Holmes County Civil Court Records
Holmes County civil court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Bonifay. The 14th Judicial Circuit covers all civil case filings in Holmes County, and the clerk's office provides public access to these records.
Holmes County Quick Facts
Holmes County Clerk of Court
Sam Bailey is the Clerk of Court in Holmes County. The office manages all civil court records for the county. Staff process new filings, store court documents, and provide copies to the public. The office is in the Holmes County Courthouse on Oklahoma Street in Bonifay. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records.
The Holmes County Clerk website has contact info, office hours, and links to online search tools. The clerk also handles official records like deeds, mortgages, and liens in Holmes County. Jury duty and traffic matters go through this office as well.
The office is open weekdays. Walk-ins can request copies of civil court records at the counter in Holmes County.
| Clerk | Sam Bailey |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 N Oklahoma St Bonifay, FL 32425 |
| Phone | (850) 547-1100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | holmesclerk.com |
How to Search Holmes County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in Holmes County through a few channels. The clerk uses the OCRS system for online public access. OCRS stands for Official Court Records Search. It covers civil, criminal, and traffic cases. Search by party name or case number to find what you need.
The Holmes County OCRS portal is free and open to anyone. No account is needed. The results display case details, party names, filing dates, and docket entries for civil court records in Holmes County.
OCRS results show case type, parties, and filing dates. This gives you a quick way to look up civil court records in Holmes County from home.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access. This statewide system connects to all 67 county clerks. Register for a free account to search cases or file new civil documents. The portal is available around the clock.
In-person searches are available at the courthouse. Go to 201 N Oklahoma St in Bonifay. Staff can look up civil cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Bring your ID when you visit the Holmes County clerk's office.
Civil Court Structure in Holmes County
Holmes County is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Jackson, and Washington counties. Civil cases in Holmes County go to one of two court levels based on the dollar amount at stake.
Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This covers contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go through Circuit Court in Holmes County. County Court takes civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 are part of County Court. Eviction cases and landlord-tenant disputes fall under County Court in Holmes County.
The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Holmes County and every other county in Florida. Call the clerk's office in Bonifay if you are not sure which court level handles your civil case.
Confidential Information in Holmes County Civil Court Records
Some data in civil court records must stay private under Florida law. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers cannot appear in public court files. If you find these in a document, you can ask the clerk to remove them. There is no charge for redaction in Holmes County.
File a redaction request form with the clerk. Include the case name, case number, document heading, and page number where the info appears. The clerk will take it out of the public version. Attorneys and parties filing civil court papers in Holmes County must also use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 to flag private data.
Sealed records are not open to the public. A judge must issue an order to seal a civil court file. Adoption records and some other case types are also confidential by state law in Holmes County.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Holmes County
People who want to handle a civil case without a lawyer can use free tools. The Florida Courts website has forms and guides for small claims, evictions, name changes, and other common matters. The clerk's office in Holmes County cannot give legal advice, but staff will point you to the right forms and explain where to file them.
DIY Florida is a free tool in the E-Filing Portal. It guides you through questions about your case and creates the right court forms. Submit the finished forms through the portal to the Holmes County clerk. Filing fees still apply when you submit this way. The portal support desk can help with tech questions on weekdays.
Legal aid groups serving the Florida panhandle may help people in Holmes County who cannot afford a lawyer. Call the clerk's office or the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service for leads on low-cost legal help for civil court matters.
Public Records Access in Holmes County
Florida has strong 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 Holmes County. You do not need to be a party in the case. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file, and the clerk must respond in a reasonable time.
Some records are exempt. Social security numbers and bank account numbers listed under Section 119.0714 must be kept private. Files sealed by a judge are also off limits. But the great majority of civil court records in Holmes County are open to the public.
For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 201 N Oklahoma St in Bonifay. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The Find a Clerk directory lists contact details for all 67 county clerks, including Holmes County.
Cities in Holmes County
Holmes County has a few small towns. All civil court cases go through the Holmes County Clerk of Court in Bonifay. Bonifay is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.
Other communities in Holmes County include Ponce de Leon, Esto, Noma, and Westville. None have separate court systems. All civil court filings go through the clerk's office in Bonifay.
Nearby Counties
These counties are also in the 14th Judicial Circuit with Holmes County. If you need to determine which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the correct county for jurisdiction.