Highlands County Court Records Search
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Highlands County is located in south-central Florida, with its county seat in Sebring. The county falls within Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit, which also serves Hardee and Polk counties. Two courts operate in Highlands County: the Circuit Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes valued at $30,000 or more, family law, probate, and juvenile matters; and the County Court, which adjudicates misdemeanors, ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and civil cases valued below $30,000. The Highlands County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller serves as the official custodian of court records and manages filings, docketing, and public access across both courts.
Individuals seeking court records in Florida can begin by consulting the resources available through FloridaStateCourts.us, which can help identify publicly available case information statewide. In Highlands County specifically, records can be searched through the Clerk’s online portals, at public-access terminals located in the courthouse, by contacting individual clerk divisions by phone or email, or by visiting the office in person during business hours. Several state-level tools, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s criminal history database, supplement local searches.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Highlands County?
Highlands County provides multiple pathways for locating court records, both electronically and in person.
Online Case Search — OCRS Portal
The primary tool for public court record searches is the Online Court Records Search (OCRS) system. To use it:
- Navigate to the OCRS portal for Highlands County.
- Select “Public” for anonymous access.
- Accept the terms of use disclaimer.
- Choose a court type (Circuit Criminal, Circuit Civil, County Civil, Domestic Relations/Family, Probate/Guardianship, or other categories).
- Search by party name, or use filters to narrow results by case number, date range, or case status.
OneCoreAcclaim Portal
The Clerk also offers the OneCoreAcclaim search system, which supports searches by case number or party name. This portal provides docket information and, for registered attorneys, access to scanned document images.
Official Records Search
For non-court documents such as recorded deeds, liens, judgments, and other official records dating back to 1981, use the Official Records search on the MyFloridaCounty website or the Clerk’s AcclaimWeb portal.
In-Person Searches
Walk-in visitors can access court records at the Highlands County Courthouse during office hours. The Clerk’s public service windows are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Highlands County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Physical Address: 430 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870
- Mailing Address: 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870-3867
- Phone: (863) 402-6565
- General Email: clerk@highlandsclerkfl.gov
Records can also be requested by mail. Include a detailed written description of the records sought, along with the applicable fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests for official records should be sent to the Recording Division at the mailing address above.
Are Court Records Public in Highlands County?
Court records in Highlands County are presumed public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Law, which mandates that state, county, and municipal records be open for inspection. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 further governs public access to judicial branch records, establishing both the general right of access and the framework for restricting specific documents.
The following categories of court records are exempt from public disclosure or subject to confidentiality protections:
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency records
- Adoption case files
- Sealed and expunged criminal records
- Confidential informant identities
- Victim information in certain cases
- Domestic violence injunction details that could reveal a victim’s location
- Medical and mental health records submitted as evidence
- Criminal intelligence or investigative information that could compromise active cases
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth of minors, and other personal identifiers (subject to redaction under Rule 2.425)
Under Florida Statute 119.071, certain records held by law enforcement — including active criminal investigation materials and surveillance techniques — are also exempt. When documents are released, the Clerk’s Office is required to redact confidential personal information before providing copies to the public.
Fees for obtaining copies of official records from the Clerk include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photographic copies of official record documents | $1.00 per page |
| Certification of any recorded instrument | $2.00 |
| Notary fee | $5.00 |
| Payment history (child support) | $1.00 per page |
Highlands County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Highlands County is divided between the Circuit Court, which prosecutes felonies, and the County Court, which handles misdemeanors, criminal traffic violations, and municipal ordinance cases. The Clerk’s Criminal Services Division maintains the official record for all criminal cases processed through these courts.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records are searchable through the OCRS portal. Select “Criminal” as the court type and search by defendant name or case number. Court calendars showing scheduled hearings, charge events, and bond information can be downloaded from the Clerk’s Court Calendars page.
Contact — Criminal Services Division
- Phone: (863) 402-6598
- Fax: (863) 402-6575
- Email: criminal@highlandsclerkfl.gov
Arrest Records and Sheriff’s Office Resources
Arrest reports, incident reports, booking records, and mugshots generated by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office are maintained separately from court records. The Sheriff’s Office provides several ways to obtain these documents through its Public Records page:
- Online: Submit a request to request an accident or offense report online. Completed reports must be picked up in person at the Sheriff’s Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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By Mail: Send a written request with the date, time, location, and type of incident, along with any known offense numbers, to:
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Records Custodian
Address: 400 S. Eucalyptus Street, Sebring, FL 33870 - By Email or Fax: Email centralrecords@highlandssheriff.org or Fax: (863) 402-7207
- By Phone: Call Central Records at (863) 402-7232 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Traffic accident reports are subject to a 60-day restriction under Florida law. During that period, only individuals with a qualifying interest may obtain a copy by completing a Request for Traffic Crash Report Information Form, available by contacting Central Records.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) operates the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database, which can be searched online for $25.00 per query. The results cover Florida arrest and disposition records statewide and are not limited to Highlands County.
Highlands County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Highlands County are divided among three levels based on the amount in controversy:
- Small Claims Court: Claims of $8,000 or less
- County Civil Court: Claims from $8,001 to $30,000
- Circuit Civil Court: Claims of $30,000 or more
The Circuit Civil Department also handles mortgage foreclosures, declaratory judgments, medical malpractice litigation, and negligence claims. The Clerk’s Civil Services Division manages all filings, dockets, and record retrieval for these case types.
Searching Civil Records
Use the OCRS portal and select “Circuit Civil” or “County” from the court type menu. The Official Records search covers recorded documents such as final judgments, liens, lis pendens, and deeds dating back to 1981.
Contact — Civil Services Division
- Circuit Civil: (863) 402-6591
- County Civil / Small Claims: (863) 402-6593
- Fax: (863) 402-6664
- Email: civil@highlandsclerkfl.gov
Key Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Civil Filing Fee | $400.00 |
| Cross Claim / Counter Petition / Third-Party Complaint (Circuit) | $395.00 |
| County Civil ($8,001–$15,000) | $300.00 |
| County Civil ($15,001–$30,000) | $400.00 |
| Small Claims ($0–$100) | $55.00 |
| Small Claims ($101–$500) | $80.00 |
| Small Claims ($501–$2,500) | $175.00 |
| Small Claims ($2,501–$8,000) | $300.00 |
| Eviction (Non-Monetary) | $185.00 |
| Garnishment / Attachment / Replevin (additional) | $85.00 |
| Clerk-Issued Summons (each) | $10.00 |
| Appeal from County to Circuit | $281.00 |
| Reopen Fee (claims > $500) | $50.00 |
| Enforcement of Foreign Judgment (additional) | $42.00 |
Small claims packets with filing instructions and forms are available in Room 105 of the Highlands County Courthouse or can be downloaded from the Clerk’s Small Claims Filing Instructions and Forms page. Tenant eviction packets are also available in Room 105 for $15.00 each, or litigants may prepare filings using the TurboCourt online guided-interview system. All civil cases can be filed electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Highlands County Family Court Records
The Family Law Division of the Circuit Court handles dissolution of marriage (divorce), annulment, legal separation, paternity, child custody (known as parental responsibility and time-sharing under Florida law), child support, domestic violence injunctions, name changes, and adoption proceedings. The Clerk’s office maintains all records for these cases.
Searching Family Court Records
Family law case records can be located through the OCRS portal by selecting “Domestic Relations/Family” as the court type. Enter a party’s name or case number to view docket entries and case status information.
Key Family Law Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution / Annulment of Marriage | $408.00 |
| Dissolution — Counterclaim (subsequent filing) | $392.50 |
| Family / Domestic Relations (Chapters 39, 61, 741, 742, 747, 752, or 753) | $300.00 |
| Family — Cross Claim / Counter Petition | $295.00 |
| Post-Adjudication Petition Reopen Fee | $50.00 |
| Severance Fee | $18.00 |
Self-represented litigants can purchase pre-assembled form packets from the Law Library in Room 302 of the Highlands County Courthouse. Packet prices include dissolution with children ($49.05), dissolution with property ($33.75), dissolution without children or property ($26.00), simplified dissolution ($18.50), modification of child support ($34.65), modification of visitation ($43.20), name change for an adult ($7.15), and name change for a child ($14.35). The Clerk’s Self-Help and Pro Se page offers additional checklists and downloadable forms.
Child support payments can be made at AMSCOT locations, via MoneyGram, online at the PayKidz portal, or by mailing payments to the Florida State Disbursement Unit (FLSDU), P.O. Box 8500, Tallahassee, FL 32314. The Child Support Office is in Room 109 of the Courthouse and can be reached at (863) 402-6589.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Injunction (protective order) filings are handled by the Clerk’s Injunction Services Division at (863) 402-6891 or by email at injunctions@highlandsclerkfl.gov. There is no filing fee for domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking injunctions in Florida.
Marriage Records
The Clerk of Courts issues marriage licenses at the Government Center, Room A225, 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870. Both applicants must appear in person with valid identification. Florida residents face a three-day waiting period unless they have completed an approved premarital preparation course. Non-residents are exempt from the waiting period.
Marriage license fees:
- Florida residents who completed a premarital course: $61.00 (no waiting period)
- Florida residents without premarital course: $86.00 (three-day waiting period)
- Non-Florida residents: $86.00 (no waiting period)
- Additional certified copies: $3.00 each
The eMarriage online pre-application allows applicants to complete their information in advance, reducing processing time at the office. Pre-applications remain valid for 60 calendar days. Contact the Marriage License Division at (863) 402-6964 for questions.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are not court records; they are managed by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Under Florida law, these records are restricted to individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Applications for certified copies can be downloaded from the Florida Department of Health certificates page and mailed to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. The Highlands County Health Department also provides local guidance on ordering vital records.
Highlands County Probate Court Records
The Circuit Court’s Probate Division oversees all matters related to the administration of decedents’ estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, Baker Act petitions, and Marchman Act proceedings. The Probate Division is located in Room 5 of the Highlands County Courthouse at 430 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870.
Under the Florida Probate Code (Chapters 731–735, Florida Statutes) and the Florida Probate Rules (Rules 5.010–5.530), probate proceedings are filed with the Clerk in the county where the decedent resided at the time of death. Florida Probate Rule 5.030 requires that every personal representative and guardian be represented by a Florida-licensed attorney, unless the personal representative is the sole interested person.
Searching Probate Records
Probate and guardianship case information is available through the OCRS portal — select “Probate/Guardianship” as the court type. The MyFloridaCounty Official Records search also returns recorded probate-related instruments such as notices of trust and letters of administration.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration | $231.00 |
| Summary Administration (less than $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Summary Administration ($1,001 or more) | $345.00 |
| Formal Administration | $400.00 |
| Guardianship (person only) | $235.00 |
| Guardianship, Ancillary, Curatorship & Conservatorship | $400.00 |
| Veterans Guardianship | $235.00 |
| Foreign Will | $231.00 |
| Notice of Trust | $41.00 |
| Caveat | $41.00 |
| Opening Any Estate | $231.00 |
| Determination of Incompetency | $231.00 |
| Appeal from Circuit to District | $400.00 |
| Reopen Fee | $50.00 |
Guardianship Audit Fees
| Estate Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Verified Inventory | $85.00 |
| Estates less than $25,000 | $20.00 |
| Estates $25,001–$100,000 | $85.00 |
| Estates $100,001–$500,000 | $170.00 |
| Estates more than $500,001 | $250.00 |
Guardianships in Highlands County are filed on behalf of minors, incapacitated persons, voluntary wards, and developmentally disabled individuals pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 393. If fraud, waste, or abuse of a ward is suspected, contact the Clerk’s fraud department at (863) 402-6578. Abuse concerns should be reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families at (800) 962-2873.
Probate & Guardianship Contact
- Phone: (863) 402-6595
- Fax: (863) 402-6712
- Email: probate@highlandsclerkfl.gov
Baker Act and Marchman Act petitions may be filed during normal office hours in Room 5 of the Courthouse. The Clerk recommends filing these petitions early in the morning if a same-day hearing is desired. Downloadable packets for Marchman Act and Baker Act filings, as well as Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration, are available on the Probate Court page of the Clerk’s website.