Highlands County family court records cover every legal matter handled by the family division of the 10th Judicial Circuit Court in Sebring, Florida. These records include divorce filings, child custody orders, child support judgments, paternity cases, adoption decrees, and domestic violence injunctions.
The Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court stores these files at 590 South Commerce Avenue in Sebring, Florida 33870, and the clerk’s office serves as the official record keeper for every family law case filed in the county since the court was established.
What Are Highlands County Family Court Records
Highlands County family court records are written documents created when people file family law cases with the local circuit court. These records prove what happened in each case, what the judge ordered, and how the court resolved each dispute. Anyone can ask to see most of these records because Florida law treats court files as public documents.
Types of Family Court Cases
Family court cases in Highlands County fall into several main categories. Dissolution of marriage cases end a legal marriage and divide property and debts. Child custody cases decide where children will live and how parents will share time. Child support cases set monthly payments one parent pays the other. Paternity cases legally identify a child’s father. Adoption cases create a new legal parent-child relationship. Domestic violence cases seek protective orders to keep people safe from harm.
Who Files These Records
Attorneys file most family court records on behalf of their clients. People who represent themselves, called pro se litigants, also file paperwork directly with the clerk’s office. The State of Florida Department of Children and Families files some cases, especially those involving child welfare. The clerk’s office stamps every document with a filing date and case number, then stores the original in the official court file.
Where Records Are Stored
The Highlands County Clerk’s office stores all family court records in two formats. Older records exist only as paper files kept in cabinets at the Sebring courthouse. Newer records exist as digital files stored in the Florida Courts E-Filing system. The clerk scans older paper files into the digital system as staff time allows, but many files from before 2010 remain in paper form only.
How the Highlands County Clerk Maintains Records
The clerk’s office follows Florida law and state court rules when storing, indexing, and protecting family court records. Staff members organize files by case number, party name, and filing date so anyone can locate a specific case. The clerk also redacts sensitive personal data from public copies to protect privacy.
Physical Records at the Sebring Office
Paper records fill the clerk’s vault at the Sebring courthouse. Each active case has a file folder containing every motion, order, and judgment filed in that case. The clerk stores closed cases in a separate archive area. Staff members pull these files when someone visits the office or when a judge needs to review a case during a hearing.
Digital Court Records System
The Florida Courts E-Filing Authority operates the statewide digital system that stores Highlands County family court records filed after 2013. This system lets lawyers file documents online, lets the public search for cases, and lets judges sign orders electronically. The system creates a backup of every document on secure servers located in Tallahassee.
Record Retention Schedules
Florida law sets minimum time periods for keeping court records before they can be destroyed. Most family court records stay on file for at least 20 years after the case closes. Adoption records are kept permanently. Child support records are kept until the child turns 21. The clerk’s office follows retention rules set by the Florida Department of State.
How to Search Family Court Records
Anyone can search Highlands County family court records using three main methods. The most complete search happens in person at the clerk’s office. A faster search uses the statewide online portal. The slowest search happens by mail or phone. Each method works for different situations.
In-Person Search at the Clerk’s Office
Visiting the clerk’s office in Sebring gives you access to every record in the system, including older paper files that never made it into the digital database. Walk into the courthouse at 590 South Commerce Avenue and ask the records department for help. Staff members will help you find the right case and let you look at the file. You can also ask for printed copies of specific documents for a small fee per page.
Online Search Through MyFloridaCourtAccess
MyFloridaCourtAccess.com is the free statewide portal that lets you search for family court cases from any computer or phone. Type a person’s name into the search bar and the system pulls up matching cases in Highlands County and other Florida counties. You can see the case number, filing date, current status, and list of documents filed in the case. Registered users pay a small fee to view and print actual document images.
Phone and Mail Record Requests
Call the clerk’s office at (863) 402-6565 to ask about a specific case or request copies by mail. Staff members can confirm whether a case exists, give you the case number, and quote copy fees. For mail requests, send a written letter with the case number, your name, address, phone number, and a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk mails copies within 5 to 10 business days.
What You Need for a Record Search
You should bring or know specific details before you start your search. The more information you have, the faster the clerk can find what you need.
- Full legal name of at least one party in the case
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case type such as divorce, custody, or adoption
- Case number if you already have one
- Valid photo ID for in-person searches
Family Court Case Types in Highlands County
Highlands County family court handles six main case types. Each type follows different Florida statutes and creates different types of records. Knowing which type of case you need helps you narrow your search.
Divorce and Dissolution Cases
Divorce cases in Highlands County are called dissolution of marriage cases under Florida law. The records include the original petition, financial affidavits from each spouse, settlement agreements, and the final judgment of dissolution. Chapter 61 of Florida Statutes controls every divorce filed in the state. Most divorce cases settle before trial, so the final judgment often includes a detailed settlement agreement covering property division, alimony, and any related custody issues.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
Child custody records show the court’s decisions about where children live and how parents share parenting time. Each custody case includes a parenting plan that lists the residential schedule, decision-making responsibilities, and how parents will communicate about the children. Judges in Highlands County follow the standard that children should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after divorce or separation.
Child Support Orders
Child support cases create records that show the monthly payment amount, the payment schedule, and which parent pays. Florida uses a set of worksheets called the child support guidelines to calculate the right amount based on each parent’s income and the number of overnight stays each parent has. The Florida Department of Revenue helps enforce child support orders in many cases, especially when one parent lives in another state.
Paternity Establishment
Paternity cases create a legal father-child relationship when the parents were not married at the time of birth. The records include DNA test results, the petition to establish paternity, and the court’s final order. Once paternity is established, the father’s name goes on the birth certificate and he has the same legal rights and duties as a married father.
Adoption Records
Adoption records are the most protected family court records in Florida. The records include the petition for adoption, the home study, the termination of parental rights order, and the final adoption decree. Once an adoption is final, the clerk seals the file and only the adoptive parents, the adopted person after they turn 18, and certain other people with a court order can see the records.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence cases create records when a person files a petition for an injunction for protection. The records include the petition, the temporary injunction issued right after filing, and the final injunction issued after a full hearing. Florida law requires a full hearing within 15 days of the temporary injunction. Violating a final injunction is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Fees and Copy Requests
The Highlands County Clerk charges set fees for copies of family court records. The fees cover the cost of paper, ink, and staff time to pull and copy files. You pay these fees at the time of the request.
Certified Copy Costs
A certified copy of a court document proves the copy is a true and accurate version of the original court record. The clerk’s office charges $1 per page for regular copies and an extra $2 certification fee per document. A certified copy of a marriage dissolution judgment, for example, typically costs $3 to $5 depending on the length of the document.
Standard Copy Charges
Regular non-certified copies cost $1 per page. You can also pay 25 cents per page to print from a public computer terminal in the clerk’s office. Some documents, like short orders, cost less than a dollar. Longer documents like parenting plans and settlement agreements can cost several dollars to copy.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Highlands County Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards for in-person payments. Mail orders must be paid by check or money order made out to the Highlands County Clerk of Courts. Online portal users pay copy fees through a secure payment system using a credit card.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Not every family court record is open to the public. Florida law seals certain records or removes sensitive information before letting the public see them. The clerk’s office follows strict rules to protect these files.
Adoption Record Sealing
Adoption records are sealed automatically when the adoption is final. The original birth certificate is sealed, and a new birth certificate is issued with the adoptive parents listed. Only the adoptive parents, the adopted person after age 18, and people with a specific court order can see the sealed adoption file. Adult adopted persons can request a copy of their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Health.
Domestic Violence Case Protections
Domestic violence records have special protections to keep victims safe. The clerk removes the petitioner’s home address, employer, and other identifying information from public copies. Petitioners can also ask the court to seal the entire case file if public access would put them in danger. The respondent is allowed to see the records but cannot share them with other people.
Juvenile Record Confidentiality
Cases involving children under 18, called dependency or delinquency cases, are kept separate from family court records and have stronger privacy protections. The public cannot see the names of children, parents, or other family members in dependency cases. Only people directly involved in the case, their attorneys, and certain professionals can see the file.
How to Request Access to Sealed Files
People who want to see a sealed record must file a written motion with the court that explains why they need the records. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. Common reasons for granting access include adoption searches, serious medical needs, or ongoing legal matters. The clerk’s office can give you the right form to file a motion to unseal records.
10th Judicial Circuit Coverage
Highlands County sits in the 10th Judicial Circuit, which covers five counties in central Florida. Family court cases in the circuit follow the same Florida laws but may have small differences in local procedures between counties.
Circuit Court Judges
Family law cases in Highlands County are heard by circuit court judges appointed by the governor. These judges handle only family law cases in some hearings, though many circuit judges also handle criminal, civil, and probate cases. The chief judge of the 10th Circuit assigns judges to family court based on caseload and experience.
Nearby Counties Sharing Records
The 10th Judicial Circuit also covers Hardee, Polk, Glades, and Okeechobee counties. Each county has its own clerk’s office that stores records filed in that county. You can use the same MyFloridaCourtAccess portal to search for cases in any of these counties. The clerk’s office staff can also help you find records that were filed in a different county within the circuit.
Filing Procedures Across the Circuit
Filing procedures are mostly the same across the 10th Circuit because Florida Rules of Court apply statewide. Lawyers and self-represented parties file most documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal regardless of county. Each county clerk has small differences in local forms, local fees, and how they handle in-person filings, but the basic process stays the same throughout the circuit.
Visiting the Highlands County Clerk
The Highlands County Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends, state holidays, and county holidays. The main office is in the Highlands County Courthouse in Sebring, with a branch office in Avon Park that handles limited services.
Office Location and Hours
The main clerk’s office sits at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870. The records department for family court cases is on the first floor of the courthouse. Public computer terminals for record searches are available in the lobby area. The Avon Park branch office is at 4506 George Boulevard, Avon Park, Florida 33825 and handles passport applications and some basic clerk services.
Contact Phone Number
Call the Highlands County Clerk at (863) 402-6565 to ask about family court records, check office hours, or request copies. The records department staff answer phone calls during business hours. For general court questions, you can also call the 10th Judicial Circuit Court at (863) 534-4690.
Map and Directions
The Highlands County Courthouse sits in downtown Sebring near the intersection of South Commerce Avenue and East Center Avenue. From US-27, take the Sebring Parkway exit and head east. Turn south onto South Commerce Avenue and the courthouse will be on your right. Free parking is available in the lot next to the courthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions people ask about Highlands County family court records. These answers reflect current Florida law and the local procedures used by the Highlands County Clerk’s office as of August 2026.
Can I view Highlands County family court records for free?
Yes, you can view most Highlands County family court records for free through MyFloridaCourtAccess.com. The statewide portal lets you search for cases by name, view the case docket, and see the list of documents filed. You can also walk into the clerk’s office in Sebring and ask to look at case files in person at no charge. The only costs come when you want printed copies of documents or certified copies for legal use. A regular copy costs $1 per page, and a certified copy costs $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee per document. Registered users of the online portal pay a small fee to view and print actual document images from their home computer.
How long does it take to get copies of family court records by mail?
Mail requests for Highlands County family court records typically take 5 to 10 business days to process and return. The clerk’s office pulls the file, makes the copies, and mails them back to you using regular mail. If you need the copies faster, you can request expedited processing for an extra fee or pay for certified mail return postage. In-person requests are processed the same day in most cases. Online portal users can download documents instantly after paying the copy fee through the system.
What information do I need to search for a divorce record in Highlands County?
To search for a divorce record in Highlands County, you need the full legal name of either spouse, the approximate year the divorce was filed, and the city of residence. With this information, the clerk can find the case in the paper files or the online system. If you know the case number, that helps even more. The clerk’s office cannot search by Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal data. Florida law limits what identifying information the clerk can use to pull up cases.
Are paternity court records public in Highlands County?
Most paternity court records in Highlands County are public, but the clerk redacts sensitive personal data before letting the public view them. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and the home addresses of children are removed from public copies. The final judgment of paternity, which lists the legal father and any related custody or support orders, is open to the public. The DNA test results and other medical records filed in paternity cases are sealed and only available to the parties in the case and their attorneys.
Can I get adoption records unsealed in Highlands County?
Adult adopted persons born in Florida can request a copy of their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Health once they turn 18. The adoption court file itself stays sealed unless you file a motion with the court that shows good cause for opening it. Common reasons for granting access include medical needs, inheritance claims, or to find biological family members. The judge reviews each motion individually and decides whether the reason is strong enough to break the seal.
What is the difference between the clerk of court and the court itself?
The Highlands County Clerk of Court and the 10th Judicial Circuit Court are two separate offices with different jobs. The judge hears cases, makes legal decisions, and signs orders. The clerk’s office files the paperwork, stores the records, and handles the administrative side of each case. When you need to look at a court record, file a new case, or get a certified copy, you deal with the clerk. When you need a hearing, a ruling, or a new court order, you deal with the judge. Both offices work together to manage family court cases in Highlands County.
Can I access family court records from my phone?
Yes, the MyFloridaCourtAccess.com website works on phones and tablets through a mobile browser. You can search for cases, view docket information, and check filing dates from any device with internet access. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also has a mobile-friendly version that lets you file new documents and pay filing fees from your phone. For certified copies, you still need to contact the clerk’s office or visit in person because certified copies require the clerk’s official seal and signature.