Clay County Civil Court Records

Clay County civil court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Green Cove Springs. The 4th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Clay County, and the clerk's office provides public access to court files online and at the courthouse.

Clay County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Clay County is Tara S. Green. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, store court documents, and provide copies of civil filings. The office is at the courthouse on Orange Avenue in Green Cove Springs. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records.

The Clay County Clerk website has tools for looking up court cases, official records, county records, and historical archives. The clerk's office is home to millions of official and court records. The Clay County records search page gives free access to several types of records online.

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

How to Search Clay County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Clay County online or in person. The Clay County records search page offers several search options. You can look up court records, official records, county records including agreements, contracts, ordinances, and resolutions. You can also search the county map library, right of way maps, BOCC meeting minutes, and various reports.

Before making a formal records request, check the online options first. The clerk's website notes that you can get an unofficial (uncertified) copy of many records for free by using the online search tools. This saves you time and money if you just need to look at a document without certification.

For certified copies, visit the clerk's office at 825 N Orange Ave in Green Cove Springs. If you have a time-sensitive document, you can visit the office or use the E-Record service. Keep in mind that unforeseeable circumstances like delayed mail or natural disasters may slow recording times.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Clay County civil court records. This statewide tool connects to all 67 county clerks. You can file new civil cases through the portal at any time. It is free to register.

Recording Department in Clay County

The Clay County recording department is inside the Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs. This department is home to millions of official and court records. Services include marriage licenses, passports, e-recording, tax deeds, and right of way map searches.

Recording fees in Clay County start at $10 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. If there are more than four names, it costs $1 for each extra name. Plats and condominium drawings are $30 for the first page and $15 for each additional. Veteran discharge documents are recorded at no fee. Copies cost $1 per page for standard size and $5 per page for oversized. Certification is $2.

For lis pendens recording, the first page costs $5 and each additional page is $4. Extra names after the first four are $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. Make sure the permit number is on the filing to avoid rejection.

Historical Archives in Clay County

The Clay County historical archives houses bound public documents and files. The archives center stores records in a secured, air-conditioned building. Personnel retrieve materials for researchers since the building is not open to the public directly.

The Grantor and Grantee Indexes are currently being digitized off-site. They are expected to be available online by spring or summer 2026. Some gaps exist in records from 1859 to 1872 due to the county seat move and events during the Civil War. These gaps affect the oldest records in the collection.

Civil Court Structure in Clay County

Clay County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Duval and Nassau counties. Civil cases in Clay County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute. Circuit Court handles civil cases above $30,000 including contract disputes, personal injury, and real property actions. County Court handles cases up to $30,000 including small claims and evictions.

For public records requests, many records are available free online. You can also mail requests to the Records Management Liaison Officer at 825 N. Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, or email publicrecords@clayclerk.com. Fees may apply for certain requests.

Public Records Access in Clay 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 Clay County. You do not need to be a party in a case to view records.

Some limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential. Anyone can request addition of information about a person against whom a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection of Minor was entered. That request must be in writing and include the case number. Contact the clerk's office by mail or in person.

Cities in Clay County

Clay County includes Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Middleburg, Fleming Island, and other communities. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Clay County Clerk of Court. Green Cove Springs is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.

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

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 4th Judicial Circuit with Clay 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.