Notices
Public legal notices and court announcements
Impact Fees
Impact Fees New Impact Fees implementation effective date April 14th, 2025. The Mayor and Council of the City of North Miami on November 26, 2024, at its regularly scheduled meeting adopted Ordinance No. 1531, an Ordinance amending and restating the City of North Miami Development Impact Fee Act established under Ordinance No. 1302, for purposes of, among other items, adopting an updated Impact Fee Study, and imposing revised rates for new development within the incorporated area of the City of North Miami that results in increased demand for system improvements for Parks and Recreation (including Library) facilities, General Government (including Police) facilities, Stormwater facilities, and new development within its water and sewer service areas that generates an increased demand for Water and Sewer facilities. The fees shall be collected by the City contemporaneously with the issuance of a building permit. A copy of Ordinance No. 1531 (November 26, 2024) can be obtained here Version OptionsImpact FeesHeadline or by requesting a copy from the City Clerk’s Office by calling 305-895-9817. The resulting Impact Fee Study Report, including the proposed new fee schedule, is linked below. Understanding Impact Fees in Our City What Are Impact Fees? Impact fees are charges imposed on new developments to cover a fair share of the costs associated with expanding infrastructure to accommodate growth. Unlike traditional negotiated developer contributions, impact fees are calculated using a standardized formula based on objective factors like the number and type of new housing units. These fees are paid once, up-front, at the time of building permit issuance, ensuring that each new project contributes its fair share to the community’s infrastructure needs. Background on Our Impact Fees The City introduced impact fees in 2010 to support infrastructure in several key areas: transportation, parks and recreation, library services, general government, police, water, and sewer facilities. Initially, these fees were set at 50% of the maximum amount calculated in a 2007 study for most categories, and at 100% of the amount calculated in a 2010 study for water and sewer facilities. Since then, these fees have not been updated. What’s Changing? We’re currently updating our impact fees to better reflect current needs and costs. This update will be effective April 14, 2025, and includes: New Stormwater Impact Fee: To address the growing need for improved stormwater management. Replacement of the Transportation Fee: Introducing a new mobility fee to better support our evolving transportation infrastructure. To assist in this process, we've engaged two consulting firms: Duncan and Associates for impact fees and NUE Urban Concepts for the mobility fee. What did the changes Involve? Comprehensive Study: A revision of our impact fees for various services and a new fee structure for stormwater facilities. Ordinance Amendments: Updated the legal framework to implement the revised fees. Extraordinary Needs: Identified and documented cases where exceptional circumstances justify exceeding usual limits on fee increases. Ensuring Legal Compliance Our revised fees will adhere to the Florida Impact Fee Act and relevant case law. This ensures that: Fees are proportional to the impact of the development. Service levels for new developments do not exceed those provided to existing developments. New developments do not end up paying more than necessary for the same level of service. These regulations ensure that fee increases are gradual and equitable across different land uses. Simplified and Consolidated Fee Structures Our update will also aim to simplify fee schedules by: Reducing the number of land use categories for easier administration. Combining related fee types, such as merging police facilities with general government fees and combining parks with library services. This consolidation will provide greater flexibility in allocating funds to address the most pressing needs across different service areas. Restrictions on Fee Increases Recent changes to Florida law impose restrictions on increasing impact fees: Increases of up to 25% must be phased in over two years. Increases between 25% and 50% must be phased in over four years. Fees can only be adjusted once every four years. Stay Informed We’re committed to keeping you informed throughout this process. For more details on the impact fee update, including timelines and public engagement opportunities, please check our website regularly. Your feedback is essential as we work to ensure that our city continues to grow in a sustainable and equitable manner. Links for supporting documentation Impact Fee Study Report (PDF) Notice of Imposition of Impact Fees (PDF) Impact Fee Schedule (PDF)
CaseAccess
CaseAccess makes statewide case research more convenient for frequent professional users while maintaining the Clerks' role as the source of the official court record. CaseAccess is an optional, subscription-based research service available through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (E-Filing Portal). It is designed for private attorneys, legal professionals and public researchers who regularly need to search case information across multiple Florida counties. CaseAccess brings Clerk-sourced case information together in one secure, streamlined statewide search platform. The service allows users to search case information from all 67 Florida counties through the Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS). How can a private attorney, legal professional, or public researcher subscribe? To subscribe, visit the Florida Courts E-Filing Authority homepage and select the "Enter the Portal" button. Sign in to your active E-Filing Portal account, then select CaseAccess Subscription from the command ribbon to manage your subscription settings. If you do not already have an account, you must create one before subscribing. There is no cost to register for an E-Filing account. How much does it cost? CaseAccess is available for: $20 per month $200 per year Subscription fees support the technology, processing, security, daily updates, maintenance, and customer service necessary to operate the statewide research platform. The subscription fee is for the enhanced search experience and related services. Users are not purchasing or acquiring ownership of public court information. Is public court information still available for free? Yes. Public case information remains available through the existing public-access channels provided by individual Clerks. CaseAccess is an optional service for users who want the convenience of a statewide search platform, particularly those who frequently conduct research across multiple jurisdictions. Is CaseAccess the official court record? No. CaseAccess is a research tool and is not the official court record. Users who need the official and most current record, document or case status should consult the appropriate Clerk’s office. Clerks remain the source of the official court record. If someone asks, "Am I paying for public records?" No. The subscription fee is for an enhanced statewide search experience and related services. Users are not purchasing or acquiring ownership of public court information. Public case information continues to be available through existing public-access channels provided by individual Clerks.
Juvenile
Juvenile | Putnam County Clerk & Comptroller Court Services Juvenile Types of Cases The jurisdiction of Juvenile Court Records includes the following cases applicable to a child eighteen (18) years and under. Juvenile Dependency All matters relating to juveniles who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, surrendered for the purpose of adoption, or who are persistent runaways, habitually truant, or ungovernable. See Florida Statute 39.0132 regarding the confidentiality of Dependency records. Juvenile Delinquency All matters relating to juveniles who have committed a violation of Florida Law. See Florida Statute 985.04 in regards to the confidentiality of Delinquency records. Accessing Cases & Records The Juvenile Department maintains the official records pertaining to all juvenile court pleadings and petitions in accordance with statutory requirements, giving special consideration to the confidential nature of these records. The Juvenile Department works closely with Children and Family Services, the Judiciary, State Attorneys, Public Defender, Department of Juvenile Justice, law enforcement, and other agencies in carrying out its mission. The Juvenile Department dockets all cases, attends court hearings, and maintains all of the required court records. The following chapters govern Juvenile Proceedings: Florida Statute 39: Proceedings Relating to Children Florida Statute 985: Delinquency, Interstate Compact on Juveniles Who Can Access Records? Please note that all juvenile cases and records are confidential. Only certain individuals can obtain information related to juvenile cases. Information cannot be given out over the telephone. You must appear in person with proper identification (Driver’s License or State Identification Card) to receive information. The following people are authorized to receive information concerning a juvenile case: Parent of child: as long as your parental rights are still intact The guardian or legal custodian of the child The child involved in the case The attorney for the parent and/or child after the Notice of Appearance is filed with the clerk in the case in question A law enforcement officer, but only as to the offense they were charged or arrested on A counselor with the Department of Juvenile Justice or the Department of Children and Family Services The State Attorney or Assistant State Attorney The Public Defender or Assistant Public Defender A corrections officer A member of the parole commission The Guardian Ad Litem The Attorney General and Assistant Attorneys General CourthouseComplex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office GovernmentComplex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office Crescent CitySatellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office InterlachenSatellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office Secret Link
Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage
A Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) is an action to terminate the contract of marriage. These matters are governed by the laws of the State of Florida (Florida Statutes) and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. Process In order to end a marriage, a person must obtain a final judgment from a circuit court dissolving the marriage. In that judgment, all property, support and child-related issues ordinarily will be determined. To obtain that judgment a person must file a petition to start a lawsuit, legally serve (notice) his or her spouse, provide and obtain financial information to and from his or her spouse, if children are involved, take a class, and either have an agreement and/or parenting plan prepared and brought to the court at an appropriately noticed final hearing or have a trial before a judicial officer at which evidence will be taken to allow the judicial officer to make decisions. A person is not required to have a lawyer to obtain a divorce. However, because this is a legal process with rules and procedures to be followed, it is advisable to obtain legal counsel. To obtain a divorce, there must be a legally acceptable reason. There are two legally acceptable reasons in Florida. One is that one party has been declared legally incompetent for a period in excess of three years. The other is the more common basis - that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." That means that there is nothing that the court can do (such as sending the couple to counseling) to induce the couple to reconcile. If there are children, and a person answers a petition for dissolution of marriage by denying that the marriage is irretrievably broken, then the court may order the parties to counseling and may delay the proceedings for up to three months to encourage and/or permit the parties an opportunity to reconcile. Other Party's Response Once a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed, it must be legally served upon the other party. That party must then file a written answer with the court. Forms for dissolution of marriage proceedings are available, and many courts have self-help units to assist people without lawyers in finding those forms. Family Courts There are specialized rules for procedure dealing with family courts, which are available at public libraries and law schools. Those rules require each party to provide the other with financial information within a certain number of days of the beginning of a case. Except in cases involving domestic violence, most courts will also require all couples to attend mediation sessions - which are conferences with the assistance of a trained person who try to help couples achieve a settlement between themselves. If children are involved, all parties will be required to attend parenting classes, details of which are provided when the divorce action is filed. While a divorce is pending, a trial judge may enter orders dealing with support, possession or maintenance of any individual asset, where the child or children will live, the time the child or children will spend with each parent, and attorney's fees and costs. Public Proceedings Divorce proceedings are public proceedings, and the files are available at the courthouse for public review. Under certain limited circumstances, portions of the file may be sealed by order of the court. Information Packet The Clerk's Office can provide you with an information packet to begin your divorce.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Petitions Domestic Violence petitions will be accepted and processed at the Clerk's Family Law office Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Injunctions An injunction is a court order signed by a judge that can be served and or enforced by law enforcement. Injunctions for Protection Against Domestic Violence may be issued against a spouse or former spouse, a person related by blood or marriage, a person which you are presently living with or have formerly lived with, as if a family, or against someone with whom you have a child in common, regardless whether you were ever married to that person or lived with them. Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence If a person falling within one of the previous descriptions has committed a crime against you resulting in your physical injury, or that person has placed you in fear (with words or physical acts), and made you believe you would be immediately harmed by an unlawful act of violence, you may have grounds to ask the court for an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence. Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence An Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence may be issued if someone has committed two separate acts of violence, one being within the last six months, against you. The Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence is available for those individuals not covered by the Domestic Violence Injunctions. These are sometimes filed against neighbors, friends, or co-workers. Injunctions for Protection Against Dating Violence Injunctions for Protection Against Dating Violence may be issued against an individual with whom you have or had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. It is determined by consideration of such facts as the dating relationship existed within the past six months, the nature of the relationship included an expectation of affection or sexual involvement and the frequency and type of interaction between you and the individual included involvement over time and on a continued basis. Injunctions for Protection Against Sexual Violence Injunctions for Protection Against Sexual Violence may be issued if one incident of the following acts occur regardless of whether criminal charges based on the incident were filed, reduced or dismissed by the state attorney: Sexual battery, as defined in Florida Statutes Chapter 794 A lewd or lascivious act, as defined in Florida Statutes Chapter 800, committed upon or in the presence of a person younger than 16 years of age Luring or enticing a child, as described in Florida Statutes Chapter 787 Sexual performance by a child, as described in Florida Statutes Chapter 827 Any other forcible felony wherein a sexual act is committed or attempted Filing an Injunction It is a requirement that the sexual violence be reported to a law enforcement agency and that the person filing the petition cooperate in the investigation. A petition may be filed against a respondent who was sentenced to imprisonment for the sexual violence and who has been or will be released from incarceration. A person who is the victim of sexual violence or the parent or legal guardian of a minor child who is living at home who is the victim of sexual violence has standing in the circuit court to file a sworn petition for an injunction for protection against sexual violence on his or her own behalf or on behalf of the minor child if: The person has reported the sexual violence to a law enforcement agency and is cooperating in any criminal proceedings against the respondent, regardless of whether criminal charges based on the sexual violence have been filed, reduced or dismissed by the state attorney, or the respondent who committed the sexual violence against the victim or minor child was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in state prison for the sexual violence and the respondent's term of imprisonment has expired or is due to expire within 90 days following the date the petition is filed. Protection Against Stalking Injunction for Protection Against Stalking may be issued if someone has willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person. "Harass" means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes substantial emotional distress to that person and serves no legitimate purpose. "Creditable threat" means a verbal or nonverbal threat, or a combination of the two, including threats delivered by electronic communication or implied by a pattern of conduct, which places the person who is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family members or individuals closely associated with the person, and which is made with the apparent ability to carry out the threat to cause such harm. "Cyberstalk" means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed to a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose. No Contact If an injunction for protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking is granted by the court, the judge may order the other party not to have contact with you and not to harm you mentally or physically. Information for Petitioners (PDF) Information for Respondents (PDF) What are the statutory requirements for filing a "Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence? What is an injunction? Where can I obtain an injunction? Is there a fee for filing an Injunction of Protection? What Information is helpful in filing a Petition for Injunction? What are other steps in the legal process? What if the respondent is outside the State of Florida? What can the injunction do for you? Can my child be a witness? How long does the injunction remain in effect? View All
Marriage Licenses
Florida Statute 741.01, in part, states that the Clerk of Circuit Court acts as an agent for the State of Florida for issuing Marriage Licenses. The Marriage License Department is here to answer your questions concerning obtaining a Marriage License in Putnam County. For advice to newly married couples or those about to get married, we suggest you visit the Family Law section of the Florida Bar website. This gives you some advice on the legal issues to be considered when you get married. You can also read The Official Family Law Handbook, which has been updated! Notice: Licenses are not issued after 4:30 PM. Applying for a Marriage License When applying for a marriage license, both parties must provide the following: Identification in the form of a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. U.S. Citizens must provide their Social Security Number. Non-citizens may provide a Social Security Number, or an Alien Registration Number issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Proof of age. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age. An application form must be completed. If either party has been previously married, you must note on the application how and when (the month, day, and year) the marriage ended. The fee for the Marriage License is $86.00. This fee is reduced to $61.00 for Florida Residents who have completed a premarital preparation course as provided in Florida Statute 741.0305(5). Applicants are required to read the Family Law Handbook before a license can be issued. Frequently Asked Questions Do both parties have to be present at the Clerks Office to apply for a license? Yes. Both parties must sign the application form and take an oath to the truthfulness of the information provided. Is a blood test required? No. A blood test is no longer required in the State of Florida. Is there a waiting period for the issuance of a Marriage License? Yes, Florida Statute 741.04 (3) says the effective date shall be delayed 3 days from the date of application unless they provide a statement or a certificate of a premarital preparation course from a qualified provider registered with our office, or both applicants are out-of-state residents. How long is the Marriage License valid? Florida Marriage Licenses are valid for 60 days from the date issued. Must I apply for a Marriage License in the County where I live? No. A Marriage License can be applied for and solemnized in any Florida County. Who may perform Marriage Ceremonies? All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel, elders in communion with a church, or other ordained clergy. All Judicial Officers, including retired Judicial Officers, Clerks of the Circuit Court, and Notary Publics of this State. “Quakers” and “Friends” may perform marriages in the manner and form used and practiced in their societies. Who is a regularly ordained minister? A minister who has been recognized in the manner required by the regulations of the respective denomination to perform marriage ceremonies. May I get married by a captain aboard a ship? Yes. If the Captain is a Notary and the ship is in Florida Waters (within 3 geographic miles of the coastline) at the time of the ceremony. May a marriage be solemnized without a license? No. Florida Statute 741.08 states in part that the party solemnizing the marriage shall require a properly issued license before performing the ceremony, and within 10 days after the ceremony, he shall make a certificate thereof the license and shall transmit the same to the Clerk of the Circuit Court from which it was issued. How long does it take to get a copy of the marriage record, and the costs? You will receive a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate within 7 days after the officiator returns it to the Clerk’s Office to be recorded. There is no charge for the first copy. Additional certified copies cost $3.00. Can a person marry someone to whom they are related? Florida law prohibits a person from marrying anyone to whom they are related by lineal consanguinity. The nearest degree of relation who may legally marry in the State of Florida is first cousins. Do one or both applicants have to be U.S. Citizens? No. There are no citizenship or residency requirements. May a license be issued to persons under 18 years of age? Yes, if the person is at least 17 years of age and provides the notarized consent of his or her parents or legal guardian, and the older party to the marriage is not more than 2 years older than the younger party to the marriage. Can a minor, younger than 17 get a Marriage License? No. CourthouseComplex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office GovernmentComplex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office Crescent CitySatellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office InterlachenSatellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office
Family Law Forms
Family Law Forms Family Law forms are not available on this website. Please use the resources below: Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms www.flcourts.gov First Judicial Circuit Forms and Resources www.firstjudicialcircuit.org DIY Family Law Forms www.myflcourtaccess.com Printed form packets, individual forms, and checklists are available for purchase at the Clerk’s Office. Important: Clerk’s Office staff cannot provide legal advice, explain legal rights or remedies, or assist in completing forms. For legal guidance, please consult an attorney or contact a local legal aid provider.
Hope Card
Hope Card Pursuant to §741.311, a person who has been issued a final judgment on injunction for protection under s. 741.30, s. 784.046, s. 784.0485, or s. 825.1035 may request a Hope Card from the clerk of the court of the circuit in which the order for an injunction for protection was entered. A person may request a Hope Card at the time the final judgment on injunction for protection is issued or at any other time before the expiration of the order for protection. The clerk will issue an electronic Hope Card within 3 business days after the request is submitted. A Hope Card is valid for 2 years after the date of issuance of the final order OR the expiration date of the injunction, whichever is earlier. A Hope Card may be renewed after the 2-year period if the injunction is still in effect. Request a Hope Card through our online portal. Please note: A person who, having actual knowledge that he or she is not protected by an injunction that is currently in force and effect, knowingly and willfully presents to another person a Hope Card or other document purporting to be a Hope Card for the purpose of evidencing the existence of an injunction, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Name Change
The Name Change process is used when an individual or a family wants to ask the court to change their name. If one parent asks for a name change of a minor child(ren), the process must be served on the other parent and proof of service on the other parent must be filed with the court. See Florida Statute 68.07 for legal authority for Name Change. All name change petitions, except where a former name is being restored, must include a copy of the petitioner's fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency, including children ages 5 and older. Fingerprint cards may be obtained at the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.
Property Sales
Property Sales | Putnam County Clerk & Comptroller County Services Property Sales Tax Deed Sales Explore current tax deed sale listings and details about the auction process. View Tax Deed Sales Foreclosure Sales View foreclosure sale information, including case numbers, sale dates, and judgment amounts. View Foreclosure Sales Lands Available for Taxes The list of Lands Available for taxes includes properties that were offered but not purchased at a Tax Deed sale. View Lands Available CourthouseComplex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office GovernmentComplex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office Crescent CitySatellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office InterlachenSatellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office
Mental Health
Mental Health | Putnam County Clerk & Comptroller Skip to content Close search panel Press enter to search or ESC to close / Court Services Mental Health Mental health records are confidential. The only person who can obtain information is the person to whom the records pertain (the respondent). Acts concerned with mental health include the Baker Acts and the Marchman Acts. Baker Act (Mental) This is a process established by the Florida Statutes Mental Health Act by which a person whose current mental state poses a danger to that person or to others may be taken to a mental health receiving facility for an involuntary examination. Chapter 394 is known as “The Baker Act” and as “The Florida Mental Health Act.” A Baker Act proceeding is a means of providing an individual with emergency services and temporary detention for mental health evaluation and treatment, on an involuntary basis. What criteria need to be met for an involuntary Baker Act? An involuntary Baker Act admission occurs upon a finding by a court that: A person is mentally ill and, because of the mental illness, he/she has refused voluntary placement for treatment or is unable to determine whether placement is necessary. He/she is incapable of living alone or with help, and without treatment is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse to care for himself/herself, or there is a substantial likelihood in the near future that he/she will inflict serious bodily harm on himself/herself/others, as evidenced by recent behavior. All less restrictive treatment alternatives are not appropriate. How do I file a petition? A petition and Affidavit Seeking Ex Parte Requiring Involuntary Examination may be obtained and filed in the Probate Department located in the Putnam County Courthouse, at 410 St. Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177. The petition can be filed by a person(s) who has firsthand knowledge of the situation. There is no cost to file the petition. A judge will review the petition and, if the petition is granted, a pick-up order is issued for examination and is provided to the Sheriff’s Office for service on the respondent. Can I file a Baker Act on someone who does not reside or currently is not in Putnam County? No. A Petition for Involuntary Placement can only be filed in the county in which the individual resides or is currently located. If you are seeking to file a petition for someone who resides or is currently outside of Putnam County, you will need to contact the County in which the individual is currently located. Ex parte proceedings are not appropriate when the person is already in the custody of law enforcement and can be evaluated by trained personnel. Marchman Act (Alcohol or Drugs) This is established by Florida Statutes, “Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993,” by which a person may be admitted for an involuntary evaluation to determine if his or her judgment is impaired due to substance abuse and he or she has, therefore, lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse and poses a danger to himself or herself or to another person. Who files the Petition for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization Marchman Act)? The petition may be filed by the person’s spouse, guardian, any relative, a private practitioner, the director of a licensed service provider or designee, or any person with personal knowledge of the person’s substance abuse impairment and their prior course of assessment and treatment. For a minor, the petition may be filed by a parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or licensed service provider. The petitioner must have recently observed the behavior of the person who is the subject of the petition. Can I file a Marchman Act on someone who does not reside or currently is not in Putnam County? No. A Petition for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization can only be filed in the county in which the individual resides or is currently located. If you are seeking to file a petition for someone who resides or is currently outside of Putnam County, you will need to contact the County in which the individual is currently located. CourthouseComplex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office GovernmentComplex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office Crescent CitySatellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office InterlachenSatellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office Secret Link
Adoptions & Termination of Parental Rights
Adoptions & Termination of Parental Rights | Escambia County Clerk, FL Adoptions & Termination of Parental Rights Adoption cases and Termination of Parental Rights cases can be filed with the Clerk's Family Law Division. All papers and records pertaining to adoptions, including the original birth certificate, are confidential and subject to inspection only on order of the court. The court files, records, and papers in adoptions of a minor are indexed only in the name of the petitioner. The name of the minor is not noted on any docket, index, or other record outside the court file. See Florida Statutes 63.022 and 63.162. Additional Information For information on private and international adoption agencies within Florida, please call the Florida Adoption Information Center at 800-96-ADOPT (800-962-3678 ).
Probate
Probate is a court-supervised process for identifying and gathering the assets of a deceased person (decedent), paying the decedent’s debts, and distributing the decedent’s assets to his or her beneficiaries. The Florida Probate Code is found in Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes, and the rules governing Florida probate proceedings are found in the Florida Probate Rules, Part I and Part II (Rules 5.010-5.530). There are two types of probate administration under Florida law: Formal Administration Summary Administration There is also a non-court-supervised administration proceeding called “Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration.” This type of administration only applies in limited circumstances. Probate administration only applies to probate assets. Probate Assets Probate assets are those assets that the decedent owned in his or her sole name at death, or that were owned by the decedent and one or more co-owners and lacked a provision for automatic succession of ownership at death. Probate assets include, but are not limited to, the following: A bank account or investment account in the sole name of a decedent. A life insurance policy, annuity contract, or individual retirement account payable to the decedent’s estate. Real estate titled in the sole name of the decedent, or in the name of the decedent and another person as tenants in common, is a probate asset (unless it is homestead property). Probate is necessary to pass ownership of the decedent’s probate assets to the decedent’s beneficiaries, if the decedent did not have a will. Probate is also necessary to complete the decedent’s financial affairs after his or her death. Administration of the decedent’s estate ensures that the decedent’s creditors are paid if certain procedures are correctly followed. Probate Proceedings Probate proceedings are filed with the clerk of the circuit court, usually in the county in which the decedent lived at the time of his or her death. A filing fee is required and should be paid to the clerk. After you file for probate, the clerk then assigns a file number and maintains an ongoing record of all documents filed with the clerk for the administration of the decedent’s probate estate. Additional Resources: floridabar.org/consumer flcourts.gov/probate floridalawhelp.org Frequently Asked Questions What is probate? Probate is a legal process through which the assets of a deceased person are properly distributed to the heirs or beneficiaries. The Court oversees the estate to ensure debts are paid and that proper distribution is made. Are there different types of probate proceedings depending on the size of the estate? Yes, there are three (3) basic types of proceedings for administering the decedent’s estate: Petition for Administration (Formal): This type of proceeding is used when it is necessary to appoint a personal representative to act on behalf of the estate because there are considerable assets or other special circumstances. The capacity in which the representative will act is determined by the court at the time of the appointment, and letters of administration will be issued to the representative so that he/she may complete the administration of the estate. Petition for Summary Administration: This type of proceeding is used when the value of the entire estate does not exceed $75,000 or the decedent has been deceased over two years. Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: This type of proceeding is used to request the release of assets of the deceased up to $6,000.00 or reasonable funeral expenses to the person who paid the final expenses, such as funeral bills or medical bills for the last 60 days. These assets cannot include real property. The following paperwork is required for filing a Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration: If the decedent has a will, it must be filed with the Clerk of Court for safekeeping within ten days of the notice of death; An itemized, paid funeral bill; Paid receipts for any medical expenses incurred sixty days prior to death; A statement regarding the type of asset to be released; Identification of the person filing; The filing fee. After this information is filed, the Court will enter an Order either allowing or disallowing the release of assets. How are probate proceedings initiated? Probate proceedings are initiated with the filing of a petition by an interested person asking to be appointed personal representative or to distribute property depending on size and complexity of property. Most petitions are normally prepared by an attorney. The personal representative will be responsible for the estate until all bills are paid and the balance of the estate is distributed to the rightful beneficiaries and they are discharged by the court. Can I represent myself? Yes, but you should know the law. However, it is important and typically required that the personal representative of an Estate have legal representation. What is a will, and when and where should it be filed? A will is a document executed by a person to dispose of his or her property after his or her death. It generally names a personal representative to administer the estate. After the death of the person, the custodian of the will must deposit the original will with the Clerk of the Circuit Court within ten (10) days after receiving information that the person is deceased. The custodian should supply the person’s date of death or the last four digits of the person’s Social Security number to the Clerk upon deposit of the original will, if this information is available. Do you need an attorney to deposit a will? No, an attorney is not necessary to deposit the will with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. However, you may want to consult with an attorney before filing so that he or she may determine whether Probate proceedings will be necessary. There is no fee to deposit a will. If a receipt is requested, the fee is $7.00. What happens if a person dies and has left no will? The property will be distributed in accordance with Florida law. What happens if there is a will filed but no personal representative has been named? It will be necessary for an attorney to petition the Court to appoint a personal representative to administer the estate if there are assets in the decedent’s name alone. My spouse has died. Do I have to go through probate just to gain access to the checking account? Yes, if the account is held solely in the name of an individual who has died. Any asset, including a checking account that is frozen at the time of death, cannot be made available to you without some sort of court order. What if the account is in both our names? No. In that case, the checking account (and all assets owned in both your names) passes to you by rights of survivorship. However, you should record a certified copy of the death certificate in the Official Records of the county that does not include the cause of death section. Where do I get the death certificate? Death certificates must be obtained from the Health Department of the county where the decedent died.
Injunctions for Protection
Injunctions for Protection | Putnam County Clerk & Comptroller Skip to content Close search panel Press enter to search or ESC to close / Court Services Injunctions for Protection Types of Injunctions The Domestic Relations Clerk will help victims obtain Injunctions for Protection. Injunctions are commonly referred to as “restraining orders”. There are no fees to file an injunction. The Clerk will supply the forms and provide assistance if needed. There are five types of Injunctions that differ based on the nature of the threat and the victim’s relationship to the abuser. Please review the types of Injunctions below. Domestic Violence You may file a Domestic Violence Injunction if there has been an incident of violence and the Respondent is your spouse, former spouse, related to you by blood or marriage, living with you or has lived with you in the past, or is the other parent of your child(ren), whether you have been married or lived together. Repeat Violence You may file a Repeat Violence Injunction if two or more incidents of violence have been committed against you or a member of your immediate family by another person. At least one of those acts of violence must have occurred within the last six months of filing a petition. Sexual Violence You may file a Sexual Violence Injunction if there has been an incident of violence wherein a sexual act is committed or attempted. In order to receive an injunction, you must have reported the sexual violence to law enforcement and be cooperating in any resulting criminal proceeding. Dating Violence You may file a Dating Violence Injunction if there has been an incident of violence between individuals who have had a continuing relationship of a romantic and intimate nature. The relationship must have existed within the past six months. Stalking Violence You may file a Stalking Violence Injunction if someone purposely follows or harasses you repeatedly over a period of time for no legitimate reason. Domestic & Sexual Violence The Clerk of Court shall provide clerical assistance for the preparation and filing of a temporary injunction for protection against abuse by any person who is not represented by counsel. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or the Sheriff’s Office at (386) 329-0800. Domestic Violence forms can be found online at flcourts.gov/family-law-forms. Filing an Injunction The Clerk’s Office will assist a victim with filing a Petition for Injunction Monday – Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Forms All forms are available online on our Forms page. After Hours Assistance After normal business hours, assistance is available by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or the Lee Conlee House at (386) 325-3141. Help is available 24/7/365 through these resources. Filing Process The Petition for Injunction for Protection and all required paperwork must be completed, signed, and sworn to by the petitioner, then filed with the Clerk of Court. Filing fees: There are no filing fees for Petitions for Injunction for Protection under Florida law. Information You Must Provide Your petition must include specific facts and circumstances, including dates when applicable. This information helps the judge determine whether an immediate and present danger of violence exists and whether a temporary injunction should be issued without notice to the respondent. You must also disclose: Any previous or pending requests for an Injunction for Protection. Any other pending legal action between you and the respondent in Florida or another state. The results of any previous proceedings. Any additional relief you are requesting from the Court. The information in the petition also helps law enforcement identify and locate the respondent for service. Keeping Your Address Confidential When you file your petition, you may request that your address be kept confidential. The Clerk’s Office will provide a form for this request. Signing Under Oath You must sign all required documents under oath. You are subject to the penalties of perjury for providing false information. What Happens After You File? The Clerk’s Office will send your case file to the assigned judge. The judge will review the petition to determine whether it meets the requirements for a temporary injunction. If a temporary injunction is issued, a hearing will be scheduled. Both parties will be required to appear at the hearing. Service on the Respondent After the judge makes a decision, the documents will be returned to the Clerk’s Office for processing. You will receive a certified copy of the Order and Notice of Hearing. Keep this copy with you at all times. The Clerk’s Office will also forward the required documents to the sheriff in the county where the respondent resides. The sheriff will attempt to serve the respondent as soon as possible. The Court Hearing You must appear at the scheduled hearing and provide sworn testimony about the specific circumstances of the alleged incident or incidents. Answer all questions completely and truthfully. The respondent will also have an opportunity to testify under oath. The judge will consider the sworn testimony and evidence presented by both parties. The hearing will determine whether sufficient grounds exist for the Court to enter a permanent injunction. CourthouseComplex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office GovernmentComplex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office Crescent CitySatellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office InterlachenSatellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office Secret Link
Evictions
Evictions | Putnam County Clerk & Comptroller Both landlords and tenants have certain rights that are protected by Florida law. If you are a tenant having a problem with your landlord or a landlord who needs to evict a tenant, your County Civil clerk can help you but cannot give you legal advice. All forms that you would need to file an eviction are available to you at the Clerk’s Office for a small fee. For individuals representing a corporation during any phase of the lawsuit, please complete the Corporate Authorization Form. There are 5 steps in the eviction process. Step 1: Provide Written Notice The landlord must give the tenant written notice. The two most common reasons for eviction are non-payment of rent and to take possession of the property. The written notice that must be provided will vary depending on the reason for eviction. Notice forms are not provided by the Clerk’s Office, but may be obtained at most office supply stores. See Florida Statute 83 for Landlord and Tenant information, or see Florida Statute 723 for Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies. Non-Payment of Rent If you are evicting your tenant for non-payment of rent, you need to give the tenant a 3-day written notice to pay the rent or vacate. When calculating this time, you do not count the day of delivery, weekends, or holidays. You may post the notice on the door, mail it, or hand it to the tenant. The 3-day notice must seek only rent that is due. If the tenant does not comply with the notice, you would bring a copy of the 3-day notice to our office and file your eviction complaint with the court. Possession of Property If you are evicting your tenant for possession only, you will need to give the tenant a 7- or 15-day notice (depending on how the tenant pays the rent to you) to vacate. If the tenancy is week-to-week, you must give a 7-day notice. If the tenancy is month-to-month, you must give a 15-day notice. If you give a 15-day notice, there must be 15 days between the date you give the notice and the date you want them out. There can be more than 15 days, but no less than 15 days. The 15th day must be on the date the rent is due again. If the tenant does not comply with the notice, you will need to bring a copy of the notice to our office and file your eviction complaint with the court. Step 2: File the Eviction The landlord must file the eviction notice with the court. To do this, you can present to the court a copy of the notice that you gave your tenant along with the appropriate filing fee. The clerk will give you the appropriate forms to file the eviction, according to the type of notice you have given to your tenant. Step 3: Serve a Summons The landlord must serve the tenant with a summons. Once you have filed your eviction, the clerk will prepare a summons to be served on your tenant. Serve and return copies will be provided to the plaintiff (landlord) to deliver to the sheriff or process server to serve the defendant (tenant). Once the summons is served, the tenant has 5 business days to respond to your eviction and 20 days to respond to the past-due rent and damages. The tenant is instructed to file their original answer with the clerk and send a copy to the landlord. The tenant should deposit with the Clerk the rent that is past due plus the registry fee of 3% of the first $500.00 and 1.5% of the balance, which is nonrefundable, or file a Motion for the Court to determine. The tenant should deposit the monthly rent with the Clerk until the case is settled. Step 4: File a Motion for Default or Hearing The landlord must file either a motion for default or a motion for hearing. When the 5 business days have expired and if the tenant did not respond to the summons, the landlord would file a Motion for Default with the court. If the tenant did respond to the summons, the Clerk will notify the Judge for Trial determination. Once you have filed the appropriate form, the clerk will prepare any necessary paperwork and then send the file to the Judge. The Judge will either set the case for a hearing or grant the landlord possession of the property. If the Judge grants the landlord possession of the property, the clerk will issue a Judgment of Eviction and Writ of Possession. Step 5: Execute or Serve the Writ of Possession The landlord must execute or serve the Writ of Possession. The landlord must contact the Sheriff’s Office to execute the Writ of Possession. The Writ of Possession will be served by the sheriff and will allow the tenant 24 hours to move. If the tenant has not vacated within the 24-hour period, the sheriff can remove the tenant. A tenant may not be removed without a court order. The Judge may also allow the tenant additional time to move. A writ may not be issued until the proper amount of time has elapsed If the sheriff has to remove the tenant, the sheriff will contact the landlord regarding taking possession of the property. If the eviction is for a mobile home belonging to the tenant and is governed by Florida Statute 723, the writ will not be issued for 10 days. A writ may not be issued without a court order.
Family Law
Family Law includes, but is not limited to, matters arising from: Dissolution of Marriage Annulment Paternity Child Support Custodial Care of or Access to Children Adoption Injunctions for the Protection against Domestic and Repeat Violence All Proceedings for Modification, Enforcement, and Civil Contempt of the above Actions Although child support matters are filed in the Family Law Division, any inquiries regarding payment of child support should be directed to the State of Florida Disbursement Unit at (877) 769-0251. Divorce Pursuant to Florida Statute 61.21, cases involving children (Dissolution of Marriage with children and Paternity) must complete a parenting class. Both parents must take the course. The class offers guidance for making the best choices for the children during this stressful time. The course is not offered in person in the Seventh Judicial Circuit. Online Classes are available at the following websites: FloridaParentingCourse.com myflfamilies.com (Available in Spanish) Once you have completed the course, you will be given a certificate. A copy must be filed in the court file before the final hearing. Residency Requirements To obtain a Dissolution of Marriage in the State of Florida, at least one of the parties must have been a resident of this state for a minimum of 6 months prior to filing for Dissolution of Marriage. Although it is not necessary to have an attorney, prior to entering into any agreement or signing any pleading, each party may wish to consult with an attorney to ensure that his or her rights are being protected and to be advised of the legal and tax-related consequences of signing any document. Types of Dissolution The filing fee for either type of dissolution is not refundable if the parties wish to reconcile and dismiss the Dissolution of Marriage. Regular Dissolution of Marriage This method of petitioning is required when you and your spouse have a dependent or minor child(ren) together, or the wife is pregnant. Listed below are some terms with which you should become familiar with before you decide to petition without an attorney: Shared Parental Responsibility Sole Parental Responsibility Rotating Custody Primary Residential Responsibility Secondary Residential Responsibility Reasonable Visitation Specified Visitation Supervised Visitation No Contact Besides the custody questions listed above, there is also the matter of Child Support to consider. There may also be the matters of Alimony, Marital and Nonmarital assets. The Clerk’s Office is prohibited by law from providing legal assistance or advice in these matters. You will be required to complete a parenting course before a final hearing may be set. Failure to meet this requirement may cause the court to dismiss your case or order some other appropriate sanction. Information on this requirement will be given to you when you file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. If the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is contested by your spouse, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you will be required to use a court-approved mediator to settle the disputed issues before a final hearing may be set. For individuals wishing to file on their own behalf, there are Self Help Forms Packets available for review and purchase at the Clerk’s Office. Further assistance is available by contacting a Family Law Self Help Coordinator for the Seventh Judicial Circuit at (386) 329-1911. Simplified Dissolution of Marriage A Simplified Dissolution of Marriage is a simple, inexpensive legal procedure for couples who meet the following: Both agree that the marriage cannot be saved There are no minor children together, and the wife is not pregnant Both parties must have agreed on how their property and debts are to be divided You are not seeking support (alimony) from your spouse, and vice versa Neither wishes to have financial information other than provided in the financial affidavits You are willing to give up your right to trial and appeal You and your spouse are both willing to go into the clerk’s office to sign the petition You and your spouse are both willing to go to the final hearing (at the same time) The Clerk may assist with the preparation of all documents relating to Simplified Divorce: Both parties must sign the Petition for Dissolution. A Property Settlement Agreement may be prepared, and both parties must sign the agreement. A Financial Affidavit must be completed and filed by each party. A certificate must be signed in the presence of the clerk or notary by a corroborating witness who knows that either the husband or the wife has lived in Florida for more than six (6) months before the date that the joint Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage was signed. You will not need a witness if you have a valid Florida Driver’s License that is more than six (6) months old. The Clerk will schedule a hearing before the assigned judge, and both parties are required to attend the hearing. Serena’s Law Effective July 1, 2021, Serena’s Law amended F.S. 28.2221(8)(a)-(d), which requires each county recorder or clerk of the court to post on its publicly available website an entry of final judgment for an injunction for the protection of a minor that includes the identity of each respondent against whom the injunction is entered, unless the respondent is a minor. Information not made available on the website by July 1, 2021, must be made available to the general public on the website if the minor, or the minor’s representative, identifies the information and requests it be made publicly available as outlined below: Public Notice of the Right of Any Affected Party to Request the Addition of Information to a Publicly Available Internet Website Any affected person has a right to request that a county recorder or clerk of the court add information to a publicly available Internet website if that information involves the identity of a respondent against whom a final judgment for an injunction for the protection of a minor under s. 741.30, s. 784.046, or s. 784.0485 is entered, unless the respondent is a minor. The request must be in writing and contain the case number. To make a request, contact the clerk’s office by mail or in person at 410 St. Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177. CourthouseComplex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office GovernmentComplex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office Crescent CitySatellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office InterlachenSatellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office
Circuit Civil Court
Circuit Civil Department maintains the records and documentation for cases involving lawsuits greater than $50,000. Other types of cases handled by Circuit Civil are mortgage and lien foreclosure, medical and professional malpractice, auto negligence, contract and indebtedness, personal injury, and eminent domain. The public may view most Circuit Civil case files unless the case has been sealed. In which case, it cannot be viewed without a court order. If you require legal advice or need information not provided here, you may need to consult an attorney licensed in the State of Florida or some other qualified source such as the Florida Bar. Frequently Asked Questions What types of cases are most commonly filed in the Circuit Civil division? Some types of cases that are filed in the Circuit Civil Division are: Mortgage & Lien Foreclosure Medical & Professional Malpractice Auto Negligence Contract & Indebtedness Personal Injury Eminent Domain How do I find an attorney? The Florida Bar is able to provide legal referrals. You can contact the Florida Bar by phone at (850) 561-5600 or online at floridabar.org. Click on the “Find a Lawyer” button, then click on the “Lawyer Referral Service Site” link. How do I find someone to serve my documents? You can have your summons (issued to you by the Clerk’s Office) served by the Sheriff’s Office or a private process server. You cannot have a court hearing until the person or business you are suing is served. You must know the correct name of the person, business, or corporation you are suing as well as their address and phone number, if possible. If the defendant is not served, you may attempt service again when you have located a new address. If you are suing a business, you should contact the Secretary of State Website at sunbiz.org to retrieve the information needed to have your summons served on the Registered Agent of the corporation or business. Sheriff’s Service Fee: The Sheriff’s service fee is $40.00 per defendant for Florida residents. Out-of-state Sheriff’s departments may charge a different fee. You are required to have a money order or business check made payable to the Sheriff of the County where the resident resides. For more information, please visit the Putnam County Sheriff’s website at putnamsherifffl.com. Private Process Server: You will need to contact the process server of your choice to determine the cost of service. The Clerk’s Office cannot refer a process server to you. You can get a referral from the Florida Association of Professional Process Servers at fapps.org, which provides a “Find A Process Server” link on their website. If you have any questions, please call our office at (386) 326-7600. Helpful Resources Florida Bar Rules of Civil Procedure Florida Bar Lawyers Referral Service CourthouseComplex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office GovernmentComplex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office Crescent CitySatellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office InterlachenSatellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office Secret Link
File
E-Filing Under a new rule of court, effective July 1, 2025, filings through the Florida Court’s E-Filing Portal may only be placed into a correction queue and not docketed on a case if the document: is filed after a case number is assigned and lacks a correct case number and the correct case number cannot be reliably and easily identified lacks a case style or has the wrong case style (i.e. lacks or has the wrong plaintiff or defendant) consists of multiple documents filed as 1 document consists of a multi-page document filed as separate documents is a proposed order, unless the proposed order is filed under a notice of filing for purposes of preserving a record is illegible, corrupt, or blank is barred by order of court or is otherwise incapable of being filed in the clerk’s case maintenance system If one of the seven reasons above applies and a document is placed in the correction queue it will be held by the E-Filing Portal for 30 days. Within those 30 days, three options may be selected by the filer. First, the filer may elect to file a new document to remedy the defect. Second, a filer may take no action thereby abandoning the document. Abandoning a document results in its deletion. Third, a filer may file a motion to review the action of the Clerk, attaching a copy of the document to the motion. The Florida Supreme Court’s opinion making these recent amendments to the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration can be found online here. Refer to page 32 of the Court’s opinion for the new rule on unsuccessful filing attempts. You may also find the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, with the updates incorporated, online here. Refer to subdivision (f) of rule 2.525 to see the changes fully incorporated into the existing rulebook.
Divorce / Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce / Simplified Dissolution of Marriage You may file a Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage in Florida at the Clerk's Office if all of the following are true: You and/or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing for a dissolution You and your spouse agree that the marriage cannot be saved You and your spouse have no minor or dependent child(ren) together and the wife is not now pregnant You and your spouse have worked out how the two of you will divide the things that you both own (your assets) and who will pay what part of the money you both owe (your liabilities), and you are both satisfied with this division. You are not seeking support (alimony) from your spouse, and vice versa Neither you nor your spouse wish to have any financial information other than that provided in the financial affidavits. You are willing to give up your right to trial and to appeal You and your spouse are both willing to go into the clerk's office to sign the petition (not necessarily together) You and your spouse are both willing to go to the final hearing (at the same time) What is a simplified divorce/simplified dissolution of marriage? Where can we file for a simplified divorce? What do we need to bring with us? View All
County Civil
The County Civil Department maintains records and documentation for cases involving eviction lawsuits, small claims, and other civil lawsuits involving amounts less than $50,000. The department also maintains records related to car repair disputes, the release of personal property, and payment information for judgments. Due to the complex legal nature of these cases, the County Civil Department does not offer any forms or advice on how to proceed with these actions, and we cannot refer an attorney or a process server to you. Frequently Asked Questions What types of cases are most commonly filed in the County Civil division? Some types of cases that are filed in the County Civil Division are: Evictions Replevin Declaratory Judgments All other civil actions that do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court or Small Claims Court How do I find an attorney? The Florida Bar is able to provide legal referrals. You can contact the Florida Bar by phone at (850) 561-5600 or online at floridabar.org. Click on the “Find a Lawyer” button, then click on the “Lawyer Referral Service Site” link. How do I find someone to serve my documents? You can have your summons (issued to you by the Clerk’s Office) served by the Sheriff’s Office or a private process server. You cannot have a court hearing until the person or business you are suing is served. You must know the correct name of the person, business, or corporation you are suing as well as their address and phone number, if possible. If the defendant is not served, you may attempt service again when you have located a new address. If you are suing a business, you should contact the Secretary of State Website at sunbiz.org to retrieve the information needed to have your summons served on the Registered Agent of the corporation or business. Sheriff’s Service Fee: The Sheriff’s service fee is $40.00 per defendant for Florida residents. Out-of-state Sheriff’s departments may charge a different fee. You are required to have a money order or business check made payable to the Sheriff of the County where the resident resides. For more information, please visit the Putnam County Sheriff’s website at putnamsherifffl.com. Private Process Server: You will need to contact the process server of your choice to determine the cost of service. The Clerk’s Office cannot refer a process server to you. You can get a referral from the Florida Association of Professional Process Servers at fapps.org, which provides a “Find A Process Server” link on their website. If you have any questions, please call our office at (386) 326-7600. Helpful Resources Florida Bar Rules of Civil Procedure Florida Bar Consumer Information Florida Bar Lawyers Referral Service Florida Bar Tenant and Landlord Rights Judgement Lien Information CourthouseComplex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office GovernmentComplex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Call Our Office Crescent CitySatellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office InterlachenSatellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Call Our Office Secret Link