Lake County Court Records

What Is Lake County Court Records

Lake County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Lake County court system. These records document legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil disputes, family law matters, and more. They serve as the official account of what transpired during court proceedings and include various documents such as complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and transcripts.

The Lake County Clerk of Circuit & County Courts is responsible for maintaining these records.

Lake County Clerk of Circuit & County Courts, 550 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

Are Court Records Public In Lake County

Yes, most court records in Lake County are public under Florida's Public Records Law and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This means that any person can request access to these records without having to provide a reason.

However, certain records may be confidential or exempt from public disclosure due to statutory provisions. These include:

• Records involving juveniles
• Adoption records
• Mental health proceedings
• Certain domestic violence cases
• Records sealed by court order
• Cases involving confidential informants

How To Find Court Records in Lake County in 2025

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

1. Visit the Clerk's Office in person: You can visit the Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court's office to request and view court records.

   Lake County Clerk of Circuit & County Courts, 550 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

2. Online Access: The Lake County Clerk's website provides online access to many court records through their records search portal.

3. Mail or Email Requests: You can submit a records request form by mail or email.

4. Phone Requests: For basic information, you may be able to call the Clerk's office.

   Phone: (352) 742-4100

How To Look Up Court Records in Lake County Online?

To look up Lake County court records online:

1. Visit the Lake County Clerk's official website at https://www.lakecountyclerk.org/
2. Navigate to the "Record Searches" section
3. Select "Court Records"
4. Accept the terms and conditions agreement
5. Use the search options to find records by:
   • Case number
   • Party name
   • Citation number
   • Date range
   • Case type

The online system provides access to many public records, though some documents may only be available in person due to confidentiality restrictions or technical limitations.

Can You Search Lake County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search basic Lake County court records information for free. The Lake County Clerk's online records search portal allows users to search and view basic case information at no cost.

However, there may be fees associated with:

• Obtaining certified copies of documents
• Printing documents (typically $1 per page)
• Extensive research requests requiring staff assistance
• Records that require redaction of confidential information

What's Included in a Lake County Court Record?

A typical Lake County court record may include:

• Case information (case number, filing date, case type)
• Party information (names of plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys)
• Docket entries (chronological list of filings and court actions)
• Filed documents (complaints, motions, responses, orders)
• Judgments and final dispositions
• Hearing and trial transcripts (if requested and prepared)
• Evidence admitted during proceedings (in some cases)
• Financial information (fees paid, restitution orders, etc.)

The specific contents vary depending on the type of case and its progression through the court system.

How Long Does Lake County Keep Court Records?

Lake County follows Florida's records retention schedules, which vary by case type:

• Felony cases: Permanently maintained
• Misdemeanor cases: Maintained for 5-10 years after final disposition
• Civil cases: Generally kept for 5-10 years after final judgment
• Probate cases: Maintained for 10 years after closing
• Family law cases: Typically kept for 10 years after final judgment
• Traffic cases: Usually maintained for 5 years

Records of significant historical value may be preserved permanently regardless of type. The Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services establishes these retention schedules.

Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Types of Courts In Lake County

Lake County's court system includes:

1. Circuit Court: The 5th Judicial Circuit Court handles felonies, civil cases over $30,000, family law, probate, and juvenile matters.

   Lake County Judicial Center, 550 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

2. County Court: Handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, small claims, and traffic cases.

   Lake County Judicial Center, 550 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

3. Small Claims Court: Part of County Court that handles civil disputes under $8,000.

4. Traffic Court: Specialized division handling traffic infractions.

5. Probate Court: Division of Circuit Court handling estates, guardianships, and related matters.

What Types of Cases Do Lake County Courts Hear?

Lake County courts hear a wide variety of cases:

Circuit Court cases include:

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

County Court cases include:

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

How To Find a Court Docket In Lake County

To find a court docket in Lake County:

1. Online: Visit the Lake County Clerk's website and use the court records search function to view dockets by case number or party name.

2. In Person: Visit the Clerk's office at the Lake County Judicial Center.

   Lake County Judicial Center, 550 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778

3. By Phone: Call the Clerk's office for basic docket information.

   Phone: (352) 742-4100

4. Email Request: Submit a records request via email to the Clerk's office.

Court dockets provide a chronological listing of all actions taken in a case, including filings, hearings, and judicial decisions.

Which Courts in Lake County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Lake County, Small Claims Court proceedings are not typically courts of record in the traditional sense. While documentation of the proceedings is maintained, formal transcripts are not automatically created unless specifically requested.

Traffic court hearings for civil infractions are also generally not courts of record, though records of the outcomes are maintained.

It's important to note that while these courts may not automatically create verbatim transcripts, the Clerk still maintains records of the cases, including judgments and dispositions. If a case from these courts is appealed, it would typically be heard "de novo" (anew) in a higher court.

Lookup Court Records in Lake County

• Online Court Records - Lake County Clerk - Access online court records, including available case types and access limitations.

• Lake County Clerk - Records Search - Search interface for official records by book/page, case number, and other criteria.

• Court Records Forms - Lake County Clerk of Circuit & County Courts - Access forms related to court records, including request forms and forms for removal of sensitive information.

• Request Form for Records Search - PDF document for requesting searches of Lake County public records, including details on the process and fees.