Q: I got a civil action summons, I haven’t responded yet, but this is from 2016 I can’t find the case in public records?
Does this mean There is no case anymore. It said I had 20 days to respond but I don’t know that included weekends now am I too late, will I have to pay in full or can I still respond. The weird thing is I can’t find it in public records search.
A:
It is 20 days (not 20 business days).
It must have been filed, otherwise the clerk would not have issued the summons, and a sheriff would not have served it on you.
Florida has different statutes of limitations depending on the cause of action, so that this 2016 date might be important.
Obviously, you should consult with an attorney, especially if the other side has one. If it is in small claims court, go to the clerk's office, they may provide some limited guidance as to how to navigate the small claims court on your own.
Good luck.
A:
The clerk of court in each Florida county has an online website. There you can find your case by the file number or by your name. Look up the case to find what happened; you probably were defaulted, and a default judgment entered against you.
If you are in Lake County, look here:
https://courtrecords.lakecountyclerk.org/showcaseweb/#!/
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