Access Bradford County Civil Court Records

Bradford County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Starke. The 8th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Bradford County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court files online and at the courthouse.

Bradford County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Bradford County is Denny Thompson. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, store court documents, and provide copies of civil filings to the public. The office is at the courthouse on Temple Avenue in Starke. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records.

The Bradford County Clerk website has links for looking up court cases and official records. Bradford County is a smaller county in the 8th Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office handles civil, criminal, traffic, and family law cases. All civil case documents go through this office in Starke.

The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests in Bradford County.

How to Search Bradford County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Bradford County online or in person. Bradford County uses the Online Court Records Search system (OCRS), shared by several Florida counties. The Bradford County online court records search provides public access to court case information. It is free and open to anyone.

The public access option gives anonymous access to non-confidential court records in Bradford County. You do not need to create an account for basic searches. The system lets you look up cases by name or case number. Keep in mind that the information is not intended to be used as an authoritative public record or legal document.

You can also search civil court records in Bradford County in person. Go to the courthouse at 945 N Temple Ave in Starke. Staff can look up cases and make copies for you. Certified copies cost more than plain ones, but both are available at the counter. Bring your ID when you visit.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Bradford County civil court records. This statewide tool connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases through the portal any time of day. It is free to register. Over 770,000 users rely on the portal for court filings across Florida.

The 8th Judicial Circuit website also has information about Bradford County courts and the clerk's office. This can help you understand which court division handles your type of civil case. Circuit Court takes cases above $30,000. County Court handles cases up to $30,000, including small claims and evictions.

Civil Court Structure in Bradford County

Bradford County is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Alachua, Baker, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties. Civil cases in Bradford County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court in Bradford County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court as well. Evictions and landlord-tenant cases are in County Court too.

The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for Bradford County and every other county in the state. If you are not sure which court level handles your civil case, the clerk's office in Starke can point you in the right direction.

Official Records in Bradford County

The Clerk of Court in Bradford County also keeps official records separate from court case files. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Official records help when you need to find civil judgments recorded against property in Bradford County. The clerk maintains both court records and official records indexes.

Online records are not official legal documents. For certified copies of civil court records in Bradford County, you must get them from the clerk's office. The clerk follows the Florida Supreme Court rules on what can appear online. Sealed records and confidential files are not available through the public search.

For public records requests, contact the clerk at (904) 966-6280. Under Florida law, all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. Most civil court files in Bradford County are public. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time to any request.

Confidential Information in Bradford County Civil Court Records

Some details in civil court records are kept private. Social security numbers and bank account or credit card numbers must not appear in public court files under Florida law. If these numbers show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no fee for this in Bradford County.

Parties and attorneys who file civil court papers in Bradford County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags any confidential data in a filing so the clerk can keep it out of public view.

Bradford County is a small, rural county. The clerk's office handles a limited volume of civil cases compared to larger counties. But all the same state rules on confidentiality apply. If you need help with a redaction request, call the clerk's office at (904) 966-6280.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Bradford County

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through interview questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 forms are available for small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Bradford County clerk's office. Standard filing fees still apply.

The E-Filing Portal support desk is available 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 Bradford County. Training videos on the portal show how to set up an account, submit documents, and pay fees.

The Find a Clerk directory on the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website lists contact info for all 67 county clerks. Use it to reach the Bradford County clerk or any other clerk in the state. The clerk's office cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for your civil case.

Public Records Access in Bradford County

Florida has broad 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 Bradford County. You do not need to be a party in a case. You can ask to see any public civil court file.

Some limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential. But most civil court files in Bradford County are open to the public. For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 945 N Temple Ave in Starke. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more.

Cities in Bradford County

Bradford County has several communities including Starke, Lawtey, Brooker, and Hampton. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Bradford County Clerk of Court. Starke is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.

None of the cities in Bradford County meet the population threshold for a separate city page. All residents use the Bradford County clerk's office in Starke for civil court matters.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 8th Judicial Circuit with Bradford 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 correct county for the court to have jurisdiction.