Florida Civil Court Records Search
Understanding the Florida Civil Court System
From personal injury claims to property disputes, civil court cases are as diverse as they are numerous. While civil court cases are non-criminal in nature, they are still part of the public records system in Florida. Understanding the civil court system can be helpful in accessing civil records and the out comes of these types of cases. Since they are considered a matter of public information, with some exceptions, anyone can review and research this information online.
The Role of Florida's Civil Courts
Civil courts are an important part of the state's judicial system, handling non-criminal matters. They primarily focus on resolving lawsuits and disputes between people, businesses or organizations. This judicial jurisdiction operates under the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. These set of official legal guidelines govern how civil court proceedings are conducted in the state.
The civil court system has a specific structure to handle a variety of non criminal legal disputes and lawsuits. This judicial platform is designed to address all parties with fair and equitable outcomes. Depending on the nature of the case, and the amount of money at state, this will determine what courthouse will hear the case.
Types of Cases Heard in Civil Court
The state's civil courthouses hear a wide range of cases. The most common types of cases in the state include lawsuits, personal injury, divorce, property disputes, and various small claims. These cases can at times be somewhat complex, and require careful navigation. By understanding the variety of cases heard in civil court can be helpful in both record retrieval and preparation for future legal battles.
Here is a list of some common types of civil cases:
1). Personal injury claims
2). Divorce and family law disputes
3). Property and contract disputes
4). Small claims cases
5). Class action lawsuits
How to Lookup Florida Civil Court Records
Like any other court case in a state or county courthouse, to obtain copies of Florida civil court records, you will need to inquire with the respective courthouse. Most county courthouses have online portals with public access. This allows people to request and retrieve case documents and files without having to visit a courthouse in person. An example of this is someone wanting to lookup civil court records in Gainesville FL. That person would need to visit the Alachua County Courthouse website, since Gainesville is located in Alachua County. There they can make request for civil case documents and records through the site directly or the clerk of the courts.
Outcomes and Resolutions in Civil Cases
Once a civil case goes to trial, they will typically result in a judgment or an award of damages. The outcome is most commonly determined by a judge, but sometimes by a jury. While many cases go to trial, a large percentage of them are settled out of court if a resolution is agreed upon. Since civil cases are non-criminal in nature, there are no sentences or jail or prison time for those that lose their case.