Washington County Court Records Search

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    Washington County, Florida is served by circuit and county courts that process thousands of civil, criminal, family, and probate cases each year. The Washington County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, currently Lora C. Bell, is the official custodian of these court records. The Clerk's office maintains case files, official records, financial records, and other documentation produced through the judicial process. Whether you're an attorney researching a case, a member of the public verifying a judgment, or someone involved in active litigation, knowing how to access these records can save you significant time and effort.

    Florida residents and others researching court cases can use several channels: the county clerk's office in Chipley, public access search terminals at the courthouse, online search tools, and the broader Florida courts network. FloridaStateCourts.us can help you identify publicly available court case information and navigate Florida's court structure. You can submit records requests in person, by mail, or in certain cases through online portals managed by the clerk.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?

    Washington County falls within Florida's 14th Judicial Circuit, and its courthouse is the central location for both the Circuit Court and the County Court. All non-confidential court records can be accessed through the clerk's office or through online search tools.

    Washington County Courthouse – Circuit and County Courts

    • Address: 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428
    • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 647, Chipley, FL 32428
    • Phone (Civil): (850) 638-6008
    • Phone (Felony, Misdemeanors, Foreclosures, Juvenile): (850) 638-6289
    • Phone (Family): (850) 638-6009
    • General Clerk Line: (850) 638-6285
    • Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

    Online Search Options

    The Clerk's office provides two distinct online search tools depending on the type of record you need.

    If you want to register as an online user for expanded access to electronic court records, complete the Agreement for Viewing Electronic Court Records Online and email it to the clerk's office.

    In-Person and Mail Requests

    Visiting the courthouse at 1293 Jackson Avenue gives you direct access to public court files. Written mail requests should go to P.O. Box 647, Chipley, FL 32428. Having the case type, party name, and approximate filing date ready when you contact the clerk will help staff locate records more quickly.

    Are Court Records Public in Washington County?

    Florida law broadly supports public access to government records. Under the Florida Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, any record created or received by a public agency — including courts and their clerks — is generally available to the public upon request. This applies to Washington County court records across all case types.

    That said, meaningful exceptions exist. Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420(c) identifies 23 categories of information that are automatically confidential, and Florida Statute 119.071 provides additional exemptions that protect certain records from public disclosure.

    Records commonly restricted or withheld from public access include:

    • Sealed or expunged criminal records
    • Juvenile court records and juvenile arrest information
    • Social security numbers and financial account numbers embedded in filings
    • Adoption proceedings and related documents
    • Unexecuted search warrants
    • Certain domestic relations and child support case details
    • Sensitive financial data subject to court-ordered confidentiality
    • Active criminal investigation records not yet filed with the court

    When a document contains confidential information alongside public information, the clerk must redact the protected portions before releasing copies. People authorized by law — such as attorneys of record, parties to the case, or those holding valid court orders — may access otherwise confidential records by establishing their authorization with the Clerk's office.

    Washington County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Washington County are divided between two courts based on offense severity. The Circuit Court, which sits at the Washington County Courthouse in Chipley, has exclusive jurisdiction over felonies — serious offenses carrying potential state prison sentences. The County Court handles misdemeanors (punishable by up to one year in jail), traffic violations, and non-criminal infractions resulting in fines or civil penalties.

    Criminal court records maintained by the Clerk of Court's office include charging documents, arrest affidavits attached to formal charges, court motions, sentencing orders, and final dispositions. You can search these records through the OCRS portal at civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/67/ or review them in person at the courthouse.

    Washington County Sheriff's Office

    Arrest records, incident reports, and other law enforcement records — particularly those that predate court filings or where charges were never formally pursued — are maintained separately by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

    • Address: 711 Third Street, Chipley, FL 32428 | P.O. Box 626
    • Phone: (850) 638-6111
    • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

    The Sheriff's Office handles records requests separately from the Clerk of Court. Contact the records division directly with specific identifying information about the incident or individual. Keep in mind that certain active investigation records, juvenile information, and other law enforcement materials are exempt from disclosure under Florida Statute 119.071.

    If you need a statewide criminal history background check, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which maintains a centralized criminal history repository distinct from local court records.

    Washington County Civil Court Records

    Civil matters in Washington County are split between the Circuit Court and the County Court based on the dollar amount in controversy. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $50,000, as well as foreclosures, injunctions, and other equitable matters. The County Court hears civil disputes up to $50,000, including landlord-tenant disputes and small claims matters.

    Small Claims Cases

    Small claims proceedings in Washington County cover disputes up to $8,000 and are designed to let parties resolve matters without formal legal representation. The 2025 filing fees for small claims are tiered based on the claim amount:

    Claim Amount

    Filing Fee

    $100 or less

    $55.00

    $101 to $500

    $80.00

    $501 to $2,500

    $175.00

    $2,501 to $8,000

    $300.00

    On top of filing fees, the Washington County Sheriff's Office charges a service fee for serving each defendant, currently $40.00 per defendant. Civil lawsuits above the small claims threshold can be filed electronically through the Florida ePortal; call (850) 577-4609 for information on eFiling.

    Searching Civil Records

    Non-confidential civil case records are available through the OCRS portal, which shows case status, filed documents, judgments, and events. Official records such as recorded judgments and liens can be searched separately through the Official Records Search portal. For documents not available online, submit an in-person or written request to the clerk's office at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification.

    Washington County Family Court Records

    Family law matters — including divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and name changes — are handled exclusively by the Circuit Court in Washington County. The Family Law Department of the Clerk's office is located at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, FL 32428, and can be reached at (850) 638-6008.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce (dissolution of marriage) cases are public records in Florida and can be searched through the OCRS portal. Certified copies of divorce filings and final judgments are available from the Clerk's office. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics also issues abbreviated divorce certificates summarizing the dissolution; however, these contain only limited information and do not substitute for the full court file. To request certified copies, contact the Family Law Department with the names of the parties and the approximate filing date.

    The Clerk's office provides a range of family law self-help forms, including:

    Additional Florida Family Law Forms are available through the Florida Courts website. Contact the Clerk's office before downloading forms, as the office notes that forms are being updated periodically.

    Child Support

    The Clerk's Family Law Department is responsible for setting up child support cases, maintaining payment histories, and tracking arrears. All child support payments in Washington County pass through the State of Florida Disbursement Unit (FLSDU), located at P.O. Box 8500, Tallahassee, FL 32314-8500, Phone: (877) 769-0251. Washington County's court code with the FLSDU is 67. The FLSDU disbursement hotline is available 24 hours a day. Written requests for child support payment history information should be directed to: Attn: Child Support, Washington County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 647, Chipley, FL 32428.

    Marriage Licenses

    Washington County marriage licenses are issued by the Marriage License Department of the Clerk's office. Both applicants must appear in person at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, FL 32428, and present valid government-issued photo identification along with their Social Security numbers. The standard license fee is $86.00. A discounted fee of $61.00 applies when both parties complete a state-registered premarital preparation course and present a certificate of completion. Florida residents must wait three days after issuance unless the premarital course waiver applies; there is no waiting period for non-Florida residents. Licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance.

    Adoption Records

    Adoption proceedings in Washington County are handled by the Circuit Court. Adoption records are confidential under Florida law and are not accessible to the general public. The Clerk's office provides an Adult Adoption information packet and a Step-Parent Adoption form for those initiating these proceedings.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death certificates in Washington County are issued by the Florida Department of Health in Washington County, located at 1338 South Boulevard, P.O. Box 648, Chipley, FL 32428, Phone: (850) 638-6240. Florida birth certificates less than 125 years old are restricted to the subject (if over 18), the subject's parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, and parties with valid court orders. Death certificates less than 50 years old that include cause of death or full Social Security numbers are similarly restricted to immediate family members and authorized parties. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail using the birth certificate application form, or online through VitalChek.

    Washington County Probate Court Records

    Probate matters in Washington County are handled by the Circuit Court under Florida Statutes Chapters 731 through 739, which govern wills and estates. These proceedings include estate administration, guardianships, trusts, and conservatorships. You can reach the Probate Department of the Clerk's office at (850) 638-6285.

    Key Probate Rules and Requirements

    • Under Florida Statute 732.901, anyone who has custody of a will must deposit it with the Clerk of Court within 10 days of learning of the decedent's death. A Will on Deposit Form is available from the Clerk.
    • Under Florida Probate Rule 5.030, both personal representatives and guardians are generally required to be represented by a Florida-licensed attorney.
    • The venue for probating a will is the county where the decedent was domiciled at death, per Florida Statute 733.101.
    • A creditor filing a claim against an estate must submit a Statement of Claim in duplicate within three months of the first publication of notice. There is no fee for filing a claim.
    • A Caveat — used to ensure notification when a probate is opened for a particular decedent — carries a filing fee of $41.00.
    • A Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration — used for small estates consisting solely of cash assets where funeral expenses have been paid — requires a filing fee of $231.00 in cash, cashier's check, or money order. Supporting documents include the death certificate, a paid funeral receipt, and the most recent bank statement.
    • Certified copies of probate documents cost $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification.

    Probate Forms Available from the Clerk

    The Probate Department offers several guardianship and estate-related forms, including:

    Probate case information is searchable online through the OCRS portal; however, document images for probate cases are not available through public online access. To confirm whether a probate has been opened for a specific individual, call the Probate Department at (850) 638-6285. Parties who need legal assistance but cannot afford an attorney may contact Legal Services of North Florida, whose schedule is posted on the Clerk's website.