Suwannee County Court Records Search
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Suwannee County, Florida sits within the Third Judicial Circuit, a seven-county circuit serving north-central Florida. The county’s court system encompasses both a Circuit Court and a County Court, both operating out of the Suwannee County Courthouse in Live Oak. Court records generated through these courts — spanning criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic proceedings — are maintained by the Suwannee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, who also serves as County Comptroller. Whether you need to verify a judgment, review a divorce filing, research an estate, or pull criminal case information, understanding how the Suwannee County court system is organized will save you significant time.
Court records in Florida can be searched through official clerk portals, in-person visits to court offices, and public access terminals. For a starting point to locate publicly available Florida case information and court resources, FloridaStateCourts.us offers a consolidated reference for statewide court directories and access tools. Official records searches and case filings are handled through the Clerk’s office or its designated online platforms.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Suwannee County?
The Suwannee County Clerk of Court is the official keeper of all Circuit and County Court records. An important note for online searchers: court records are not available online through the Clerk’s own portal. Official Records (deeds, mortgages, liens, and related property instruments) can be searched digitally, but case files for civil, criminal, probate, and family proceedings require either an in-person visit or a written request.
Step-by-step search options:
- In-Person Search — Visit the Clerk’s office at the courthouse during business hours. Staff can assist with locating case files by name, case number, or filing date.
- Written/Mail Request — Submit a written request specifying the case name, case number (if known), type of proceeding, and the approximate filing date. Include payment for applicable copy fees.
- Official Records Online — Property-related instruments (deeds, mortgages, liens) can be searched using the Official Records Search on the Clerk’s website.
- Third-Party Platforms — Aggregator sites compile public court data, but may be incomplete or out of date. For authoritative records, the Clerk’s office is the definitive source.
- CiviTek Florida — The statewide CiviTek Florida portal allows online searches for certain county court case information by county selection.
Clerk of the Circuit Court — Primary Contact:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Suwannee County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Address | 200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064 |
| Phone | (386) 362-0500 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Recording); Court services vary |
| Website | suwgov.org |
The Third Judicial Circuit Court Administration maintains additional information about Suwannee County judicial operations, local rules, and judge assignments.
Are Court Records Public in Suwannee County?
Florida’s Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, establishes a broad presumption of public access to government records, including court documents. Under this law, most records generated by the courts and the Clerk’s office are open to inspection and copying by any person, without requiring a statement of purpose or proof of interest.
That said, specific categories of records are either confidential or partially restricted:
- Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors are largely sealed and not subject to public access
- Sealed and expunged records — Criminal records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are removed from public view; the Clerk’s office provides information on sealing or expunging a record
- Medical and mental health records — Records arising from Baker Act or Marchman Act proceedings are confidential
- Active investigation materials — Documents that could compromise an ongoing law enforcement investigation may be withheld
- Adoption files — Adoption proceedings are confidential under Florida law
- Domestic violence injunction petitioner details — Certain identifying information for petitioners seeking protective injunctions is protected
For public records requests directed to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, the Public Records Custodian is Traci McCormick, reachable at (386) 364-3417, with office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Requests to the Clerk’s office should be submitted directly to that office at 200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak.
Suwannee County Criminal Court Records
The Circuit Court and County Court in Suwannee County each handle distinct tiers of criminal matters. The Circuit Court holds jurisdiction over felony offenses — crimes punishable by imprisonment in a state penitentiary — as well as juvenile delinquency matters. The County Court handles misdemeanor offenses and criminal traffic violations, which are punishable by confinement in a county correctional facility.
Criminal case records maintained by the Clerk include charging documents, plea records, sentencing orders, warrant activity, and dispositions. These files are accessible through the Clerk’s office for cases that are not sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted by court order.
Requesting Criminal Records from the Clerk:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Include the subject’s full name, date of birth, and case number if available
- Fees for copies apply per the Clerk’s published schedule
Statewide Criminal History Checks:
For background check purposes, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides name-based criminal history searches. The fee for a public name search through FDLE’s Criminal History Records is $24.00 per search, processed online. Fingerprint-based checks carry a different fee schedule. Results reflect conviction records statewide rather than a single-county search.
Arrest and Inmate Information:
The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office maintains the county jail and a publicly accessible inmate roster. The Sheriff’s jail booking information is available at the Suwannee County Jail View portal. The Sheriff’s Office can also be contacted for records-related inquiries:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 Ohio Avenue South, Live Oak, FL 32064 |
| Phone | (386) 362-2222 |
| Public Records | (386) 364-3417 |
Note that arrest records are a separate category from criminal court records. An arrest record may indicate the initiation of a case, but the full court record — including charges filed, hearings, and disposition — is held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Suwannee County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Suwannee County are split between the Circuit Court and the County Court based on the amount in controversy and subject matter.
- Circuit Civil handles cases involving claims exceeding $50,000, mortgage foreclosures, and complex civil matters
- County Civil handles claims from $8,001 to $50,000, evictions (unlawful detainer), and replevin actions
- Small Claims handles disputes with monetary damages up to $8,000
The County Civil division of the Clerk’s office maintains records for evictions, small claims, and other civil actions below the circuit threshold. The Clerk’s office manages filings, docket entries, and certified copies for all civil proceedings.
Civil Filing Fees (per the Clerk’s current fee schedule):
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Civil | $400.00 |
| Small Claims (under $100) | $55.00 |
| Small Claims ($101–$500) | $80.00 |
| Small Claims ($501–$2,500) | $175.00 |
| Small Claims ($2,501–$8,000) | $300.00 |
| County Civil ($8,001–$15,000) | $300.00 |
| County Civil ($15,001–$50,000) | $400.00 |
| Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) | $185.00 |
| Garnishment Action | $85.00 |
The full Clerk’s Fee Schedule lists all current filing fees, copy costs, and service charges. For civil cases, the Clerk also administers online payment of court costs and fees and supports electronic filing for eligible case types.
For small claims guidance, the Third Judicial Circuit has published a Small Claims Video by Judge Williams that walks self-represented litigants through the process. The Florida Courts system also provides Small Claims self-help resources for parties who wish to represent themselves.
Suwannee County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Suwannee County are heard in the Circuit Court’s Family Law division and cover a broad range of proceedings. The Suwannee County Family Law division of the Clerk’s office handles:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce) and simplified dissolution
- Annulment
- Paternity determinations
- Child support
- Custody and time-sharing arrangements
- Modification and enforcement of prior orders
- Injunctions for protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, and stalking
- Adoptions
- Termination of parental rights
- Delayed birth certificates
Divorce Proceedings:
The filing fee for dissolution of marriage, simplified dissolution, and annulment is $436.00, which includes a $28 search fee. The Divorce section of the Clerk’s site provides procedural guidance for self-represented parties. For additional assistance, the Family Law Self-Help Coordinator for the Third Judicial Circuit can be reached at (386) 719-2021. The Florida Courts system also maintains a comprehensive library of Family Law Self-Help forms and resources available at no cost.
Child Support:
Child support matters are filed in the Family Law division, but payment inquiries and enforcement are handled separately by the Florida Department of Revenue. Child support payments can be made through the State of Florida Disbursement Unit at (877) 769-0251, or online at MyFloridaCounty.com.
Domestic Violence Injunctions:
Petitions for injunctions for protection against domestic violence are filed at no cost to the petitioner. These proceedings are managed through the Clerk’s Family Law division. Relevant injunction information and forms are available through the Clerk’s injunctions page.
Marriage and Divorce Records:
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The current fee for a marriage license is $86.00, reduced to $61.00 for couples who complete a Florida-approved premarital preparation course. Certified copies of marriage and divorce records are also available through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics at $5.00 per certified copy, with $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record. Divorce records from June 6, 1927 to present are available from the Bureau or the Suwannee County Health Department.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 |
| Phone | (904) 359-6900, ext. 9000 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| VitalStats@FLHealth.gov |
Suwannee County Health Department (Vital Records):
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 915 Nobles Ferry Road, Live Oak, FL 32064 |
| Phone | (386) 362-2708 |
| Fax | (386) 362-6301 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Birth certificates cost $15.00 per copy from the Suwannee County Health Department. Death certificates obtained locally cost $7.00 per copy for deaths from 2009 to present; deaths prior to 2009 must be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or through VitalChek.
Suwannee County Probate Court Records
Probate proceedings in Suwannee County fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court and are administered through the Clerk’s office. The Clerk assigns file numbers, maintains the ongoing record of each estate proceeding, and collects required filing fees. The Suwannee County Probate division provides guidance on procedures and required documentation.
Types of Probate Proceedings:
Florida law recognizes three primary forms of probate administration, each suited to different estate sizes and circumstances:
- Formal Administration (Petition for Administration) — Used when the estate has considerable assets or other special circumstances requiring appointment of a personal representative. The court issues Letters of Administration authorizing the representative to act on behalf of the estate.
- Summary Administration — Available when the total estate value does not exceed $75,000, or when the decedent has been deceased for more than two years. This is a streamlined process suited to smaller estates.
- Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration — A simplified petition used to release assets up to $6,000 (excluding real property) to reimburse the person who paid the decedent’s final expenses, such as funeral or medical bills incurred within the last 60 days of life.
Key Probate Procedures and Rules:
- A will must be deposited with the Clerk of the Circuit Court within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death
- There is no fee to deposit a will; a receipt can be requested for a fee of $7.00
- If an account or asset is held solely in the decedent’s name, a court order is required to access it — even for a surviving spouse
- Jointly held accounts with rights of survivorship pass outside of probate
- Death certificates for probate purposes must be obtained from the County Health Department, not the Clerk’s office
Probate Filing Fees:
| Proceeding Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Opening Any Estate / Formal Administration | $231.00 |
| Guardianship, Curatorship, Conservatorship | $400.00 |
| Guardianship (Person Only) | $235.00 |
| Summary Administration (under $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Summary Administration (over $1,000) | $345.00 |
| Disposition Without Administration | $231.00 |
| Open Safe Deposit Box | $231.00 |
| Settlement of Minor’s Claims | $231.00 |
| Foreign Wills | $231.00 |
| Reopen Fee | $50.00 |
| Filing Verified Inventory | $85.00 |
| Accounting Fee (estate value up to $25,000) | $20.00 |
| Accounting Fee ($25,001–$100,000) | $85.00 |
| Accounting Fee ($100,001–$500,000) | $170.00 |
| Accounting Fee (over $500,000) | $250.00 |
Probate records are generally public unless sealed by court order. To search for or obtain copies of probate case records, contact the Suwannee County Clerk of the Circuit Court directly at (386) 362-0500 or visit the courthouse at 200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064.