Calhoun County Court Records

Calhoun County Courts, FL *

Calhoun County is a small rural county located in the Florida Panhandle. It covers approximately 664 square miles and contains the county seat, Blountstown, located on the Apalachicola River in Northwest Florida.

The Calhoun County courts handle civil, criminal, family law, probate, and juvenile cases and serve to resolve all matters of significance to the county and its citizens. Traffic tickets and felonies are just the beginning of cases heard and decided. Divorce, adoption, probate, wills, property issues, and other matters affecting land ownership and family relationships are also typically handled. All of these cases are recorded, and anyone who needs information about a case, including employers, landlords, individuals, attorneys, law enforcement, and other government agencies, can access court records online.

Overview of the Calhoun County Court System

The Courts in Calhoun County are the same as those found throughout Florida, and are established in each of the 67 counties. The Florida courts are a two-tier trial court system composed of Circuit Courts and County Courts, organized into one of 20 statewide judicial circuits.

Calhoun County is part of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, which also serves Bay, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties. The Circuit Court and County Court Judges handle cases at the Calhoun County Courthouse.

The Calhoun County Clerk of Court and Comptroller serves as the public administrator for Calhoun County. They are also responsible for maintaining all court-related records and accounting for all funds from sources requested by statute to be provided by the court clerk. The clerk's office includes the clerk of the Circuit Court and County Court, as well as other support staff who provide numerous services, including record and case management, and public information.

Staff and clerks at the courthouse are available to assist the public and provide general guidance to understand the system. They can answer general procedural questions, explain the filing process, and provide guidance on accessing necessary information, but cannot provide legal advice. Before visiting the courthouse, parties should confirm which court is handling the case and the type of records it handles.

Types of Courts in Calhoun County, Florida

Filing in the wrong court can lead to frustration, increased costs, and unnecessary delay. Parties are encouraged to have a general understanding of the type of proceeding and the desired outcome before entering the legal process.

Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is the highest-level trial court and addresses the most serious and complex cases. The Fourteenth Judicial Circui serves Calhoun County.

Primary location: Calhoun County Courthouse

Jurisdiction includes:

Felony criminal cases (grand theft, murder, child abuse, drug trafficking, etc.)
Civil disputes involving more than $50,000
Family law matters, including child custody, adoption, and divorce
Domestic relations (dissolutions, child support hearings, name change petitions, domestic violence injunctions)
Probate matters (estates, trusts, guardianships, mental health commitments)
Juvenile dependency and delinquency cases
Appeals from County Court decisions

Cases filed in Circuit Court may require multiple hearings over several months and numerous legal motions. It is recommended that an attorney be consulted before the first appearance in Circuit Court.

County Court

The County Court handles civil and criminal cases that fall below the level of a Circuit Court. It is known as "The People's Court" because it deals with the everyday affairs of the citizens of this county.

Jurisdiction includes:

Misdemeanor criminal cases and county ordinance violations
Civil cases involving $50,000 or less (including small claims)
Evictions and landlord/tenant disputes
Traffic offenses and civil infractions
Appeals from certain administrative decisions

Though less formal than the Circuit Court proceedings, many claims of this type can be handled by the individual without an attorney; however, cases involving criminal misdemeanor penalties, which may include imprisonment, are very serious and should be pursued with the advice of an attorney. For small claims cases (disputes valued at $8,000 or less), the County Court offers a simpler process for self-represented individuals.

County Court Traffic Division

All traffic citations issued in Calhoun County are handled by the County Court's traffic division, whether for a civil traffic infraction (such as speeding) or a criminal traffic offense. Eligible traffic citations can be paid online through the Clerk's Pay Traffic Citations portal, or hearings can be requested through the Clerk's office.

How to Access Calhoun County Court Records

Almost all court records in Calhoun County are public records. Many records and information maintained by the judicial branch are available for inspection or copying under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, unless otherwise provided by law. Examples of records and information available include court files, dockets, pre-trial and trial transcripts, exhibits, and divorce filings, including adoptive names, maiden names, and Social Security numbers. However, certain case records are not public, such as juvenile records, some mental health records (Baker Act and Marchman Act), and sealed family law cases.

Online Access

Court records for Calhoun County may be searched online via two primary portals.

Calhoun County Online Court Records Search (OCRS): Free public access to case information for Circuit and County Court cases in Calhoun County.
Official Records Search (MyFloridaCounty): Search and view recorded documents, including deeds, liens, mortgages, marriage licenses, judgments, plats, etc., maintained by the Clerk.

Search results are most accurate when as much information as possible is provided, for example, the full legal names of the parties, the case number, the filing date, and the filing court. Fewer details may not produce the desired results.

Alternative Online Options

Those not sure which court or government agency maintains the records they need, or who wish to search across several jurisdictions at the same time, may find a third-party record search tool, such as CourtCaseFinder, helpful. This site aggregates court records across jurisdictions, counties, and the state.

In-Person Requests

Copies of older records and documents that are not available online can be obtained in person from the Calhoun County Clerk of Court's office located in the courthouse. Requestors should supply as much information as possible about the record sought, for example, the case number, and the plaintiff's and defendant's full names. There is a fee for this service. Copies of records can be obtained during the office's regular business hours. Staff can assist with record retrieval, but cannot provide legal advice.

Archived and Historical Records

Historical Calhoun County court records can be accessed through the Florida State Library and Archives or the Clerk's office for older documents. These records can provide valuable information for genealogical research, the historical development of particular properties, and the review of closed cases.

For Attorneys and Legal Professionals

Attorneys practicing in Calhoun County can conduct case research and view scheduling information through the Online Court Records Search or by contacting the Clerk's office directly. All filings must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and any applicable administrative orders by the 14th Judicial Circuit.

Florida requires attorneys to e-file through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which serves as the statewide access point for electronic filings in Circuit and County courts. Additional time should be allowed for certified copies or archived records, as they may require extra processing.

How to File a Case in Calhoun County

Understanding the filing procedures can help parties avoid any costly mistakes. Filing in the wrong court or with incorrect documents can create unnecessary delays and increase costs.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court

Parties should determine which court has jurisdiction over their matter before filing. Referring to the types of courts above will help determine whether a matter should be filed in Circuit or County Court. The Clerk's office should be contacted when there is uncertainty about the appropriate filing venue.

Step 2: Complete Required Forms

Florida provides free, guided form resources to help prepare various court documents.

Florida Courts Self-Help Center: This statewide resource website for self-represented litigants provides access to forms and general information about court procedures.
Turbo Court - DIY Forms: These tools are available on the Calhoun County Clerk's website and provide step-by-step guides for filling out the court forms.
Florida Courts Family Law Forms: Official family law forms, for divorce, child custody, child support, and other family law-related proceedings.

All instructions should be read carefully before beginning the application. The application must be signed and any necessary attachments included. Most processing delays result from incomplete forms being sent in.

Step 3: File the Case

Cases may be filed at the Calhoun County Courthouse or online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in most divisions; however, self-represented individuals may file through the portal where permitted. The case number should be saved, and a copy of the filing receipt should be retained for future reference.

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Filing fees at Calhoun County vary depending on the nature of the case and the amount of work required to process it. The Calhoun County Clerk's Fee Schedule should be checked for up-to-date filing fee information, or the Clerk's office may be contacted with any questions. Payments can also be made online via the Make a Payment portal on the Clerk's website. Filing fees can sometimes pose a barrier to individuals who need to file legal documents. To help those who may be financially unable to pay filing fees, individuals can apply for a fee waiver (also referred to as an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status) with supporting documentation.

Step 5: Serve the Other Party

After a lawsuit is filed, the other side must be informed of the lawsuit. This is called "service of process". There are several accepted methods of service.

Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
Certified mail (in cases where permitted by Florida law)
Licensed private process server

In many legal matters, Proof of Service is required to be submitted to the court. This can affect the progress of the case. It is important to retain all service records for future reference.

Step 6: Monitor the Case

Once a case becomes active, its progress can be tracked on the Calhoun County Online Court Records Search or by contacting the Clerk's office. Parties may also sign up to receive automated emails via E-Notify, Florida's electronic notification system used by courts and Clerk's offices statewide. Even after a case is set and scheduled for a hearing, the dates for appearances and any necessary filings can change; therefore, it is advisable to regularly check the case status before hearings.

Calhoun County Courthouse Directory

Calhoun County Courthouse

Most legal activities in Calhoun County take place here. It houses the Circuit Court, County Court, and the Clerk of Court and Comptroller.

Blountstown

Address: 20859 East Central Avenue, Blountstown, Florida 32424

Phone: (850) 674-4545

14th Judicial Circuit Court: jud14.flcourts.org

Calhoun County Court: calhouncountyfl.gov

Clerk of Court and Comptroller: calhounclerk.com

The relevant office should be checked before visiting, as office hours can change.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

A variety of nonprofit, local, and statewide resources exist to inform people about the judicial system and to provide legal representation to those unable to afford an attorney.

Free Legal Assistance

Legal Services of North Florida provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families throughout the Florida Panhandle, including Calhoun County. Services include advice and counsel on relevant legal issues, review and analysis of legal documents, and representation in various proceedings. Florida Law Help is a statewide website that provides free legal information, affordable self-help materials, and connections to legal services throughout the state on topics such as housing, family law, public benefits, and employment law.

Self-Help Resources

The Florida Courts Self-Help Center is an online resource with information for people who are representing themselves in court. Some individuals choose to represent themselves in small claims court or in a traffic ticket case. However, in cases that may result in serious consequences, such as a felony, a custody dispute, or a contested probate case, retaining an attorney is usually advisable to achieve the best results.

FAQs

How do I search for a court case in Calhoun County?

Court records can be searched online through the Calhoun County Online Court Records Search (OCRS) site. If the needed information is not on the OCRS site, the Clerk of Court's office may be contacted. The more specific information available about the case (such as the full legal name of the parties involved and/or the case number), the easier it will be to locate the needed information.

Are court records public in Calhoun County?

Yes, most court records in Calhoun County are public information under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). Exceptions include matters involving juveniles, records regarding a party's mental health pursuant to the Baker Act and Marchman Act, and other records that may have been sealed pursuant to court order. Otherwise, most court records are available for public review.

Where can I find eviction records?

Eviction cases in Florida are filed in the County Court. Records can be searched online through the Calhoun County Online Court Records Search or by contacting the Clerk's office directly. Many landlords and property management companies search these records during the tenant screening process.

Can I file a case online?

Florida requires attorneys to e-file through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Self-represented individuals can also use the portal in applicable case types. For small claims and other County Court cases, these documents may also be filed in person at the Clerk's office. For specific information on filing options for a particular case type, the Clerk's office should be contacted.

How long does it take to get records in Calhoun County?

In-person requests for copies can be fulfilled on the same day or within a few business days. Certified copies or archived documents may take longer, especially if the records are in paper or microfiche format.

What if I cannot find my case online?

The case may be filed under a different name, not yet entered into the online system, or the case records may be confidential. For more information or assistance, the Clerk's office may be contacted, or the courthouse in Blountstown may be visited.

When is it helpful to use a third-party records finder?

Online platforms, such as CourtCaseFinder, offer court records searches across multiple jurisdictions. This type of search is helpful when the specific information is unknown.

What kinds of records can I find online?

Information regarding cases from the Clerk's Office, including criminal, civil, family, divorce, and probate, as well as traffic citation information, can be obtained via the Clerk's Office website. In addition, information regarding current and prior property ownership, including deeds, liens, and mortgages, can be obtained by conducting an Official Records Search on the Clerk's website.

Can I save or download records for future reference?

Yes. Parties may download or print most Court records online. Certified copies of records can be obtained from the Clerk's office, with an official seal, for situations that require them. Certified copies may incur a fee. Those monitoring an active case may consider registering for E-Notify to receive automatic updates and as a record of all activity.

Calhoun County Court Records Lookup

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