Homestead City civil court records are public court files for civil cases filed in Homestead, Florida. These records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court, since Homestead sits inside the 11th Judicial Circuit.
The 11th Judicial Circuit is the largest trial court system in Florida. Anyone can look up civil court records from Homestead for free using the clerk’s online search tool. You can also visit the courthouse in Miami or send a mail request. This page explains how to search these records, what kinds of civil cases exist, how much copies cost, and what gets kept private under Florida law.
Where Homestead City Civil Court Records Are Stored
All civil court records for Homestead City sit at the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court office. Homestead does not run its own court clerk. Every civil case, from small claims to large contract lawsuits, gets filed and stored at the county level. The clerk’s office handles all public records requests, filing fees, and certified copies for cases in Homestead.
The 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida
The 11th Judicial Circuit covers all of Miami-Dade County, including Homestead. It is the biggest trial court in Florida based on the number of cases filed each year. Judges in this circuit hear civil cases, criminal cases, family law cases, probate cases, and juvenile cases. The Circuit Court division handles civil cases where the dollar amount in dispute is more than $30,000. It also handles other major civil matters like real estate lawsuits and personal injury claims.
Clerk of Court Contact Details for Homestead
The clerk’s office for the 11th Judicial Circuit is run by Juan Fernandez-Barquin. The main office sits in downtown Miami. Residents of Homestead often drive north to reach the courthouse, but online tools handle most needs.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Juan Fernandez-Barquin |
| Address | 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Phone | (305) 275-1155 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | miamidadeclerk.com |
The Miami-Dade County Clerk website at miamidadeclerk.com hosts the online search portal for civil court records, official records, and court services. You can search Homestead civil cases by name or case number without creating an account.
How to Search Homestead City Civil Court Records Online
You can search Homestead civil court records for free online. The Miami-Dade County Clerk runs a public search portal that lets anyone pull up civil cases by name, case number, or party. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to all 67 county clerks across the state, including Miami-Dade. These online tools work 24 hours a day from any device with internet access.
Miami-Dade Clerk Court Records Search
The Miami-Dade County court records search lives at miamidadeclerk.com/court-records. Type a full name or case number into the search box. The system pulls matching civil cases from across Miami-Dade County, including cases tied to Homestead addresses or parties. Results show the case type, the parties listed, the filing date, and the current status. You can click into each case to see docket entries, hearings, and orders.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com connects to every county clerk in the state. You can file new civil cases here, check existing ones, and serve documents on other parties. Setting up a free account takes a few minutes. Once you log in, you can search by name or case number across all 67 Florida counties, not just Miami-Dade. This tool works well for people searching Homestead civil cases tied to people who live outside the county.
Search by Name or Case Number
You have two main ways to search Homestead civil court records. Searching by case number gives the fastest, most exact result. Each civil case gets a unique case number when filed, and that number never changes. Searching by name works when you do not know the case number. You can search by full legal name, business name, or party name. Name searches may return multiple results, so you may need to scan through them to find the right case.
Types of Civil Cases Filed in Homestead City
Civil cases in Homestead cover a wide range of disputes between people, businesses, and government agencies. Florida splits civil cases into two court levels based on the dollar amount and type of claim. Knowing which court handles your case type helps you file in the right place.
Circuit Court Civil Cases in Homestead
The Circuit Court handles the largest civil claims. Cases asking for more than $30,000 in damages go here. Common Circuit Court civil cases in Homestead cover breach of contract claims, personal injury lawsuits, real property disputes, medical malpractice claims, and complex business litigation. Family law matters like divorce, paternity, and child support also fall under Circuit Court. Probate cases, guardianship cases, and mental health commitments are Circuit Court matters too.
County Court Civil Cases in Homestead
County Court handles civil cases asking for $30,000 or less. These cases cover a broader set of everyday disputes that affect Homestead residents. Common County Court civil cases include simple contract disputes, small business disagreements, debt collection claims, and auto accident cases under the $30,000 limit. County Court handles some real property disputes involving low-value land issues.
Small Claims and Landlord-Tenant Cases
Small claims court sits inside County Court and handles civil cases asking for $8,000 or less. Many Homestead residents use small claims court to recover unpaid rent, security deposit disputes, minor car accidents, or unpaid personal loans. Landlord-tenant disputes, including eviction filings, also start in County Court. The 11th Judicial Circuit runs a dedicated landlord-tenant section that processes Homestead eviction cases.
How to Get Copies of Homestead Civil Court Records
You can get printed or electronic copies of Homestead civil court records in three ways. Each method has its own fees and processing times. Pick the option that fits your needs based on how fast you need the records and what format you want.
Online Copy Requests
The Miami-Dade Clerk offers electronic certified documents through the online portal. After you pay the fee with a credit or debit card, the document downloads right away. Electronic certified copies carry the same legal weight as paper certified copies. Regular electronic copies of docket entries and orders are free for anyone to view.
In-Person Copy Requests at the Courthouse
Walk-in service at the main courthouse in downtown Miami handles copy requests on the spot. Bring a photo ID. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more per page. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and credit cards. Personal checks are not always accepted for certified copy requests. Self-service copy machines sit in the clerk’s office for people who only need basic copies.
Mail-In Copy Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the courthouse. Send a written request that includes the case name, case number, and the documents you want. Include payment by money order or check. Mail the request to the clerk’s office address. Processing takes up to two weeks. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the documents mailed back to you.
Fees and Costs for Homestead Civil Court Records
Fees for Homestead civil court records depend on what you order and how. Florida law sets most of these fees at the county level. The table below shows the standard fees at the Miami-Dade County Clerk for civil court records. Fees may change each year, so check the clerk’s website for current rates before ordering.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online search (basic docket view) | Free |
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $2.00 |
| Electronic certified copy | $2.00 per page plus portal fee |
| Document certification | $2.00 per document |
| Civil case filing fee (Circuit Court) | $300.00 or more |
| Civil case filing fee (County Court) | $300.00 or more |
| Small claims filing fee | $55.00 or more |
Confidential and Sealed Records in Homestead Civil Cases
Florida law protects certain data in civil court records. Some data must stay private to prevent identity theft and personal harm. Other records get sealed by a judge for specific safety or privacy reasons. The clerk removes or hides this data before the public can view it.
What Personal Data Gets Redacted
Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and debit card numbers never appear in public civil court records. Anyone filing civil court papers in Homestead must fill out a Notice of Confidential Information form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form tells the clerk which parts of the filing have private data. The clerk then keeps that data out of public view. If you spot private data in a public document, ask the clerk to redact it at no charge.
Sealed Cases and Adoption Files
Some civil cases get sealed by a judge. Adoption files are sealed by law. Cases involving minors, trade secrets, or personal safety may also get sealed by court order. Sealed records do not show up in the public search. To view a sealed record, you need a court order. The clerk’s office can tell you the steps for asking a judge to unseal a specific case.
Florida Public Records Law and Homestead Civil Cases
Florida’s public records law is one of the broadest in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes all state, county, and city records open for inspection and copying. Civil court records in Homestead fall under this law. You do not need to be a party to a case to view the file. Any member of the public can ask for records.
The clerk must respond to public records requests in a reasonable amount of time. Small requests get filled on the spot. Larger requests may take longer. Some categories of data are exempt from public access, including Social Security numbers, sealed records, and certain personal details in family law cases. Most Homestead civil court records remain fully open to the public.
Self-Help Tools for Homestead Civil Court Filers
People who want to handle a civil case on their own can use free tools from the Florida Courts. These tools cover small claims, evictions, simple divorces, and other common civil matters. Self-help services save money for people who cannot afford a private lawyer for their Homestead civil case.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts self-help page at flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Court-Help has forms and instructions for common civil case types. The site covers small claims, evictions, simple dissolutions of marriage, name changes, and other civil matters. Forms come with instructions written in plain language. The site also links to local self-help centers that offer free legal coaching for civil cases.
DIY Florida Form Builder
DIY Florida is a free tool built into the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. It walks you through form preparation one step at a time. Over 20 form types cover small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. The tool asks simple questions and fills out the correct forms based on your answers. You can then file the forms through the E-Filing Portal without paying a lawyer.
Legal Aid in Miami-Dade County
Legal Aid of Miami-Dade offers free legal help to low-income residents facing civil cases. The Dade County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service that connects residents with private attorneys who charge reduced fees. These services help Homestead residents handle civil matters like eviction defense, consumer disputes, and family law cases. The clerk’s office cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to these local legal help resources.
Common Civil Court Filings in Homestead City
Homestead sits at the southern edge of Miami-Dade County near the Everglades. The city has a mix of residential neighborhoods, agricultural land, and small businesses. Common civil filings in Homestead reflect the local economy and population.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Homestead
Landlord-tenant disputes are among the most common civil filings in Homestead. These cases cover eviction filings, security deposit claims, repair disputes, and lease violations. The 11th Judicial Circuit runs a dedicated landlord-tenant section that processes Homestead eviction cases. Most eviction cases start in County Court. Landlords must follow strict notice rules before filing an eviction. Tenants can fight evictions and counter-sue for damages like improper lockouts or unsafe living conditions.
Personal Injury and Contract Claims
Personal injury claims in Homestead cover car accidents on US-1, the Florida Turnpike, and Krome Avenue. Slip and fall cases at local businesses are common too. Contract claims involve disputes over home improvement work, car repairs, and small business agreements. Cases asking for more than $30,000 go to Circuit Court. Smaller claims go to County Court or small claims court.
Real Property and Foreclosure Cases
Homestead has active real estate markets and farmland. Real property civil cases cover boundary line disputes, easement conflicts, foreclosure filings, and title claims. Foreclosure cases on homes and land in Homestead go through Circuit Court. These cases often take years to resolve. The clerk’s online portal lets parties and attorneys check filing dates, motion status, and sale dates.
Visiting the Miami-Dade Clerk Office for Homestead Cases
Homestead residents who want to visit the clerk’s office in person must drive about 30 miles north to downtown Miami. The main office sits at 73 West Flagler Street. Public parking garages sit nearby. Bring a photo ID. Plan to arrive before noon to avoid the longest lines. Most records searches and copy requests get handled the same day.
Office address and contact details:
Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Clerk of Courts
73 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 275-1155
Website: miamidadeclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and Florida state holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
People searching for Homestead civil court records often have similar questions. The answers below cover the most common questions about how to search records, what fees apply, and what stays private. These answers reflect current Florida law and Miami-Dade Clerk policies as of August 2026.
Can I view Homestead civil court records for free?
Yes, basic online searches for Homestead civil court records are free through the Miami-Dade County Clerk portal. The portal lets anyone view docket entries, hearing dates, motion filings, and case status without paying a fee. You do not need an account to view records. You only pay when you need printed or certified copies. The basic search covers all civil cases filed in the 11th Judicial Circuit, including every Homestead case from small claims to large contract lawsuits. In-person visits to the clerk’s office in downtown Miami are free for viewing records on the public terminal. You only pay copy fees when you take documents with you. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more per page. Self-service copy machines sit in the clerk’s office for people who want to make their own copies quickly. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also lets anyone check existing case status for free. You must set up a free account to file new documents, but checking case status does not require payment. The portal connects to all 67 county clerks across Florida, so you can search Homestead civil cases from any device with internet access at any time of day or night. The free search shows case numbers, party names, attorney names, division codes, and upcoming hearing schedules for every public civil case in the county.
What types of civil cases get filed in Homestead?
Homestead civil court records cover a wide range of disputes. Common case types include landlord-tenant disputes, eviction filings, small claims under $8,000, debt collection cases, contract disputes, personal injury claims, real property disputes, foreclosure cases, and business litigation. Family law cases like divorce, paternity, and child support also sit in civil court records, the same as probate matters and guardianship filings. Circuit Court handles civil cases asking for more than $30,000 in damages, plus complex matters like real estate lawsuits, medical malpractice, and class action claims. County Court handles civil cases asking for $30,000 or less. Small claims court, a section of County Court, hears cases asking for $8,000 or less. The clerk’s office processes all of these case types at the county level. Homestead is part of the 11th Judicial Circuit, the largest trial court system in Florida. The circuit handles a massive volume of civil cases each year across Miami-Dade County. Common filings in Homestead reflect the local economy and population. Landlord-tenant disputes, personal injury claims from car accidents, and small business contract fights lead the list. Real property cases tied to local farmland and residential property also make up a large share of the docket.
How long does the clerk keep Homestead civil court records?
The Miami-Dade Clerk keeps civil court records on file for many years. Most civil case records stay in the system permanently in digital form. Older paper records get scanned into the digital system for easier public access. Sealed and expunged records get removed from public view but stay in the clerk’s internal storage for legal purposes. Federal and state record retention rules apply to how long records stay in the system. Florida record retention schedules set minimum timeframes for keeping different types of civil case records. General civil cases stay on file for at least 20 years after the final judgment. Probate and guardianship cases have specific retention timelines based on the type of case and the parties involved. Family law cases follow separate retention rules for adoption files and divorce decrees. Some records never get destroyed. Foreclosure case records, real property dispute records, and major civil litigation records often stay on file indefinitely for historical and title search purposes. The clerk’s office can tell you the specific retention timeline for your case type if you call the public records line at the courthouse. Digital copies of older paper records get refreshed on a regular schedule to keep the data readable.
Can I remove my name from Homestead civil court records?
Removing your name from a public civil court record is hard in Florida. The state only allows expungement in narrow criminal cases, and most civil cases do not qualify. Civil court records stay public for nearly all case types under current Florida law. Sealed records stay sealed only by a specific court order. The clerk can redact sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and similar financial identifiers at your request. You must fill out the Notice of Confidential Information form to start a redaction request. The form is required under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 for any filing that includes private data. Some civil cases get sealed for safety reasons. Cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, and certain trade secrets can be sealed by a judge. Adoption files are sealed by law. To seal a case, you must file a motion with the court and show good cause. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant the request. Sealing a case removes the file from public search tools but keeps the record in the clerk’s internal storage. Talk to a private attorney if you want to explore sealing options for your Homestead civil case.
How to serve papers in a Homestead civil case?
Serving court papers in a Homestead civil case follows Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.070. You have three main options for service: hire a certified process server, ask the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office to serve the papers, or use certified mail with restricted delivery and a return receipt. Each method has different costs and timelines. A certified process server charges a fee per attempt and files an affidavit of service with the clerk proving delivery. Process servers know how to locate people who try to avoid service. The Sheriff’s Office charges a set fee per service attempt. Service by sheriff can take longer during busy periods. Certified mail with restricted delivery is the cheapest option, but it only works when the other party signs for the mail. Service must happen at least 20 days before a court hearing. If the other party lives out of state or out of the country, the timeframe extends under the rule. The person who serves the papers must file a return of service with the clerk to prove delivery happened. Improper service can delay your case or get a default judgment thrown out. If you have questions about service procedures for a Homestead civil case, call the clerk’s office for guidance or talk to a private attorney.
What happens if I file in the wrong court?
Filing a Homestead civil case in the wrong court can cause delays and extra fees. Each court level in Florida has jurisdiction limits based on the dollar amount and the type of claim. If you file in County Court when the case belongs in Circuit Court, a judge will transfer the case to the right court. The transfer process adds 30 to 90 days to your case timeline. You pay filing fees again at the new court level when a transfer happens. Most filing fees sit above $300 for civil cases, so a transfer means you pay twice. Small claims cases have lower filing fees, but the same transfer rules apply. Wrong court filings can also lead to a judge dismissing the case without prejudice, which means you must refile from scratch. Call the clerk’s office before filing to confirm you are using the right court. Staff can review your case facts and tell you which court has jurisdiction over your claim. The clerk cannot give legal advice on whether you have a valid case, but staff can tell you which court level handles the type of claim you want to file. Filing in the right court from the start saves time, money, and frustration on your Homestead civil case.
Are Homestead eviction records public?
Yes, eviction cases filed in Homestead sit in the public court records search. Anyone can look up eviction filings by landlord name, tenant name, or property address. The record shows the filing date, the grounds for eviction, the hearing dates, and the final outcome. Eviction judgments stay on the public record even after the tenant moves out of the rental unit. The 11th Judicial Circuit processes Homestead eviction cases through a dedicated landlord-tenant section. Common grounds for eviction in Homestead cover nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and holdover tenancies. The court enters a final judgment in each case, and that judgment becomes part of the public record. Tenants who lose an eviction case may have a judgment entered against them for back rent, late fees, and court costs. Eviction records affect future housing applications and credit reports. Landlords often check eviction history before approving new tenants. Tenant screening services pull eviction data from county court records across Florida. Tenants who want to dispute an eviction record must file an appeal or a motion to set aside the judgment within the strict timeframes set by Florida law. Talk to a tenant rights attorney or Legal Aid of Miami-Dade if you need help fighting an eviction judgment.