Clay County Court Records
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Clay County sits in northeastern Florida, directly south of Jacksonville, with its county seat in Green Cove Springs. The county's court system operates within Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Duval and Nassau counties. Clay County has four courthouse locations—in Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Middleburg, and Keystone Heights—where circuit and county court proceedings take place. The Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller holds court records from both court levels and gives the public in-person and electronic access to case information. This guide walks you through the practical steps to find criminal, civil, family, and probate court records in Clay County.
Florida offers several ways to search court records: clerk of court offices, public-access terminals at courthouses, and online case lookup systems at both the county and state level. FloridaStateCourts.us can help you identify publicly available case information from jurisdictions across the state. Within Clay County, the Clerk's office runs free online search tools for court and official records, along with an electronic certification service for obtaining verified copies remotely.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Clay County?
How you find a court case in Clay County depends on the type of record, which courthouse handled it, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. The Clerk's office offers several methods.
Online Search Tools
The Clerk maintains multiple free search platforms, all accessible from the Search Records & Reports page:
- Court Records Search — The case search portal covers both circuit and county court cases. Search by party name, case number, or date range to view charges, docket entries, event dates, party details, and attorneys of record.
- Official Records Search — The LandmarkWeb portal provides access to recorded documents including judgments, deeds, mortgages, liens, and marriage licenses.
- County Records Search — A separate portal covers county agreements, contracts, ordinances, and resolutions.
- E-Certify — The electronic certification system lets you purchase certified copies of court and official record documents online, with 24-hour access and tamper-proof digital signatures.
Unofficial (uncertified) copies of many records can be obtained for free through these online tools.
Court Locations
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Clay County Courthouse (Green Cove Springs) | 825 North Orange Avenue, P.O. Box 698, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 | (904) 284-6302 |
| Orange Park Branch | 1478 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 | (904) 278-4769 |
| Middleburg Branch | 1836 Blanding Boulevard, Suite D, Middleburg, FL 32068 | (904) 282-6490 |
| Keystone Heights Branch | 7380 State Road 100, Suite 10, Keystone Heights, FL 32656 | (352) 478-8016 |
All courthouse locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In-Person Searches
Walk-in visitors can search court records at any of the four courthouse locations during business hours. Bring a party name, case number, or approximate filing date and staff will help you track down the record.
Mail and Email Requests
If you prefer to request records in writing, direct your request to the Records Management Liaison Officer (RMLO):
Records Management Liaison Officer
825 N. Orange Avenue
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Email: publicrecords@clayclerk.com
Written notice under Florida Statutes 119.12 should go to the mailing address above. Fees may apply depending on the type and volume of records you request.
Are Court Records Public in Clay County?
Florida has one of the broadest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes — the Florida Public Records Law — establishes that all records made or received by any agency in connection with official business are public records open to inspection and copying, unless specifically exempted by law. That includes records created by or submitted to Clay County court clerks during legal proceedings.
Records Generally Available to the Public
- Criminal case filings, charges, pleas, dispositions, and sentencing records
- Civil complaints, motions, orders, and final judgments
- Foreclosure filings and sale records
- Probate filings including petitions, inventories, and orders
- Marriage licenses and official records
- Traffic citations and criminal traffic case records
- Docket entries, court calendars, and case indexes
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420
Rule 2.420 governs public access to judicial branch records and identifies 23 categories of information that are automatically confidential in court records. These include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, health records, addresses of domestic violence victims, and juvenile delinquency records.
Confidential and Exempt Records
The following categories are restricted from public access in Clay County:
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency records
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Adoption records
- Sealed court records (by court order)
- Victim information in domestic violence and sexual assault cases
- Records made confidential under specific Florida or federal statutes
Redaction Responsibilities
Effective July 1, 2021, the Florida Supreme Court amended Rule 2.420 to shift primary responsibility for identifying and redacting confidential information in small claims, county civil, and most circuit civil cases to filers rather than clerks. Anyone filing documents that contain confidential information must either leave it out or complete a Notice of Confidential Information Within Court Filing form. The Clerk's office has detailed guidance on these redaction changes. This shift does not apply to family law cases, Jimmy Ryce civil commitments, medical malpractice filings, or cases stemming from sexual assault — clerks retain independent review obligations for those case types.
Clay County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Clay County are divided between the Circuit Court and County Court based on offense severity. The Circuit Court handles all felony cases — offenses punishable by more than one year in a state penitentiary — and all juvenile delinquency matters. The County Court handles misdemeanors (punishable by up to one year in a county correctional facility) and criminal traffic cases.
Searching Criminal Court Records
The Clay County Clerk's case search portal gives you free online access to criminal case information from both court levels. Search by the defendant's name, case number, or filing date to view charges, docket entries, hearing dates, and case status.
For in-person assistance, contact the Criminal Department:
Criminal Court Services
Phone: (904) 278-4799
Criminal Department Manager: Stephanie Wright
Statewide Criminal History Searches
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the statewide criminal history repository. You can run a public criminal history information search online for $24.00 per name (plus a $1.00 credit card processing fee). Results cover open, pending, and conviction records from Florida courts statewide. Keep in mind this is a name-based search that returns only publicly available criminal history — sealed and expunged records will not appear.
Arrest Records and Sheriff's Office Resources
The Clay County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records, incident reports, and jail booking information separately from the court system. The Sheriff's Office is at 901 North Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Arrest and crime information is available through the Sheriff's crime and arrest information page. All information released by the Sheriff's Office is subject to the Florida Public Records Law, F.S. 119.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office charges $40.00 per defendant for civil process service.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Florida law allows eligible individuals to petition for the sealing or expungement of certain criminal records. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies but are removed from public view. Expunged records are physically destroyed, with limited exceptions. Petitions are filed in the circuit court where the original case was heard.
Clay County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Clay County is split between the Circuit Court and the County Court based on the amount in dispute. The Circuit Court handles civil matters where the disputed amount exceeds $50,000, while the County Court handles cases from $8,001 to $50,000. Disputes involving $8,000 or less go through small claims.
Searching Civil Case Records
Civil case information is available through the Clerk's free case search tool and the Official Records search portal. If you need in-person help, the Civil Department at the Green Cove Springs courthouse can assist.
Civil Filing Requirements
All filers must include a Civil Cover Sheet declaring the amount in controversy for disputes exceeding $8,000. Once a case is filed, service must be completed by the Clay County Sheriff's Office or, with the appropriate court order, by a private process server.
Filing Fees
Civil filing fees in Florida are set by Florida Statute 28.241. Key amounts include:
- Circuit court civil filing fee: up to $395.00
- County court civil filing fee: up to $295.00
- Small claims filing fee: up to $175.00
- Reopening a previously closed case: $50.00
Call the Clerk's office at (904) 284-6302 for the most current fee schedule, as amounts can vary by case type and statutory updates.
Foreclosure Sales
The Clerk's office conducts electronic foreclosure sales online under Florida Statute 45.031(10). Current and upcoming sales are listed on the Clay County Foreclosure Sales website.
Certified Copies
You can obtain certified copies of civil court documents in person at the Clerk's office or electronically through the E-Certify system. Each electronically certified document carries a unique digital signature and tamper-evident seal that can be verified through a QR code or reference number.
Self-Represented Litigants
If you're handling your own case, the Clerk's office has a Do-It-Yourself page with resources for self-represented litigants. The Fourth Judicial Circuit's self-help page offers additional guidance, including approved Florida Supreme Court family law forms and procedural information. A Family Law Handbook is available through the Clerk's website in both English and Spanish.
Clay County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Clay County fall under the Circuit Court's jurisdiction. There is no separate family court division; circuit judges assigned to the family law docket handle these cases. Case types include divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence, termination of parental rights, name changes, and adoption.
Accessing Family Court Records
You can search family case records through the Clerk's case search portal by party name or case number. Docket entries and orders are generally viewable, but Florida law provides stronger confidentiality protections for family law cases than for most other case types. Unlike most civil matters, clerks retain the obligation to review and redact confidential information in family law filings under the amended Rule 2.420.
Records restricted from public access in family court proceedings include:
- Details regarding child abuse and neglect allegations
- Domestic violence victim addresses and identifying information
- Adoption proceedings and related records
- Information identifying minors in dependency and delinquency cases
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse treatment records
Non-public family court records are available only to the parties, their attorneys, authorized court officials, and third parties who obtain a court order showing a legitimate interest.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage cases are filed in the Circuit Court and maintained by the Clerk's office. Court records related to a divorce — including the petition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, and the final judgment — can be searched online or obtained at the Clerk's office. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics also maintains records of all divorces and annulments granted in Clay County from June 6, 1927, to the present, though records typically become available through the bureau at least 60 days after the dissolution.
Marriage Licenses
The Clerk's office issues marriage licenses. Appointments are required and can be scheduled at any of the four courthouse locations. Complete the marriage license application online before your appointment, and both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued identification.
Key details to know:
- Application fee: $86.00 (reduced if a premarital course is completed)
- Reduced fee with premarital course: $61.00
- License valid for 60 days after issuance
- 3-day waiting period for Florida residents (waived with completion of a premarital preparation course)
- No waiting period for out-of-state residents
- Replacement of lost license: $30.00
- Additional $3.50 fee if the parties are parents of common children born in Florida
Marriage license records can be viewed through the Official Records Quick Search by entering either party's name.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Clay County, not by the court system. Birth certificates for births occurring in Florida from 1917 onward are available, though original certified copies are restricted to eligible parties. Death certificates for deaths from 2009 to the present can be requested at the local health department. For deaths before 2009, submit requests directly to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Clay County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Clay County are handled by the Circuit Court, and the records are maintained by the Clerk's Probate Division. Proceedings include formal estate administration, summary administration, disposition of personal property without administration, guardianship, conservatorship, will contests, and trust matters.
Types of Probate Proceedings and Fees
The Clerk's office publishes a detailed probate fee schedule:
| Proceeding | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Opening of any estate (one document or more) | $231.00 |
| Disposition of personal property without administration | $231.00 |
| Summary administration (less than $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Summary administration ($1,000 or more) | $345.00 |
| Formal administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship | $400.00 |
| Guardianship of person only | $235.00 |
| Veterans Administration guardianship | $235.00 |
| Petition for determination of incapacity | $231.00 |
| Notice of Trust | $41.00 |
| Caveat | $41.00 |
| Petition to admit foreign will | $231.00 |
| Reopening a previously closed case | $50.00 |
| Exemplified certificate | $7.00 |
Deposit of Wills
Under Florida Statute 732.901, the original last will and testament of a deceased person must be deposited with the Clerk of the Circuit Court within 10 days of the decedent's death. The person holding the will must provide the Clerk with the date of death or the testator's Social Security number, along with the death certificate. There is no fee to deposit a will.
Small Estate Proceedings
If an estate may qualify for disposition of personal property without administration, Florida Statute 735.301 outlines the eligibility requirements. This simplified process is not available when real property is part of the estate. You'll need the original will (if one exists), a death certificate, proof of funeral expenses, signed and notarized consents from all heirs, and documentation of assets.
Searching Probate Records
Search probate case records through the Clerk's case search portal by entering the decedent's name or case number. If a record isn't available online, request it in person at the Clerk's office or by mail to the Records Management Liaison Officer at 825 N. Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.
Guardianship
Guardianship proceedings — including guardianship of minors, incapacitated adults, and Veterans Administration guardianship — are filed in the Circuit Court. The Clerk assesses annual audit fees for guardianship cases based on estate value, ranging from $20.00 for estates valued at $25,000 or less to $250.00 for estates exceeding $500,000. Guardianship classes are offered through Aging True in Jacksonville at (904) 807-1203.
Property Records
Property records are frequently relevant to estate administration, even though they're separate from the probate process. The Clay County Property Appraiser maintains property valuations and tax information, with an online property search tool. The Clay County Tax Collector handles property tax payments and records. The Clerk's office also provides online resources for property title records through its Historical Archives division.