The Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller keeps the official court records for Lake County, Florida. The office also maintains the county’s Official Records. People use it to check civil or criminal cases, review traffic matters, obtain copies, research deeds and mortgages, or find older court files. The main courthouse is in Tavares. Lake County also has branch offices in Clermont and The Villages for selected services. Many court files after 2003 can be viewed online for free. Older files may require a formal search or an in-person request. This guide explains the current contact details, search process, copy fees and the right place to look for court or property records.
Lake County Clerk of Court Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Office | Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller |
| Main courthouse | 550 W. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778 |
| Main phone | 352-742-4100 |
| Courthouse hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |
| Court Records | Online Court Records Search |
| Court Records phone | 352-742-4336 |
| Official Records phone | 352-253-2600 |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778-7800 |
| Official website | lakecountyclerkfl.gov |
Lake County Clerk of Court Address and Phone Number
The Lake County Courthouse is at 550 W. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main Clerk phone number is 352-742-4100. Court Records can be reached at 352-742-4336. Official Records and Recording use 352-253-2600.
The courthouse separates services by wing. Civil, criminal, traffic, domestic relations, probate, guardianship and several other court functions are in the East Wing. Recording, marriage licenses, passports and tax deeds are in the North Wing. This makes it worth checking the department before you arrive.
Lake County Clerk of Courts Locations
| Location | Address | Main services / hours |
| Lake County Courthouse | 550 W. Main St., Tavares, FL 32778 | Court and recording services; M-F 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |
| South Lake Branch | 290 Citrus Tower Blvd., Suite 116, Clermont, FL 34711 | Marriage and passports; M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; lunch noon-1 p.m. |
| North Lake Branch | 902 Avenida Central, The Villages, FL | Marriage and passports; M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; lunch noon-1 p.m. |
| Records Storage Facility | 313 S. Bloxham Ave., Tavares, FL 32778 | Records management and recording support; M-F 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |
How to Search Lake County Court Records and Cases
Lake County provides a dedicated online Court Records Search. It covers civil, criminal, family, traffic and other case types that may be released online. Most court files after 2003 can be viewed through the system, subject to confidentiality review. Some case indexes go back much earlier, but older files are not always available as electronic images.
- Open lakecountyclerkfl.gov and choose Court Records Search from the records section.
- Search with the case number when you have it. A name search can also work, but use the full name and narrow the date range when possible.
- Open the matching case and confirm the parties, case type and filing date. Then review the docket and any images that are available.
- If the record predates the online file period or an image is missing, submit a Court Record Search Request or contact Court Data & Records.
Online access is controlled by Florida court-record rules. A case may appear in the index even when a document image cannot be opened. Some records are confidential, sealed or restricted to parties and authorized users. Lake County also limits older-record searches by the dates available for each case category. For a complete historical search, the Clerk may need to search by name and calendar year.
How to Request Copies of Court Records
A clear request helps staff find the right file without delay. Include these details:
- Case number and case type, if known.
- Full party name and every calendar year that should be searched.
- Exact document needed, such as an order, judgment, complaint or disposition.
- Whether you need a plain copy or a certified copy.
| Request method | Best used for |
| Online | Viewing available court records and checking the case before ordering |
| Email / written request | Name-based court record searches and older files using the Court Record Search Request form |
| In person | Older records, staff-assisted searches and certified copies at the Tavares courthouse |
Lake County charges $1 per printed court-record page. Certification is $2 per document. A staff record search costs $2 per name for each calendar year searched. The Clerk says a formal search request may take about seven to ten working days. Payment must be received before the search is completed. Official Record copies follow a similar $1-per-page and $2-certification structure, with postage or handling added when applicable.
Other Services Available Through the Clerk
The Clerk handles circuit and county civil cases, small claims, criminal matters, traffic, domestic relations, probate, guardianship, juvenile matters, injunctions and appeals. It also provides marriage licenses, passports, Official Records, tax deed services and county financial functions. Online tools are available for court payments, e-filing and several record searches. Clerk staff can explain procedures and fees, but they cannot tell a person what legal argument to make or which legal action to choose.
Court Records vs. Property Records
Court Records and Official Records answer different questions. Court Records are tied to lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family cases, probate matters and traffic cases. Official Records contain recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, notices of commencement, plats and marriage licenses. Property researchers should begin with the Official Records search. A person looking for a judgment or pleading from a lawsuit should use Court Records. Older Official Records may require a copy request through the Recording Section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why can I find the case but not open the document?
The image may still require confidentiality review, or the document may be restricted from public online viewing. Contact Court Data & Records if you need a document that is not available through the portal.
Q. How far back can I search Lake County court records online?
Coverage varies by case type. Many court files after 2003 can be viewed online, while some index data goes back further. Older files may require a Court Record Search Request.
Q. Can I ask the Clerk to search every year for a person?
Yes, but an assisted search costs $2 per name for each calendar year searched. List the exact years you need so the Clerk can calculate the search fee.
Q. Where should I search for a deed or mortgage?
Use Lake County Official Records rather than the court-case search. Deeds, mortgages and similar recorded instruments are maintained by the Recording/Official Records division.
Q. Are the Clermont and The Villages branches full-service courthouses?
No. Those branches mainly handle marriage licenses and passports. Court cases and most record work are handled through the Tavares courthouse.
