Washington County Civil Court Records
Washington County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Chipley. The 14th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Washington County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court files both online and in person.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Washington County is Lora C. Bell. This office keeps all civil court records for the county. Staff file new cases, store court documents, and hand out copies of civil filings. The office sits at the courthouse in Chipley. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records in Washington County.
The Washington County Clerk website has basic information about court services and office hours. For online court record searches, Washington County uses the Online Court Records Search system through civitekflorida.com. This tool lets you look up civil cases by name or case number.
The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests in Washington County.
| Clerk | Lora C. Bell |
|---|---|
| Address | 1293 Jackson Ave, Ste 101 Chipley, FL 32428 |
| Phone | (850) 638-6289 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | washingtonclerk.com |
How to Search Washington County Civil Court Records
You can search civil court records in Washington County online or in person. The Washington County Online Court Records Search is available through the OCRS system. It covers civil cases, traffic cases, and other court files. Search by name or case number to find civil court records in Washington County.
The system is free to use. Anyone can look up case details, party names, and docket entries. Keep in mind that online records are not official legal documents. For certified copies of civil court records in Washington County, visit the clerk's office or make a request by mail.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also provides access to Washington 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. The portal has more than 770,000 users and handles over 30 million documents per year.
For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office at 1293 Jackson Ave, Suite 101 in Chipley. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID. Washington County is a smaller county. The clerk's office handles fewer civil cases than the larger counties in the 14th Circuit, but the same rules and procedures apply.
Civil Court Structure in Washington County
Washington County is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, and Jackson counties. Civil cases in Washington County go to one of two court levels based on the amount in dispute.
Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court in Washington County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court as well. Evictions and landlord-tenant cases are also in County Court in Washington County.
The Florida court locations page shows courthouse addresses for Washington County and every other county in the state. If you are not sure which court level handles your civil case, the clerk's office can point you to the right filing window.
Confidential Information in Washington County Civil Court Records
Some details in civil court records are kept private. Social security numbers and bank account or credit card numbers must not appear in public court files under Florida law. If these numbers show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no fee for this in Washington County.
Parties and attorneys who file civil court papers in Washington County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags any confidential data so the clerk can keep it out of public view. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain other personal details in civil court records.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Washington County
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through interview questions and fills out court forms for you. More than 20 forms are available for small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Washington County clerk's office. Standard filing fees still apply when you submit civil court documents.
The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for common civil case types. These cover small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. The clerk's office in Washington County cannot give legal advice, but staff can tell you which forms to use for your type of case.
The E-Filing Portal support desk is available 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 Washington County. Training videos show how to set up an account, submit documents, and pay fees.
Public Records Access in Washington 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 Washington County. You do not need to be a party in a case to view court files. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time.
Some limits exist. Records sealed by court order are off limits. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential under Section 119.0714. But most civil court files in Washington County are open to the public. 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 Florida. Use it to reach the Washington County clerk or any other clerk in the state for help with civil court records.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County includes Chipley, Vernon, Caryville, Wausau, and Ebro. All civil court cases for these communities go through the Washington County Clerk of Court. Chipley is the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records in Washington County.
None of the cities in Washington County meet the population threshold for a separate city page. All residents use the Washington County clerk's office in Chipley for civil court matters.
Nearby Counties
These counties are also in the 14th Judicial Circuit with Washington 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 for the court to have jurisdiction.