Taylor County civil court records are public files held by the Clerk of Court in Perry, Florida. These records include lawsuits, judgments, contracts, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and other civil cases filed in Taylor County.
Anyone can look at these records for free online or in person at the clerk’s office.
Taylor County Clerk of Court and Records Office
The Clerk of Court runs the records system for Taylor County. Gary Knowles is the current Clerk of Court. His office stores every civil case file, processes new filings, and gives copies to the public.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk’s office sits at 108 North Jefferson Street in Perry, Florida 32347. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can visit the office to ask for civil court records in person. Staff can help you search for a case by name or case number.
Contact Details for the Clerk
You can call the clerk’s office at (850) 838-3506. The clerk’s website is taylorclerk.com. The site links to online search tools for civil court records in Taylor County. You can also email or visit the office during work hours.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Gary Knowles |
| Address | 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347 |
| Phone | (850) 838-3506 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | taylorclerk.com |
Services Offered by the Clerk
The clerk’s office handles civil, family, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. For civil court records, the office lets you search by name or case number. Staff process new filings, store documents, and issue certified copies. You can request certified copies of judgments, orders, and other civil court papers.
How to Search Taylor County Civil Court Records
You can search Taylor County civil court records online for free. The clerk’s website links to the case search tool that covers all civil case types. You can search by party name or case number to get results. The system shows case type, filing date, and docket entries.
Online Search Methods
The online search connects to the statewide court records system. This portal lets you look up civil cases across many Florida counties from one place. You can search by party name or case number to find Taylor County records.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal gives access to Taylor County civil court records. This statewide system connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases through the portal at any time. Registration is free. Filing fees apply when you submit papers to Taylor County.
In-Person Search Steps
For in-person searches, go to the clerk’s office at 108 N Jefferson St in Perry. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Bring your photo ID when you visit for civil court records.
- Visit the clerk’s office during work hours.
- Bring a photo ID and case details.
- Ask staff to search by name or case number.
- Pay for copies or certified copies.
Civil Court Structure in Taylor County
Taylor County sits inside the 3rd Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, and Suwannee counties. Civil cases in Taylor County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in the claim.
Circuit Court Cases
Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property claims. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court in Taylor County. These cases follow formal court rules and procedures.
County Court Cases
County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court too. Eviction cases are heard in County Court as well. County Court cases are simpler and faster than Circuit Court cases.
Choosing the Right Court Level
If you are not sure which court level handles your civil case, the clerk’s office in Taylor County can point you the right way. The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for Taylor County and every other county in the state. You can check this page to confirm where to file.
Types of Civil Cases in Taylor County
Civil court records cover many types of disputes. Taylor County hears cases about contracts, property, debt, injuries, and family matters. Each case type has its own court procedures and forms.
Contract Disputes
Contract disputes happen when one party claims another broke a deal. These cases may involve unpaid debts, broken service contracts, or missed payments. Taylor County Circuit Court hears contract disputes over $30,000. County Court handles smaller contract claims.
Landlord-Tenant Cases
Landlord-tenant cases include evictions, unpaid rent, and property damage. These cases go through County Court in Taylor County. Landlords must follow Florida law when filing for eviction. Tenants can also file claims against landlords for unsafe living conditions.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cover disputes up to $8,000. Common small claims cases include unpaid bills, property damage, and minor contract issues. The process is simpler and faster than regular civil court. You do not need a lawyer to file a small claim in Taylor County.
Personal Injury and Other Cases
Personal injury cases involve harm caused by another party’s actions. These cases usually go to Circuit Court because they often involve larger dollar amounts. Other civil cases include mortgage foreclosures, civil rights claims, and business disputes. Each case type follows specific Florida court rules.
Confidential Information in Civil Court Records
Florida law protects certain information in civil court records. Social security numbers and bank account or credit card numbers cannot appear in public court files. If these show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to take them out.
Redaction Process
To request redaction from Taylor County civil court records, file the “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form. List the case name, case number, document title, and page where the information shows. The clerk will black it out from the public copy. There is no fee for this in Taylor County.
Notice of Confidential Information Form
Attorneys and parties who file civil court papers in Taylor County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags protected data so the clerk can keep it out of public view. Filing this form helps protect your private data.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Taylor County
People handling civil cases on their own can find help through Florida Courts. The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for civil cases. The clerk’s office in Taylor County cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for your civil case.
DIY Florida Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It asks you questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. More than 20 form sets are available for small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Taylor County clerk.
E-Filing Portal Help Desk
The E-Filing Portal help desk is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time at (850) 577-4609. Call if you need help with electronic filing of civil court cases in Taylor County. Training videos on the portal walk through the steps for new users.
Public Records Laws in Florida
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Taylor County. You do not need to be a party in a case to see the file.
Limits on Public Access
Some limits apply. Section 119.0714 lists items that stay confidential, like social security numbers and bank account numbers. Records sealed by court order are also off limits. Most civil court files in Taylor County are open to the public, but a few sealed cases stay private.
Costs for Copies
For in-person access, visit the clerk’s office at 108 N Jefferson St in Perry. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The Find a Clerk directory lists contact info for all 67 county clerks if you need to reach another office for civil court records.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Filing a new civil case in Taylor County costs money. The amount depends on the case type and court level. County Court civil cases have lower fees than Circuit Court cases. Small claims cases cost less than standard civil lawsuits.
Standard Filing Fees
Civil cases over $30,000 filed in Circuit Court cost more to file. Civil cases up to $30,000 filed in County Court have lower fees. Small claims cases cost the least. You can pay filing fees by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s office.
Additional Costs
You may need to pay for service of process, court reporters, and copies. Service of process costs extra when the clerk serves papers to the other party. Certified copies of court documents cost more than regular copies. Ask the clerk’s office for a full list of fees before you file.
Searching by Name, Case Number, or Date
You can search Taylor County civil court records three ways. Each method works for different needs. The online portal and in-person staff can help you with all three search types.
Party Name Search
A party name search lets you find cases by the name of a person or business involved. You can search by first name, last name, or full name. The system shows all matching cases. You can then click on a case to see the full docket and documents.
Case Number Search
A case number search is faster when you know the exact case number. Case numbers follow a format that includes the year, court type, and sequence. Enter the full case number to get the right file. The clerk can help you find the case number if you do not have it.
Date Range Search
A date range search lets you find cases filed between two dates. This helps when you need all cases from a specific time period. The online portal lets you set start and end dates. You can also ask staff to run a date search at the clerk’s counter.
Accessing Docket Sheets and Case Documents
Docket sheets show every step in a civil case. They list filings, hearings, orders, and judgments. Case documents include the actual papers filed by both sides. You can view docket sheets and documents through the online portal or at the clerk’s office.
What Is on a Docket Sheet
A docket sheet shows the case name, case number, judge, and party names. It lists every filing with the date and document type. You can see hearing dates, motion rulings, and final judgments. Docket sheets help you track the progress of a civil case.
Viewing Case Documents
Case documents include complaints, answers, motions, and orders. Some documents are available online through the portal. Other documents require a visit to the clerk’s office. You can request copies of any public document for a small fee per page.
Cities and Communities in Taylor County
Taylor County has a few small communities. All civil court cases for these places go through the Taylor County Clerk of Court. Perry is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.
Perry as the County Seat
Perry is the only city in Taylor County. There are no other incorporated cities with separate court facilities. All civil cases go through the Taylor County clerk’s office in Perry. The courthouse is at the same address as the clerk’s office on Jefferson Street.
Unincorporated Areas
Most of Taylor County outside Perry is unincorporated. People living in these areas still use the Taylor County clerk’s office for civil cases. Small towns like Steinhatchee, Shady Grove, and Foley fall under Taylor County court jurisdiction.
Nearby Counties in the 3rd Judicial Circuit
Six other counties sit inside the 3rd Judicial Circuit with Taylor County. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction.
Circuit County List
The 3rd Judicial Circuit covers Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor counties. Each county has its own clerk’s office and courthouse. You can file civil cases in any of these counties based on where the dispute happened.
Checking the Right County
You must file your civil case in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute took place. Filing in the wrong county can lead to your case being dismissed. The clerk’s office can help you decide which county is correct for your case.
Civil Judgment Search and Liens
Civil judgments stay on record for years. A judgment shows that one party owes money to another. Judgments can lead to liens on property or bank accounts. You can search for judgments through the Taylor County civil court records system.
How to Find Judgments
You can search for judgments by party name. The docket sheet shows when a judgment was entered and the amount. Judgments are public records. Lenders, employers, and landlords often check judgment records before making decisions.
Judgment Liens and Property
A judgment lien attaches to real property in the county where the judgment was recorded. The lien stays on the property until the debt is paid or the judgment expires. Florida law sets time limits for how long judgments remain valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Taylor County civil court records. The following questions cover common topics like search methods, fees, confidentiality, and access rules. These answers give you the basic facts you need to look up civil cases in Taylor County.
How do I search Taylor County civil court records for free?
You can search Taylor County civil court records for free through the online portal linked on the clerk’s website. The portal lets you search by party name or case number. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person to search records at no cost, though copies and certified copies cost a fee per page.
What types of civil cases are filed in Taylor County?
Taylor County hears many types of civil cases. These include contract disputes, landlord-tenant cases, small claims, personal injury claims, property disputes, debt collection, and mortgage foreclosures. Circuit Court handles cases over $30,000, while County Court hears cases up to $30,000 and small claims up to $8,000.
Can I view sealed or expunged civil court records?
Sealed civil court records are not open to the public in Taylor County. Only parties to the case, their attorneys, and court staff can view sealed records. Expunged records are removed from public access. You would need a court order to unseal a record, which requires a formal legal process.
How long does it take to get copies of civil court documents?
Regular copies of civil court documents are ready the same day you request them at the clerk’s office. Certified copies may take a few extra minutes to process. Online copies through the portal are available right away. If you request documents by mail, allow several days for processing and return mailing time.
Are divorce records part of civil court records in Taylor County?
Yes, divorce records fall under family law cases in Taylor County Circuit Court. These records are part of the civil court records system. You can search for divorce records by party name or case number through the same online portal used for other civil cases. Divorce records are public after the final judgment is entered.
What if I cannot find the case I am looking for?
If you cannot find a case in the online portal, try different spellings of the name or search by date range. The clerk’s office staff can help you run a more detailed search at the counter. They can search old records that may not show up in the online system. You may need to provide more details to narrow your search.
Can I remove incorrect information from my civil court record?
You can request redaction of confidential information like social security numbers or bank account numbers from your Taylor County civil court record. File the “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form with the clerk. For other corrections, you would need to file a motion with the court that handled your case. The court would decide whether to make changes to the record.