Seminole County Court Records
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Seminole County is part of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, which it shares with neighboring Brevard County. The Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the official keeper of all judicial records produced by the county's Circuit and County courts. Those records cover every stage of a legal proceeding—from initial filings and docket entries through final judgments—and span criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic, and juvenile matters. Under Florida Statute 28.24, the Clerk collects and maintains case details, party names, charge information, hearing dates, financial obligations, bonds, and electronically stored court documents.
If you're just getting oriented with Florida's court system, FloridaStateCourts.us offers a helpful overview of how the state judiciary is organized, along with links to resources across all 67 counties. Within Seminole County, you can access records through the Clerk's free online search portals, public terminals at Clerk office locations, or by submitting a formal written or email request. All Clerk offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding county holidays. The main phone number for all locations is (407) 665-4300.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Seminole County?
Seminole County offers several ways to find court case information, each suited to different needs and levels of detail.
Online Search Portals
The Clerk maintains separate free search tools for different case types, all accessible from the Search for a Court Case page. The available portals include:
- Civil Cases — covers county civil, circuit civil, family, and probate filings
- Criminal Cases — covers felonies, misdemeanors, criminal traffic, and infractions
- Official Records — covers property records, deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments through the DuProcess Official Records portal
- Traffic Citations — covers non-criminal traffic matters
- Dependency Search and Juvenile Delinquency — restricted-access searches
To run a search, enter at least the first letter of the party's last name. You can also filter by first name, date of birth, case number, or clerk filing date range. The civil portal lets you narrow results further by case category: county, circuit, domestic (family), or probate.
Restrictions on online access: Court records are generally available from 1985 forward. Scanned docket images are available for open cases starting from 2005. Each search returns a maximum of 500 records, and name searches won't display confidential cases. Only Clerk Certified or eCertified documents should be treated as the official court record.
In-Person Access
Public view terminals and counter services are available at the following Clerk locations:
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Center | 101 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773 | (407) 665-4300 |
| Justice James E.C. Perry Annex | 91 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773 | (407) 665-4300 |
| Juvenile Justice Center (also Probate) | 190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773 | Juvenile: (407) 665-5350; Probate: (407) 665-4369 |
| Records Center | 1750 E. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773 | (407) 665-4405 |
| Casselberry Branch | 376 Wilshire Blvd., Casselberry, FL 32707 | (407) 665-4300 |
Note that the Civil Courthouse at 301 North Park Avenue, Sanford, is currently closed; clerk services from that location have moved to the Criminal Justice Center.
Clerk-Performed Searches and Copies
If you'd prefer the Clerk's office to run the search for you, the fee is $2.00 per year searched. Document copies cost $1.00 per page (up to 14" × 8.5"), and certification is $2.00 per instrument. An eCertified copy of a document from the Official Records costs $5.00. You can request paper-certified copies in person or by mailing your request to:
Records Custodian
Attn: Land Records
P.O. Box 8099
Sanford, FL 32772-8099
Are Court Records Public in Seminole County?
Under the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), court records in Seminole County are presumed public and open for inspection. Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration reinforces that right, allowing any person to examine non-confidential case filings, orders, and judgments.
Records that are confidential or restricted include:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
- Termination of parental rights proceedings
- Child abuse, neglect, and abandonment records
- Adoption records
- Medical test results (such as HIV testing)
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit or debit card numbers contained in filings
A court may also seal records on a case-by-case basis when confidentiality is needed to gather evidence, prevent a serious threat to the administration of justice, or protect an innocent third party. Sealed or expunged records are accessible only to those authorized by law or court order.
Redaction responsibilities fall on the filer under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.425, which requires parties to remove sensitive personal information before submitting documents to the court. The Clerk's office is not responsible for redacting information that filers failed to remove.
The fee for sealing a court file or expunging a record is $42.00, plus applicable copy, certification, notary, and mailing charges.
Seminole County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Seminole County are heard in two courts: Circuit Court handles felony cases, and County Court handles misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is the primary keeper of arrest and criminal history records, while the Clerk of Court maintains the judicial case files.
Online Criminal Case Search
The Clerk's dedicated criminal court case search portal covers felonies, misdemeanors, criminal traffic, infractions, municipal ordinance violations, and county ordinance violations. Search by last name (minimum one letter), first name, date of birth, case number, or filing date range. Results show the case number, defendant name, case type, date of birth, filing date, charges, assigned judge, case status, and any outstanding financial obligations.
Requesting Records from the Sheriff's Office
Criminal history and arrest records can be obtained directly from the Sheriff's Office Records Section:
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
Records Section
100 Eslinger Way
Sanford, FL 32773
Phone: (407) 665-6690
Fax: (407) 665-6655
Email: records@seminolesheriff.org
You can submit a request in person (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), by phone, fax, email, or by mail with a self-addressed stamped return envelope. The Sheriff's Office also has an online records request portal where you can submit requests with or without creating an account. If you submit anonymously, hold on to the reference number provided so you can check back on your request.
When submitting a request, include the party's full name, date of birth or age, case number (if known), names of any involved deputies, and the location of the incident.
Key Criminal Court Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sealing or expunging a court record | $42.00 (plus copy/certification/mailing charges) |
| Bond approval | $8.50 |
| Administering an oath (ID required) | $3.50 |
| Notarizing a document submitted to the Clerk | $10.00 per signature |
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Seminole County Clerk does not perform statewide criminal background checks. For Florida-wide criminal history records, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) directly. FDLE offers both an instant online search and a certified mail search, each typically costing $24.00 per search.
Seminole County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Seminole County is divided by the dollar amount at stake. Circuit Civil Court handles cases where claimed damages exceed $50,000. County Civil Court handles claims between $8,000.01 and $50,000. Small Claims Court, a division of the County Court, resolves disputes of $8,000 or less.
Filing Locations
Civil cases can be filed electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which is the preferred method. Self-represented parties may also file in person at:
- Criminal Justice Center — 101 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773
- Casselberry Branch — 376 Wilshire Blvd., Casselberry, FL 32707
Keep in mind that the Clerk's office does not prepare paperwork for Circuit Civil cases. You'll need to bring your own documents.
Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Civil action (up to 5 defendants) | $400.00 |
| Dissolution of Marriage (including judgment fee) | $408.00 |
| Each additional defendant over 5 | $2.50 |
| Issuing a summons (each) | $10.00 |
| Garnishment, attachment, replevin, or distress | $85.00 |
| Re-open fee | $50.00 |
| Pro Hac Vice motion | $100.00 |
Small Claims Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $100 | $55.00 |
| $100–$499.99 | $80.00 |
| $500–$2,499.99 | $175.00 |
| $2,500–$8,000 | $300.00 |
When a Small Claims case is filed, it's automatically placed on a Pre-Trial Conference docket. Parties go through mediation first; if that doesn't resolve the dispute, the judge determines the next steps. Use the Statement of Claim form to start a Small Claims suit—it's available on the Clerk's online forms page.
Searching Civil Court Records
The civil cases search portal lets you search by party name, date of birth, case number, or filing date range. Filter options for county, circuit, domestic (family), and probate help narrow results to the right category. Once you find a record, you can purchase an eCertified copy online. The first page of an eCertified copy costs $8.00, with each additional page at $1.00.
Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Court record copy (up to 14" × 8.5") | $1.00/page |
| Public record copy (non-court, one-sided) | $0.15/page |
| Certification per instrument | $2.00 |
| Exemplified certificate (including signing/sealing) | $7.00 |
| Subpoena issuance and filing | $7.00 |
Appeals
Filing a Notice of Appeal with the Clerk costs $100.00 (payable to the Clerk), plus $1.00 per page for copies and $2.00 for certification. A separate payment of $300.00 is also required, payable to the Fifth District Court of Appeal.
Seminole County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Seminole County fall under the Circuit Court's family division. The court handles dissolution of marriage, paternity, child custody, child support, alimony, injunctions for protection, and related domestic proceedings.
Dissolution of Marriage
The filing fee for a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is $408.00, which includes the dissolution judgment recording fee. The Clerk accepts four types of dissolution filings: simplified dissolution, dissolution with dependent or minor children, dissolution with property but no children, and dissolution without property or children. You can file electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or in person at the Criminal Justice Center or Casselberry Branch.
Florida Statute 61.21(4) requires all parties to a dissolution involving minor children to complete an approved parenting course. Forms and informational materials are available through the Clerk's online forms page and the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit's family court FAQ.
Injunctions for Protection
Filing an injunction for protection (restraining order) carries no filing fee. Five types exist under Florida law: Domestic Violence, Stalking, Repeat Violence, Sexual Violence, and Dating Violence. Petitions can be filed online through the E-Filing Portal or in person at 91 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773. After you file, the Clerk forwards the petition to a judge, who may grant a temporary injunction, set a hearing without a temporary order, or dismiss the petition. You'll be notified of the judge's decision the same day the petition is filed.
For questions about injunctions, call (407) 665-4771 or email injunctions@seminoleclerk.org. The Clerk's office also participates in the Hope Card Program, which gives people holding a Final Injunction for Protection a wallet-sized or digital card for immediate verification by law enforcement.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Seminole County Clerk. The standard application fee is $86.00, reduced to $61.00 if the couple provides proof of completing a premarital preparation course. The ceremony fee is $30.00. You can start the application online through the DuProcess Marriage License Intake portal, but both parties must appear together—either in person or virtually—to finalize it. Licenses are valid for 60 days and must be returned to the Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony.
One certified copy of the recorded marriage license is provided at no additional charge. Extra certified copies cost $3.00 each and can be picked up at any Clerk location or requested by mail. You can also search recorded marriage licenses through the Official Records search portal.
Divorce Certificates
Statewide divorce (dissolution of marriage) certificates are available from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Download the DH260 application and submit it in person at 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or by mail to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. The search fee, which includes one certified copy, is $5.00; additional copies are $4.00 each.
Access Restrictions
Family court records can be searched online through the civil cases portal using the Domestic (Family) filter. However, records involving minors—such as dependency, adoption, and termination of parental rights cases—are confidential and not accessible to the general public. Court-sealed records require authorization by law or court order.
Seminole County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Seminole County are administered by the Circuit Court, with the Clerk's Probate department handling filings and maintaining records. Cases include estate administration, guardianships of minors and incapacitated persons, Baker Act proceedings, Marchman Act proceedings, and deposit of wills. Probate services are located at the Juvenile Justice Center, 190 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773, and the Probate department can be reached at (407) 665-4369.
Types of Estate Proceedings
Seminole County recognizes three types of probate proceedings, as outlined on the Clerk's Estates page:
- Formal Administration — used when estate assets are substantial or a personal representative must be appointed to act on behalf of the estate. An attorney is typically required under Florida Probate Rule 5.030. The court issues letters of administration, and the representative is responsible for inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
- Summary Administration — available for smaller estates. The court enters an Order of Summary Administration directing distribution. No personal representative is appointed.
- Disposition of Personal Property without Administration — used to release assets up to $6,000 or reasonable funeral expenses to the person who paid final expenses. Real property cannot be transferred through this proceeding. Required documentation includes the will (if one exists), an itemized paid funeral bill, paid medical receipts from the last 60 days, a statement identifying the assets, the filer's identification, and the filing fee.
Probate Filing Fees
| Proceeding | Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal administration, ancillary administration, curatorship, conservatorship, or guardianship of property | $400.00 |
| Trust probate | $400.00 |
| Summary administration (estate > $1,000) | $345.00 |
| Summary administration (estate ≤ $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Disposition of personal property without administration | $231.00 |
| Admit foreign will, authenticated/exemplified copies, or transcript of record | $231.00 |
| Open safe deposit box / enter rooms and places | $231.00 |
| Caveats and Notice of Trust | $41.00 |
| Counter petitions | $395.00 |
| Re-open fee | $50.00 |
| Bond approval | $8.50 |
| Administering an oath (ID required) | $3.50 |
| Will deposit receipt (optional) | $7.00 |
Filing a Will
If you have custody of a deceased person's original Last Will and Testament, Florida law requires you to deposit it with the Seminole County Clerk within 10 days of learning of the death. Provide the decedent's date of death or the last four digits of their Social Security number when you do. You don't need an attorney to deposit a will, and there's no charge unless you request a receipt ($7.00).
Searching Probate Records
Probate court records can be searched online through the Clerk's civil cases search portal by selecting the Probate filter, which limits results to estate and guardianship filings. In-person viewing and copy requests can be made at the Juvenile Justice Center (190 Eslinger Way) or any other Clerk location. Copies of non-sealed documents cost $1.00 per page, and eCertified copies can be purchased online at $5.00 for the first page.
Guardianship
Guardianship proceedings begin with a petition filed with the Probate Court Records department. Under Florida law, a guardianship may be needed for the property of a minor when an amount exceeding $15,000 is to be paid to the child, or for the person of a minor when both natural parents are deceased, incapacitated, or unavailable. Guardianships for incapacitated adults require a petition to determine capacity followed by a petition to appoint a guardian, and the proposed guardian must be represented by an attorney. Guardianship forms—including the Application for Appointment of Guardian, annual accounting forms, and guardianship plan templates—are available on the Clerk's online forms page.