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Walton County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Walton County?

Public records in Walton County refer to documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, tax records, and various other official documents. The Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller is the primary custodian of many of these records, maintaining them for public access in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes).

The purpose of public records is to ensure transparency in government operations and to provide citizens with access to information that may affect their lives, properties, or businesses. In Walton County, many of these records are now available online through the Clerk's official website, though some records may still require in-person visits to access.

Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller, 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Is Walton County an Open Records County?

Yes, Walton County is an open records county. Like all counties in Florida, Walton County operates under Florida's Public Records Law, which is considered one of the most comprehensive open government laws in the United States. This law, often referred to as the "Sunshine Law," establishes the right of access to governmental proceedings and records.

The law presumes that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This means that citizens have the right to access, inspect, and copy public records maintained by Walton County government agencies during normal business hours.

The Walton County government and the Clerk of Courts & Comptroller are committed to transparency and provide various methods for accessing public records, including online portals, in-person requests, and written requests.

Walton County Administration, 76 North 6th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

How Do I Find Public Records in Walton County in 2025

Finding public records in Walton County in 2025 has become more streamlined with enhanced digital access options. Here are the primary methods:

  1. Online Access: The most convenient way to access many public records is through the Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller's website. They offer several online search tools:

    • Official Records Search for property records, mortgages, liens, etc.
    • Court Records Search for civil, criminal, and traffic cases
    • Marriage Records Search
    • Tax Deed and Foreclosure information

  2. In-Person Requests: Visit the Walton County Clerk's office in person to request records. Staff can assist with searches and provide copies of documents.

  3. Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the specific agency that maintains the records you seek. Include specific details about the records you're requesting.

  4. County Offices: Different types of records are maintained by various county offices:

    • Property records: Property Appraiser's Office
    • Vital records (birth/death certificates): Health Department
    • Tax records: Tax Collector's Office
    • Voting records: Supervisor of Elections

Walton County Property Appraiser, 49 North 6th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Walton County Health Department, 362 State Highway 83, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Walton County Tax Collector, 49 North 6th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Walton County Supervisor of Elections, 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Walton County?

The cost to obtain public records in Walton County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested. The county follows Florida Statutes regarding fees for public records. Here's a general breakdown:

  1. Copy Fees:

    • Standard paper copies (letter or legal size): $0.15 per one-sided page
    • Double-sided copies: $0.20 per page
    • Certified copies: Additional $1.00 per document

  2. Special Service Charges:

    • If a request requires extensive use of information technology resources or clerical assistance, additional fees may apply based on the actual cost of the resources used
    • These charges are calculated based on the labor cost of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work

  3. Electronic Records:

    • Records provided electronically may have reduced fees or, in some cases, may be provided at no cost if they're readily available in electronic format
    • CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc

  4. Search Fees:

    • Basic searches are typically provided without a search fee
    • Complex searches requiring significant staff time may incur special service charges

It's recommended to inquire about specific fees when making your request, as they may have been adjusted since this information was published.

Walton County Records Management, 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Does Walton County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Walton County does offer some public records for free, particularly through online access. Here's what you should know about free public records in Walton County:

  1. Online Access: Many records can be viewed for free through the Walton County Clerk's website and other county department websites:

    • The Official Records Search allows free viewing of recorded documents
    • Court case information can be viewed for free through the Court Records Search
    • The Property Appraiser's website offers free property record searches
    • The Tax Collector's website provides free tax record searches

  2. In-Person Inspection: Florida law allows for the free inspection of public records during normal business hours. You can visit the appropriate county office and view records without charge, though copying them may incur fees.

  3. Limitations: While viewing many records is free, obtaining copies (physical or electronic) typically involves fees as outlined in the previous section.

  4. Public Access Computers: The Clerk's office and some other county facilities provide public access computers where citizens can search and view records for free.

It's important to note that while inspection is free, extensive searches requiring significant staff time may still incur special service charges even if you don't request copies.

Walton County Public Library, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Who Can Request Public Records In Walton County?

In Walton County, as throughout Florida, public records are available to anyone regardless of citizenship, residency, age, or purpose. The Florida Public Records Law is designed to be inclusive, with the following characteristics:

  1. Universal Access: Any person, including:

    • Florida residents
    • Out-of-state residents
    • Foreign nationals
    • Businesses and organizations
    • Media representatives
    • Anonymous requesters

  2. No Purpose Required: Requesters do not need to explain why they want the records or how they plan to use them.

  3. No Identification Required: In most cases, you are not required to provide identification to access public records, though some specific records may require verification of identity to prevent fraud or protect confidential information.

  4. No Age Restrictions: There are no age restrictions for requesting public records, though certain records with sensitive content may have access limitations.

  5. No Format Requirements: Requests can be made verbally, in writing, by email, or in person. However, written requests are recommended for complex searches to ensure clarity.

The broad accessibility of public records reflects Florida's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information.

Walton County Attorney's Office, 161 East Sloss Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

What Records Are Confidential In Walton County?

While Walton County operates under Florida's open records laws, certain records are exempt from public disclosure to protect privacy, security, and other important interests. These confidential records include:

  1. Personal Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Bank account numbers
    • Credit card numbers
    • Medical and health information
    • Home addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth of certain public employees (law enforcement, judges, etc.)

  2. Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active criminal investigations
    • Confidential informant identities
    • Surveillance techniques
    • Undercover personnel information

  3. Juvenile Records:

    • Most juvenile criminal records
    • Dependency proceedings

  4. Family and Children's Records:

    • Child abuse reports and investigations
    • Adoption records
    • Certain domestic violence records

  5. Security Information:

    • Building security plans
    • Computer security information
    • Emergency response plans

  6. Business Information:

    • Trade secrets
    • Certain economic development information

  7. Attorney-Client Communications:

    • Communications between the county and its attorneys regarding litigation

  8. Personnel Records:

    • Employee medical information
    • Employee evaluation documents prior to completion

These exemptions are defined by Florida Statutes and may change with legislative updates. When requesting records, be aware that confidential information may be redacted from documents before they are released.

Florida Department of Children and Families, 5 Perry Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Lookup Public Records in Walton County

Walton County offers several resources for accessing public records. Here are the key online portals and services available:

For records not available online or for assistance with your search, contact the appropriate county office directly. Many departments have staff dedicated to helping citizens access public information efficiently.

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