Rule 2.430 - RETENTION OF COURT RECORDS(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this rule: (1) "Court records" mean the contents of the court file, including the progress docket and other similar records generated to document activity in a case, transcripts filed with the clerk, documentary exhibits in the custody of the clerk, and electronic records, video tapes, or stenographic tapes of depositions or other proceedings filed with the clerk, and electronic records, videotapes or stenographic tapes of court proceedings.(2) "After a judgment has become final" means:(A) when a final order, final judgment, final docket entry, final dismissal, or nolle prosequi has been entered as to all parties, no appeal has been taken, and the time for appeal has expired; or(B) when a final order, final judgment, or final docket entry has been entered, an appeal has been taken, the appeal has been disposed of, and the time for any further appellate proceedings has expired.(3) "Permanently recorded" means that a document has been microfilmed, optically imaged, or recorded onto an electronic record keeping system in accordance with standards adopted by the Supreme Court of Florida.(b) Permanently Recorded Records.(1) Court records, except exhibits, that have been permanently recorded may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the clerk at any time after a judgment has become final.(2) Any physical media submitted to the clerk for the purpose of filing information contained in the media may be destroyed, retained, or otherwise disposed of by the clerk once the contents of the media have been made a part of the court record.(c) Records Not Permanently Recorded. No court records under this subdivision shall be destroyed or disposed of until the final order, final docket entry, or final judgment is permanently recorded for, or recorded in, the public records. The time periods shall not apply to any action in which the court orders the court records to be kept until the court orders otherwise. When an order is entered to that effect, the progress docket and the court file shall be marked by the clerk with a legend showing that the court records are not to be destroyed or disposed of without a further order of court. Any person may apply for an order suspending or prohibiting destruction or disposition of court records in any proceeding. Court records, except exhibits, that are not permanently recorded may be destroyed or disposed of by the clerk after a judgment has become final in accordance with the following schedule:(1) For trial courts(A) 60 days - Parking tickets and noncriminal traffic infractions after required audits have been completed.(B) 2 years - Proceedings under the Small Claims Rules, Medical Mediation Proceedings. (C) 5 years - Noncriminal ordinance violations, civil litigation proceedings in county court other than those under the Small Claims Rules, and civil proceedings in circuit court except marriage dissolutions and adoptions. (D) 10 years - Probate, guardianship, and mental health proceedings. (E) 10 years - Felony and misdemeanor cases in which no information or indictment was filed or in which all charges were dismissed, or in which the state announced a nolle prosequi, or in which the defendant was adjudicated not guilty. (F) 75 years - Juvenile proceedings containing an order permanently depriving a parent of custody of a child, and adoptions, and all felony and misdemeanor cases not previously destroyed. (G) Juvenile proceedings not otherwise provided for in this subdivision shall be kept for 5 years after the last entry or until the child reaches the age of majority, whichever is later.(H) Marriage dissolutions - 10 years from the last record activity. The court may authorize destruction of court records not involving alimony, support, or custody of children 5 years from the last record activity.(2) For district courts of appeal (A) 2 years - noncriminal court records.(B) 5 years - Criminal court records.(3) For the Supreme Court(A) 5 years - All cases disposed of by order not otherwise provided for in this rule. (B) 10 years - Cases disposed of by order involving individuals licensed or regulated by the court and noncriminal court records involving the unauthorized practice of law. (d) Records to Be Retained Permanently. The following court records shall be permanently recorded or permanently retained:(1) progress dockets, and other similar records generated to document activity in a case, and(2) court records of the supreme court in which the case was disposed of by opinion.(e) Court Reporters' Notes. Court reporters or persons acting as court reporters for judicial or discovery proceedings shall retain the original notes or electronic records of the proceedings or depositions until the times specified below: (1) 2 years from the date of preparing the transcript - Judicial proceedings, arbitration hearings, and discovery proceedings when an original transcript has been prepared.(2) 10 years - Judicial proceedings in felony cases when a transcript has not been prepared. (3) 5 years - All other judicial proceedings, arbitration hearings, and discovery proceedings when a transcript has not been prepared. When an agreement has been made between the reporter and any other person and the person has paid the reasonable charges for storage and retention of the notes, the notes or records shall be kept for any longer time agreed on. All reporters' notes shall be retained in a secure place in Florida.
(f) Exhibits.(1) Exhibits in criminal proceedings shall be disposed of as provided by law.(2) All other exhibits shall be retained by the clerk until 90 days after a judgment has become final. If an exhibit is not withdrawn pursuant to subdivision (i) within 90 days, the clerk may destroy or dispose of the exhibits after giving the parties or their attorneys of record 30 days' notice of the clerk's intention to do so. Exhibits shall be delivered to any party or attorney of record calling for them during the 30-day time period.(g) Disposition Other Than Destruction. Before destruction or disposition of court records under this rule, any person may apply to the court for an order requiring the clerk to deliver to the applicant the court records that are to be destroyed or disposed of. All parties shall be given notice of the application. The court shall dispose of that court record as appropriate.(h) Release of Court Records. This rule does not limit the power of the court to release exhibits or other parts of court records that are the property of the person or party initially placing the items in the court records. The court may require copies to be substituted as a condition to releasing the court records under this subdivision.(i) Right to Expunge Records. Nothing in this rule shall affect the power of the court to order records expunged.(j) Sealed Records. No record which has been sealed from public examination by order of court shall be destroyed without hearing after such notice as the court shall require.(k) Destruction of Jury Notes. At the conclusion of the trial and promptly following discharge of the jury, the court shall collect all juror notes and immediately destroy the juror notes.FL. R. Gen. prac. Jud. Admin. 2.430
Amended effective 10/19/2023; Amended by 150 So.3d 787, effective 1/1/2015; amended by 973 So.2d 437, effective 1/17/2008; amended by 967 So.2d 178, effective 1/1/2008.