Hernando County Court Records

Hernando County court records are documents created as a case moves through the Florida judicial system, from case filing to adjudication. These documents aid litigants as well as the general public in following the status of cases of interest. They are also more reputable sources of case facts.

Persons who obtain Florida court records can expect to find information about the petitioner, the reason the case was filed, the defendant, and the court’s decision. This information is contained in court records like motions, affidavits, summons, orders, and court transcripts.

Are Court Records Public in Hernando County?

Yes. Hernando County court records are public per the Florida Public Records Act, a.k.a., Sunshine Law. The law empowers everyone to request and obtain records in the custody of a government agency (Fla. Stat. § 119.011). As courts are public institutions funded by taxpayer dollars, documents in the custody of these agencies and their appointed/elected officials are presumed public.

However, despite the provisions of the Florida Sunshine Law, the public availability of court records is not absolute. Per Fla. Stat. § 119.071, certain documents are exempt from public inspection or copying, particularly when they contain sensitive information. For example, court records that reveal the identity of a minor in a sexual assault case are usually sequestered. The same applies to court records created during juvenile cases.

Generally, the following classes of records are restricted from public access:

• Agency internal administration records
• Agency criminal or administrative proceeding records
• Security and safety plans
• Agency personnel information (such as home address, photos, phone numbers, etc.)
• Private personal information (e.g., social security number, financial account numbers, etc.)
• Juvenile court records
• Court records identifying minors
• Medical history records
• Biometrics.

The above list is not exhaustive. As a rule of thumb, if the disclosure of a court record will compromise a person’s physical safety, security, or privacy, access to that document is restricted. The same applies to records that may compromise the integrity of the judicial process.

When access to a court record is restricted, only authorized individuals may view or obtain copies of them. These typically include public officials whose duties require them to access the record, as well as the record subject or their authorized legal representative. Third parties who wish to access restricted court records must possess a court order to that effect. Generally, when considering whether to grant such orders, the court weighs the petitioner’s need against the statutory provision or legal necessity protecting the document in the first place.

Hernando County Court Records Search

Persons who wish to lookup Hernando County court records have four options.

• Search electronic databases
• Visit the record custodian’s office
• Mail a request letter to the custodian's office
• Use third-party service providers.

The choice of method will depend on factors like convenience and cost. Searching electronic databases for court records is the most convenient method but fast access is not guaranteed. This limitation is because there is often a lag between when a record was created and when the record custodian’s office scans and uploads the document.

In-person and mail-in requests work around this limitation but are comparatively slower and more expensive. As such, these options are the go-to when obtaining certified copies of court records is necessary. Regardless of the method used, persons who wish to perform a Hernando County court record search must know the necessary details to facilitate a search. At the minimum, the name of one of the litigants is required.

Hernando County Court Records Search by Name

Anonymous public access to court records is available through the online repository maintained by the Hernando County Clerk of Court’s Office. The repository supports name-based searches for court records and allows searchers to filter using parameters like the case type or filing date. This form of case search is free.

Besides searching court records online, it is also possible to get the same records by providing the litigant’s name when searching case files at the Clerk’s Office. At a minimum, requestors must provide the petitioner’s name. Providing the defendant’s name, as well as the names of the representing attorneys or the presiding judge may also expedite record retrieval.

Unlike the online name-based search for court records, service fees may apply when searching court records in person, especially when the requestor wishes to obtain copies of the case files. The Clerk’s Office charges $1.00 per page.

Hernando County Courts

The Hernando County court system comprises circuit and county court systems that handle civil and criminal cases. The type of cases these courts handle depends on their jurisdiction, as determined by state laws. Typically, circuit courts have general trial jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, unless that case is specifically assigned to the county court per state laws. County courts, a.k.a., the people’s court, typically handle less serious civil disputes like small claims, misdemeanor offenses, and traffic violations.

The list below contains the addresses and contact information of the courts in Hernando County.

Hernando County Circuit Court - Main Office
20 North Main Street
Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Circuit Court - Spring Hill Office
Forest Oaks Government Center
7415 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 754-4201

County Court of Hernando County - Main Office
20 North Main Street
Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

County Court of Hernando County - Spring Hill Office
Forest Oaks Government Center
7415 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Circuit Court Case Search

Hernando County Clerk’s Office maintains an online court records search (ORCS) system that facilitates access to publicly available case records. Interested persons may use the ORCS system to obtain case files created in criminal and civil cases. To use the ORCS system:

• Visit the ORCS case search portal
• Select the “Public” access option
• Read and accept the terms of use
• Enter the petitioner’s name in the search box provided or search by case number
• If applicable, filter the results by court type using the menu on the right.
• Click search.

Upon clicking search, the system will return a list of matching results. Click on the media play icon next to the name to show the case summary, including the case type, filing date, and case status. For additional case details and access to case files, click the highlighted UCN number. If case files are available, the searcher will be able to access them by clicking the image icon under the Dockets menu.

Hernando County Court Records

The Hernando County Court, also known as the People’s Court, has jurisdiction over traffic violations, misdemeanors, and civil disputes where the amount is less than $50,000. Records of cases adjudicated in this court are available to interested persons online through the ORCS system. Alternatively, a requestor may visit the Clerk’s Office in person during business hours to obtain court records.

To access case records from Hernando County Courts, visit or contact the Clerk’s Office using the information below:

Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
20 North Main Street (Main Office)
Brooksville FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
7405 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Criminal Records

Criminal history records of persons living in Hernando County are available through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Per state laws, anyone may lookup and obtain criminal records and Hernando County arrest records. This service is available online through the FDLE background check portal and costs $25.00 per search.

Generally, to perform a criminal record search:

• Visit the FDLE instant search page
• Read and accept the terms of use
• Provide payment information for the $25 search fee
• Enter the record subject’s details (e.g., name, date of birth, SSN, approximate age, race, sex, aliases, etc.)
• Review and confirm the search request
• Complete payment.

The $25.00 search fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether results are available. Upon submitting the search request, if matching profiles exist, the system will provide a list of candidates who fit the search criteria. The requestor must review matching profiles and select the candidate they conclude is most fitting. The candidate’s criminal record is then made available.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-8161
Fax: (850) 488-4424
Email: ApplicantChecks@fdle.state.fl.us.

Hernando County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Criminal case court records are available to interested persons at the Hernando County Clerk’s Office or the court where the case was adjudicated. To obtain these records, visit the Clerk’s Office or the court during business hours and submit a request. However, most people prefer to search the ORCS system first, as this method is free, faster, and more convenient.

Hernando County Clerk’s Office
20 North Main Street (Main Office)
Brooksville FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Get Hernando County Civil Court Records

The Hernando County Clerk’s Office is the custodian of civil court records. As such, requests for civil court case files go to this office. Available records include case files related to landlord/tenant cases, probate/guardianship, small claims, divorce, child support, alimony, and protective orders.

To obtain civil court case records, search the ORCS system using the petitioner’s or defendant’s name. The case number, if known, is a more specific way to find court records that exactly match the case of interest. Alternatively, the requestor may visit the Clerk’s Office in person during business hours.

Hernando County Clerk’s Office — Main Office
20 North Main Street
Brooksville FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Clerk’s Office
7405 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Family Court Records

Hernando County Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over family law cases, including marriage dissolution, divorce, child support, and protective orders in cases of domestic violence. Family court records are useful for following the status of the aforementioned cases and getting case facts.

To obtain family court records, visit the Clerk’s Office in person during business hours or search the ORCS portal. However, unlike other types of court records, family court records often contain sensitive information. As such, the availability of court records may be limited.

Hernando County Clerk’s Office — Main Office
20 North Main Street
Brooksville FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Clerk’s Office
7405 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Hernando County are available at the Clerk’s Office or the court where the case was finalized. To access these records online, visit the ORCS portal and search using the petitioner’s name or the case number. Another way to obtain dissolution of marriage records is by visiting the Clerk’s Office during business hours or mailing a request letter.

Either way, the requestor must provide the necessary details to facilitate a search, i.e., names or case numbers. Furthermore, when requesting dissolution of marriage records by mail or in person, the requestor may be required to cover search and copying fees. The Clerk’s Office charges $1.00 per page for copying and $2.00 per name for search fees. Certification of court records costs $2.00 per document.

Hernando County Clerk’s Office — Main Office
20 North Main Street
Brooksville FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Clerk’s Office
7405 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Marriage and Divorce Records

Generally, non-certified marriage and divorce records in Hernando County are available to the public unless otherwise specified by court order or state law. For example, family court records containing information about minors are not available to the public. Similarly, case parties may petition the court to seal their divorce records for privacy reasons.

To obtain public marriage and divorce records, visit the Clerk’s Office during business hours and submit a record request. The couple’s names or case numbers will be required to facilitate a search. Furthermore, the requestor must cover the administrative cost of finding and duplicating the court records.

Hernando County Clerk’s Office — Main Office
20 North Main Street
Brooksville FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Clerk’s Office
7405 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records are vital records, i.e., official documentation of important life events. These records are useful for identification and administrative purposes. For example, birth records are typically required when processing international passports and getting a social security number. Death records, on the other hand, are often used by the decedent’s survivors to process insurance claims and social security benefits.

The Department of Health is the custodian of birth and death records in Hernando County. Certified copies of these records are available to the record subject and their authorized legal representatives while third parties must provide a court order or notarized affidavit in addition to the application form. Each record costs $12.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy purchased at the same time.

To obtain a birth record, submit a birth record application to the Hernando County Department of Health. Similarly, applications for death records go to the same record custodian. Applications and inquiries about these vital records go to:

Department of Health in Hernando County
7551 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 540-6800 Ext 82110.

Hernando County Probate Court Records

The Probate Division of the Hernando County Circuit Court handles matters related to the administration of decedents’ estates, wills, and trusts. To obtain probate court records, visit the probate court during business hours or the Clerk’s Office.

Hernando County Clerk’s Office — Main Office
20 North Main Street
Brooksville FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Clerk’s Office — Spring Hill Office
7405 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 754-4201

Hernando County Property Records

Hernando County property records contain information on real and personal property located in the county. Available information includes the owners’ names, addresses, liens, valuation, property descriptions, pictures, and tax information. The Hernando County Property Appraiser’s Office is the custodian of property records. Interested persons may lookup property records by searching the property information portal or visiting the Appraiser’s Office during business hours.

Hernando County Property Appraiser
201 Howell Avenue, Suite 300
Brooksville, Fl 34601-2042
Phone: (352) 754-4190
Fax: (352) 754-4198
Email: pa@hernandocounty.us.

Hernando County Court Records Online

Most record custodians maintain electronic portals for accessing court records. However, information from these sources is typically restricted to the city or county where the case was filed or adjudicated. Third-party search sites offer more convenience when accessing court records from multiple cities or counties. For instance, searchers can find court records from all counties in Florida on Floridacourtrecords.us, a central repository compared with contacting record custodians individually.

However, unlike court records obtained from the official custodians, records obtained from third-party sources are not certified. In other words, there is no guarantee of the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the records obtained. Furthermore, these records may not be used for official purposes like employment or tenant screening.