The Homestead City Court Docket is managed by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court under the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Florida cities do not run their own courts.
Homestead cases go through the county system. You can look up criminal, civil, traffic, misdemeanor, and other docket entries online or in person. The clerk website, the COIN system, and the statewide portal all give public access. This page explains how the docket works, what each entry means, and where to go for help in 2026.
How the Court System Works in Homestead
Homestead sits in southern Miami-Dade County. The 11th Judicial Circuit covers only Miami-Dade. The county clerk runs all court records. Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq. serves as the clerk since 2024. His office files every docket entry for cases filed in Homestead.
Florida law places every city case under county jurisdiction. Homestead has a city government. It handles code enforcement and local tickets. Court matters go to Miami-Dade. The clerk maintains the docket for Homestead criminal, civil, traffic, and small claims cases.
The 11th Circuit has more than 2.4 million residents. It handles over 600,000 new filings each year. Homestead contributes a share of these cases. Most Homestead docket entries appear in the county database. You can filter by city or zip code to find them.
Types of Cases on the Homestead City Court Docket
The Homestead City Court Docket covers several case types. Each type has its own section in the court system. Knowing your case type helps you search faster.
Criminal Docket
Criminal cases include felonies, misdemeanors, and DUI charges. Felonies go to circuit court. Misdemeanors go to county court. The criminal docket lists charges, plea dates, and sentence results. You can see bond amounts and attorney names on each entry.
Civil Docket
Civil cases cover disputes over money, property, and contracts. The civil docket includes small claims up to $8,000. It also covers landlord-tenant fights and personal injury suits. Homestead residents often appear here for debt collection and eviction cases.
Traffic Docket
Traffic tickets show up on the public docket. Speeding, red light, and careless driving cases appear here. The traffic docket shows fine amounts, school requirements, and court dates. Some traffic cases get dismissed after the driver pays a fine.
Misdemeanor Docket
Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies. They include simple battery, petty theft, and minor drug charges. The misdemeanor docket shows the charge, the plea entered, and the final outcome. Maximum jail time for a misdemeanor is one year.
Bond and Arraignment Docket
The bond docket lists people in custody and their bond amounts. The arraignment docket shows first court appearances. Defendants enter a plea at arraignment. Most Homestead arraignments happen within 24 hours of arrest.
Pretrial and Trial Docket
The pretrial docket shows hearings before trial. Judges review motions and plea deals here. The trial docket lists cases set for a jury or bench trial. Trial dates often change due to continuances. Always check the docket before going to court.
How to Search the Homestead City Court Docket Online
Three main tools let you search the docket from home. All three are free. All three show public records under Florida law.
COIN System for Criminal Cases
The Criminal Justice Online Case Search (COIN) covers all criminal docket entries. It works for felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic crimes in Miami-Dade. Go to miamidadeclerk.gov/cjis. Type a name or case number. The search returns party names, charges, court dates, and disposition data.
COIN updates every day. New arrests appear within 24 hours. Sealed cases do not show up. Juvenile cases are hidden from public view. The system does not require a user account for basic lookups.
Main Clerk Portal for Civil and Family Cases
The main search portal sits at miamidadeclerk.gov. It covers civil, family, probate, and small claims cases. Search by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows docket entries, hearing times, and final judgments.
Civil searches return a wider range of results. Homestead cases mix with other Miami-Dade entries. Use the case type filter to narrow the list. The portal also shows party contact details when available.
Statewide E-Filing Portal
My Florida Court Access covers all 67 Florida counties. Go to myflcourtaccess.com. Search for Homestead docket entries from any device. The portal shows filings from 2014 to today. It works for civil and criminal cases statewide.
For appellate cases from Homestead, use the ACIS portal at acis.flcourts.gov. The 11th Circuit appeals go to the Third District Court of Appeal. ACIS lists briefs, oral arguments, and final rulings.
Reading a Docket Entry
Each docket entry follows a standard format. Knowing the parts helps you understand what happened in a case.
The case number sits at the top. It starts with a county code. For Miami-Dade, the code is 13. Then comes a two-letter case type. CF means felony. MM means misdemeanor. CC means civil. The year and a six-digit sequence follow.
Party names appear next. The first party is the plaintiff in civil cases or the State of Florida in criminal cases. The defendant comes second. Attorneys appear with their bar numbers.
Entry descriptions list what happened. Common entries include “Arraignment,” “Plea entered,” “Sentenced,” or “Case dismissed.” Each entry has a date stamp. The clerk adds the entry within one business day of the event.
Court location appears at the bottom. Homestead cases may go to the main Miami courthouse or a satellite location. The location affects parking, security, and room number.
Court Locations That Handle Homestead Cases
Miami-Dade has several courthouse locations. Your Homestead case may go to any of them based on the case type.
The main criminal courthouse sits at 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami. Bond hearings and felony arraignments happen here. The Richard E. Gerstein Justice Facility runs the criminal docket daily. Parking costs $4 per day.
Civil cases go to the Claude Pepper Federal Building at 51 SW First Avenue, Miami. Small claims, evictions, and contract disputes get heard here. The civil courthouse has 30 courtrooms. Wait times average 45 minutes.
Family cases go to the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center at 175 NW First Avenue, Miami. Divorce, custody, and adoption cases get filed here. The family division has a self-help center on the first floor.
Traffic cases may get heard at the South Dade Government Center at 10710 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay. This is the closest full-service location for Homestead residents. The center handles traffic tickets, misdemeanor arraignments, and civil traffic infractions.
Public Access Rules for the Homestead City Court Docket
Florida law treats court records as public property. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes gives every person the right to inspect docket entries. You do not need a reason to search. You do not need to show ID for online searches.
Administrative Order AOSC24-65 controls electronic access. The order sets seven user roles. Most people fall under User Role 7, the general public. Role 7 can see case numbers, party names, docket entries, and hearing dates.
Some records stay hidden from the public. Adoption files are sealed by default. Juvenile cases are confidential. Mental health commitment records are restricted. Substance abuse treatment orders are not public.
Expunged records do not appear on the docket. Sealed records appear only to listed parties and their attorneys. You can ask the clerk about a specific case to learn its status.
How to Request Sealed or Restricted Records
You can ask a judge to seal a Homestead docket entry. You must file a motion with the court. The motion must show good cause. Common reasons include witness safety, identity theft risk, and medical privacy.
Sealed records still exist in the system. Only people named in the court order can see them. The clerk marks the case as sealed. The public docket no longer shows the case number or party names.
To unseal a record, file a new motion. The judge reviews the request at a hearing. Both sides get a chance to speak. The judge decides based on the public interest and privacy concerns.
Fees and Copy Requests for Docket Records
The clerk charges fees for paper copies and certified records. The fee schedule updates each year on October 1.
Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page. The first certified copy of a marriage license or death certificate is free under Florida law.
For bulk requests, the clerk offers a subscription service. Users pay a yearly fee for access to large data sets. Contact the clerk at cocpubreq@miamidadeclerk.gov for details.
Online docket searches are free. You do not pay to view entries. You only pay when you want a paper or electronic copy of a document.
What to Do If You Find a Mistake on the Docket
Docket errors happen. Names get misspelled. Dates get entered wrong. Charges may not match the arrest report. You have the right to ask for a correction.
Contact the clerk office first. Small errors get fixed through a clerical process. The clerk compares the entry to the court file. If a mistake exists, the clerk issues a corrected entry.
For larger errors, file a motion with the judge. The motion must list the wrong entry and the correct fact. The judge signs an order to amend the docket. The clerk updates the system within five business days.
Bond Hearings and the Arraignment Process
Bond hearings happen fast in Miami-Dade. Most defendants see a judge within 24 hours of arrest. The bond docket lists the amount and conditions of release.
Standard bond amounts depend on the charge. A first-time DUI carries a $500 bond. Domestic battery carries a $1,000 bond. Drug trafficking cases have no bond in some cases.
Arraignments come after bond. The judge reads the charges. The defendant enters a plea. Most Homestead arraignments result in a not guilty plea. The case then moves to pretrial.
Pretrial Conferences and Motion Hearings
The pretrial docket lists cases set for conference. The judge meets with both sides. They discuss evidence, witnesses, and possible plea deals. Many Homestead cases settle at pretrial.
Motion hearings cover requests from both sides. Defense lawyers may ask to suppress evidence. Prosecutors may ask to add charges. Each motion gets a short hearing. The judge issues a written order within 30 days.
Trial Docket and Final Resolution
Trial dates appear on the trial docket. Jury trials need 17 days of court time. Bench trials need one full day. The trial docket shows the courtroom and the trial judge.
Most Homestead cases never reach trial. Over 95% of criminal cases end in a plea deal. Civil cases settle even more often. The docket entry shows the final resolution.
After trial, the judge issues a verdict. The clerk adds the verdict to the docket within one day. Sentencing happens 30 to 90 days later for felonies. Misdemeanor sentencing happens the same day in most cases.
How Long Records Stay on the Docket
Docket records stay online for different lengths of time. Criminal cases stay on the public docket forever unless sealed or expunged. Civil cases stay online for 20 years after the final judgment.
Traffic cases stay on the docket for 5 years after resolution. Juvenile records are not on the public docket. Sealed records are not on the public docket.
Older records may move to the archive system. You can still request them through the clerk. The archive team can pull paper files from storage. Processing time for archive requests is 5 to 10 business days.
Recent Updates to the Docket System (2025-2026)
In 2025, the clerk launched a new search interface. The portal now shows real-time docket updates. Entries appear within minutes of the court action.
Also in 2025, Miami-Dade added text alerts for court dates. You can sign up at miamidadeclerk.gov. The system sends reminders 7 days and 1 day before each hearing. Missed court dates may result in a warrant.
In 2026, the clerk rolled out a mobile app. The app works on iOS and Android. You can search the docket, pay traffic fines, and view hearing dates from your phone.
Common Court Forms for Homestead Cases
The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov hosts every official form. You can download forms for family law, civil cases, and small claims. Each form has a fillable PDF version.
For Homestead traffic cases, use form TC-BOOK. This is the traffic school election form. You can avoid points on your license by completing the course. The form is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
For misdemeanor cases, use form CR-B210. This is the written plea of not guilty form. You can mail it to the clerk before your court date. The form skips the in-person arraignment.
Self-Help Resources for Homestead Residents
The 11th Circuit Self-Help Center offers free help to people without lawyers. The center sits at 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami. Phone: 305-349-3000. Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
The center helps with family law forms, small claims paperwork, and traffic ticket responses. Staff can explain court rules. They cannot give legal advice or represent you in court.
For low-income residents, Legal Services of Greater Miami offers free lawyers. The office serves Homestead residents with civil cases. Apply at legalservicesmiami.org or call 305-576-0080.
Homestead Code Enforcement and Court Records
Homestead code violations can end up on the court docket. The city code officer issues a citation. If the property owner does not fix the problem, the case goes to court. Code enforcement cases appear as civil violations on the docket.
Common code cases include overgrown lots, illegal structures, and unpermitted work. The Homestead Code Enforcement Division can be reached at 305-224-4400. The city handles most issues without court action.
How to Pay Traffic Fines on the Docket
Pay traffic fines online at miamidadeclerk.gov. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. A 3.5% service fee applies to all card payments. E-checks cost $0.50 per transaction.
You can also pay by mail. Send a check or money order to the clerk office. Include your case number on the memo line. Mail the payment at least 7 days before your court date.
Pay in person at any clerk location. Bring your ticket and a valid ID. The clerk accepts cash, card, or check. The main office stays open until 4:30 PM on weekdays.
Missing Your Court Date
Missing a court date has serious results. The judge may issue a bench warrant. The clerk adds the warrant to the docket. Police can arrest you at any time after the warrant is active.
To clear a warrant, contact the clerk office. The clerk can schedule a new court date. You may need to pay a bond to release the warrant. Some warrants require a court hearing to clear.
Do not ignore a warrant. Warrants do not expire. They stay active until you appear in court or a judge cancels them. Old warrants can lead to new charges and higher bonds.
How to Clear a Warrant from the Docket
Call the clerk at 305-275-1155 to learn about your warrant. The clerk can tell you the bond amount and the next court date. You can post bond at any Miami-Dade courthouse.
Some warrants need a court hearing. The judge may order a new bond, drug testing, or anger management classes. Bring proof of any treatment to the hearing.
After you appear, the clerk updates the docket. The warrant entry changes to “Recalled.” The case moves forward with new dates.
What Information Stays Private on the Docket
Social Security numbers never appear on the public docket. The clerk redacts them from all documents. Bank account numbers and credit card numbers also get redacted.
Driver license numbers appear only on traffic cases. Medical records never appear on the docket. The clerk removes them before any document goes online.
Addresses of domestic violence victims stay hidden. The clerk marks these records as confidential. You cannot view them even with a name search.
Homestead City Court Docket Contact Information
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for all Homestead court docket entries. The main office address is 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. The clerk office phone number is 305-275-1155. Public records requests go to cocpubreq@miamidadeclerk.gov.
Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on state and federal holidays. The clerk website is miamidadeclerk.gov. The COIN system is at miamidadeclerk.gov/cjis. The statewide portal is myflcourtaccess.com.
For Homestead-specific code enforcement questions, call the City of Homestead at 305-224-4400. The city office sits at 100 Civic Court, Homestead, FL 33030. City office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions about the Homestead City Court Docket. Each answer gives you the steps and details you need. Use these answers to save time and avoid mistakes when searching the docket.
Can I search the Homestead City Court Docket for free?
Yes. The Miami-Dade clerk offers free online searches through COIN and the main portal. You do not pay to view docket entries. You do not need an account. You only pay when you want paper or certified copies. Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page. The system works 24 hours a day from any device with internet access. The COIN system covers criminal cases. The main portal covers civil, family, and probate cases. Both tools update daily with new court actions and hearing dates.
What does a Homestead City Court Docket entry look like?
A docket entry has four parts. The top shows the case number with the county code 13 for Miami-Dade. The middle shows party names, attorneys, and the case type. Below that lists every court action with dates. The bottom shows the courtroom and judge. Each entry follows a standard format. The clerk adds new entries within one business day. Older entries stay on the docket for the life of the case. Sealed cases show only a redacted number with no party names.
How do I find a criminal case on the Homestead City Court Docket?
Use the COIN system at miamidadeclerk.gov/cjis. Type the full legal name of the defendant. The search returns all matching cases. Filter by case type to focus on felonies, misdemeanors, or traffic crimes. You can also search by case number if you have it. The system shows charges, bond amounts, plea dates, and disposition. Most cases from Homestead show up in COIN within 24 hours of the arrest. Sealed and juvenile cases do not appear in COIN results.
Can I see sealed records on the docket?
No. Sealed records do not appear on the public docket. The clerk removes party names and case details. Only people named in the court order can see sealed records. You must file a motion with the court to ask for access. The judge reviews the motion at a hearing. Approved access lasts only for the case listed in the order. Expunged records are completely removed. They do not exist in the public system.
What happens if I miss my court date on the docket?
The judge may issue a bench warrant. The clerk adds the warrant to the docket. Police can arrest you at any time. To clear a warrant, contact the clerk office at 305-275-1155. The clerk tells you the bond amount and the next court date. You may need to pay a new bond to release the warrant. Some warrants require a court hearing. Warrants do not expire. They stay active until you appear in court or a judge cancels them.
How long do records stay on the Homestead City Court Docket?
Criminal cases stay on the public docket forever unless sealed or expunged. Civil cases stay online for 20 years after the final judgment. Traffic cases stay for 5 years after resolution. Juvenile records are not public. Sealed records are not public. Older records move to the archive system. You can still request archive records through the clerk. Archive requests take 5 to 10 business days to process. The clerk charges standard copy fees for archive records.
Can I pay my traffic ticket through the docket system?
Yes. Pay online at miamidadeclerk.gov. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. A 3.5% service fee applies to card payments. E-checks cost $0.50. You can also pay by mail with a check or money order. Pay in person at any clerk location with cash, card, or check. Bring your ticket and valid ID. Pay at least 7 days before your court date to avoid extra penalties. Late payments add a $50 fee to the original fine.