Palm Beach County Court Records

What Is Palm Beach County Court Records

Palm Beach County court records are official documents created and maintained by the county's court system. These records document legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil lawsuits, traffic violations, family law matters, and probate cases. They serve as the official history of court activities and decisions within Palm Beach County's jurisdiction.

Are Court Records Public In Palm Beach County

Yes, most court records in Palm Beach County are public under Florida's Sunshine Law and public records statutes. The Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes establish a right of access to government records, including court documents. However, certain records may be confidential or sealed by court order, including juvenile records, adoption proceedings, and cases involving domestic violence or sexual abuse.

How To Find Court Records in Palm Beach County in 2025

To find court records in Palm Beach County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit the Clerk & Comptroller's office in person at the main courthouse or branch locations:

   • Main Judicial Complex: 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
   • North County Courthouse: 3188 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
   • South County Courthouse: 200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
   • West County Courthouse: 2950 State Road 15, Room S-100, Belle Glade, FL 33430

2. Use the online court records search system (eCaseView) through the Clerk's website

3. Submit a public records request through the county's online portal

4. Contact the Records Management Department by phone at (561) 355-2996

How To Look Up Court Records in Palm Beach County Online?

To look up Palm Beach County court records online:

1. Visit the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's website at mypalmbeachclerk.com
2. Navigate to the "Court Records" section
3. Select "eCaseView" for court case information
4. Create a free account if you don't already have one
5. Search by case number, party name, business name, or attorney
6. For official records like deeds, mortgages, and judgments, use the "Official Records Search" option

The Clerk's Office also offers a subscription service for frequent users who need advanced search capabilities.

Can You Search Palm Beach County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Palm Beach County court records for free. The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's Office provides free basic online access to court records through their eCaseView system. While viewing basic case information is free, there may be fees for:

• Obtaining certified copies of documents
• Printing documents (typically $1 per page)
• Accessing certain specialized databases
• Requesting research assistance from clerk staff

The Public Records Department (301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401) can also assist with free in-person searches.

What's Included in a Palm Beach County Court Record?

A typical Palm Beach County court record includes:

• Case number and filing date
• Names of all parties involved (plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys)
• Docket entries showing all actions taken in the case
• Filed documents (complaints, motions, responses)
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing and trial dates
• Financial information (fees paid, restitution ordered)
• Evidence lists (though actual evidence may not be included)
• Transcripts (if requested and prepared)

The level of detail varies by case type and may be limited for confidential or sealed cases.

How Long Does Palm Beach County Keep Court Records?

Palm Beach County retains court records according to Florida's records retention schedules, which vary by case type:

• Felony cases: Permanently maintained
• Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
• Civil cases: Generally 10 years after final judgment
• Traffic cases: 7 years for most violations
• Probate cases: Permanently maintained
• Family law cases: Varies by type, many are permanent

The Clerk's Records Management Division (4215 Cherry Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33409) maintains historical records, with many older records now digitized for preservation.

Types of Courts In Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County has several types of courts:

1. Circuit Court - handles felonies, civil cases over $30,000, family law, probate, and juvenile matters
2. County Court - handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, traffic cases, and small claims
3. Family Court - division of Circuit Court handling divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence
4. Probate Court - division of Circuit Court handling wills, estates, and guardianships
5. Juvenile Court - division of Circuit Court handling juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
6. Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court - specialized problem-solving courts

The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court (205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401) is the main judicial body for Palm Beach County.

What Types of Cases Do Palm Beach County Courts Hear?

Palm Beach County courts hear a wide variety of cases:

Circuit Court:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil disputes over $30,000
• Divorce and family matters
• Probate and guardianship
• Juvenile dependency and delinquency
• Appeals from County Court

County Court:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Civil disputes under $30,000
• Small claims (under $8,000)
• Traffic violations
• Landlord/tenant disputes
• Ordinance violations

Specialized courts handle specific case types like drug offenses, mental health issues, veterans' cases, and domestic violence.

How To Find a Court Docket In Palm Beach County

To find a court docket in Palm Beach County:

1. Online: Use the eCaseView system on the Clerk's website to search for case information and view dockets
2. In person: Visit the Clerk's office at any courthouse location and request docket information
3. By phone: Contact the Clerk's office at (561) 355-2996 for assistance
4. By email: Send requests to clerkweb@mypalmbeachclerk.com

For upcoming court hearings, you can also check the daily court calendar on the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit's website (www.15thcircuit.com).

Which Courts in Palm Beach County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Palm Beach County, all courts are technically courts of record, meaning proceedings are recorded and transcripts can be produced. However, some proceedings have different recording requirements:

• Small Claims Court (part of County Court) has simplified procedures and may not have court reporters present, though audio recordings are typically made
• Traffic Court hearings for civil infractions may not have verbatim transcripts unless specifically requested
• Code Enforcement hearings, while not part of the formal court system, maintain records but follow different procedures

The Palm Beach County Code Enforcement Board (2300 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411) handles code violations outside the formal court system.

Lookup Court Records in Palm Beach County

For comprehensive access to Palm Beach County court records, utilize these official resources:

• eCaseView - Search and view detailed information about civil, criminal, and traffic cases filed in Palm Beach County.

• Landmark Web Official Records Search - Access the official records database, including deeds, mortgages, judgments, liens, and marriage licenses.

• Public Records Requests - Palm Beach County, Florida - Information on how to request public records in Palm Beach County, including contact information for various departments.