Osceola County Court: FL

Osceola County Court operates from the Judge Jon B. Morgan Courthouse at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741, serving as part of the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The Osceola County Clerk of Court manages public access to civil, criminal, family, probate, and official court records. Users can complete an Osceola County Court case search online to view dockets, party details, hearing dates, and court calendar information. The Circuit Court handles felony cases, juvenile matters, divorce filings, and family law cases, while County Court manages misdemeanors, traffic citations, and small claims disputes. Public court records are available online, though certified copies may require additional fees. These services help residents access Osceola County Court information efficiently.

Osceola County Court includes specialized divisions such as family court, civil court, eviction court, criminal court, and probate services. Residents can access Osceola County court forms, review case dockets, check hearing schedules, and make eligible court fee payments online. The court provides information about arraignments, bond hearings, probation reviews, and other legal proceedings through official resources. Jury duty services, court reporters, interpreters, and virtual court options support public access and participation. Individuals needing legal assistance may contact the public defender’s office or local legal aid resources. The court continues to provide online tools for tracking cases, records, and important court updates.

Osceola County Court Case Search and Records Lookup

The Osceola County Court case search starts at the official Clerk of Court portal at courts.osceolaclerk.com. This online tool gives public access to docket entries, party names, hearing schedules, and document lists for civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases filed in Osceola County, Florida. The system runs in any modern web browser and does not need a user account for basic searches. Osceola County sits inside Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit. Both circuit-level cases (felonies, divorce, probate, juvenile) and county-level cases (misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims) appear in the same search tool. Search filters let users narrow results by case type, filing date, party name, or attorney name.

Official Online Case Search Portal

The Clerk of the Circuit Court, Kelvin Soto, Esq., manages the public records system. The portal pulls live data from the official filing database, so docket entries reflect the most current court activity. Users can open the public case search here: Osceola County Clerk Case Search Portal. A separate case search reference page shows users how to read docket entries and what record types fall under Florida public records law. Most court files stay open to public view, but sealed or expunged records do not appear in search results.

Step-by-Step Searching Method

1. Visit the official portal at courts.osceolaclerk.com.
2. Pick a search category (name, case number, party, or attorney).
3. Type the full name or case number in the search box.
4. Apply filters for date range, case type, or court division.
5. Click the search button to see the list of matching cases.
6. Select any case number to open the full docket view.
7. Download or print docket entries from the result page.

Details Shown in Search Results

• Case number and filing date
• Plaintiff and defendant names
• Case type (civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate)
• Current case status (open, closed, pending)
• Scheduled court hearing dates
• List of filed documents with dates

Osceola County Courthouse Kissimmee Location and Contact

The Osceola County Courthouse stands at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. The building is named the Judge Jon B. Morgan Courthouse and houses both the Clerk of Court offices and the courtrooms for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The courthouse sits in downtown Kissimmee, near Orange Avenue and the Osceola County administration complex. Visitors can reach the courthouse by phone at (407) 742-3500 for the Clerk’s office or (407) 742-2417 for Court Administration. The courthouse opens to the public Monday through Friday for filings, records requests, passport applications, and other clerk services.

Courthouse Contact Directory

Clerk of Court Responsibilities

The Osceola County Clerk of Court, Kelvin Soto, Esq., serves as the official record keeper for the county. The Clerk’s office files new lawsuits, maintains the docket, issues certified copies, processes passport applications, and manages court payments. The Clerk also acts as the County Comptroller, handling financial records for the county government. Florida law charges the Clerk with the duty to keep all court records safe and open to the public. Anyone can request copies of filed documents, pay traffic tickets, or check jury duty status through the Clerk’s office either in person or online.

Osceola County Court Divisions and Case Types

Osceola County Court runs two main levels: Circuit Court and County Court. The Circuit Court handles serious cases like felonies, family law, juvenile matters, and probate. The County Court handles less serious cases like misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes. Each court division has its own judges, courtrooms, and filing procedures. Case types get sorted by dollar amount, severity, and subject matter under Florida law.

Circuit Court vs County Court

Family Court and Divorce Filings

Osceola County family court handles divorce, paternity, custody, child support, and adoption cases. Petitions get filed at the Clerk’s office and assigned to a circuit court judge. The Ninth Judicial Circuit publishes local rules and procedures for family law matters on its website.

Divorce filings need specific state forms, including a petition, financial affidavit, and parenting plan for couples with minor children. Couples seeking divorce in Osceola County can find the official forms through the Florida Courts website or the Clerk’s office.

Criminal Court and Felony Cases

Osceola County felony court handles serious criminal charges that can carry prison sentences of more than one year. The State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit prosecutes these cases. Defendants charged with felonies review Osceola County felony court documents through the Clerk’s office or the online portal. Misdemeanor cases go through Osceola County criminal court, which handles charges like simple assault, petty theft, and first-time DUI. Both Osceola County criminal court records and Osceola County arrest records stay open to the public through the Clerk’s online system.

Traffic Court and Small Claims

Osceola County traffic court deals with citations issued by local law enforcement. Drivers can pay fines, contest tickets, or request a hearing through the Clerk’s office. The online portal shows traffic case details, court dates, and payment options. Osceola County small claims court hears private disputes involving amounts up to $8,000. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, property damage, and contract disagreements. Small claims hearings happen before a county court judge, and parties often represent themselves.

Eviction Court and Civil Cases

Osceola County eviction court handles landlord-tenant disputes, including non-payment of rent and lease violations. Landlords file eviction complaints at the Clerk’s office, and the court sets a hearing date within a short time frame under Florida law. Osceola County civil court hears other private disputes, including contract lawsuits, personal injury claims, and property cases. Civil cases that seek damages between $8,000 and $50,000 stay in county court, and cases over $50,000 go to circuit court.

Osceola County Court Fees and Certified Records

The Osceola County Clerk charges fees for filing new cases, issuing certified copies, and processing certain documents. Most standard fees come from the Florida state fee schedule set by the Florida Legislature. The Clerk’s office posts the current fee schedule on its official website and at the courthouse.

Court fees must get paid at the time of filing. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. Online payments can be made through the Clerk’s portal for many case types, including traffic tickets and criminal court costs.

Common Court Fees

Certified Copies of Court Records

The Osceola County Clerk’s office issues certified copies of court records both online and in person. Certified copies carry the official court seal and serve as legal proof of the document’s contents. People often need certified copies for immigration, name changes, or appeals. Requests can be made through the online portal, by mail, or in person at the Recording Division. The Recording Division team assists customers Monday through Friday at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. A valid photo ID is required for in-person requests.

Osceola County Court Forms and Filing Process

Florida Courts publishes official court forms for most common case types, including family law, civil cases, small claims, evictions, and criminal matters. These forms follow the state numbering system (such as 12.902 for family law forms) and meet all Florida legal requirements. Litigants can download the forms for free from the Florida Courts website or pick up paper copies at the Clerk’s office. Some forms have fillable fields for easy typing and printing. All forms must get signed under oath or with a notarized signature before filing.

Where to Find Court Forms

• Florida Courts official forms portal (flcourts.gov)
• Osceola County Clerk’s office lobby
• Ninth Judicial Circuit Court website (ninthcircuit.org)
• Law libraries in the Kissimmee area
• Self-help centers at the courthouse

eFiling and Electronic Submission

Most Osceola County Court filings can be submitted electronically through the Florida Courts eFiling Portal. Registered users upload documents, pay filing fees, and serve parties all in one workflow. Attorneys must use eFiling for civil cases in Florida, and self-represented parties can use it too. The Clerk’s office also offers an online system that helps users build common court forms by answering simple questions. The system then produces a ready-to-file document and lets users eFile the form with a single click through the Create Forms tool on the Clerk’s website.

Osceola County Court Calendar and Hearing Schedule

The Osceola County Court calendar shows all scheduled hearings, trials, and motion calls for the next two years. The calendar updates daily and serves as the official source for court dates. Litigants, attorneys, and the public can view the calendar through the Clerk’s website. Hearings cover many case types, including arraignments, bond hearings, motion practice, family law conferences, civil trials, and criminal sentencings. The calendar does not list past hearings, only future scheduled events.

Accessing the Public Court Calendar

The Osceola County Court calendar PDF can be opened directly from the Clerk’s website at Court Calendar Web Report. The PDF lists each hearing with the case number, party names, judge, courtroom, and time.

Users can search the PDF for a specific case number, party name, or judge. The calendar changes daily as new hearings get added or rescheduled. Anyone planning to attend a court proceeding should check the calendar the day before the scheduled date.

Virtual Court and Live Stream Options

The Ninth Judicial Circuit offers Osceola County virtual court hearings for many case types. Parties can attend hearings by video from a computer or smartphone. Judges grant virtual access by request for certain civil, family, and probate matters. Osceola County Court live stream access may be available for high-profile proceedings. Court Administration can provide details on which hearings stream to the public. Contact Court Administration at (407) 742-2417 for current live stream policies.

Osceola County Jury Duty Service

Osceola County jury duty summons are sent out by the Clerk of Court using lists from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and voter registration records. Jurors report to the Judge Jon B. Morgan Courthouse at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741 on the date listed in the summons. Jurors can check their status, request a postponement, or claim an exemption through the Clerk’s online jury portal. Failing to respond to a jury summons can result in contempt of court penalties.

Reporting for Jury Duty

• Bring the jury summons with the juror ID number
• Arrive at the courthouse by the time stated on the summons
• Park in the courthouse parking area or nearby public lots
• Check in at the jury assembly room on the assigned floor
• Leave phones and personal items in the car or a locker
• Wait for case assignment and courtroom instructions

Jury Selection and Service

During Osceola County jury duty, potential jurors answer a short questionnaire and sit through voir dire, where attorneys ask questions to pick the final panel. Selected jurors hear the case evidence and decide on a verdict. Most jury service in Osceola County lasts one day or one trial, depending on the case. Florida law protects jurors from losing their jobs for serving on a jury. Employers must give time off for jury duty and cannot threaten or fire workers for missing work to serve.

Osceola County Criminal Court Procedures

Osceola County criminal court handles all criminal cases from arrest through sentencing. The process starts at the Osceola County arraignment court, where the defendant hears the formal charges and enters a plea. Bond hearings follow shortly after to decide release before trial. Defendants charged with crimes have a right to a lawyer. Those who cannot afford an attorney can request an Osceola County public defender. The Public Defender’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit represents eligible defendants at no cost.

Arraignment Court

The arraignment court reads the formal charges to the defendant and asks for a plea. Defendants can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Most defendants plead not guilty at this stage so they can review the evidence and prepare a defense.

Arraignment hearings happen within a short time after arrest under Florida rules of criminal procedure. Defendants who fail to appear at arraignment can have a warrant issued for their arrest.

Bond Hearing Process

Osceola County bond hearings decide whether a defendant can be released before trial and what conditions apply. A judge reviews the charges, the defendant’s history, and the risk of flight. The judge may set a bond amount, release the defendant on their own recognizance, or hold the defendant without bond.

Defendants can hire Osceola County bail bonds agents to post bond on their behalf. Bail agents charge a fee set by Florida law and may require collateral. The court may also impose conditions like curfews, no-contact orders, or GPS monitoring.

Probation Reviews and Court Sanctions

Osceola County probation reviews happen when the state alleges a defendant violated probation terms. A judge hears testimony and decides whether to revoke, modify, or continue probation. Sanctions for violations can include extra jail time, fines, or new conditions.

Osceola County court sanctions for noncompliance with court orders can include fines, license suspension, or contempt of court charges. Osceola County contempt of court matters get heard by a judge who can impose penalties up to jail time for willful violations.

Osceola County Court Support Services

The Osceola County Court provides several support services to help parties navigate the legal system. Court reporters create official transcripts of hearings and trials. Court interpreters assist people with limited English skills. Legal aid providers offer free help to low-income residents.

These services stay open to anyone involved in a case, including self-represented parties. The Clerk’s office can direct visitors to the right service desk at the courthouse.

Court Reporters and Transcripts

Osceola County court reporters record the spoken words during hearings and trials. They prepare written transcripts that can be used for appeals, post-conviction motions, and other legal filings. Transcripts can be ordered through the Clerk’s office or directly from the court reporter.

Transcript fees depend on the length of the proceeding and the delivery format (regular or expedited). The Clerk’s office has a fee schedule for transcript costs posted at the courthouse and online.

Court Interpreters

Osceola County court interpreters help people with limited English skills participate in court hearings. The court provides interpreters in many languages, including Spanish, Haitian Creole, and American Sign Language. Requests for an interpreter should be made in advance through the Clerk’s office.

Court interpreters do not charge a fee to the parties in the case. The cost of interpreter services is paid by the court system under Florida law.

Legal Aid and Public Defender

Osceola County legal aid providers help low-income residents with civil matters like housing, family law, and consumer issues. These nonprofit groups offer free legal advice, help with court forms, and full representation in some cases. The Osceola County Bar Association can refer people to local legal aid offices.

The Osceola County public defender represents defendants charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford a private attorney. Eligibility is based on income and the type of charge. Defendants who want a public defender must apply at the Public Defender’s Office located near the courthouse.

Judge Jon B. Morgan Courthouse

The Judge Jon B. Morgan Courthouse serves as the main judicial hub for Osceola County. Below you will find the verified contact details, operational hours, and location information required to reach the courthouse and the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

• Official Website: osceolaclerk.com
• Physical Address: 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741
• Operational Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on official court holidays)

Official Phone Numbers

Visitor Information

• Security Screening: All individuals entering the building must pass through security checkpoints. Items such as weapons, recording devices, and certain electronics may be restricted.
• Parking: Public parking is available in the multi-level parking garage located adjacent to the courthouse complex, as well as designated street-level parking spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Osceola County Court

Osceola County Court serves residents across Kissimmee and surrounding areas through the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The court handles civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases under Clerk Kelvin Soto, Esq. Visitors can search records, pay fees, file documents, and attend hearings at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Most services run online through courts.osceolaclerk.com or by phone at (407) 742-3500.

How do I search Osceola County Court records online?

First, visit the official Clerk of Court portal at courts.osceolaclerk.com to search Osceola County Court records for free. Next, enter a name or case number, and the system pulls docket entries, party details, hearing dates, and filed documents for civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases. After that, no login is needed, so the site works in any modern browser. In fact, the site runs on desktop and mobile devices. For records older than 2013, visit the Public Information Room at Suite 2200, 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Finally, email criminal record requests to [email protected] or call (407) 742-3650 for help.

What cases does the Osceola County Circuit Court handle?

First, the Osceola County Circuit Court handles felony criminal charges, juvenile delinquency matters, family law cases, probate filings, and major civil disputes. Next, the County Court covers misdemeanors, criminal traffic offenses, county ordinance violations, and small claims cases. Both courts operate inside the Judge Jon B. Morgan Courthouse in Kissimmee. The Circuit Court falls under the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which also serves Orange County. For jurisdiction questions, call Court Administration at (407) 742-2417 during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How can I find Osceola County Court docket and calendar schedules?

First, view Osceola County Court docket and calendar schedules at courts.osceolaclerk.com. Next, the portal lists upcoming hearings, past filings, party details, and assigned judges for the next two years. Then, download the printable Court Calendar report directly from the Clerk’s website. For questions about a specific hearing date, call (407) 742-3500 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Finally, the Public Information Room at Suite 2200 helps visitors look up case schedules in person.

What are the Osceola County Court fees for certified copies and record searches?

First, Osceola County Court fees vary by service type. A regular copy of any public record costs $1.00. Next, certifying a copy costs $2.00, and record searches cost $2.00 per year searched. Then, exemplified certificates with signing and sealing cost $7.00. Issuing and filing a witness subpoena costs $7.00, plus a $2.00 signing and sealing fee. Sealing a court file or expunging a record costs $42.00. An appeal to the 5th District Court of Appeal costs $400.00. Finally, the Clerk accepts cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, and major credit cards.

Where is the Osceola County Courthouse in Kissimmee and what are the office hours?

First, the Osceola County Courthouse sits at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, Florida 34741. Next, the main Clerk’s Office operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Then, the Public Information Room, located in Suite 2200, follows the same schedule. For general help, call (407) 742-3500. For criminal record searches, dial (407) 742-3650 or email [email protected]. Finally, Court Administration can be reached at (407) 742-2417, and the courthouse stays closed on weekends and official state holidays.

How do I file a public records request with the Osceola County Clerk of Court?

First, file an Osceola County public records request online through the JustFOIA Records Request Portal on osceolaclerk.com. Next, the system handles administrative records, older court files, contracts, invoices, and emails. Then, court records not yet posted online must follow Supreme Court of Florida Rule 2.420. Many records cost nothing, but requests needing heavy clerical work receive a written cost estimate first. For official records redactions under Florida Statute 119.071, email [email protected] or visit 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741 in person.