Homestead Public Records Search

Public records in Homestead, Florida include court case files, property documents, police reports, city permits, and other government records open to any person under Florida law, managed through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts and City of Homestead departments in the 11th Judicial Circuit. This guide covers the key sources and how to request records from each.

Open Records Rights in Florida

Florida's public records law is one of the strongest in the country. Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, any record created or received by a government agency is presumed open. That applies to the City of Homestead, Miami-Dade County, and every state office connected to either. No agency can claim a record is private without a legal basis.

You don't have to give your name. No explanation is required. The law doesn't let agencies demand reasons before responding. They have to act promptly. If a record can be provided quickly, it should be. Larger requests may take more time, but the agency must give an estimate if asked.

Exemptions under Section 119.071 are specific and narrow. They cover active law enforcement investigations, certain medical data, and records sealed by court order. Everything else, court filings, deeds, city permits, meeting minutes, is open. Most requests go through without any pushback.

Court Records Through Miami-Dade Clerk

All court cases tied to Homestead are part of the 11th Judicial Circuit, which covers Miami-Dade County. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts maintains these records. The clerk's online system lets you search by name, case number, or date at no cost to view basic case data.

Civil records include small claims, civil circuit cases, and injunctions. Criminal records cover misdemeanor and felony charges. Family court holds divorce filings, custody agreements, domestic violence injunctions, and adoption cases. Probate covers estate proceedings, guardianship filings, and wills. All of these pass through the same clerk system, organized by division.

For documents you need copies of, you can use the online portal, visit the clerk's office in person, or submit a written request by mail. Standard copies run $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost more per page and may require additional steps to obtain. Miami-Dade is a large jurisdiction, and the clerk maintains several locations across the county. For Homestead matters, the closest branch locations are the most convenient option.

Juvenile records and cases sealed by court order are not publicly accessible. For all other case types, the Miami-Dade Clerk system is thorough and searchable. Most people find what they need without an in-person visit.

City of Homestead Records

City Hall in Homestead is at 7900 N Homestead Blvd, Homestead, FL 33030. The main number is (305) 224-4400. The city's official website has department contacts, meeting records, and information about requesting city documents.

Building permits are frequently requested city records in Homestead. Any construction, addition, or renovation work done in the city has a permit file. These records show what was approved, who the contractor was, and whether inspections cleared. Real estate buyers, lenders, and contractors use them regularly.

City commission meeting minutes, city contracts, budget documents, and zoning records are all public. Many are available on the city website. For what isn't posted, a request to the city clerk's office gets the process started. The city has to respond under the same rules that govern all Florida government agencies.

The Homestead Police Department maintains police records within city limits. Incident reports and many arrest logs are open to the public. Records tied to active investigations may carry temporary exemptions. The department's records unit handles requests. Check the city website for the current process, which may allow online or email submissions.

City of Homestead Website

The screenshot below is from the City of Homestead official website, which is the main source for city services, public records request information, and department contacts.

The site links to city departments, meeting archives, and forms for submitting records requests to the appropriate city office.

Property Records

Property records for Homestead are held by the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser. Search by address or folio number to find ownership history, assessed values, and land details. The search is free online.

Recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens are filed with the Miami-Dade Clerk. Every property sale in Homestead generates a recorded deed. These records go back many decades and are used by title researchers, buyers, and lenders. The clerk's official records portal covers all of Miami-Dade including Homestead addresses.

Tax records are with the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector. Payment history and current balances are available online at no cost. The Miami-Dade Clerk's public records request page also has forms for submitting records requests to the clerk's office directly.

How to Request Records

Records requests can go in by email, phone, in person, or mail. No set form is required under Florida law, though many agencies have their own forms for convenience. Just describe what you need clearly, including the type of record, date range, and any names or addresses relevant to the search.

Copies cost $0.15 per page. The first 30 minutes of staff time is free. After that, agencies may charge for additional time based on the hourly pay of the lowest-qualified employee who can do the work. Certified copies carry a higher fee than plain ones.

If a request is denied without cause, reach out to the Florida Attorney General's Government Records Mediation Program. Call (850) 245-0140 or check myfloridalegal.com. Mediation is free and resolves most disputes without a court filing.

Vital Records

Birth and death records from Homestead events go to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Request them through the Florida Department of Health.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Miami-Dade County Clerk. Divorce records are in the circuit court file and searchable through the Miami-Dade Clerk's online system. Certified copies of either type require a request and a fee.

Nearby Cities

Several South Florida cities near Homestead also have public records through Miami-Dade County offices and their own city departments.

Miami-Dade County Records

Court records and official records for Homestead are maintained by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court.