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Walton County, Florida State Court Records

The official documents created and maintained during legal proceedings within Walton County's court system are referred to as the Walton County court records. These records are maintained by the Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller, who accurately keeps records of court proceedings in family, probate, traffic, criminal, civil, and small claims cases. The Clerk's Office maintains court records in compliance with Florida Statute § 28.13, which governs the maintenance and preservation of court records kept by county clerks throughout the state.

It is important to note that court records in Walton County are often interrelated with other public records. For example, criminal court cases may reference arrest records maintained by the Walton County Sheriff's Office, while probate or family court proceedings usually contain vital records data such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, or death certificates.

Are Walton County Court Records Public?

Yes. In Florida, court records are considered public documents and available to the public pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration, Rule 2.420. Pursuant to this rule, the Walton County Clerk of Courts offers electronic and physical access to public court records unless such records are exempt by law or Judicial Administration Rules. (Electronic access to court records is regulated by the Florida Supreme Court through the Access Security Matrix in compliance with Florida Administrative Order AOSC 16-107.)

However, certain court records are not publicly available for inspection. These include

  • Juvenile proceedings
  • Adoption cases
  • Certain family law matters involving minors
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Sealed court records
  • Victim information
  • Records protected by federal or state privacy laws

Judges have the authority to seal specific records if their disclosure would compromise privacy, public safety, or the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings. When this is the case, the Clerk's office must notify requesters in writing that records, or portions of records, are exempt from disclosure, and state the legal basis for the denial.

What Information is Available in Walton County Court Records?

Court records maintained by the Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller contain a wide range of information, depending on the case type or court division. This information typically includes

  • Case type & number
  • Full names of parties involved in the case
  • Scheduled hearing dates
  • Name of the case attorney
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Motions
  • Answers/responses
  • Judgments and decrees
  • Pleas and sentencing details (in criminal cases)
  • Appeal notices
  • Court fees, fines, and payment records

Walton County Court Records Search

There are three primary ways to search for Walton County court records: online, in person, or by mail.

Online Access

The Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller's Online Court Records Search (OCRS) offers free online access to public court records. This portal allows users to search records by party name, case number, and date range. Public court records that are viewed through this channel include criminal, civil, traffic, and probate case information. However, sealed cases and certain family matters have restricted online access. Alternatively, requesters may complete the Court Records Request online form to obtain the desired record.

Florida attorneys and individuals requiring enhanced access may apply for a "free secure registered user login" by completing a Walton County Access Agreement and submitting the notarized agreement to the Clerk's office. This extended access allows registered users to view certain records that are not available to the general public.

In-Person Access

Members of the public may access Walton County court records in person by visiting either of the two Clerk of Courts Offices, where staff are available to assist with records inquiries during business hours. Both locations maintain public access terminals where visitors may view electronic records at no charge. Visitors to the Clerk of Courts Office can

  • Access public terminals
  • Inspect physical case files
  • Request certified & uncertified copies of records
  • Submit written court record request forms

A valid means of identification may be required for in-person record inspection.

Mail and Phone Requests

Pursuant to Florida court rules, requests for judicial branch records may be submitted in writing to the records custodian (Clerk of Courts). The request must provide sufficient data to enable the custodian to identify the records sought. A typical mail request should contain

  • The case number, party names, or other identifying case information
  • The requester's contact information

Mail requests should be directed to the Walton County Clerk's Records Management Liaison Officer (RMLO).

Fees for Court Records in Walton County

Viewing public court records is free, but obtaining physical copies incurs costs. Accessing copies incurs processing costs, including staff search time, document printing, and certification. Common fees in Walton County include

  • Uncertified copies: $1 per page
  • Certified copies: $2 per document, plus $1 per page
  • Search fee: $2 per year

Note: Extensive records requests may incur additional service charges if requiring significant technology, clerical, or staff assistance. Interested persons may visit the Walton Courts' Fee Schedule for complete court record fees.

Walton County Courthouse Locations

Walton County's judicial matters are handled by the First Judicial Circuit and the Walton County Clerk of Courts, which operates two offices for residents in the north and south. Both offices are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on scheduled holidays. The court addresses are listed below:

Walton County Courthouse

571 U.S. Highway 90

East DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Phone: (850) 892-8115

South Walton County Courthouse Annex

31 Coastal Center Boulevard

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Phone: (850) 267-3066

Criminal Records Access in Walton County

Official statewide criminal history records in Florida are maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) through its Division of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), rather than by county courts. The FDLE serves as the state's central repository for criminal history information and compiles criminal records from all jurisdictions throughout Florida. These statewide criminal records are maintained via fingerprint-based identification.

The FDLE offers official background checks that include personal identifying details and comprehensive criminal histories. These official background reports are available upon authorized request for a baseline fee of $24 per search.

At the county level, the Walton County Clerk of Courts manages local criminal case records. Individuals seeking local criminal case information may search the Clerk's Online Court Records Search portal, use public access kiosks at the courthouse, or submit written requests.

Walton County Probate Records

Walton County probate records are court files related to the administration of estates and other legal matters related to incapacitated persons. The Walton County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller maintains these records and makes them available to the public. Common types of probate filings include wills, estate inventories, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.

More recent probate filings may be available through the Clerk's Online Court Records Search portal, while older records may require an in-person visit. Certain probate matters, including cases involving minors or confidential medical information in guardianship proceedings, are usually restricted from public access.

Walton County Family Court Records

Family court records cover a range of legal matters handled by the Circuit Court's Family Law Division. These records include divorce, child custody and support, domestic violence and civil injunctions, paternity, and adoption proceedings. Most family court records are searchable through the Walton County Circuit Clerk's Online Court Records Search portal. However, adoption records and cases involving minors are typically sealed from public access to protect the privacy of involved parties.

Certified copies needed for legal purposes, including name changes, remarriage, or enforcement of court orders, can be obtained in person from the courthouse where the case was filed.

Federal Court Records in Walton County

Federal court records involve cases prosecuted under federal law, such as federal criminal charges, civil rights violations, bankruptcy, and immigration matters. These cases are distinct from county court records maintained by the Walton County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Federal cases arising within the County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Interested persons can access these court records online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), upon registration.

Bankruptcy cases occurring in Walton County are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida.

Walton County Court