Walton County Court Records
What Is Walton County Court Records
Walton County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Walton County court system that document judicial proceedings, case filings, and court actions. These records serve as the official account of all matters brought before the courts within Walton County, Florida. Court records are generated pursuant to Florida Statutes §28.222, which mandates the proper documentation of court proceedings.
The Walton County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of these records. The Clerk's office is responsible for:
- Recording and maintaining all court filings
- Processing case documents
- Preserving the official record of court proceedings
- Providing public access to non-confidential records
- Certifying official copies of court documents
Court records may exist in both physical and electronic formats, with the county increasingly transitioning to digital record-keeping systems in accordance with Florida's commitment to judicial transparency and efficiency.
Walton County Clerk of Court 571 US Highway 90 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: (850) 892-8115 Walton County Clerk of Court Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Are Court Records Public In Walton County
Court records in Walton County are generally considered public documents in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. These laws establish the public's right to access government records, including court documents, with certain exceptions.
Members of the public may access non-confidential court records through the following means:
- In-person requests at the Walton County Courthouse
- Online access through approved electronic portals
- Written requests submitted to the Clerk of Court
However, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure or may have restricted access pursuant to Florida Statutes §119.071 and court rules. These exemptions typically include:
- Records involving juvenile proceedings (except as provided in §985.04, Florida Statutes)
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Certain family court matters
- Documents containing sensitive personal information
- Records where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation
The determination of whether a specific court record is accessible to the public is made in accordance with applicable Florida law and the administrative orders of the First Judicial Circuit, which includes Walton County.
How To Find Court Records in Walton County in 2025
Accessing court records in Walton County in 2025 involves several established methods that accommodate both in-person and remote inquiries. The Walton County Clerk of Court maintains these records in accordance with Florida Statutes §28.13.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Walton County Courthouse 571 US Highway 90 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: (850) 892-8115 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
South Walton Courthouse Annex 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 Phone: (850) 267-3066 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The process for obtaining court records typically involves:
- Completing a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Presenting valid identification
- Paying applicable fees for copies or certified documents
- Allowing processing time for record retrieval
For remote access, requestors may:
- Submit requests via the Florida Courts website
- Utilize the online case search system maintained by the Clerk's office
- Send written requests by mail with appropriate fees enclosed
- Contact the Records Department at (850) 892-8115 for assistance
Fees for court records are established pursuant to Florida Statutes §28.24 and may include charges for copies, certification, and research time.
How To Look Up Court Records in Walton County Online?
Walton County provides digital access to court records through several online platforms in compliance with Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC16-14. These electronic systems allow for convenient retrieval of public court information without visiting the courthouse.
The primary online resources for accessing Walton County court records include:
- The Walton County Clerk of Court's official website, which provides a case search function for public records
- The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which allows registered users to access case documents
- The Florida Virtual Courtroom Directory, which provides information about court proceedings and schedules
To conduct an online search, users typically need to provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Party names (plaintiff/defendant)
- Date range of case filing
- Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
Certain limitations apply to online access pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which restricts access to confidential information. Additionally, some older records may not be available in digital format and may require in-person requests.
Users should note that while basic case information is generally available without charge, fees may apply for downloading documents or accessing certain detailed records in accordance with Florida Statutes §28.24.
Can You Search Walton County Court Records for Free?
Walton County provides limited free access to certain court record information in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency. The availability of free record searches is governed by Florida Statutes §28.24 and local administrative policies.
Free access options include:
- Basic case information searches through the Clerk's public access portal
- In-person viewing of non-confidential records at the courthouse public terminals
- Limited information available through the Florida Courts website
However, fees are typically assessed for:
- Printed copies of documents (generally $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($2.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Research assistance from clerk staff ($2.00 per name search)
- Complete case file copies
- Expedited service requests
The Walton County Clerk of Court maintains public access terminals at both courthouse locations where members of the public may view electronic records without charge during regular business hours. These terminals provide access to non-confidential court records while maintaining compliance with privacy protections required under Florida law.
Individuals seeking extensive records or requiring certified copies should anticipate associated costs as prescribed by Florida Statutes §28.24.
What's Included in a Walton County Court Record?
Walton County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings as required by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include several standard components.
A complete court record commonly contains:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
- Summonses and service of process documentation
- Pleadings, motions, and responses filed by parties
- Court orders and judicial rulings
- Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Evidence admitted during proceedings
- Final judgments and dispositions
- Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents
For criminal cases, additional components may include:
- Arrest reports and booking information
- Charging documents
- Bail and bond records
- Pre-trial motions and discovery
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports
Family court records often contain sensitive information and may have restricted access pursuant to Florida Statutes §119.071(4)(d). These records typically include financial affidavits, parenting plans, and other personal documentation.
Court records are maintained in their original format or as digital images in the Clerk's case management system, with retention periods determined by Florida's records retention schedules.
How Long Does Walton County Keep Court Records?
Walton County retains court records according to schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes §257.36. These retention periods vary based on case type and significance.
Standard retention periods include:
- Felony cases: 75 years from final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Civil litigation: 10 years after final judgment
- Probate matters: 10 years after closing
- Domestic relations cases: 75 years from final judgment
- Traffic infractions: 3 years after final disposition
- Juvenile records: Until the subject reaches age 24 or 5 years after last activity
Records of significant historical or legal value may be designated for permanent retention. Additionally, certain case types, such as capital felonies and matters involving real property, are maintained permanently.
The Walton County Clerk of Court implements these retention schedules while ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations regarding record preservation. After the prescribed retention period expires, records may be destroyed in accordance with proper procedures outlined in Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-24.003.
Individuals seeking older records should contact the Records Department at (850) 892-8115 to determine availability and retrieval options.
Types of Courts In Walton County
Walton County's judicial system operates within Florida's unified court structure and includes several levels of courts with distinct jurisdictions. These courts function under the authority of the Florida Constitution Article V and applicable state statutes.
The court system in Walton County includes:
-
Circuit Court (First Judicial Circuit of Florida)
- Handles felonies, civil cases over $30,000, probate, family matters, and juvenile cases
- Located at 571 US Highway 90, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
-
County Court
- Processes misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, traffic cases, and small claims
- Located at both the main courthouse and South Walton Annex
-
Federal Court jurisdiction (for federal matters)
- Northern District of Florida
- Pensacola Division serving Walton County
- 1 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
- Phone: (850) 435-8440
Specialized divisions within these courts include:
- Drug Court
- Veterans Court
- Mental Health Court
- Family Court
- Probate Division
The First Judicial Circuit, which includes Walton County, is administered under the authority of a Chief Judge who oversees judicial assignments and administrative matters for the circuit in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.
What Types of Cases Do Walton County Courts Hear?
Walton County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional boundaries established by Florida Statutes. The case types are distributed among different court levels based on case value, severity, and subject matter.
Circuit Court cases include:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil disputes involving more than $30,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
- Probate and guardianship proceedings
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency
- Appeals from County Court decisions
- Real property and mortgage foreclosure cases
County Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes up to $30,000
- Small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions and violations
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Ordinance violations
Specialized proceedings available in Walton County include:
- Baker Act hearings (involuntary mental health examinations)
- Marchman Act proceedings (substance abuse treatment)
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Risk protection orders
- Name changes
- Marriage license issuance through the Clerk of Court
Certain vital records, including marriage certificates dated after June 6, 1927, are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Walton County, while earlier records are available through the Clerk of Court.
Case assignment within the court system follows procedures established by administrative order of the Chief Judge of the First Judicial Circuit.
How To Find a Court Docket In Walton County
Court dockets in Walton County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case listings for matters before the court. These dockets are maintained pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 and are generally accessible to the public.
To access court dockets, individuals may utilize the following methods:
-
Visit the Clerk's office in person at either courthouse location:
- 571 US Highway 90, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
- 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
-
Access online docket information through:
- The Clerk's official website case search function
- The Florida Courts website
- The Florida Virtual Courtroom Directory for hearing schedules
-
Contact the Clerk's office by phone at (850) 892-8115 for docket information
When searching for docket information, users should be prepared to provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing or hearing
- Case type
Daily dockets are typically posted in the courthouse lobbies and may be available on electronic displays. Weekly dockets for upcoming proceedings are generally prepared in advance and may be accessed through the Clerk's office or online resources.
Attorneys of record receive notifications of docket entries through the e-filing system as required by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.
Which Courts in Walton County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Walton County's judicial system, certain proceedings do not generate official verbatim transcripts and are therefore not considered "courts of record" as defined by Florida Statutes §34.01. These non-record courts handle specific types of matters with simplified procedures.
The primary non-record proceedings in Walton County include:
-
Small Claims Court (for cases under $8,000)
- Governed by Florida Small Claims Rules
- Designed for self-represented litigants
- Simplified procedures without formal rules of evidence
- No court reporter present unless privately arranged
-
Traffic Court for civil infractions
- Handles non-criminal traffic violations
- Proceedings are summary in nature
- No verbatim record unless requested by a party
-
Code Enforcement Hearings
- Administrative proceedings for county ordinance violations
- Conducted by special magistrates rather than judges
- Records maintained administratively rather than judicially
While these proceedings do not automatically generate verbatim transcripts, parties may:
- Request a court reporter at their own expense
- Record proceedings with permission pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.450
- Obtain a statement of evidence or proceedings in accordance with appellate rules
Appeals from non-record courts are typically heard de novo (anew) in Circuit Court, meaning the case is reheard completely rather than reviewed based on a transcript.
The Walton County Clerk maintains basic case information for these proceedings, but detailed transcripts are not part of the official record unless specially arranged.
Lookup Court Records in Walton County
Search Walton County court records online
Access Florida court case information
Find virtual courtroom proceedings