Search Madison County Civil Court Records

Madison County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Court in the city of Madison. The 3rd Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases in Madison County, and the clerk's office offers public access to court documents.

Madison County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Madison County is Billy Washington. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff handle new filings, store court documents, and give out copies of civil records. The office is at 125 SW Range Ave in the city of Madison. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records in Madison County.

The Madison County Clerk website provides information about court services and records access. The site is a good starting point when you need to find civil court records in Madison County.

The clerk's office is open on weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests in Madison County.

How to Search Madison County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Madison County online or at the clerk's office. The clerk participates in the statewide Official Court Records System. The Madison County OCRS portal lets you search for court documents by party name, case number, or date range. This tool is free and open to anyone.

Search results show the case number, party names, case type, and filing date. Some document images may be available online. For certified copies of civil court records in Madison County, you need to contact the clerk's office directly.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to Madison County. You can file new civil cases or check existing ones through this statewide system. Registration is free. E-filing is required for attorneys in Madison County and available for self-represented parties.

For in-person searches, go to the Madison County Courthouse at 125 SW Range Ave. Staff can look up civil court records and make copies. Bring your ID. The clerk charges a per-page fee for plain copies. Certified copies cost a bit more and carry the official seal of the Madison County clerk.

Madison County has a smaller caseload than many Florida counties. But all the same state rules apply to how civil court records are filed, stored, and made available to the public here.

Civil Court Structure in Madison County

Madison County is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Taylor counties. Civil cases in Madison 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 includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property matters. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go through Circuit Court in Madison County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Evictions are County Court matters in Madison County as well.

The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Madison County and every other county in the state. If you are not sure which court level applies to your civil case, the clerk in Madison County can help you figure it out.

Confidential Information in Madison County Civil Court Records

Some data in civil court records must stay private. Under Florida law, 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 fee for this in Madison County.

To request redaction of private data from Madison County civil court records, submit the proper form. List the case name, case number, document heading, and page where the data appears. The clerk will take it out of the public version of the file.

Parties and attorneys who file civil court papers in Madison County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags any private data so the clerk keeps it out of public view. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain other personal details.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Madison 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 form packets for many common case types. The Madison County clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms.

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It asks you a series of questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. Over 20 form types cover small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. You can file completed forms through the portal to the Madison County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply.

If you need legal help with a civil case in Madison County, the Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service. Legal aid organizations in the 3rd Judicial Circuit may also be able to help if you qualify by income. These groups handle housing disputes, consumer issues, and other civil matters in Madison County.

Public Records Access in Madison County

Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes all state, county, and municipal records open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Madison County. You do not need to be a party in a case. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file.

Some limits exist. Records sealed by court order are not available. Section 119.0714 lists items that stay confidential, like social security numbers. But most civil court files in Madison County are open to the public.

For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 125 SW Range Ave in Madison. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more and carry the official seal. The clerk must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time under Florida law. Madison County civil court records are part of the public domain and open to anyone.

Cities in Madison County

Madison County has a few small towns. All civil court cases go through the Madison County Clerk of Court. No cities in Madison County meet the population threshold for a separate page.

Communities in Madison County include Madison, Greenville, and Lee. All use the Madison County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 3rd Judicial Circuit with Madison County. Make sure you file your civil case in the county where the dispute took place.