Find the Right Palm Beach County Court Case, Document or Clerk Service
Palm Beach County’s official eCaseView system is the main public search for civil, criminal and traffic cases. It can show parties, court dates, charges, sentences, complaints and many document images—but its guest, registered-user and confidential-case access rules are different.
This guide shows how to search a name without hiding the correct case, choose circuit or county court, distinguish court records from Official Records, recover older documents, purchase an electronic certified copy and find the correct courthouse.
Start With the Record You Actually Need
Use the route that matches your task. Court Records, Official Records, appellate cases and federal cases use different databases.
Use the guest search for most public civil, criminal and traffic case information.
Follow the name-search methodCase details may be public, but free registration can be required for eligible family document images.
Understand document accessCounty civil covers claims up to $50,000; circuit civil generally handles claims over $50,000.
Choose the correct courtThe Official Records database is separate from the court case docket.
Compare the two searchesFlorida appellate and federal court records do not appear in Palm Beach County eCaseView.
Open the correct systemEligible electronic certified court documents cost $8 each, plus the stated payment-processing fee.
Compare copy optionsWhich Palm Beach County Court Handles the Case?
Palm Beach County is part of Florida’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Circuit and county courts share the same Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, but their jurisdiction and court divisions differ.
| Record or dispute | Likely court division | Best starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Felony criminal case | Circuit Criminal | Search eCaseView by defendant name or case number. |
| Misdemeanor or criminal traffic case | County Criminal | Search eCaseView and confirm the courthouse shown on the case. |
| Traffic citation | County Traffic | Search by name or citation number in eCaseView. |
| Civil claim up to and including $50,000 | County Civil | Search eCaseView by party or case number. |
| Small claim up to $8,000 | Small Claims / County Civil | Search the party name and review the county civil case type. |
| Civil claim over $50,000 | Circuit Civil | Search eCaseView; new circuit civil filings are handled at the main courthouse. |
| Divorce, custody, paternity or child support | Unified Family Court / Circuit Court | Search eCaseView; register if eligible family document images are needed. |
| Estate, will or guardianship | Probate / Circuit Court | Search eCaseView; registered access may be needed for eligible images. |
| Juvenile, adoption or protected mental-health matter | Unified Family Court | Contact the Clerk because public online access is restricted. |
How to Search Palm Beach County Court Records by Name
eCaseView allows public searches by name, case number, citation number, offense date, court type and case type. Registration is not required for most basic case searches.
- Open the official eCaseView system. Choose the guest option when you need ordinary public case information and do not need registered-user search fields.
- Start with the first and last name. Leave the middle name, date of birth, date range and narrow court filters blank during the first attempt.
- Repeat with name variations. Try the full middle name, middle initial, no middle name, former surname, hyphenated version and common spelling variations.
- Use the case category only when reliable. Narrow to civil, criminal or traffic after the broad name search confirms that results exist.
- Try a case or citation number. A complete number is more precise than a common name and helps avoid same-name results.
- Open the case details. Review the case number, court type, filing date, parties, charges, disposition, sentence and court dates.
- Look for document images. Many images are available from late 2008 forward, with some earlier records available case by case.
- Save the case number. Use it when ordering a certified document, calling Customer Service or confirming a hearing.
Use this three-pass search method
Enter the first and last name without a date range, middle name or narrow court filter.
Try a middle initial, former surname, alternate spelling and hyphenated or unhyphenated form.
Narrow by court type, case type, offense date or filing period one field at a time.
Guest Search, Registered Search and Attorney Access
Creating an eCaseView account does not make sealed or confidential cases public. Registration primarily adds search options and access to certain document images allowed under Florida court-access rules.
| Access level | What it can do | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Guest | Search most case information by name, case number, citation number, offense date, court type or case type. | Some document images and additional identifying search fields are unavailable. |
| Registered public user | Use additional search criteria such as date of birth, incident number, arrest date, booking number and driver’s-license number. | Registration does not override sealed, nonpublic or legally restricted access. |
| Registered user document access | View eligible images in family, guardianship, mental-health and probate cases. | Access depends on the case type, document, filing date and public-access matrix. |
| Attorney of record | May access additional documents in cases connected with the attorney’s Florida Bar information. | Registered attorneys use multifactor authentication and remain subject to access rules. |
How to Read a Palm Beach County Case Result
eCaseView can display a large amount of information. Read the full case page rather than relying on the caption or first charge shown in the result list.
Use the complete number for future searches, Clerk calls, certified-copy orders and court-date questions.
Confirm whether the person is a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, decedent or another participant.
Check whether the matter is circuit civil, county civil, criminal, traffic, family or probate.
These show what was alleged or requested, not automatically what the court ultimately decided.
Review the final result, including dismissal, conviction, judgment, sentence or other resolution.
Use the listed setting as a starting point, then confirm a required appearance with the official notice or court.
| eCaseView information | What it means | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint or charge | The claim, accusation or requested relief associated with the case. | Treating the allegation as a final judgment or conviction. |
| Party listing | People or organizations connected with the case and their legal roles. | Assuming a same-name party is the intended person. |
| Case events | Filings, hearings, orders, notices and other docket activity. | Assuming every event has a publicly viewable document image. |
| Sentence or disposition | The outcome recorded by the court. | Stopping at the original charge instead of reading the final result. |
| Document image | A viewable copy of an eligible filed document. | Treating a free online copy as a certified court document. |
Use the site’s plain-English court records glossary when a term such as docket, disposition, judgment, continuance, dismissed, sealed or expunged is unclear.
What to Do When eCaseView Finds No Case
The name was entered differently
Remove the middle name, try a middle initial, former surname, alternate spelling or hyphenated version.
The search is over-filtered
Clear the date range, case type and court filters, then add them again one at a time.
The record is older
Document images are generally available from late 2008 forward, with earlier availability varying by case.
The case is restricted
Sealed, juvenile, adoption and specified protected proceedings do not appear publicly.
The record is appellate or federal
Use Florida ACIS for appeals and PACER for federal district or bankruptcy cases.
You searched Official Records instead
Return to eCaseView for the court docket. Official Records is primarily for recorded instruments.
Use this recovery sequence
- Open the official eCaseView portal and choose Guests.
- Search the first and last name without a middle name.
- Try a middle initial, former surname and alternate spelling.
- Remove narrow date and case-type filters.
- Search by case number or citation number when available.
- Create a free account if eligible family, probate, guardianship or mental-health images are needed.
- Check ACIS for a Florida appeal.
- Check PACER for a federal matter.
- Email or call the Clerk for an older record that is not online.
Cases and Documents Not Fully Available in eCaseView
Florida public-access rules protect certain cases, parties and document types. Registration does not make a sealed or legally nonpublic record public.
| Case category | Public eCaseView status | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed or nonpublic case | Not publicly viewable | Access depends on Florida law and the applicable court order. |
| Juvenile case | No public data or documents | The attorney of record may have permitted access. |
| Adoption case | No public data or documents | Contact the Unified Family Court division if you have lawful access. |
| Baker Act, Marchman Act and specified mental-health matters | Restricted | Use the Clerk’s protected-record process. |
| Injunction petition before service | Temporarily restricted | Public access may change after the respondent is served. |
| Family, probate, guardianship and mental-health document images | Registration may be required | Create a free registered-user account and follow the permitted access level. |
| Guardianship settlements and pre-need guardian matters | Not publicly available | Contact the Clerk if you are a party or legally authorised person. |
How to Get Plain, Certified or Exemplified Court Copies
First locate the case and exact document. Then ask the receiving agency whether it requires a free uncertified image, paper certified copy, electronic certified copy or exemplified record.
| Copy option | Current Clerk guidance | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Online uncertified document | Free to view, save and print when the document is available. | Research and personal reference when certification is not required. |
| Electronic certified court document | $8 per document, including the $2 statutory certification fee and $6 service fee; a 3.5% payment-processing fee applies to listed electronic payment methods. | Official electronic proof that can be authenticated using the Clerk’s certification system. |
| Paper copy in person or by mail | $1 per page for records up to 8½ by 14 inches. | A physical copy when electronic delivery is unsuitable. |
| Paper certification | An additional $2 per instrument plus $1 for the required authentication cover page. | Official paper proof requested by a court, agency, employer or other recipient. |
| Authenticated or exemplified certificate | $7 certificate fee, with copy and other applicable charges added separately. | Use only when the receiving authority specifically requests enhanced authentication. |
Prepare this information before ordering
- Complete case number
- Full names of the parties
- Case type and court division
- Exact document title
- Approximate filing date
- Number of copies
- Electronic, paper, certified or exemplified requirement
- Your email, mailing address and phone number
- Open the case in eCaseView. Confirm that the document image is available and review the document title.
- Ask what certification is required. Contact the receiving organisation before purchasing a more expensive form of authentication.
- Purchase online when eligible. Use the electronic certified-document option shown in eCaseView.
- Request an unavailable record. Email, mail or visit the Records Service Center when the image is unavailable because of age or access level.
- Verify the completed copy. Check the party names, case number, document title and certification before submitting it elsewhere.
Court Records and Official Records Are Different Searches
This distinction is especially important in Palm Beach County because both services are operated by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.
| What you need | Correct database | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, family, probate or traffic case | eCaseView Court Records | It contains case parties, dates, charges, sentences, complaints and eligible court documents. |
| Deed, mortgage or property lien | Official Records | These are recorded instruments rather than ordinary court docket entries. |
| Marriage licence | Official Records / Marriage services | A marriage licence is a recorded public document, not a court lawsuit. |
| Recorded judgment or lien | Official Records | A court judgment may be separately recorded to create or preserve a lien. |
| Case history behind a judgment | eCaseView Court Records | The docket explains the underlying lawsuit, events and disposition. |
How to Find and Confirm a Palm Beach County Court Date
eCaseView can show upcoming criminal and traffic court dates, but the official hearing notice and assigned judge’s instructions remain important.
- Search the case in eCaseView. Use the name, case number or traffic citation number.
- Open the complete case. Review the current court-date entry and assigned division.
- Check the Fifteenth Circuit judicial directory. Use the judge or division page for courtroom procedures and remote-hearing instructions.
- Confirm important appearances. Call the Clerk or judicial assistant when the date, location or remote-access method is unclear.
- Use reminders when eligible. Palm Beach County offers free text reminders for upcoming criminal court dates when the defendant completes the required authorisation form.
Use Separate Systems for Appeals and Federal Cases
ACIS provides public dockets and available documents for Florida’s Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal.
The Fourth DCA hears appeals from the Fifteenth Circuit and is located in West Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County is in the Southern District of Florida. Search the docket through PACER.
Bankruptcy records use the federal bankruptcy court’s CM/ECF and PACER systems.
The Fourth DCA courthouse is in downtown West Palm Beach.
The Paul G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse serves West Palm Beach.
| Court | Address and phone | Search route |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth District Court of Appeal | 110 South Tamarind Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | Use ACIS for appellate dockets and available documents. |
| U.S. District Court — West Palm Beach | 701 Clematis Street, Room 202, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-803-3400 |
Use PACER for federal civil and criminal cases. |
| U.S. Bankruptcy Court — West Palm Beach | 1515 North Flagler Drive, 8th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-514-4100 |
Use federal bankruptcy CM/ECF or PACER. |
Palm Beach County Courthouse and Clerk Locations
Clerk service counters generally operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding designated holidays. Courtroom schedules and judicial hours may differ.
Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Customer Service: 561-355-2996
All court, recording and Official Records services are available at this location.North County Courthouse
3188 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Criminal: 561-355-2996
Civil: 561-624-6650
South County Courthouse
200 West Atlantic Avenue, Room 1S-124
Delray Beach, FL 33444
Criminal: 561-355-2996
Civil: 561-274-1588
West County Courthouse
2950 State Road 15, Room S-100
Belle Glade, FL 33430
Phone: 561-996-4843
Offers several civil, family, criminal, traffic and related Clerk services.Royal Palm Beach Branch
200 Civic Center Way, Suite 400
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Criminal Justice Complex
3228 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Self-Help Services and Payment Scam Warning
The Palm Beach County Clerk’s Self-Service Center helps people navigate court procedures without acting as their lawyer. Public-access computers, forms, notary, copy and fax services are available at the main and branch courthouse locations.
Call 561-355-7048, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Call 561-355-2996 with the case number ready.
Call 561-355-2994, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Use Palm Beach County Court Information Carefully
A court search can display allegations, duplicate names, pending matters, dismissed cases, amended charges and incomplete online document access.
- Do not assume an arrest resulted in a filed court case.
- Do not assume a filed charge resulted in conviction.
- Do not assume a civil complaint resulted in liability.
- Do not assume a closed case ended against the defendant.
- Do not identify a person from a same-name match alone.
- Do not treat a free eCaseView image as a certified court document.
- Do not use this website as a consumer-reporting or background-screening service.
Read the site’s FCRA and consumer-reporting notice before using public-record information in employment, housing, credit, insurance or eligibility decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Beach County Court Records
Is eCaseView free to use?
Yes. Public users can search case information and view or print eligible uncertified documents for free. Fees apply when purchasing certified documents or requesting Clerk research and copies.
Do I need an account to search a name?
No. Guest users can search most public case information by name, case number, citation number, offense date, court type or case type.
What extra searches are available after registration?
Registered users can use additional criteria including date of birth, incident number, arrest date, booking number and driver’s-licence number, subject to access rules.
Why can’t I see a family or probate document?
Family, probate, guardianship and mental-health document images may require a free registered-user account. Some documents remain confidential or restricted even after registration.
Are older court documents available online?
Document images are generally available from late 2008 forward, with earlier images available case by case. Contact the Records Service Center when the document is not online.
How much is an electronic certified court document?
The Clerk currently lists $8 per electronic certified document, including a $2 statutory fee and $6 service fee. A 3.5% payment-processing fee applies to the listed electronic payment methods.
Are juvenile or adoption cases available in eCaseView?
Not to the general public. Juvenile and adoption cases are among the case types excluded from public eCaseView data and document access, although the attorney of record may have permitted access.
Where do I search a Palm Beach County appeal?
Use Florida’s Appellate Case Information System. Palm Beach County state appeals are generally handled by the Fourth District Court of Appeal.
Where do I search a federal case from Palm Beach County?
Use PACER for Southern District of Florida civil and criminal cases. Bankruptcy matters use the Southern District of Florida Bankruptcy Court and PACER.
What is the difference between Court Records and Official Records?
Court Records contain civil, criminal, family, probate and traffic case information. Official Records contain recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licences and recorded judgments.
How This Palm Beach County Guide Was Verified
- Palm Beach County Clerk — Court Records
- Palm Beach County Clerk — eCaseView
- Palm Beach County Clerk — eCaseView FAQ
- Palm Beach County Clerk — Cases Not Viewable
- Palm Beach County Clerk — Electronic Certified Court Documents
- Palm Beach County Clerk — Request Older Court Records
- Palm Beach County Clerk — Locations
- Fifteenth Judicial Circuit — Courthouses
- Florida Courts — Appellate Case Information System
- Southern District of Florida — West Palm Beach
- U.S. Courts — PACER
Read the site’s source verification and manual checking policy for details about how court portals, fees, addresses and access restrictions are reviewed.
eCaseView access, guest and registered searches, restricted case types, document-image coverage, certification fees, civil jurisdiction, Clerk locations, appellate systems and federal court routes were reviewed against current official sources.
Court portals, fees, addresses, office hours and access rules can change. The current Palm Beach County Clerk, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit or other record-holding court source controls when it differs from this guide.