Search Martin County Civil Court Records

Martin County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Stuart. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles all civil case filings in Martin County, and the clerk's office provides public access to court documents.

Martin County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Martin County is Carolyn Timmann. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff process new filings, store court documents, and provide copies to anyone who asks. The main office is at 100 SE Ocean Blvd in Stuart. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records in Martin County.

The Martin County Clerk website has tools for looking up court cases and official records. The site provides online access to many civil court records in Martin County.

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

How to Search Martin County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Martin County online or in person. The clerk's website has a court records search. Look up cases by party name or case number. The search is free and open to the public.

The Martin County clerk also takes part in the statewide Official Court Records System. The Martin County OCRS portal lets you search for court documents online. You can search by name, case number, or date range. This tool gives you access to document images tied to civil court records in Martin County.

Search results show the case number, party names, case type, and filing date. Document images may be available to view online. For certified copies of civil court records in Martin County, contact the clerk's office.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to Martin County. You can file new civil cases or check existing ones through this statewide system. Registration is free. E-filing is required for attorneys in Martin County. Self-represented parties can use it too.

For in-person searches, go to the Martin County Courthouse at 100 SE Ocean Blvd in Stuart. Staff can look up civil court records and make copies. Bring your ID. Plain copies cost a small fee. Certified copies cost more and carry the official seal of the Martin County clerk.

Civil Court Structure in Martin County

Martin County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Indian River, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. Civil cases in Martin County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property matters. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go through Circuit Court in Martin County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Evictions are also County Court matters in Martin County.

The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Martin County and every other county in the state. The clerk in Stuart can help you figure out which court level applies to your civil case in Martin County.

Confidential Information in Martin County Civil Court Records

Certain data in civil court records must stay private. Florida law says social security numbers and bank account numbers cannot appear in public court files. If these numbers show up, anyone can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no fee for this in Martin County.

To request redaction, submit the proper form to the Martin County clerk. List the case name, case number, and page number where the private data appears. The clerk will take it out of the public version of the record.

Filers 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. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain personal details in Martin County civil court records.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Martin County

The Florida Courts self-help page offers forms and guides for people who handle civil matters on their own. The Martin County clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms and explain the filing process for civil cases.

DIY Florida is a free tool in the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. Over 20 form types cover small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. File completed forms through the portal to the Martin County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply.

Legal aid organizations in the 19th Judicial Circuit can help people who qualify based on income. They handle housing, consumer, and other civil matters. The Florida Bar also runs a lawyer referral service if you need an attorney for a civil case in Martin County.

Public Records Access in Martin 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 Martin County. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file. You do not need to be a party in the case.

A few limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Section 119.0714 lists items that stay confidential. But most civil court files in Martin County are public and open to review.

For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 100 SE Ocean Blvd in Stuart. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The clerk must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time. Martin County civil court records are part of the public domain and available to all.

Cities in Martin County

Martin County has several communities along the Treasure Coast. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Martin County Clerk of Court in Stuart. No cities in Martin County meet the population threshold for a separate page.

Communities in Martin County include Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Indiantown, Hobe Sound, and Sewall's Point. All use the Martin County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 19th Judicial Circuit with Martin County. File your civil case in the county where the dispute took place to make sure the court has jurisdiction.