Orange County, founded in 1824 in Central Florida, is home to about 1.4 million people, according to the 2020 census. The county seat, Orlando, is renowned for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Courts in Orange County

Orange County’s highest court is the 9th Judicial Circuit Court. The Circuit Court's main courthouse is located in Orlando City, and other courthouses are in Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Park City. As the apex court, Orange County Circuit Court handles all felony-related criminal cases. It also hears civil cases, including probate, mental health, guardianship, and financial disputes above $15,000. The Circuit Court can also issue a writ to exercise its full jurisdiction.

Orange County has six County Courts. These lesser trial courts preside over certain civil and criminal cases in the county. County residents can resolve simple dissolution cases, small claims cases, and landlord-tenant disputes at any Orange County court. Small claims lawsuits brought before the County Courts are typically below $15,000. Criminal cases heard at the local County Courts include ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and misdemeanors.

Where to Find Public Court Records in Orange County

Residents can have access to public court records through the Clerk of Court in Orange County. The county clerk is tasked with maintaining public court records containing the following information:

• Transcripts
• Motions and pleadings
• Indictments
• Affidavits
• Depositions
• Sentencing records
• Court dockets for cases from 1990 till present

Orange County Clerk of Court provides an online case search for public court documents created from 2009 to the present. Requesters must provide case numbers and defendant/plaintiffs’ names to find court records via the online platform. If records are not available online, individuals may request court documents via mail or in person.

Types of Public Court Records in Orange County

Requesters can find the following public court records in Orange County:

• Civil Case Records
• Criminal Case Records
• Criminal Case Records
• Arrest records
• Divorce filings and decrees
• Probate Court Records
• Guardianship records
• Traffic Court Records
• Small claims court records

Confidential Court Records

In Orange County and other Florida counties, certain court records are confidential and are not available to the public to protect privacy, security, and sensitive information. The following confidential records are listed under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 and are not available to the public:

• Medical records
• Juvenile records
• Adoption records
• Baker Act records
• Substance abuse records
• Victim and Witness Information
• Confidential Informant Information
• Social Security numbers
• Personal financial information such as bank account or credit card numbers
• Grand jury records
• Trade secrets

Individuals seeking access to confidential records in Orange County must petition the court and give valid legal reasons for access.

Juvenile Delinquency in Orange, FL

Unfortunately, in many areas of the Orange County, juvenile delinquency offenses are on the rise. There are many reasons for the inflation in youth offenders. The juvenile sentence in Florida often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of charges, and other family matters.

In 2017, a total of 3 juvenile cases were reported for every 100,000 people age 10 to adulthood in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Of that total, 100% of those proceedings were delinquencies which equaled 3 court cases. Another 0% were dependency cases that accounted for 0 of the juvenile cases.

A lot of counties, including, Orange County, are focusing on family counseling and relationships rather than punishment for juvenile crimes. Future Orange County juvenile delinquency tallies will show whether or not this approach is working.

Government of Orange County, FL

https://www.myflorida.com/

County Seat:	Orlando
Government Type:	County
Authority:	Home Rule
Year Organized:	1824
Total Square Miles:	1,003
2019 Population:	1,348,975
Persons/Square Mile:	0.00
County Contact:	201 S Rosalind Ave County Courthouse Orlando , FL 32801-3527 http://www.orangecountyfl.net

Orange County, FL Courts