The Dixie County court docket is a public list of every case filed, heard, and decided at the Dixie County Courthouse in Cross City, Florida. The docket shows case numbers, party names, hearing dates, filings, and judge orders.
Anyone can look up a case online or in person at the Clerk of the Circuit Court office. The clerk, Barbie Higginbotham, runs this office and keeps all docket records up to date. The clerk office sits at 214 NE Highway 351, Cross City, Florida 32628.
Florida law makes these records open to the public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives you the right to view and copy court docket entries. You do not need a reason. You also do not need to register for most public searches. The Dixie County Clerk office follows the same state rules as every other county clerk in Florida.
What the Dixie County Court Docket Shows
A court docket is a running log of every action in a court case. Each entry has a date, a short description, and the name of the person who filed the document. The Dixie County court docket covers civil cases, criminal cases, traffic tickets, family law, probate, small claims, and evictions. It also shows hearing dates, trial schedules, arraignment times, and final orders from the judge.
When a lawyer files a motion, the docket records it. When the court sets a hearing, the docket shows the date. When a judge signs an order, the docket adds that entry too. This running log helps lawyers, parties, and the public track how a case moves through the court system. The clerk office updates the docket as new filings come in.
The Dixie County court docket is split between two trial courts. The Circuit Court handles felonies, family law, probate, and civil cases over $50,000. The County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims under $8,000, and county civil matters. Both courts keep their own docket entries, and the clerk office stores them in one system.
Who Runs the Dixie County Court Docket
Barbie Higginbotham serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Dixie County. She was elected in November 2020. The clerk office is a constitutional office under Florida law. The clerk keeps court records, manages the docket, handles passport applications, processes marriage licenses, and runs county financial records. The clerk also serves as the county comptroller.
The clerk office sits inside the Dixie County Courthouse. The courthouse is the only place in the county where court cases are filed and heard. The clerk staff helps people look up cases, pull docket sheets, and get certified copies of court orders. Staff members answer questions in person, by phone, and by email during office hours.
Dixie County is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit of Florida. The 3rd Circuit covers seven counties in north Florida: Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor. The chief judge of the circuit oversees court operations across all seven counties. The clerk office in each county keeps its own docket records.
Dixie County Clerk Office Contact Details
| Office | Dixie County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | 214 NE Highway 351, Cross City, FL 32628 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1206, Cross City, FL 32628 |
| Phone | (352) 498-1200 |
| Website | dixieclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Clerk | Barbie Higginbotham |
| Judicial Circuit | 3rd Judicial Circuit |
How to Search the Dixie County Court Docket Online
You can search the Dixie County court docket from home using a few online tools. The clerk website at dixieclerk.com lists online services and links to the statewide docket search. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com lets you look up case records from every Florida county, including Dixie County. This portal works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To start a search on myflcourtaccess.com, pick Dixie County from the county list. Type in a party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The system shows case type, filing date, hearing schedule, and a list of docket entries. You can view the docket sheet for free. Some document images cost a fee per page.
The clerk office also uses the statewide official records system through MyFloridaCounty. This site stores recorded documents like deeds, liens, and marriage records. Some court docket entries link to these recorded documents. The ACIS portal at acis.flcourts.gov covers appellate court dockets. If a Dixie County case went up on appeal, you can check the docket entries there.
Public access to the online docket covers most case types. AOSC24-65 sets the rules for what the public can see online. Basic docket data is open. Document images for family and juvenile cases may need a registered account. Juvenile records, adoption records, and mental health cases stay sealed under Florida law.
How to Search the Dixie County Court Docket in Person
You can visit the clerk office at 214 NE Highway 351 in Cross City to look up the Dixie County court docket in person. The office opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. Free parking sits in front of the building.
Bring a case number if you have one. A party name also works. The clerk staff will pull the docket sheet, show you the entries, and let you read court orders. You can ask for printed copies at a per-page fee. Certified copies cost more. The clerk office accepts cash, check, money order, and most major cards.
Call the office at (352) 498-1200 before you visit. Smaller counties sometimes change hours. The staff can tell you what to bring, what fees to expect, and which clerk handles the type of case you need. The clerk office helps walk-in customers, but phone calls before your visit can save you a trip.
The Dixie County Courthouse is small. The clerk office handles a lower case volume than urban counties. You usually get help right away. The clerk office also answers email questions sent to the addresses listed on dixieclerk.com. Florida law treats email addresses as public records, so be careful what you write.
Types of Dixie County Court Dockets
The Dixie County civil court docket covers lawsuits, contract disputes, property cases, and personal injury claims above $50,000 in the Circuit Court. Civil cases below $50,000 go to County Court. The civil docket shows the complaint, the answer, motions, hearings, and the final judgment. You can search civil docket entries by plaintiff name, defendant name, or case number.
The Dixie County criminal court docket splits between felonies and misdemeanors. Felony cases include serious crimes like drug trafficking, burglary, and aggravated assault. These cases go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanor cases include simple battery, petty theft, and minor drug charges. These cases go to County Court. The criminal docket shows the arrest, the charge, the arraignment date, plea entries, and the sentence.
The Dixie County traffic court docket covers speeding tickets, driving with a suspended license, careless driving, and other traffic infractions. Most traffic cases sit in County Court. The traffic docket shows the citation number, the court date, and the outcome. You can pay a traffic fine online through the clerk office, by mail, or in person.
The Dixie County probate court docket covers wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. The Circuit Court handles all probate matters. The probate docket shows the petition, the will, the inventory, and the final discharge. You can search probate docket entries by the deceased person’s name or the case number.
The Dixie County family court docket covers divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. The Circuit Court handles all family law cases. The family court docket shows the petition, the financial affidavit, mediation notes, and the final judgment. Some family court records stay sealed under Rule 2.420.
The Dixie County small claims docket covers disputes under $8,000. County Court handles small claims. Cases usually move fast. The small claims docket shows the claim, the hearing date, and the judgment. You do not need a lawyer for small claims court. The clerk office has forms you can use to file a small claims case.
The Dixie County eviction docket covers landlord-tenant disputes. Most evictions sit in County Court. The eviction docket shows the notice, the complaint, the hearing date, and the writ of possession. Landlords and tenants can look up the eviction docket to see when the court set the hearing.
Understanding Dixie County Court Docket Entries
Each docket entry has a date, a code, and a short description. The date shows when the clerk office filed the document. The code is a short letter group that tells you what type of filing it was. Common codes include MOT for motion, ORD for order, RPT for report, and HTG for hearing. The description gives a one-line summary of the filing.
You might see entries like “Motion to Compel Discovery Filed” or “Order Setting Hearing.” Some entries show “Case Disposed” when the court closes the case. Other entries show “Warrant Issued” or “Sentence Imposed” in criminal cases. Each entry links to the actual document, but some documents stay sealed.
The Dixie County court docket also shows party names. In civil cases, you see the plaintiff and the defendant. In criminal cases, you see the defendant and the State of Florida. In family cases, you see the petitioner and the respondent. The docket shows attorney names for represented parties.
Judges sign orders that show up on the docket. The docket shows the judge who signed the order. Dixie County circuit judges rotate from the 3rd Circuit bench. County court judges also serve the county. The docket shows the judge assigned to each case and any changes in judge assignment.
Public Access Rules for Dixie County Court Dockets
Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, makes court docket entries open to the public. You can view docket entries, read orders, and copy filings. You do not need a reason. The clerk must give you access during regular office hours. The clerk office cannot turn you away without a court order sealing the record.
Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration lists records that stay sealed. These include:
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Dependency records
- Adoption records
- Mental health records
- Sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers
The clerk office redacts sensitive data before showing records to the public. You can still see the case name, the docket entries, and the court orders. You cannot see the sealed parts. Family and juvenile cases often have limited public access for document images, even when basic docket data stays open.
Florida law also protects victims of certain crimes. Victim information gets redacted in sex offense cases, child abuse cases, and domestic violence cases. The public docket shows the case type and the docket entries. The public docket does not show the victim’s name, address, or contact data.
How to Look Up Dixie County Court Docket by Case Number
You can search the Dixie County court docket by case number on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The case number starts with a two-letter court code. Circuit Court civil cases start with “CA.” County Court civil cases start with “CC.” Felony cases start with “CF.” Misdemeanor cases start with “MM.” Traffic cases start with “TR.” Probate cases start with “PR.” Family cases start with “DR” or “SC.” Small claims cases start with “SC.”
Type the full case number into the search box on myflcourtaccess.com. Pick Dixie County from the county dropdown. The system pulls up the full docket sheet with every entry. You can read the entries, see the hearing dates, and look at the party names. The system does not charge you to view the docket sheet.
If you do not know the case number, search by party name. Type the last name of the plaintiff, defendant, or petitioner. The system shows cases that match. You can click each case to see the docket sheet. Some names bring up many cases, so add a first name or middle initial to narrow the search.
You can also search by attorney bar number. Every Florida lawyer has a bar number. The docket shows the attorney for each party. Search by bar number to find every case a lawyer has filed in Dixie County. This search helps you check a lawyer’s record or see if a lawyer filed a specific case.
How to Get Copies of Dixie County Court Records
You can ask the clerk office for copies of docket entries, court orders, and other filings. The clerk charges a per-page fee for regular copies. Certified copies cost more. You need a certified copy to use a court order as proof in another court or government office. The clerk office can mail you copies if you send a written request with a check or money order.
You can also print copies from the public computers at the clerk office. The clerk office has computers set up for public use. You can search the docket, view entries, and print what you need. Print fees match the per-page copy fee.
Some docket entries have a link to the document image. Click the link to view the image. The image opens in your browser. You can save the image or print it from your own computer. The clerk office does not charge for viewing images, but downloading or printing may have a fee.
For older records, the clerk office may need to pull the file from storage. The clerk office stores old case files in a records room. Some very old records have been digitized. Records that have not been digitized take longer to copy. Call the clerk office at (352) 498-1200 to check how long the copy will take.
Dixie County Court Docket Schedule and Hearing Calendar
The Dixie County court docket schedule shows when each case has a hearing. Judges set hearings on specific dates and times. The clerk office posts the hearing calendar online for some case types. You can also call the clerk office to ask about a specific hearing date.
Arraignment hearings happen in criminal cases after an arrest. The arraignment is the first court appearance. The judge reads the charges. The defendant pleads guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The Dixie County arraignment docket shows the date, the defendant, the charge, and the plea. The clerk office posts the arraignment schedule for the week.
Trial dates go on the docket when the court sets a case for trial. The trial docket shows the case number, the parties, the charges or claims, and the trial date. Trials in Dixie County Circuit Court sit on the court calendar for a set week. The clerk office posts the trial calendar before the trial week starts.
The Dixie County hearing docket covers motion hearings, status conferences, and pre-trial conferences. These hearings happen during regular court weeks. The clerk office can tell you the time of a specific hearing. Hearings can move dates. The docket updates when the judge reschedules a hearing.
Dixie County Court Docket Status Checks
You can check the status of any Dixie County court case through the clerk office. The status tells you if the case is open, closed, on appeal, or on hold. The status updates as the case moves through the court system. The docket shows the current status with the most recent entry at the top.
An open case has filings, hearings, and orders still happening. A closed case has a final judgment or dismissal. A case on hold has a pause order from the judge. A case on appeal has moved to a higher court. The ACIS portal shows the appeal status for cases that went up on appeal.
You can also check the status of a traffic ticket or criminal case through the clerk office. Bring your citation number or case number. The clerk staff can tell you the next court date, the fine amount, and the payment status. You can pay fines online, by mail, or in person at the clerk office.
For civil cases, the status shows if the case is in discovery, at the motion stage, set for trial, or in judgment. The status helps lawyers plan their next steps. The status also helps parties know what to expect. The clerk staff can explain the status to anyone who calls or visits the office.
E-Filing on the Dixie County Court Docket
Lawyers file most court documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal accepts new cases, motions, responses, and orders. The portal sends the filing to the clerk office. The clerk office reviews the filing, accepts it, and adds the entry to the Dixie County court docket.
Self-represented parties can also e-file. You need to register for an account on myflcourtaccess.com. The account lets you file documents, pay filing fees, and serve papers on other parties. Self-represented filers pay the same fees as lawyers. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks.
The portal works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Filings submitted after hours get a filing date for the next business day. The clerk office reviews filings during business hours. The clerk office may reject a filing if the form is wrong or the fee is missing. The clerk office sends an email if your filing gets rejected.
The Dixie County court docket shows the e-filing entry with a filing date and time stamp. The entry includes the document title, the filer, and the filing party. The e-filing system makes the docket more accurate. It also cuts down on paperwork at the clerk office.
Dixie County Court Docket Search Limits
The public docket does not show every document. Some documents stay sealed under court order. Sealed documents include:
- Adoption records
- Juvenile records
- Mental health commitment records
- Trade secrets in civil cases
- Personal data in family cases
You need a court order to see a sealed record. The court order must name you and say what you can see. The clerk office cannot show you a sealed record without the order. The clerk office can tell you if a record is sealed. The clerk office cannot tell you the contents of a sealed record.
Some court records get purged after a set time. The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration list how long the clerk office must keep records. Most civil and criminal records stay on file for many years. Some older traffic cases get purged after 5 to 10 years. The clerk office can tell you if a record still exists.
Redacted docket entries hide sensitive data. The clerk office redacts Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor children’s names. The public sees “REDACTED” where the data would be. The redaction keeps private data private while keeping the docket open to the public.
Helpful Tips for Dixie County Court Docket Searches
Have the full case number ready when you call the clerk office. The case number speeds up the search. The clerk staff can pull the case in seconds with the right number. Without the number, the clerk staff has to search by name, which takes longer.
Use the right portal for the right search. Use myflcourtaccess.com for trial court docket searches. Use acis.flcourts.gov for appellate docket searches. Use the clerk website for official records searches. Mixing up the portals leads to wrong results or empty pages.
Check the date of the most recent docket entry before you act. The docket updates as filings come in. An old printout may miss new filings. Always pull a fresh docket sheet before you make a legal move. The fresh sheet shows the current status of the case.
Call the clerk office during slow hours. The clerk office is busiest at the start of the day and right after lunch. Calls after 3:00 PM usually go through faster. The clerk office also gets fewer walk-in customers in the late afternoon. Pick a slow time if you want fast service.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dixie County Court Docket
The Dixie County court docket raises many questions from residents, lawyers, and outside parties. The answers below cover the most common questions about how the docket works, who can see it, and how to use it. Each answer pulls from the official clerk office rules and Florida public records law.
1. Can anyone view the Dixie County court docket for free?
Yes. Florida law makes the Dixie County court docket open to the public at no charge for basic docket data. You can view the docket on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal without paying anything. You can also view the docket for free on the public computers at the clerk office. The clerk office charges a fee only for printed copies, certified copies, and document images. The fee covers the cost of paper, toner, and staff time. You do not need a reason to view the docket. The clerk office cannot ask why you want the records.
2. How do I find a Dixie County court docket by name?
You can find a Dixie County court docket by name on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Type the last name into the search box. Add a first name or middle initial to narrow the results. Pick Dixie County from the county list. The portal shows every case that matches the name. Click each case to see the full docket sheet. The portal does not charge you to search by name. The portal also does not require an account for public searches. You can also search by name at the clerk office in person or by phone at (352) 498-1200.
3. What is the difference between the Dixie County Circuit Court docket and the County Court docket?
The Dixie County Circuit Court docket covers felonies, family law, probate, juvenile cases, and civil cases over $50,000. The County Court docket covers misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims under $8,000, and county civil matters. Both dockets sit in the same clerk office and use the same online portal. The case number shows which court handles the case. Circuit Court cases start with codes like CA, CF, DR, PR. County Court cases start with codes like CC, MM, TR, SC. The clerk office can tell you which court handles your case.
4. How long does the clerk office keep Dixie County court docket records?
The Dixie County clerk office keeps most court docket records for many years. Felony and capital case records stay on file permanently. Other criminal records stay for at least 7 years after the case closes. Civil case records stay for at least 10 years after the case closes. Probate records stay permanently. Traffic and misdemeanor records may be purged after 5 to 10 years. The clerk office can tell you if a record still exists. The clerk office can also pull old records from storage for an extra fee.
5. Can I seal a Dixie County court docket entry?
You can ask the court to seal a Dixie County court docket entry, but the court must approve the request. You file a motion to seal. The judge holds a hearing. The judge weighs your right to privacy against the public’s right to know. The judge grants the motion only if sealing serves the ends of justice. Most motions to seal get denied. The judge may seal only part of the record, not the whole thing. Expungement works differently from sealing. Expungement removes the record from public view. You must meet the rules under Florida law to expunge a record.
6. How do I get a certified copy of a Dixie County court docket entry?
You can get a certified copy of a Dixie County court docket entry at the clerk office. Visit the office at 214 NE Highway 351, Cross City, FL 32628. Bring a photo ID and the case number. Pay the certified copy fee. The clerk office stamps the copy with the court seal and signs it. The certified copy serves as proof in court, in government offices, and in other legal settings. You can also mail a written request to P.O. Box 1206, Cross City, FL 32628. Include a check or money order for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
7. Does the Dixie County court docket show sealed adoption records?
No. The Dixie County court docket does not show sealed adoption records. Adoption records stay sealed under Florida law. The clerk office can confirm that an adoption case exists. The clerk office cannot show the contents of an adoption file. Adult adoptees can ask the court for a copy of their original birth certificate under certain rules. The court can also open adoption records for good cause. A judge makes that call. The clerk office can tell you how to file a motion to open adoption records.