Clay County, Florida State Court Records
Clay County court records are official documents generated during legal proceedings by the Clay County Circuit and County Courts. These encompass documents on criminal cases, civil lawsuits, probate matters, family law proceedings, and other legal matters.
In Clay County, the Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office is the official custodian of these records. This agency also provides public access to the county's court records in accordance with Florida law. Additionally, Clay County court records relate to other public records. For instance, Clay County Courts use law enforcement arrest records to establish criminal trial case files. Similarly, vital records are essential documents for probate adjudication within the Probate Division of the Clay County Circuit Court.
Are Clay County Court Records Public?
Yes, court records are public in Clay County. According to Article 1, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes (Florida Public Records Act), court records are publicly accessible except where confidentiality or statutory restrictions apply. While individuals can access most Clay County court records, Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration restricts public access to sensitive court files, including:
- Juvenile records
- Adoption and paternity case files
- Sealed or expunged records
- Mental health proceedings
- Search warrants and supporting affidavits before execution
- Grand jury records
- Sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers, financial account data, and medical details.
What Information is Available in Clay County Court Records?
Florida permits public access to Clay County court records if no statutory restrictions apply. Depending on the case type, Clay County court records may include:
- Names of the parties involved
- Case number
- Filing date
- Docket entries
- Pleadings and petitions
- Scheduled hearing date, time, and location
- Names of the attorneys of records
- Exhibits filed with the court
- Property license and deeds
- Financial and administrative records
- Divorce and family law filings
- Sentencing details.
Clay County Court Records Search
The Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office provides several options for accessing court records. Information seekers can access Clay County dockets or certified legal documents through the following methods:
Online access
Requesters can access Clay County dockets and basic case details through the Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Case Search page. This database allows users to search for Clay County criminal, civil, and traffic cases by name or case number. Residents can also order their digitally certified copies of official records through the Clay County Clerk E-Certify Portal.
In-person access
For Clay County court records not accessible online, record seekers should visit the Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office at:
825 North Orange Avenue,
Green Cove Springs,
FL 32043.
Inquirers should note that while accessing Clay County court records through access terminals is free, the county's Clerk of Court Office charges statutory fees for copies of records.
Phone and mail-in requests
To inquire about Clay County court records on the phone, call the Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office at (904) 284-6302 or the appropriate court records division. Alternatively, send an email to publicrecords@clayclerk.com or mail a request to:
The Records Management Liaison Officer,
825 North Orange Avenue,
P.O. Box 698,
Green Cove Springs,
FL 32043.
Mail-in requests for copies of Clay County court records should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order to cover the applicable cost. Turn-around time depends on the type of record and staff workload.
Fees for Court Records in Clay County
In Clay County, individuals can view court records for free. However, obtaining copies of the documents from the Clay County Clerk of Court's Office incurs charges. Chapter 28, Section 24 of the Florida Statutes standardizes fees across the state court system.
The Clay County Clerk of Court applies the following statutory charges for in-person and mail requests:
- Standard copies: while copies up to 8.5 x 14 inches cost $1.00 per page, larger documents like plats are $5.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.00 per document
- Exemplified copies: $7.00 per document
- Standard records search fee: $2.00 per name, per year searched.
For information about Clay County court record fees, visit the Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Recording Department Fees Schedule page.
Clay County Courthouse Locations
Clay County court structure comprises the Circuit and County Courts. The Clay County Circuit Court presides over major civil and criminal cases, while the County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil claims not exceeding $50.000. Interested individuals can locate the Clay County Courthouse, which houses the Circuit and County Courts, at:
Judge William A. Wilkes Judicial Complex (Clay County Courthouse)
825 North Orange Avenue,
P.O. Box 698,
Green Cove Springs,
FL 32043
Phone: (904) 284-6302 or (904) 269-6302.
Criminal Records Access in Clay County
In Clay County, official state-level criminal history records differ from local case files. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains criminal history reports for Clay County and other jurisdictions in the state. Individuals can search for public criminal records or request personal reviews through the FDLE's Criminal History Information portal. This online search tool allows requesters to access criminal histories using name or fingerprint for a statutory fee of $24.00 per search.
At the local level, information seekers should log in to the Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Case Search portal. This database permits users to access Clay County's Circuit and County criminal cases by name or case number. Alternatively, call the Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office (Criminal Department) at (904) 278- 4799 or visit the agency at the Clay County Courthouse.
Clay County Probate Records
Clay County probate records are official documents regarding the administration of estates, guardianships, and trusts within the Clay County Circuit Court Probate Division. These documents provide evidence for asset distribution and legal care of protected individuals. Probate records encompass documents on:
- Wills
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
- Trusts.
Florida law classifies probate records as public documents. Nevertheless, certain probate matters are confidential under Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420.
Clay County Family Court Records
In Clay County, the Family Division of the Circuit Court oversees family law cases, including:
- Divorce
- Adoption
- Child custody and support
- Annulment
- Paternity
- Name change.
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration regulate public access to Clay County family court filings. Information regarding the Identity of minors, Social Security numbers, and financial account details is redacted from public records. Furthermore, adoption and paternity records are sealed and only accessible to authorized individuals.
Online access to Clay County basic family case information is through the Clay County Clerk of Court's Case Search portal or public access terminals at the Clay County Courthouse. Interested individuals can also request certified copies of Clay County family court records through the Clay County Clerk E-Certify Portal. Additionally, requesters can mail, visit, or call the Clay County Circuit Court Family Division at (904) 269-6363.
Federal Court Records in Clay County
Federal law cases in Clay County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, under the jurisdiction of the Jacksonville Division. Generally, U.S. federal case records encompass documents on federal crimes, bankruptcy filings, and civil lawsuits involving federal statutes and constitutional rights.
Online access to the United States federal court records is through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). Individuals can use PACER to access case filings, judgments, and docket sheets. For in-person access to federal cases originating from Clay County, interested parties should contact the Clerk of Court for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Jacksonville Division) at:
Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse
300 North Hogan Street,
Jacksonville,
FL 32202
Phone: (904) 549-1900.