What is Public Indecency, and What Are the Laws, Charges, and Penalties?
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Miami-Dade County public records include any document, data, or recording created or maintained by county agencies regarding personal, property, or legal matters. These records are open for inspection and copying unless exempt under state law or county regulations.
With more than 2.9 million residents, Miami-Dade County is the largest county in Florida. It sits at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula and covers approximately 2,431 square miles. Major cities within the county include Miami, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach, and Coral Gables.
The county is a major employment hub and home to some of Florida’s largest employers, including American Airlines, Visa, Microsoft, Burger King, Lennar Corporation, and Royal Caribbean Group. The economic activity generated by these employers results in a broad range of public records, such as business licenses, payment records, court filings, and property documents. These records are often used to verify business histories, review property transfers, and monitor legal proceedings.
How to Search Public Records in Miami-Dade County, FL
Public records searches in Miami-Dade County can be completed online, in person, by mail, or via telephone.
Online Portals
Miami-Dade County provides several online portals through the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, and each portal is designed for a specific type of public record. For instance, the Civil, Family, and Probate Courts online system provides access to civil, family, and probate case records. This system allows searches by party/business name and case/citation number.
In addition, general court records can be accessed through the court records portal, which provides case details, trial schedules, and jury information. You can search general court records by case and citation number.
You can also view property records on the County Recorder’s official records online system, maintained by the county’s Clerk of the Court and Comptroller. This system allows searches by property address, document type, and date range. Arrest and inmate information is available through the county sheriff’s inmate search portal, which allows users to look up inmate information by entering their full name.
Alternative Online Sources
You can search Miami-Dade public records using online aggregation tools like RecordsFinder.com. This service makes it easier to find major public records, such as property records, court records, inmate records, driving records, vital records, and arrest records, across multiple state and county government agencies.
In-Person/Mail-In Record Requests
Miami-Dade County offers several other ways to access public records, including walk-in requests, by mail, or by phone. While some records are not digitized and must be obtained directly from the appropriate office, many people also choose these methods when they need staff assistance or require certified copies. For example, obtaining a sealed arrest record from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office requires an in-person visit with valid identification at the Central Records Bureau Public Counter.
Incident reports and traffic crash reports may be requested by mail. These requests must include key details such as the date of the incident, the names of individuals involved, and the location.
Before submitting a public record request, confirm which county office maintains the specific record you need. This ensures that your request is directed to the correct agency.
What Records Are Publicly Available Here?
Below are the most common publicly available records in Miami-Dade County:
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Miami-Dade County Case Search (Court Records)
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Description: Includes civil, criminal, and probate cases filed with both the Circuit and County Courts. These records contain the party names, court filings, case updates, and hearing schedules.
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Use Case: To track recent filings, confirm case status, or find upcoming court dates.
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Property & Land Records
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Description: All real estate records managed by the Clerk of Court.
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Use Case: To verify ownership history, track property liens, or confirm parcel details.
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Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage):
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Description: Certificates documenting major life events, including births, marriages, and deaths in Miami-Dade County.
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Use Case: To conduct genealogical research or complete official documentation.
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Fictitious Business Names (FBN)
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Description: Records of names, addresses, registration dates, and business structure of businesses operating under a name other than the owner’s legal name in Miami-Dade County.
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Use Case: To verify who owns a business in Miami or neighboring cities, particularly when conducting due diligence research.
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Inmate & Arrest Logs
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Description: Records maintained by the Sheriff’s Office, including custody status, booking details, and facility location.
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Use Case: To check if someone is currently held in the county jail.
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Access Limits and Privacy Rules in Lee County
Florida’s Public Records Law grants the public the right to inspect and copy government records. However, certain categories of records are restricted or withheld to protect privacy and security. These exemptions balance open access with the need to protect sensitive information.
The following access limits and privacy rules apply to public records in Miami-Dade County:
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Redaction: This process allows the public to access the main content of a record while removing private information that could harm the individual named in the document. For example, you may be able to view a court filing or property record, but details such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, or the names of minors will be removed.
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Sealing: Some records are completely sealed and cannot be accessed by the public. These include juvenile court proceedings, mental health case files, and criminal records that have been dismissed.
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Florida-Specific Access Rules: Florida’s Public Records Law grants the public the right to inspect and copy government records, but certain exceptions apply. For instance, agencies may withhold records when disclosure could interfere with law enforcement or regulatory activities, such as compromising an investigation, exposing confidential informants, or revealing sensitive enforcement strategies.
Helpful Local Contacts in Miami-Dade County
When searching for public records in Miami-Dade County, start by identifying which county office is responsible for the type of record you need. Sending your request to the right agency accelerates the process and improves the accuracy of the information you receive.
Below, you will find a list of local offices that handle some of the most commonly requested records and documents in the county:
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Miami-Dade County Circuit Court: Maintains Lee County criminal, civil, and traffic court case records.
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Address: 73 W Flagler St., Miami, FL 33130
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Website: https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/
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Lee County Clerk of Court and Comptroller: Manages public record searches involving property deeds, mortgage information, and lien and lien releases.
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Address: 20 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
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Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office: Oversees warrant execution and inmate records.
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Address: 9105 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172
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FAQs
How Can I Search Miami-Dade County Public Records by Name?
To search for a property record by name, go to the online portal of the agency that maintains the record. Locate the name search field on the portal and enter the individual’s name. The system will return public records associated with that name. Online services such as RecordsFinder.com also support name-based public record searches.
What Details Help Most With a Miami-Dade County Case Search?
The easiest way to find a case record and obtain the most accurate result is by entering the case number. If the case number is unknown, searches may be conducted using a party’s full legal name, the case category, or the filing date.
Why Can’t I Find Some Cases in a Miami-Dade County Case Lookup?
Some case records do not appear in search results due to restrictions imposed by Florida privacy laws. Sealed cases are entirely excluded, while restricted records may provide only partial information. Access to sealed records is generally unavailable through public search tools and may only be obtained through formal legal procedures or court authorization.
Can I Find Lee County Public Records for Free?
Yes, many official portals allow free searches for basic information. However, if you need certified copies or detailed records, fees may apply.
How Are Lee County Public Records Different From Florida State Records?
Miami-Dade County records are kept by local offices and cover county-level matters such as property transfers, deeds, liens, local court filings, and business registrations. Florida state records, on the other hand, are managed by state agencies and deal with issues that go beyond one county, including statewide court rulings and criminal history files.
How Do I Know if a Record Is Sealed or Restricted?
If a public record search returns no results or only partial information, it indicates that the record may be sealed or restricted. Sealed records generally cannot be accessed without court approval.
