Royal Palm Beach Public Records

Public records in Royal Palm Beach, Florida are available through Palm Beach County offices and the Village of Royal Palm Beach under the 15th Judicial Circuit. Court cases, property filings, police reports, and government documents are open to any person by default under Florida law. This page covers where each type of record is held and how to get it.

Open Records Rights in Royal Palm Beach

Florida's public records law is strong and clear. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says every record made or received by a government agency is public unless a specific exemption covers it. For Royal Palm Beach, that includes Palm Beach County court records, village government files, Palm Beach County Sheriff's records for unincorporated areas, and state-level agencies with Royal Palm Beach records.

You don't need to explain why you're making a request. No name required. Agencies must respond without unnecessary delay. If a record is ready right away, it goes out that day. For complex requests, they have to provide a time estimate when asked.

Exemptions are narrow. Active criminal investigations, sealed court records, and limited personal data are restricted. Most government records in Royal Palm Beach are open without challenge.

Palm Beach County Clerk Records

Court records for Royal Palm Beach are held by the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller. The main office is at 301 N Olive Ave, Ninth Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Phone is (561) 355-2996. For public records inquiries, you can also email publicrecords@mypalmbeachclerk.com. The clerk's online search portal covers court cases and official records.

The Palm Beach County Clerk maintains court records, official records, and county government meeting records. Civil cases cover small claims, circuit civil matters, and landlord-tenant disputes. Criminal files include misdemeanor and felony charges tied to arrests in the area. Family law cases include divorce decrees, custody orders, and domestic injunctions. Probate holds estate filings and guardianship cases.

Electronic certified copies are available for many record types through the Palm Beach Clerk's system. That speeds things up compared to waiting for paper. Standard court record copies are $0.15 per page. Official recorded documents are $1.00 per page. International users may need a VPN to access the clerk's online systems from outside North America.

Official Records and Property Filings

Property records for Royal Palm Beach fall under two offices. The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser holds ownership history, assessed values, and parcel details, all searchable online for free. Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats go through the Palm Beach County Clerk's official records system at mypalmbeachclerk.com/records/official-records.

Every Royal Palm Beach property sale generates a recorded deed that goes into the official records database. Lenders, title companies, and real estate agents use this system regularly. The Palm Beach Clerk's official records section also covers marriage licenses, tax deed sales, and recorded judgments. Copies are $1.00 per page.

First Amendment Foundation

The Florida First Amendment Foundation is a nonprofit that tracks and defends public records rights across the state. The screenshot below is from the First Amendment Foundation's website, which covers Florida public records issues and provides resources for people whose requests are denied or delayed.

The Foundation's resources cover how to write effective public records requests, what to do when an agency does not comply, and how state law applies to specific record types.

Village of Royal Palm Beach Records

Royal Palm Beach is incorporated as a village. Village Hall is at 1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. Village records include building permits, code enforcement cases, business licenses, zoning decisions, and council meeting minutes. These are separate from county court records and must be requested through village departments.

Building permits are among the most common village record requests. Any construction or renovation in Royal Palm Beach has a permit file. These records show what was approved, who did the work, and inspection results. Real estate buyers and contractors rely on these files. The village's development services department handles permit records.

Law enforcement in Royal Palm Beach is handled by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, since Royal Palm Beach uses county sheriff services rather than a city police department. Incident reports and most arrest logs for the area are available through the Palm Beach County Sheriff's records division.

Note: Village of Royal Palm Beach records are separate from Palm Beach County court and clerk records and must be requested through village offices.

How to Request Records

Florida law does not require a specific form for public records requests. Ask by phone, email, mail, or in person. Be clear about what you need. Include the record type, any relevant dates, and names or addresses tied to the search.

Standard copies are $0.15 per page. The first 30 minutes of staff time is free. After that, agencies may charge based on the pay rate of the lowest-qualified employee who can handle the work. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.

If a request is denied without a valid basis, use the Florida Attorney General's free mediation program at (850) 245-0140 or myfloridalegal.com. Mediation settles most disputes faster and cheaper than going to court.

Vital Records

Birth and death records from Royal Palm Beach events are filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics through the Florida Department of Health. Marriage licenses come from the Palm Beach County Clerk. Divorce records are in the circuit court files and searchable through the Palm Beach Clerk's online portal. Certified copies require a written request and fee payment.

Nearby Cities

These nearby Palm Beach County cities also have public records available through county and local offices.

Palm Beach County Records

Court records and official records for Royal Palm Beach are maintained by the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller.