The Miami Dade County Clerk of Court case search finds public records online. You can look up criminal, civil, traffic, and family cases. The tool is free and open around the clock.
Over 2.7 million people live in Miami-Dade County. That creates millions of court filings each year. Finding a specific case used to mean driving downtown. You had to wait in line at the courthouse.
Now you can search from your phone in minutes. This 2026 guide covers every search method available. You will learn about record types, fees, and deadlines. We also break down common mistakes that waste time.
Miami Dade County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Miami Dade County Clerk of Court case search is a free online tool for finding public court records. It covers all case types filed within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.
The clerk’s office maintains records for criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases. You can access the system from any device with an internet connection. No account or registration is required for basic searches.
Think of it like a library catalog for legal cases. You type in a name or number, and the system pulls up matching files. The results show case status, filing dates, and hearing schedules.
The 2026 version of the portal includes faster search speeds. It also features improved filters for narrowing results by date range. This makes it much easier to find older cases.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free for basic search |
| Availability | 24 hours a day |
| Case Types | Criminal, civil, family, traffic, probate |
| Registration | Not required |
| Coverage | Eleventh Judicial Circuit |
How to Search Miami Dade Court Cases
You can search Miami Dade court cases by visiting the clerk’s official online portal. The process takes less than five minutes for most queries.
Start by opening the clerk of court website on your browser. Look for the “Court Records Search” button on the homepage. Click it to open the search interface.
You will see several search options on the next screen. You can search by party name, case number, or citation number. Choose the method that matches the information you have.
Enter your search terms in the appropriate fields. Double-check the spelling of any names before hitting submit. Misspelled names are the number one reason searches fail.
The results page will display a list of matching cases. Click on any case to view the full docket and filing history. You can then review individual documents for free on screen.
Quick Tip: Use the advanced filters to narrow results by filing year. This saves time when searching for common names like Garcia or Rodriguez.
Miami Dade Court Records Online
Miami Dade court records online include every public case filed in the county since the early 1990s. The digital archive grows every day as new cases are entered.
The online system stores case summaries, docket entries, and court orders. You can view most documents directly in your browser. Some older records may only show summary information.
The portal connects to the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing system. This means attorneys file documents electronically and they appear in the search almost immediately. Most new filings show up within 24 hours.
One thing to understand is the difference between viewing and downloading. You can read documents on screen for free. Downloading certified copies costs extra and requires a formal request.
| Record Era | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2020 to 2026 | Full documents online |
| 2010 to 2019 | Most documents online |
| 2000 to 2009 | Summary and docket only |
| Before 2000 | In-person request required |
Key Takeaway: The clerk’s online portal is free, open 24/7, and covers all major case types in Miami-Dade County.
Miami Dade Case Search by Name
A Miami Dade case search by name is the most common way to find court records. You simply type the full legal name of a party involved in the case.
The search works best when you use the exact name as it appears on court filings. Try the last name first, followed by the first name. The system uses a “last name, first name” format.
Common names will return hundreds of results. Use the middle initial or date of birth filter to narrow things down. The 2026 update added a birth year filter for this exact reason.
If the person has a hyphenated or compound last name, try both variations. Search “Martinez Lopez” and also try just “Martinez” alone. The system does not always handle compound surnames well.
You can also search by business name for corporate cases. Type the full legal entity name as registered with the state. Abbreviations like “LLC” or “Inc” should be included.
Bold Stat: Over 60% of all Miami-Dade case searches are name-based queries.
Miami Dade County Case Number Search
A Miami Dade County case number search is the fastest and most precise method available. Every case gets a unique number when it is first filed with the clerk.
The case number format tells you a lot about the case. It typically starts with the year, followed by a case type code and a sequential number. For example, “2025-CA-012345” indicates a 2025 civil case.
Here is a quick breakdown of common case type codes you will see:
| Code | Case Type |
|---|---|
| CA | Civil |
| CF | Criminal Felony |
| CM | Criminal Misdemeanor |
| DR | Domestic Relations |
| PR | Probate |
| TR | Traffic |
| SC | Small Claims |
Type the full case number into the search bar without spaces. The system will pull up the exact case in seconds. This method eliminates the guesswork of name searches.
If you do not know the full case number, try entering just the year and type code. The system will return all cases matching that partial number. You can then scan the list for the right one.
Miami Dade Criminal Case Search
A Miami Dade criminal case search lets you find records for felony and misdemeanor charges. These records include arrests, formal charges, plea agreements, and sentencing details.
Criminal records in Miami-Dade are public under Florida’s Sunshine Law. Anyone can view them without special permission. The only exceptions are juvenile cases and sealed or expunged records.
The search results will show the defendant’s name, the charges filed, and the case status. You can see whether the case is open, closed, or pending appeal. Hearing dates and judge assignments are also listed.
One important detail is that arrest records and court records are different things. An arrest record comes from the police department. A court record shows what happened after the arrest in the legal system.
| Record Type | Source | Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest Record | Miami-Dade Police | Booking, charges at arrest |
| Court Record | Clerk of Court | Filings, hearings, verdicts |
| Sentencing | Clerk of Court | Fines, probation, jail time |
Key Takeaway: Name searches work for most queries, but a case number search is faster and more precise when you have the number.
Miami Dade Civil Case Search
A Miami Dade civil case search covers lawsuits between individuals, businesses, and organizations. This includes personal injury claims, contract disputes, and property disagreements.
Civil cases make up the largest portion of the Miami-Dade court docket. The county processes over 100,000 civil filings per year. Most of these are small claims or debt collection cases.
When you search for a civil case, you will see both the plaintiff and defendant names. The docket will list every motion, response, and court order filed. You can track the case from initial complaint to final judgment.
Small claims cases under $8,000 are handled in a separate division. These cases move faster and have simpler dockets. You can filter for small claims specifically in the search interface.
Landlord-tenant disputes also fall under civil cases. If you are dealing with an eviction, search under the “CC” or county civil division. These records show the full eviction timeline.
Quick Fact: The average civil case in Miami-Dade takes 8 to 14 months to reach resolution.
Miami Dade Traffic Case Lookup
A Miami Dade traffic case lookup helps you find records for speeding tickets, DUI charges, and other moving violations. These cases are filed in the traffic division of the county court.
Traffic records show the citation number, the violation type, and the court date. You can also see whether the fine was paid or if the case went to a hearing. Unpaid tickets will show as open cases.
To search for a traffic case, use the citation number from your ticket. You can also search by name and date of birth. The citation number method is more reliable for traffic cases.
DUI cases are treated differently from standard traffic violations. They appear in the criminal division rather than the traffic division. Search under criminal misdemeanor or felony for DUI records.
| Violation Type | Division | Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding Ticket | Traffic | Citation number |
| Red Light Camera | Traffic | Citation number |
| DUI First Offense | Criminal Misdemeanor | Name or case number |
| Reckless Driving | Criminal | Name or case number |
| Parking Ticket | Not in Court System | City portal |
Key Takeaway: Criminal records are fully public in Miami-Dade, while civil records cover everything from small claims to major lawsuits.
Miami Dade Family Court Records
Miami Dade family court records include divorce filings, child custody orders, and domestic violence injunctions. These cases fall under the domestic relations division of the circuit court.
Family court records have stricter access rules than other case types. Florida law seals certain details to protect minors and victims. You can see the case exists, but some documents may be restricted.
The docket will show the case type, filing date, and general status. You can see whether a divorce is finalized or still pending. Custody modification hearings and support order changes also appear.
To search for a family court case, use the full names of both parties. The system lists cases under both the petitioner and respondent. Try searching under either name if the first attempt fails.
Adoption records are completely sealed in Florida. You will not find them through the public case search. Only the parties involved and their attorneys can access adoption files.
Bold Stat: Miami-Dade processes roughly 25,000 family law cases per year.
Miami Dade Probate Case Search
A Miami Dade probate case search lets you look up estate and guardianship proceedings. These cases handle the distribution of assets after someone passes away.
Probate records are generally public in Florida. You can see the name of the deceased, the personal representative, and the case status. Asset inventories and creditor claims are also part of the public record.
The search works best with the full name of the deceased person. You can also search by the name of the personal representative or the attorney handling the estate. Probate cases use the “PR” case type code.
Guardianship cases are a subset of probate. These involve court-appointed guardians for minors or incapacitated adults. Some guardianship details may be restricted to protect the ward’s privacy.
| Probate Type | Case Code | Public Access |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Administration | PR | Full access |
| Summary Administration | PR | Full access |
| Guardianship | GU | Partial access |
| Trust Proceedings | TR | Limited access |
Key Takeaway: Traffic cases use citation numbers for the best results, while family court records have extra privacy protections under Florida law.
Miami Dade Court Docket Search
A Miami Dade court docket search shows the complete timeline of a case from start to finish. The docket is essentially a chronological log of every action taken in the case.
Each docket entry includes a date, a description of the filing, and the party who filed it. You can see when motions were submitted, when hearings were held, and when orders were issued.
The docket is the most detailed view available in the case search system. It gives you a play-by-play account of the legal proceedings. This is especially useful for tracking active cases.
Hearing dates and courtroom assignments appear on the docket as well. You can find out when the next court date is scheduled. The judge’s name and division number are also listed.
One thing to note is that docket entries use legal shorthand. Terms like “MOT DIS” mean motion to dismiss. “ORD GRANT” means order granted. Learning these abbreviations helps you read the docket faster.
Quick Tip: Sort the docket by date in reverse order to see the most recent activity first.
Miami Dade Clerk of Court Public Records
Miami Dade Clerk of Court public records include far more than just court cases. The clerk also maintains property records, marriage licenses, and official county documents.
The public records portal gives you access to all of these categories in one place. You can switch between court records, land records, and vital records using the main navigation menu.
Florida’s broad public records law means most government documents are accessible to anyone. You do not need to be a party to a case to view its records. Journalists, researchers, and curious residents all use the system daily.
However, some records are exempt from public disclosure. Sealed court orders, juvenile delinquency files, and certain medical records are not available online. You will see a “restricted” label on these entries.
| Record Category | Available Online | Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Court Cases | Yes | Name or case number |
| Property Deeds | Yes | Owner name or address |
| Marriage Licenses | Yes | Party names |
| Sealed Cases | No | Court order required |
| Juvenile Cases | No | Court order required |
Key Takeaway: The docket gives you the full timeline of a case, while the broader public records portal covers property, marriage, and other county documents.
Miami Dade Court Records Request
A Miami Dade court records request is how you obtain certified copies of documents that are not available for free download. You need certified copies for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
You can submit a records request online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Online requests are the fastest option in 2026. The clerk’s portal has a dedicated request form for this purpose.
When submitting a request, include the case number and the specific documents you need. Vague requests like “all documents” will slow down processing. Be as specific as possible about dates and filing types.
Mail requests should be sent to the clerk’s main office in downtown Miami. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery. Processing times for mail requests are longer than online submissions.
| Request Method | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | 2 to 5 business days | Urgent needs |
| In Person | Same day | Single documents |
| By Mail | 10 to 15 business days | Non-urgent requests |
Miami Dade Clerk of Court Fees
Miami Dade Clerk of Court fees vary depending on the type of document and the service you need. Basic online searches are completely free. You only pay when you request official copies or certified documents.
Certified copies of court documents cost $2 per page in 2026. A certified copy of a final judgment typically runs between $5 and $20 depending on length. Exemplified copies for use in other states cost more.
Here is a breakdown of the most common fees you will encounter:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online Case Search | Free |
| Viewing Documents Online | Free |
| Certified Copy Per Page | $2 |
| Certified Final Judgment | $5 to $20 |
| Exemplified Copy | $10 to $30 |
| Record Search Fee (in person) | $2 per name |
| Copy of Traffic Citation | $1 to $5 |
Payment methods include credit card, debit card, and cashier’s check. The online portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Personal checks are not accepted for online payments.
Bold Stat: The average Miami-Dade resident spends under $15 per year on court record fees.
Key Takeaway: Certified copies cost $2 per page, but viewing records online is completely free for anyone.
Miami Dade Clerk of Court Hours
Miami Dade Clerk of Court hours for in-person service are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main courthouse is located at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center in downtown Miami.
The online case search system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need to visit during business hours to look up cases. The portal only goes down for brief maintenance windows on weekends.
If you need to visit in person, arrive early to avoid long lines. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are the busiest times. Mid-week visits around 10:00 AM tend to have the shortest waits.
The clerk also operates satellite offices in Hialeah, Miami Beach, and Kendall. These locations offer limited services but can handle basic record requests. Check the specific hours for each branch before visiting.
| Location | Hours | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Miami | 8 AM to 5 PM | Full services |
| Hialeah | 8 AM to 4 PM | Records and filings |
| Miami Beach | 8 AM to 4 PM | Records only |
| Kendall | 8 AM to 4 PM | Records and filings |
| Online Portal | 24/7 | Search and requests |
Miami Dade County Court Case Lookup
A Miami Dade County court case lookup can be done through multiple channels depending on your needs. The online portal is the best starting point for most people.
If the online search does not return results, try visiting a public access terminal at the courthouse. These computer stations have access to the full database including some records not available from home.
You can also call the clerk’s office directly for help locating a case. The customer service line can confirm whether a case exists and provide the case number. Have the party’s full name and approximate filing date ready.
Remember that very recent filings may not appear in the system yet. Allow 24 to 48 hours for new cases to show up online. E-filed documents appear faster than paper filings.
If you still cannot find the case, it may have been filed in a different county. Florida has 67 counties, each with its own clerk system. A case filed in Broward County will not appear in Miami-Dade records.
Quick Tip: Try alternate spellings and nicknames if your first search fails. “Robert” and “Roberto” are treated as different names by the system.
Key Takeaway: The clerk’s office is open weekdays from 8 to 5, but the online search tool works around the clock for your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Miami Dade court case search really free?
Yes, the basic case search is completely free to use. You can view case summaries and docket entries at no cost. You only pay if you need certified copies of specific documents.
How far back do Miami Dade court records go?
Online records generally go back to the early 1990s. Cases filed before 2000 may only show summary information. Older records require an in-person visit to the courthouse archives.
Can I search Miami Dade cases without a case number?
Yes, you can search by party name, date of birth, or citation number. A case number is helpful but not required. Name searches work well for most queries.
Why does my Miami Dade case search show no results?
The most common reason is a misspelled name or wrong county. Sealed and expunged cases also will not appear in public searches. Try alternate spellings or contact the clerk’s office for help.
How long does a Miami Dade court records request take?
Online requests typically take 2 to 5 business days to process. In-person requests can be fulfilled the same day. Mail requests take 10 to 15 business days on average.
Your next step is simple. Go to the clerk’s online portal and try a search today. Start with a name or case number and see what comes up. The system is free, fast, and easier than most people expect.
If you hit a dead end, call the clerk’s office or visit a public terminal downtown. The records are there. You just need the right search strategy to find them.
