Miami Gardens city family court records cover every divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, and domestic relations case filed by people who live in this part of Miami-Dade County. These files live at the county level, not with the city government.
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court runs the records system for the entire 11th Judicial Circuit. Residents can search case files online, view them in person, or order copies by mail. This page explains where the files are stored, what each file contains, and how to get copies in 2026.
Where Miami Gardens Family Court Records Are Kept
Family court files for Miami Gardens sit in one place: the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court office. The city of Miami Gardens does not store any court files. The city clerk only handles local matters like council minutes, permits, contracts, and ordinances. Anyone who needs a family court file must work with the county system, not the city system.
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court Office
The Miami-Dade Clerk serves as the main record keeper for every court in the 11th Judicial Circuit. Juan Fernandez-Barquin holds the elected clerk position. His office files, scans, and publishes court paperwork for all of Miami-Dade County. The main office sits at 73 West Flagler Street in downtown Miami. Staff at this location answer case questions, pull paper files, and issue certified copies for legal use. The clerk’s office also runs the countywide Online Court System used by residents across the region.
| Office Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court |
| Current Clerk | Juan Fernandez-Barquin |
| Main Address | 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Website | www.miamidadeclerk.gov |
| Main Phone | (305) 275-1155 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
The Miami-Dade County Clerk office keeps every Miami Gardens family court file.
The Role of the Miami Gardens City Clerk
The Miami Gardens City Clerk is a separate office with a separate job. The city clerk records city council votes, manages contracts, files local ordinances, and handles city permits. This office does not have access to any family court file, no matter the case type. People who call the city clerk about a divorce, custody, paternity, or support case get sent to the county clerk. The city clerk’s office is at 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056, and the phone number is (305) 622-8080. Knowing which office handles which records saves you time and prevents a wasted trip.
The 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida
The 11th Judicial Circuit covers Miami-Dade County. All family court cases in Miami Gardens go through one of the circuit’s family divisions. The family court handles divorce, paternity, child support, custody, adoption, and domestic relations matters. The circuit also runs the Unified Children’s Court, which hears child welfare and dependency cases. Family court hearings take place at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center and other county court buildings. Judges rotate through the family division, and each case is assigned at random within the family court system.
Types of Family Court Records in Miami Gardens
Family court cases create many types of paperwork. Most files are open to the public, but some are sealed by court order. Each case type has its own set of standard forms and supporting documents. Below is a full breakdown of the main record types filed in Miami Gardens family court under Florida law.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce files start with a petition for dissolution of marriage. The packet also includes a summons, financial affidavit, and parenting plan if children are part of the marriage. Final judgments, settlement agreements, marital settlement agreements, and any orders on alimony, property division, or attorney fees also sit in the file. People can view the petition, the final judgment, and most supporting motions. Bank account numbers and social security numbers get redacted before the file is shown to the public. A divorce file can include dozens of motions, hearings, and orders depending on how complex the case became.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Custody files include the parenting plan, which sets out the time-sharing schedule between the parents. The file also holds any motions to modify custody, evidence from hearings, guardian ad litem reports, and the judge’s final order. Visitation logs, mediation reports, and parenting course certificates may sit in the file. The parenting course certificate shows that both parents completed a court-required class. Adoption records get sealed after the adoption is final, so the public cannot see those files. Custody evaluations by mental health professionals also sit in the file when the court orders one.
Child Support and Paternity Records
Child support cases begin with a petition from the Florida Department of Revenue or a private party. The file includes the income deduction order, payment history, arrearage calculations, and any contempt motions. Paternity files hold the DNA test results, the order establishing paternity, and any related support orders. Both types of files remain open to the public, though financial account numbers and minor children’s full names get redacted before viewing. The clerk also files any income withholding orders that send child support payments directly from a parent’s paycheck to the State Disbursement Unit.
Adoption and Guardianship Records
Adoption files are sealed once the court grants the final adoption judgment. Before the final order, the file holds the petition, the home study report, the consent forms from the biological parents, and the placement document. After the adoption is final, only the court can unseal the file for a very narrow set of reasons, such as a medical emergency or a need to access genetic history. Guardianship records for minors or incapacitated adults stay open unless a judge orders the file sealed. A guardianship file holds the petition, the medical reports, the guardian’s plan, and any annual reports the guardian must file with the court.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence files are created when a person files a petition for an injunction against another party. The file includes the petition, the temporary injunction (if granted at the first hearing), the full hearing transcript, and the final injunction. Police reports, witness statements, and text message screenshots may also be in the file. These records stay open, but identifying details for minors and protected persons get redacted before viewing. Violation reports and any criminal charges tied to the injunction also sit in the file when the police arrest someone for breaking the order.
How to Search Miami Gardens Family Court Records Online
The fastest way to look up a Miami Gardens family court file is online. The Miami-Dade Clerk runs a public search portal, and the State of Florida runs a separate statewide portal. Both tools let you search from home at any time of day or night, and both are free to use for basic case lookups.
Using the Miami-Dade Clerk Online System
Go to www.miamidadeclerk.gov and click the “Court Records Search” link. Type the party’s last name, first name, and date of birth. You can also type the case number if you already have it. The system shows the case type, the filing date, the assigned judge, and the docket entry list. Click a docket entry to see the document if it has been scanned into the system. Many older files sit only on microfilm and must be viewed at the courthouse in person. Newer files from after 2010 are almost always scanned and viewable online.
The Online Court System lets Miami Gardens residents search family court cases from any device.
Using the Florida E-Filing Portal
The statewide portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com gives you access to court files in every Florida county, not just Miami-Dade. Search by name, case number, or party type. The portal is also the place to file new family court documents. Attorneys must use this portal for all new filings in Florida. People who file on their own can use it but are not required to use it. The portal charges a small processing fee per filing, and the fee is set by the Florida Courts system.
The e-filing portal lets Miami Gardens residents submit family court documents online.
Search Limits and What You Can See
The online system shows docket entries, hearing dates, party names, judge names, and case status. It also shows the file date and the next scheduled hearing. Some documents are not posted online because of privacy rules under Florida law. Files from before 1990 often need an in-person visit because they were never scanned. Sealed files never appear online, no matter the case type or the file age. The online system also does not show sealed financial affidavits or sealed psychological evaluations, even when the rest of the case is open to the public.
How to Request Records In Person or by Mail
Not every record lives online. To see a full paper file, you can visit the courthouse or write a request. The clerk’s office handles both methods and gives you the choice of a regular copy or a certified copy. In-person visits give the fastest result, and mail requests work well when you live far from the courthouse.
In-Person Visits to the Courthouse
Walk into the main office at 73 W. Flagler Street. Bring a photo ID. Tell the front desk the case number or the party name. Staff pull the file and bring it to a viewing room within a few minutes. You can read the file, take notes, and ask for paper copies. Each copy costs a small fee per page. Self-service copy machines are also in the lobby for people who want to make their own copies. Courthouse security requires a metal detector scan, so arrive a few minutes early to clear the line.
Mail and Phone Requests
Send a written request to the clerk’s office by mail at the downtown address. Include the case number, the party name, the records you need by document name, and your contact details. Add a check or money order for the copy fee plus return postage. The clerk mails the records back to you. Phone requests are accepted for basic case status only, like the next hearing date or the assigned judge. To get document copies, you must put the request in writing because the clerk needs a paper trail for any release of court records.
Certified Copies and Fees
The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law and applies the same way in every county. The current fee is generally $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee per document under Florida Statutes, and the clerk posts the exact numbers on the website. A regular copy without the seal costs less, but it cannot be used in another court case, in an immigration filing, or for any government-issued document. Certified copies work for legal name changes, Social Security updates, passport applications, retirement account rollovers, and most other legal uses. The clerk accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards at the counter. Mail requests must include a check or money order, and the clerk will not process the request until payment is received.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Sealed records cannot be opened without a court order. To view a sealed file, you must file a written motion and show the judge a legal reason. Adoption records after finalization are sealed by law. Mental health records tied to a family case are also sealed under Florida law. Domestic violence files that name minors or protected persons are partly sealed to keep identifying details private. The judge reviews each motion on a case-by-case basis, and only strong legal reasons get approved. If the judge denies the motion, the order can be appealed to a higher court.
Filing New Family Court Cases in Miami Gardens
Starting a new case in Miami Gardens family court works the same as in the rest of Miami-Dade County. The clerk accepts new filings in person, by mail, or through the e-filing portal. Some cases need extra forms or a filing fee waiver based on income.
Who Can File
Any adult who lives in Miami-Dade County or who has a family matter tied to Miami-Dade can file. You do not need a lawyer, but a lawyer can help with complex cases. Self-represented filers use the same forms as lawyers. The clerk’s office has a self-help center for people who file on their own. The center sits inside the courthouse and is open during normal business hours. There is no charge to use the self-help center, and staff can answer basic procedural questions.
E-Filing Requirements
Lawyers must file all new family court papers through the e-filing portal under Florida Supreme Court rules. Create an account, pick the case type, and upload the PDF. The system stamps the file and sends a confirmation email with a filing number. Self-represented parties can file on paper at the counter or use the portal if they prefer. The portal accepts PDFs, Word files, and most common image formats. Files must be clear and readable, and the naming rules require each file to match the document type listed on the form.
Self-Represented Litigant Resources
The Miami-Dade Clerk runs a Self-Service Center at the courthouse. Staff help with forms, filing steps, and court procedures. The Florida Courts website has free family law forms you can download. Local legal aid groups also offer free help for low-income residents, and the Miami-Dade Law Library at the courthouse has computers, printers, and reference materials for public use. The Law Library staff can also point you to self-help books and practice guides. Many of these resources are also available online through the clerk’s website.
Costs, Fees, and Court Locations
Court fees in Miami-Dade follow the statewide fee schedule. The clerk posts the current fee list on its website. Costs change from time to time when the Florida Legislature updates the fee statute, so check the website before you file or place a copy request. The fees are the same across every Florida county for the same service.
Standard Clerk Fees
Common fees include a filing fee for new cases, a fee for issuing a summons, and a fee per certified copy. A standard copy of a single document costs less than a certified copy. The clerk accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card. Filing fee waivers are available for low-income filers who submit a sworn financial affidavit. The clerk’s office can deny a waiver if the income or asset numbers do not qualify under the state guidelines.
Payment Methods Accepted
At the counter, the clerk takes cash, personal checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Mail requests must include a check or money order. Online orders through the e-filing portal use a credit card or electronic payment, and a small convenience fee may apply. The clerk does not accept personal checks for mail requests over a certain amount, so use a money order for large orders. Payment plans are available for some fees when the filer cannot pay the full amount up front.
Miami-Dade Court Locations Near Miami Gardens
The main family court site is the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center at 175 NW 1st Avenue in Miami. The North Dade Justice Center at 15555 Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami Beach is closer to Miami Gardens and handles some family hearings. The South Dade Justice Center at 10710 SW 211th Street in Cutler Bay covers the south part of the county. The Coral Gables branch court also hears some family matters by assignment. Parking is available at all locations, and public transit reaches the main courthouse and the North Dade center.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center | 175 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128 | (305) 349-7777 |
| North Dade Justice Center | 15555 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach, FL 33160 | (305) 354-2950 |
| South Dade Justice Center | 10710 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay, FL 33189 | (305) 252-5800 |
Miami Gardens family law cases create detailed files kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk.
Official Contact and Location
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for every family court case in Miami Gardens. Use the contact details below for case searches, copy requests, filing questions, and certified copy orders. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Plan to arrive early for in-person visits because the lobby line can build up around the opening hour.
- Office: Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
- Address: 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
- Phone: (305) 275-1155
- Website: www.miamidadeclerk.gov
- E-Filing Portal: www.myflcourtaccess.com
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Common Questions About Miami Gardens Family Court Records
People who search for Miami Gardens family court files often ask similar questions. The answers below cover the most common points, including search steps, copy fees, sealed files, filing options, and statewide access. Use these answers to plan your search or filing before you contact the clerk’s office.
Are Miami Gardens family court records public?
Yes, most Miami Gardens family court records are open to the public. You can view case files at the courthouse and search the clerk’s online system at any time. Some files are sealed by a judge and cannot be viewed without a court order. Adoption records after finalization, mental health records tied to a family case, and files with protected party details are the most common sealed files. Personal data such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s identifying details always get removed before the public can view a file. The clerk handles redaction before the file is shown to you, so you never see raw sensitive data in public viewings. Public access laws in Florida support this open-records approach because court cases affect the public interest. Knowing this, you can plan your search by checking the case type, the file date, and any sealing orders before you visit. If a file is sealed, you can still try to get a court order to unseal it for a valid legal reason.
How do I look up a divorce record in Miami Gardens?
Start with the Miami-Dade Clerk online search at www.miamidadeclerk.gov. Type the full name of either spouse and the date of birth if you have it. The system shows the case number, the assigned judge, the filing date, and a list of docket entries. Click the entries to view scanned documents like the petition, the financial affidavit, and the final judgment. If the file is older and not yet online, you will need to visit the courthouse in person. Bring a valid photo ID, and tell the front desk staff the case number or the full legal names of both parties. Staff will pull the file for you to view in the reading room, and you can request paper copies at that time. For mail requests, send a written request to the clerk’s office with the case number, the full names, the documents you need, your contact details, and a check for the copy fee plus postage. The clerk’s office will process the request and mail the copies back to you within seven to ten business days on average.
How much does a certified copy cost?
The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law and applies the same way in every county. The Miami-Dade Clerk’s website lists the current price for each service, and the fees cover the cost of the court seal and a signed statement that the copy is a true and correct copy of the record. A regular copy without the seal costs less than a certified copy, but it cannot be used in another court case, in an immigration filing, or for any government-issued document. Certified copies work for legal name changes, Social Security updates, passport applications, retirement account rollovers, and most other legal uses. The clerk accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards at the counter. Mail requests must include a check or money order, and the clerk will not process the request until payment is received. The fee schedule is posted on the clerk’s website and is updated whenever Florida law changes, so always check the current price before you place an order. The fee is per document, and the clerk will tell you the total cost based on how many documents you request.
Can I see a sealed family court file?
You must file a written motion asking the judge to unseal the file. The motion must show a legal reason why you need to see the record and must follow the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Common reasons include correcting a name on a birth certificate, settling an estate, pursuing a fraud claim, or responding to a criminal investigation. The judge reviews the motion in chambers and may hold a short hearing before deciding. If the judge grants the motion, the clerk opens the file for viewing and you can schedule a time to see it. Adoption files after finalization are very hard to unseal because Florida law treats adoption records as permanently confidential. Only a narrow set of reasons qualify, such as a medical emergency, a need to access a biological parent’s medical history, or a court order for genetic testing. Mental health records tied to a family case are also sealed by default and require a separate motion. Domestic violence files that name minors or protected persons are partly sealed to keep identifying details private. If your request is denied, the clerk will send you a written order that explains the judge’s reasoning, and you can appeal that decision to a higher court within thirty days.
Do I need a lawyer to file a family case?
No. Many people file family cases on their own, and Florida courts have designed the process to allow self-represented filers. The clerk’s Self-Service Center at the courthouse helps with forms, filing steps, and basic court procedures at no cost. Florida Courts also posts free family law forms online, and the Law Library at the courthouse has computers, printers, and reference materials for public use. A lawyer is helpful for complex cases, especially those involving closely held businesses, retirement accounts, real estate holdings, custody disputes, or domestic violence issues. Low-income residents may qualify for free legal help from local legal aid groups like Legal Services of Greater Miami or the Dade County Bar Association’s pro bono program. The Miami-Dade Bar Association also has a lawyer referral service that lists attorneys who practice family law and offer reduced-fee consultations. Even with a lawyer, you still have the right to speak in court and make decisions about your case. The lawyer’s role is to give legal advice and represent you at hearings, not to take over the case or make choices for you.
What is the difference between the city clerk and the county clerk?
The Miami Gardens city clerk handles local government business only. The office records city council votes, files local ordinances, manages city contracts, processes business tax receipts, and handles city permits. The city clerk cannot help with court records of any kind because the office has no connection to the court system. The Miami-Dade County Clerk handles court business. The office files court paperwork, runs the online case search system, issues certified copies, accepts new case filings, and processes court payments. The county clerk also runs the jury system, the marriage license office, and the passport acceptance facility at some locations. If you need a family court file, a certified copy of a divorce judgment, or a search of a custody case, you must contact the county clerk. The county clerk’s office is at 73 W. Flagler Street in downtown Miami, and you can call (305) 275-1155 for general help. Knowing which clerk handles which records saves you time and prevents wasted trips to the wrong office.
How long does it take to get records by mail?
Mail requests take seven to ten business days on average from the date the clerk’s office receives your request. Processing time depends on the age of the case, the number of documents requested, the file format, and the current workload at the clerk’s office. Old files stored on microfilm take longer because staff must pull the film, scan the documents into the digital system, and then print the copies for mailing. Files from after 2000 are usually already digital, so the clerk can process those requests faster. To speed up the request, include the case number, the full legal names of both parties, the specific documents you need by name, your contact details, and a daytime phone number. The clerk will call you if there is a problem with the request, such as a missing case number, an unpaid fee, or an unclear document name. The clerk also mails the records using regular USPS mail, so add extra time for postal delivery on both ends. For urgent requests, the fastest path is to visit the courthouse in person with a photo ID and get the copies at the counter the same day.