Court records in Charlotte County, Florida can be searched through several channels. CharlotteCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court websites, the Charlotte County Clerk of Court's office, and public computer terminals located at the courthouse. The Florida Courts website provides statewide court information and can direct you to local resources.
Charlotte County Court System & Jurisdictions
Charlotte County is part of Florida's 20th Judicial Circuit. The court system here operates at two main levels — Circuit Court and County Court — each handling distinct case types. Federal matters fall under the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Fort Myers Division.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000
- Family law — dissolution of marriage, custody, paternity, domestic violence injunctions
- Probate and guardianship — estates, wills, mental health proceedings
- Juvenile cases — delinquency and dependency
- Appeals from County Court decisions
County Court
County Court has limited jurisdiction and covers:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy is $50,000 or less
- Small claims — disputes of $8,000 or less, handled through a simplified process
- Traffic infractions and criminal traffic offenses
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
If you are unsure which court handled a particular case, start by searching the Clerk of Circuit Court's online records portal, which indexes both Circuit and County Court cases.
Charlotte County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Charlotte County are managed through the 20th Judicial Circuit. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the 20th Judicial Circuit Court's online portal and select Charlotte County.
- Search by case number, party name, or judge to locate upcoming hearing dates.
- You can also check judicial calendars posted on the 20th Judicial Circuit's website for division-specific schedules.
For federal cases, the Middle District of Florida publishes its own calendar and docket information through the PACER system.
Keep in mind that court schedules change frequently. Hearings may be continued, rescheduled, or cancelled without much advance notice. If you have a specific case pending, confirm your hearing date directly with the clerk's office or your attorney.
Charlotte County Clerk of Court — Main Office
How to Get a Copy of a Charlotte County Court Document
The Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court is the custodian of all court records filed in the county. You can obtain copies through three channels:
Online
Use the Clerk's online records search to locate your case, then request copies electronically. Many documents can be viewed and printed directly. For certified copies, you may need to submit a request by mail or in person.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at the Charlotte County Justice Center. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can pull documents and provide copies on the spot.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of the parties
- The specific document you need
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
A certified copy bears the Clerk's official seal and signature, confirming it is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings. An uncertified copy is a plain reproduction suitable for personal reference.
Dissolution of marriage certificates can also be ordered through the Florida Department of Health or the Charlotte County Health Department.
Restricted Records
Certain records are confidential under Florida law, including:
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency records
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Adoption records
- Certain domestic violence case details
Access to these records requires a court order or proof of eligibility under Florida Statute § 119.071.
Charlotte County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and services are set by Florida statute (primarily § 28.24). The following table reflects standard fees charged by the Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of a document | $2.00 per certification |
| Search fee (per name, per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Duplicate certified copy of a recorded document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Copy of a document not on file with the Clerk (per page) | $1.00 |
| Appeal record preparation | Varies by case |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (a convenience fee may apply for card payments)
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Charlotte County Clerk of Court"
- Online: Credit or debit card through the Clerk's electronic services portal
Fees are subject to change. For the most current fee schedule, contact the Clerk's office directly at (941) 637-2279 or check the 20th Judicial Circuit's administrative orders. For questions about public records requests related to county government (not court filings), Charlotte County maintains a separate process through its administrative offices.