Alachua County Court Records
What Is Alachua County Court Records
Court records in Alachua County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.01, court records are considered public records and are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital records, and tax documents.
The courts that maintain records in Alachua County include:
- Eighth Judicial Circuit Court
- Alachua County Court
- Alachua County Family Court
- Alachua County Probate Court
- Alachua County Small Claims Court
These courts handle various types of cases including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. The Florida Courts system maintains these records according to established protocols and retention schedules.
Court records serve multiple purposes, including:
- Documenting judicial decisions and proceedings
- Providing transparency in the judicial process
- Establishing legal precedents
- Facilitating appeals processes
- Enabling research on legal matters
The Alachua County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of these records, responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and accessibility to the public.
Are Court Records Public In Alachua County
Court records in Alachua County are generally public pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, and the state's constitutional guarantee of access to public records. Additionally, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 2.420, governs public access to court records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Final dispositions
However, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure or may be confidential under state law. These exemptions include:
- Records involving juveniles
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Information deemed confidential by statute
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (which includes Alachua County) are governed by federal rules rather than state laws, though they are generally accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Florida Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. These rules are designed to ensure that court proceedings remain open while protecting sensitive information from improper disclosure.
How To Find Court Records in Alachua County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Alachua County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Alachua County Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies).
Alachua County Clerk of Court
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Alachua County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Requests:
- Access the Alachua County Clerk of Court's online records portal.
- Create a user account if required.
- Search for records using case number, party name, filing date, or case type.
- View available documents online or request copies.
- Pay applicable fees for document access or copies using a credit card.
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk's Office by mail, including:
- Case information (names, case numbers, dates)
- Specific documents requested
- Contact information
- Payment for applicable fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing.
For criminal records, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office may also maintain certain records related to arrests and bookings. For court records from the First District Court of Appeal that covers Alachua County, requests should be directed to their records department in Tallahassee.
How To Look Up Court Records in Alachua County Online?
Alachua County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow for remote research of court documents without visiting the courthouse in person.
Alachua County Clerk of Court Online Records:
- Visit the Alachua County Clerk's official website.
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options.
- Choose between public access (limited information) or registered user access (more comprehensive).
- Search by case number, party name, filing date, or case type.
- Review search results and select specific cases to view available documents.
- Pay any applicable fees to view or download documents.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:
- Access the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Register for an account (required for document access).
- Select "Search Court Records" from the menu.
- Choose Alachua County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Enter search criteria and review results.
- Access available documents according to portal guidelines.
Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS):
For appellate cases involving Alachua County matters:
- Navigate to the Florida Appellate Case Information System.
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney.
- Filter results to locate cases from the First District Court of Appeal.
- View dockets and available documents for selected cases.
Florida Virtual Courtroom Directory:
To access information about virtual court proceedings:
- Visit the Florida Virtual Courtroom Directory.
- Select Alachua County from the county list.
- View scheduled virtual hearings and related case information.
Each online system has specific limitations regarding which records are available electronically. Some documents, particularly older records or those with confidentiality concerns, may only be available through in-person requests at the courthouse.
How To Search Alachua County Court Records for Free?
Florida law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records at no cost, as established in Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), which states that "every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records."
The following free options are available for searching Alachua County court records:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Alachua County Courthouse during regular business hours.
- Use public access terminals in the Clerk's office to search for cases.
- Request to inspect specific case files (viewing is free; copying incurs fees).
Alachua County Clerk of Court
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Free Online Resources:
- Alachua County Court Records Search - Basic case information is available without charge.
- Florida Courts Public Access System - Provides free access to basic case information.
- Florida Appellate Case Information System - Free access to appellate case dockets.
While basic case information is typically available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($0.15 per page)
- Certified copies ($1.00 per page plus certification fee)
- Research assistance from clerk staff ($2.00 per name search)
- Complete case file downloads from certain online systems
According to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(f), the clerk may charge fees for extensive use of information technology resources or clerical assistance if a request requires more than 15 minutes of staff time.
What's Included in a Alachua County Court Record?
Alachua County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include the following components:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Financial information (filing fees, judgments, payments)
- Case docket showing chronological case activity
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (information, indictment)
- Arrest warrant or probable cause affidavit
- Bail and bond information
- Plea documents
- Motions and court orders
- Evidence logs
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (may be confidential)
- Judgment and sentencing documents
- Probation records
- Appeal notices and decisions
Family Court Records:
- Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Mediation agreements
- Court orders regarding custody, support, and property division
- Final judgments
- Post-judgment modification requests
Probate Records:
- Will (if applicable)
- Petition for administration
- Inventory of assets
- Claims against the estate
- Notices to creditors
- Reports of distribution
- Final accounting
- Orders closing the estate
Case Docket Sheets:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Chronological listing of all filings and court actions
- Scheduled hearings and their outcomes
- Final disposition information
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed confidentially, including social security numbers, bank account numbers, and information related to minors.
How Long Does Alachua County Keep Court Records?
Alachua County retains court records according to schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. These retention periods vary based on case type and document importance:
Criminal Court Records:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Juvenile criminal records: Until the subject reaches age 26
Civil Court Records:
- Circuit civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Small claims cases: 5 years after final judgment
- Domestic relations cases: 75 years after final judgment
- Probate cases: 10 years after closing
Special Records:
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Mental health proceedings: 7 years after final judgment
- Guardianship records: 10 years after termination of guardianship
- Court indexes and dockets: Permanent retention
- Court minutes: Permanent retention
The Florida Records Retention Schedule for Court Records provides comprehensive guidance on retention periods. After the required retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures, though records of historical significance may be transferred to the State Archives of Florida for permanent preservation.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Alachua County Clerk of Court maintains both current and historical records according to these schedules, with older records potentially stored in off-site facilities or archived formats.
Types of Courts In Alachua County
Alachua County's court system operates within Florida's unified court structure, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictional purposes:
Eighth Judicial Circuit Court
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Eighth Judicial Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Circuit Court is Alachua County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil disputes over $30,000, juvenile matters, probate cases, and family law matters. The Eighth Judicial Circuit encompasses Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties.
Alachua County Court
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Alachua County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil disputes under $30,000, small claims (up to $8,000), and landlord-tenant matters.
First District Court of Appeal
2000 Drayton Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-488-6151
First District Court of Appeal
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The First District Court of Appeal hears appeals from Alachua County's circuit and county courts. This appellate court serves 32 counties in North Florida.
Florida Supreme Court
500 South Duval Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-488-0125
Florida Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Florida Supreme Court is the highest state court and has discretionary jurisdiction over cases from the District Courts of Appeal, including those originating in Alachua County.
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida (Gainesville Division)
401 SE 1st Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-380-2400
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
This federal court handles federal criminal and civil cases arising in Alachua County and surrounding areas.
What Types of Cases Do Alachua County Courts Hear?
Alachua County's courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type and monetary value. The following breakdown outlines which courts handle specific case categories:
Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil disputes involving more than $30,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency
- Probate and guardianship matters
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption cases
- Appeals from County Court decisions
- Tax disputes
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Mortgage foreclosures
County Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions and violations
- Civil disputes up to $30,000
- Small claims up to $8,000
- Landlord-tenant evictions
- Ordinance violations
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Civil infractions
First District Court of Appeal:
- Appeals from final judgments of Circuit and County Courts
- Appeals from non-final orders as provided by court rules
- Original proceedings for extraordinary writs (mandamus, prohibition, etc.)
- Administrative appeals from state agencies
Federal Court (U.S. District Court, Northern District):
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases involving federal questions
- Civil cases between citizens of different states (diversity jurisdiction) exceeding $75,000
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Patent, copyright, and trademark disputes
- Civil rights violations
- Constitutional challenges
Case assignment within the Alachua County court system follows the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and local administrative orders. Specialized divisions within the Circuit Court handle specific case types, including family, juvenile, probate, and criminal divisions, allowing for judicial expertise in these areas.
How To Find a Court Docket In Alachua County
Court dockets in Alachua County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case, including filings, hearings, and judicial decisions. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Alachua County Clerk of Court website
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review the docket listing showing all case events
- Note that some documents referenced in the docket may require in-person access
For appellate cases involving Alachua County:
- Access the Florida Appellate Case Information System
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View the docket entries for selected cases
In-Person Docket Access:
- Visit the Clerk's Office at the Alachua County Courthouse
- Request docket information for specific cases at the public service counter
- Use public access terminals to search for and view docket information
- Request printed copies of dockets (fees may apply)
Upcoming Court Calendars:
To view scheduled hearings and trials:
- Check the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court calendar
- Search by judge, division, or date
- Note that calendars are typically published one week in advance
For virtual court proceedings:
- Visit the Florida Virtual Courtroom Directory
- Select Alachua County to view scheduled virtual hearings
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, dockets are presumptively public records, though certain confidential cases may have restricted access. Court dockets are updated daily as new filings and judicial actions occur.
Which Courts in Alachua County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Florida's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded, and which has the authority to fine or imprison for contempt. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 34.01, all Circuit Courts and County Courts are designated as courts of record.
Currently, there are no courts in Alachua County that are classified as "not of record." The previous system of municipal courts that were not courts of record was abolished in Florida following the 1972 revision of Article V of the Florida Constitution, which established a unified court system throughout the state.
Prior to this constitutional revision, Alachua County had several municipal courts that were not courts of record, including:
- Gainesville Municipal Court
- High Springs Municipal Court
- Alachua Municipal Court
These former municipal courts handled local ordinance violations and minor offenses. Their functions were transferred to the County Court system, which now handles all such matters as a court of record.
All judicial proceedings in Alachua County now take place in courts of record, meaning:
- Official transcripts or recordings are made of all proceedings
- The courts have contempt powers
- Appeals from these courts are based on the record established during proceedings
- Judgments from these courts are enforceable throughout the state
This unified system ensures consistent record-keeping practices and procedural standards across all courts in Alachua County and throughout Florida.
Lookup Court Records in Alachua County
Florida Virtual Courtroom Directory
Florida Clerks of County Courts
Jury Duty Information for Alachua County