Flagler County Public Records /Flagler County Court Records

Flagler County Court Records

What Is Flagler County Court Records

Court records in Flagler County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records are maintained by the Flagler County Clerk of Court as the official custodian of court documents. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.222, the Clerk is responsible for recording and maintaining all court records.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
Docket sheets listing chronological case events
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing records in criminal cases
Settlement agreements in civil matters
Jury verdicts and judicial opinions

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by different government agencies.

In Flagler County, court records are maintained by several courts within the Florida court system:

Circuit Court (7th Judicial Circuit)
County Court
Family Court Division
Probate Court Division
Small Claims Court

The records encompass various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 2.420, governs the maintenance and accessibility of these court records.

Are Court Records Public In Flagler County

Court records in Flagler County are generally public documents accessible to any person, as established by Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter § 119 of the Florida Statutes, and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. This constitutional provision guarantees the public's right to access government records, including court documents.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (including complaints, answers, and motions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Hearing schedules and calendars
Final dispositions and sentencing information

However, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure or subject to confidentiality restrictions. According to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.420, records that may be confidential include:

Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings
Adoption records
Mental health evaluations
Social security numbers and financial account information
Certain family court records involving domestic violence
Grand jury proceedings
Records sealed by court order

It is important to note that federal court records in Florida are governed by different access rules than state court records. Federal court documents are accessible through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, while Flagler County court records are managed through the Florida Courts system.

How To Find Court Records in Flagler County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Flagler County have multiple methods available to access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Flagler County Courthouse Records Department during regular business hours.
Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, or other identifying information.
Present valid photo identification.
Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies).

Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building #1
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400
Flagler County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Online Access:

Navigate to the Flagler County Clerk's online records portal.
Register for an account if accessing non-public records.
Use the search function to locate records by case number, party name, filing date, or case type.
View documents online or purchase copies for download.

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the Clerk's Office by mail or email.
Include specific case information, document types needed, and contact information.
Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery if requesting by mail.

For specialized court records, contact the specific division:

Criminal Court Records:
Flagler County Courthouse
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400

Family Court Records:
Family Court Services
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4550

Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, certain records may require a court order for access. In such cases, individuals must file a motion with the presiding judge explaining the need for access to sealed or confidential records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Flagler County Online?

Flagler County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. The primary online resources for accessing court documents electronically include:

Flagler County Clerk's Records Search:

Visit the Flagler County Clerk's official records search portal.
Select the appropriate record type (court records, official records, etc.).
Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range.
Review search results and select specific documents to view.
Documents may be viewed online, printed, or saved as PDF files.
Note that certain document types may require payment for access.

Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:

Access the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Register for an account (required for document access).
Select Flagler County from the jurisdiction menu.
Search for cases using party names or case numbers.
View publicly available documents associated with cases.

Florida Appellate Case Information System: For appellate cases involving Flagler County matters:

Navigate to the Florida Appellate Case Information System.
Search by case number, party name, or attorney.
Access opinions, orders, and docket information for cases on appeal.

Specialized Case Types:

For traffic citations: Use the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Citation Payment System.
For probate matters: Access the Flagler County Probate Search.
For foreclosure cases: Visit the Flagler County Foreclosure Sales.

When using these online systems, users should be aware that:

Some documents may be redacted to protect confidential information
Certain case types (juvenile, adoption) have restricted online access
Technical assistance is available by contacting the Clerk's Office IT Department at (386) 313-4400
Document viewing may require compatible software (Adobe Reader)

How To Search Flagler County Court Records for Free?

Florida law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records at no cost, as established in Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), which states that "every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records."

The following free options are available for accessing Flagler County court records:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Flagler County Courthouse during regular business hours.
Request to inspect specific case files at public access terminals.
No fee is charged for viewing records, though identification may be required.
Take notes or request copies (copying fees apply).

Flagler County Courthouse
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Free Online Resources:

Flagler County Court Records Search - Basic case information and docket listings are available without charge.
Florida Supreme Court Case Information - Free access to opinions and case dockets for Florida Supreme Court cases.
Flagler County Clerk's Public Records Search - Limited free searches for basic case information.

Public Library Access:

Flagler County Public Library provides free computer access to online court records.
Library staff can assist with navigating the court records systems.

Flagler County Public Library
2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW
Palm Coast, FL 32137
(386) 446-6763
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

While basic record searches are free, fees may apply for:

Printed or electronic copies ($0.15 per page)
Certified copies ($1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee)
Research assistance ($2.00 per name search if clerk performs search)
Specialized searches requiring extensive staff time

Pursuant to Florida Administrative Order AOSC14-19, certain online court records may require user registration, but the registration process itself is free of charge.

What's Included in a Flagler County Court Record?

Flagler County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the lawsuit
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Discovery documents (interrogatories, depositions)
Exhibits and evidence presented
Court orders and rulings
Final judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment motions and enforcement documents
Appeal documents (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (information, indictment)
Arrest warrant or probable cause affidavit
Defendant's plea
Bond information
Pre-trial motions
Evidence inventory
Witness lists
Trial transcripts (if requested)
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation reports
Appeal documents (if applicable)

Family Law Records:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Financial affidavits
Parenting plans
Child support worksheets
Mediation agreements
Temporary relief orders
Final judgment
Post-judgment modification requests

Probate Records:

Will (if testate)
Petition for administration
Letters of administration
Inventory of assets
Claims against the estate
Accounting reports
Orders of distribution
Closing documents

Case Docket: All case types include a chronological docket listing:

Date and description of each filing
Hearing dates and outcomes
Identity of filing party
Judicial assignments
Service information
Fee payments

According to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.420(b)(1), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public view, including social security numbers, bank account numbers, and information identifying minors.

The Flagler County Clerk of Court maintains these records in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Florida Rules of Court.

How Long Does Flagler County Keep Court Records?

Flagler 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 by record type and case disposition.

Criminal Case Records:

Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Non-capital felony cases: 75 years from case closure
Misdemeanor cases: 10 years from case closure
Criminal appeals: 10 years after mandate or final order
Traffic infractions: 3 years after final disposition

Civil Case Records:

Circuit civil cases: 10 years after case closure
County civil cases: 5 years after case closure
Small claims cases: 5 years after case closure
Civil appeals: 10 years after mandate or final order
Foreclosure cases: 10 years after case closure

Family Law Records:

Dissolution of marriage: 75 years from final judgment
Domestic violence cases: 5 years after last activity
Child support enforcement: 75 years after case closure
Adoption records: Permanent retention
Paternity cases: 75 years after final judgment

Probate Records:

Estates: 10 years after case closure
Guardianship: 10 years after termination of guardianship
Mental health proceedings: 5 years after case closure

Court Administration Records:

Court minutes and recordings: 10 years
Exhibits: 90 days after final appeal period expires
Jury records: 1 year after jury service ends

The Florida Courts system has implemented electronic document management systems that allow for longer retention of digital records than the minimum periods required by statute. Many records that have been digitized are retained indefinitely, even after physical copies may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.

Records of historical significance may be transferred to the Florida State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed after their retention period expires.

Individuals seeking older records should contact the Flagler County Clerk's Office to determine if the records are still available or have been transferred to archival storage.

Types of Courts In Flagler County

Flagler County's court system operates within Florida's unified court structure, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictional functions. The following courts currently operate within Flagler County:

Flagler County Circuit Court (7th Judicial Circuit)
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400
Seventh Judicial Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over:

Felony criminal cases
Civil disputes exceeding $30,000
Probate and guardianship matters
Family law cases (divorce, custody, support)
Juvenile dependency and delinquency
Appeals from County Court decisions

Flagler County Court
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400
Flagler County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The County Court handles:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Civil disputes up to $30,000
Small claims (up to $8,000)
Traffic infractions
Landlord/tenant disputes
Ordinance violations

Flagler County Family Court Division
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Flagler County Drug Court
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4520
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Flagler County Veterans Treatment Court
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4540
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Florida court hierarchy continues beyond Flagler County with:

Fifth District Court of Appeal
300 South Beach Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 947-1530
Fifth District Court of Appeal
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Florida Supreme Court
500 South Duval Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-0125
Florida Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

All Flagler County courts operate under the administrative oversight of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which also includes Volusia, St. Johns, and Putnam counties.

What Types of Cases Do Flagler County Courts Hear?

Flagler County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Florida Statutes. The distribution of case types among the courts is as follows:

Flagler County Circuit Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions (punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
Civil actions with damages exceeding $30,000
Real property and mortgage foreclosure matters
Domestic relations cases:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Alimony and child support determinations
- Paternity actions
- Adoptions
Probate and estate administration
Guardianship proceedings
Juvenile dependency and delinquency matters
Mental health commitments
Appeals from County Court decisions

Flagler County Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by less than one year imprisonment)
Criminal traffic violations
Civil actions with damages between $8,000 and $30,000
Small claims disputes (up to $8,000)
Civil traffic infractions
Landlord/tenant evictions
County and municipal ordinance violations
Domestic violence injunctions

Specialized Court Programs:

Flagler County also operates several specialized court programs that handle specific case types:

Drug Court:

Non-violent drug offenses
Substance abuse treatment supervision
Diversion programs for qualifying defendants

Veterans Treatment Court:

Criminal cases involving military veterans
Treatment-based alternatives to incarceration
Cases involving mental health or substance abuse issues related to military service

Mental Health Court:

Criminal cases involving defendants with mental illness
Treatment-based alternatives to incarceration
Competency proceedings

Teen Court:

Juvenile misdemeanor offenses
Peer-based alternative sentencing
First-time youth offenders

Case assignment within the Flagler County court system follows the jurisdictional guidelines established in Florida Statutes § 26.012 (Circuit Court) and § 34.01 (County Court). The Florida Courts system provides administrative oversight for all courts within the state's unified court structure.

How To Find a Court Docket In Flagler County

Court dockets in Flagler County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Flagler County Clerk's official website.
Select "Court Records" from the main navigation menu.
Choose "Daily Docket" to view current court calendars or "Case Search" for specific case dockets.
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range).
Review the chronological listing of all filings, hearings, and court actions.

Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:

Access the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Register for a free account.
Select "Case Search" from the main menu.
Choose Flagler County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
Enter case information to locate the docket.

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the Flagler County Courthouse during business hours.
Proceed to the Clerk's Office Records Department.
Request to view dockets at public access terminals.
Provide case number or party names to locate specific dockets.

Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court
1769 E. Moody Boulevard
Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 313-4400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Daily Court Calendars:

Access the Flagler County Daily Docket online.
Select the specific court division (Circuit, County, Family, etc.).
Choose the date to view scheduled hearings and proceedings.
Calendars are typically updated each business day.

Appellate Case Dockets: For cases on appeal from Flagler County:

Visit the Florida Appellate Case Information System.
Search by case number, party name, or attorney.
View docket entries showing all appellate filings and decisions.

When searching for dockets, users should note:

Case numbers in Flagler County follow the format: YYYY-XX-###### (YYYY = year filed, XX = case type code, ###### = sequential number)
Criminal dockets may have restricted information compared to civil dockets
Some docket entries may link to viewable documents, while others may require in-person inspection
Docket information is updated by clerk staff as proceedings occur

For assistance with locating specific docket information, contact the Flagler County Clerk's Office Records Department at (386) 313-4430.

Which Courts in Flagler County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Florida judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded, preserved, and subject to review by higher courts. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 34.01(5), all county courts are designated as courts of record. Similarly, under Florida Statutes § 26.52, circuit courts are established as courts of record.

Currently, Flagler County does not have any courts that are classified as "not of record." All judicial proceedings in Flagler County take place in either:

The Flagler County Circuit Court (7th Judicial Circuit) - a court of record
The Flagler County Court - a court of record

Historically, Florida had justice of the peace courts and municipal courts that were not courts of record. However, these were abolished following the 1972 revision of Article V of the Florida Constitution, which established a unified court system throughout the state.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant because:

Courts of record maintain verbatim transcripts or recordings of proceedings
Decisions from courts of record are appealed based on the record established at trial
Courts of record follow formal rules of evidence and procedure
Judges in courts of record must be attorneys

While all formal courts in Flagler County are courts of record, certain administrative proceedings may occur before quasi-judicial bodies that are not courts of record, such as:

Code Enforcement Boards
Value Adjustment Boards
Local Planning and Zoning Boards

These administrative bodies, while they may conduct hearings and make determinations affecting rights, are not part of the judicial branch and are not courts in the constitutional sense. Their proceedings may be recorded, but they are not considered courts of record under Florida law.

Appeals from these administrative bodies typically proceed to the Circuit Court, which conducts a review based on the administrative record.