Court records in Hernando County, Florida can be searched through several channels. HernandoCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller, official state court portals, public terminals at the courthouse in Brooksville, and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office for law-enforcement records such as arrests and warrants.
Hernando Court System & Jurisdictions
Hernando County is part of Florida's 5th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Citrus, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties. Two levels of state court operate locally — Circuit Court and County Court — each handling distinct case types. Federal matters go through the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, based in Ocala.
Circuit Court
- Felony criminal cases — all felonies prosecuted in Hernando County
- Civil cases — disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000
- Family law — divorce, child custody, paternity, adoptions, domestic violence injunctions
- Probate — estates, guardianships, mental health proceedings
- Juvenile — delinquency and dependency cases
- Appeals from County Court
County Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases — claims of $50,000 or less, including small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions and criminal traffic offenses
- County ordinance violations
Both courts hold proceedings at the Hernando County Courthouse:
Appellate matters from the Circuit Court are reviewed by the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach. Appellate dockets and filings can be searched through the Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS).
Hernando Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding out when a hearing is scheduled in Hernando County involves a few practical steps:
- Florida Virtual Courtroom Directory — The statewide courtroom directory lists Hernando County proceedings under the 5th Judicial Circuit. You can filter by county, judge, and proceeding type to find virtual hearing links and scheduling details.
- Clerk's office — Contact the Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court at (352) 754-4201 to ask about today's, tomorrow's, or the current week's calendar for a specific division or courtroom. Staff can look up hearings by case number or party name.
- Public terminals — Self-service computer terminals inside the courthouse at 20 N. Main Street allow visitors to search scheduled hearings and case docket entries during business hours.
- Case-specific notices — If you are a party to a case, hearing notices are typically mailed or served. Attorneys registered with the Florida e-filing portal receive electronic notifications.
For law-enforcement-related scheduling — such as first-appearance hearings after an arrest — the Hernando County Inmate Search can confirm whether someone is currently in custody, which often indicates an upcoming court date.
How to Get a Copy of a Hernando Court Document
The Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller is the official custodian of court records. You can obtain copies in three ways:
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse during business hours. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can print standard or certified copies while you wait for most case types.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees, payable to the Hernando County Clerk of Court
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Online
Hernando County has been approved for electronic filing since 2011. Many court documents are available electronically through the clerk's online case search. Visit hernandoclerk.com to check whether the record you need can be viewed or downloaded. Some documents — particularly those in family law, juvenile, and mental health cases — are confidential under Florida law and will not appear in public search results.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and filings with other agencies.
For Sheriff's Office records such as incident reports, arrest reports, or offense reports, submit a request through the HCSO Public Records Unit.
Hernando Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Hernando County are set by Florida Statutes (primarily Chapter 28). The table below lists common charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of a document | $2.00 per certification |
| Copy of a recorded instrument (per page, first page) | $1.00 |
| Copy of a recorded instrument (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Search fee (per name, per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Duplicate summons or subpoena | $2.00 |
| Appeal filing fee (Circuit Court) | Varies by case type |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and — in most cases — credit or debit card (a convenience fee may apply for card payments)
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Hernando County Clerk of Court"
- Online: Electronic payments through the clerk's website where available; fees and surcharges may apply
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts by calling (352) 754-4201 or visiting the clerk's website before submitting payment. Certain records — including those sealed or expunged by court order — are not available to the general public regardless of fees paid. Juvenile, mental health, and some family law records are restricted under Florida law (see Florida Statute § 985.04 for juvenile records and § 63.162 for adoption records).
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