Escambia County court records are official files kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Pensacola, Florida. These records cover every case type filed in the 1st Judicial Circuit.
Civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic files all live in one system. Anyone can search most of these records online at no cost. The clerk also handles requests in person, by mail, and by phone. Pensacola serves as the county seat. Every court filing in Escambia County goes through this single office. The clerk’s website has the main search tools for both court files and other public records.
What Are Escambia County Court Records
Court records are written files made by the court during a legal case. They show the parties involved, the case number, the judge, the hearing dates, the motions filed, and the final ruling. Escambia County court records also include traffic tickets, small claims, divorce files, child support orders, probate files, and criminal charges. Each case gets a unique number. The clerk stores these files in paper and digital form. The public can see most of them. A judge can seal some files. State law lists other records as private.
What Records Are Public
Florida law makes most court files open to the public. Anyone can view the docket sheet for a case. The docket sheet lists every event in the case. You can see the names of the parties. You can see the charges or claims. You can see the dates of hearings. You can see the final judgment. This rule comes from Florida Statute Chapter 119. The clerk must follow this law for all Escambia County court records.
What Records Stay Private
Some records stay private by law. Social security numbers get redacted. Bank account numbers get redacted. Credit card numbers get redacted. Medical records stay private. Juvenile records stay sealed in most cases. Mental health records stay sealed. Records tied to adoption stay sealed. Records tied to child custody investigations stay sealed. A judge can seal other records if a law says so or if a party files a valid motion.
Escambia County Clerk of Court
Clerk Pam Childers runs the Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller office. This office handles every court record filed in the county. The clerk files new cases. The clerk stores old files. The clerk gives copies to the public. Every case type passes through this office. Civil lawsuits, criminal charges, family matters, probate filings, and traffic tickets all create records here. Front desk staff can pull files, look up cases, and make copies for a small fee.
The clerk’s main office sits in the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building in downtown Pensacola. The building is at 190 West Government Street. Walk-in hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The main phone line is 850-595-4146. The public records request line is 850-595-4149. You can email the public records team at PublicRecords@EscambiaClerk.com.
Office Contact Details
| Office | Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller |
|---|---|
| Street Address | M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 W. Government St., Pensacola, FL 32502 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 333, Pensacola, FL 32591-0333 |
| Main Phone | 850-595-4146 |
| Public Records | (850) 595-4149 / PublicRecords@EscambiaClerk.com |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Website | escambiaclerk.com |
The Escambia County Clerk homepage shows all the tools and services the office provides.
From this main page, you can reach court records, official records, and the public records request form.
How to Search Escambia County Court Records Online
The Escambia County Clerk runs several online search tools. Each tool works for a different record type. The online public records page walks you through each tool. You can search court records by name. You can search by case number. You can search by party type. The system pulls up case details, party names, case type, and filing dates. Not every document in a case file shows up online. The docket info does show up for most Escambia County court records.
Using the Online Public Records Page
The online public records page at the Escambia County Clerk site lists every search tool the office provides. It links to court records search. It links to official records search. It links to the Public Records Center. It also links to the e-filing portal. Most users start here when they need to look something up. The page updates as new tools get added.
The Escambia County records page shows the different types of records you can search through the clerk’s office.
This page breaks down each record type so you can pick the right search tool for your needs.
Using Landmark Web
The clerk uses Landmark Web as its main public records portal. This tool covers both court records and official records. Official records include deeds, liens, and mortgages. You do need to create an account to view some court record images. Basic search results cost nothing. Registration lets you see more details and pull up document images. The system covers civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. Older records may not show up in the system if they were filed before the office went digital.
To search Landmark Web, visit the site through the clerk’s webpage. Type a last name or business name in the search box. Pick the record type from the menu. Set a date range if needed. Run the search. The results show case numbers, party names, and filing dates. Click on a case to see the full docket. Sign in to see document images.
Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14
Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14 lets clerks post public court document images online. Escambia County takes part in this program. Some case documents show up right in the search results. The clerk still checks items before posting. This step keeps protected data out of public view. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists what stays confidential. Escambia County follows this rule for every case.
Types of Court Records in Escambia County
The 1st Judicial Circuit handles many case types in Escambia County. Each case type creates a different record set. The clerk stores all of them in one system.
Civil Court Records
Civil cases make up a large share of the docket. These cases cover contract disputes, debt claims, personal injury, and property matters. Each civil case creates a file with all motions, orders, and rulings. Civil cases in Circuit Court cover claims over $50,000. Civil cases in County Court cover claims up to $50,000. Civil Escambia County court records show the parties, the cause of action, the amount in dispute, and the final judgment.
Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases come from both felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanors go to County Court. Each case has an arrest record, a charging document, plea paperwork, and a sentencing order. Criminal Escambia County court records show the defendant, the charges, the plea, and the sentence. Some cases end in a conviction. Some end in a dismissal. Some end in a diversion program. The docket shows the full path.
Family Court Records
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and name changes. Each case goes through the Family Division of the Circuit Court. The clerk files the petition, the response, the financial affidavits, and the final judgment. Family Escambia County court records may include sealed parts tied to children. The public can see the docket and the final orders in most cases.
Probate Court Records
Probate cases deal with wills, estates, and guardianships. The clerk files the petition, the will, the inventory, and the final order. Probate court records are public once the court opens the estate. Some parts stay private, like the exact value of the assets. The docket shows the case progress. You can pull the will and the final order through the clerk’s office.
Traffic and Small Claims Records
Traffic tickets and small claims cases are County Court matters. Traffic records show the violation, the fine, and the outcome. Small claims records show the dispute, the amount, and the judgment. Small claims cover disputes up to $8,000. These cases move fast. The docket usually has only a few entries.
Requesting Certified Copies of Court Records
You can get certified copies of Escambia County court records through the Public Records Center. A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and a signature. Courts and other agencies accept certified copies. Regular copies work for most other uses.
To get a certified copy, fill out a request form at the clerk’s office. Bring a photo ID. Pay the fee. The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law. Most certified copies cost $1 per page. Some documents have a flat fee. The clerk can tell you the exact cost when you place the order.
You can also mail in a request. Send the request to P.O. Box 333, Pensacola, FL 32591-0333. Include the case number. Include the names of the parties. Include the documents you need. Include your contact info. Include a check or money order for the fees. The clerk will mail the copies back to you.
The Public Records Center page at the Escambia County Clerk website explains how to submit a records request.
You can also email PublicRecords@EscambiaClerk.com if you have questions about a specific court record.
Photo ID Requirement
A photo ID is needed if you want an un-redacted copy of a court record. The clerk redacts personal info by default to follow state law. If you have a right to the full file, such as being a party to the case, bring your ID and the staff will help you out. Walk-in visits happen during regular business hours at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building.
How to File Court Records in Escambia County
All new court filings in Escambia County go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The state requires electronic filing for most case types now. The portal runs around the clock. You can submit documents at any time. Once you file, the Escambia County Clerk processes the document and adds it to the case record. You can check on your filing through the portal as well.
To file a new case, register for an account on the e-filing portal. Pick Escambia County as the filing location. Upload your documents. Pay the filing fee. The system will send you a confirmation. The clerk will review the filing and assign a case number if the case is new.
Help With Court Forms
The Florida Courts Help center has free guides and approved court forms. These forms work in Escambia County and every other county in the state. The 1st Judicial Circuit also has a self-help center at the courthouse. Staff there can point you in the right direction. They cannot give legal advice. They can help you pick the right form.
Sealed and Confidential Court Records
Some court records in Escambia County stay sealed. A judge must sign an order to seal a record. The order must state a valid legal reason. Common reasons include protection from identity theft, protection of minors, and protection of trade secrets. Once sealed, the record is not public. The clerk removes the record from the online search tools.
Confidential records work differently. Confidential records stay in the system. The clerk redacts certain fields. Common redacted fields include social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and the names of minor children. The public can still see that the case exists. They cannot see the redacted parts.
How to Seal a Record
You can file a motion to seal a record. The motion must state a clear legal reason. The judge will hold a hearing. If the judge grants the motion, the clerk will seal the file. The process can take several weeks. The filing fee for a motion to seal is set by Florida law.
Historical Court Records in Escambia County
Escambia County has some of the oldest records in Florida. The clerk’s office keeps a Historical Deed Book Index with records going all the way back to 1820. These are not court records in the strict sense, but they include legal documents filed with the court over the past two centuries. If you need to trace a property dispute or look up an old land record from the early days of the county, this index can help. The records run through 1982 and are available for search through the clerk’s office.
For more recent court records, the clerk offers e-recording through several third-party vendors. This service is for people who need to record legal documents with the county. Tax deed sales happen each month in Escambia County. Records from these sales are kept by the clerk and can be looked up through the same office.
Birth and death certificates are not kept by the clerk. If you need those, contact the Florida Department of Vital Statistics at 904-359-6900. Marriage licenses in Escambia County do go through the clerk, but you need to fill out a request form to get copies.
Fees for Court Records
The clerk charges fees for some services. Basic online searches cost nothing. Viewing docket sheets online costs nothing. Certified copies cost money. The fee for a certified copy is $1 per page under Florida law. Some documents have a flat fee. A copy of a marriage license costs $3. A copy of a divorce record costs $7. The clerk can give you a full fee schedule when you place your order.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s office. Online payments go through the MyFloridaCounty portal. The portal accepts credit cards and debit cards. There is a small processing fee for online payments.
Cities in Escambia County
Pensacola is the county seat and the largest city in Escambia County. All court records for the county are filed at the clerk’s office in Pensacola. Other communities in the county include Cantonment, Bellview, Ensley, Brent, Myrtle Grove, Ferry Pass, and Warrington. None of these have a separate court system. Every court case in Escambia County goes through the 1st Judicial Circuit clerk in Pensacola.
Nearby Counties
Escambia County sits at the western tip of the Florida panhandle. Santa Rosa County is the only Florida county that borders it to the east. Escambia County also borders Escambia County, Alabama across the state line. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where the events took place. Court records only show up in the county where the case was filed.
Contact the Escambia County Clerk
Office: Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Address: M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, 190 W. Government St., Pensacola, FL 32502
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 333, Pensacola, FL 32591-0333
Phone: 850-595-4146
Public Records Phone: (850) 595-4149
Email: PublicRecords@EscambiaClerk.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: escambiaclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Escambia County Court Records
Are Escambia County court records free to search online?
Yes. The Escambia County Clerk offers free online searches through the Landmark Web portal. You can search by name, case number, or party type. Basic search results cost nothing. You can view the docket sheet at no charge. You do need to register a free account to view some document images. The registration takes only a few minutes. Once you sign in, you can pull up scanned images of court filings.
How do I find someone in Escambia County court records?
Start with the Landmark Web portal. Type the last name in the search box. Add a first name if you have it. Pick the record type from the menu. Run the search. The results list every case tied to that name. Click on a case to see the docket. You can also call the clerk’s office at 850-595-4146 for help with a search. Staff can look up cases by name over the phone.
Can I access sealed court records in Escambia County?
No. Sealed records stay private. Only the parties to the case and their lawyers can see sealed records. A judge must sign an order to unseal a record. You can file a motion to unseal a record. The judge will hold a hearing to decide. You must show a valid legal reason to unseal the file. The process can take several months.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a court record?
Walk-in requests for certified copies take about 15 to 30 minutes during regular business hours. Mail-in requests take 5 to 10 business days. Email requests take 3 to 5 business days. Rush requests can sometimes be handled the same day for an extra fee. The clerk can tell you the exact timeline when you place your order.
Can I search Escambia County court records by case number?
Yes. The Landmark Web portal lets you search by case number. Type the full case number in the search box. The system will pull up the case file. The docket shows every event in the case. You can also pull up scanned documents tied to the case. Case numbers follow a standard format. The first part is the year. The second part is the case type code. The third part is the sequence number.
What is the difference between civil and criminal records in Escambia County?
Civil records cover disputes between private parties. Examples include contract disputes, debt claims, and personal injury. Criminal records cover charges brought by the state. Examples include felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Civil cases end in a judgment for money or an order. Criminal cases end in a conviction, a dismissal, or an acquittal. The docket format differs between the two types.
How far back do Escambia County court records go?
The Historical Deed Book Index goes back to 1820. Court case files go back several decades in digital form. Older paper files sit in storage at the clerk’s office. You can request older files through the Public Records Center. The clerk charges a fee for pulling files from storage. The process can take several days for very old files.