Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Gary J. Cooney, Clerk

Frequently Asked Questions

Court Records Search

• Can documents containing confidential information be filed and viewed?
  

  The Clerk has no authority to refuse to accept any document presented for filing with the court even if that document contains confidential information. It is the responsibility of the filer to minimize the filing of confidential or sensitive information in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.425 and to notify the Clerk of any confidential information contained within a document being filed, as required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420.

  Confidential information contained within a court file may only be viewed by those persons with the authority to do so as prescribed by law, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, and if the viewing is via the internet, in accordance with Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC15-18.

• How do I search electronic court records?
  

   If you wish to search Lake County court records anonymously, click on the “Access Court Records Now” button found on the Online Court Records page.  When the next page appears, simply click the Search icon at the top left of that next page.  You will then be taken to a screen which allows you to enter information concerning the court record you wish to view.

   If you wish to search Lake County court records as a registered user, you must first submit a user agreement to our office and be issued a username and password.  Once confirmed as a registered user, you start each search by clicking on the “Access Court Records Now” button found on the Online Court Records page.  When the next page appears click the Login icon at the top right of that next page. You will then enter your username and password in the appropriate fields in the pop-up that appears. Once you login, click the Search icon at the top of the next page.  You will then be taken to a screen which allows you to enter information concerning the court record you wish to view.

  For a more complete explanation, you may wish to consult the User Guide

• What kind of cases and images can I see?
  

  The availability and the content of cases and document images is governed by the role of the person wanting to see the image, the nature of the image, and the information contained therein.  An anonymous user of the system will have the least access, while attorneys of record and parties to cases will have the most access, the most common difference being the ability of parties and attorneys of record to see otherwise confidential information.  Initially, it will generally be necessary for members of the public with regular access rights to submit a request to view a particular case or image.  This request alerts our office of a need to review the case or image for confidential information prior to its release.  This review will be conducted as quickly as possible. If an email address is included with the request, the person(s) requesting the review will be notified when the document is available for viewing. If an email is not included with the request, you will need to check back periodically to see if the image is available.

• What software is required to search court records?
  

  Our search engine is compatible with the most popular browsers and most devices. For the best viewing experience, maximize your browser window. Please see the User’s Guide for more information.

• Can I view records on my smartphone, tablet, or IPad?
  

  ShowCase Web is now compatible with most Apple iOS used on iPads and other Apple or mobile devices.

• How do I sign up to become a registered user?
  

  You must submit a completed and notarized user agreement in order to become a registered user. To complete and submit the agreement click here.

• Why are some images not available?
  

  The availability and the content of cases and document images is governed by the role of the person wanting to see the image, the nature of the image, and the information contained therein.  An anonymous user of the system will have the least access, while attorneys of record and parties to cases will have the most access, the most common difference being the ability of parties and attorneys of record to see otherwise confidential information.  Initially, it will generally be necessary for members of the public with regular access rights to submit a request to view a particular case or image.  This request alerts our office of a need to review the case or image for confidential information prior to its release.  This review will be conducted as quickly as possible. If an email address is included with the request, the person(s) requesting the review will be notified when the document is available for viewing. If an email is not included with the request you will need to check back periodically to see if the image is available.

• How do I request to see an image not currently available?
  

  When you determine a document you wish to view, click the “lock” icon on the left side of the docket number.  If the image is not currently available, a pop-up window will prompt you to request the document and enter your email information if you wish to be notified when the image is available.  You are not required to provide this information, but if you do not provide the information, you must check from time to time to determine if the image(s) is (are) available.

• If I have questions regarding the status of my request, who can I contact?
  

  For questions concerning the status of a request to view images, please call our office using the contact number for the type of case for which the request was made.  The contact numbers are found on the Online Court Records page.

• Where can I find the balance due on my case?
  

  Basic information concerning the balance due on a case is located under the Fees tab in ShowCase web. Information regarding the restitution balance can be found on the screen when you open the case. Note: To open a case, click on the case number. The balance listed may not reflect the total amount due on your case. Contact the division for questions concerning outstanding money. Balances for criminal cases are not given over the telephone; therefore, you must submit your request for a Payoff Statement in writing. A nominal fee is charged for the preparation of a Payment Statement.

• Can I view court documents in person if I come to the Clerk’s Office?
  

  We have public access computers available for your use in viewing court records. Persons viewing court records using these public access computers are subject to the same confidentiality restriction as any other user.

• Where can I view the case status and date of disposition?
  

  Once you search a case, the status of the case will display in the returned results. To view more information, open the case by clicking the case number. For criminal cases click on the Charges tab to view the disposition date.

• When are recently filed documents available for viewing?
  

  Once our office has processed the document (normally within 2-3 days), you should be able to view the document if you are otherwise allowed to do so.

 

NOTICE: Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to public records requests, do not send electronic mail to the Clerk’s Office; instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.