Leon County Court Records
What Is Leon County Court Records
Court records in Leon County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.011(3)(c)(1), court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts or the clerk of court. These documents provide a comprehensive account of legal matters processed through the county's judicial system.
Leon County court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voting records
The following courts maintain records within Leon County:
- Circuit Court (2nd Judicial Circuit)
- County Court
- Family Court
- Probate Court
- Small Claims Court
These courts handle various matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law cases, probate matters, and traffic violations. The Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serves as the primary judicial authority in Leon County, maintaining extensive records of proceedings within its jurisdiction.
Court records serve multiple purposes including:
- Documenting judicial decisions and legal precedents
- Providing transparency in the judicial process
- Enabling research for legal professionals
- Allowing parties to review case histories
- Supporting public oversight of the judicial system
Are Court Records Public In Leon County
Court records in Leon County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the Sunshine Law. Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection by any person, with certain exceptions established by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure or subject to redaction, including:
- Records involving juveniles
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Information protected by privacy laws
The Florida Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records through Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which outlines procedures for requesting access and the process for determining confidentiality.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida (which includes Leon County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations.
How To Find Court Records in Leon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Leon County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Leon County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the official custodian of court records and provides multiple avenues for record retrieval.
To obtain court records in person:
- Visit the Leon County Courthouse Records Division
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for uncertified copies)
Leon County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4000
Leon County Clerk of Court
For written requests:
- Submit a detailed written request including:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of case filing
- Type of case (civil, criminal, etc.)
- Specific documents needed
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Electronic access is available through the Leon County online services portal, which provides search capabilities for various court records. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date
- Case type
For criminal records, the Leon County Sheriff's Office maintains a separate database accessible through their website or in person at their headquarters.
How To Look Up Court Records in Leon County Online?
Leon County offers comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. These systems allow users to search and retrieve documents remotely without visiting the courthouse.
The primary online resources include:
-
Leon County Clerk of Court Public Records Search
- Access civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases
- Search by case number, party name, or date range
- View docket entries and some case documents
- Available at Leon County Clerk's Online Records
-
Florida's 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Records
- Access circuit court cases in Leon County
- View court calendars and hearing schedules
- Search for specific judges' dockets
- Available through the Second Judicial Circuit website
-
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Access to electronically filed documents
- Requires registration for full access
- Primarily used by attorneys but available to public
- Search capabilities for filed documents
-
Florida Appellate Case Information System
- Search appellate cases from Leon County
- Access opinions, orders, and docket information
- Available through the Florida Appellate Case Information System
To conduct an effective online search:
- Determine which court has jurisdiction over the case
- Select the appropriate online system
- Enter known information (case number is most efficient)
- If case number is unknown, search by party name
- Review search results and select relevant case
- Access available documents (some may require fees)
Users should note that certain documents may not be available online due to confidentiality restrictions or technical limitations. Additionally, some older records may not be digitized and might require in-person requests.
How To Search Leon County Court Records for Free?
Leon County residents and interested parties may access court records without cost through several channels, in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07, which guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge.
Free access options include:
-
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Leon County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at public terminals
- No charge for viewing records (copying fees apply)
- Available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
-
Public Access Terminals
- Computer terminals available at the courthouse
- Search case information without fees
- Located in the Records Division of the Clerk's Office
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
-
Leon County Public Library
- Selected public access terminals available
- Basic court record search capabilities
- Available during library operating hours
- Located at main branch and select satellite locations
-
Online Basic Searches
- Limited free searches through the Leon County Clerk's website
- Basic case information available without subscription
- Docket listings and case status information
- Party names and case types viewable without charge
While inspection is free, the following fees may apply for copies:
- Standard copies: $0.15 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee
- Electronic copies: Varies by volume and format
The Florida Courts website also provides free access to certain statewide court information, including Supreme Court opinions and appellate decisions affecting Leon County cases.
What's Included in a Leon County Court Record?
Leon County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documents.
Standard components found in most court records:
-
Case Initiation Documents
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Service of process documentation
- Filing fee receipts
-
Party Information
- Names and contact information
- Attorney representation details
- Corporate information for business entities
-
Docket Sheet
- Chronological listing of all case events
- Filing dates and document descriptions
- Hearing schedules and outcomes
- Judicial assignments and reassignments
-
Pleadings and Motions
- Answers and responses
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
-
Court Orders and Judgments
- Preliminary orders
- Summary judgment decisions
- Final judgments
- Post-judgment orders
Case-specific documents may include:
Civil Cases:
- Settlement agreements (if not confidential)
- Exhibits and evidence logs
- Expert witness reports
- Damage calculations
Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Bail and bond information
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Sentencing documents
- Probation terms
Family Law Cases:
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Marital settlement agreements
Probate Cases:
- Wills and codicils
- Inventories of assets
- Creditor claims
- Distribution plans
Court records may also contain transcripts of proceedings, though these are typically prepared only upon request and payment of transcription fees.
How Long Does Leon County Keep Court Records?
Leon County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. These schedules vary based on case type, significance, and outcome.
General retention periods for major case categories:
Criminal Cases:
- Capital felonies: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felonies: 75 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 5-10 years after case closure
- Criminal appeals: 10 years after mandate
Civil Cases:
- Standard civil litigation: 10 years after case closure
- Real property cases: 10 years after case closure
- Small claims: 5 years after case closure
- Civil appeals: 10 years after mandate
Family Law Cases:
- Divorce/dissolution: 10 years after case closure
- Child support: 10 years after youngest child reaches majority
- Domestic violence: 5 years after case closure
- Adoption: Permanent retention
Probate Cases:
- Estates: 10 years after case closure
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 5 years after case closure
Special Proceedings:
- Habeas corpus: 5 years after case closure
- Extraordinary writs: 10 years after case closure
- Foreclosures: 10 years after case closure
The Florida Records Management Program oversees these retention requirements, which are subject to periodic review and revision. Certain historically significant cases may be designated for permanent retention regardless of case type.
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to archival storage
- Converted to electronic format
- Destroyed according to approved procedures
Parties seeking older records should contact the Leon County Clerk's Office to determine availability and retrieval options.
Types of Courts In Leon County
Leon County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within Florida's unified court structure. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles designated case types.
Leon County Circuit Court (2nd Judicial Circuit)
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4000
Second Judicial Circuit
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil disputes exceeding $30,000
- Domestic relations cases
- Probate matters
- Juvenile proceedings
- Appeals from County Court
Leon County Court
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4000
Leon County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes up to $30,000
- Small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions
- Ordinance violations
Leon County Family Court Division
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4100
Family Court Services
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Family Court Division oversees:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and support
- Paternity cases
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Name changes
- Adoptions
Leon County Drug Court
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4450
Leon County Drug Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Leon County Veterans Treatment Court
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4450
Veterans Treatment Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The court hierarchy in Florida proceeds from County Courts to Circuit Courts, then to District Courts of Appeal, and finally to the Florida Supreme Court. Leon County falls within the jurisdiction of the First District Court of Appeal for appellate matters.
What Types of Cases Do Leon County Courts Hear?
Leon County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority. The types of cases heard by each court are determined by Florida law and administrative orders of the Second Judicial Circuit.
Circuit Court Cases:
The Leon County Circuit Court, as part of Florida's Second Judicial Circuit, handles:
-
Felony Criminal Cases
- Capital felonies (death penalty eligible)
- First-degree felonies
- Second-degree felonies
- Third-degree felonies
- Violations of probation/community control
-
Major Civil Litigation
- Cases with damages exceeding $30,000
- Real property disputes
- Title claims
- Complex business litigation
- Class action lawsuits
-
Family Law Matters
- Dissolution of marriage
- Child custody determinations
- Alimony and child support
- Paternity establishment
- Modifications of family court orders
- Adoptions
-
Probate and Guardianship
- Estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust litigation
- Adult guardianships
- Minor guardianships
- Baker Act proceedings (involuntary mental health examination)
-
Juvenile Matters
- Delinquency proceedings
- Dependency cases
- Termination of parental rights
- Children in need of services
County Court Cases:
The Leon County Court addresses:
-
Misdemeanor Criminal Cases
- First-degree misdemeanors
- Second-degree misdemeanors
- Criminal traffic offenses
- County ordinance violations
-
Civil Disputes
- Cases with damages up to $30,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Consumer claims
- Contract disputes
- Small claims (up to $8,000)
-
Traffic Infractions
- Moving violations
- Non-moving violations
- Driver's license issues
- Red light camera violations
Specialty Courts:
Leon County also operates several problem-solving courts:
- Drug Court: Handles eligible drug-related offenses with focus on treatment
- Veterans Treatment Court: Addresses cases involving military veterans
- Mental Health Court: Manages cases involving defendants with mental health issues
- Teen Court: Provides alternative sanctions for juvenile offenders
The Florida Supreme Court and First District Court of Appeal hear appeals from Leon County cases according to established appellate procedures.
How To Find a Court Docket In Leon County
Court dockets in Leon County provide a chronological listing of all filings, hearings, and judicial actions in a case. These records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the user's needs and the case type.
To access court dockets electronically:
-
Leon County Clerk's Online Records System
- Visit the Leon County Clerk's website
- Select "Court Records Search"
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review docket listings in search results
- Access available documents (fees may apply for certain documents)
-
Second Judicial Circuit Case Information
- Navigate to the Second Judicial Circuit website
- Select "Case Information" or "Court Records"
- Enter search parameters
- View docket information for circuit court cases
-
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Register for an account (available to public)
- Search for cases using identifying information
- View docket entries for registered cases
- Access electronically filed documents
For in-person docket access:
- Visit the Leon County Courthouse Records Division
- Request docket information for specific cases
- Use public access terminals to search court records
- Obtain printed docket sheets (fees apply)
Leon County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4000
Leon County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For upcoming court hearings:
-
Court Calendars
- Available on the Second Judicial Circuit website
- Organized by judge, division, or case type
- Updated daily with current hearing schedules
-
Clerk's Office Inquiry
- Call the Clerk's Office at (850) 606-4000
- Provide case number or party names
- Request hearing date information
Attorneys and registered parties may receive electronic notifications of docket updates through the e-filing system. Members of the media can access information about cases of significant public interest through the Second Judicial Circuit Media page.
Which Courts in Leon County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Florida judicial system, courts are designated as either "courts of record" or "not of record" based on their procedural requirements and record-keeping practices. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 34.01, all courts in Leon County are currently classified as courts of record.
A court of record is characterized by:
- Official documentation of all proceedings
- Verbatim recording or transcription capability
- Formal rules of evidence and procedure
- Appeals based on the official record
Historically, certain lower courts in Florida operated as courts not of record, including:
- Justice of the Peace Courts (abolished in 1973)
- Municipal Courts (most converted to courts of record)
Under the current Florida Constitution and statutory framework, all courts in Leon County maintain official records of their proceedings, including:
- Circuit Court (2nd Judicial Circuit)
- County Court
- Family Court Division
- Specialty Courts (Drug Court, Veterans Court)
Appeals from Leon County courts proceed as follows:
- County Court cases are appealed to the Circuit Court
- Circuit Court cases are appealed to the First District Court of Appeal
- Appeals are based on the official record created in the lower court
While all Leon County courts are courts of record, it should be noted that certain administrative proceedings conducted by county agencies may not constitute formal court proceedings and may have different record-keeping requirements.
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration govern record-keeping practices for all courts in the state, ensuring consistency and accessibility of court records throughout the judicial system.
Lookup Court Records in Leon County
Second Judicial Circuit Court Information
Florida Courts Official Website