Find Civil Court Records in Putnam County

Putnam County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Palatka. The 7th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Putnam County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court files online and at the courthouse.

Putnam County Clerk of Court

Matt Reynolds serves as Clerk of Court for Putnam County. His office keeps all civil court records in the county. Staff handle new filings, store court documents, and provide copies to the public. The main office is at the courthouse on St Johns Avenue in Palatka. You can walk in or call for help with civil court records in Putnam County.

The Putnam County Clerk website has tools for looking up court cases online. The site covers civil filings, family cases, and other court matters. You can search by name or case number to find civil court records in Putnam County.

The clerk's office is open on weekdays during business hours. Walk-in requests for civil court records are handled at the front counter in Palatka.

How to Search Putnam County Civil Court Records

You can search Putnam County civil court records online for free. The clerk's website links to the statewide court records search run by CiviTek. This tool lets you look up civil cases by party name or case number. Results show case type, filing date, and docket entries for civil court records in Putnam County.

To search by name, type the last name first. Add a first name to narrow your results. Putnam County is a smaller county, so results are usually easier to sort through. You can also search by case number if you already have one.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also gives access to Putnam County civil court records. This statewide system connects to all 67 county clerks in Florida. You can file new civil cases through the portal at any time. Registration is free. Filing fees still apply when you submit documents to Putnam County.

For in-person searches, go to the clerk's office at 410 St Johns Ave in Palatka. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Bring your ID when you visit the courthouse for civil court records in Putnam County.

Civil Court Structure in Putnam County

Putnam County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. Civil cases in Putnam County go to one of two court levels based on the dollar amount at stake.

Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property claims. Family law cases, probate, and guardianship also go to Circuit Court in Putnam County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 are County Court matters too. Eviction cases are heard in County Court as well.

The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for Putnam County and the rest of the state. If you are not sure which court level handles your civil case, the clerk's office in Putnam County can help you figure that out.

Confidential Information in Putnam County Civil Court Records

Certain data in civil court records must stay private. Florida law says social security numbers and bank account or credit card numbers cannot appear in public court files. If these show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to remove them. There is no charge for this in Putnam County.

To get private numbers taken out, file the "Request to Redact Confidential Number" form with the Putnam County clerk. List the case name, case number, document heading, and page where the data shows. The clerk will remove it from the public version of the civil court record.

Attorneys and parties who file papers in Putnam County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form alerts the clerk that a filing has protected data. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other personal details in civil court records.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Putnam County

The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for people who want to handle a civil case without a lawyer. Self-represented litigants can find packets for common case types. The clerk's office in Putnam County cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms.

DIY Florida is a free tool in the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through a set of questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 form sets are available for small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the forms through the portal to the Putnam County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply when you submit civil court documents.

The E-Filing Portal help desk is open 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 Putnam County.

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

Some limits exist. Section 119.0714 lists items that stay confidential, such as social security numbers and bank account numbers. Court-sealed records are also off limits. But most civil court files in Putnam County are open to the public without restriction.

For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 410 St Johns Ave in Palatka. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The Find a Clerk directory lists contact info for all 67 county clerks in case you need to reach another office.

Cities in Putnam County

Putnam County has several small cities and towns. All civil court cases for these places go through the Putnam County Clerk of Court. Palatka is the county seat and the main spot for filing and looking up civil court records in Putnam County.

Communities in Putnam County include Palatka, Crescent City, Interlachen, Pomona Park, and Welaka. None of these cities have separate court systems. All civil cases go through the Putnam County clerk's office.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 7th Judicial Circuit with Putnam 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 right county for the court to have jurisdiction.