The Boca Raton city court docket is the official list of court cases, hearing dates, and filing records for matters filed in the Boca Raton area of Palm Beach County, Florida. The city of Boca Raton falls under the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, and the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller keeps every court docket entry for the area.
Anyone can look up these records online, by phone, or by visiting a courthouse in person.
People search the Boca Raton city court docket for many reasons. Some need to check a court date. Others want to see if a civil case has been filed. Many want copies of filings for legal work. This page covers the full process for finding and using these public court records.
How the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Handles Boca Raton Cases
Boca Raton sits inside the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, which covers all of Palm Beach County. Florida cities do not run their own courts. The state court system handles every criminal, civil, traffic, and family law case through the county-level circuit court. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for all Boca Raton court docket entries.
The clerk office maintains the docket database, accepts new filings, processes court fees, and issues certified copies of documents. The clerk does not judge cases. Judges from the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit make the legal decisions. The clerk simply records what happens in each case.
Cases filed in Boca Raton can be either county court matters or circuit court matters. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and civil cases under $50,000. Circuit court handles felonies, family law, probate, and larger civil cases. Both types appear in the Boca Raton city court docket search system.
Official Court Locations Serving Boca Raton
The Palm Beach County court system operates five courthouse locations. Boca Raton residents typically use either the South County Courthouse in nearby Delray Beach or the main courthouse in West Palm Beach.
South County Courthouse
The South County Courthouse is the closest full-service courthouse to Boca Raton. The address is 200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. This location handles criminal and civil cases for southern Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton matters. The civil office phone number is (561) 274-1588. The criminal office phone number is (561) 355-2996.
Main Courthouse
The main Palm Beach County courthouse is the Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse, located at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. This is the central hub for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Visitors can review case files, request certified copies, and speak with clerk staff at this location.
Other courthouse locations exist in Palm Beach County, including branches in Belle Glade, North County, and West County. Boca Raton residents may use any branch for basic clerk services, but the South County Courthouse in Delray Beach is the most convenient option for most people.
How to Search the Boca Raton City Court Docket Online
The Palm Beach County Clerk offers free online search tools for Boca Raton court docket records. The main search page is located at the clerk website. Users can search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or date range. No account or login is required for basic public searches.
The search system returns docket entries with the following details:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties involved
- Case type and division
- Scheduled hearing dates and times
- Courtroom location and judge assigned
- Filing history with document descriptions
- Current case status
Search results include criminal, civil, traffic, family law, probate, and small claims cases. The system covers all filings in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, which means every Boca Raton city court docket entry appears in the same database.
Search by Case Number
Searching by case number produces the fastest and most exact result. Boca Raton case numbers follow a specific format that includes the year, court type, and sequence. For example, a 2025 felony case filed in circuit court might read 50-2025-CF-012345-AXXX. County court cases use a similar format with different letter codes.
Users who have a case number can enter it directly into the search field. The system pulls up the full docket sheet, including every motion, order, and hearing date on record.
Search by Party Name
Name searches work for people, businesses, and government entities. The system matches names exactly as they appear on the court filing. Users should try variations of a name if the first search returns no results. Common name searches include full legal names, business names, and “doing business as” names.
Boca Raton Court Docket Case Types
The Boca Raton city court docket covers many case types. Each type appears in the same search system but follows different procedural rules.
Criminal Cases
Criminal cases include felonies, misdemeanors, and ordinance violations. Felonies go through circuit court and carry potential sentences over one year. Misdemeanors stay in county court and carry sentences up to one year. Ordinance violations, like city code breaches, also appear in county court.
The Boca Raton city court docket for criminal matters shows arraignment dates, pretrial conferences, plea hearings, and trial settings. Users can see bond amounts, conditions of release, and assigned defense attorneys.
Civil Cases
Civil cases cover disputes between individuals, businesses, or government agencies. Small claims cases under $8,000 follow simplified procedures. Civil cases between $8,000 and $50,000 go through county court. Civil cases over $50,000 go through circuit court.
The docket shows complaint filings, answer deadlines, motion hearings, and trial dates. Civil docket entries also reflect settlement agreements, dismissals, and final judgments.
Traffic Cases
Traffic infractions, including speeding tickets, careless driving, and driving under suspension, appear in county court. The Boca Raton city court docket for traffic matters shows violation dates, court appearances, and fine amounts. Many traffic cases resolve with a fine payment, but serious offenses require a court appearance.
Family Law Cases
Family law cases include divorce, paternity, child support, custody, and adoption. These cases go through circuit court and follow the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. The docket shows petition filings, service dates, mediation requirements, and final hearing schedules.
Florida law seals many family law records from public view. The Boca Raton city court docket search may show that a case exists but block access to specific documents in adoption, juvenile, and certain divorce matters.
Boca Raton Hearing Schedules and Court Calendar
Court hearings in Boca Raton cases take place on scheduled dates at assigned courtrooms. The docket lists each hearing with a time, location, and purpose. Common hearing types include arraignments, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, status conferences, and trials.
Arraignments happen early in criminal cases. The defendant hears the charges and enters a plea. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys to discuss case status with the judge. Motion hearings resolve specific legal questions raised by either side. Trials are final hearings where evidence is presented and a verdict is reached.
Daily court calendars are posted online through the clerk system. Users can view scheduled hearings by date, judge, or courtroom. This helps attorneys, parties, and observers plan their visits to the courthouse.
Public Access Rules for Boca Raton Court Records
Florida law gives the public a right to inspect court records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the baseline for open records. The Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC24-65 controls electronic access to court docket records statewide.
Public users fall under User Role 7 in the Florida court access system. This role permits viewing of case numbers, party names, and basic docket entries. Sealed, expunged, and confidential records are not visible at this level.
Attorneys of record receive higher access through portal registration. They can view sealed documents in cases where they represent a party. Judges and clerk staff have full access to all records within their jurisdiction.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists records that are automatically confidential. These include adoption files, juvenile delinquency cases, mental health proceedings, and certain victim data. The Boca Raton city court docket search will show that a sealed case exists, but the underlying documents stay hidden from public view.
Some records get sealed by court order. A judge may seal a record to protect privacy, safety, or commercial interests. Once sealed, only parties with court approval can view the documents.
Boca Raton Court Docket Fees and Document Copies
The clerk charges fees for certified copies and document retrieval. Standard copies cost less than certified copies. Fees vary by document type and page count.
Electronic certified copies are available for purchase through the clerk website. Users pay by credit card and download the document immediately. This service costs more than paper copies but saves a trip to the courthouse.
Users who need bulk records or historical archives may pay additional research fees. The clerk sets these fees based on the time and resources required to locate the records.
Boca Raton E-Filing and Court Document Submission
Attorneys and self-represented litigants can file court documents electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal accepts new cases, motions, responses, and supporting documents for all Boca Raton city court docket matters.
Self-represented litigants register as a “Self-Represented Litigant” when creating a portal account. Registration requires a valid email address and basic personal details. The portal guides users through the filing process step by step.
The E-Filing Portal support desk operates weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. The support phone number is (850) 577-4609. Users can also submit help requests through the portal website.
Electronic filing fees apply in addition to standard court filing fees. The portal charges a convenience fee for processing payments. Users can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Self-Represented Litigants in Boca Raton Court
People who file or defend cases without an attorney are called self-represented litigants. The Florida court system provides self-help resources for these users. The Florida Courts website has free forms, instructions, and guides for common case types.
Self-represented litigants must follow the same rules as attorneys. They file the same forms, meet the same deadlines, and appear at the same hearings. The clerk staff can answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice.
Local self-help centers exist in Palm Beach County to assist self-represented litigants. These centers help with form completion, filing procedures, and court navigation. Contact information for the nearest self-help center is available through the Florida Courts website.
Boca Raton Court Docket Contact Information
People who need help with Boca Raton city court docket records can contact the Palm Beach County Clerk through several channels.
| Service | Contact Detail |
|---|---|
| South County Courthouse Civil Office | (561) 274-1588 |
| South County Courthouse Criminal Office | (561) 355-2996 |
| Public Records Request Email | publicrecords@mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| E-Filing Portal Support | (850) 577-4609, weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern |
| Main Courthouse | 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| South County Courthouse | 200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444 |
Visiting hours for courthouse clerk offices typically run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. Holiday closures follow the Palm Beach County government schedule. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting in person.
International Access to Boca Raton Court Records
People traveling abroad sometimes face access issues when trying to search Boca Raton city court docket records online. Palm Beach County has reported that users outside North America may need a virtual private network set to a United States location to access the clerk system. Free VPN services like ProtonVPN can resolve this issue for users in other countries.
This restriction applies only to the clerk website search tools. The statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and ACIS appellate portal do not have the same geographic restriction. International users can still file documents and check appellate records through these alternative systems.
Official Website Links for Boca Raton Court Docket Services
The following official websites provide direct access to Boca Raton city court docket records and related services:
- Palm Beach County Clerk of Court: mypalmbeachclerk.com
- Clerk Records Search: mypalmbeachclerk.com/records/search-records
- Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
- Florida Appellate Courts ACIS: acis.flcourts.gov
- Florida Courts Main Site: flcourts.gov
- Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers: flclerks.com
- MyFloridaCounty Official Records: myfloridacounty.com/official_records
- Palm Beach County Public Records: discover.pbc.gov/publicaffairs/pages/public_records_request.aspx
Nearby Court Jurisdictions and Resources
Boca Raton sits near several other cities that fall under the same Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Residents in nearby cities use the same clerk system and courthouse locations. The South County Courthouse in Delray Beach serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and other southern Palm Beach County communities.
For matters that cross county lines, the statewide Florida court system provides coordination through the E-Filing Portal. The Fourth District Court of Appeal handles appeals from the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, including Boca Raton cases. The appellate court also accepts electronic filings through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Common Boca Raton City Court Docket Search Questions
Many people have similar questions when they first try to search Boca Raton court docket records. The following FAQ section covers the most common issues users face.
FAQ
The questions and answers below address the most common search, access, and procedural topics related to Boca Raton city court docket records. Each answer reflects the rules in place for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit and Palm Beach County Clerk operations.
1. How do I find a court date for a case in Boca Raton?
Use the Palm Beach County Clerk online search system. Enter the case number or party name. The docket entry will list every hearing date, the assigned courtroom, and the judge. You can also call the South County Courthouse at (561) 355-2996 to confirm a hearing date by phone. Daily court calendars are posted online and updated regularly by the clerk office. If a hearing gets rescheduled, the new date appears in the docket within one business day of the order.
2. Can I view Boca Raton court records from another country?
Yes, with one caveat. The Palm Beach County clerk website blocks access from many international IP addresses. Users outside North America can install a free VPN like ProtonVPN, set the location to the United States, and access the system normally. The statewide E-Filing Portal and ACIS appellate system do not have this geographic block and work from any country.
3. Are Boca Raton court records free to view?
Basic docket searches are free. Users can view case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and filing history at no cost. Certified copies of documents cost extra. Electronic certified copies are available for purchase through the clerk website, and paper certified copies can be ordered by mail or in person at the courthouse. Research fees apply for large or historical record requests.
4. What should I do if my name appears in a Boca Raton court record by mistake?
File a written request with the Palm Beach County Clerk explaining the error. Include the case number, your full name, and the reason the record is wrong. The clerk will review the request and forward it to the presiding judge for action. For criminal records, you can also pursue an expungement or sealing under Florida Statute Section 943.0585 if you qualify. Expungement removes the record from public view permanently.
5. How long does Palm Beach County keep court records?
Retention rules depend on case type. Criminal cases stay on file for at least 99 years after the final judgment. Civil cases are kept for 20 years. Family law cases follow different retention schedules based on case subtype. Some historical records date back to the founding of Palm Beach County. Records more than 50 years old may be transferred to the State Archives of Florida.
6. Can I attend a Boca Raton court hearing as a spectator?
Yes, most court hearings in Boca Raton are open to the public. Florida courts follow the presumption of openness under the First Amendment and Florida Constitution. Visitors can watch proceedings from designated spectator seating in the courtroom. Sealed hearings, juvenile cases, and certain family law matters are closed to the public. Photography and recording rules vary by judge and courthouse, so check with clerk staff before bringing recording equipment.
7. How do I file a new case in Boca Raton court?
File through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Create an account, select the case type, and complete the filing packet. Pay the filing fee by credit card or electronic check. Self-represented litigants register as “Self-Represented Litigant” in the portal. Paper filings are still accepted at the courthouse, but electronic filing is faster and cheaper. The portal support desk at (850) 577-4609 can help with technical questions during the filing process.