Clay County Court Records Lookup
Clay County court records are filed and stored by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Green Cove Springs, Florida. The clerk handles all case filings for the 4th Judicial Circuit, which covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. One of the nice things about Clay County is that you can get unofficial copies of many court records for free online. The clerk's office also handles in-person requests at 825 N. Orange Avenue in Green Cove Springs. Whether you need to look up a case, pull a document, or get a certified copy, the Clay County Clerk is where you start.
Clay County Quick Facts
Clay County Clerk of Court
The Clay County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official keeper of all court records in the county. The office files new cases, stores documents, and makes copies available to the public. All case types go through this one office. Whether it is a civil lawsuit, a criminal charge, a family matter, or a traffic ticket, the Clay County Clerk handles the paperwork and keeps the records safe.
The main office sits at 825 N. Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. You can call (904) 284-6302 for general questions. For public records requests, email publicrecords@clayclerk.com. Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, court records in Clay County are open to the public. Anyone can ask to see a case file. You do not need a reason. The clerk must show you the record unless it is sealed by a judge or protected by law. Per Florida Statute 119.0714, the clerk takes out personal data like social security numbers and bank info before making court records public in Clay County.
The Clay County Clerk homepage is the starting point for all court records searches and services.
From the main page you can get to court records, official records, criminal court services, and online options.
| Office | Clay County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 825 N. Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 |
| Phone | (904) 284-6302 |
| publicrecords@clayclerk.com | |
| Website | clayclerk.com |
Search Clay County Court Records Online
The Clay County Clerk has a search records page that lays out all the ways you can look up court records, official records, and county records. The search options include court records, official records, county records, county map library, right of way maps, BOCC minutes, reports, and historical archives. For court records specifically, you can search by party name or case number. The system pulls up case details, docket entries, and in many cases the actual documents filed in the case.
What makes Clay County stand out is that you can get unofficial (uncertified) copies of many records for free online. This is a big deal because some counties charge for every page. In Clay County, if you just need to see what is in a file or get a copy for your own use, the online tool can save you a trip and some money. Certified copies still cost a fee, but for basic research you can do a lot from your computer without spending anything.
The Clay County search records page shows all the different record types you can look up through the clerk's office.
Each search type has its own tool, so pick the one that fits what you are looking for in Clay County.
Under Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14, clerks can post public court document images online. Clay County follows this program. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 sets out which court records are confidential and which are open. The clerk checks documents before posting them to keep protected data out of public view in Clay County.
Clay County Criminal Court Records
The Clay County Clerk has a dedicated criminal court services department that handles all criminal case filings. Felony cases go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanor cases go to County Court. Each criminal case creates a file with charges, motions, hearings, plea deals, and sentencing orders. All of these become part of the public record in Clay County unless a judge seals the case or a statute makes certain details confidential.
Criminal court records in Clay County can be searched through the same online tools used for all other case types. You search by the defendant's name or the case number. The results show the charges, court dates, and case status. In many cases you can also view the actual documents filed in the case. If you need a certified copy of a criminal court record from Clay County, you must go through the clerk's office. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are often needed for background checks, job applications, and legal matters.
Note: The Clay County Clerk's public records custodian is the Records Management Liaison Officer, also known as the RMLO, who handles formal records requests.
Historical Archives in Clay County
Clay County keeps historical archives that include older court records and public records going back many years. The clerk's office has a research collection that includes public records, grantor and grantee indexes, and other historical documents. These archives are useful if you need to look up a case or a document from decades ago that may not be in the digital system yet.
The grantor and grantee indexes at the Clay County historical archives are going through a digitization project right now. The goal is to have these records available online by spring or summer of 2026. Until then, you may need to visit the clerk's office in Green Cove Springs to search through the older records by hand. Staff at the archives can help you navigate the indexes and find what you need.
The Clay County historical archives and public records collection page gives you details on what is available for research.
As the digitization project wraps up, more of these older Clay County records will come online for public access.
Filing and Online Options in Clay County
The Clay County Clerk has an online options page on their website that lists all the services you can use from home. This includes court record searches, official record lookups, payments, and e-filing. All new court filings in Clay County must go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The state requires electronic filing for most case types. The portal is open around the clock, so you can file documents at any time of day.
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers association connects all 67 county clerks. Their site has links to any county's court records system if you need to search beyond Clay County. The MyFloridaCounty.com portal handles online payments for court fees and traffic fines statewide. For free court forms and self-help guides, the Florida Courts Help center is a solid resource. These forms work in Clay County and in every other county across the state.
Clay County sits in the 4th Judicial Circuit along with Duval, Nassau, and Baker counties. The circuit has a self-help center where staff can point you to the right forms and explain basic steps in the court process. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you figure out where to start with your Clay County court records search or filing.
Note: You can reach the Clay County Clerk's public records team at publicrecords@clayclerk.com for help with any formal records request.
Cities in Clay County
Green Cove Springs is the county seat and the location of the main clerk's office. All court records for Clay County are filed here. Other communities in the county include Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Keystone Heights, and Penney Farms. None of these have a separate court system. Every case in Clay County goes through the 4th Judicial Circuit clerk in Green Cove Springs.
Nearby Counties
Clay County sits southwest of Jacksonville in northeast Florida. Several counties share borders with it. If you are not sure where a case was filed, check with the clerk. Court records in one county do not show up in another county's system.