Santa Rosa County civil court records are public files that show every civil lawsuit filed in Milton and nearby towns. The Clerk of Court office keeps these records.
Jason D. English is the current Clerk of Court. You can search civil case files online from home. You can also visit the office in person to ask for copies. This page covers how the records work, where to find them, and what you can see.
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court Overview
The Clerk of Court office runs the records system for Santa Rosa County. This office works under the 1st Judicial Circuit. The same circuit covers Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. The clerk keeps all new filings and old case files. Staff make copies for the public each day.
Who is the Clerk of Court
Jason D. English serves as the Clerk of Court and Comptroller for Santa Rosa County. He took office to serve the public, the courts, and local government. His office aims for high standards of accountability, integrity, and professionalism. The clerk’s team puts customer service first and keeps open records for the county.
Office Location and Hours
The main clerk office sits in Milton, Florida. The Santa Rosa County Court House stands at 4025 Avalon Blvd, Milton, FL 32583. The clerk’s mailing address for court matters is Jason D. English, Esq., Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court, 6495 Caroline St., Suite A, Milton, FL 32570. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Contact Information
You can reach the clerk office by phone, fax, or email. The main phone line is (850) 981-5554. The fax number is (850) 626-7849. Public records requests go to PublicRecordRequest@santarosaclerk.com. Walk-in visitors can stop by the front counter during business hours.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | (850) 981-5554 |
| Fax | (850) 626-7849 |
| PublicRecordRequest@santarosaclerk.com | |
| Main Office | 6495 Caroline St., Suite A, Milton, FL 32570 |
| Courthouse | 4025 Avalon Blvd., Milton, FL 32583 |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
How to Search Civil Court Records
You have three main ways to search civil court records in Santa Rosa County. You can search online for free. You can call the clerk office. You can also visit in person. Each method works well for different needs.
Online Search Tools
The Santa Rosa County Clerk website at santarosaclerk.com offers online case search. The site links to the case search tool that covers civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. You can search from any device with internet access. The system shows case type, filing date, parties listed, and docket entries. No fee applies for basic online searches.
Searching by Name
To search by name, type the last name in the search box first. Add a first name to narrow results. Santa Rosa County has grown fast over the years, so common names may show many cases. You can add a date range if you know when the case started. The search system pulls every public case linked to that name.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search gives the fastest results. Every civil case gets a unique number when filed. The format includes the year, court type, and sequence. Type the full number into the search box. The system pulls only that single case file. This method works best when you already know the case number.
In-Person Records Search
Walk-in visitors can use public computers at the clerk office. Staff help with case lookups at the front counter. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk the name or case number you want to see. The clerk pulls the file for review. You can take notes or pay for printed copies during your visit.
Civil Court Case Types in Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County hears civil cases at two court levels. The dollar amount in the claim decides which court hears the case. Some case types always go to one court or the other.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
The Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. This court hears contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property claims. Family law cases, probate matters, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court. These cases follow formal rules and often involve lawyers on both sides.
County Court Civil Cases
County Court handles civil cases with claims up to $30,000. This includes many smaller contract disputes and personal injury claims. County Court cases move faster than Circuit Court cases. The rules stay simpler, but parties still must follow state civil procedure laws.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cases involve disputes up to $8,000. Common examples include unpaid debts, damaged property, or small contract issues. Small claims hearings run in County Court. The process stays simple so people can file cases without a lawyer. Most hearings finish within a few months.
Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Cases
Eviction cases fall under County Court in Santa Rosa County. Landlords file eviction cases to remove tenants for unpaid rent or rule violations. Tenants can file counterclaims for issues like poor repairs. Both sides can present evidence at the hearing. The court issues a ruling based on the lease and state landlord-tenant law.
Filing and E-Filing Process
Florida requires electronic filing for most civil cases. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal serves all 67 county clerks. Santa Rosa County accepts new filings through this statewide system. Registration is free for anyone who wants to file.
Florida E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com connects to every county clerk. Attorneys must use the portal for all civil filings. Self-represented parties can use the portal too. The portal runs around the clock so you can file at any time. The system sends your filing straight to the Santa Rosa County clerk office for review.
Filing Fees
Standard filing fees apply when you submit civil documents. The fee amount depends on the case type. Small claims fees run lower than Circuit Court fees. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check through the portal. Fee waivers exist for people who cannot afford the cost. File a fee waiver motion with the court to ask for free filing.
DIY Florida Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 form sets cover small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Santa Rosa County clerk office. Standard filing fees still apply.
Confidential Information and Redaction
Some data in civil court records must stay private. Florida law protects certain personal details. The clerk removes protected data from public view when asked. The redaction process is free in Santa Rosa County.
What Stays Confidential
Social security numbers stay confidential. Bank account numbers stay confidential. Credit card numbers stay confidential. Information about minors gets extra protection. Sealed records stay closed by court order. If these details appear in a public document, anyone can ask the clerk to remove them.
How to Request Redaction
File the “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form with the clerk. List the case name, case number, document title, and page where the data appears. The clerk removes the protected data from the public version. No fee applies for this service in Santa Rosa County. The redaction happens within a few business days.
Notice of Confidential Information Form
Parties and lawyers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form when filing civil papers. This form falls under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. The form flags protected data so the clerk can keep it from public view. Failure to use this form can lead to penalties for the filer.
Self-Help and Legal Resources
People who handle civil cases without a lawyer can get free help. The Florida Courts system offers self-help tools and forms. The Santa Rosa County clerk office points people to the right resources for their needs.
Florida Courts Self-Help
The Florida Courts self-help page at flcourts.gov has forms and guides for self-represented parties. The page covers family law, small claims, eviction, and other civil case types. You can read plain-language guides that explain each step. The clerk office cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for your case.
Forms and Guides
Standard forms exist for most civil case types in Florida. You can download these forms for free from the Florida Courts website. The forms include instructions on each page. Follow the instructions carefully so the clerk accepts your filing. Wrong forms or missing data can lead to delays in your case.
Help Desk Support
The E-Filing Portal help desk answers questions about electronic filing. The help desk phone line is (850) 577-4609. Staff answer calls weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. Training videos on the portal walk through the filing process. Email support also works for technical questions.
Public Records Laws
Florida has strong public records laws. These laws give people the right to see most government records. Civil court records fall under these laws. The Santa Rosa County clerk office follows the same rules as every other Florida clerk.
Florida Public Records Act
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 Santa Rosa County. You do not need to be a party in a case. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file. The law aims for open and accountable government.
Access Rights
Any member of the public can ask for civil court records. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The clerk must provide access within a reasonable time. The clerk may charge a fee for copies. Some records stay sealed by court order, but most files stay open to the public.
Certified Copies and Fees
Certified copies cost more than plain copies. A certified copy includes a clerk stamp that proves the document is a true copy. Banks, courts, and other agencies often need certified copies. Plain copies work for personal use. Standard fees apply per page. Contact the clerk office for current fee amounts.
Cities and Communities Served
Santa Rosa County covers a wide area in the Florida Panhandle. All civil cases from these communities go through the county clerk office. No city has its own court system for civil matters.
Main Areas Covered
Milton is the county seat and main location for civil filings. Other communities include Gulf Breeze, Jay, Navarre, and Pace. Each community falls under Santa Rosa County courts. People in these towns file and search records at the same clerk office in Milton.
- Milton (county seat)
- Gulf Breeze
- Jay
- Navarre
- Pace
Official Contact and Location
Use the contact details below to reach the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court. Phone calls and emails get answered during business hours. Walk-in visitors can use the public computers and ask for help at the front counter.
Office Address and Map
The Santa Rosa County Court House sits at 4025 Avalon Blvd., Milton, FL 32583. The clerk’s mailing address is 6495 Caroline St., Suite A, Milton, FL 32570. Visitors can find the courthouse in central Milton with easy access from major roads.
Phone and Email
Main phone line: (850) 981-5554. Fax line: (850) 626-7849. Public records requests email: PublicRecordRequest@santarosaclerk.com. The office handles calls and emails Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Visiting Hours
Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The office stays closed on weekends and state holidays. Plan your visit during these hours so staff can help you with your records search.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about civil court records in Santa Rosa County. The answers below cover the most common questions about searches, filings, and access. Each answer gives clear facts you can use right away.
Are Santa Rosa County civil court records free to search online?
Yes, the online case search through the Santa Rosa County Clerk website is free. You can search by name or case number without paying any fee. The system pulls public case files and shows case type, filing date, parties, and docket entries. You do not need to register or create an account for basic searches. Fees only apply when you ask for printed copies or certified copies of court documents. The E-Filing Portal charges filing fees only when you submit new documents, not when you search existing cases.
Can I see sealed civil court records in Santa Rosa County?
No, sealed records stay closed to the public. A judge must order a record sealed before the clerk removes it from public view. Common reasons for sealing include protecting minors, trade secrets, or sensitive personal data. Even parties to the case may need a court order to view sealed files. The clerk office cannot open sealed records without proper court approval. You can ask the clerk about whether a specific record is sealed, but you cannot view the contents without legal authorization.
What information gets removed from public civil court records?
Social security numbers get removed from public view. Bank account numbers get removed. Credit card numbers get removed. Names of minor children often get redacted. Financial account details linked to child support or alimony also stay protected. The clerk removes this data when someone files a redaction request. You can file the Request to Redact Confidential Number form for free. The clerk office handles redactions within a few business days after receiving a valid request.
How long does the clerk keep civil court records in Santa Rosa County?
The clerk keeps civil court records based on Florida record retention schedules. Most civil case files stay on file for many years after the case closes. Older records may move to state archives but stay accessible through the clerk office. Some case types, like adoption or sealed juvenile records, follow different rules. The clerk office can tell you whether a specific old record still exists in their system. You can ask for help locating historical records by phone or in person.
Can I file a civil case without a lawyer in Santa Rosa County?
Yes, you can file a civil case without a lawyer. The court calls these self-represented parties pro se filers. You must follow the same rules and procedures as lawyers. The clerk office can give you forms but cannot give legal advice. The Florida Courts self-help page has guides and forms for common civil case types. The DIY Florida tool inside the E-Filing Portal fills out forms for you based on your answers. Filing fees still apply, but you can ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford the cost.
What happens if I cannot find a civil court record online?
Some older records may not appear in the online search system. The clerk office may still have paper files for these cases. Call the clerk office at (850) 981-5554 to ask about older records. Staff can pull paper files and make copies for you. You may need to visit in person to view older files. Bring as much detail as possible about the case, including the year, parties involved, and case type. This helps staff locate the right file faster.
Can I get a certified copy of a civil court judgment online?
You can request certified copies through the clerk office. Online requests work for some documents. You may need to visit in person or mail a request for other documents. Certified copies include a clerk stamp and signature that proves the document is authentic. Banks, employers, and other agencies often require certified copies. The fee for certified copies runs higher than plain copies. Contact the clerk office for current fees and processing times for certified copies.