Santa Rosa County Court Records
What Is Santa Rosa County Court Records
Santa Rosa County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records are maintained by the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court and include a comprehensive array of legal documents. Court records typically consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by the county, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voting records
In Santa Rosa County, court records are maintained by several courts within the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, including:
- Circuit Court
- County Court
- Family Court
- Probate Court
- Small Claims Court
These courts handle various types of cases including civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. According to Florida Statutes § 28.213, court records are defined as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by the court."
Are Court Records Public In Santa Rosa County
Court records in Santa Rosa County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, and the state's constitutional guarantee of access to public records. The Florida Constitution, Article I, § 24, establishes that "every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
However, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure or subject to confidentiality restrictions. According to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, records that may be confidential include:
- Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive personal information
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (which includes Santa Rosa County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state laws.
How To Find Court Records in Santa Rosa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Santa Rosa County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court office during regular business hours.
- Complete a public records request form, specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for certified copies and $0.15 per page for uncertified copies).
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5500
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
Online Requests:
- Access the Santa Rosa County Public Records Portal.
- Create an account or log in as a guest.
- Complete the electronic request form with specific case information.
- Submit the request and await notification when records are available.
Mail Requests:
- Send a written request to the Clerk of Court office.
- Include case information, contact details, and a check for applicable fees.
- Address the request to the Records Department at the Clerk's office address.
Email Requests:
- Send a detailed request to the designated public records email address.
- Include specific case information and contact details.
- Await response regarding availability and fees.
For criminal records, requestors may also contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office for arrest records and other law enforcement documentation related to court cases.
How To Look Up Court Records in Santa Rosa County Online?
Santa Rosa County provides several online resources for accessing court records electronically:
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:
- Visit the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Create an account or log in as a registered user.
- Select "Santa Rosa County" from the county dropdown menu.
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range.
- Review available documents and select those needed for viewing.
- Pay any applicable access fees.
Santa Rosa County Clerk's Office Online Records Search:
- Navigate to the Santa Rosa County Clerk's Records Search.
- Select the type of records to search (court records, official records, etc.).
- Enter search parameters such as case number, party name, or filing date.
- Review search results and select records for viewing.
- Download or print available documents.
Florida's Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS):
- Access the CCIS portal.
- Register for an account (available to attorneys, government agencies, and approved users).
- Log in and select Santa Rosa County.
- Enter search criteria.
- View available case information and documents.
First Judicial Circuit of Florida Website:
- Visit the First Judicial Circuit website.
- Navigate to the court calendars or case information section.
- Search for hearing schedules and basic case information.
Each online system contains different types of records and may have varying levels of detail available. Some records may only be accessible through specific portals based on case type or filing date.
How To Search Santa Rosa County Court Records for Free?
Florida law guarantees the right to inspect public records at no charge, as established in Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), which states: "Every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records."
Free options for accessing Santa Rosa County court records include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court office during regular business hours.
- Request to inspect specific records without obtaining copies.
- Review records under staff supervision at no charge.
Public Access Terminals:
- Use the public computer terminals available at the Clerk's office.
- Search for and view electronic records without printing.
- No fee is charged for viewing records on these terminals.
Santa Rosa County Law Library:
- Visit the law library located within the courthouse.
- Access public terminals for court record searches.
- Review case information without printing or copying.
Online Resources with Free Access:
- Basic case information is available at no charge through the Santa Rosa County Clerk's website.
- Court calendars and hearing schedules can be viewed for free on the First Judicial Circuit website.
- The Florida Courts website provides free access to certain case information.
While inspection is free, fees may apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive research assistance. Additionally, certain specialized databases may require subscription fees or be limited to authorized users such as attorneys or government agencies.
What's Included in a Santa Rosa County Court Record?
Santa Rosa County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Indictments or information (in criminal cases)
- Case filing cover sheets
- Service of process documentation
Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and responses
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Motions filed by parties
- Memoranda of law
- Affidavits and declarations
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Preliminary orders
- Temporary injunctions or restraining orders
- Final judgments
- Post-judgment orders
- Writs of execution
Evidentiary Materials:
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Deposition transcripts filed with the court
- Witness lists
- Expert reports
- Documentary evidence
Hearing and Trial Records:
- Court calendars and schedules
- Hearing notices
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Jury instructions (in jury trials)
- Verdict forms
Financial Information:
- Filing fee receipts
- Cost bills
- Restitution orders
- Payment records
- Fee waiver applications and orders
Case Management Documents:
- Docket sheets (chronological listing of all filings)
- Case status reports
- Scheduling orders
- Notices of appearance or withdrawal by attorneys
- Certificate of service documents
In accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(d), certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed separately as confidential, including social security numbers, bank account information, and other personal identifiers.
How Long Does Santa Rosa County Keep Court Records?
Santa Rosa County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. These schedules vary by record type and case category:
Permanent Retention:
- Felony case files
- Circuit civil case files
- Probate case files
- Juvenile dependency case files
- Adoption records
- Guardianship records
- Marriage records
- Official records (deeds, mortgages, judgments)
- Minutes of court proceedings
Long-Term Retention (10+ years):
- Misdemeanor case files (10 years after case closure)
- Traffic case files involving DUI (10 years)
- Domestic violence cases (10 years)
- Child support enforcement cases (10 years after youngest child reaches majority)
Medium-Term Retention (5-10 years):
- County civil cases under $15,000 (5 years)
- Small claims cases (5 years)
- Eviction proceedings (5 years)
- Non-criminal traffic cases (5 years)
Short-Term Retention (Less than 5 years):
- Parking violations (3 years)
- Worthless check cases (3 years)
- Administrative records (varies by type)
The complete Records Retention Schedule for Florida Clerks of Court provides detailed information on specific document types. Records scheduled for destruction may be eligible for transfer to the State Archives if they possess historical significance.
Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to convert older paper records to electronic format for permanent retention and improved accessibility. Once records reach their retention period, they may be destroyed in accordance with proper procedures outlined in Florida Administrative Code.
Types of Courts In Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County's court system operates within Florida's First Judicial Circuit and includes several levels of courts with varying jurisdictions:
Circuit Court - First Judicial Circuit
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5544
First Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felonies, civil cases exceeding $30,000, probate matters, family law cases, juvenile proceedings, and appeals from county court decisions.
Santa Rosa County Court
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5570
Santa Rosa County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The County Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, small claims (under $8,000), traffic infractions, and ordinance violations.
Santa Rosa County Family Court Division
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5552
Santa Rosa County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Family Court Division handles divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, paternity, and other family-related matters.
Santa Rosa County Probate Court
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5553
Santa Rosa County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Probate Court oversees estate administration, guardianships, and mental health proceedings.
Santa Rosa County Traffic Court
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5554
Santa Rosa County Traffic Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Traffic Court handles traffic infractions, DUI cases, and related matters.
Appeals from Santa Rosa County courts are heard by the First District Court of Appeal located in Tallahassee, with further appeals potentially reaching the Florida Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Santa Rosa County Courts Hear?
Santa Rosa County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions:
Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil actions with damages exceeding $30,000
- Real property and title disputes
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency
- Probate, guardianship, and mental health proceedings
- Appeals from county court decisions
County Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal prosecutions
- Civil actions with damages up to $30,000
- Small claims (disputes up to $8,000)
- Landlord-tenant evictions
- Traffic infractions and violations
- County and municipal ordinance violations
Family Court Division Cases:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Paternity determinations
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Name changes
- Adoptions
- Termination of parental rights
Probate Court Cases:
- Estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust administration
- Guardianship of minors
- Guardianship of incapacitated adults
- Baker Act proceedings (involuntary mental health examinations)
- Marchman Act proceedings (substance abuse treatment)
Traffic Court Cases:
- Moving violations
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving while license suspended or revoked
- Careless driving citations
- Speeding tickets
- Red light camera violations
- Parking infractions
Case assignment within the Santa Rosa County court system follows the jurisdictional framework established by the Florida Constitution Article V and implemented through the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.
How To Find a Court Docket In Santa Rosa County
Court dockets in Santa Rosa County provide chronological listings of all filings, hearings, and actions in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Search:
- Visit the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court website.
- Navigate to the "Court Records Search" section.
- Select "Docket Search" or "Case Search" option.
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range).
- Review the resulting docket entries showing filing dates, document titles, and hearing information.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:
- Access the E-Filing Portal.
- Log in or register for an account.
- Select "Santa Rosa County" and the appropriate court division.
- Enter case information to retrieve docket listings.
- View chronological case activity and scheduled events.
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Santa Rosa County Clerk's office during business hours.
- Request docket information for specific cases at the public service counter.
- Provide case number or party names to clerk staff.
- Review printed docket sheets or view information on public access terminals.
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (850) 981-5500.
- Provide case information to the clerk.
- Request basic docket information (limited details may be available by phone).
Court Calendar Access:
- Visit the First Judicial Circuit website.
- Navigate to "Court Calendars" or "Hearing Schedules."
- Select the appropriate judge or division.
- View upcoming hearings and proceedings by date.
For specialized dockets such as foreclosure cases, probate matters, or criminal proceedings, specific search options may be available through dedicated portals. According to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, docket information is generally public record, though certain confidential cases may have restricted access.
Which Courts in Santa Rosa County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Florida's judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain official transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions may be appealed directly to district courts of appeal. Conversely, "courts not of record" do not routinely create verbatim transcripts, and their decisions are typically appealed to circuit courts for trials de novo (new trials).
According to Florida Statutes § 34.01, all county courts are designated as courts of record. Therefore, in Santa Rosa County, the following are courts not of record:
Small Claims Court Proceedings:
- While administratively part of county court, small claims proceedings (for cases under $8,000) operate under simplified rules.
- These proceedings typically do not create verbatim transcripts unless specifically requested.
- Appeals from small claims decisions go to the circuit court.
- Governed by Florida Small Claims Rules.
Traffic Infractions Hearing Officer Program:
- Certain non-criminal traffic infractions may be heard by hearing officers rather than judges.
- These administrative proceedings are not courts of record.
- Decisions may be appealed to the county court.
- Established under Florida Statutes § 318.32.
Code Enforcement Boards:
- Municipal code enforcement boards handle local ordinance violations.
- These quasi-judicial bodies are not courts of record.
- Appeals from these boards go to circuit court.
- Authorized by Florida Statutes § 162.03.
All other courts in Santa Rosa County, including Circuit Court, County Court, and their specialized divisions (Family, Probate, etc.), are courts of record that maintain official transcripts and follow formal rules of procedure.
Lookup Court Records in Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court Records
Public Records and FOIA Requests in Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County Court Locations