Citrus County civil court records are public files kept by the Clerk of Court in Inverness, Florida. These records show lawsuits, judgments, motions, and other civil cases filed in the county.
Anyone can look up these records online through the clerk’s website or visit the courthouse in person. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases in Citrus County, and the clerk’s office makes most records open to the public under Florida law.
This page explains how to find Citrus County civil court records. It covers the online search tools, office hours, contact details, case types, and the rules that govern public access. It also covers Florida public records laws, sealed records, and what to do if you need certified copies.
Quick Facts About Citrus County Courts
Citrus County sits along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The county has about 160,000 residents. Inverness is the county seat and the home of the courthouse. All civil court cases in Citrus County go through the Citrus County Clerk of Court office. The 5th Judicial Circuit covers Citrus County and four neighboring counties in central Florida.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 160,000 |
| County Seat | Inverness |
| Judicial Circuit | 5th Circuit |
| Clerk of Court | Traci Perry |
| Circuit Counties | Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Sumter |
| Main Courthouse | 110 N Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450 |
The Clerk of Court and Office Location
The Clerk of Court in Citrus County is Traci Perry. Her office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, store court documents, issue certified copies, and maintain the docket index. The clerk’s office is the main place to start when you need civil court records in Citrus County for any reason.
The clerk’s office is at the Citrus County Courthouse. The courthouse sits on Apopka Avenue in downtown Inverness. You can visit the office in person during business hours, call by phone for help, or use the clerk’s website to look up records online any time of day.
Contact Details for the Clerk
The clerk’s office has a main phone line, fax line, and website. You can call during business hours to ask about civil court records, filing fees, and case status. The fax line is open for sending written requests. The website has free search tools that work around the clock.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 110 N Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450 |
| Phone | (352) 341-6424 |
| Fax | (352) 341-6413 |
| Website | citrusclerk.org |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Office Hours and Walk-In Services
The clerk’s office is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. You can ask for civil court record copies at the public counter. Bring a photo ID when you visit. The clerk’s office closes on weekends and state holidays.
Certified copies of court records cost more than plain copies. Both types are sold at the counter. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. Some services have extra fees for mailing copies to your home address. Plan to arrive before 4:30 PM if you need same-day service.
How to Search Citrus County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in Citrus County in three ways. Use the online SCORSS search tool on the clerk’s website. Use the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal from any device. Or visit the courthouse in person and ask the clerk at the public counter. Each method gives access to public court files.
Online Search Using SCORSS
The Citrus County court records search is called SCORSS. SCORSS stands for Secure Courts Online Record Search. This free online tool lets you look up civil cases by name, case number, or party. The system balances easy access with the protection of confidential files set by the Florida Legislature.
The SCORSS search shows basic case details for free. You can see the case type, filing date, party names, and judge assigned. Some files are sealed by court order. Sealed files do not show up in the public search. For deeper access to court dockets and documents, a paid subscription is available on the clerk’s site.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is a statewide tool that links to all 67 county clerks in Florida. You can search civil cases in Citrus County through this portal at no cost. You can also file new civil cases online at any time of day. Registration is free and takes only a few minutes.
More than 770,000 users rely on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal each year. The portal works for licensed attorneys and people filing without a lawyer. You need to create an account before you can file or search. Once you log in, you can see your case list, file new papers, and check the status of pending motions.
In-Person Record Requests
You can also search civil court records at the courthouse. Visit the clerk’s office at 110 N Apopka Ave in Inverness. Staff at the public counter can look up cases by name, case number, or party. They can also make copies of court documents for you on the spot.
Bring a valid photo ID to the counter. Tell the clerk the case number or party name. The clerk will pull the file for you. You can review the file at the counter or ask for printed copies. There is a small fee per page for copies. Certified copies have a higher fee but carry an official court seal.
Types of Civil Cases in Citrus County
Citrus County courts handle civil cases at two levels. The level depends on how much money is at stake in the lawsuit. The 5th Judicial Circuit sets the rules for both levels. Each level has its own division within the clerk’s office and its own filing procedures.
Circuit Civil Division
The Circuit Civil Division handles cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court. These cases follow the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
The Citrus County Circuit Civil clerk accepts filings for these high-dollar cases. You can file in person or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The judge assigned to the case hears all motions, trials, and appeals. Most circuit civil cases take several months to more than a year to resolve.
County Civil Division
The County Civil Division handles cases with claims up to $30,000. This includes smaller contract disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and replevin cases. Replevin cases involve getting back personal property worth $8,000 or less under Florida law.
Cases in County Civil follow simpler rules than Circuit Civil. Trials in County Civil are usually shorter. Many county civil cases settle before trial through mediation or settlement talks. The clerk’s office has self-help packets with forms for common case types that you can download for free.
Small Claims and Evictions
Small claims cases in Citrus County involve claims up to $8,000. These cases have the simplest procedures of all. You do not need a lawyer to file a small claims case. The clerk’s office has small claims forms you can fill out and file with a small filing fee.
Eviction cases also go through the County Civil Division. Landlords file eviction cases to remove tenants. Tenants can file answers and counterclaims. Most eviction cases resolve within 30 to 60 days. Both landlords and tenants can represent themselves in small claims and eviction cases.
Official Records and Document Searches
Citrus County has a separate search tool for official records. This search covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Official records are different from court case records. But you may need both for some civil matters like judgment liens on property.
Official Records Search Tool
The Citrus County official records search lets you look up recorded documents. You can search by name, document type, or recording date. This tool helps you find civil judgments recorded against real property in Citrus County.
Official records include deeds, mortgages, liens, and satisfactions. You can view these records online for free. Printed copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more but have a court seal. Official records go back many years and are stored in a digital archive.
Witness Address Requirements
New recording rules took effect on January 1, 2024. Section 695.26 of the Florida Statutes requires certain documents to include each witness’s post office address. The Citrus County clerk’s office will not accept documents that lack this required information.
You must include the witness’s printed name and a physical address or PO Box. Email addresses are not acceptable. This rule applies to deeds, mortgages, and other documents submitted for recording. Make sure your paperwork meets this rule before you file. Ask a title company or attorney if you are unsure.
Redaction and Exemption Requests
You can ask the clerk to remove certain information from public records. This is called redaction. Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes lists the types of records that can be redacted. These include military discharge records, death certificates, and some court files related to family law.
To ask for redaction, you must submit a written request. The request must state the statutory basis for the exemption. Your request must be notarized. Grantor and grantee names cannot be removed from the index. Send redaction requests to 110 N. Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450. There is no fee for valid redaction requests.
Online Tools and Resources
The clerk’s website has several online tools beyond court records. These tools help you search records, watch for fraud, and make payments. Most tools are free to use. Some services require a small subscription for full document access.
Court Docket Search
The online docket search lets you look up court dates by judge. You can see what cases are set for each court date. This helps attorneys and the public track hearings and trials. The docket search updates daily with new settings and changes to scheduled events.
You can also search dockets by case number or party name. The docket shows every filing in the case, from the initial complaint to the final judgment. This is a useful way to track the progress of a civil lawsuit without visiting the courthouse.
Recording Activity Notification System
The Recording Activity Notification System is called R.A.N. for short. R.A.N. is a free service that watches for documents filed against your property. If someone tries to record a fraudulent deed or lien, R.A.N. alerts you by email. This service helps prevent property fraud before it causes harm.
You can sign up for R.A.N. on the clerk’s website. The service is free for Citrus County property owners. You can watch up to five properties at one time. R.A.N. alerts arrive by email within hours of a recording. You can also get alerts by text message for faster notice.
PayKidz Payment System
PayKidz is an online system for child support and alimony payments. Parents and attorneys can use PayKidz to make and track payments. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. PayKidz keeps a full record of every payment for use in family law cases.
PayKidz is separate from the court records search tools. It handles only child support and alimony. Family law cases in Citrus County often involve both court records and PayKidz payments. Talk to your attorney or the clerk’s office if you need help with PayKidz.
Public Records Laws in Florida
Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open to the public. This covers civil court records in Citrus County. You do not need to be a party in a case to ask for records.
The clerk must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time. Most requests are filled the same day. Some requests take longer if files are stored off-site. There may be a fee for copies or staff time. The fee is set by Florida law and the clerk’s office.
Some limits exist on public access. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential in public files. Adoption and juvenile records have stronger protections. Most adult civil court files in Citrus County are open to the public for viewing.
Cities and Communities Served
Citrus County includes several cities and communities. Inverness is the county seat and the main location for court records. Crystal River, Homosassa, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, and Floral City are other communities in the county. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Citrus County Clerk of Court.
None of the cities in Citrus County meet the population threshold for a separate court office. All residents use the same clerk’s office in Inverness for civil court matters. This keeps the court system simple and easy to access for everyone in the county.
Nearby Counties in the 5th Circuit
Citrus County is one of five counties in the 5th Judicial Circuit. The other counties are Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the correct county based on where the defendant lives or where the event occurred.
- Hernando County – located south of Citrus County
- Lake County – located east of Citrus County
- Marion County – located north and east of Citrus County
- Sumter County – located southeast of Citrus County
Contact Details and Location
The Citrus County Clerk of Court office is the main place for civil court records. You can visit, call, or use the online tools. The office is open weekdays during business hours. The courthouse is easy to find in downtown Inverness with free parking nearby.
Citrus County Clerk of Court
110 N Apopka Ave
Inverness, FL 34450
Phone: (352) 341-6424
Fax: (352) 341-6413
Website: citrusclerk.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about Citrus County civil court records. These answers cover search methods, fees, sealed records, and statewide access. Each answer gives you clear, direct facts to help you find what you need without delays or extra costs.
Are Citrus County civil court records free to search?
Yes. The online SCORSS search tool on the Citrus County clerk’s website is free to use. You can look up basic case details without paying any fee. The statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also offers free searches. You only pay for printed or certified copies of court documents. The fee for copies is set by Florida law. Plain copies cost a small amount per page. Certified copies cost more because they have an official court seal. You can view most records for free and only pay when you need paper copies for legal filings or other uses.
How do I look up a civil case by party name?
Use the SCORSS search tool on the Citrus County clerk’s website. Type the last name of a party into the search box. You can also search by first name. The system will show all matching civil cases with basic details. You can narrow the search by case type or year filed. The search returns the case number, filing date, and current status. You can click on a case to see more details about motions, hearings, and judgments. The search works for plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases.
Can I view sealed civil court records in Citrus County?
No. Sealed civil court records are not open to the public. Only parties in the case and their lawyers can see sealed files. Some records are sealed by court order. Other records are confidential by Florida law. Sealed records do not show up in the public online search. If you need a sealed record, you must ask the judge in the case to unseal it. This requires a written motion and a court hearing. Most sealed records stay sealed for the life of the case and beyond.
Official Records vs Court Records
Court records are files about civil and criminal cases. Official records cover deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Both are kept by the Citrus County Clerk of Court. But they use different search tools on the clerk’s website. Civil judgments may appear in both systems. A money judgment from a civil case can be recorded in official records as a lien. To find a judgment lien on property, check the official records. To find the court case itself, check the court records search. Both tools are free to use.
How long does it take to get certified copies?
You can get certified copies the same day at the courthouse counter. Walk in during business hours and bring your photo ID. The clerk will pull the file and make certified copies for a fee. Mailing requests for certified copies take one to two weeks. You must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the fee. The clerk’s office will mail the certified copies once the request is processed. Plan ahead if you need certified copies for a deadline.
Can I search civil records from other Florida counties?
Yes. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal links to all 67 county clerks. You can search civil cases in Miami-Dade, Orange, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Duval, Broward, Pinellas, and Lee counties through the same portal. Each county also has its own search tools on the county clerk’s website. The statewide portal is the fastest way to search multiple counties at once. You need a free account to use the portal. Once logged in, you can file and search cases in any Florida county.
Do I need a lawyer to search civil court records?
No. You do not need a lawyer to search or view civil court records. The search tools are built for the public. But the clerk’s office cannot give you legal advice. If you need help with a legal matter, talk to a licensed attorney in Florida. The clerk can help you find files and make copies. The clerk cannot tell you what to file, how to win your case, or what your rights are. For those questions, hire a lawyer or visit a self-help clinic at the law library.