Flagler County Court Clerk serves as the official record keeper for the county court system and manages many administrative responsibilities that support court operations. The office accepts court filings, maintains official records, processes legal documents, and assists the public with a variety of court-related services. It works closely with the courts to keep case information organized and preserve official filings according to Florida law. The office handles records for several court divisions and provides services through both in-person and online options. Public assistance is available for many routine court-related requests. This page explains the primary services and responsibilities of the Clerk’s Office.
The court clerk office supports the daily work of the county courts through record management, document processing, and administrative services. Its responsibilities include maintaining court files, issuing certified copies of eligible documents, recording legal filings, and collecting court-related payments. The office serves people involved in civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims matters. Online services are available for selected transactions, making many routine tasks more convenient. The following sections explain the clerk services available, filing procedures, records maintained by the office, and other public resources.
What Does the Flagler County Clerk of Court Do?
Flagler County Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records and performs administrative functions that support the county court system. The office manages legal documents throughout the court process, preserves official records, and helps maintain accurate case information. It works with judges, attorneys, government agencies, and the public to keep court operations organized and in compliance with Florida law. The office also helps maintain the Flagler Court Database, ensuring court records and related case information remain organized and accessible for official administrative purposes. These responsibilities help maintain an efficient and reliable judicial system. The Clerk of Court Flagler County performs duties established by state law rather than making legal decisions. The office is responsible for record management, document processing, and maintaining official court files for multiple court divisions. It supports daily court operations by preserving case information, recording official filings, and maintaining documents that become part of the permanent court record. Many administrative functions are performed be
Primary Clerk Duties
The Clerk’s Office is responsible for several administrative functions, including:
- Maintaining official court records
- Receiving legal documents filed with the court
- Recording official filings
- Preserving court files according to state record retention requirements
- Maintaining case information throughout court proceedings
- Processing court documents for the official record
These clerk duties help maintain accurate records and support the integrity of the county court system.
Court Administration
The office plays an important role in court administration by maintaining case files, recording court actions, and preserving documents filed during legal proceedings. It manages official records from the time a case is opened until it reaches its final disposition. Accurate record management helps courts maintain complete and organized case histories for future reference.
Judicial Support
The Clerk’s Office provides judicial support by preparing official case files, recording courtroom proceedings, and maintaining the documents used during court hearings. These administrative responsibilities allow judges to work with complete and properly maintained court records throughout the legal process.
Difference Between the Clerk and a Judge
Although both are part of the county court system, their responsibilities are different.
The Clerk manages the court’s administrative and recordkeeping responsibilities, whereas a judge hears cases and makes legal decisions.
Services Available Through the Clerk’s Office
The Clerk’s Office provides a variety of clerk services that support court operations and administrative functions required by Florida law. These services help manage court proceedings, maintain official records, process legal documents, and assist the public with eligible court-related transactions. Each service follows established court procedures and statutory requirements. The following sections highlight the primary services available through the Clerk’s Office. Detailed filing procedures, document requests, and copy requests are covered separately on this page.
Court Filing Services
The Clerk’s Office receives court filings submitted for cases within the county court system. Filings are accepted for court divisions such as civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims. After acceptance, documents become part of the official court file and are maintained throughout the case according to applicable court rules.
Court Record Requests
The office accepts record requests for court records that are available for public inspection under Florida law. Record availability depends on the type of case and any legal restrictions that may apply. Records protected by confidentiality laws or court orders are not available for public release.
Certified Copies
The Clerk issues certified copies of eligible court records and recorded documents. A certified copy contains the Clerk’s official certification verifying that it is a true copy of the original record maintained by the office. Non-certified copies may be available when official certification is not required.
Marriage License Services
The Clerk’s Office issues marriage licenses to qualified applicants in accordance with Florida law. After a marriage ceremony is completed and the license is returned, the office records the document as part of the county’s official records.
Payment Services
The Clerk accepts payments for various court-related transactions authorized by Florida law. Depending on the type of case or service, payments may include filing fees, court costs, fines, and other statutory charges. Payment options vary based on the transaction and the service being completed. The services provided by the Clerk’s Office support both the court system and the public by maintaining official records, processing legal documents, and performing administrative responsibilities assigned under Florida law.
Types of Records Managed by the Clerk
The Clerk’s Office serves as the official custodian of many records created through court proceedings and county recording functions. These records are organized by court division or document type and are preserved according to Florida record retention requirements. The office is responsible for maintaining the official court file after documents are accepted for filing or recording. The following categories represent the primary records maintained by the Clerk’s Office as part of its administrative responsibilities.
- Criminal records
- Probate records
- Family records
- Traffic records
- Official Records
Filing Documents Through the Clerk’s Office
The Clerk’s Office receives court filings for cases handled by the county court system. Documents submitted for filing become part of the official court record after they are accepted and processed according to applicable court procedures. Filing methods and requirements may vary depending on the case type and the person submitting the documents.
Documents That Can Be Filed
The Clerk’s Office accepts many documents filed during court proceedings, including:
- Complaints and petitions
- Answers and responses
- Motions
- Notices
- Proposed orders
- Probate documents
- Family court filings
- Small claims forms
- Traffic court documents
- Other pleadings accepted under Florida court rules
Electronic Filing
Florida courts use an electronic filing system for many court documents. Attorneys are generally required to submit filings electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Self-represented litigants may use electronic filing where permitted under Florida court rules or submit documents using another approved filing method.
In-Person Filing
Documents may be submitted directly to the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. After receipt, the Clerk processes the filing and enters accepted documents into the official court record, where they become part of the official docket records maintained by the court. The Clerk performs administrative document processing but cannot provide legal advice or determine the legal sufficiency of documents presented for filing.
Filing Requirements and Processing Times
Each filing must satisfy the applicable court requirements before it can be accepted. Depending on the filing, this may include required forms, signatures, supporting documents, or payment of statutory filing fees. Processing times vary based on filing volume, document type, and court operations. Once accepted, the filing becomes part of the official case record maintained by the Clerk’s Office.
Requesting Copies of Court Documents
The Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller provides copies of eligible court documents maintained in the official court record. Depending on the purpose of the request, copies are available as either certified copies or non-certified copies. Records that are confidential, sealed, or restricted by Florida law cannot be released to the public. Copy requests may be submitted using the methods accepted by the Clerk’s Office. The requester should provide enough information to identify the record, such as the case number, party name, or document title. Providing accurate details helps staff locate the requested document more efficiently.
Available Copy Types
The Clerk’s Office offers two primary copy options:
- Certified copies – Official copies bearing the Clerk’s certification that the document is a true and correct copy of the original record. These copies are commonly required for legal proceedings, government agencies, or other official purposes.
- Non-certified copies – Standard copies of eligible court documents intended for personal reference or general information. They do not include the Clerk’s certification.
Request Methods
Eligible document requests may generally be submitted by:
- Visiting the Clerk’s Office in person
- Mailing a written request
- Using available online request services for eligible court records
The Clerk may request identifying information before processing the request to help locate the correct document.
Processing Information
Processing times depend on the type of request, the number of documents requested, and current office workload. If a certified copy is requested, the Clerk prepares the document with the required certification before it is released. Copy fees and certification fees are established by Florida Statutes, and applicable charges must be paid before the request is completed.
Clerk of Court Office Information
For questions about court filings, official court records, or other clerk services, the Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller serves as the primary point of contact. The office assists the public during regular business hours and provides information about court-related administrative services.
- Office Name: Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Address:
Kim C. Hammond Justice Center
1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 1
Bunnell, FL 32110 - Phone Number: (386) 313-4400
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding county holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below address common topics about the Flagler County Clerk of Court, including court filings, certified copies, marriage licenses, and contact information. These answers provide a clear explanation of the Clerk’s responsibilities and the services available through the office.
What does the Flagler County Clerk of Court do?
The Flagler County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of court records and performs administrative functions for the county court system. The office receives legal filings, maintains official court files, records legal documents, issues certified copies of eligible records, collects court-related fees authorized by law, and supports court operations. The Clerk preserves official records in accordance with Florida statutes but does not make legal decisions or preside over court proceedings.
How can I file court documents?
Court documents may be filed with the Clerk’s Office using the filing method permitted for the type of case and the person submitting the documents. Attorneys generally file documents electronically through Florida’s statewide e-filing system, while self-represented litigants may use approved filing methods available under court rules. Documents must meet applicable filing requirements before they are accepted and entered into the official court record maintained by the Clerk.
Can I request certified copies online?
Yes. The Clerk’s Office provides online options for requesting certain certified copies and court documents through its official services, depending on the type of record requested. Some requests may require additional information or payment before processing. Records that are confidential, sealed, or restricted by Florida law cannot be released through online or in-person requests. Processing times vary based on the request and current office workload.
Does the Clerk issue marriage licenses?
Yes. The Clerk’s Office issues marriage licenses to qualified applicants who meet Florida’s legal requirements. After the marriage ceremony is completed, the signed license is returned to the Clerk for recording in the county’s official records. Couples should review the current application requirements, identification requirements, fees, and any waiting periods before visiting the office to apply for a marriage license.
How do I contact the Clerk’s Office?
The Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller can be contacted by phone, in person, or through its official website during normal business hours. The office is located at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110, and the main telephone number is (386) 313-4400. Contact information, office hours, and online services are available on the official Clerk’s website.