Hardee County family court records cover all cases about divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida. These records stay at the Hardee County Clerk of Court office in Wauchula, Florida.
Anyone can look at most of these files because Florida law says court records belong to the public. This page explains what records exist, how to search them, and how to get certified copies.
Hardee County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Hardee County Clerk of Court keeps every family court file filed in the county. The office sits on Main Street in downtown Wauchula. Staff members file new cases, store old files, and help people find the records they need. The clerk’s office works under Florida state law and follows rules set by the Florida Supreme Court.
Office Address and Contact Details
The clerk’s office in Wauchula handles all family court records for Hardee County. You can visit the office, call during business hours, or check the county website for more details.
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Street Address | 417 W. Main Street, Wauchula, FL 33873 |
| Office Phone Number | (863) 773-4174 |
| Official Website | https://www.hardeecounty.net/clerk-of-court |
| Judicial Circuit | 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida |
| County Seat | Wauchula |
Office Hours and Visit Times
The clerk’s office opens on weekdays for in-person visits. Most record requests and file reviews happen between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and on Florida state holidays. Arrive early in the day if you have a large number of files to review.
- Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Types of Family Court Records in Hardee County
Family court in Hardee County handles many kinds of cases. Each case type creates a different set of records. The clerk files all paperwork, court orders, and judgments for each case under a unique case number.
Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage Records
Divorce records are the most common family court file. The legal term in Florida is “dissolution of marriage.” These records include the original petition, financial statements from both sides, custody plans, settlement agreements, and the final judgment. Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes covers all divorce cases in Hardee County.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody cases create detailed files. Records include parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, custody evaluations, and court orders about where children will live. Florida courts use the term “time-sharing” instead of “visitation” in modern custody orders. These files show each parent’s rights and duties.
Child Support Records
Child support cases involve payment records, income calculations, and court orders setting monthly amounts. The Florida Department of Revenue helps enforce support orders statewide. Support records show payment history, arrears balances, and any changes to the support amount.
Paternity Records
Paternity cases decide who the legal father is. Records include DNA test results, petitions to establish paternity, and court orders listing the legal father. Paternity must be established before a court can order child support or custody for a child born to unmarried parents.
Adoption Records
Adoption records stay sealed after the adoption is complete. Only the adoptive parents, the adopted person (after they turn 18), and certain court officials can see these files. Pre-adoption records and original birth certificates are also sealed. The clerk handles all requests to open sealed adoption files.
Domestic Violence and Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases move fast through the court. Records include petitions for protective orders, temporary injunctions, and final restraining orders. Florida Statute 741.30 controls these cases. The clerk keeps all paperwork from the initial petition through the final hearing.
How to Search Hardee County Family Court Records
You can search family court records in three main ways: online through the state portal, in person at the clerk’s office, or by mail. Each method works for different needs. The online portal works for basic searches, while in-person visits give you access to complete case files.
Online Search Through MyFloridaCourtAccess
The Florida Courts system runs a statewide search portal called MyFloridaCourtAccess.com. This free website lets you search family court records from any county in Florida, including Hardee County. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number.
- Go to MyFloridaCourtAccess.com in your web browser
- Choose “Family Court” under the case type filter
- Type the full name of a party in the search box
- Select “Hardee County” from the location dropdown
- Review the list of matching cases shown on screen
- Click on a case to see the docket and document list
In-Person Search at the Clerk’s Office
Visiting the clerk’s office in Wauchula gives you the most complete access. You can view the full case file, read all documents, and ask staff for help. The office has public computer terminals for searching the index. Bring a valid photo ID to register as a visitor.
Mail and Email Record Requests
You can ask for copies of records by mail. Send a written request with the case number or party names, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copying fees. The clerk will mail back certified or regular copies based on your request. Email requests work for simple searches but not for certified copies.
Record Request Fees and Copy Costs
The clerk charges small fees for copies and certified records. Standard copies cost less per page than certified copies. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and sometimes credit cards. Call the office first to confirm current fees and payment methods.
| Service | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Copy (per page) | $1.00 to $2.00 |
| Certified Copy (per document) | $3.00 to $10.00 |
| Document Search Fee | $2.00 per year searched |
| Online Portal Access | Free (basic search) |
Public Access Rules and Sealed Records
Florida law makes most court records public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This means anyone can see family court files in Hardee County. The law also lists specific types of information that must stay private to protect people from harm or identity theft.
What Records Are Public
Most family court files are open to the public. This includes divorce decrees, custody orders, support orders, paternity judgments, and domestic violence injunctions. Anyone can look at these records without giving a reason. The clerk cannot deny access based on who you are or why you want the records.
What Records Stay Sealed
Some records stay sealed by law. Adoption files close after the adoption becomes final. Cases involving juvenile dependency, mental health, or child abuse may have sealed portions. Records that contain Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or medical records have sensitive details removed before public viewing.
- Adoption finalization records
- Juvenile dependency case files
- Sealed paternity records (rare)
- Records with bank account details
- Records with Social Security numbers
- Child abuse investigation files
How to Request Access to Sealed Records
You can ask a judge to open sealed records by filing a motion. The judge will review your request and decide based on the reason given. Common reasons include needing records for a new court case, correcting personal records, or proving legal rights. The motion must be filed in the same court that sealed the records.
10th Judicial Circuit Family Court System
Hardee County belongs to the 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit includes five counties in central Florida. All family law cases in Hardee County are heard by circuit court judges who travel between counties. The circuit runs under unified rules but each county keeps its own records at the local clerk’s office.
Circuit Counties and Shared Rules
The 10th Judicial Circuit includes Hardee, Highlands, Polk, DeSoto, and Okeechobee counties. Family law cases in these counties follow the same Florida statutes. Local court rules and procedures may differ slightly between counties. Cases filed in Hardee County stay in Hardee County records even though the circuit covers other counties.
Family Division Court Location
Family court cases in Hardee County are heard at the Hardee County Courthouse. The courthouse sits in Wauchula near the clerk’s office. Hearings, trials, and other family court events take place in the family division courtrooms. Check with the clerk for the courtroom number and hearing schedule.
Family Court Filing Process and Procedures
People file new family court cases at the clerk’s office. The clerk opens a new case file and assigns a case number. New cases receive a court date and are assigned to a judge. The clerk collects filing fees at the time of submission and processes all paperwork that goes into the case file.
How to File a New Family Court Case
Anyone starting a family court case must file the right forms with the clerk. The forms depend on the case type. You can get blank forms from the clerk’s office, the Florida Courts website, or a family law attorney. Fill out all forms completely and pay the filing fee at the time of submission.
- Pick up or download the correct forms for your case type
- Fill out all forms with correct facts and signatures
- Make at least two copies of every form (one for you, one for the other party)
- Bring the original forms and copies to the clerk’s office
- Pay the filing fee or file a motion to waive the fee
- Receive your case number and court date from the clerk
- Serve the other party with copies as required by law
Common Court Forms and Documents
Family court cases use standard Florida Supreme Court forms. These forms cover petitions, motions, financial disclosures, custody plans, and support calculations. Using the correct form is required by law. Wrong forms may be rejected by the clerk or cause delays in your case.
E-Filing System for Family Cases
Florida courts use an electronic filing system. Attorneys must file all family court documents through the e-portal. People who represent themselves (called “pro se” filers) can also use e-filing or submit paper documents at the clerk’s office. The e-portal lets you file documents 24 hours a day from any computer.
Hardee County Family Court Record Images and Documents
The clerk’s office scans many case documents into electronic format. This makes records easier to find and view. Older paper files still exist for cases filed before digital scanning began. The clerk can pull both paper and digital records for review in person or by request.
The Hardee County website shows the clerk’s homepage. The site lists office hours, contact details, and links to public records tools. Visit the site before going to the office in person to save time.
Electronic Court Records Access
Many family court records are available as scanned images online. You can view PDFs of filed documents through the state portal. Some records are only available at the clerk’s office due to age, size, or sensitive content. The online portal shows basic case info for free and charges small fees for document images.
Contact for Family Court Record Questions
Call the clerk’s office with questions about family court records. Staff can help you find case numbers, explain record types, and tell you about fees. The clerk cannot give legal advice but can explain procedures and help you fill out forms.
- Clerk Office Phone: (863) 773-4174
- Clerk Office Address: 417 W. Main Street, Wauchula, FL 33873
- County Website: https://www.hardeecounty.net/clerk-of-court
- State Records Portal: https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/
- Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardee County Family Court Records
Below are answers to common questions about searching and getting family court records in Hardee County. These answers cover the most common situations people face when they need to find court files. The clerk’s office can help with situations not covered here.
How do I find a divorce decree in Hardee County?
You can find a divorce decree in Hardee County three ways. The fastest way is to search the case number or party name on MyFloridaCourtAccess.com. You can also visit the clerk’s office at 417 W. Main Street in Wauchula and search in person. Finally, you can mail a written request with the case number, party names, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the clerk. The clerk charges a small fee for certified copies but standard copies are free to view.
Are Hardee County adoption records public?
No, most Hardee County adoption records are sealed after the adoption is complete. Florida law seals adoption files to protect the privacy of birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children. The adopted person can ask the court to open their adoption file after they turn 18. Direct descendants may also request access for medical or family history reasons. Adoptive parents can get copies of their own adoption paperwork anytime.
Can I view family court records online for free?
Yes, the MyFloridaCourtAccess.com portal lets you view basic family court record data for free. You can see the case number, party names, filing date, case type, and docket entries. Viewing full document images costs a small fee per page. The free search works for Hardee County cases and other Florida counties too. You do not need to register or pay to do basic searches.
How long does the clerk keep family court records?
The clerk keeps family court records permanently in most cases. Divorce decrees, custody orders, and adoption files are kept without time limits. Older paper files may be stored at a state records center. The clerk can still pull these old files when needed. Digital records stay in the electronic system indefinitely and are backed up to prevent loss.
What information do I need to search for a family court case?
You need at least one of three things to search for a family court case. The best option is the case number, which is a unique number assigned when the case was filed. If you do not know the case number, you can search by the full name of a party. You can also search by attorney name or bar number. More search details give better results than just a last name.
Can I get a certified copy of a custody order?
Yes, the clerk’s office issues certified copies of custody orders. Bring your photo ID and pay the certified copy fee at the office. You can also mail a request with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order. Certified copies have a raised seal and are accepted by courts, government agencies, and other official bodies. Regular copies are not accepted for legal purposes.
What if my family court record is wrong or missing?
You can ask the court to fix errors in family court records. File a motion to correct the record with the clerk’s office. Include copies of any documents that show the correct facts. A judge will review your motion and decide whether to fix the record. Missing documents can sometimes be replaced by filing a motion to reconstruct the record. The clerk can guide you through the reconstruction process.