Court records in Clay County, Florida can be searched through several channels. ClayCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Clay County Clerk of Court's online search tools, the 4th Judicial Circuit website, the clerk's office in person, and public computer terminals at the courthouse in Green Cove Springs.
Clay Court System & Jurisdictions
Clay County is part of Florida's 4th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Duval and Nassau counties. Two levels of state court operate within the county, plus a federal court with jurisdiction over the area.
Circuit Court
The Clay County Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000
- Family law matters — divorce, child custody, paternity, adoptions, and domestic violence injunctions (family court information)
- Probate and guardianship — estates, wills, trusts, and guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults
- Juvenile cases — delinquency and dependency proceedings
- Appeals from County Court
County Court
County Court covers cases with lower thresholds and high-volume matters:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes where the amount in controversy is $50,000 or less (including small claims up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions and criminal traffic offenses
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Ordinance violations
Federal Court
Federal cases involving Clay County residents — such as bankruptcy, federal criminal charges, or civil rights claims — are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division.
Clay Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Clay County are managed through the 4th Judicial Circuit. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the 4th Judicial Circuit website and look for the court calendar or judicial schedule section.
- Use the Clay County Clerk's online records search to look up a specific case number — scheduled hearing dates are typically listed in the case docket.
- Call the Clay County Courthouse at (904) 284-6317 to confirm a hearing date or ask about a specific division's calendar.
- Visit the courthouse in person to review posted daily calendars, which are usually displayed near courtroom entrances.
The Florida Courts website also allows you to search for court locations and access statewide docket information.
Clay County Courthouse
How to Get a Copy of a Clay Court Document
The Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller is the custodian of court records. You can obtain copies through three channels:
Online
Search for case records through the Clerk's online records portal. Some documents may be viewable or downloadable directly. Certified copies generally require an in-person or mail request.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at the courthouse during business hours. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. You can request either:
- Uncertified copies — plain reproductions of court documents, suitable for personal reference
- Certified copies — stamped and signed by the Clerk, required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or filing in another court
By Mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, document title, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Include payment (check or money order payable to the Clay County Clerk of Court) and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Note: Certain records — including juvenile cases, sealed or expunged cases, adoption files, and some mental health proceedings — are restricted under Florida law and may not be available to the general public. Under §119.12, Florida Statutes, written notice requirements apply to certain public records requests.
Clay Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and services in Florida are established by statute (primarily Florida Statutes §28.24). The table below lists common fees you may encounter at the Clay County Clerk's office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court record (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of a document | $2.00 per certification |
| Search fee (per name, per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Duplicate summons or subpoena | $2.00 |
| Filing a civil action (Circuit Court) | $401.00 |
| Filing a civil action (County Court, up to $50,000) | Varies by amount in controversy |
| Filing a small claims case (up to $8,000) | Varies by amount in controversy |
| Appeal filing fee | $301.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk's office at (904) 284-6317 or visit the Clerk's website to confirm current amounts before submitting payment. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards (a convenience fee may apply to card payments).
For arrest and inmate records rather than court filings, the Clay County Sheriff's Office maintains its own records and accepts public records requests separately from the Clerk.