Court records of Seminole County, Florida, are available through several channels. SeminoleCourt.us allows searching for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official state court system resources, the office of the county court clerk, and public terminals installed directly in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to navigating the county's court system.
Seminole Court System & Jurisdictions
Seminole County is part of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, which also serves Brevard County. The main courthouse is located in the city of Sanford.
Circuit Court (higher instance court) handles:
- Felony criminal cases (serious crimes)
- Civil claims with a dispute amount over $50,000
- Family law — divorce, child custody, alimony
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Juvenile cases
- Certain appeals from County Court
Address and contacts for Circuit Court according to the official Florida courts registry:
County Court deals with less serious categories of cases. These include traffic violations, misdemeanors, civil claims up to $50,000 inclusive, and small claims cases with amounts up to $8,000. This is where most residents first encounter the court system — through a speeding ticket or a dispute with a landlord.
Federal cases concerning Seminole County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Orlando Division). Appeals from state courts go to the Fifth District Court of Appeal of Florida.
Seminole Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be viewed in several ways.
- Eighteenth Judicial Circuit website. The 18th Judicial Circuit page publishes judges' schedules, contact numbers, and information on court programs. Look for the section with the calendar of a specific judge or division.
- Court Clerk's portal. The Seminole County Clerk of Court maintains an electronic case database that displays scheduled hearings. Searches are usually conducted by case number or party name.
- Public terminals. Computers for free access to calendars and case registries are installed in the courthouse at 301 N. Park Avenue.
- Phone inquiry. By calling (407) 665-4330, you can confirm the date and time of a specific hearing.
Calendars of appellate and supreme state courts are available through the ACIS system on the Florida Courts website.
How to Get a Copy of a Seminole Court Document
The Seminole County Clerk of Court stores and issues copies of court documents. There are two types of copies:
- Uncertified copy — a regular printout without an official stamp. Suitable for personal review.
- Certified copy — a document with the clerk's seal confirming its authenticity. Required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or immigration procedures.
How to Obtain a Copy
Online. Check the court clerk's portal — some documents are available for viewing or downloading for free. Certified copies usually need to be ordered separately.
In person. Visit the clerk's office in the courthouse:
By mail. Send a written request to the address above. Include the case number (if known), full name of the party, type of document, and contact information for a response. Include payment in the form of a money order.
For dissolution of marriage certificates from June 1927 and later, you can also contact the Florida Department of Health.
Some records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, adoption cases, and sealed or expunged records are not available to the general public. The Florida Constitution guarantees the right to privacy, and courts apply this right to certain categories of cases.
Seminole Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Seminole County are established in accordance with the Florida Statutes (Chapter 28). Below are approximate rates — confirm the exact amount with the clerk before payment.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Case registry search (by name) | $2.00 per name per year of search |
| Document copy (uncertified) | $1.00 per page |
| Document certification | $2.00 per document (in addition to the cost of the copy) |
| Certified copy of judgment | From $2.00 for certification + cost of pages |
| Apostille or notarial certification | Determined separately |
Payment Methods
- Cash, money order, or cashier's check — accepted at the clerk's office.
- Credit or debit card — usually available both in-office and online (a service fee may apply).
- Personal checks — check if they are accepted by the clerk's office.
For requests regarding other public records of the county (non-court), you can submit a public records request through the County Manager's office or via email at publicrecords@seminolecountyfl.gov. State-level criminal histories are maintained by the FDLE — a separate request is required to obtain them.