miami dade county public records search guide for residents and researchers

Where to begin

Start at the Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts and the County Recorder portals to look up court filings, liens, deeds, and official records. For parcels and ownership, pair results with the Property Appraiser’s site; for permits and contractor history, check the Building Department searches.

What you can find

Most requests can be completed online by name, parcel ID, address, or case number. You can view dockets, download recorded documents, and request certified copies when needed for legal or real estate transactions.

Quick steps

1. Identify the record type (court, deed, permit, foreclosure).
2. Search exact names or narrow by date range.
3. Review indexes, then open the document image.
4. Save, or order certified copies if required.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad access, searchable indexes, instant downloads, and clear fee schedules.
• Cons: Older records may be offline; some images are redacted; certified copies cost extra; heavy traffic can slow searches.

Tips: Use variant spellings, filter by instrument type, and note that sensitive data may be withheld under Florida law.