Lake County Court Records

Lake County court records encompass all materials found in a court file, including video recordings, electronically recorded data, and stenographic tapes (FS 28.24(1)). Within these records, one can find progress dockets, transcripts, calendars, judgments, and documentary exhibits. Each court case record is filed with the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller's office, ensuring organized case access and record retrieval.

In Lake County, Florida, court records are essential references for future cases, providing legal precedents for shaping legal arguments and decisions. These records also enhance transparency and accountability within the judicial system, engendering trust and confidence in legal processes and outcomes.

Are Court Records Public in Lake County?

Yes. Per Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420, all court judicial records are open to public inspection. Therefore, anyone can examine or copy the records. Those interested in inspecting electronic court records can refer to the Standards for Access to Electronic Court Records for guidance.

However, despite the general openness of court records in Florida, specific portions or entire files may be restricted from the public. Examples include financial statements, Social Security numbers, juvenile records, and sealed documents.

Lake County Court Records Search

Lake County court records can be obtained through various mediums:

• Contacting the Presiding Court: Residents can approach the court that adjudicated a case to request a specific record. However, if the record in question is not publicly accessible, access restrictions may exist.
• Mail Correspondence: Another viable method to obtain a Lake County court record is to send a written correspondence via mail to the Lake County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's office (also known as the Circuit Court Clerk's office).
• Online Databases: Accessing online databases provided by the Circuit Clerk's office or third-party platforms is also a reliable means of searching for Lake County court records.

Lake County Court Records Search by Name

A common approach when seeking Lake County records is to conduct a search using the name of a party involved in the case. This method can be used to obtain court records in person, via mail, or online, with the minimum requirement being the provision of a last name.

Typically, in-person and online inspections of Lake County court records are free of charge. However, individuals making inquiries via mail or requesting hard copies of records will incur a service fee determined by the Clerk. The payment method is specific to the mode of request.

Lake County Courts

Lake County has circuit and county courts that hear legal cases within the jurisdiction. These courts are located at the following address:

Lake County Courthouse
550 West Main Street
P.O. Box 7800
Tavares, FL 32778
Phone: (352) 742-4100

Lake County Superior Court Case Search

The superior court in Lake County is referred to as the Circuit Court. The court has jurisdiction over civil disputes involving damages exceeding $50,000, juvenile cases, tax-related disputes, estate matters concerning minors and individuals lacking mental capacity, felony criminal prosecutions, injunctions, real property boundary disputes, and declaratory judgments to determine legal rights or responsibilities.

Any person seeking a circuit court record in Lake County can visit the local courthouse to request access at the Circuit Court Clerk's office or utilize the public access computers for record review.

Alternatively, a person may access the Circuit Clerk's Online Case Management System (ShowCaseWeb) to search circuit court cases in Lake County. The system accepts name and case number search queries and can be accessed anonymously or upon registration (see user guide). It is important to note that certain document images may be unavailable on the platform. For example, cases preceding 2007 do not generally have document images.

It is crucial to highlight that the accessibility and content of a record depend on the requester, the record's information, and the type of image. Furthermore, anonymous users have the least access to court records.

Lake County District Court Records

Lake County does not have district courts; instead, it has a County Court that oversees specific categories of cases. These include small claims under $8,000 (not including interest and attorney fees), civil cases not exceeding $50,000, misdemeanors, and traffic violations.

The process for obtaining a County Court record is similar to obtaining a record from the circuit court, as a sole custodian preserves these records. However, each requester must have a case number or party name to query the Circuit Court Clerk's office. In addition to utilizing the Clerk's online, mail, and walk-in channels to submit requests, individuals can use public computers at the local courthouse to view records.

Lake County Criminal Records

Individuals seeking criminal records in Lake County can inquire at the local sheriff's office. The search provides an overview of an individual's arrests within county borders. Requests for Lake County Arrest Records and criminal records can be submitted to the sheriff using the following contact details:

360 West Ruby Street
Tavares, FL 32778
Phone: (Records Department): (352) 343-9578

Note that certain criminal records may be unavailable to the public, and charges may apply for copies. Researchers must typically provide the search subject's name, date of birth, sex, and race, plus their personal contact details.

In cases where the exact location of a crime or arrest is unknown, individuals can approach the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the state's designated criminal history repository. The FDLE's record search fee is $24, with an additional $1 processing fee for credit/debit card payments.

Lake County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Members of the public can look up Lake County criminal court cases as follows:

• Utilizing the case management system on the Clerk of Court and Comptroller's website.
• Sending written requests via mail addressed to the Clerk's office.
• Visiting the local courthouse to access public terminals.

Regardless of the preferred research method, the requester must usually have a name or case number to view a criminal case filed in Lake County. Additionally, individuals can contact the Clerk's office via phone to check court calendars and determine the status of ongoing cases.

How To Get Lake County Civil Court Records

The circuit and county courts in Lake County adjudicate civil cases brought to the county's judicial system. These cases include landlord-tenant disputes, breach of contract, professional misconduct, negligence, and mortgage foreclosures. To obtain Lake County civil court records, a person should contact or visit the local Circuit Court Clerk's office. The Clerk's office also provides access via its Online Case Management System.

Lake County Family Court Records

Lake County family court records are civil matters addressed within the county's Circuit Court within the county. These matters include marriage dissolution (annulments and divorces), child custody and support, paternity cases, and other family-related disputes.

Access to family court records in Lake County follows general public records policies, with exceptions for sealed, expunged, or confidential information. Retrieval methods include in-person or mail-in requests to the Lake County Clerk and Comptroller's office. One can also access the Clerk's Online Case Management System. Like other court records, a party name or case number will be required for the search and retrieval.

Lake Dissolution of Marriage Records

Marriage dissolution records are preserved by the Circuit Court—and, by extension, the Circuit Court Clerk's office—in Lake County. These records can be accessed remotely via the Clerk's Online Case Management System or by submitting a written request by mail or in person. Relevant fees are outlined on the Clerk's website.

Lake County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage and divorce records in Lake County fall under the category of Lake County public records. Individuals seeking a Lake County marriage or divorce certificate can obtain them from the Florida Office of Vital Records or the Circuit Court Clerk's office (the Clerk charges $3 for the certified copy of a marriage license). These offices provide various retrieval methods, including in-person, mail, and online.

Walk-ins are accepted at the State Office of Vital Records during normal business hours at this location:

Office of Vital Records
1217 North Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202

If choosing to request by mail, correspondence should be directed to the address below:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

Requesters can fill out and submit the Office of Vital Records application form. In cases where this is not possible, a written request must include specific details:

• Information about the subjects of the Lake County marriage or divorce record (including the full names of both spouses as listed on the record, county of marriage/dissolution, and the date the marriage/dissolution was granted)
• Personal details of the requester (their full name, return mailing address, contact number, applicant's signature, and a statement explaining their relationship to the subject of the record)

Individuals can also reach the Vital Records Office at (904) 359-6900 for inquiries. Relevant fees and order guidelines can be obtained from the office's divorce or marriage certificate pages. Note that mailed requests are only payable by check or money order.

Lastly, a Lake County marriage or divorce certificate can be ordered online through the agency's third-party vendor.

Lake County Birth and Death Records

Per Florida law, birth and death records are confidential and comprise the Lake County vital records. In Florida, birth records are considered confidential until 125 years after a birth event. During this period, access is restricted to the following individuals:

• The subject of the record, if 18 years or above
• A parent, guardian, or spouse
• A child, grandchild, or sibling, if of legal age
• The legal representative of the above-mentioned persons (documentation required)
• By court order

Any other person must complete and submit an Affidavit to Release Birth Certificate signed by an eligible individual. The inquirer must also provide their government-issued ID and the ID of the person whose signature is on the form. More details on obtaining Lake County birth records are available on the Florida Vital Records website.

On the other hand, death records without cause of death are accessible to the public. However, records that include a cause of death are sealed for 50 years from the date of death. Members of the public who can order death records with a cause of death include:

• Adult relatives of the decedent (spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling)
• Any individual who provides a will, insurance policy, or other document demonstrating their interest in the deceased person's estate
• Any person acting on behalf of the individuals mentioned above
• By court order

The State Vital Records Office's website has detailed guidelines (plus a fee schedule) for obtaining Lake County death records.

Lake County Probate Court Records

Probate court hearings take place in the Lake County Circuit Court, and records from these hearings are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

Individuals interested in obtaining a probate court record in Lake County can utilize the Clerk's Online Case Management System or visit the local courthouse to examine electronic or physical copies of records. Additionally, researchers can request a record via mail by providing specific details about the case to facilitate its retrieval.

Probate cases typically involve proceedings related to wills, inheritances, and guardianship.

Lake County Property Records

Property records in Lake County contain detailed information about real estate, including physical attributes, location, ownership details, historical and current market value, taxation, and designated use. It is recommended that individuals looking to acquire a property conduct a thorough property check as a precautionary measure.

Members of the public can conduct a Lake County property records search through the Circuit Clerk's Office. They can also query the local Appraiser's office. The Appraiser provides a property search tool that generates data about real estate in the county once the necessary parameters are provided. Users can search records with an owner's name, property address, or parcel ID number.

Alternatively, residents can contact the office via mail or in person. The office is situated at:

Lake County Property Appraiser
320 West Main Street
Suite A
Tavares, FL 32778-3831
Phone: (352) 253-2150
Fax: (352) 253-2155

Lake County Court Records Online

One of the more convenient ways to access Lake County court records is online, as researchers can print and review records from the comfort of their homes or offices. In addition to court-run databases, many private websites like Floridacourtrecords.us offer Lake County court records online.

One advantage of a third-party website is the extensive search scope, as most sites compile data from numerous sources and provide records from multiple states and counties. This allows users to find other public records in and out of Lake County.

However, third-party sites are not the original custodians of Lake County court records, so the information provided may be inaccurate or current. Therefore, users should ensure to verify the results they receive.