Walton County Court Records Search
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Walton County sits in the Florida panhandle along the Gulf Coast, with DeFuniak Springs serving as the county seat. The county’s court system operates within the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, which also covers Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa Counties. Circuit and county court proceedings in Walton County produce records that span criminal cases, civil disputes, family law matters, probate filings, and more. The Walton County Clerk of Courts and County Comptroller serves as the official custodian of these records and manages both physical and electronic access to them.
Individuals seeking court records in Florida can begin by consulting official clerk offices, public-access terminals at courthouses, and online case-search tools. FloridaStateCourts.us may also help users locate publicly available case information across the state’s judicial system. In Walton County specifically, the Clerk of Courts maintains an Online Court Records Search portal, and the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides electronic filing and document access for cases across all Florida counties.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Walton County?
There are three primary ways to locate a court case in Walton County: online, in person, or by written request.
Online Search
The Clerk of Courts operates a public court records search portal that allows anonymous access to case information classified as public under Florida Statutes § 119.01. Users can search by party name, case number, or case date. The portal offers tiered access levels: a public option requiring no registration, and an attorney/registered-user option that provides expanded access after the user submits a notarized Walton County Access Agreement to the Clerk’s office.
A separate Online Court Records Search (OCRS) system also provides public access to Walton County case data. Access to electronic court records is governed by the Florida Supreme Court’s Access Security Matrix, which sets the level of electronic access based on user roles and applicable court rules.
In-Person Visits
Record seekers may visit either courthouse location during business hours:
Walton County Courthouse
Address: 571 U.S. Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Phone: (850) 892-8115
South Walton Courthouse Annex
Address: 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Suite 500, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone: (850) 267-3066
Both locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time), and are closed on weekends and court-observed holidays. When calling the DeFuniak Springs office, callers can press 1 for Court Services, which handles court records, traffic, child support, probate, evictions, foreclosures, restraining orders, divorce, and criminal cases.
Written and Email Requests
For records not found online, the Clerk accepts requests submitted through the Online Court Record Request Form on its website or by downloading and completing a Court Document Request/View Form. Completed forms can be submitted by:
- Email to clerkrecords@waltonclerk.com
- Fax to (850) 892-8017
- In person at either courthouse location
Pursuant to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, written requests must provide sufficient specificity to allow the custodian to identify the requested records. If a request is denied, the custodian must state the basis for the denial in writing.
Fees for Record Copies
Fees for court record copies follow the schedule set by Florida Statute § 28.24:
- Copy fee: $1.00 per page
- Search fee: $2.00 per year searched
- Certification: $2.00 per document
Payment methods for in-person requests include cash, personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and credit cards. Mailed requests accept cashier’s checks, personal checks, and money orders. Processing typically takes about three business days, depending on the volume of records requested.
Court Transcripts
Transcripts of court proceedings must be ordered through the First Judicial Circuit’s Court Reporting division, not the Clerk’s office.
Are Court Records Public in Walton County?
Court records in Walton County are generally open to the public under two complementary legal frameworks: the Florida Sunshine Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, which specifically governs public access to judicial branch records.
Under these provisions, members of the public may request to inspect and copy most court records maintained by the Clerk of Courts. However, certain categories of information are exempt from public disclosure or subject to restricted access. Examples of restricted or exempt information include:
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card details
- Information identifying a petitioner or respondent in injunctions for protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, stalking, or cyberstalking
- Records prepared by an attorney or at an attorney’s express direction in anticipation of litigation (work product)
- Information revealing the identity of a minor who is a victim of a crime such as human trafficking
- Identities of confidential informants or confidential sources
Section 119.0714 of the Florida Statutes provides additional detail about court record exemptions. When a record contains both public and exempt material, the exempt portions may be redacted and the remainder released. A person seeking access to fully sealed or exempt records may petition the court for an order granting access.
Rule 2.420 designates more than 20 categories of automatically confidential information in court files. Filers are responsible for identifying confidential information at the time of filing, and the Clerk is required to maintain the confidentiality of properly designated records.
Walton County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Walton County are heard in the Circuit Court (for felonies) and the County Court (for misdemeanors). Circuit judges assigned to Walton County within the First Judicial Circuit currently include Judge J. Ryan Love (Division A) and Judge Jeffrey E. Lewis (Division B). Criminal case files contain charging documents, motions, orders, plea records, sentencing information, and judgment details.
Searching Criminal Court Records
The fastest method is the Clerk’s online court records search, where users can look up criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or filing date. For records that do not appear online, a written request using the Court Document Request/View Form can be submitted to the Clerk by email, fax, or in person. Copy fees are $1.00 per page, with a $2.00 per-year search fee and $2.00 per document for certification.
Arrest Records and Background Checks
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and provides local criminal background checks free of charge. Requesters need to provide the subject’s name and date of birth, plus any additional identifiers such as aliases, race, or sex. Requests can be made:
- In person at either Sheriff’s Office location:
- 37 S. 10th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
- 10 Sheriff Circle, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
- By Phone: (850) 951-7008 ext. 3589
- By email: wcsopublicrecords@waltonso.org
- Online through the Sheriff’s public records portal
Both Sheriff’s Office locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note that local background checks reflect only the individual’s arrest history within Walton County.
Statewide Criminal History Searches
For records beyond Walton County, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) offers several search options:
- Instant Search: Results available immediately online; uncertified; $24.00 per search plus $1.00 card processing fee
- Certified/Non-Certified Search: More comprehensive database search with mailed results; $24.00 per search; processing takes five to seven business days
- ORI Search: Requested using an agency-issued ORI number; cost varies by requesting entity; results sent to authorized recipients
Arrest dispositions (guilty, not guilty, adjudication withheld) are maintained by the Clerk of Courts and can be obtained by calling (850) 892-8115 or using the Clerk’s online court records search.
Walton County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Walton County are divided between the Circuit Court, which handles claims exceeding $50,000, and the County Court, which has jurisdiction over cases involving $50,000 or less, including small claims and evictions. Civil court records include complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents, orders, and final judgments.
Requesting Civil Court Records
Records can be searched online through the Clerk’s court records search portal by party name, case number, or date. Written requests may be submitted using the Court Document Request/View Form by email to clerkrecords@waltonclerk.com, by fax to (850) 892-8017, or in person at either courthouse. The standard fee schedule applies: $1.00 per page for copies, $2.00 per year for searches, and $2.00 per document for certification.
Filing Fees for Circuit Civil Cases
The Clerk’s fee schedule for circuit-level civil filings includes:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Circuit Civil Case | $400.00 |
| Civil Cross Claim / Counter Claim / Third Party Complaint | $395.00 |
| Mortgage Foreclosure (claim under $50,000) | $400.00 |
| Mortgage Foreclosure (claim $50,001–$250,000) | $905.00 |
| Mortgage Foreclosure (claim $250,001 or more) | $1,905.00 |
| Garnishment | $85.00 |
| Reopen Fee | $50.00 |
| Summons (each) | $10.00 |
County Civil and Small Claims Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Claims ($99.00 or less) | $55.00 |
| Small Claims ($100.00–$500.00) | $80.00 |
| Small Claims ($500.01–$2,500.00) | $175.00 |
| County Civil ($2,500.01–$15,000.00) | $300.00 |
| County Civil ($15,000.01–$30,000.00) | $400.00 |
| Tenant Eviction | $185.00 |
| Appeal from County to Circuit Court | $281.00 |
Small claims cases may be filed at either the DeFuniak Springs courthouse or the South Walton Courthouse Annex. Service of process by the Sheriff costs $40.00 per service, payable by cashier’s check or money order to the Sheriff’s department. Service by certified mail is also an option.
Official Records and Property Records
The Clerk also maintains an Official Records Search portal for deeds, liens, mortgages, and other recorded instruments. Official records search fees are $2.00 per year, with $1.00 charged per extra name over four. Recording fees for standard instruments are $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. A fee calculator is available online. Property valuation information can also be obtained from the Walton County Property Appraiser at (850) 892-8123.
Walton County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Walton County are handled through the domestic relations division of the Circuit Court. These proceedings cover dissolution of marriage, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, adoption, domestic violence injunctions, and related matters. Family court records include petitions, financial affidavits, parenting plans, orders, and final judgments.
Searching and Requesting Records
Family court records are accessible through the same channels as other court records. The Clerk’s online search tool allows users to locate cases by party name or case number. For documents unavailable online, the Court Document Request/View Form can be submitted by email, fax, or in person. Inquiries can be directed to the Clerk’s Court Services department at (850) 892-8115, extension 7042, or by email to clerkrecords@waltonclerk.com.
Filing Fees for Family Law Cases
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of Marriage / Annulment | $408.00 |
| Petition to Modify Existing Dissolution | $50.00 |
| Adoption | $442.00 |
| Domestic / Repeat / Dating / Sexual Violence Injunction | No fee |
| Civil Filings under Chapters 39, 61, 741, 742, 747, 752, or 753 | $300.00 |
| Mediation (combined income under $50,000) | $60.00 |
| Mediation (combined income over $50,000) | $120.00 |
All filings must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The Walton County Clerk does not require paper follow-up of original documents that have been e-filed. Self-help resources and forms for individuals filing without an attorney are available on the Clerk’s Court Self-Help page.
Marriage Licenses
The Clerk’s office issues marriage licenses at both courthouse locations. Both applicants must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification. The fee is $86.00, reduced to $61.00 when both parties have completed an approved four-hour premarital preparation course. Florida residents who do not complete the course must observe a three-day waiting period. Replacement licenses cost $32.00, and amendments for recording errors cost $42.00. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), with a 3.5% convenience fee applied to credit card transactions.
Marriage and Divorce Certificates from Vital Statistics
Marriage and divorce certificates from June 1927 forward are available from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Requesters may apply in person at 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or by mail to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. The nonrefundable search fee is $5.00 (covers one calendar year and one certified copy), with additional copies at $4.00 each. Mail orders include a $1.00 shipping fee, and rush processing adds $10.00. Contact the Bureau at (904) 359-6900 or VitalStats@FLHealth.gov for questions.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health in Walton County, located at 362 State Hwy 83, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vital Statistics inquiries can be directed to (850) 892-8097.
- Birth certificates: $12.00 per copy; available for births occurring in Florida from 1930 to present. A valid photo ID is required. Records prior to 1930 must be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Birth records sealed by reason of adoption, paternity determination, or court order must also be requested from Jacksonville.
- Death certificates: $10.00 per copy; available for deaths in Florida from 2009 to present. Deaths prior to 2009 must be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics or through VitalChek. A family member or legal representative must make the request when cause of death is included.
Requests can be made in person, by mail (with a legible copy of a valid photo ID), or by fax to (850) 892-8764. Mail requests should be sent to: Florida Department of Health–Walton County, Attn: Vital Records Section, 362 State Hwy 83, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.
Walton County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Walton County are handled by the Circuit Court and administered through the Clerk of Courts. Probate records encompass filings related to the administration of estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and trusts. These records include petitions, inventories, accountings, orders, and final discharges.
Searching Probate Records
The Clerk’s online court records search includes probate case information accessible by party name or case number. For records not available online, the Court Document Request/View Form may be submitted by email to clerkrecords@waltonclerk.com, by fax to (850) 892-8017, or in person. The Records Management Liaison Officer can be reached at (850) 892-8115, extension 7042, for assistance with probate record inquiries.
Probate Filing Fees
The Clerk’s probate fee schedule includes the following:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Opening Any Estate | $231.00 |
| Formal Administration | $400.00 |
| Summary Administration (under $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Summary Administration (over $1,000) | $345.00 |
| Foreign Will | $231.00 |
| Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration | $231.00 |
| Guardianship (Ancillary, Curatorship, Conservatorship) | $400.00 |
| Guardianship (Person Only) | $235.00 |
| Guardianship (Veterans) | $235.00 |
| Determination of Incompetency | $231.00 |
| Caveat | $41.00 |
| Notice of Trust | $41.00 |
| Appeal from Circuit to District Court | $100.00 |
Guardianship Audit Fees
| Estate Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Verified Inventory | $85.00 |
| Estates under $25,000 | $20.00 |
| Estates $25,000–$100,000 | $85.00 |
| Estates $100,000–$500,000 | $170.00 |
| Estates over $500,000 | $250.00 |
An attorney appearing pro hac vice in a probate matter is charged $100.00. All probate filings should be submitted electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. For general procedural questions, the Clerk’s Court Services line at (850) 892-8115 (press 1) can direct callers to the appropriate department. The Clerk’s office also provides downloadable forms covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, and other filing categories.