The Glades County Court Docket is a public record of every case filed, heard, and decided in the courts of Glades County, Florida. Moore Haven is the only place where these cases go through the court system. The clerk keeps a written log of each step in a case. Anyone can look up these records online or in person. The docket shows hearing dates, motions, rulings, and final outcomes for criminal, civil, traffic, and family cases. This page covers how to search, read, and use the Glades County Court Docket with the most current tools and rules.
What the Glades County Court Docket Covers
The docket is a timeline of each court case. Every time a judge takes action, a lawyer files a paper, or a court event happens, it gets logged. The log includes the case number, party names, charge type, filing dates, and hearing outcomes. The Glades County Court Docket covers cases from the county court and the circuit court. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims, and civil disputes up to $50,000. Circuit court handles felonies, family law, probate, and larger civil cases.
Florida law requires that these records stay open to the public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives anyone the right to see court records. The Glades County clerk follows this rule for the local docket. Some records stay sealed under Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. These include juvenile cases, adoption files, mental health records, and substance abuse treatment records.
Who Maintains the Glades County Court Docket
The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Glades County holds the official docket. This office is an elected position under Florida’s constitution. The clerk keeps paper files, scans new filings, and runs the online search system. Glades County sits in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit also includes Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee counties. Glades County runs its own docket system, even though it shares the circuit with larger counties.
The clerk office processes new filings, collects court fees, swears in witnesses, and issues certified copies. Staff at the counter can pull up a case, print the docket sheet, and copy any filed document for a small fee. The office staff answers questions about how to read the docket and which forms a person needs to file.
How the Glades County Court Docket System Works
When someone files a new case, the clerk assigns a case number. The number stays with the case for life. Each new event in the case adds a line to the docket sheet. The sheet shows the date, the type of action, the party who filed it, and the judge assigned. Over time, the docket becomes a complete history of the case.
The online system mirrors the paper docket. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal links to Glades County cases. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows the same data the clerk sees at the counter. New entries appear within hours of filing. Older cases from before 2010 may not be in the online system. The clerk keeps those files on microfilm or paper at the Moore Haven office.
Glades County Court Docket Search Methods
There are three main ways to search the docket. Each one works for different needs.
Online Search Through the State Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal works for all 67 counties, including Glades. The site runs 24 hours a day. Users can search by name, case number, or court type. Basic case data shows up without an account. Full document images need a free user account. The portal also accepts new filings for lawyers and pro se parties.
In-Person Search at the Courthouse
The clerk office in Moore Haven serves walk-in customers. Bring a name, case number, or filing date. Staff will pull the docket and print copies. The office accepts cash, check, and most debit cards for copies. The counter is open during normal business hours. Service tends to be fast because the county has a small caseload.
Phone and Email Requests
The clerk office answers phone calls about case status. They can confirm hearing dates, check if a document was filed, and provide basic docket data. Email requests work for simple lookups. For certified copies, customers need to come in person or send a written request by mail.
Glades County Criminal Docket Records
The criminal docket logs every step in a felony or misdemeanor case. The log starts with the arrest or charging document. It then tracks the arraignment, pretrial motions, plea deals, and trial dates. Each entry shows the defendant name, the state attorney assigned, and the defense attorney of record.
Felony cases go to the circuit court because of Florida law. These cases often have longer dockets. They may include motions to suppress, discovery filings, and sentencing hearings. Misdemeanor cases stay in county court. These dockets tend to be shorter. Common entries include first appearances, plea agreements, and final dispositions.
Glades County Civil Docket Records
Civil dockets cover lawsuits between private parties. They include contract disputes, property cases, personal injury claims, and debt collection actions. The docket starts with the initial complaint. It then tracks the response, motions, hearings, and judgment. Settled cases show a “stipulated dismissal” on the docket.
Civil cases over $50,000 go to circuit court. Smaller claims, including small claims cases up to $8,000, stay in county court. The docket shows the amount in dispute, the attorneys of record, and key ruling dates. Anyone researching a party for a lawsuit or business deal can pull the civil docket to see past cases.
Glades County Traffic and Misdemeanor Docket
Traffic tickets and misdemeanor charges go to county court. The docket for these cases is often short. A typical traffic case shows the citation number, the court date, and the final ruling. Many drivers pay the fine before the court date, which closes the case without a trial.
Common traffic cases on the Glades County Court Docket include speeding, driving with a suspended license, and no proof of insurance. Misdemeanors include petty theft, simple battery, and minor drug possession. The clerk dockets each one with a unique case number. Drivers can check the docket to see if a ticket was paid or if a bench warrant is active.
Glades County Felony and Circuit Court Docket
Felony charges are the most serious criminal cases. They go to the 20th Judicial Circuit Court, which hears Glades County felony cases. The docket for a felony case can run for many months. It includes formal charges, discovery, motions, plea negotiations, trial settings, and sentencing.
Capital felonies, which could carry the death penalty, get extra steps. The docket for these cases includes a status hearing, a case management order, and special motions. Most felony dockets in Glades County involve less serious charges, such as drug trafficking, burglary, or aggravated assault. The public can see each step on the docket unless the judge seals the record.
Glades County Small Claims Docket
Small claims cases handle disputes over $8,000 or less. They cover unpaid debts, security deposit returns, small property damage, and minor contract issues. The docket for these cases is short. It shows the claim amount, the hearing date, and the judgment. Most small claims cases resolve in a single hearing.
Small claims court does not require a lawyer. People file their own cases using simple forms. The docket entry shows the plaintiff and defendant names, but not legal counsel. Anyone can look up a small claims case to check if a judgment was entered against a person or business.
Glades County Court Docket by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to pull a docket. The number uses a code that shows the court, the year, and the case type. For example, “22-CA-001234” means a 2022 circuit civil case. “22-MM-005678” means a 2022 misdemeanor. County civil cases start with “CC,” and traffic cases start with “TR.”
Search the case number in the Florida Courts portal or give it to the clerk. The docket for that case number opens right away. Each party in a case gets the case number at filing. Lawyers and regular users can use this number to track every event in the case.
Glades County Court Docket Schedule and Hearing Dates
The docket schedule lists all upcoming court events. It shows the date, time, courtroom, and judge for each hearing. Glades County publishes daily and weekly docket schedules online. The clerk also posts paper schedules at the courthouse.
Common hearings on the docket schedule include:
- Arraignments
- Pre-trial conferences
- Motion hearings
- Trials
- Sentencing
- Status check-ins
Attorneys, parties, and the public can use the schedule to plan a courthouse visit. Judges may move hearings on short notice, so the online docket is the most current source.
Glades County Arraignment Docket
An arraignment is the first court appearance in a criminal case. The judge reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. The arraignment docket for Glades County lists the defendant name, case number, charge, and the time of the hearing. First appearances for people in custody happen by video or phone within 24 hours of arrest.
Most arraignments resolve quickly. The defendant pleads not guilty, and the case moves to pre-trial. Some defendants plead guilty or no contest at arraignment. The docket entry shows the plea and any sentence. Anyone watching the docket can see the outcome without going to the courthouse.
Glades County Court Docket Status and Lookup
Case status shows where a case sits in the court process. Common status labels on the Glades County Court Docket include:
- Open / Active
- Pending
- Disposed / Closed
- Appealed
- Warrant Issued
- Continued
A status lookup helps lawyers, employers, and the public see if a case is still open. The clerk office can run a status check by phone. The online portal shows the same data. Closed cases may still need a certified copy from the clerk for legal use.
Glades County Court Docket Archive and Past Records
Older cases stay in the docket system for years. Florida law requires clerks to keep court records permanently for felonies and for at least 20 years for other cases. The clerk stores paper files in the courthouse. Older files may be on microfilm. The clerk can pull archived files with a written request.
Online access to archived cases may be limited. Cases filed before 2010 might only be in the paper system. The clerk office charges a search fee for pulling older files. Researchers and attorneys use archived dockets for background checks, post-conviction relief, and historical research.
What Records Stay Public on the Glades County Court Docket
Most court docket records are public. The clerk makes them available without a reason. Public entries on the docket include the case number, party names, charge or claim, hearing dates, and orders. Document images of motions, orders, and judgments are also public.
Some information gets redacted to protect privacy. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s names are removed. Sealed cases do not show up in public search results. The clerk follows Florida Supreme Court rules on what to redact and what to seal.
Fees and Copies for Glades County Court Docket Records
The clerk charges a fee for copies and certified records. The fee schedule is set by Florida statute.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00 to $7.00 |
| Docket search fee (per name per year) | $2.00 |
| Online access subscription | Free for basic search |
Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and most debit or credit cards. The clerk office can quote exact fees by phone before a request.
Common Issues When Searching the Glades County Court Docket
Some searches do not return results. Common reasons include:
- Misspelled names
- Wrong case number format
- Cases filed under a maiden or alias name
- Sealed or expunged records
- Very old cases stored only in paper files
If a search fails, the clerk office can run a manual search. Bring as much detail as possible, such as a full name, date of birth, or case number. The clerk charges a small search fee for manual lookups that take extra time.
Glades County Court Calendar and Upcoming Dockets
The court calendar shows all events for the day, week, or month. The clerk posts the daily docket on the office website and at the courthouse door. Lawyers, parties, and the public can see which judge is hearing which case and in which courtroom.
Glades County court events typically run Monday through Friday during business hours. Some hearings may be set on specific dates based on the judge’s calendar. The online portal updates within hours of any change. Always check the docket the day before a scheduled hearing.
How to Stay Updated on Glades County Court Docket Changes
There are several ways to track changes to a case docket:
- Sign up for e-mail alerts through the state portal
- Check the online docket on a regular schedule
- Call the clerk office for status updates
- Hire a service that watches the docket for a fee
Lawyers and pro se parties should check the docket at least once a week during active cases. Courts may cancel or move hearings with little notice. A missed court date can result in a default judgment or a warrant.
Glades County Clerk Contact Details
Address: 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Phone: (863) 946-6010
Website: gladesclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Office Type: Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Why the Glades County Court Docket Matters
The docket is the official record of the court system in Glades County. It protects the rights of people involved in cases. It gives the public a way to see how courts handle criminal, civil, and family matters. Lawyers use it to build cases. Journalists use it to report on the courts. Regular people use it to check on a relative, a business partner, or a personal case.
Florida’s strong public records law makes this docket open to all. With the right tools and a few key details, anyone can search the Glades County Court Docket from home or in person. The clerk office is the first stop for help with the docket system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glades County Court Docket
1. How do I find a court date on the Glades County Court Docket?
To find a court date, search by the case number or party name on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal shows the next hearing date, time, and courtroom. You can also call the clerk office at (863) 946-6010 and ask for the next court date. The clerk can look up the case by name or case number. The docket entry will show the date, the type of hearing, and the assigned judge. Always check the docket the day before a scheduled court date because judges may move hearings on short notice. The clerk also posts the daily docket on the office website for the public to view.
2. Are juvenile records on the Glades County Court Docket public?
Juvenile records are not public on the Glades County Court Docket. Florida law seals most juvenile cases. The public cannot see the docket, the charges, or the outcome of a juvenile case. Only the parties to the case, their lawyers, and certain state agencies can view sealed juvenile records. Some serious juvenile cases, such as those transferred to adult court, may appear on the public docket. The clerk office can answer specific questions about what records stay sealed and which become public after a transfer or appeal.
3. Can I get a copy of a Glades County Court Docket entry online?
You can view docket entries for free on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. To print or save a copy, you may need a free user account. For an official certified copy that courts and government agencies will accept, you must request it from the clerk office. The clerk charges a fee for certified copies. You can request certified copies in person, by mail, or by email. The clerk office in Moore Haven handles all requests for certified docket records in Glades County cases.
4. What is the difference between the Glades County criminal docket and civil docket?
The criminal docket covers cases where the state charges someone with a crime. These include felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and ordinance violations. The civil docket covers lawsuits between private parties. These include contract disputes, personal injury claims, debt collection, and property cases. The criminal docket shows charges, pleas, and sentences. The civil docket shows claims, motions, and judgments. Both dockets use the same public search system. The case number format is the easiest way to tell them apart when reading the docket.
5. How far back does the online Glades County Court Docket go?
The online docket for Glades County goes back to about 2010 for most case types. Newer cases appear in the system soon after filing. Cases filed before 2010 may only be on microfilm or paper at the clerk office. The clerk can pull older cases with a written request and a search fee. Researchers and lawyers often need older records for appeals, post-conviction relief, and historical research. Call the clerk office before visiting to confirm an older case is available.
6. Can I remove a record from the Glades County Court Docket?
Records can only be removed by court order. Florida law allows expungement or sealing in some cases. Eligible cases include certain arrests that did not lead to a conviction, completed diversion programs, and specific misdemeanor charges. The applicant must file a petition with the court. A judge reviews the petition and decides whether to seal or expunge the record. The clerk then removes the public docket entry. The record still exists in a sealed file that only the court can access. Expunged records are physically destroyed after a set period.
7. How do lawyers file new cases on the Glades County Court Docket?
Lawyers file new cases through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. They create an account, select Glades County as the filing location, and upload the court forms. The clerk reviews the filing, assigns a case number, and adds the case to the docket. The system charges a filing fee that the lawyer pays by credit card or e-check. Self-represented parties can also use the e-filing portal or file paper documents at the clerk office. The clerk office staff can help pro se filers with the basic steps and the right forms.