Highlands County Court Docket records track every filing, hearing, and order in cases filed in Highlands County, Florida. The Clerk of the Circuit Court stores these docket records at the main courthouse in Sebring.
Anyone can look at docket records online through the clerk’s website or the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. People can also visit the courthouse in person to see paper files and ask for certified copies. This page shows how to search the docket by case number, name, citation, or hearing date. It covers the docket types for civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, juvenile, and Baker Act cases.
Highlands County Clerk of Court
The Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all court docket records for the county. The office sits in the main courthouse at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870. The clerk’s office answers phone calls at (863) 402-6565 on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The official website at highlandsclerk.org has search tools, forms, and office hours. People can walk in to the clerk’s office to use public access terminals and ask staff for help with docket records.
| Office | Highlands County Courthouse 590 South Commerce Avenue Sebring, FL 33870 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (863) 402-6565 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Website | highlandsclerk.org |
How to Search the Highlands County Court Docket
The Highlands County Court Docket search runs on the clerk’s website. Users pick a search type from the menu. The main options are name, case number, citation number, and date range. A name search asks for a last name and first name. A case number search asks for the full 20-digit Florida court case number. The search returns a list of cases that match. Each result shows the case number, party names, filing date, and current status. Users click a case to see the full docket with every entry.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com also covers Highlands County cases. This statewide system lets users search dockets from all 67 Florida counties in one place. Users see docket entries, hearing dates, and filed documents. The portal does not need a user account for basic docket searches. Users who want to file new documents need to register for an e-filing account.
For appellate cases, the ACIS portal at acis.flcourts.gov tracks cases from the Florida Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal. Most Highlands County cases start at the trial court level and never reach the appellate level. The ACIS portal helps people track appeals filed from Highlands County trial court orders.
Search the Docket by Case Number
A case number search gives the fastest and most exact results. Every case filed in Highlands County gets a unique case number. The number follows a fixed format set by the Florida Courts system. The format includes the year, court type, county code, case type code, and a sequence number. For example, a 2024 Highlands County felony case might read “CF2024-000123.”
Users enter the full case number in the search box on the clerk’s website. The system pulls up one matching case. The docket page shows the case style with party names. It lists the judge assigned, the division, the filing date, and the case type. The docket entries appear in order from oldest to newest. Each entry has a date, a description, and a link to the filed document when one exists.
People who know a partial case number can still search. The clerk’s tool supports wildcard searches with an asterisk. Typing “CF2024-*” pulls up all felony cases filed in 2024 in Highlands County. This trick helps attorneys and researchers who track case trends in the county.
Search the Docket by Name
A name search works for people who do not know the case number. Users enter a last name and a first name in the search form. The system returns cases where the name appears as a party. The results may include criminal defendants, civil plaintiffs, civil defendants, and other parties. Each result links to a full case record.
Name searches in a small county like Highlands often return few results. The county has about 106,000 people. Most residents do not have court cases at any one time. Common names may still pull up more than one result. Users can sort results by filing date to find the most recent case first.
People with sealed or expunged records do not show up in name searches. Florida law removes sealed cases from public view. Juvenile records stay confidential. Baker Act and Marchman Act records have strict limits on public access. The clerk can help with questions about sealed records.
Highlands County Civil Court Docket
The Highlands County civil court docket covers disputes between people, businesses, or government agencies. Circuit court hears civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $50,000. County court hears civil cases up to $50,000. Common civil case types include contract disputes, personal injury, property damage, foreclosure, and injunctive relief.
Each civil case has a docket that tracks every step. The first entry is the filing of the complaint. The clerk stamps the date and assigns a case number. The defendant has 20 days to file a response. The docket shows service of process, motions, hearings, and orders. Settlement conferences, mediations, and trial dates all appear on the docket.
Small civil cases under $8,000 go to small claims court. These cases follow simpler rules. The docket for small claims shows the claim amount, the hearing date, and the judgment. People can file small claims without a lawyer.
Highlands County Criminal Court Docket
The Highlands County criminal court docket covers all criminal cases filed in the county. Felony cases go to circuit court. Misdemeanor cases go to county court. The docket shows the arrest date, the charge, the arresting agency, and the state attorney assigned to the case. The docket tracks arraignment, pretrial motions, plea hearings, trials, and sentencing.
Criminal dockets move fast in the first weeks. The clerk files the case after the arrest. The defendant appears for first appearance within 24 hours. A judge sets bond and conditions of release. The arraignment happens within 21 days for felonies and 30 days for misdemeanors. Each step adds a docket entry. Defense attorneys file motions that show up on the docket. The state attorney files charges, amended charges, and information documents.
People can see criminal docket records online. Sensitive details stay redacted. Social Security numbers, victim names in sex cases, and juvenile details do not appear. The Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC24-65 sets the rules for what the public can see online.
Highlands County Traffic and DUI Docket
The Highlands County traffic court docket covers traffic infractions, misdemeanor traffic offenses, and DUI cases. Most traffic tickets are civil infractions. The driver pays a fine or contests the ticket in court. The docket shows the citation number, the officer, the violation, and the court date. Drivers can pay fines online through the clerk’s office.
DUI cases appear on the criminal docket. A first-time DUI is a misdemeanor. A third DUI within 10 years or a DUI with serious injury is a felony. The DUI docket tracks the arraignment, pretrial, motions, and trial. Drivers can check the docket to confirm court dates and check the status of their case.
Highlands County Probate Court Docket
The Highlands County probate court docket covers cases about wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. These cases go through circuit court. The clerk files the petition and assigns a case number. The docket shows the petitioner, the decedent, and the personal representative. Common docket entries include the filing of the will, appointment of the personal representative, and orders for inventory.
Guardianship cases also go to probate court. The docket tracks the petition for guardianship, the hearing, the letters of guardianship, and annual reports. People can search the probate docket to see the status of an estate or a guardianship case.
Highlands County Family and Domestic Relations Docket
The Highlands County family court docket covers divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic relations. These cases go to circuit court. The docket shows the petition, the service of process, and the hearings. Divorce cases show financial disclosures, parenting plans, and final judgments.
Domestic violence cases appear on the family docket. The clerk files the petition for injunction. The court holds a hearing within 15 days. The docket shows the injunction order, the hearing for a final injunction, and any violations. People can check the docket to see the status of an injunction.
Highlands County Juvenile Court Docket
The Highlands County juvenile court docket covers delinquency cases, dependency cases, and truancy cases. Juvenile records stay confidential under Florida law. The public cannot see juvenile dockets online. Parents, guardians, and attorneys can see the docket with proper login credentials.
Delinquency cases involve minors charged with crimes. The docket shows the arrest, the detention hearing, the arraignment, and the disposition hearing. Dependency cases involve children removed from their parents. The docket shows the shelter hearing, the adjudication, and the case plan reviews.
Highlands County Small Claims and Eviction Docket
The Highlands County small claims docket covers disputes up to $8,000. Landlords and tenants often use small claims for security deposit returns. The docket shows the claim, the hearing date, and the judgment. Small claims hearings are informal. The judge listens to both sides and makes a decision on the spot.
Eviction cases go through county court. The landlord files a complaint for eviction. The clerk sets a hearing date within 5 to 10 days. The docket shows the complaint, the service of process, the hearing, and the writ of possession. Tenants can see the docket to check the hearing date. Landlords can track the case to see when they can take possession of the property.
Highlands County Daily Docket and Court Calendar
The Highlands County daily docket shows every case set for hearing on a specific date. The clerk posts the daily docket online the day before. Users can see the case number, party names, hearing type, time, and judge for each case. The daily docket helps attorneys, parties, and members of the public plan their day at the courthouse.
People can search the daily docket by date. The clerk’s website has a calendar view. Users pick a date and see all hearings scheduled for that day. The daily docket updates as cases get continued, settled, or added. People should check the docket the day before their court date to confirm the hearing is still on the calendar.
Types of Hearings on the Court Docket
Hearings are the meetings where a judge makes a decision. The docket shows the type of hearing for each entry. Common hearing types on the Highlands County Court Docket include:
- Arraignment – The defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pretrial conference – The judge and lawyers discuss the case before trial.
- Motion hearing – The judge hears arguments on a specific motion.
- Trial – The judge or jury hears the evidence and makes a decision.
- Sentencing – The judge decides the punishment after a guilty plea or verdict.
- Status hearing – The judge checks on the progress of a case.
- Final hearing – The judge issues a final order, often in family or probate cases.
Each hearing type shows on the docket with a date, time, and courtroom. The docket updates after the hearing to show the outcome.
Baker Act and Marchman Act Dockets
The Baker Act covers mental health crisis holds. A judge orders a person held for evaluation when they pose a danger to themselves or others. The Highlands County Baker Act docket shows the petition, the ex parte order, and the hearing within five days. The public cannot see Baker Act dockets without a court order. The records stay confidential to protect the privacy of the person held.
The Marchman Act covers substance abuse holds. A person can be held for assessment and treatment. The Marchman Act docket shows the petition, the order, and the treatment hearing. The records are confidential. Family members and attorneys can see the docket with proper login.
How to Read a Docket Entry
Each docket entry has the same basic parts. The first part is the date. The second part is a short description of what happened. The third part is the party or lawyer who filed the document. The fourth part is a link to the document itself when one exists. The clerk adds the entry on the same day the event happens.
Common docket entry descriptions on the Highlands County Court Docket include:
- PETITION FILED – The case started with a petition.
- SUMMONS ISSUED – The clerk issued a summons to the defendant.
- SERVICE OF PROCESS – The defendant got the court papers.
- MOTION FILED – A party filed a motion asking the court to do something.
- ORDER ENTERED – The judge signed an order.
- HEARING HELD – The judge held a hearing on the docket date.
- JUDGMENT ENTERED – The judge entered a final judgment.
- CASE CLOSED – The case ended.
Reading the docket in order gives a full history of the case. People can track deadlines, see what documents each side filed, and check on the next hearing date.
Certified Copies and Fees
People often need certified copies of court records. A certified copy has a stamp from the clerk that proves the document is real. Banks, employers, and government agencies often ask for certified copies. The Highlands County clerk charges a fee for each certified copy.
The fee schedule is set by Florida law. As of 2026, the fee for a certified copy of a court document is $1.00 per page. The fee for a non-certified copy is $0.10 per page. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards. People can order certified copies in person at the clerk’s office or by mail. Online ordering is available for some records through the clerk’s website.
Court reporter transcripts have a different fee. The court reporter charges $1.00 per page for an original transcript and $0.50 per page for a copy. People must order transcripts directly from the court reporter. The clerk cannot provide court reporter transcripts.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Florida law lists the records that stay sealed or confidential. Sealed records cannot be seen by the public without a court order. Common sealed records include:
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Adoption records
- Mental health records (Baker Act)
- Substance abuse records (Marchman Act)
- Expunged criminal records
- Trade secrets in civil cases
- Medical records filed as evidence
Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists every type of sealed record. The clerk follows this rule when posting records online. Redacted information includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and the names of sexual assault victims. The public sees redacted versions of docket entries with sensitive details blacked out.
Sebring Courthouse Visitor Info
The Highlands County Courthouse sits at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870. The building has two main courtrooms. The clerk’s office sits on the first floor. Visitors pass through a security checkpoint at the front door. The checkpoint uses a metal detector and x-ray machine. Visitors cannot bring weapons, sharp objects, or large bags into the building.
Free parking sits in the lot behind the courthouse. The lot has spaces for people with disabilities. Visitors can buy snacks and drinks from vending machines in the lobby. Cell phone use is limited in the courtrooms. Phones must be on silent mode.
The clerk’s office opens at 8:00 AM. Visitors can use the public access terminals to search docket records. Staff at the front desk can help with basic questions. Visitors who need certified copies should bring a valid photo ID. Cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards are accepted.
10th Judicial Circuit Judges and Divisions
Highlands County sits in the 10th Judicial Circuit with Hardee and Polk Counties. The circuit has judges who handle felony, family, probate, and civil cases. The clerk maintains a list of judges and their divisions on the website. Each division has a court reporter and a judicial assistant. Cases get assigned to a judge when filed.
Common divisions in the 10th Circuit include:
- Criminal Division – Felony cases
- Civil Division – Civil cases over $50,000
- Family Division – Divorce, custody, support
- Probate Division – Estates, guardianships, trusts
- Juvenile Division – Delinquency and dependency
County court cases go to county judges. County judges handle misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and civil cases up to $50,000. The clerk’s docket search shows the assigned judge for each case.
Recent Updates to the Highlands County Court System (2025-2026)
The Highlands County court system made several changes in 2025 and 2026. The clerk’s office updated the online docket search in early 2025. The new search tool is faster and works on mobile phones. Users can save case searches and get email alerts when a new docket entry is added.
The Florida Supreme Court issued Administrative Order AOSC24-65 in 2024. The order sets new rules for public access to electronic court records. The new rules took full effect in 2025. The order expanded public access to most docket records but added more redactions for sensitive data. The clerk updated the redaction process to follow the new rules.
The E-Filing Portal added a feature in 2026 that lets users file documents in batches. Attorneys who file many documents at once save time. The portal also added a feature to track service of process. The clerk mails the summons and tracks delivery through the portal.
Contact the Highlands County Clerk
People who need help with a Highlands County Court Docket search can contact the clerk’s office. The main office sits in the Sebring courthouse. Staff answer phone calls on weekdays during business hours. Walk-in visitors can use the public access terminals at the office. The clerk’s office can answer questions about docket records, court dates, and certified copies.
Office: Highlands County Courthouse, 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6565
Website: highlandsclerk.org
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About the Highlands County Court Docket
People searching the Highlands County Court Docket often have questions about how the system works, what records show, and how to get copies. The FAQs below cover the most common questions about docket searches, case types, and access rules. Each answer gives the facts people need to find court records in Highlands County, Florida.
1. How do I search the Highlands County Court Docket for free?
The Highlands County Court Docket search is free on the clerk’s website at highlandsclerk.org. Users do not need an account or registration. Type a name, case number, or citation number in the search box. The tool shows the docket entries for any matching case. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com also offers free searches for Highlands County cases. The portal covers all 67 Florida counties in one place. No fees or logins for basic docket lookups. Both sites run on phones, tablets, and computers.
The free search shows case style, party names, filing date, judge, division, and case status. The full docket shows every entry with dates, descriptions, and links to filed documents. People who want certified copies must pay a small fee to the clerk. The certified copy has an official stamp that banks, employers, and government agencies accept. The free search works for civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate cases.
Sealed records do not show in the free search. Juvenile records stay confidential. Expunged records are removed from public view. People who need access to sealed records must file a motion with the court. The clerk can explain the process for getting access to sealed records in Highlands County.
2. Can I see juvenile court records in Highlands County?
No. Juvenile court records in Highlands County stay confidential under Florida law. The public cannot see juvenile dockets online or in person. Parents, guardians, and attorneys can see the records with proper login credentials from the clerk. The clerk’s office follows Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 when handling juvenile records. The rules cover delinquency cases, dependency cases, and truancy cases.
Victims have the right to see some details about the case. The State Attorney’s Office can help victims with access requests. People who need a juvenile record for legal reasons can file a motion with the court. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to release the records. Juvenile records stay sealed even after the minor turns 18. Expungement is the only way to clear a juvenile record in Florida.
The clerk’s office can answer questions about juvenile records. Call (863) 402-6565 on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The clerk cannot release records without a court order. Attorneys who need juvenile records can register for access through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
3. What does a docket entry mean on the Highlands County Court Docket?
A docket entry is a record of a specific event in a court case. Each entry has a date, a description, and a link to the document. Common entries include filings, hearings, motions, orders, and judgments. The entries appear in order from oldest to newest. Reading the docket in order shows the full history of the case. Each entry gives a snapshot of what happened on that day.
The clerk adds the entry on the day of the event. Attorneys and parties use the docket to track deadlines and plan their next move. The docket also shows the assigned judge, the division, and the next hearing date. People can print the docket or save it as a PDF for their records.
Docket entries use standard codes set by the Florida Courts. The codes help clerks across the state keep records in the same format. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal shows the codes with descriptions. People who see an unknown code can look it up on the Florida Courts website or call the clerk for help.
4. How long does a felony case take in Highlands County?
A felony case in Highlands County takes six to eighteen months on average. Simple cases resolve faster. Cases with motions, experts, or trials take longer. The speedy trial rule sets deadlines. The State Attorney has 175 days to bring a felony case to trial. Defense motions can extend the deadline. The docket shows the key dates: arraignment, pretrial, motion deadlines, and trial.
People can check the docket to track the case. Defense attorneys use the docket to plan strategy. Victims can use the docket to see when the case will move forward. The clerk updates the docket after every filing or hearing. The docket is the best way to track the progress of a felony case.
Plea deals can shorten the time. Many felony cases end with a plea bargain before trial. The docket shows the plea hearing and the sentence. Trials that go to verdict take the longest. A complex felony trial can take more than a year from arraignment to verdict.
5. How do I get a copy of a court order from Highlands County?
People can get a copy of a court order from the clerk’s office. Visit the courthouse at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk charges $1.00 per page for a certified copy and $0.10 per page for a regular copy. Cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards are accepted. People can also mail a request to the clerk. Include the case number and a check for the fee. The clerk mails the copy within five business days.
Online ordering is available for some records through the clerk’s website. The online ordering system takes credit card payments. People who order online get a digital copy or a mailed copy based on the option they pick. Certified copies from the online system have the same legal weight as in-person copies.
Court reporter transcripts have a different process. The court reporter keeps the transcripts. People must order transcripts directly from the court reporter assigned to the case. The clerk’s office can give the name and contact for the court reporter. The court reporter charges $1.00 per page for an original transcript.
6. Can I attend a court hearing in Highlands County?
Yes. Most court hearings in Highlands County are open to the public. The public can sit in the courtroom and watch. Sealed hearings are not open. Juvenile hearings are not open. Some hearings happen by video. The docket shows the date, time, and courtroom. People should arrive 15 minutes early to pass through security. The courthouse has a dress code. Hats, shorts, and tank tops are not allowed.
Cell phones must be on silent. People who disrupt the hearing may be asked to leave. Cameras and recording devices are not allowed in the courtroom. People can take notes by hand. Press members can ask the judge for permission to record hearings in some cases. The clerk’s office can explain the rules for press coverage.
Some hearings happen by video through Zoom or a similar service. The clerk’s office posts the video link on the docket. People who want to attend a video hearing must register with the clerk. The judge can clear the room for parts of the hearing that involve sensitive details. The docket shows the schedule for the video hearing.
7. What is the difference between circuit court and county court in Highlands County?
Circuit court in Highlands County handles felony cases, family law, divorce, probate, and civil cases over $50,000. County court handles traffic offenses, misdemeanors, small claims up to $8,000, and civil cases up to $50,000. Both courts sit at the Sebring courthouse. The 10th Judicial Circuit covers Highlands, Hardee, and Polk Counties. Most jury trials happen in circuit court. County court cases move faster because the stakes are lower.
The docket shows the court type for each case. The case number starts with a code that shows the court type. “CF” means circuit felony. “MM” means county misdemeanor. “DR” means domestic relations. “SC” means small claims. “PR” means probate. “CA” means circuit civil. “CC” means county civil. “TC” means traffic. The code helps users know what type of case they are looking at.
People who file cases must use the right court. The clerk’s office can help people figure out which court has authority over their case. Filing in the wrong court can lead to delays or dismissal. People can call the clerk at (863) 402-6565 for help with court selection.
Authority and Entity Expansion List
To build long-term topical authority around the Highlands County Court Docket, add the following entities and topic clusters in priority order:
- 10th Judicial Circuit Court – Parent court covering Highlands, Hardee, and Polk Counties. Add a dedicated section with judge rosters, division phone numbers, and circuit-wide policies.
- Florida Statutes Chapter 119 (Public Records) – The state law that makes court dockets public. Add a section explaining the law, exemptions, and how to file a public records request.
- Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 – The rule that controls which records stay sealed. Add a full breakdown of exempt categories and the redaction process.
- Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – Source of arrest records and inmate searches. Add a section on how arrest data flows into criminal dockets.
- State Attorney’s Office 10th Circuit – Prosecuting authority for felony cases. Add a section on how cases move from arrest to arraignment to trial.
- Public Defender’s Office 10th Circuit – Defense for those who cannot afford a private attorney. Add a section on how the public defender gets assigned to a case.
- Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers – Statewide clerk organization. Add a section on how clerks across Florida follow the same docket format.
- Highlands County Bar Association – Local attorney directory. Add a referral section for people who need a lawyer for a Highlands County case.
- Florida Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service – Statewide lawyer directory. Add a section on finding an attorney by case type.
- Legal Aid of the 10th Circuit – Free legal help for low-income residents. Add a section on eligibility and how to apply.
- Self-Help Centers (10th Circuit) – Court-based help for people without lawyers. Add a section on locations, hours, and covered case types.
- Hardee County Court Records – Adjacent county in the 10th Circuit. Add cross-link content for users searching neighboring counties.
- Polk County Court Records – Adjacent county in the 10th Circuit. Add cross-link content for users searching the largest county in the circuit.
- Glades, DeSoto, and Okeechobee County Court Records – Neighboring counties outside the 10th Circuit. Add cross-link content for users searching the surrounding region.
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) – State criminal history checks. Add a section on how FDLE records relate to local dockets.
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) – Driving records and DUI administrative reviews. Add a section on the parallel DHSMV hearing for DUI cases.
- MyFloridaCounty Official Records Portal – Deeds, liens, and recorded documents. Add a section on how official records connect to court dockets.
- Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com) – Statewide filing system. Add a section on e-filing fees, account setup, and rejected f