Glades County probate court records cover estate filings, wills, guardianship cases, and trust proceedings handled by the Clerk of Courts in Moore Haven, Florida. This county sits near Lake Okeechobee in south-central Florida and has a small population of about 12,000 people.
The clerk’s office maintains records for every estate, guardianship, and trust case filed in Glades County. Anyone can ask to see these files during normal business hours. Florida law makes probate records public. This page explains what records exist, how to request them, what fees apply, and where to get help with death certificates and related vital records.
Glades County Clerk of Courts Contact Details
The Glades County Clerk of Courts serves as the main office for all probate filings in the county. This office records petitions, issues letters of administration, and stores all case documents. The clerk cannot give legal advice but can help locate a case or confirm whether a probate was opened for a specific person.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk’s office sits in the Glades County Courthouse at 500 Avenue J, Room 102, in Moore Haven, Florida 33471. The mailing address is P.O. Box 10, Moore Haven, FL 33471. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID and the decedent’s full name when asking for case files.
Phone and Online Access
The clerk’s office phone number is (863) 946-6010. Calling ahead saves time because staff can confirm whether a probate case exists and provide the case number before a visit. The office uses the 20th Judicial Circuit’s online case access system, which allows basic searches by name or case number for cases filed in recent years. Older case files from before 1990 may only exist in paper form and require an in-person visit.
20th Judicial Circuit Court System
Glades County belongs to the 20th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee counties. The circuit court website at ca.cjis20.org provides court calendars, local rules, and forms used across all five counties. Users can check this site for current filing requirements and any local administrative orders that affect probate cases.
The 20th Circuit Court Administration site serves as a starting point for probate searches across south-central Florida. Users can locate judge assignments, court dates, and circuit-wide procedures on this platform.
Types of Probate Records Filed in Glades County
Florida law recognizes three main types of probate administration. Each type creates a separate category of public record filed with the Glades County Clerk. The right process depends on the size of the estate and how long the person has been dead.
Formal Administration Cases
Formal administration applies when the value of non-exempt estate assets exceeds $75,000. The court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. This representative must be represented by a licensed Florida attorney throughout the entire process. Formal administration cases typically take at least six months and often run more than a year. All filings in these cases become public record, including the petition, the will (if one exists), the inventory of assets, creditor claims, and the final distribution plan.
Summary Administration Cases
Summary administration works for estates with non-exempt assets of $75,000 or less, or for any estate where the decedent died more than two years ago. No personal representative gets appointed in this process. Beneficiaries file a petition directly with the court, and the judge signs an order directing how assets get distributed. This process costs less and finishes faster than formal administration. Summary administration records stay public and can be reviewed at the clerk’s office.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration covers the simplest estate situations. It applies when there is no real property and the value of personal property does not exceed final expenses like medical bills and funeral costs. A surviving spouse or close family member files a petition with the clerk. No court hearing happens in most cases. The process often finishes in a few weeks. These files remain public record at the Glades County Clerk.
Guardianship and Trust Records
The Glades County Clerk also maintains guardianship and trust records. Guardianship cases involve court-appointed guardians for minors or incapacitated adults. Trust records document living trusts and testamentary trusts created through a will. Both types of cases are part of the broader probate division and follow similar public access rules.
How to Search Glades County Probate Court Records
Searching probate records in Glades County takes a few clear steps. Because the county is small and rural, online search options are limited compared to larger Florida counties. Most users get the best results by combining a phone call with an in-person visit.
In-Person Record Search Steps
Visitors should start by calling (863) 946-6010 to confirm a case exists. The clerk’s staff will ask for the decedent’s full name and the approximate year of death. If a case was filed, staff will provide the case number. From there, the visitor can travel to the courthouse at 500 Avenue J in Moore Haven. Upon arrival, the visitor presents a photo ID at the clerk’s window and requests the case file. Staff will pull the file for review in a designated area. Visitors can take written notes or pay for photocopies. Certified copies require an additional fee and are needed for property transfers and financial account closures.
Phone and Mail Requests
Users who cannot visit in person can request copies by mail. The request must include the decedent’s full name, the approximate date of death, the case number (if known), and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment by check or money order covers the copy fees. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 10, Moore Haven, FL 33471. Phone requests for basic case status checks are free.
Online Search Options
The 20th Circuit’s online portal at ca.cjis20.org provides limited probate case searches. Users can search by party name or case number for cases filed in the last 20 to 30 years. Older files require an in-person visit. The Florida Courts statewide website at flcourts.gov offers approved probate forms and self-help resources that work for Glades County filings.
Florida Death Records and Probate Connection
Florida death records and probate records connect in important ways. Most probate cases need a certified death certificate as part of the estate paperwork. Florida death certificates are official vital records issued by the Florida Department of Health. These records prove the death and provide key facts like the date, location, and cause of death.
Florida Death Certificate Sources
Florida death certificates are available from three main sources. The Florida Department of Health keeps statewide death records from 2009 to the present. County health departments issue certificates for deaths that occurred in their county. The Clerk of Courts in the county where the person died also issues death certificates. For genealogy research, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds older death records dating back to 1907.
Florida Department of Health Office
The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics handles statewide death certificate requests. Users can order a Florida death certificate online through the department’s vital records system, by mail using the official application form, or in person at one of the department’s offices. The office processes orders within five to ten business days. Online orders finish faster and provide tracking for the application.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics serves as the main state archive for all vital events, including deaths. This office keeps Florida death records from 1907 to the present. Researchers who need historical death data for genealogy or legal purposes often contact the bureau directly. The bureau’s death index allows name-based searches across the entire state database.
Fees, Copies, and Certified Records
The Glades County Clerk charges specific fees for copies and certified records. These fees follow Florida state guidelines and apply to all 67 counties. Knowing the costs ahead of time helps users plan their requests and avoid extra trips to the courthouse.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular photocopies of probate documents cost $1.00 per page. A standard case file might contain 20 to 100 pages, depending on the estate size and complexity. Users pay at the time of request. Some documents, like the original will, may have higher copy fees due to special handling requirements.
Certified Death Certificate Costs
A certified death certificate copy costs $10.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Certified copies include a raised state seal and are accepted by banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. Florida vital records use a tamper-resistant security paper for all certified certificates.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Glades County Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards. Online orders through the Florida Department of Health system require a credit or debit card. Mail orders must include a check or money order. Personal checks are accepted but may delay processing while the check clears.
The table below shows the current fee schedule for common record requests at the Glades County Clerk’s office and the Florida Department of Health vital records system.
| Record Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Photocopy (Probate File) | $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Certified Death Certificate (First Copy) | $10.00 | 5-10 business days |
| Additional Death Certificate Copy | $5.00 each | 5-10 business days |
| Probate File Search Fee | $5.00 per name | Same day |
| Rush Death Certificate Order | $25.00 (total) | 2-3 business days |
Florida Death Records Genealogy and History
Florida death records offer a rich source for genealogy research. Researchers trace family lines, confirm birth and death dates, and locate burial sites using these documents. Glades County death records hold important information about early settlers, agricultural families, and the cattle ranching communities that shaped south-central Florida.
Records From 1907 to Present
Florida started keeping statewide death records in 1907. The earliest records contain less detail than modern certificates. Early death records from 1907 to 1920 often list only the decedent’s name, date of death, and county of death. Records from 1920 onward include more information, such as parents’ names, occupation, and cause of death. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds the complete archive from 1907 to the present.
Florida Death Index Lookup
The Florida death index lookup tool allows users to search for death records by name across the entire state. The index includes name, year of death, county of death, and certificate number. Users who locate a match can then order a certified copy from the appropriate county or the state office. The index is free to search and covers deaths from 1917 to the present.
Historical Archives
Historical Florida death records from 1907 to 1930 are also available on microfilm at the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. Researchers can view these microfilms in person or request copies through interlibrary loan. The State Archives also holds church records, cemetery records, and newspaper obituaries that supplement the official death certificates. These sources help fill gaps in the official records.
The statewide find-a-clerk directory helps users contact any of Florida’s 67 county clerk offices. The directory stays current and includes phone numbers, addresses, and website links for each office.
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources
Glades County residents and researchers often need legal help with probate cases. The county is rural, so most probate attorneys practice in nearby urban centers like Fort Myers, LaBelle, or West Palm Beach. Several resources help residents locate qualified legal help at low or no cost.
Finding a Probate Attorney
The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects users with licensed probate attorneys in the 20th Circuit area. The service charges a small fee for the first 30-minute consultation. After the consultation, users decide whether to hire the attorney for full representation. Many Florida probate attorneys offer flat-fee services for summary administration cases, which keeps costs predictable.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts self-help center at flcourts.gov provides free probate forms, instructions, and videos. Users can download the standard Florida probate forms, read explanations of each form, and watch step-by-step videos. The self-help center is not a substitute for legal advice but helps users understand the probate process before they pay for an attorney.
Legal Aid for Low-Income Residents
Low-income residents of Glades County can get free legal help from Legal Aid Service of Broward County and Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. These organizations handle basic probate matters for clients who meet income guidelines. Seniors aged 60 and older can contact the Senior Legal Helpline for free advice on estate matters, including wills and probate.
Official Contact Details
Users who need probate records, death certificates, or related vital records can contact the offices listed below. The Glades County Clerk handles local probate filings. The Florida Department of Health handles statewide death certificates and the historical death archive. Phone numbers and hours may change, so users should verify current details before visiting or mailing requests.
Glades County Clerk of Courts
Street Address: 500 Avenue J, Room 102, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Phone: (863) 946-6010
Official Website: myglades.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics issues statewide death certificates and maintains the Florida vital records death index. Users can order certificates online, by mail, or in person at the Jacksonville office. The department’s vital records system allows users to order Florida death certificates online for deaths from 2009 to the present. Users can search the Florida vital records death index by name to locate older certificates from 1917 forward. Check the official website at floridahealth.gov for the most current phone numbers, mailing addresses, and office hours for the vital records office.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (Historical Records Archive)
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds the historical death index and Florida historical death records from 1907 to the present. Genealogists and researchers can request certified copies of older certificates through the bureau’s archival services. The bureau also maintains the official Florida death records archive used for genealogy and legal research. Contact the Florida Department of Health for current details about the historical records office and the statewide death index lookup service.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Glades County probate court records and Florida death certificates. Each answer gives direct, useful facts based on current Florida law and office procedures. Users who need legal advice should contact a licensed attorney in their area. The answers below cover certified death certificate costs, search procedures, record availability, probate types, and other key topics.
How much does a certified death certificate cost in Florida?
A certified death certificate in Florida costs $10.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. The Florida Department of Health charges these fees statewide, and the same prices apply in Glades County. Certified copies include a raised state seal and are printed on security paper. Users can order certificates online, by mail, or in person at any county health department. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days for mail orders. Online orders finish in two to three business days. Banks, insurance companies, and courts require certified copies for most legal matters. Rush service costs $25.00 total and delivers within 2 to 3 business days. Funeral directors can also order certified copies on behalf of family members, often within 24 hours of receiving the death certificate from the state vital records office.
Can I search Glades County probate records for free?
Yes, basic case status checks are free. Users can call the Glades County Clerk at (863) 946-6010 to confirm whether a probate case was filed for a specific person. The 20th Circuit’s online portal at ca.cjis20.org also offers free name-based searches for recent cases. Viewing case files in person is free, but copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies of court orders and death certificates cost extra. Users on a tight budget can review files at the courthouse and take written notes at no charge. The clerk’s staff can confirm whether a case exists over the phone without charging a search fee. For Florida death records, the statewide death index is free to search at the Florida Department of Health website, though certified copies still cost the standard $10.00 fee for the first certificate.
How far back do Florida death records go?
Florida started keeping statewide death records in 1907. Records from 1907 to 1920 are less detailed than modern certificates. Records from 1920 onward include full information like parents’ names, occupation, and cause of death. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds the complete archive from 1907 to the present. Older records from before 1907 may exist in church books, cemetery records, and newspaper obituaries, but these are not official state records. Researchers can access pre-1907 sources through the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. The Florida vital records death index covers deaths from 1917 to the present. For Florida death records genealogy research, the State Archives also holds microfilm copies of records from 1907 to 1930, which researchers can view in person or request through interlibrary loan.
What is the difference between formal and summary administration?
Formal administration applies to estates with non-exempt assets over $75,000. The court appoints a personal representative who must work with a licensed Florida attorney. Summary administration applies to estates worth $75,000 or less, or to any estate where the person died more than two years ago. No personal representative is appointed in summary administration. Beneficiaries file a petition directly with the court. Summary administration is faster, cheaper, and simpler than formal administration. Both processes create public records at the Glades County Clerk. The choice between the two depends on the value of non-exempt assets and how long ago the person died. Users with smaller estates often prefer summary administration for its lower cost and faster processing time.
Do I need an attorney for a Glades County probate case?
Florida law requires a licensed attorney for formal administration cases. The personal representative must be represented by an attorney throughout the entire process. Summary administration cases do not legally require an attorney, but hiring one helps avoid costly mistakes. Disposition without administration is the simplest process and often does not need a lawyer. Users with small estates and clear beneficiary lists can handle summary cases on their own using the free forms at flcourts.gov. Users with complex estates should always consult an attorney. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect users with probate attorneys in the 20th Circuit area for a small initial consultation fee. Legal aid organizations serve low-income residents who cannot afford private attorney fees.
Can I get a Florida death certificate the same day?
Same-day service is available in some Florida counties for in-person requests. The Glades County Clerk does not currently offer same-day death certificate service. Users who need a death certificate quickly should visit the Florida Department of Health office in Jacksonville, or use the online ordering system at floridahealth.gov. Online orders typically process within two to three business days. Rush service is available for an extra fee through the state vital records office. Local funeral directors can also order certified copies on behalf of family members, often within 24 hours. The Florida death certificate application form is available online, by mail, and at all county health departments for users who prefer to submit a paper request.
How do I verify a Florida death certificate?
The Florida Department of Health provides death certificate verification through its vital records office. Users can call the state office to check whether a certificate is valid. The state seal and security paper help prevent fraud. Employers, banks, and government agencies can use the verification service to confirm a death certificate presented by a client. The service is free and takes one to two business days. Online verification through the state portal is available for certificates issued after 2009. For older certificates, the requestor must contact the vital records office directly with the certificate number, decedent’s name, and date of death. Florida death certificate verification protects against identity theft and fraudulent insurance or benefit claims.