Glades County family court records are public court files held by the Clerk of Court in Moore Haven, Florida. These records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence cases filed in the 20th Judicial Circuit.
Residents, attorneys, and researchers can review case files at the clerk’s office or search many records online through the official state portal.
Glades County Clerk of Court Office
The Glades County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for all family law cases filed in the county. The office stores new filings, paper archives, certified copies, and sealed documents under Florida public records law. Staff members handle new case intake, maintain ongoing dockets, and help the public with record requests during regular business hours.
Location and Contact Details
The clerk’s office sits on Avenue J in the small city of Moore Haven, the county seat of Glades County. Visitors can park near the front entrance and walk in to request records at the public service window. The office also accepts mail requests and phone calls for basic case lookups.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Street Address | 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Phone Number | (863) 946-6010 |
| Official Website | gladesclerk.org |
| Judicial Circuit | 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida |
Office Hours and Services
The clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closes on weekends and state holidays. Services cover case search help, certified copy requests, e-filing support, and payment of court fees. Visitors must show a valid photo ID before accessing sealed or confidential files.
- Public records search assistance
- Certified copy issuance
- Court fee collection
- E-filing account setup
- Marriage license applications
Types of Family Court Records
Glades County family court records cover a wide range of case types handled by circuit judges. Each case type creates its own set of filings, orders, and judgments. Florida law makes most of these records open to the public, with a few exceptions for sealed files and sensitive personal data.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records, called dissolution of marriage cases, form a large part of the family court docket. These files start with the petition for dissolution, then add financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, and the final judgment. Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes governs how these cases move through the court system. Anyone can request a copy of the final judgment once the judge signs it.
Child Custody and Support Records
Child custody cases produce parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and custody orders. Child support cases add income worksheets, payment histories, and enforcement orders. The Florida Department of Revenue works with the clerk’s office to track support payments and file contempt motions when parents fall behind. These records stay public unless a judge seals them for safety reasons.
Adoption Records
Adoption records receive special protection under Florida law. Once a judge finalizes an adoption, the clerk seals the entire case file. Only the adoptive parents, the adult adoptee, and certain agencies can request access. Sealed adoption files stay closed to the public to protect the privacy of birth parents and children.
Domestic Violence Records
Domestic violence cases move quickly through the courts. A petitioner can ask for a temporary injunction right away when danger is shown. Florida Statute 741.30 sets the rules for these protective orders. The court must hold a full hearing within 15 days. All filings, hearing transcripts, and final injunctions become part of the public record, with personal contact information redacted by the clerk.
Paternity and Support Enforcement
Paternity cases establish the legal father of a child born outside marriage. The clerk files petitions, DNA test results, and final orders that name the father. These orders trigger child support obligations. Support enforcement actions follow when a parent fails to pay. The clerk’s office keeps the full history of each paternity and support case for public review.
Name Change and Guardianship
Family court also handles name change petitions for adults and minors. Guardianship cases cover both minor and adult wards. These files include the petition, background checks, and final orders. Most name change and guardianship records stay open to the public after the judge signs the final order.
How to Search Glades County Family Court Records
Anyone can search family court records in Glades County through online portals, in-person visits, or mail requests. The search method depends on the type of record and the year the case was filed. Older cases may sit in paper archives, while newer cases sit in the digital system.
Online Search Methods
The Florida Courts eFiling Portal connects users to all 20th Judicial Circuit records. Searchers can enter a name, case number, or filing date to find matching cases. MyFloridaCourtAccess.com offers a similar tool for statewide searches. The Glades County Clerk website also links to these public search tools and explains how to set up a user account.
In-Person Records Request
Visitors can review paper files at the clerk’s public terminal in Moore Haven. Staff will pull the full case folder upon request. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have, such as the party name, case number, or filing year. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for staff to locate older files.
- Visit the clerk’s office at 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471
- Show valid photo identification at the service window
- Provide the party name, case number, or filing date
- Pay any required copy or search fees
- Review the file at the public terminal or request certified copies
Search by Name or Case Number
The state portal accepts full name searches and case number lookups. Searching by name works best when the searcher knows the full legal name of at least one party. Case number searches return exact matches and show the full docket. The clerk cannot search by Social Security number or date of birth because of state privacy rules.
Access Options and Costs
Florida law sets the cost of court records and the rules for who can see them. Basic record searches stay free, but certified copies and bulk requests carry fees. Some sensitive records stay sealed even if the requester pays the fee.
Free Public Access Terminals
The clerk’s office offers free public access terminals in the lobby. Visitors can search cases, view dockets, and print unofficial copies at no charge. The terminal runs the same search software as the online portal. Printouts from the terminal cost a small fee per page, set by Florida administrative code.
Certified Copies and Fee Schedule
Certified copies of court orders carry a fee for the clerk’s seal and signature. These copies serve as legal proof in other courts and agencies. Standard copies without the clerk’s seal cost less. Fee waivers exist for indigent parties who file the right court paperwork.
| Record Type | Standard Fee | Certified Fee |
|---|---|---|
| First page of a document | $1.00 | $2.00 |
| Each additional page | $0.50 | $1.00 |
| Docket search (per year) | $2.00 | N/A |
| Marriage license copy | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| Adoption file access (sealed) | Court order required |
Sealed and Confidential Records
Some family court records stay sealed by court order. Sealed records include adoption files, certain dependency cases, and records that contain sensitive personal data. Section 119.0714 of the Florida Statutes lists the data the clerk must redact, such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers. A judge must sign an order to open a sealed file, and only the named parties can ask for that order.
E-Filing and Electronic Records
Florida courts use electronic filing for most family law cases. Attorneys and self-represented filers can submit documents through the state e-filing portal. The system creates a digital copy of every filing and stores it in the case docket for public review.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal accepts new filings, motions, and responses for family cases. Users create a free account, select Glades County as the court location, and upload their documents in PDF format. The portal sends a confirmation email once the clerk accepts the filing. Most filings get a time stamp the same day they arrive.
Accessing Electronic Case Files
Once a document is filed, it appears in the public docket within one business day. Registered portal users can view filed documents, download PDFs, and print copies from home. The portal stores older scanned files along with new electronic submissions, so most cases from the past 20 years are available online. Paper-only files from earlier years require an in-person visit.
20th Judicial Circuit Family Court
Glades County sits inside the 20th Judicial Circuit, which covers five counties in southwest Florida. Circuit judges hear family law cases in each county, but the records stay with the clerk where the case was filed. The chief judge assigns judges to each county courthouse on a rotating basis.
Circuit Counties and Coverage
The 20th Judicial Circuit covers Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties. Family court cases follow the same Florida Rules of Civil Procedure in every county. Local administrative orders may add small changes to filing deadlines and hearing schedules. The Office of the Court Administrator in Fort Myers oversees operations for the whole circuit.
Nearby Clerk Office Locations
Each county in the 20th Judicial Circuit keeps its own family court records at its local clerk’s office. Records filed in one county cannot be searched at another county’s clerk. Researchers who need records from more than one county must contact each clerk’s office directly. Below are the main clerk offices in the circuit for reference.
- Charlotte County Clerk of Court – 350 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
- Collier County Clerk of Court – 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
- Hendry County Clerk of Court – 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Lee County Clerk of Court – 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Florida Public Records Laws
Florida has strong public records laws that make most court files open to the public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the main law that controls who can see court records. Other statutes add extra protection for specific types of family cases.
Chapter 119 Public Access Rules
Chapter 119 says that all state, county, and court records are open for public review unless a specific law makes them confidential. The clerk must let any person inspect or copy non-sealed records during regular office hours. The clerk can charge only the fees set by state law, not extra fees for staff time.
Section 119.0714 Confidentiality
Section 119.0714 lists the personal data the clerk must hide from public view. This rule covers Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and the names of minor children in certain cases. The clerk redacts this data before giving copies to the public. The original documents stay in the case file, and only the judge and the parties can see the unredacted versions.
Sealed Adoption Case Protections
Florida law seals adoption files once a judge signs the final adoption order. The clerk stores the file in a secure location and only releases it under a court order. Adult adoptees can ask for their own birth records through the Department of Health after they turn 18. Birth parents who want to reunite with an adult child must contact the adoption registry, not the clerk’s office.
Office Location and Contact
Plan your visit to the Glades County Clerk of Court with the contact details and map below. The office stays open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call the clerk at (863) 946-6010 before you visit to confirm hours and ask about any record you plan to request.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller |
| Street Address | 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 10, Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Phone Number | (863) 946-6010 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Official Website | gladesclerk.org |
| Public Email | clerk@gladesclerk.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions about searching and requesting Glades County family court records. These answers reflect the rules in place in 2026 and the procedures used by the Glades County Clerk of Court. Each answer points to the right statute, fee, or office to contact for the specific record type.
How do I find a divorce decree in Glades County?
You can find a Glades County divorce decree by searching the Florida Courts eFiling Portal or visiting the clerk’s office in Moore Haven. Search by the full legal name of either spouse or the case number. The clerk charges a small fee for a certified copy that works as legal proof in other agencies. Older cases from the 1990s or earlier may sit in paper files and require an in-person request.
Can I view child custody records online?
Yes, most child custody records filed after 2005 are available on the Florida Courts eFiling Portal. You can see the parenting plan, time-sharing schedule, and final custody order. Sensitive personal data, such as Social Security numbers and bank information, is redacted. Sealed custody cases tied to dependency or domestic violence stay closed without a court order.
How do I get a certified copy of a family court order?
Visit the Glades County Clerk’s office at 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471, and request a certified copy at the service window. Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have one. The clerk charges $2 for the first page and $1 for each extra page. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and signature, which courts and government agencies accept as legal proof.
Are adoption records public in Glades County?
No, adoption records stay sealed once a judge signs the final adoption order. The clerk stores the file in a secure location and only releases it under a court order. Adult adoptees can request their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Health after they turn 18. Birth parents who want contact with an adult child must register with the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry.
What records stay sealed in family court?
Adoption files, certain dependency cases, and records that contain sensitive personal data stay sealed. The clerk also seals records when a judge signs a specific order to protect a party or a child. Section 119.0714 of the Florida Statutes lists the data the clerk must hide, such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers. Sealed files cannot be opened without a new court order.
Can I search family court records for free?
Yes, basic record searches stay free on the Florida Courts eFiling Portal and at the clerk’s public access terminal. You can view dockets, case types, and party names at no charge. Fees apply only when you want printed copies, certified copies, or a formal search across multiple years. The clerk’s office cannot waive copy fees for sealed records, even with a fee waiver form.
What is the phone number for the Glades County Clerk’s family division?
The main phone number for the Glades County Clerk of Court is (863) 946-6010. Call this number for help with record searches, certified copy requests, and e-filing questions. The office answers calls during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For after-hours questions, send an email to clerk@gladesclerk.org and staff will reply the next business day.