Court records in Indian River County, Florida, can be searched through several channels. IndianRiverCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court websites, the Indian River County Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals located at the courthouse in Vero Beach. Online tools offered by the Florida Courts system and the Clerk's office provide additional ways to look up docket information, case filings, and hearing schedules.
Indian River Court System & Jurisdictions
Indian River County is part of Florida's Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Two levels of trial court operate in the county — the Circuit Court and the County Court — each handling distinct case types. Appeals from these courts go to the Fourth District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Criminal felony cases — charges carrying potential penalties of more than one year in state prison
- Civil cases — disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000
- Family law — dissolution of marriage, child custody, paternity, domestic violence injunctions, and adoption (standard family law forms are available through the Florida Courts website)
- Probate — estate administration, guardianship, and mental health proceedings
- Juvenile — delinquency and dependency cases
- Appeals from County Court
County Court
The County Court handles cases with more limited scope:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases — offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Civil disputes — claims of $50,000 or less, including small claims (generally $8,000 or less)
- Traffic infractions — civil and criminal traffic violations
- County ordinance violations
Both courts operate out of the Indian River County Courthouse complex in Vero Beach. If you are unsure which court division holds your case, the Clerk of Court's office can direct you based on your case number or party name.
Indian River Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Indian River County are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and individual judicial divisions. Here is how to find scheduled hearings:
- Clerk's online case search — The Indian River County Clerk of Court maintains an online records portal where you can look up a case by number or party name and view scheduled hearing dates attached to that case.
- Nineteenth Judicial Circuit website — The circuit's administrative office publishes judicial calendars and division assignments. Check the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit's site for judge-specific schedules.
- Courthouse public terminals — Walk-in terminals at the Vero Beach courthouse let you search today's and upcoming hearing calendars at no charge.
- Appellate dockets — For cases on appeal, the Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS) provides docket entries and scheduled oral argument dates for the Fourth District Court of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court.
If you need to confirm a specific hearing time, call the Clerk's office at 772-770-5185. Calendars can change on short notice due to continuances or judicial reassignment.
How to Get a Copy of a Indian River Court Document
The Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the custodian of court records. You can obtain copies in several ways:
Online
Non-confidential court documents are often viewable through the Clerk's online records portal. Some documents can be printed directly. For certified copies, you will typically need to submit a request through the Clerk's office.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court at the Indian River County Courthouse:
By Mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, document title, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment (check or money order payable to the Clerk of Court) and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. Courts, government agencies, and many legal transactions require certified copies.
Certain records are confidential under Florida law — including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, some mental health records, and adoption files. The Clerk's office can tell you whether a specific document is available for public release.
For divorce certificates, contact the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County rather than the Clerk's office, as vital records are maintained separately.
Indian River Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Indian River County are set by Florida statute (primarily §28.24, Florida Statutes) and may be updated by administrative order. The following schedule reflects standard statutory fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of a document | $2.00 per certification |
| Search fee (per name, per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Copy of a recorded instrument (first page) | $1.00 |
| Copy of a recorded instrument (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $2.00 (in addition to copy fees) |
| Duplicate of electronic court record on CD/media | Varies — contact the Clerk |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Clerk of Court"
- Online: Credit or debit card (convenience fees may apply)
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Indian River County Clerk of Court at 772-770-5185 to confirm current amounts before submitting payment. For sheriff's office public records, such as arrest reports or incident reports, separate fees and request procedures apply through the Indian River County Sheriff's Office.