Escambia County Court Records Search
FloridaStateCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on FloridaStateCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Escambia County sits at the western tip of the Florida Panhandle, with Pensacola as its county seat. The county’s trial courts operate within the First Judicial Circuit, which also serves Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties. Two trial courts — the Circuit Court and the County Court — adjudicate legal matters filed in Escambia County, covering everything from felony prosecutions and high-value civil lawsuits to traffic infractions and small claims disputes. The Escambia County Clerk and Comptroller serves as the official custodian of all court records, maintaining case files, official records, marriage documents, and property instruments at its offices in Pensacola and Century.
People looking for court records in Florida can search through a county clerk’s online case portal, visit a courthouse in person, or submit written requests by mail or email. The FloridaStateCourts.us directory provides a useful starting point for identifying court contacts and locating publicly available case information across the state. Within Escambia County, the Clerk and Comptroller offers a free online case search system, physical public records centers, and formal request channels for obtaining copies and certified documents.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Escambia County?
The Escambia County Clerk and Comptroller maintains a Case Search Portal that provides free public access to court case data. The portal supports searches by party name, case number, and citation number, covering civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters.
Steps for an online case search:
- Visit the Case Search Portal.
- Select the search type — name, case number, or citation number.
- Enter the required information (for name searches, provide at least a last name).
- Complete the verification equation displayed on screen.
- Click “Search” to view matching results.
Results display the case number, filing date, case type, parties, case status, and docket entries. Attorneys and other authorized users who need access to family, probate, and guardianship case documents can complete a Court Records Search Registration Form for enhanced online access.
In-Person Searches
The Clerk’s offices accept walk-in record requests during business hours. Staff can assist with record retrieval when provided with a party name or case number. All Escambia County courthouses and Clerk offices observe the following schedule:
- Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Official Records hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building | 190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 | (850) 595-4130 (Civil) |
| Theodore Bruno Juvenile Justice Center | 1800 Saint Mary Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32501 | (850) 595-3780 |
| Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse | 7500 N. Century Blvd., Century, FL 32535 | (850) 256-6161 |
| Public Records Center | 120 E. Blount Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 | (850) 595-4146 |
| Official Records/Recording Division | 221 Palafox Place, Suite 110, Pensacola, FL 32502 | (850) 595-3930 |
Mail and Email Requests
Written record requests can be directed to the Clerk’s Public Records Center. To request court record copies, complete the Request for Copies or Viewing of Court Records Form, available on the Clerk’s website, and submit it by mail or email. Include the case number, names of parties, and the title of the document sought. If requesting confidential or un-redacted information as a case party, a photo ID is required.
Custodian of Public Records
Phone: (850) 595-4149
Email: PublicRecords@EscambiaClerk.com
Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopy of court record (up to 8½ x 14) | $1.00 per page |
| Photocopy larger than 8½ x 14 | $5.00 per page |
| Certified copy of any instrument in public records | $2.00 per document |
| Exemplified copy (in addition to copy charge) | $7.00 |
| Records search | $2.00 per year searched |
| Sealing a court file or expungement | $42.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Escambia County?
Florida’s Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) establishes that all records generated by public agencies in the performance of their duties are open for inspection and copying by any person. This includes court records maintained by the Escambia County Clerk and Comptroller. No reason or identification is required to submit a basic public records request.
Despite this broad right, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 designates numerous categories of court information as confidential and exempt from public disclosure:
- Adoption and dependency records
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Grand jury records and investigation reports
- Birth and death records held by the courts
- Drug court reports and clinical records
- HIV test results and sexually transmissible disease information
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit/debit card numbers
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Gestational surrogacy records
- Records relating to pregnancy termination by a minor
- Arrest and search warrant affidavits prior to execution
- Judicial memoranda, court conference records, draft opinions, and notes
- Complaints against judges until probable cause is established
- Information provided by unpaid court volunteers (excluding names and qualifications)
Per Fla. Stat. § 119.0714, case parties may petition the court to redact sensitive details or to seal files that contain private information. Once a record is sealed, it is not available through public search portals. However, a person may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to access sealed records by demonstrating that their need outweighs the basis for the original restriction.
Escambia County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Escambia County are divided between the Circuit Court, which handles felonies, and the County Court, which handles misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses. The Clerk’s Criminal Division manages felony and misdemeanor case files, while the Traffic Division processes traffic offenses that may result in incarceration upon conviction.
M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building — Criminal/Felony Division
190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 595-4150
M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building — Traffic Division
190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 595-4360
Searching Criminal Court Records Online
Criminal case records are available through the Clerk’s Case Search Portal. To narrow results to criminal matters, select “Criminal” as the case type when searching by name, case number, or citation number. Available case details typically include the case summary, charges, plea and disposition information, bond details, docket entries, and sentencing data.
Arrest Records and Criminal History Checks
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) maintains arrest and booking records separately from court files. Current booking information can be viewed on the Sheriff’s inmate lookup system. To request copies of arrest reports, incident reports, or other law enforcement records, contact the ECSO Records Department:
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office — Records Department
1700 West Leonard Street
P.O. Box 18770, Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 436-9501
Fax: (850) 436-9784
Email: RecordRequest@escambiaso.com
Requests can be submitted online through the ECSO’s Records Center, by phone, email, fax, mail, or in person.
Statewide Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Division of Criminal Justice Information Services provides statewide criminal history checks through three channels:
- Instant search: Uncertified results returned immediately; $25.00 per search (includes $1.00 credit card fee).
- Certified/non-certified search: Results mailed to the requester; $24.00 per search; processing takes 5–7 business days.
- ORI search: Requires a valid ORI number; fees vary by statute and agency.
Local criminal background checks through the Pensacola Police Department are available in person. Local agency fees generally range from $3.00 to $5.00.
Escambia County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Escambia County is split between two divisions based on the amount in controversy.
The Circuit Civil Division handles lawsuits where damages exceed $50,000, including negligence, product liability, contract disputes, professional malpractice, civil appeals, and real property actions including mortgage foreclosures. The County Civil / Small Claims Division handles civil cases between $8,000 and $50,000, small claims up to $8,000, evictions, landlord-tenant disputes, and replevins.
Circuit Civil Division
Phone: (850) 595-4130
County Civil / Small Claims Division
Phone: (850) 595-4170
Both divisions are located at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502.
Selected Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit civil (claims over $50,000) | $400.00 |
| Foreclosure — $50,000 or less | $400.00 |
| Foreclosure — $50,001 to $249,999 | $905.00 |
| Foreclosure — $250,000 or more | $1,905.00 |
| County civil — $8,001 to $15,000 | $300.00 |
| County civil — $15,001 to $50,000 | $400.00 |
| Small claims — less than $100 | $55.00 |
| Small claims — $100 to $500 | $80.00 |
| Small claims — $501 to $2,500 | $175.00 |
| Small claims — $2,501 to $8,000 | $300.00 |
| Eviction action | $185.00 |
| Garnishment (in addition to filing fee) | $85.00 |
Obtaining Civil Court Records
Civil records can be searched free through the Case Search Portal by selecting the appropriate case type (circuit civil, county civil, or non-criminal infractions). For copies, submit a request through the Clerk’s Online Request Form or visit the Public Records Center in person. Provide the case number, party names, and document title. Standard copy fees of $1.00 per page apply, with $2.00 for certification. Case parties requesting confidential civil records must present a valid photo ID.
Court documents may also be filed electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which serves all Florida counties.
Escambia County Family Court Records
The Circuit Court’s Family Law/Divorce Division handles all domestic relations matters filed in Escambia County, including dissolution of marriage, simplified dissolution, child custody and support, spousal support, paternity, adoption, name changes, emancipation, temporary legal custody, termination of parental rights, and injunctions for protection against domestic violence and repeat violence.
Family Law Division
M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building
190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 595-4331
Child Support Line: (877) 769-0251
Family Law Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of marriage | $408.00 |
| Dissolution counter-petition (when subsequent filing seeks dissolution) | $403.00 |
| Family law cases under Fla. Stat. Chapters 39, 61, 741, 742, 747, 752, or 753 | $300.00 |
| Name change, termination of parental rights, adoption, emancipation, temporary legal custody | $400.00 |
| Counter-claim/petition by respondent | $295.00 |
| Reopen fee (modification, contempt, visitation enforcement) | $50.00 |
Family mediation fees are income-based: $60.00 per person per session if combined income is under $50,000, and $120.00 per person per session if combined income is between $50,000 and $100,000.
Searching Family Court Records
Family court records are accessible through the Case Search Portal. General public users can view basic case information and docket entries. Registered users who have completed the Court Records Search Registration may access additional family, probate, and guardianship documents online. In-person requests can be made at the Family Law Division office in Room 23012 on the second floor of the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building. Adoption records and other confidential family court documents are restricted from public access.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk’s office. The application fee is $86.00 (or $61.00 if both parties have completed an approved four-hour premarital course). Additional certified copies cost $3.00 each. The Clerk performs wedding ceremonies for $30.00.
Marriage records from 1996 to the present are searchable through the Case Search Portal. Historical marriage indexes are also available online for the periods 1821 through 1900 and 1901 through 1918. Records from 1919 through 1995 are available on microfiche at the Public Records Center. Certified copies can be obtained in person at the Public Records Center, 120 E. Blount Street, Pensacola, FL 32501, during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
Marriage and divorce certificates may also be obtained through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics by submitting a DH261 Application for Marriage Certificate or a DH260 Application for Dissolution of Marriage. The Bureau charges a $5.00 search fee per record, $4.00 for each additional certified copy, and $1.00 for shipping and handling.
Birth and Death Records
Vital records are not maintained by the Clerk of Court. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the state custodian. Birth records under 125 years old are confidential and available only to the registrant (at age 18), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or persons with a court order. Death records excluding cause of death are available to anyone 18 or older; records that include cause of death are confidential for 50 years.
Local requests for Escambia County birth and death certificates can be submitted in person at:
FDOH-Escambia Vital Records
Fairfield Service Center
1295 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32501
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Local copies cost $11.00 each, with $10.00 for each additional copy. Mail requests to the Bureau must include the appropriate application form (Birth — English or Spanish; Death — English or Spanish) and should be mailed to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.
Escambia County Probate Court Records
The Circuit Court’s Guardianship/Mental Health/Probate Division handles estate administration, wills, trusts, caveats, disposition of personal property without administration, summary administration, formal administration, guardianship (both person and property), conservatorship, petitions to determine incapacity, and safe deposit matters. Probate proceedings are governed by Florida Statutes Title XLII and the Florida Probate Rules of Procedure.
Probate Division
M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building
190 W. Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 595-4300
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Opening of estate | $231.00 |
| Caveat / Notice of trust | $41.00 |
| Admit foreign wills | $231.00 |
| Disposition of personal property without administration | $231.00 |
| Guardianship of person only | $235.00 |
| Guardianship of property | $400.00 |
| V.A. guardianship (person only) | $235.00 |
| Petition to determine incapacity | $231.00 |
| Summary administration — less than $1,000 | $235.00 |
| Summary administration — $1,000 or more | $345.00 |
| Formal administration | $400.00 |
| Trust proceedings | $400.00 |
| Reopen fee | $50.00 |
Estate accounting audit fees range from $20.00 (estates valued at $25,000 or less) to $250.00 (estates exceeding $500,000). Inventory fees for estates valued over $25,000 are $85.00.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched through the Case Search Portal by selecting “Probate” as the case type. Historical probate files dating from 1883 to 1997 are available for viewing at the Public Records Center. Registered users with enhanced access may view additional probate and guardianship documents online. In-person requests should be made during business hours at the Probate Division on the second floor of the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building. Note that estate inventories and accountings are among the categories designated as confidential under Rule 2.420 and are not publicly available through the online portal.
To request copies of probate documents by mail, complete the Request for Copies or Viewing of Court Records Form and submit it to the Public Records Center at 120 E. Blount Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 (email: publicrecords@escambiaclerk.com). Standard copy fees of $1.00 per page and $2.00 per certification apply. Wills are not filed with the court until after the death of the testator, per Fla. Stat. § 732.901. Court transcripts of probate hearings or trials can be requested through the Office of the Circuit Court Reporter at (850) 595-4409.