Orange County Civil Court Records

Orange County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Orlando. The 9th Judicial Circuit handles all civil case filings in Orange County, and the clerk's office provides public access to court documents both online and at the courthouse.

Orange County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Orange County is Tiffany Moore Russell. This office maintains all civil court records for the county. Staff process new case filings, store court documents, and give out copies of civil records. The main office is at 425 N Orange Ave in downtown Orlando. With a population of 1.4 million, Orange County has one of the busiest clerk's offices in Florida.

The Orange County Clerk website offers a full set of online tools. You can search court records, look up official records, and file documents through the site. The clerk's office handles a very large number of civil court filings each year in Orange County.

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

How to Search Orange County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Orange County online or in person. The Orange County court records search lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or other details. The basic search is free and open to anyone.

Search results show the case number, party names, case type, judge, and filing date. You can view docket entries and some document images online. The system covers civil, family, probate, and other case types filed in Orange County. For certified copies of civil court records, contact the clerk's office.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to Orange County. File new civil cases or check on existing ones through this statewide tool. Registration is free. E-filing is required for all attorneys in Orange County. Self-represented parties can also use the portal.

For in-person searches, visit the Orange County Courthouse at 425 N Orange Ave in Orlando. Staff can look up civil court records and make copies. Bring your ID. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more and carry the official seal of the Orange County clerk.

Orange County also keeps official records separate from court files. The Orange County official records search covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments. This tool is useful for finding civil judgments tied to property in Orange County.

The official records search is free to use. It is separate from the court records database. Both tools are available on the Orange County clerk's website.

Civil Court Structure in Orange County

Orange County is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Osceola County. Civil cases in Orange County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, real property matters, and large commercial cases. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also fall under Circuit Court in Orange County. Given the county's size, the Circuit Court has many divisions and judges handling civil court records.

County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Evictions go through County Court in Orange County. The county court has a high volume of filings due to the large population in the Orlando area.

The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for Orange County and the rest of the state. The clerk's office in Orlando can help you figure out which court level and division handles your civil case in Orange County.

Confidential Information in Orange County Civil Court Records

Some data in civil court records must stay private. Florida law requires social security numbers and bank account numbers to be kept out of public court files. If these show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to remove them. There is no charge for this in Orange County.

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

Parties and attorneys filing civil court papers in Orange County 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 public view. Given the high volume of filings in Orange County, this step is critical to protect personal information in civil court records.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Orange County

The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for people handling civil cases on their own. The Orange County clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for civil cases.

DIY Florida is a free tool in the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. Over 20 form types cover small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. File completed forms through the portal to the Orange County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply.

Orlando has many legal aid organizations. These groups offer free or low-cost help with civil cases for people who qualify. They handle housing disputes, consumer issues, and other civil matters in Orange County. The Florida Bar also runs a lawyer referral service if you need an attorney for a civil court case.

Public Records Access in Orange 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 Orange County. You do not need to be a party in a case. 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 stay confidential. But the vast majority of civil court files in Orange County are open to the public.

For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 425 N Orange Ave in Orlando. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The clerk must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time under Florida law. Orange County civil court records are part of the public domain.

Cities in Orange County

Orange County has many cities and communities. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Orange County Clerk of Court in Orlando. Orlando is the county seat and largest city.

Other communities in Orange County include Winter Park, Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Garden, and Maitland. All use the Orange County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

Osceola County is the other county in the 9th Judicial Circuit with Orange County. File your civil case in the county where the dispute took place.