Public Records RequestsThe Lake County Clerk’s Office categorizes public records into three categories – court records, official records, and administrative records. Each of these types of records is governed by specific laws and rules related to its accessibility and retention. Court Records:Court records are items that include contents of the court file, including the progress docket and other similar records generated to document activity in a case. The court record can also include transcripts filed with the clerk, documentary exhibits in the custody of the clerk, and electronic records, videotapes, or stenographic tapes of depositions or other proceedings filed with the clerk, and electronic records, videotapes, or stenographic tapes of court proceedings. Access to court records is governed by court rules and administrative orders issued by the Florida Supreme Court, not by Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Some court records may not be viewable by persons other than those directly involved in the case (e.g. – parties to the case, attorneys of record, authorized state/local government agencies). Accessibility of court records is generally based on the case type, the content of the document to be viewed, and the relationship of the person making the request to the case. Most documents in files created after the year 2003 can be viewed online, subject to review for confidentiality, and may also then be printed as needed. This online database also includes basic case information, but no documents, for the following years, prior to 2003:
For older records, requests can be made in person at the Lake County Courthouse, Central Intake Section, 550 W. Main St., East Wing, First Floor, Tavares. If you want to search for all records for a person or entity, complete a Court Records Search Request Form (PDF), and email it to [email protected]. Requests may also be made in-person at the Lake County Courthouse located at 550 W. Main St., East Wing, First Floor, Tavares. There is a fee of $1 per page for any court record printed by our office, and an additional fee of $2 to certify any document. A records search request for court records is $2 per name, per year searched. Official Records:
Most of these records can be viewed online on the Lake County Clerk’s website. Some records, or parts thereof, are confidential. Fees for paper and certified copies of official records vary, depending on the size of the document, and the staff-hours needed to locate and copy the items. To request a paper or certified copy of a record, you can visit the Official Records Division, Lake County Courthouse located at 550 W. Main St., North Wing, Third Floor, Tavares, submit an Official Records Order Form (PDF) by email to [email protected], or call (352) 253-2600. These records are subject to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Search Online Official Records Administrative Records:Administrative records are all items maintained in connection with transactions related to official business at the Clerk’s Office, as well as records maintained on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. This includes board minutes and actions, general correspondence, or other materials, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission. These records are subject to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Fees for paper and certified copies of administrative records vary, depending on the size of the document, and the man-hours needed to locate, redact, and copy the items. To request an administrative record, visit the Records Storage Facility, 313 S. Bloxham Ave., Tavares, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., submit a Records Request Form by email to [email protected], or call 352-343-9770. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Official records are those documents that have been recorded into the Official Records of Lake County. They include documents such as plats, deeds, mortgages, notices of commencement, and marriage licenses.