Charlotte County Court Records Search
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Charlotte County lies along Florida’s southwestern Gulf Coast, with Punta Gorda serving as the county seat. The county is part of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties. All Charlotte County court operations — criminal, civil, family, and probate — fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court and County Court, with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller maintaining the official case files. The Charlotte County Justice Center in Punta Gorda is the primary courthouse, housing the courtrooms, clerk offices, and public service counters where residents and legal professionals can search for, inspect, and obtain copies of judicial records.
Searching for court records in Florida involves a combination of online databases, in-person visits to clerk offices, and direct requests to the agencies that maintain specific record types. The Charlotte County Clerk of Court offers a free online case search system, and public-access terminals are available inside the courthouse during business hours. For statewide court information, appellate case research, and general guidance on Florida’s court structure, FloridaStateCourts.us can help users identify where to direct record inquiries and find links to publicly available case data.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Charlotte County?
Court cases in Charlotte County can be located through the Clerk’s online portal, at the courthouse in person, or by contacting the appropriate division by phone or mail.
Courthouse Locations
Charlotte County Justice Center
350 E. Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: (941) 637-2281
Fax: (941) 637-2283
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Murdock Administration Center
18500 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Mac V. Horton West County Annex
6868 San Casa Boulevard
Englewood, FL 34224
Online Case Search
The Charlotte County Clerk’s Case Search portal is the primary tool for locating court records electronically. The system is free to use and covers all case types — criminal, civil, family, and probate. To search:
- Navigate to the Case Search portal on the Clerk’s website.
- Select search criteria: name, case number, or citation number.
- For a name search, enter a last name or first name in the search field.
- Use the “Court Types” dropdown to filter results by category (e.g., felony, circuit civil, domestic relations, probate).
- Optionally narrow results further using the “Causes of Action / Case Types” field.
- Complete the “I’m not a robot” verification and click Search.
- Click on a case number to view party information, charges, events, docket entries, and document images where available.
Registered users gain expanded access to Family, Probate, and Guardianship case information through the Clerk E-Certify system.
In-Person Searches
Visitors to the Charlotte County Justice Center may request records at the Clerk’s service counter during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and provide a case number or party name. Staff will assist in locating the case file and producing copies.
Appellate Records
Charlotte County falls within the Sixth District Court of Appeal. Appellate case records are searchable through the Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS), which allows free searches by case number, party name, oral argument calendar, or document. The Sixth DCA Clerk’s Office is located at 811 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801, and can be reached at (863) 940-6041.
Are Court Records Public in Charlotte County?
Florida has among the broadest public records laws in the nation. The Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) provides that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Court records fall within this framework, and no requester must state a reason for seeking access.
Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration governs public access specifically to court records and establishes the procedures for designating records as confidential. Under Rule 2.420©, the following categories of court records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Adoption records
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Grand jury records
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Baker Act clinical records
- Substance abuse treatment provider records
- Gestational surrogacy records
- Sexually transmissible disease records
- HIV test results and the identity of the person tested
- Birth records and portions of death and fetal death records
- Complete presentence investigation reports
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit/debit card numbers
- Information identifying child abuse or sexual offense victims
- Domestic violence victim addresses (upon petitioner’s request)
- Records relating to dependency matters, termination of parental rights, neglect, and abandonment
- Search and arrest warrants and supporting affidavits (until executed or determined unexecutable)
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Complaints alleging judicial misconduct before probable cause is determined
- Internal court memoranda, draft opinions, judicial conference records, and notes prepared by judges or authorized staff
The Clerk’s office will redact confidential information from records before release. Any person who believes a record has been improperly withheld can seek judicial review through the procedures outlined in Rule 2.420.
Charlotte County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Charlotte County are handled through the Criminal Division of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office. The division processes felony cases, misdemeanors, criminal traffic offenses, and violations of county and municipal ordinances.
Criminal Division Contact
Phone: (941) 833-3048
Email: ClerkInfo@CharlotteClerk.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Searching Criminal Court Records Online
The Clerk’s Case Search portal provides free access to criminal case dockets. To isolate criminal cases, use the “Court Types” filter and select the relevant category — county ordinance, felony, misdemeanor, municipal ordinance, or traffic. Searches can be run by defendant name, case number, or citation number. Docket entries, charge details, dispositions, and scheduled events are displayed in the results.
Copy Fees for Criminal Records
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copies per page | $2.00 |
| Seal or expunge processing | $42.00 |
| Write or prepare document | $7.00 |
| Bond approval by Clerk | $8.50 |
Payment may be made by check, money order, or credit card (a 3.5% nonrefundable convenience fee applies to credit card transactions). Checks should be made payable to Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller.
Arrest Records
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) maintains arrest and booking records separately from court case files. The CCSO provides an Arrest Search portal on its website, where users can search by name, case number, date of confinement, location, or advanced criteria. The Sheriff’s main office is located at:
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
3110 Loveland Boulevard
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Phone: (941) 639-2101
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Additional CCSO district offices serve various areas of the county.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Division of Criminal Justice Information Services maintains statewide criminal history data. The public can request Florida criminal history information through several FDLE online tools:
- Instant name-based search: Uncertified results returned immediately; $25.00 per search (includes $1.00 credit card processing fee).
- Certified/non-certified search: Results mailed to the requester; $24.00 per search. Non-certified results process in five business days; certified results take six to seven business days.
- ORI-based search: Requires a valid ORI number; fees vary based on statute and agency authorization.
Expungement and Sealing
Individuals may petition the Charlotte County Circuit Court to seal or expunge eligible criminal records pursuant to FL Stat § 943.0585 (expungement) and FL Stat § 943.059 (sealing). The Clerk’s processing fee for a seal or expunge order is $42.00.
Charlotte County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Charlotte County are divided between two clerk divisions depending on the dollar amount at issue.
Civil Divisions
The County Civil Division handles disputes involving monetary compensation between $8,001 and $50,000, including breach of contract, tenant evictions, foreign judgments, mortgage foreclosures, declaratory judgments, negligence, replevin, and damages cases. The Circuit Civil Division processes non-criminal cases where damages exceed $30,001, including medical malpractice, personal injury, contract and indebtedness, eminent domain, and auto negligence.
Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| County Civil ($8,001–$15,000) | $300.00 |
| County Civil ($15,001–$50,000) | $400.00 |
| Circuit Civil (exceeding $30,001) | $400.00 |
| Writ of Garnishment | $85.00 |
| Issuing a Summons | $10.00 |
| Additional defendant beyond five | $2.50 |
| Crossclaim/Counterclaim/Third Party Complaint (Circuit) | $395.00 |
| Crossclaim/Counterclaim/Third Party Complaint (County) | $295.00 |
| Re-open filing fee | $50.00 |
Sheriff service fees for county civil cases are $40.00 per defendant for summons and complaint, $40.00 for a writ of garnishment, and $90.00 for a writ of possession. Checks for Sheriff service must be made payable to the Charlotte County Sheriff (out-of-state checks not accepted).
Searching Civil Case Records
The Clerk’s free Case Search portal covers all county and circuit civil filings. Filter by “Circuit Civil” or “County Civil” in the Court Types area to narrow results. In-person requests at the Justice Center require a case number or party name and are processed during standard business hours. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page; certified copies cost $2.00 per page.
Official Records
Property-related civil documents, including recorded deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, assignments, and liens, are maintained by the Clerk’s Official Records division. These can be searched online through the Official Records portal by name, document type, book/page, case number, instrument number, recording date, or legal description.
Charlotte County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Charlotte County are handled through the Circuit Civil Division’s Family Law Section, which manages cases involving dissolution of marriage, paternity, adoption, child support, alimony, custody, visitation, name changes, domestic violence injunctions, and annulments.
Contact
Circuit Civil Division: (941) 637-2113
Dissolution of Marriage information: (941) 637-2319
Searching Family Court Records
Family case dockets are available on the Clerk’s Case Search portal. Select “Domestic Relations” or “Domestic Violence” in the Court Types filter. For dissolution cases specifically, the “Causes of Action / Case Types” area offers options for “Dissolution with Children” or “Dissolution without Children”. Registered users of the E-Certify system have access to additional family court case documents.
In-person requests are processed at the Justice Center during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Requesters should provide a case number or the full names of parties.
Filing Fees for Family Cases
- Domestic Relations (initial dissolution filing): $297.00 (per the circuit civil fee schedule, including family case dissolution crossclaims at $295.00)
- Issuing a Summons: $10.00
Copies of family court records cost $1.00 per page; certified copies are $2.00 per page.
Confidentiality
Certain family court records are confidential under Florida law. Adoption files, dependency case records, domestic violence victim addresses (upon request), and records involving minor children in specific proceedings are not publicly accessible. Contact the Circuit Civil Division at (941) 637-2113 to confirm eligibility and documentation requirements before requesting restricted family records.
Marriage Licenses and Records
The Charlotte County Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. In-person marriage certificates cost $7.00. The Clerk also offers certified marriage record copies through a third-party online vendor for $9.00. Marriage license fees are as follows:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Florida residents (three-day waiting period) | $86.00 |
| Florida residents with premarital counseling (no waiting period) | $61.00 |
Birth and Death Records
Certified copies of birth and death certificates for Charlotte County events are available from the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County:
Office of Vital Records, Charlotte
1100 Loveland Boulevard
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Phone: (941) 624-7200
Fax: (941) 624-7202
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In-person fees are $12.00 per birth certificate and $10.00 per death certificate. Requesters must present legal photo identification. Application forms for mail requests are available for birth records and death records.
Birth records over 100 years old are public. Confidential birth records are restricted to the named individual (if 18 or older), parents, legal guardians, and legal representatives. Death records without cause-of-death information are available to anyone 18 or older. Death records less than 50 years old that include cause-of-death details are restricted to the decedent’s spouse, parent, adult children, adult grandchildren, adult siblings, and persons who can demonstrate a legitimate interest in the estate.
Charlotte County birth certificates can also be obtained through the Charlotte County Tax Collector’s Englewood Office during its regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), using a Birth Certificate Application form.
Charlotte County Probate Court Records
The Probate Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller handles all estate, guardianship, and mental health proceedings filed in Charlotte County. Cases include the administration of decedent estates, probate of wills, guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults, Baker Act proceedings, substance abuse commitments, and related filings.
Contact
Probate Office Phone: (941) 637-2210
Searching Probate Records Online
Probate case dockets are available through the Clerk’s Case Search portal at no cost. To isolate probate matters:
- Navigate to the Case Search portal.
- In the “Court Types” area, select “Probate”, “Guardianship”, or “Will on Deposit”.
- Enter a name or case number.
- Complete the verification and click Search.
- Click on a case number to view docket entries, parties, events, and available document images.
Registered users gain enhanced access through the E-Certify system for probate and guardianship case documents.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Probate Office at the Charlotte County Justice Center (350 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950) during business hours with a name or case number. Staff will help locate the case file and provide copies.
Probate Filing Fees
The Probate fee schedule is set by Florida Statute 28.241 and local administrative orders:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration, Ancillary, Curatorship, or Conservatorship | $400.00 |
| Summary Administration (estate $1,001 and over) | $345.00 |
| Summary Administration (estate less than $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Disposition without Administration (small estate) | $235.00 |
| Guardianship (person and property) — minor or adult | $400.00 |
| Veterans Administration Guardianship (Chapter 744) | $235.00 |
| Petition to determine incapacity | $231.00 |
| Petition to admit foreign will / authenticated copies | $231.00 |
| Opening petitions (settlement of minor claims, safe deposit box, determination of heirs) | $231.00 |
| Baker Act / Substance Abuse | $0.00 |
| Re-open filing fee | $50.00 |
| Exemplified certificates | $7.00 |
Confidentiality of Estate Records
Estate inventories and accountings are confidential under Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Guardianship reports and orders relating to findings of no probable cause are also restricted. Baker Act clinical records and substance abuse treatment records maintained by the court are not available for public inspection.
Copy Fees
Standard copies from probate files cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $2.00 per page. The Clerk accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (with the 3.5% convenience fee). Payments should be made payable to Roger D. Eaton, Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller.
Property Records
For property ownership records, appraisals, and tax information related to estate administration, the Charlotte County Property Appraiser offers a Real Property Record Search and Tangible Personal Property Record Search online. Searches can be conducted by account number, owner name, parcel ID, property address, or land use code at no charge.