Flagler County Court Records are public files kept by the Flagler County Clerk of Court in Bunnell, Florida. These records cover every type of case filed in the county, from civil lawsuits and criminal charges to family matters, probate, traffic tickets, and small claims.
Most court files in Flagler County are open to anyone who wants to see them under Florida’s public records laws. You can search these records online, visit the clerk’s office in person, or send a written request by mail. The clerk’s office stores and maintains all filings for the 7th Judicial Circuit within Flagler County, with clerk Tom Bexley leading the office.
What Are Flagler County Court Records?
Flagler County Court Records are the official papers tied to every case handled by local courts. They include the original filings, motions, orders, judgments, and final rulings. Each case also has a docket sheet that lists every event in the case life. These records serve as the legal history of what happened in court, who was involved, and how the case ended. They are kept at the Flagler County Courthouse in Bunnell, the county seat of Flagler County, which has a population of about 120,000 people.
Florida law treats most court records as public. This means any person can ask for copies or view them, with only a few limits. Limits apply to sealed cases, juvenile records, mental health proceedings, and certain family court files. The clerk’s office applies Florida Statute 119.0714, which requires the removal of sensitive personal data such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and dates of birth from public versions of the records.
Flagler County Clerk of Court: The Official Records Office
The Flagler County Clerk of Court is the main office for all court records in the county. Clerk Tom Bexley manages the office from the Flagler County Courthouse in Bunnell. The clerk’s office files new cases, stores older case files, and gives the public access to court documents. The office phone number is (386) 313-4400, and the website is flaglerclerk.com.
Flagler County sits in the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Volusia, St. Johns, and Putnam counties. The circuit court handles felony cases, civil cases over $50,000, family law matters, probate, and juvenile cases. The county court handles misdemeanors, small claims under $8,000, and traffic cases. Both levels of court send their records to the same clerk’s office in Bunnell. If you have a case question, calling the clerk is often the fastest way to get a clear answer.
| Office | Flagler County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Tom Bexley |
| Phone | (386) 313-4400 |
| Website | flaglerclerk.com |
| Address | 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110 |
| County Seat | Bunnell |
| Judicial Circuit | 7th |
Types of Flagler County Court Records
Flagler County Court Records fall into seven main types. Each type covers a different area of law. The clerk’s office keeps all of them, and the online search system covers all seven. Below is a breakdown of each type.
Flagler County Civil Court Records
Flagler County civil court records cover disputes between people or businesses where one side seeks money or action from the other. Common civil cases include contract disputes, property conflicts, personal injury claims, and debt collection. Civil cases in circuit court involve claims over $50,000, while county court handles claims up to $50,000. Each civil case file has the complaint, the answer, motions, evidence lists, orders, and the final judgment. You can search civil court records by party name or case number on the clerk’s website.
Flagler County Criminal Case Records
Flagler County criminal case records cover all criminal charges filed in the county. Felony cases go to circuit court, and misdemeanor cases go to county court. The records have the arrest affidavit, charging documents, plea agreements, motions, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. Traffic-related criminal charges, such as DUI, fall under criminal records too. Each criminal case stays on the public docket unless a judge orders it sealed. Most criminal records in Flagler County remain open for viewing online or in person at the clerk’s office.
Flagler County Family Court Records Search
Flagler County family court records cover matters like divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and domestic violence injunctions. Family cases are heard in circuit court. Records have the petition, financial affidavits, custody evaluations, parenting plans, and final judgments. Many family files are sensitive, and Florida law may restrict access to certain documents, such as financial records and child custody evaluations. Some details may be redacted before the public can view them.
Flagler County Probate Court Records
Flagler County probate court records cover cases tied to the estate of a person who has died. These include wills, letters of administration, inventory of assets, creditor claims, and final distribution orders. Probate cases also cover guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults. The records are kept by the clerk’s office and can be searched online or in person. Probate files often contain personal and financial details, so the clerk redacts sensitive data before giving public access.
Flagler County Traffic Court Records
Flagler County traffic court records cover traffic citations and infractions. This includes speeding tickets, red light camera violations, careless driving, and driving with a suspended license. Most traffic cases are heard in county court. The records have the citation, the person’s response, any hearing notes, and the final ruling. Drivers often pull these records to check the status of a ticket, pay a fine, or contest a citation.
Flagler County Small Claims Court Records
Flagler County small claims court records cover civil disputes for $8,000 or less. Common small claims cases include unpaid rent, security deposit issues, minor car accidents, and consumer complaints. Small claims hearings are quicker and use simpler rules. The records have the claim form, the response, evidence, and the judge’s decision. Small claims cases are a popular way for people to settle disputes without a lawyer.
Flagler County Appellate Court Records
Flagler County appellate court records cover cases that were appealed from the trial court to a higher court. Most appeals from Flagler County go to the 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach. The appellate record has the trial court file, the appeal briefs, and the appellate court’s written opinion. You can search appellate records through the Florida Appellate Court Information System, known as ACIS. The clerk’s office in Bunnell can help direct you to the right appellate file if needed.
How to Search Flagler County Court Records Online
You can search Flagler County Court Records online through the clerk’s website at flaglerclerk.com. The court records search page lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The system covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases filed in Flagler County. The search is free, and the results show case details, party names, filing dates, hearing dates, and case status. Some documents are viewable online, while others need a visit to the clerk’s office or a mail request.
For the best results, follow these steps:
- Go to flaglerclerk.com and click on “Court Records.”
- Pick the type of case you want to search.
- Type the last name of a party, a case number, or a business name.
- Add extra details like a first name, middle initial, or date range to narrow the list.
- Click the case link to see the docket sheet and any available documents.
If a name search returns too many results, try adding more details. A middle initial, a birth year, or an address can help narrow the list. The system works best when you have at least one piece of clear data, such as a full name or case number. If the system shows no results, the case may have been filed under a different name or in a different county. Records from neighboring counties, such as Volusia or St. Johns, will not show up in the Flagler system.
Flagler County Court Record Lookup by Name
A name search is the most common way to get Flagler County Court Records. You can search by last name, first name, or business name. The clerk’s online system pulls up matching cases and shows the docket sheet for each one. The docket lists every event in the case, from the first filing to the last order. Name searches work well when you have a unique last name. Common names may return many results, so adding a first name or middle initial helps.
Name searches also let you look up cases where a person is an attorney, a witness, or a party. This can help with background checks, family research, or job screening. Keep in mind that sealed cases and juvenile records will not show up in a name search, even if the person was a party.
Flagler County Court Records by Case Number
Searching by case number gives the most direct lookup. Each case filed in Flagler County gets a unique case number. The format often includes the year, the case type code, and a sequence number. For example, a case number might look like 2024-CA-001234. The case number stays the same from the first filing to the final judgment, so it always points to the same case.
If you have a case number, type it into the search box on the clerk’s website. The system will pull up the full docket, all filings, and the case status. Case number searches are useful for lawyers, parties to a case, and people who already know the case details. The clerk’s office can also give you a case number if you call (386) 313-4400 with the party name and a rough filing date.
Flagler County Historical Court Records
Older Flagler County Court Records may not be online. Flagler County has grown fast over the past two decades, and many older files exist only on paper. The clerk’s office stores paper files in its records vault in Bunnell. To see an older file, you may need to visit the clerk’s office in person and ask the staff to pull the file from storage. Some older files have been scanned and added to the online system, but this work is still ongoing.
Historical records can include old divorces, estate files, criminal cases from the 1990s, and early civil disputes. If you need a historical record for genealogy, property research, or legal reasons, call the clerk first to ask if the file is available. The clerk charges a search fee for older files, plus a copy fee for each page you want. The staff can tell you the total cost before pulling the file.
How to Get Copies of Flagler County Court Records
You can get copies of Flagler County Court Records in three ways: in person at the clerk’s office, by mail, or online through the clerk’s e-filing portal. In person is the fastest option. You go to the clerk’s office in Bunnell, fill out a records request form, and pay the fee. The staff will pull the file and make the copies as you wait, in most cases.
For mail requests, send a written letter to the clerk’s office with your name, the case number, the documents you need, and your contact details. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail requests take one to two weeks, plus mail time. Online requests through the e-filing portal work for many civil and family case documents, but some records still need a direct request.
Fees for Flagler County Court Records
The Flagler County Clerk sets fees for court records under Florida law. The fees are the same across all 67 Florida counties for most services. Here are the main fees for Flagler County:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy, per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy, per document | $2.00 |
| Search fee, per name per year | $2.00 |
| Authentication fee | $2.00 |
| Returned check fee | $25.00 |
Certified copies cost more than plain copies. If you need a copy for a court, immigration, or government matter, order a certified copy. Plain copies work for personal use, research, and review. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards for in-person payments. Mail requests must be paid by check or money order.
Florida Public Records Laws and Flagler County
Florida has some of the strongest public records laws in the country. Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives the public the right to see most government records, including court records. The clerk’s office in Flagler County follows this law and makes most court files open to the public. The clerk redacts sensitive personal details before giving access, as required by Florida Statute 119.0714.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists which court records are open and which can be sealed or restricted. The list of restricted records is narrow. It includes juvenile cases, mental health records, trade secrets, and records sealed by court order. Most adult criminal, civil, traffic, and probate records are open. Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14 lets Florida courts post public court documents online, and Flagler County follows this order.
Sealed and Restricted Records in Flagler County
Some Flagler County Court Records are sealed or restricted. A judge can seal a case if there is a clear legal reason, such as protecting a victim, a minor, or a trade secret. Common sealed records include juvenile cases, mental health commitment orders, adoption records, and certain family court files. Sealed records do not show up in online searches. Only the parties to the case and their lawyers can view them.
If you want to challenge a sealed record, you can file a motion under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. The motion must explain why the record should be open. A judge will review the motion and decide whether to keep the record sealed or release it. The clerk’s office cannot open a sealed record without a court order.
Flagler County Electronic Court Records and E-Filing
E-filing is the standard way to file new court papers in Florida. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com handles most new civil, family, probate, and small claims filings. Attorneys must use e-filing for most case types. People who are not lawyers can use e-filing too, but they must create an account and follow the same steps. E-filing gives you a time-stamped filing record and cuts down on paper handling at the clerk’s office.
The clerk’s office also stores all new filings in an electronic court records system. This system lets the public view dockets and many case documents online. Not all documents are viewable, however. Sealed records, restricted records, and certain sensitive documents are not posted online. For those records, you must visit the clerk’s office or send a mail request.
Flagler County Court Records Request by Mail
To request Flagler County Court Records by mail, send a written request to the clerk’s office at 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. The letter should have the case number, the names of the parties, the specific documents you need, and your contact details. Include a check or money order for the copy fees, made out to the Flagler County Clerk of Court.
The clerk’s office charges a search fee for mail requests, plus a copy fee for each page. You can call the clerk at (386) 313-4400 to confirm the total cost before sending payment. Mail requests take one to two weeks to process, plus mail time. If you need the records quickly, visit the clerk’s office in person instead.
Flagler County Courthouse Location, Hours, and Contact
The Flagler County Courthouse sits at 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes on weekends and on federal and state holidays. You can reach the clerk by phone at (386) 313-4400. The official website is flaglerclerk.com.
Parking is free at the courthouse. Visitors must go through a security screening at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID. You can use your phone, laptop, or a notebook to take notes in the clerk’s office. Cameras, recorders, and weapons are not allowed in the building. The clerk’s office offers public computers for people who need to search records without their own device.
State Services for Flagler County Court Records
State-level tools can help with Flagler County Court Records. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers site at flclerks.com links to all 67 county clerks. MyFloridaCounty handles online payments for court fees, fines, and traffic tickets. The Appellate Court Information System (ACIS) at acis.flcourts.gov tracks appellate cases from all Florida courts, including Flagler County cases that were appealed. The Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov has free forms and guides for self-represented parties.
Common Issues When Searching Flagler County Court Records
Some Flagler County Court Records are not online, especially older cases from before 2000. If you cannot see a record online, visit the clerk’s office in person. The staff can check the paper files and pull older records for you. Sealed records will not show up in online searches. If a record has been sealed, only the parties to the case can view it, and only with a court order.
Name searches may return too many results, especially for common last names. Adding a first name, middle initial, or date range can help narrow the list. If the search shows no results, check the spelling of the name. Try alternate spellings or use the case number instead. Records from neighboring counties will not show up in the Flagler system, so make sure the case was filed in Flagler County before searching.
FAQs About Flagler County Court Records
The questions below cover the most common topics people ask about Flagler County Court Records. Each answer gives clear, current details based on Florida law and the Flagler County Clerk’s office rules.
Are Flagler County Court Records public?
Yes. Most Flagler County Court Records are public under Florida Statute Chapter 119. The clerk’s office in Bunnell makes these records open to anyone who wants to view them. You can search them online, visit the clerk’s office, or send a mail request. The clerk redacts sensitive personal details, such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, before giving public access. Sealed records, juvenile cases, and mental health records are not open to the public. These cases stay restricted unless a judge orders them released. To check if a specific record is open, call the clerk at (386) 313-4400. The clerk’s office can confirm the record’s status and tell you how to get a copy.
How do I search for criminal records in Flagler County?
You can search for Flagler County criminal case records on the clerk’s website at flaglerclerk.com. Use the court records search and pick the criminal case type. You can search by defendant name or case number. The system shows the charges, filing dates, hearings, plea, and sentence. Felony cases are in circuit court, and misdemeanors are in county court. Both types show up in the same online search. For a full criminal background check, you can also use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website, which pulls data from all Florida counties. The FDLE check costs a small fee and gives a full statewide report.
Can I see probate records online in Flagler County?
Yes, many Flagler County probate records are online. Use the clerk’s online search and pick the probate case type. You can search by the deceased person’s name or by case number. The records have the will, letters of administration, inventory, and final orders. Some details may be redacted for privacy, such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers. For older probate files that are not online, visit the clerk’s office in Bunnell and ask the staff to pull the paper file from storage. Some probate files from the 1990s and early 2000s are still in paper form and need an in-person visit.
How much does it cost to get a certified court record in Flagler County?
A certified copy of a Flagler County court record costs $2.00 per document, plus $1.00 per page. The certification fee is set by Florida law and is the same across all 67 counties. You can order certified copies in person at the clerk’s office in Bunnell or by mail. For mail requests, include a check or money order for the total amount. The clerk will mail the certified copies to you. Certified copies are needed for court, immigration, and government matters. Plain copies work for personal use and research. The clerk’s office also offers expedited service for an extra fee if you need the records the same day.
How do I get a Flagler County court record sealed?
To seal a Flagler County court record, you must file a motion with the court. The motion must explain why the record should be sealed and what law supports the request. Common reasons include wrongful arrest, completed diversion programs, and certain juvenile records. A judge will review the motion and hold a hearing. If the judge grants the motion, the clerk’s office will seal the file. Sealed records do not show up in online searches or background checks. This can take several months, and you may need a lawyer to file the motion. The clerk’s office can give you the form to start the process.
Can I access Flagler County Court Records from my phone?
Yes. The Flagler County Clerk’s website is mobile-friendly. You can search court records, view dockets, and check case status from your phone or tablet. The site works in any modern browser. For best results, use a strong Wi-Fi or data connection. You can also pay traffic tickets and other fines through the MyFloridaCounty mobile portal. The clerk’s office does not have a separate app for court records, but the website works well on mobile devices. Some older case documents may not display well on small screens, so a laptop or desktop is better for reading longer filings.
What is the difference between county court and circuit court in Flagler County?
Flagler County has two levels of trial court: county court and circuit court. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims (up to $8,000), and civil cases up to $50,000. Circuit court handles felonies, family law, probate, juvenile cases, and civil cases over $50,000. Both courts send their records to the same clerk’s office in Bunnell. You can search both types of cases on the same online system. The case number will tell you which court heard the case: county court cases start with a “CC” code, and circuit court cases start with a “CA” code for civil or “CF” for felony criminal.