Florida Court Case Search: Find Your Lawsuit Online in Minutes

Facing a debt collection lawsuit creates stress when money is tight. You need to track your court case carefully. Missing a hearing can cost you thousands.

Florida gives you two ways to check your case status. You can search online through your county portal. Or you can visit the courthouse in person.

Finding your case among millions of court documents feels overwhelming. We’ll show you exactly how to locate your records quickly.

How Florida Courts Handle Debt Lawsuits

Understanding Florida’s court structure helps you find the right records. Debt collection lawsuits always fall under civil courts.

Florida has four civil court levels:

• Supreme Court
• District Court of Appeals
• Circuit Court
• County Court

Your debt lawsuit will start in one of two places. Small claims division handles cases under $8,000. Main county court hears cases from $8,000 to $30,000. Circuit courts handle claims over $30,000.

Most debt collection cases land in small claims court. You can represent yourself without a lawyer. Our partner Solo provides the documents you need to respond.

The good news? Florida small claims rules protect self-represented defendants. You don’t need expensive legal help to fight back.

Finding Your Court Case Number

Every case gets a unique number with letters and digits. You need this number to access your records online.

Your case number appears on the lawsuit papers you received. Look for a format like 14-10154 or 12-14628. Can’t find your paperwork?

You can search for your case number using these details:

• Your full name or the attorney’s name
• The court where the case was filed
• The date listed on your lawsuit papers

Use the Florida online portal to search statewide. Or try your specific county portal from the list below.

You can also call the court clerk directly. Find your court location using the Florida court directory.

Two Ways to Access Your Court Records

Florida law gives you full access to your court files. You can choose the method that works best for you.

Option 1: Visit the Courthouse in Person

Going to the courthouse gives you complete access to your file. The clerk can help you locate your case and make copies.

Find your courthouse address here. Large counties like Miami-Dade, Orange, and Broward have public terminals. You can search and print at these kiosks.

Copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page. Bring exact change or a debit card.

You can also mail your request. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Add your case number and the specific documents you need.

Option 2: Search Court Records Online

Online searches save you time and gas money. Every Florida county except one offers web-based case lookup.

Most portals require basic information:

• Case number (if you have it)
• Party names (yours or the debt collector’s)
• Case filing date
• Attorney name and bar number

You’ll see case status, hearing dates, and filed documents. Some counties let you download documents directly. Others require you to visit or call.

County-by-County Search Links

Click your county below to access court records instantly:

• Alachua County
• Baker County
• Bay County
• Brevard County
• Broward County
• Charlotte County
• Clay County
• Collier County
• Duval County
• Escambia County
• Flagler County
• Hillsborough County
• Lee County
• Leon County
• Manatee County
• Miami-Dade County
• Orange County
• Osceola County
• Palm Beach County
• Pinellas County
• Polk County
• Sarasota County
• Seminole County
• St. Johns County
• St. Lucie County
• Volusia County

Note: Some portals only show County Court cases. Circuit Court cases may require a separate search or phone call.

What to Do After Finding Your Case

You found your case online. Now what? Check these critical details immediately:

• Answer filing deadline (usually 20 days from service)
• Scheduled hearing dates and times
• Documents filed by the debt collector
• Current case status

Missing your Answer deadline means automatic loss. The collector gets a default judgment against you. They can garnish your wages and freeze your bank accounts.

You have only 20 days to respond in Florida. Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer in 15 minutes.

How to Respond to Your Debt Lawsuit

Finding your case is just the first step. You must file a written Answer to avoid losing automatically.

Your Answer is a legal document that responds to each claim. You’ll admit, deny, or state you lack knowledge of each allegation.

You don’t need a lawyer for small claims cases. But you do need the right documents filed correctly. Our partner Solo walks you through every question. An attorney reviews your Answer before filing.

Common defenses in debt lawsuits include:

• Statute of limitations expired
• Wrong amount claimed
• Lack of proof you owe the debt
• Identity theft or fraud
• Collector lacks legal standing to sue

Filing an Answer forces the collector to prove their case. Many lawsuits get dismissed when collectors can’t provide proper documentation.