Search Miami Dade County court records online in 2026 using the official Clerk of the Court and Comptroller portals for civil, family, probate, criminal, traffic, official records and certified copy requests. This guide explains free online search steps, case number lookup, party name search, courthouse locations, fees, sealed records, Florida access limits and federal PACER records.
Need Miami-Dade County Court Records Right Now?
For most Miami-Dade court records, start with the official Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller. Use the Civil, Family and Probate Courts Online System for civil, family and probate records, the Criminal Justice Online Case Search for felony and misdemeanor records, and the Traffic Online System for citations and traffic cases. For federal cases filed in Miami, use PACER or the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Miami Dade County Court Records Overview for Free Online Search
Miami Dade County court records are official case records maintained by the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller for courts serving Miami-Dade County, Florida. These records may include case numbers, party names, filing dates, docket entries, case events, hearings, judgments, traffic citations, civil filings, family matters, probate cases and some public images or documents depending on the record type and access level.
The cleanest way to search is to use the official Clerk portals instead of a random third-party website. Miami-Dade has separate online systems for civil/family/probate records, criminal records, traffic records and official public records. This matters because one search box may not cover every court division.
What can you search online in Miami-Dade County?
| Record Type | Official Search Tool | Best Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Civil cases | Civil, Family and Probate Courts Online System | Case number, party name, filing date or advanced search |
| Family court records | Civil, Family and Probate Courts Online System | Case number or party name |
| Probate cases | Civil, Family and Probate Courts Online System | Case number, decedent name or party name |
| Criminal felony and misdemeanor cases | Criminal Justice Online Case Search | Defendant name, case number or related case details |
| Traffic citations | Traffic Online System | Citation number, driver license details or standard search |
| Official records | County Recorder Official Record Search | Book/page, party name, instrument type or recording date |
Official Miami-Dade Court Records Search Portals
Miami-Dade court records are not searched through one single portal for every record. The Clerk separates court records by division and service type. Use the table below to avoid wasting time on the wrong search page.
Best official portal by search intent
| If You Need | Use This Official Page | What It Helps With |
|---|---|---|
| General records menu | Clerk Records | Starting point for court records, official records, criminal, traffic and recorder searches |
| Civil / family / probate search | Civil, Family and Probate Online System | Lawsuits, divorce, family law, probate, guardianship and related court records |
| Criminal case search | Criminal Justice Online Case Search | Felony and misdemeanor case information |
| Traffic citation search | Traffic Online System | Civil traffic infractions, citation lookup, payment and traffic school options |
| Certified copies | Certified Copies | Official certified copies for court and official records |
| Court locations | Courthouse Locations | Find the right courthouse before visiting in person |
How to Search Miami Dade County Court Records Online Free
For a free online search, start with the official Clerk records hub and choose the correct portal. The best search method is usually a case number. If you do not have the case number, search by party name, business name, citation number, filing date or record type where allowed.
Step-by-step free online case search
- Open the official Clerk records page Go to Miami-Dade Clerk Records. This page links to the main court-record search tools.
- Select the correct division Use Civil/Family/Probate for lawsuits, divorce and probate. Use Criminal Justice for felony and misdemeanor cases. Use Traffic Online System for citations.
- Enter your strongest search detail Case number is best. If not available, use party name, citation number, business name, filing date or advanced filters.
- Verify the match before relying on it Check case type, party role, filing date, judge, courthouse and docket entries. Name-only matches can easily point to the wrong person.
- Request certified copies if needed For court, school, immigration, licensing, employment, title, probate or legal use, request official certified copies instead of relying on screenshots.
Miami-Dade Civil, Family and Probate Court Records Search by Name or Case Number
The Civil, Family and Probate Courts Online System is the official tool for many non-criminal court records in Miami-Dade County. Use it for civil lawsuits, family law cases, probate matters, guardianships and related public court records when available.
Civil court records Miami-Dade online search
Civil cases may include contract disputes, personal injury cases, landlord-tenant matters, small claims, mortgage foreclosure, civil judgments and other lawsuits. If you know the case number, use it first. If not, search by party name and narrow results by date or case type.
Family court records Miami-Dade divorce and custody search
Family records may include divorce, paternity, child support, custody, time-sharing, domestic relations and related filings. Some details may be restricted because family court files can contain sensitive personal, financial or child-related information. For official divorce decrees or certified family court orders, use the Clerk’s certified copy process.
Probate court records Miami-Dade estate and guardianship lookup
Probate records may include estate cases, wills filed with the court, administration documents, guardianships and related orders. Search by case number, decedent name, party name or filing date if those options are available. Probate documents may require certified copies for banks, title companies, heirs, personal representatives or out-of-state filings.
| Search Query | Best Tool | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade civil case search | Civil, Family and Probate Online System | Case number, plaintiff/defendant, filing date, case type |
| Miami Dade divorce records online | Family case search | Party names, family division, final judgment, certified decree needs |
| Miami Dade probate records search | Probate case search | Decedent name, case number, personal representative, docket |
| Miami Dade small claims records | Civil records search | Claim amount, judgment status, hearing information |
| Miami Dade foreclosure case search | Civil records search | Property address, party names, docket entries, sale activity |
Miami-Dade Criminal Court Records Search for Felony and Misdemeanor Cases
The official Criminal Justice Online Case Search is used for Miami-Dade felony and misdemeanor case information. It can help with defendant name searches, criminal case number lookup, docket review and certified copy ordering when documents are available through the system.
How to search Miami-Dade criminal case records online
- Open the Criminal Justice Online Case Search Go to Miami-Dade Criminal Justice Online Case Search.
- Search by case number when possible A case number gives the cleanest result. If you only know the person’s name, use careful spelling and compare all details before assuming a match.
- Review charges, docket and case events Look for case status, charge details, hearing history, docket entries, dispositions, sentences and payment information when shown.
- Order certified records only through official channels If you need a certified criminal case document or criminal history check, use the Clerk’s certified copy pages and follow the official process.
Miami-Dade criminal record search vs criminal history check
A court case search is not always the same as a complete criminal history background check. A case search shows court case information in Miami-Dade. A background check, law enforcement clearance letter, fingerprint-based check or FDLE criminal history search may follow different rules and may show different information.
Miami-Dade Traffic Ticket Search, Civil Infractions and Court Payments
The Miami-Dade Traffic Online System helps users search traffic citations, pay eligible citations, elect traffic school or request court where available. Traffic records are separate from civil, family, probate and criminal case portals, so use the dedicated traffic tool when the issue is a ticket or citation.
How to search a Miami-Dade traffic ticket online
- Open the official Traffic Online System Go to Miami-Dade Traffic Online System.
- Use citation number first If you know the exact citation number, use it. This is more accurate than searching by name.
- Review available options Depending on the case, you may be able to pay, elect traffic school, request court or review case status.
- Check license status separately when needed If a citation affects your driver license, verify license clearance through the appropriate Florida driver license process after court requirements are completed.
Miami-Dade Official Records Search for Deeds, Mortgages and Public Documents
Official records are different from court case records. The County Recorder’s official records may include deeds, mortgages, liens, notices, judgments recorded in public records and other recorded documents. Use the Clerk’s official records page when your search is about property, recorded instruments or book-and-page documents.
When to use official records instead of court records
| You Are Searching For | Use | Search Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Deed or mortgage | Official Records Search | Search by party name, book/page, instrument type or date |
| Recorded lien | Official Records Search | Try owner name, business name or document type |
| Lis pendens | Official Records and civil case records | Search both recorded document and court case |
| Marriage license record | Clerk marriage records service | Use names and date range |
| Court lawsuit docket | Civil, Family and Probate Online System | Use case number or party name |
Miami-Dade Court Records Certified Copies, Search Fees and Copy Requests
If you need a record for official use, request a certified copy from the Clerk. Certified copies are commonly needed for immigration filings, school records, professional licensing, banking, title work, probate, divorce proof, court compliance, appeals and government filing.
Certified copy options by record type
| Record Type | Official Request Page | Known Official Fee Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civil, family and probate copies | Civil certified copies | Official page lists $1 per page and $2 per document for certification. |
| Official records copies | Official records certified copies | Official page lists $1 per page, $2 certification and $2 per name/year search fee when needed. |
| Criminal case copies | Criminal certified copies | Search the criminal case system first; registered access may be required for some images. |
| Criminal history checks | Criminal history certified copies | Available online, by mail or in person; personal checks are not accepted. |
| General certified copies | Certified copies hub | Fees and service charges apply; unknown year/case number can add a $2 per year, per name search fee. |
How to request certified copies without mistakes
- Identify the exact record Collect the case number, book/page, year, party names, document type and court division before ordering.
- Use the right certified copy page Court case copies, official records copies and criminal history checks may use different request pages.
- Check whether online images are available If the document image is visible online, you may be able to order through the portal. If not, follow mail or in-person instructions.
- Include payment and return details For mail requests, include the required details, payment method and self-addressed stamped envelope where the official instructions require it.
Miami-Dade Courthouse Locations, Clerk Offices and Map
Miami-Dade court records may be tied to different courthouse locations depending on the division, case type and district. Before visiting, check the official Clerk or Eleventh Judicial Circuit location pages because departments, counters and services can move.
Miami-Dade Clerk and Civil/Probate Court area map
20 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
Main phone: 305-275-1155
Official website: Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller
Main Miami-Dade courthouse and service locations
| Location | Address | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center | 20 N.W. 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128 | Civil and probate court services in downtown Miami area |
| Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center | 175 NW First Avenue, Miami, FL 33128 | Courthouse and Clerk services listed by the Clerk |
| Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building | 1351 N.W. 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125 | Criminal court-related services and felony/misdemeanor matters |
| South Dade Justice Center | 10710 S.W. 211 Street, Miami, FL 33189 | South Dade court services |
| Joseph Caleb Center Court | 5400 NW 22nd Avenue, Suite 103, Miami, FL 33142 | District court services |
| Coral Gables District Court | 3100 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134 | District court services |
| Hialeah District Court | 11 E. 6th Street, Hialeah, FL 33010 | District court services |
Sealed, Confidential and Restricted Miami-Dade Court Records
Some Miami-Dade court records are public, some are partly public, and some are restricted. Florida electronic court access is controlled by statewide standards, access levels, user roles and confidentiality rules. A document that is part of a court file may still be hidden from remote public view if it contains protected information.
Records that may be restricted online
- Juvenile records and dependency matters
- Adoption records and certain family-related confidential filings
- Domestic violence and victim-related information
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Protected financial, medical or personal identifying information
- Documents marked viewable only by certain registered users or court staff
- Records restricted by Florida court rules, statute or court order
Seal and Expunge Miami-Dade Criminal Records in Florida
Sealing and expungement are legal processes that can limit public access to certain criminal history records. In Miami-Dade, the Clerk points users to the Miami-Dade State Attorney and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for seal and expunge guidance. Eligibility depends on Florida law, case outcome, prior record, disqualifying offenses and required certificates.
Basic seal and expunge steps
- Find your criminal case details Use the Criminal Justice Online Case Search to locate the case number, charges and disposition.
- Read FDLE eligibility instructions Start with the official FDLE seal and expunge process.
- Check local State Attorney guidance Use the Miami-Dade State Attorney seal and expungement resources when the process requires local prosecutor review or case-specific steps.
- Get certified dispositions before sealing FDLE cautions applicants to obtain copies of required records before sealing or expungement because public access may become restricted after the order.
Federal Court Records in Miami-Dade County and PACER Search
Miami-Dade federal court records are not searched through the Miami-Dade Clerk portals. Federal civil, criminal, bankruptcy and appellate records are searched through PACER and the appropriate federal court. Miami is within the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
How to search federal court records in Miami
- Open PACER Go to pacer.uscourts.gov and register or log in.
- Choose the Southern District of Florida Use the official Southern District of Florida records page or PACER court lookup.
- Search by party name or case number Federal case numbers often look different from state court case numbers. Use party names, attorney names or federal case number if available.
- Download docket reports or documents PACER provides electronic access to federal court dockets and documents. Fees may apply under PACER rules.
Official website: flsd.uscourts.gov
Records information: Southern District of Florida Records
PACER: Public Access to Court Electronic Records
Practical Tips for Miami Dade County Court Records Search
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search Miami Dade County court records online for free?
Start at the official Miami-Dade Clerk Records page, then choose the correct portal. Use the Civil, Family and Probate Online System for civil/family/probate cases, Criminal Justice Online Case Search for criminal cases, and Traffic Online System for citations.
What is the official Miami-Dade court records website?
The official Clerk website is miamidadeclerk.gov. The records hub is Miami-Dade Clerk Records.
Can I search Miami-Dade court records by name?
Yes, many Miami-Dade court portals allow name searches, but the exact search options depend on the division. Case number search is usually more accurate than a name search.
Where do I search Miami-Dade civil court records?
Use the official Civil, Family and Probate Courts Online System. It supports standard and advanced records search for civil, family and probate cases.
Where do I search Miami-Dade criminal court records?
Use the official Criminal Justice Online Case Search for felony and misdemeanor case information.
How do I search a Miami-Dade traffic ticket?
Use the official Traffic Online System. You can search citations, pay eligible citations, elect traffic school or request court when available.
How much are Miami-Dade certified court copies?
The official civil certified copy page lists $1 per page and $2 per document for certification. Official records certified copies list $1 per page, $2 certification and a $2 per name/year search fee when needed.
How do I get a certified copy of a Miami-Dade court record?
Use the Clerk’s Certified Copies page and choose the correct record type. You may be able to request online, by mail or in person depending on the record.
Are Miami-Dade juvenile court records public?
Juvenile records are confidential in many situations. The Clerk’s certified copy guidance says juvenile cases are confidential and certified copies can only be ordered by mail or in person.
Why can’t I find a Miami-Dade court record online?
The record may be confidential, sealed, restricted by access rules, filed in another division, available only to registered users, too old for the online portal, or filed in federal court.
What phone number should I call for Miami-Dade court records?
The Clerk’s main phone number is 305-275-1155. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit contact page also lists 305-275-1155 for Clerk online services and 305-275-1111 for traffic case information only.
Where is the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court located?
The Clerk’s main website lists 20 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida 33128. Always check official location pages before visiting because services may vary by courthouse.
Are Miami-Dade official records the same as court records?
No. Official records usually include recorded public documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens and recorded instruments. Court records include case filings, docket entries, hearings and court orders.
How do I search Miami-Dade federal court records?
Use PACER and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Federal court records are not searched through the Miami-Dade Clerk’s county court portals.
Can I seal or expunge a Miami-Dade criminal record?
Possibly, depending on eligibility under Florida law. Start with the FDLE seal and expunge process and the Miami-Dade State Attorney resources. You may need certified dispositions and a certificate of eligibility.
Is a Miami-Dade court record search the same as a background check?
No. A court record search shows court case information. A formal background check, criminal history check, fingerprint-based check or clearance letter may use different agencies and different rules.
Final Summary
For miami dade county court records, use the official Miami-Dade Clerk records hub first. Choose the Civil, Family and Probate Online System for civil, divorce, family and probate cases; use the Criminal Justice Online Case Search for felony and misdemeanor records; use the Traffic Online System for tickets and citations; and use official certified copy pages when you need legal proof.
Always confirm the case number, party name, division, courthouse, filing date and document type before relying on a result. If a record is missing online, it may still exist but be restricted, sealed, available only to registered users, available only in person, or filed in federal court through PACER.