Common Questions About Miami-Dade Court Records
How do I search Miami-Dade County court records?
Pick the portal that matches the case type. Civil, family, and probate cases are in the Online Case Search (OCS). Criminal cases are in the Criminal Justice Online Case Search (CJIS). Traffic citations are in the Traffic Searches application. Deeds, liens, and mortgages are in Official Records. Searching the wrong portal is the most common reason a record is not found. For a full walkthrough, see the court records page.
Who is the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court?
The office is the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, and the current Clerk is Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq. The main contact card lists 20 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128, phone 305-275-1155. The Clerk keeps court records, official records, traffic records, and marriage services. More detail is on the Clerk of Court page.
Are Miami-Dade court records free online?
Many standard searches are free. Advanced Official Records searches cost $1 per search unit. Enhanced Civil, Family, and Probate access depends on free registration plus the Florida Supreme Court Access Security Matrix. Certified copies always carry a fee. The fee schedule is on the Clerk of Court page.
What is the difference between OCS and CJIS?
OCS covers Civil, Family, and Probate cases. CJIS covers criminal cases, including felony, misdemeanor, branch, citation, defendant name, and jail number searches. Criminal traffic can appear in CJIS, while civil traffic appears in the Traffic Searches application. See court records for both portals.
How do I search by case number?
In OCS, local civil, family, and probate case numbers use the year, a six-digit sequence, a two-letter case code, and a location. An example is 1973-908535-SP-05. In CJIS, the criminal local case uses the case code B, F, or M, the year, a six-digit sequence, and an optional suffix. The state case number has a separate format that begins with the Miami-Dade county ID 13.
How do I get certified copies?
Use the Clerk's online certified-copy workflow, or request by mail or in person. Criminal certified copies and disposition letters are $7, with $2 per year per name added if the year or case number is unknown. Recorded-document copies are $1 per page plus $2 to certify. See the Clerk of Court page for request methods.
How do I find an inmate in Miami-Dade custody?
Use the MDCR Inmate In-Custody Search. Enter the last name followed by the first initial or first name. Results show name, date of birth, race, sex, location, charges, bond amount, jail number, booking date and time, and a mugshot. You can also call inmate information at 786-263-7000. See the inmate records page.
Where are inmates released?
Inmates are released from Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, the designated release center, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Release can come through bond, pretrial release, or a court hearing. Even after bond is posted, release can take several hours. The released inmates page has the full process.
How do I post money for an inmate?
Use TouchPay with the Miami-Dade Corrections facility number 233101, the inmate name, and the jail number. Deposits can be made by lobby kiosk, online, or phone. Kiosks are at the Pre-Trial Detention Center, Turner Guilford Knight, and Metro West. The TouchPay phone line is 1-866-232-1899. See inmate records.
How do I find Miami-Dade warrants?
There is no single public active-warrant list. Search criminal cases in CJIS by defendant, case, citation, or jail number, and check the inmate search if the person has been arrested. Sealed or newly issued warrants may not appear. The warrant records page explains the options.
How do I search divorce records?
Use the Civil, Family and Probate Online System and search family cases. If the divorce happened in Miami-Dade County, open the docket to find the final judgment date, which is the date of divorce. Some family documents are restricted or redacted. See marriage and divorce records.
How do I apply for a marriage license?
Both applicants apply in person at the Marriage License Bureau. Each presents a valid photo ID with picture, signature, and date of birth. Social Security numbers are required if issued, and prior marriages need an exact end date. The ceremony must occur within 60 days of issuance. See marriage and divorce records.
What court handles probate in Miami-Dade?
The Probate Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit handles probate, located at the Soto Justice Center. It covers estates, trusts, guardianship, and mental health. The Clerk also handles small estate petitions, wills on deposit, caveats, and certified copies. See probate records.
What court handles traffic tickets?
Traffic Court hears civil traffic infractions. Accidents with injuries and criminal traffic charges are heard in County Criminal. Use the Clerk's Traffic Searches application for citation, case, defendant, driver license, and tag searches. Driver license status is separate and checked through the state. See traffic court records.
Are juvenile records public?
Juvenile records are generally restricted. The Unified Family Court and Children's Courthouse limit calendar lookup to a case number and return only the judge, time, and courtroom. Juvenile confidentiality is governed by Florida statutes and Rule 2.420. See court records for what is and is not public.
How do I request public records from Miami-Dade County?
Florida policy says you do not have to give your name, explain your reason, or submit a written request. You can use the online public records tool or call 305-499-8729. Clerk-specific requests can be made by mail or email, and a control number is assigned after receipt. See the public records page.
Can I view criminal documents online?
CJIS includes document and image functions through the Criminal Justice Online Case Search and Images system, but access depends on login, public access rules, and document type. Certified copies are ordered separately. The criminal records page covers what is viewable and how to order copies.
Still Have Questions?
For the right office, see Clerk of Court. For broader access rules, see public records. For records-by-topic, browse court records, criminal records, inmate records, warrant records, marriage and divorce, or probate.