Martin County court records are official documents that show every case filed in the county court system. These records cover civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases.
The Martin County Clerk of Court in Stuart keeps and shares these records with the public under Florida law.
Anyone can look up Martin County court records online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Most records are open to the public. A few records are sealed by a judge or hidden by state law. This page explains how to look up these records, what types exist, and what fees you may pay.
Martin County Clerk of Court
The Martin County Clerk of Court stores all court records for the county. Clerk Carolyn Timmann runs the office. The clerk files new cases, stores old case papers, and gives copies to the public. The office also handles official records like deeds, liens, and mortgages, which are separate from court case files.
The clerk’s office is in Stuart, Florida. Stuart is the county seat of Martin County. The county has about 161,000 people and sits along the Treasure Coast in southeast Florida. The clerk’s office serves every city and town in the county, including Jensen Beach, Palm City, Indiantown, Hobe Sound, and Sewall’s Point.
You can call the clerk at (772) 288-5576. The website is martinclerk.com. The office takes phone calls during normal business hours. Staff can answer questions about court records, fees, and how to file a records request.
How the Martin County Court System Works
Martin County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also includes Indian River, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. The circuit has two main levels of court. Each level handles different case types.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court handles serious cases. This includes felony criminal cases, civil cases over $50,000, family law cases, probate cases, and juvenile cases. Circuit Court judges hear these cases in Stuart. The Martin County Clerk of Court keeps the records for all Circuit Court cases in the county.
County Court
The County Court handles less serious cases. This includes misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims disputes under $8,000, traffic tickets, and county ordinance violations. County Court judges also sit in Stuart. The same clerk’s office keeps these records.
Both courts use the same online records system. You do not need to know which court heard the case. You can search for it by name, case number, or date in the clerk’s online database.
Types of Martin County Court Records
Martin County court records cover many case types. Each case type has its own record set. Here is a list of the main record types you can find.
Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between people or businesses. This includes contract disputes, property disputes, personal injury claims, and debt cases. Civil cases in Martin County can be filed in Circuit Court or County Court, based on the dollar amount. The clerk keeps all filings, motions, orders, and judgments for these cases.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records cover cases where the state charges a person with a crime. Felony cases go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanor cases go to County Court. Records include arrest reports, charging documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. Martin County criminal case records are open to the public unless a judge seals them.
Family Court Records
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. These records also include paternity cases and name changes. Most family court records in Martin County are public, but some details about children and finances may be redacted.
Probate Court Records
Probate court records cover wills, estates, and guardianship cases. This includes cases where a person dies with or without a will. Probate records also cover cases where a court appoints a guardian for a minor or an adult who cannot care for themselves.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records cover traffic tickets and driving violations. This includes speeding tickets, careless driving, driving with a suspended license, and DUI cases. Most traffic court records in Martin County are public and can be looked up online.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court records cover civil disputes under $8,000. This includes unpaid bills, security deposit disputes, and minor contract issues. Small claims cases are heard in County Court. The Martin County Clerk of Court keeps all small claims filings and judgments.
Appellate Court Records
Appellate court records cover cases that were appealed from Martin County to a higher court. The 19th Circuit is part of Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal. If a Martin County case was appealed, the appeal record is at the district court level. The clerk can tell you if a case was appealed.
How to Search Martin County Court Records Online
The Martin County Clerk of Court has an online search system. The system lets you look up cases from your computer or phone. You do not need an account. The search is free for basic case lookups.
Search by Party Name
You can search using a person’s first and last name. This shows all cases where that person is a party. The results list the case number, case type, filing date, and current status. You can click on each case to see more details.
Search by Case Number
If you know the case number, you can search by that. Case numbers in Martin County start with a year code. For example, a 2024 case might start with “24.” The case number also has a court code and a sequence number. The search will pull up the exact case file.
Search by Date Range
You can also search by date. This is helpful if you know when a case was filed. The system lets you set a start date and end date. You can also filter by case type to narrow your results.
The Martin County Clerk of Court homepage gives you a starting point to search court records and other public files.
How to Get Copies of Court Records
You can get copies of Martin County court records in four ways. Each method has its own process and fees.
In-Person at the Courthouse
You can visit the Martin County Clerk of Court in Stuart. The office has public computers you can use to search for cases. Staff can help you pull up a case and print copies. In-person visits are the fastest way to get same-day copies.
Online Request
You can request copies through the clerk’s online portal. The system lets you pick the documents you want and pay the fee by credit card. Copies are sent to you by email or regular mail, based on the record type.
Mail Request
You can mail a written request to the clerk’s office. Your letter should include the case number, the names of the parties, and the documents you want. You also need to include a check or money order for the fees. Mail requests take several business days to process.
Phone Request
You can call the clerk at (772) 288-5576 to ask about records. Staff can tell you what is available and what the fee will be. Phone requests for copies may need a follow-up in person or by mail.
Martin County Court Record Fees
The Martin County Clerk of Court charges fees set by Florida law. The fees cover copies, certifications, and record searches. Here is a list of the standard fees for court records in Martin County.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00 |
| Record search (per name, per year) | $2.00 |
| Online document view (per page) | $0.10 – $0.50 |
| Faxed document (per page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Credit card payments may have a small processing fee. The clerk’s office can give you the exact total before you pay.
Sealed and Restricted Records in Martin County
Most court records in Martin County are public. Some records are sealed by a judge or hidden under Florida law. Sealed records cannot be viewed by the public. Restricted records may be partially hidden.
Common sealed record types include:
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Mental health commitment cases
- Adoption records
- Diversion program records
- Cases sealed by court order
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 sets the rules for which records are sealed. A judge must sign an order to seal a record. The clerk cannot open a sealed record without a court order.
Florida Statute 119.0714 lists the personal details that must be redacted from public records. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor children’s names. The clerk removes this data before showing records to the public.
Electronic Filing in Martin County
All new court filings in Martin County must go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. Paper filings at the clerk’s window are no longer accepted for most case types.
To e-file, you need to set up an account with the e-filing service. You can then upload your documents, pay the filing fee, and submit them to the court. The system sends you a confirmation when your filing is accepted. The clerk then adds the filing to the public record.
E-filing is required for attorneys in most cases. People who represent themselves (pro se filers) can also use the e-filing system. The Florida Courts Help website has step-by-step guides for self-filers.
Florida State Court Resources
Several statewide tools can help you look up Martin County court records. These tools are run by the state of Florida and the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers.
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers portal links to all 67 county clerks across the state. You can use it to find clerk websites in other counties.
The Appellate Court Information System (ACIS) gives free access to appellate case data from all Florida District Courts of Appeal. If a Martin County case was appealed, you can track it on ACIS. The system shows party names, case numbers, briefs, and court orders.
The Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov offers free forms and self-help guides. These cover common case types like divorce, custody, eviction, and small claims. The site is built for people who are handling their own legal matters without an attorney.
The MyFloridaCounty portal handles online payments for court fees, traffic tickets, and other county charges. You can pay a Martin County traffic ticket or court fine through this site.
Cities and Communities in Martin County
Stuart is the county seat and largest city in Martin County. The Martin County Clerk of Court in Stuart serves every community in the county. Other communities include:
- Jensen Beach
- Palm City
- Indiantown
- Hobe Sound
- Sewall’s Point
- Jupiter Island
- North River Shores
No city in Martin County has a population over 75,000. There are no separate city-level court records. All cases go through the county clerk’s office in Stuart.
Nearby Counties and Court Records
Martin County borders three other counties. Each has its own clerk and court records system. If a case was not filed in Martin County, you will need to search the correct county’s records.
| County | Direction | Clerk Website |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach County | South | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| St. Lucie County | North | stlucieclerk.com |
| Okeechobee County | West | okeechobeecountyclerk.com |
Indian River County is also in the 19th Judicial Circuit. Its clerk site is at clerk.indian-river.org. You can search records from any of these counties for cases filed in those areas.
Common Issues with Martin County Court Record Searches
Some users have trouble finding what they need. Here are common issues and how to fix them.
Name Search Returns Too Many Results
If a name is common, the search may return hundreds of cases. You can narrow your search by adding a middle initial or a date of birth. You can also filter by case type to focus on the records you need.
Older Records Not Online
Records filed before the early 2000s may not be in the online system. You may need to visit the courthouse in person to view older case files. The clerk’s staff can pull paper files from storage.
Sealed Records
If a record is sealed, the online system will not show it. You will only see the case number and a note that the record is sealed. You cannot view the contents without a court order.
Wrong County Filed
People sometimes search Martin County when the case was filed in a different county. Check the case number to confirm the county. The first part of the case number often shows the court and county code.
Contact the Martin County Clerk of Court
You can reach the Martin County Clerk of Court by phone, online, or in person.
Phone: (772) 288-5576
Website: martinclerk.com
Address: 100 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time
The clerk’s office is closed on weekends and on federal and state holidays. Phone lines are open during the same hours as the office. The main phone line can help you with general questions and direct you to the right department.
FAQs About Martin County Court Records
Here are answers to common questions about Martin County court records. These cover the most asked topics about search methods, fees, sealed records, and more.
Are Martin County court records free to search online?
Yes, basic case lookups on the Martin County Clerk’s online portal are free. You can search by name, case number, or date without paying. The system shows party names, case types, filing dates, and current status at no cost. Fees apply only when you want to view or download actual document images. Each page view or download costs between $0.10 and $0.50. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document. You can do unlimited free searches to find the case you need before paying for documents.
How do I find out if someone has a criminal record in Martin County?
You can search the Martin County Clerk’s online portal by name. The system shows all criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Results show the charges, plea, and sentence for each case. If the person was convicted, the records will show the outcome. For statewide background checks, you can use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) system. That system pulls data from all Florida counties, including Martin County. FDLE charges a fee for statewide checks.
Can I view Martin County court records from my phone?
Yes, the Martin County Clerk’s online portal works on mobile phones and tablets. The site is built to fit smaller screens. You can search for cases, view document images, and pay fees from your phone. You will need a working internet connection and a current web browser. Some older PDF files may not display well on all phones. For best results, use a recent version of Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
What is the difference between court records and official records in Martin County?
Court records are documents filed in court cases. They include complaints, motions, orders, and judgments. Official records are documents filed with the county recorder, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and marriage licenses. The Martin County Clerk’s office handles both, but they are in different databases. To search court records, use the court records portal. To search deeds and liens, use the official records portal. The clerk’s website has links to both systems.
Can I get a Martin County court record sealed or expunged?
Yes, you can ask the court to seal or expunge a Martin County court record. Florida law lets people apply to seal or expunge eligible criminal records. You must file a petition with the Circuit Court in Martin County. The clerk’s office has the forms you need. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the petition. A judge then decides if the record qualifies. Not all records can be sealed. Cases that resulted in a conviction for certain crimes cannot be sealed. The process takes several months and may require a court hearing.
How long does it take to get copies of court records by mail?
Mail requests for Martin County court records usually take 5 to 10 business days to process. The clerk’s office needs time to pull the file, make copies, and mail them back to you. Add extra time for postal delivery in both directions. If you need records quickly, visit the courthouse in person. In-person requests are often filled the same day. For fastest service, call the clerk ahead of time to confirm the file is available and the fee amount.
Are divorce records in Martin County public?
Yes, most divorce records in Martin County are public. You can search for divorce cases through the clerk’s online portal by name. The system shows the case number, filing date, and final judgment date. Financial documents, child custody agreements, and personal details may be redacted or sealed. To get a certified copy of a divorce judgment, you must request it from the clerk. The fee is $2.00 for the certification plus $1.00 per page for the copies. Some divorce records filed before 1980 may only be available at the courthouse.