Monroe County Court Case Lookup — Search Court Records Online (Florida Keys)
Search criminal, civil, traffic, family, and probate court case records through the official Monroe County Clerk of Courts portal — serving the entire 16th Judicial Circuit across the Florida Keys.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is the Monroe County Court Case Lookup?
- Official Online Case Search Portal
- Step-by-Step: How to Search Court Cases
- Types of Court Cases You Can Look Up
- Criminal Court Records Search
- Understanding the 16th Judicial Circuit
- Courthouse Locations & Contact Information
- What Do Court Case Search Results Show?
- Monroe County Clerk of Courts — Kevin Madok
- Traffic Ticket Lookup & Payment
- Official Records — Deeds, Liens & Mortgages
- Sealed & Expunged Records
- Insider Tips for Effective Case Searches
- All Official Resources & Links
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Monroe County Court Case Lookup?
The Monroe County court case lookup is a free online tool provided by the Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller that allows anyone to search public court records filed within Monroe County, Florida. This includes all cases processed through the 16th Judicial Circuit of Florida — the circuit court system that covers the entire Florida Keys, from Key Largo at the northern end to Key West at the southernmost point of the continental United States.
Through the official case search portal at https://www.monroe-clerk.com/Cases/Search, you can look up criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil lawsuits, traffic citations, family law matters (divorce, custody, domestic violence), and probate cases (estates, guardianships, wills). The system is maintained by the office of Clerk Kevin Madok and is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any location with an internet connection.
Under Florida Statute Chapter 119 — Florida’s Sunshine Law — most court records are public documents. You do not need to be a Florida resident, provide identification, or give a reason for your search. The only exceptions are records that have been sealed or expunged by court order, juvenile proceedings, and certain adoption and mental health records that are protected by law.
📌 Key Fact
The 16th Judicial Circuit of Florida is one of twenty trial court circuits in the state. It is unique in that it covers only Monroe County — making it the only circuit in Florida that encompasses a single county. The circuit has four circuit judges and four county court judges, with Chief Judge Bonnie J. Helms presiding over the circuit’s administration.
2. Official Online Case Search Portal
The Monroe County Clerk of Courts provides multiple online search portals depending on the type of record you need. Here are the verified, official URLs for each search tool:
🔍 Quick Access — Court Case Search Portals
All Case Records Search Criminal Records Search Clerk HomepageLive Case Search Portal
Below is the official Monroe County Clerk of Courts case search page embedded for your convenience. You can search for cases by name, case number, or date range directly:
📱 Viewing on mobile?
For the best experience searching court cases, tap below to open the official search portal directly:
Opens monroe-clerk.com — free, no login required
3. Step-by-Step: How to Search Court Cases
Method 1: Search All Case Types
Open your browser and go to https://www.monroe-clerk.com/Cases/Search
Select the Case Type from the dropdown menu. Options include: Search All, Traffic, Civil, Criminal, Family, or Probate. Choosing “Search All” will return matches across every case type.
Enter search criteria. For name searches, you must enter both a first name and last name. For date searches, you must provide both a “Date From” and “Date To” value. You can also search by case number if you have it.
Click “Search” to view matching records. Results display the case number, parties involved, case type, filing date, assigned judge, and current case status.
Click on any case number in the results to open the full case docket — including all filings, motions, orders, hearing dates, scheduled events, and case disposition.
Method 2: Search Criminal Records Specifically
Navigate directly to the criminal records portal at https://cr.monroe-clerk.com/Attorney/SearchCriteria
Enter the defendant’s first name and last name. If you have the case number, enter it directly for an exact match. For date-range searches, both “Date From” and “Date To” fields are required.
Review results showing criminal charges filed, case status (open, closed, disposed), assigned judge, hearing schedule, and final disposition (conviction, acquittal, dismissal, plea).
Method 3: Visit a Clerk Office In Person
If you prefer an in-person search or need certified copies of court documents, you can visit any of the three Monroe County Clerk of Courts offices during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM). Staff can assist you with locating cases, printing documents, and obtaining certified copies. Bring valid photo identification and any case numbers or party names you have available.
4. Types of Court Cases You Can Look Up
| Case Type | What It Covers | Handled By | Direct Search Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Felonies, misdemeanors, criminal traffic (DUI) | Circuit Court (felonies), County Court (misdemeanors) | Criminal Search |
| Civil | Lawsuits, evictions, small claims, foreclosures | Circuit Court (over $15,000), County Court (under $15,000) | Civil Search |
| Traffic | Traffic citations, parking tickets, marine patrol infractions | County Court | Traffic Search |
| Family | Divorce, child custody, paternity, domestic violence injunctions | Circuit Court | Family Search |
| Probate | Estates, wills, guardianships, trusts | Circuit Court | Probate Search |
📌 Circuit Court vs. County Court — What’s the Difference?
Circuit Court judges handle higher-level cases: felonies, civil lawsuits exceeding $15,000, all family law matters, probate, and juvenile cases. There are four circuit judges in the 16th Circuit. County Court judges handle misdemeanors, civil suits not exceeding $15,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and traffic offenses. There are four county court judges. County judges are sometimes assigned to hear circuit-level cases as well.
5. Criminal Court Records Search
Criminal case records are among the most frequently searched records in Monroe County. Whether you need to verify someone’s criminal history, check on a pending case, or confirm a case disposition, the Clerk’s criminal records portal provides detailed information.
The dedicated criminal records search is available at https://cr.monroe-clerk.com/Attorney/SearchCriteria. This portal is specifically designed for criminal case lookups and may provide additional detail fields compared to the general case search.
What Criminal Case Records Show
A criminal case record in Monroe County typically includes the following information: the case number and division, defendant’s name, filing date, charges filed (with Florida statute references), arresting agency, assigned judge, all motions and filings in chronological order, hearing dates and courtroom assignments, plea information, verdict or disposition (guilty, not guilty, nolle prosequi, dismissed), sentencing details if convicted, and probation terms if applicable.
For information about current arrests and booking records (mugshots), visit the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office current arrests page at https://www.keysso.net/arrests. Arrest records from the sheriff and court case records from the clerk are separate systems — the arrest record documents the booking, while the court record documents the legal proceedings that follow.
⚠️ Important Distinction
An arrest record (found through MCSO) and a court case record (found through the Clerk) are different documents. A person can be arrested and booked without ever having formal charges filed in court. Conversely, a court case may exist for charges filed by the State Attorney that did not involve a physical arrest. Always check both systems for a complete picture.
6. Understanding the 16th Judicial Circuit
All court cases in Monroe County are processed through the 16th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which is the southernmost judicial circuit in the continental United States. Understanding how this circuit operates helps you navigate the court system more effectively.
The 16th Circuit is unique because it covers only one county — Monroe County. Most other Florida judicial circuits cover multiple counties. The circuit is administered by Chief Judge Bonnie J. Helms and has three courthouse locations spanning the length of the Keys.
Circuit Judges (Felonies, Civil Over $15K, Family, Probate, Juvenile)
The 16th Circuit has four circuit judges who handle higher-level cases. Circuit judges are assigned to specific divisions and courthouse locations. Current circuit judges include the Honorable Bonnie J. Helms (Chief Judge, Key West), the Honorable Albert L. Kelley (Key West), the Honorable Luis M. Garcia (Plantation Key/Tavernier), and the Honorable Mark H. Jones.
County Court Judges (Misdemeanors, Traffic, Small Claims, Civil Under $15K)
The four county court judges handle the high-volume day-to-day cases. County judges are sometimes assigned circuit-level cases to help manage caseloads. Current county judges include the Honorable Sharon I. Hamilton and the Honorable James W. Morgan III (Plantation Key).
For the complete and current list of judges, their assigned divisions, and contact information for judicial assistants, visit https://keyscourts.net/judges-of-the-16th-circuit/.
7. Courthouse Locations & Contact Information
⚖️ Freeman Justice Center (Key West)
Address: 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3423
Handles: Circuit & County Court — Lower Keys
⚖️ Marathon Branch Courthouse
Address: 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (305) 289-2822
Handles: Circuit & County Court — Middle Keys
⚖️ Plantation Key Government Center
Address: 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070
Phone: (305) 852-7145
Handles: Circuit & County Court — Upper Keys
📋 Clerk of Courts (Main Office)
Address: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3550
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Freeman Justice Center — Key West (Main Courthouse)
Marathon Branch Courthouse
Plantation Key Government Center (Tavernier)
8. What Do Court Case Search Results Show?
When you perform a successful court case search through the Monroe County Clerk’s portal, the results page displays a list of matching cases. Each case listing includes several key data points that help you identify the correct case and understand its current status.
Case Number
Each case receives a unique case number when filed. Monroe County case numbers follow a standard format that includes the filing year, case type abbreviation, sequential number, and division code. For example, “26-CT-000123-K” indicates a 2026 criminal traffic case filed in the Key West division.
Party Names
The names of all parties involved in the case — plaintiff and defendant in civil cases, the State of Florida and the defendant in criminal cases, petitioner and respondent in family cases.
Filing Date
The date the case was officially filed with the Clerk of Courts. This is the date the case entered the court system, which may differ from the date of the incident or arrest.
Assigned Judge
The name of the circuit or county judge assigned to preside over the case. Cases are assigned based on the division, location, and case type.
Case Status
Whether the case is open (active/pending), closed (resolved/disposed), or has some other status. Clicking into the full case docket provides the detailed disposition — whether the case was dismissed, resulted in a plea, went to trial, or was resolved through settlement.
Docket Entries
The complete chronological log of every filing, motion, order, hearing, and action taken in the case from the date of filing through final disposition. This is the most detailed view available and shows exactly what has happened in the case at every stage.
9. Monroe County Clerk of Courts — Kevin Madok
The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is an independently elected constitutional officer responsible for maintaining all court records, managing the judicial system’s financial transactions, and providing public access to records. Kevin Madok currently serves as the Clerk, overseeing operations at three office locations across the Keys.
The Clerk’s office handles a wide range of services beyond court case records, including recording official documents (deeds, mortgages, liens), issuing marriage licenses, processing passport applications, managing child support payments, administering jury duty, and serving as the financial custodian for county government.
Clerk Office Locations
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Key West (Main Office) | 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040 | (305) 292-3550 |
| Marathon | 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 | (305) 289-2822 |
| Plantation Key | 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070 | (305) 852-7145 |
All three offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding court holidays. Visit the Clerk’s website at https://monroe-clerk.com/ for the current holiday schedule.
10. Traffic Ticket Lookup & Payment
Traffic citations are among the most commonly searched cases in Monroe County — especially given the high volume of tourist traffic along US-1, marine patrol enforcement throughout the Keys waterways, and boating-related infractions.
To look up a traffic citation, use the Traffic Case Records search at https://www.monroe-clerk.com/Cases/Search?caseType=TR. You can search by your name or citation number.
How to Pay a Traffic Ticket
Online: Visit the Monroe County Clerk’s website and use the online payment system. You will need your citation number.
By Mail: Mail a check or money order (payable to “Monroe County Clerk of Courts”) along with your citation number to: Monroe County Clerk of Courts, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040.
In Person: Visit any Clerk office in Key West, Marathon, or Plantation Key during business hours.
💡 Pro Tip: If you received a marine patrol civil infraction (common in the Keys for boating violations, fishing without a license, or lobster/spiny lobster violations), these are handled by the traffic division of the Clerk’s office — not by a separate marine court. Search for them under “Traffic Case Records” using your name.
11. Official Records — Deeds, Liens & Mortgages
In addition to court case records, the Monroe County Clerk maintains all official records for the county, including recorded instruments such as property deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions of mortgage, judgments, and other legal documents required by law to be recorded.
You can search official records through the Clerk’s website under the “Official Records” section at https://monroe-clerk.com/. Available record categories include deeds, liens, mortgages, marriage licenses, and death certificates.
📌 Important Notice About Recording Fees
Under Florida law, an additional $4.00 per page recording charge applies to documents filed with the Clerk. Additionally, sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit/debit card numbers should never be included in documents filed for recording. Military discharge records, death certificates, family law documents, juvenile records, and probate records have special handling requirements.
12. Sealed & Expunged Records
Not all court records are accessible through public search. Under Florida law, certain categories of records are restricted from public view.
Sealed records are cases where a court has ordered the record to be removed from public access. The case still exists in the system, but it is not visible through any public search portal. Only authorized parties (law enforcement, the defendant, their attorney) can access sealed records.
Expunged records go a step further — the physical and electronic records are destroyed or returned to the defendant. After expungement, the case essentially ceases to exist in the public record system.
Juvenile records are automatically confidential under Florida law. No juvenile court case information is accessible through the public case search portal.
The Monroe County Clerk maintains a “Case Orders to Seal/Unseal” section accessible through their website. If you believe you are eligible for record sealing or expungement, consult with a Florida criminal defense attorney or review the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) expungement guidelines at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/.
13. Insider Tips for Effective Case Searches
💡 Tip #1 — Use Exact Name Spelling: The Clerk’s search system requires precise name entry. If you are not finding results, try alternate spellings, hyphenated vs. non-hyphenated versions, or maiden names. Remember that both first and last name fields are required for name searches.
💡 Tip #2 — Narrow by Case Type: Searching “All Cases” can return hundreds of results for common names. Filter by specific case type (Criminal, Civil, Traffic, Family, Probate) to narrow results dramatically and find the exact case faster.
💡 Tip #3 — Use Date Range for Timeframe Searches: If you know approximately when a case was filed, use the Date From and Date To fields. This is especially useful when searching for a specific person who may have multiple cases spanning different years.
💡 Tip #4 — Case Numbers Tell You Everything: Monroe County case numbers encode the filing year, case type, and division location. The suffix letter indicates the courthouse: “K” = Key West, “P” = Plantation Key, “M” = Marathon. For example, “25-DR-000456-K” means a 2025 domestic relations case filed in Key West.
💡 Tip #5 — Check Court Dockets for Schedules: If you need to attend a hearing or want to know what’s on the court calendar, the 16th Judicial Circuit publishes daily dockets. Visit keyscourts.net and look for the court calendar section to see scheduled hearings by judge and location.
💡 Tip #6 — Criminal Records Portal Has Extra Detail: For criminal case lookups, the dedicated criminal records portal at cr.monroe-clerk.com often provides additional fields and more detailed charge information compared to the general “All Cases” search. Always try both portals for the most comprehensive view.
14. All Official Resources & Links
🔗 Verified Official Links — Court & Clerk Resources
All Case Records Search: https://www.monroe-clerk.com/Cases/Search
Criminal Records Search: https://cr.monroe-clerk.com/Attorney/SearchCriteria
Monroe County Clerk Homepage: https://monroe-clerk.com/
16th Judicial Circuit Courts: https://keyscourts.net/
Courthouse Locations & Maps: https://keyscourts.net/courthouse-locations-and-maps/
Judges of the 16th Circuit: https://keyscourts.net/judges-of-the-16th-circuit/
Family Court Services: https://keyscourts.net/programs-services/family-court-services/
Florida Courts System: https://www.flcourts.gov/
Monroe County Government: https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
FDLE (Criminal History): https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/
Florida Self-Help Legal Forms: https://help.flcourts.gov/
MCSO Current Arrests: https://www.keysso.net/arrests
MCSO Sheriff’s Office: https://www.keysso.net/
15. Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Monroe County court case lookup free?
Yes. Searching court cases online through the official Monroe County Clerk of Courts portal at monroe-clerk.com/Cases/Search is completely free. You can view case numbers, parties, filing dates, judges, and docket entries at no cost. Fees only apply when you need certified copies of documents — a nominal copying fee applies at that point.
What information do I need to search for a court case?
You can search using a party’s first and last name (both are required for name searches), a case number, or a date range (both Date From and Date To are required). The more specific your search criteria, the more accurate your results will be. If you have the case number, that provides the most direct and exact match.
What types of court cases can I look up?
The Monroe County Clerk’s portal allows you to search five categories of court cases: Criminal (felonies and misdemeanors), Civil (lawsuits, evictions, small claims, foreclosures), Traffic (citations, DUI, marine infractions), Family (divorce, custody, domestic violence injunctions, paternity), and Probate (estates, guardianships, wills, trusts). You can search all types at once or filter by a specific category.
Which courts handle cases in Monroe County?
Monroe County is part of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Florida with four circuit judges (handling felonies, civil over $15,000, family, probate, and juvenile) and four county judges (misdemeanors, civil under $15,000, small claims, traffic). The circuit has three courthouse locations: the Freeman Justice Center in Key West (302 Fleming Street), the Marathon Branch Courthouse (3117 Overseas Highway), and the Plantation Key Government Center in Tavernier (88770 Overseas Highway). Chief Judge Bonnie J. Helms currently administers the circuit.
Can I look up sealed or expunged cases?
No. Sealed and expunged cases are removed from public search results by court order. Juvenile cases are also automatically confidential under Florida law. Only authorized parties — including the individual named in the record, their legal counsel, and law enforcement — can access restricted case information through proper legal channels.
Who is the Clerk of Courts for Monroe County?
Kevin Madok currently serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Monroe County, Florida. The main Clerk’s office is located at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. Phone: (305) 292-3550. The Clerk’s office manages court records, official records (deeds, liens, mortgages), marriage licenses, passport applications, child support payments, and jury duty administration. Visit monroe-clerk.com for complete information.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Monroe County?
You can pay traffic tickets online through the Monroe County Clerk’s website, by mail (check or money order payable to “Monroe County Clerk of Courts” sent to 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040), or in person at any Clerk office in Key West, Marathon, or Plantation Key. The traffic division handles all citations including parking tickets and marine patrol civil infractions. Have your citation number ready when paying.
Can I access court records from outside Florida?
Yes. The online case search portal is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Under Florida’s public records law (Statute Chapter 119), access to court records is guaranteed regardless of your residency or location. You do not need to be a Florida resident, provide identification, or state a reason for your search. The only restrictions apply to records that have been sealed, expunged, or involve juvenile proceedings.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Court case records are public records under Florida law, but the information they contain may be incomplete, delayed, or subject to change as cases progress. An open case or pending charges do not constitute proof of guilt — all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. For legal advice regarding a specific case, consult a licensed Florida attorney. This website (mcso-mugshots.us) is independently operated and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Monroe County Clerk of Courts, the 16th Judicial Circuit, or any government agency.