Find Civil Court Records in Jackson County

Jackson County civil court records are held by the Clerk of Court in Marianna. The 14th Judicial Circuit covers all civil cases filed in Jackson County, with public access available through the clerk's office and online search tools.

Jackson County Clerk of Court

Clayton O. Rooks III serves as the Clerk of Court in Jackson County. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff handle new case filings, maintain court documents, and hand out copies to the public. The office is at the Jackson County Courthouse on Lafayette Street in Marianna. Visit in person or call for help with civil court records.

The Jackson County Clerk website has contact info, office hours, and links to online search tools. The clerk also processes official records like deeds, mortgages, and liens. Jackson County is the largest county by land area in the Florida panhandle, and the clerk's office in Marianna serves as the single point for all civil court filings in the county.

Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours for civil court record requests in Jackson County.

How to Search Jackson County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Jackson County in several ways. The clerk's office uses the OCRS system for online public access. OCRS stands for Official Court Records Search. It lets you look up civil, criminal, and traffic cases. Search by party name or case number to find records.

The Jackson County OCRS portal is free and open to anyone. No account is required. Results show case details, party names, filing dates, and docket entries for civil court records in Jackson County.

OCRS search results include the case type, all parties, and the filing date. This gives you a fast way to look up civil court records in Jackson County online.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is another option. This statewide tool connects to all 67 county clerks in Florida. Register for free to search cases or file new civil documents. The portal runs around the clock.

For in-person searches, visit the courthouse at 4445 Lafayette St, Room 1 in Marianna. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Bring your ID when you visit the Jackson County clerk's office.

Civil Court Structure in Jackson County

Jackson County is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, and Washington counties. Civil cases in Jackson County go to one of two court levels based on the dollar amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. Contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property actions go to Circuit Court. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases are also heard in Circuit Court in Jackson County. County Court takes civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes also go to County Court.

The Florida court locations page has the courthouse address for Jackson County and all other counties. Call the clerk's office in Marianna if you need help figuring out which court level handles your civil case.

Confidential Information in Jackson County Civil Court Records

Certain details in civil court records must be kept private. Florida law bars social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers from public court files. If you find these in a document, you can ask the clerk to remove them. There is no fee for redaction in Jackson County.

Submit a redaction request form to the clerk. Include the case name, case number, document title, and page where the info appears. The clerk will take it out of the public file. Parties and lawyers filing civil court papers in Jackson County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 to flag private data.

Sealed court records are not available for public viewing. Only a judge can order a file sealed. Adoption records and certain other case types are also confidential under state law in Jackson County.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Jackson County

If you plan to handle a civil case on your own, free tools can help. The Florida Courts website has forms and guides for small claims, evictions, name changes, and other common civil matters. The clerk's office in Jackson County cannot give legal advice but can tell you which forms you need and where to file them.

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It asks you questions about your situation and creates the court forms for you. File the completed forms through the portal to the Jackson County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply. The portal has a support desk available on weekdays.

Legal aid organizations in the Florida panhandle may help people in Jackson County who cannot afford a lawyer. Call the clerk's office or the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service for leads on free or low-cost legal help for civil court matters.

Public Records Access in Jackson County

Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and city records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Jackson County. You do not need to be a party in the case. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file. The clerk must respond in a reasonable time.

Some limits exist. Social security numbers and bank account numbers listed under Section 119.0714 must stay private. Sealed records are off limits too. But the great majority of civil court records in Jackson County are open to the public.

For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 4445 Lafayette St in Marianna. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies run higher. The Find a Clerk directory has contact info for all 67 county clerks, including Jackson County.

Cities in Jackson County

Jackson County has several small towns and communities. All civil court cases go through the Jackson County Clerk of Court in Marianna. Marianna is the county seat and the center for filing and looking up civil court records.

Other communities include Graceville, Sneads, Cottondale, Grand Ridge, Campbellton, Jacob City, and Malone. None have separate court systems. All civil court filings go through the clerk's office in Marianna.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 14th Judicial Circuit with Jackson County. Check the address where the dispute took place to make sure you file in the correct county for jurisdiction.