Charlotte County Court Records
What Is Charlotte County Court Records
Court records in Charlotte County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.01, these records constitute public information maintained by judicial authorities for administrative and historical purposes. Charlotte County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing chronology
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees
- Probate and estate documentation
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, as they specifically document judicial proceedings rather than administrative functions. The Florida Courts system maintains these records according to established retention schedules and access protocols.
In Charlotte County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- Charlotte County Circuit Court (felonies, civil cases over $30,000, probate, family matters)
- Charlotte County County Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, small claims)
- Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida (federal cases)
These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, providing a comprehensive account of judicial activity within the county.
Are Court Records Public In Charlotte County
Court records in Charlotte County are presumptively public under Florida's strong commitment to government transparency. The Florida Constitution Article I, § 24 establishes that "every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record" with limited exceptions. Additionally, Florida's Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes, reinforces this right of access.
The following court records are generally accessible to the public:
- Civil case files (with certain redactions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files after formal charging
- Final judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Marriage and divorce records
However, certain records may be restricted or redacted pursuant to statutory exemptions or court rules. These typically include:
- Records involving juveniles (except in specific circumstances)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain family court matters involving minors
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Social security numbers, financial account information, and other personal identifiers
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, particularly Rule 2.420, governs access to court records and establishes procedures for requesting confidential treatment of information. Federal court records in Charlotte County, maintained by the Middle District of Florida, follow separate access rules under federal law.
How To Find Court Records in Charlotte County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Charlotte County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of court records and provides multiple access options:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Charlotte County Justice Center during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public records counter
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve requested documents
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Charlotte County Clerk of Court
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request including case information and contact details
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose payment for estimated copy fees (check or money order)
- Mail to the Clerk's Office at the address above
Online Requests:
- Visit the Charlotte County Clerk's website
- Navigate to the "Court Records" section
- Register for an account if accessing non-public records
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Pay applicable online access fees
- Download or print available documents
For federal court records pertaining to Charlotte County cases, requesters should utilize the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system or contact:
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
Fort Myers Division
2110 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 461-2000
Middle District of Florida
How To Look Up Court Records in Charlotte County Online?
Charlotte County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital portals. Each system contains different record types and requires specific search procedures:
Charlotte County Clerk's Online Records Search:
- Navigate to the Charlotte County Clerk's website
- Select "Court Records Search" from the main menu
- Choose between public access (limited information) or registered user access
- Search using party name, case number, or date range
- Review search results showing basic case information
- Select specific cases to view available documents
- Pay applicable access fees for document downloads
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:
- Visit Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Register for an account (free registration available)
- Select "Search Court Records" from the menu
- Choose Charlotte County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name)
- View publicly available case documents
- Download documents according to access permissions
Charlotte County Public Records Search:
- Access the Charlotte County online services portal
- Select "Court Records" from available options
- Enter search parameters in the provided fields
- Review results showing case type, filing date, and status
- Access available documents subject to viewing permissions
For criminal case information, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office maintains a separate database:
- Visit the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to "Inmate Information" or "Arrest Records"
- Search by name or booking number
- View arrest information, charges, and case status
Federal court records for Charlotte County cases can be accessed through PACER:
- Register at PACER.gov
- Select "Find a Case"
- Choose "U.S. District Courts" and "Florida Middle District"
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Pay applicable PACER fees ($0.10 per page viewed)
How To Search Charlotte County Court Records for Free?
Florida law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24, the Clerk of Court may charge "up to $1 per page" for copies, but inspection remains free.
The following methods allow for free access to Charlotte County court records:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Charlotte County Justice Center during public hours
- Request to view specific case files at the public records counter
- Provide case number or party names to clerk staff
- Review documents on-site at no charge
- Return materials when finished
Charlotte County Justice Center
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Charlotte County Clerk of Court
Public Access Terminals:
- Use computer terminals located in the Clerk's Office
- Search the court's case management system
- View documents on-screen at no charge
- Print documents for standard copy fees if needed
Limited Online Access:
- Visit the Charlotte County Clerk's website
- Use the public access search option (no registration required)
- View basic case information including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names and attorney information
- Hearing schedules and case status
- Docket entries showing document titles
- Note that document downloads may require payment
Charlotte County Law Library:
- Visit the law library located in the Justice Center
- Access legal research databases with court records
- Request assistance from law library staff
- View documents on-site at no charge
Charlotte County Law Library
350 East Marion Avenue, 4th Floor
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2411
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
What's Included in a Charlotte County Court Record?
Charlotte County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Typical components include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Exhibits and evidence admitted
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment motions and enforcement documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Arrest warrant or probable cause affidavit
- Defendant's plea
- Bond or bail information
- Pretrial motions and responses
- Evidence inventory and chain of custody documentation
- Trial exhibits (when filed)
- Jury instructions and verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal notices and related filings
Family Court Records:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Financial affidavits (partially redacted)
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Mediation agreements
- Court orders regarding custody and support
- Final judgment of dissolution
- Post-judgment modification requests
Probate Records:
- Petition for administration
- Death certificate (partially redacted)
- Will (if testate) or intestacy documents
- Inventory of assets
- Claims against the estate
- Notices to creditors
- Orders of distribution
- Final accounting
- Discharge of personal representative
Case Docket/Register of Actions:
- Chronological listing of all case events
- Filing dates and document titles
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judge assignments
- Attorney appearances
- Service information
- Fee payments
Court records also typically include administrative documents such as case cover sheets, summons forms, certificates of service, and notices of hearing. Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed separately under seal.
How Long Does Charlotte County Keep Court Records?
Charlotte County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These schedules, authorized under Florida Statutes § 257.36, mandate minimum retention periods based on record type and significance.
Key retention periods include:
Criminal Court Records:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 75 years from case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
- Traffic infractions: 3 years after case closure
- Juvenile criminal records: Until subject reaches age 24 (with exceptions)
Civil Court Records:
- Circuit civil cases: 10 years after case closure
- County civil cases: 5 years after case closure
- Small claims cases: 5 years after case closure
- Eviction proceedings: 5 years after case closure
- Domestic relations cases: 75 years after case closure
- Probate cases: 10 years after case closure (wills retained permanently)
Administrative Records:
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
- Judgment liens: Until satisfaction or expiration (usually 10-20 years)
- Court minutes: Permanent retention
- Grand jury records: 10 years after panel discharge
The Florida Records Management Program oversees compliance with these retention requirements. After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be destroyed following proper procedures, though many historically significant records are preserved permanently.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Charlotte County Clerk's Office maintains electronic backups and disaster recovery systems to ensure long-term preservation of digital court records.
Researchers seeking historical court records beyond retention periods should contact:
Charlotte County Historical Center
22959 Bayshore Road
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
(941) 629-7278
Charlotte County Historical Center
Types of Courts In Charlotte County
Charlotte County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels:
Charlotte County Circuit Court (20th Judicial Circuit)
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Charlotte County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is Charlotte County's court of general jurisdiction, handling:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters exceeding $30,000
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency
- Appeals from County Court decisions
Charlotte County County Court
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Charlotte County County Court
The County Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil matters up to $30,000
- Small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Ordinance violations
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida (Fort Myers Division)
2110 First Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 461-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Middle District of Florida
The federal district court handles:
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases involving federal questions
- Diversity jurisdiction cases
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Federal habeas corpus petitions
Charlotte County falls within Florida's judicial hierarchy:
- County and Circuit Courts (trial level)
- District Court of Appeal, Second District (intermediate appellate)
- Florida Supreme Court (highest state court)
For federal matters:
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (trial level)
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (appellate)
- U.S. Supreme Court (final appellate authority)
What Types of Cases Do Charlotte County Courts Hear?
Charlotte County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:
Charlotte County Circuit Court Cases:
Criminal Division:
- Felony prosecutions (punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Extradition matters
- Jimmy Ryce Act civil commitments
Civil Division:
- Lawsuits exceeding $30,000 in damages
- Real property and title disputes
- Complex commercial litigation
- Construction defect claims
- Professional malpractice actions
- Declaratory judgments
- Injunctive relief
Family Division:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Child custody and timesharing
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Alimony determinations
- Paternity actions
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Name changes
- Adoptions
Probate Division:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust administration
- Guardianship proceedings
- Baker Act and Marchman Act proceedings
- Adult protective services
Charlotte County County Court Cases:
Criminal Division:
- Misdemeanor prosecutions
- Criminal traffic offenses (DUI, driving while license suspended)
- County ordinance violations
- Fish and wildlife infractions
Civil Division:
- Lawsuits up to $30,000 in damages
- Small claims (up to $8,000)
- Landlord/tenant evictions
- Consumer credit actions
- Replevin (recovery of personal property)
Traffic Division:
- Civil traffic infractions
- Parking violations
- Red light camera citations
- Driver's license hearings
Federal Court Cases (Middle District of Florida):
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil rights litigation
- Intellectual property disputes
- Admiralty and maritime claims
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Immigration matters
- Social Security appeals
- Federal tax controversies
- Constitutional challenges
Case assignment within these courts follows administrative orders issued by the Chief Judge of the 20th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Charlotte County. Complex or specialized cases may be assigned to judges with particular expertise in those areas.
How To Find a Court Docket In Charlotte County
Court dockets in Charlotte County provide chronological listings of all filings, hearings, and judicial actions in a case. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Charlotte County Clerk's website
- Select "Court Records" or "Case Search"
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review docket entries showing:
- Filing dates
- Document titles
- Party/attorney information
- Scheduled hearings
- Judicial rulings
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:
- Navigate to Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Register for a free account
- Select "Search Records" function
- Choose Charlotte County from jurisdiction list
- Enter case information
- View comprehensive docket information
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Charlotte County Clerk's Office
- Request docket information at public records counter
- Provide case number or party names
- Review printed docket or view on public access terminal
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Telephone Docket Information:
- Call the Clerk's Office at (941) 637-2199
- Provide case number to court staff
- Request basic docket information
- Note that detailed information may require in-person or online access
Hearing Schedules:
- Visit the Charlotte County Court Calendar
- Select court division and date range
- View upcoming hearings by judge or case type
- Note that calendars are typically published 1-2 weeks in advance
For federal court dockets involving Charlotte County cases:
- Access PACER
- Register for an account
- Select "Find a Case"
- Choose "Florida Middle District"
- Search by case number or party name
- View docket report (fees may apply)
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain confidential information may be redacted from publicly accessible dockets.
Which Courts in Charlotte County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Florida judicial system, "courts of record" maintain formal transcripts and documentation of proceedings, while "courts not of record" typically do not create verbatim records unless specifically requested. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 34.01, all Circuit Courts and County Courts are designated as courts of record.
Currently, Charlotte County does not maintain any courts that are not courts of record. All judicial proceedings in the county occur in either:
- Charlotte County Circuit Court (20th Judicial Circuit)
- Charlotte County County Court
- United States District Court (Middle District of Florida)
Each of these courts:
- Maintains official records of all proceedings
- Employs court reporters or digital recording systems
- Preserves evidence and exhibits
- Creates formal judgments and orders
- Maintains case files according to retention schedules
Historically, some Florida jurisdictions operated Justice of the Peace Courts or Municipal Courts that were not courts of record. However, following judicial reorganization under the 1968 Florida Constitution, these were abolished and their functions transferred to County Courts, which are courts of record.
Appeals from Charlotte County courts proceed as follows:
- County Court decisions → Circuit Court (appellate division)
- Circuit Court decisions → Second District Court of Appeal
- Federal District Court decisions → Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
All appellate proceedings rely on the record created in the trial court, underscoring the importance of proper record-keeping at all judicial levels.