The clerk's office serves as the hub for all civil court records in Leon County. The 2nd Judicial Circuit Court is based in Tallahassee. This means the Leon County courthouse handles a large share of the circuit's civil caseload.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also gives access to Leon County civil court records. This statewide system connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases or view existing records through the portal. Registration is free. E-filing is required for attorneys and optional for self-represented parties in Leon County.

For in-person searches, go to the Leon County Courthouse at 301 S Monroe St in Tallahassee. Bring your ID. The clerk's staff can look up civil court records and make copies. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more but carry the official seal of the Leon County clerk.

Civil Court Structure in Leon County

Leon County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. Civil cases in Leon County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. These include contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property matters. Family law cases, probate, and guardianship also go through Circuit Court in Leon County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 are part of County Court too. Evictions fall under County Court in Leon County.

The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Leon County and the rest of the state. If you are not sure which court level applies to your civil case, the clerk's office can help direct you to the right place in Leon County.

The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website has a directory of all 67 clerks. Use it to find contact details for the Leon County clerk or any other clerk in the state.

Confidential Information in Leon County Civil Court Records

Some data in civil court records must stay private. Florida law says social security numbers and bank account numbers cannot appear in public court files. If these numbers show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to remove them. There is no charge for this in Leon County.

To request redaction, submit the proper form to the Leon County clerk. You need to list the case name, case number, document title, and page number where the private data appears. The clerk will take it out of the public version of the file. This applies to all civil court records in Leon County.

Filers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This flags any private data so the clerk can keep it out of the public record. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth for minors, and certain other personal details in civil court records.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Leon County

The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for people who want to handle civil matters on their own. Self-represented parties can find packets for many common case types. The Leon County clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for civil cases.

DIY Florida is a free tool built into the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through a set of questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. Over 20 forms are available for small claims, evictions, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Leon County clerk's office. Standard filing fees still apply.

Tallahassee has several legal aid groups that can help with civil cases. These groups offer free or low-cost help to people who cannot afford a lawyer. They handle housing disputes, consumer issues, and other civil matters in Leon County. The Florida Bar also runs a lawyer referral service if you need an attorney for a civil court case.

Public Records Access in Leon County

Florida has some of the broadest public records laws in the nation. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says that all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Leon County. You do not need to be a party in a case to view them. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file.

A few limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Section 119.0714 lists items that must stay confidential, including social security numbers and bank account data. But the vast majority of civil court records in Leon County are open to public review.

For in-person access, visit the Leon County clerk's office at 301 S Monroe St in Tallahassee. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies carry the official court seal and cost more. The clerk must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time under Florida law. Leon County civil court records are part of the public domain and are available to anyone who asks.

Cities in Leon County

Leon County has several cities and communities. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Leon County Clerk of Court. Tallahassee is the county seat, state capital, and largest city. It is the main location for filing and looking up civil court records in Leon County.

Other communities in Leon County include Woodville and Bradfordville. All use the Leon County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 2nd Judicial Circuit with Leon County. If you need to file a civil case, check where the dispute took place. You must file in the correct county for the court to have jurisdiction over civil court records.