Clay County civil court records are the official files for every civil case filed in Clay County, Florida. These records include lawsuits, small claims, evictions, contract disputes, judgments, and family-related civil matters.
The Clay County Clerk of Court stores these files and provides public access online and at the courthouse in Green Cove Springs. Anyone can view most records for free. This page explains how to search these records, what types of cases exist, and how to get certified copies when needed.
Clay County Clerk of Court and Records Office
The Clay County Clerk of Court serves as the main record keeper for all civil court cases in the county. The clerk’s office files new cases, stores court documents, and gives the public access to these files. This office is the first stop for anyone who needs to look up a civil case in Clay County.
Office Location and Contact Details
The clerk’s office sits inside the Clay County Courthouse on Orange Avenue in Green Cove Springs. The full address is 825 N Orange Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. You can call the Circuit Court at (904) 284-6317 or the Clerk’s Office at (904) 284-6302. For record questions, you can email publicrecords@clayclerk.com.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Tara S. Green |
| Street Address | 825 N Orange Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 |
| Circuit Court Phone | (904) 284-6317 |
| Clerk’s Office Phone | (904) 284-6302 |
| publicrecords@clayclerk.com | |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | clayclerk.com |
Tara S. Green – Current Clerk of Court
Tara S. Green is the current Clerk of Court for Clay County. She oversees the office that handles all court records, official documents, and public record requests. Under Florida law, the clerk’s office must keep court files safe and open to the public. The clerk also manages marriage licenses, passport applications, and tax deed sales.
Office Hours and Public Access
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can walk in during these hours to ask for records, file new cases, or get copies of documents. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. For fast service, bring your case number or the full name of any party in the case.
Online Resources and Official Website
The Clay County Clerk website at clayclerk.com has tools for looking up court cases, official records, and county documents. The records search page at clayclerk.com/search-records/ gives free access to many types of records online. You can search by name, case number, or date range without creating an account.
How to Search Clay County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in Clay County in two main ways: online through the clerk’s website, or in person at the courthouse. The online search tools cover most cases filed in recent years. Older cases from the historical archives may require a special request. Both options are free for basic record viewing.
Using the Online Records Search Portal
The Clay County records search page lets you look up civil cases from your computer or phone. The portal connects to a live database of court files. You can search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or filing date. Each result shows the case type, filing date, judge, and current status.
Searching by Name (Party Name Lookup)
To search by name, type the last name of any party into the search box. You can also add a first name to narrow your results. The system shows all matching cases, including civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. For best results, use the full legal name of the person you are searching for.
Searching by Case Number
Every civil case in Clay County has a unique case number. This number uses a format like 2024-CA-001234. If you know the case number, type it into the search box for the fastest result. The case number lookup skips the name-matching step and shows the file right away.
Searching by Date Range
You can search by date range if you know roughly when a case was filed. The online portal lets you set a start date and end date. This helps when you need to find all cases filed during a certain period. It is a good option for title searches or background research.
Getting Free Uncertified Copies Online
Many civil court records are available as free, uncertified copies through the online portal. These copies show the same information as the official file, but they do not have the court seal. They work for personal use, research, and most non-legal purposes. Certified copies with the court seal cost a small fee.
Types of Civil Cases Filed in Clay County
Clay County handles many types of civil cases each year. The type of case affects which court hears it and what records exist. Civil cases do not include criminal matters. They cover disputes between people, businesses, or government agencies about money, property, or rights.
Small Claims Court Cases ($0 to $30,000)
Small claims cases cover disputes where the amount in question is $30,000 or less. These cases are heard in County Court. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, minor contract issues, and small property damage claims. Small claims court has simpler rules and faster timelines.
Circuit Civil Cases (Over $30,000)
Circuit civil cases handle disputes where the amount in question is more than $30,000. These cases go to Circuit Court. Examples include large contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, real property cases, and complex business litigation. Circuit cases often take longer to resolve and create more detailed records.
Landlord-Tenant and Eviction Cases
Eviction cases and other landlord-tenant disputes fall under civil court. These cases are common in Clay County, especially in rental areas. Records show the filing date, judgment, and any writs issued. Both tenants and landlords can look up these records through the clerk’s office.
Other Civil Case Categories
Other civil cases in Clay County include domestic relations, civil traffic infractions, probate, mental health, and juvenile delinquency matters. Each case type creates a separate set of records. The clerk’s office keeps all these records under the same public access rules.
Florida Court Records System and Statewide Access
Clay County civil court records connect to the statewide Florida court records system. This system links all 67 county clerks through one portal. Users can search across multiple counties or file new cases from any computer with internet access.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com provides access to Clay County civil court records. This statewide tool lets attorneys and the public file new civil cases online at any time. Registration is free. The portal accepts civil, family, probate, and small claims filings.
Public Records Laws Under Florida Statute 119
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes all state, county, and municipal records open to the public. This law covers civil court records in Clay County. You do not need to be a party in a case to view the records. The clerk must provide copies upon request, with some limits on what can be shared.
Records Restricted from Public View
Some records are not open to the public. Records sealed by court order stay private. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s identifying details are removed from public files. Records related to adoption, certain juvenile matters, and some mental health cases also have limits.
Clay County Civil Court Filing Fees and Costs
Filing fees and copy costs apply to many court services in Clay County. The clerk’s office sets these fees based on Florida state law. Knowing the costs ahead of time helps you plan your request or filing. Most fees are paid at the time of service.
Recording Fees for Documents
Recording fees in Clay County start at $10 for the first page and $8.50 for each extra page. If a document lists more than four names, it costs $1 for each extra name. Plats and condominium drawings cost $30 for the first page and $15 for each additional page. Veteran discharge documents are recorded at no cost.
| Document Type | First Page | Each Extra Page |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Recording | $10.00 | $8.50 |
| Plats and Condo Drawings | $30.00 | $15.00 |
| Lis Pendens | $5.00 | $4.00 |
| Veteran Discharge | No Fee | No Fee |
Copy and Certification Fees
Standard copies cost $1 per page. Oversized copies cost $5 per page. Certification costs $2 per document. Certified copies include the court seal and are valid for legal use. Uncertified copies are cheaper but cannot be used in court proceedings.
Lis Pendens Filing Costs
Lis pendens filings cost $5 for the first page and $4 for each extra page. Extra names after the first four cost $1 each. Florida Statute 713.13 requires a certified copy of any Notice of Commencement be provided to the Building Department before the first inspection. The permit number must appear on the filing to avoid rejection.
Historical Archives and Older Court Records
Older civil court records in Clay County are stored in the Historical Archives division. These records cover cases from the 1800s through the early 1900s. The archives center keeps the files in a secured, air-conditioned building. Researchers can request materials by contacting the clerk’s office.
Bound Records Collection
The archives house bound public documents and files. These include old deed books, marriage records, probate files, and early court cases. The collection gives a full record of Clay County’s legal history. Researchers, genealogists, and attorneys use these files often.
Grantor and Grantee Indexes
The Grantor and Grantee Indexes track property transfers over time. These indexes are being digitized off-site. They are expected to be available online by spring or summer 2026. Once online, users will be able to search property records from home.
Record Gaps from 1859 to 1872
Some gaps exist in records from 1859 to 1872. These gaps came from the county seat move and events during the Civil War. Not all records from this period still exist. Researchers looking for files from this era should contact the clerk’s office before visiting.
Clay County 4th Judicial Circuit Structure
Clay County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties. Each county has its own clerk, but they share court rules and procedures. The circuit’s main courthouse sits in Duval County, but each county handles its own filings.
Circuit Court Jurisdiction
Circuit Court handles civil cases above $30,000. These include major contract disputes, personal injury claims, real property actions, and other complex lawsuits. Circuit Court judges hear these cases in Clay County at the Green Cove Springs courthouse.
County Court Jurisdiction
County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. This includes small claims, evictions, county ordinance violations, and less complex civil matters. County Court cases move faster than Circuit Court cases. Most Clay County civil filings are County Court cases.
Neighboring Counties in the 4th Circuit
Duval County and Nassau County also belong to the 4th Judicial Circuit. If you file a case in the wrong county, the court will move it. You must file in the county where the dispute took place or where the defendant lives. The clerk’s office can help you find the right county.
How to Request Civil Court Records by Mail or Email
If you cannot visit the courthouse, you can request civil court records by mail or email. The clerk’s office accepts written requests for both certified and uncertified copies. You must include enough details for the clerk to find the right file.
Public Records Request Process
Send public records requests to the Records Management Liaison Officer at 825 N. Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. You can also email publicrecords@clayclerk.com. Include the case number, party name, and document type you need. Fees may apply based on the request.
Certified Copy Requests
For certified copies, mail a written request with your contact details and payment. Include a check or money order for the right amount. The clerk will mail the certified copies to your address. Processing times vary based on staff workload.
Response Times and Common Delays
Most record requests get a response within 5 to 10 business days. Some requests take longer if the file is large or stored off-site. Unforeseeable circumstances like delayed mail or natural disasters may slow recording times. Call the clerk’s office if your request takes more than two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay County Civil Court Records
This section covers common questions people ask about civil court records in Clay County. The answers explain search methods, fees, and rules. If you have other questions, contact the clerk’s office during business hours. The staff can help with most record requests.
How do I find a civil case by name in Clay County?
Go to clayclerk.com and click on the records search link. Type the last name of the person you are searching for into the name search box. You can add a first name to narrow the results. The system shows every case where that person appears as a party. You will see the case number, type, and current status. Results cover civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. Click on any result to see the full case file and all filed documents.
Are Clay County civil court records free to view?
Yes, most records are free to view through the online portal. You can look at case files, view documents, and check case status at no cost. Free records show the same details as the official court file. They work for most personal and research needs. Certified copies with the court seal cost a small fee. The fee covers the cost of sealing and signing the document.
What is the difference between County Court and Circuit Court in Clay County?
County Court handles civil cases where the amount in question is $30,000 or less. This includes small claims, evictions, and minor contract disputes. Circuit Court handles cases where the amount is more than $30,000. This includes personal injury, real property, and major business lawsuits. Each court has its own judge and filing process. The clerk’s office files cases based on the type and amount.
Can I get a certified copy of a civil court record by mail?
Yes, you can request certified copies by mail. Send a written request to the clerk’s office at 825 N Orange Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Include the case number, party name, and your contact details. Add a check or money order for the certified copy fee. The clerk will mail the certified document to your address. Processing times take 5 to 10 business days in most cases.
How long does Clay County keep civil court records?
Clay County keeps civil court records permanently for most case types. Older records move to the Historical Archives division. The archives store files in a secured, air-conditioned building. Researchers can request files from the archives by contacting the clerk’s office. Records from 1859 to 1872 have some gaps due to the county seat move and Civil War events.
Can I access sealed or expunged civil court records?
No, sealed or expunged civil records are not open to the public. Only the parties named in the case and their attorneys can view them. The clerk’s office must follow the court order that sealed the record. If you need a sealed record for a legal reason, you must ask the court to unseal it. This process requires a formal motion and a judge’s approval.
What civil cases are filed most often in Clay County?
Eviction cases and small claims make up most of the civil filings in Clay County. Other common cases include debt collection, contract disputes, and personal injury claims. Landlord-tenant cases are frequent in rental areas of the county. Civil traffic infractions also fall under civil court. The clerk’s office tracks all these case types in the public records system.
Clay County Clerk of Court – 825 N Orange Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 – Phone: (904) 284-6302 – Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Website: clayclerk.com