The Juvenile Court division of the Clerk’s Office handles cases applicable to a child eighteen (18) years and under. There are two types of juvenile cases:
- Juvenile Dependency: These cases involve all matters relating to juveniles who have been abandoned, abused, neglected, surrendered for the purpose of adoption, or who are persistent runaways, habitually truant or ungovernable. These cases are governed by Florida Statute 39. Often, the Florida Department of Children and Families (https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/child-welfare/) is involved in these cases as well as the Guardian Ad Litem (https://voicesforkids.org/). For information involving these cases, please contact our office at (863) 946-6010.
- Juvenile Delinquency: These cases involve any person under the age of 18 who has committed a law violation. These cases are governed by Florida Statute 985. Often, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (http://www.djj.state.fl.us/) is involved in these cases. For information involving these cases, please contact our office at (863) 946-6010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can obtain information regarding Juvenile cases?
Please note that all juvenile cases and records are CONFIDENTIAL. Only certain individuals can obtain information related to juvenile cases. Information cannot be given out over the telephone. You must appear in person with proper identification (Driver’s License or State Identification Card) to receive information. The following people are authorized to receive information concerning a juvenile case:
- Parent of child: as long as your parental rights are still intact
- The guardian or legal custodian of child
- The child involved in the case
- The attorney for the parent and/or child after the Notice of Appearance is filed with the clerk in the case in question
- A law enforcement officer but only as to the offense they were charged or arrested on
- A counselor with Department of Juvenile Justice or Department of Children and Family Services
- The State Attorney or Assistant State Attorney
- The Public Defender or Assistant Public Defender
- A corrections officer
- A member of the parole commission
- The Guardian Ad Litem
- The Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General attorneys
- Government agencies such as recruiting officers may receive limited information if there is a written consent by the applicant for us to search our records