Bradford County civil court records hold every filing, order, and judgment from civil lawsuits filed in Starke, Florida. The Bradford County Clerk of Court stores these files and shares them with the public under Florida law.
You can look up a case, read the docket, or order certified copies through the clerk’s office or a state online portal at no cost for basic searches.
What Bradford County Civil Court Records Include
Civil court records cover all non-criminal court actions filed in Bradford County. These files show the full history of each lawsuit from start to finish. They stay open to the public so anyone can see how a case moved through the court system.
Common Civil Case Types
Bradford County courts hear many types of civil cases. Each type has its own set of forms and rules. The clerk’s office files all of these under the same civil records system.
- Contract disputes between people or businesses
- Personal injury claims from car crashes or falls
- Property disputes over land lines or ownership
- Landlord and tenant cases, including evictions
- Mortgage foreclosure actions
- Debt collection lawsuits
- Small claims cases up to $8,000
- Civil appeals from lower court rulings
Who Maintains the Records
The Bradford County Clerk of Court holds the official civil case files. Denny Thompson serves as the current Clerk. He and his staff file new cases, store old files, and give the public access to court papers. The clerk’s office works under the rules of the 8th Judicial Circuit and the Florida Supreme Court.
What Each File Contains
A civil court file in Bradford County holds all the papers filed in one case. You can see the full timeline of the lawsuit from the first complaint to the last order. Old paper files from before the digital system may need a clerk to pull them from storage.
- The initial complaint or petition
- The summons sent to the other side
- Answers and motions filed by both parties
- Court orders issued by the judge
- Final judgments and settlements
- Records of court costs and fees paid
- Satisfaction of judgment when paid
Bradford County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Clerk of Court office is the main place to ask for civil court records in Bradford County. The office sits inside the county courthouse. You can call ahead, visit in person, or use the clerk’s website to start your search.
Clerk Name and Contact
Denny Thompson is the elected Clerk of Court for Bradford County. His office handles all civil filings and record requests for the county. The main phone line connects you to the records department during business hours.
- Clerk: Denny Thompson
- Phone: (904) 966-6280
- Website: bradfordclerk.com
Physical Address and Hours
The clerk’s office sits in the Bradford County Courthouse in Starke. Walk-in visitors can ask for help at the service window. The office closes on weekends and state holidays.
- Address: 945 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed: Weekends and Florida state holidays
Online Services from the Clerk
The clerk’s website offers several online tools. You can search court records, view official property records, and check court calendars. The site links to the E-Filing Portal for new case submissions.
- Online court records search
- Official records index for deeds and liens
- Court calendar and hearing schedules
- Links to the state E-Filing Portal
- Court forms for self-represented filers
How to Search Bradford County Civil Court Records Online
You can search for civil court records from home using two main online systems. Both systems run on state contracts. They let you look up cases without paying a fee for basic searches.
Using the OCRS Public Search
The Online Court Records Search (OCRS) is the main public search tool for Bradford County. It runs on a shared platform used by many Florida counties. You do not need an account to look at basic case details. The system gives anonymous access to non-confidential court records.
- Website: civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/04/
- Cost: Free for public access
- Account needed: No, for basic searches
- Search by: Name or case number
- Data shown: Parties, docket, orders, hearings
Florida E-Filing Portal Access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal works for all 67 Florida counties. Bradford County uses this portal for new filings. Registered users see docket sheets for cases they are part of. Over 770,000 users rely on the portal for court filings across Florida.
- Website: myflcourtaccess.com
- Users: Over 770,000 registered accounts
- Cost: Free to register
- Features: E-file new cases, view dockets, pay fees
- Support line: (850) 577-4609, weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET
Searching by Name and Case Number
Name searches work best with a full legal name. Case number searches give the most exact results. You can narrow your search by date range and case type for better results. Keep in mind that the data shown is not a legal document.
- Use full legal name for name searches
- Use full case number for case number searches
- Pick a date range to limit results
- Select case type to filter out non-civil cases
In-Person Civil Court Records Requests
You can visit the clerk’s office in Starke to look at civil files in person. Some records work better viewed in person. Old paper files from before the digital system may need a clerk to pull them from storage.
What to Bring to the Courthouse
Bring a photo ID when you visit the clerk’s office. Have the case number or full names of the parties ready. Payment for copies can be cash, check, money order, or card, depending on office policy.
- Photo ID with your current address
- Case number if you know it
- Full legal names of parties in the case
- Payment for any copies or certifications
Copy and Certification Fees
The clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies. A plain copy shows the document but does not prove it is real. A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and counts as proof for legal use.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy, per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy, per page | $2.00 |
| Certification fee, per document | $2.00 |
| Federal documents certification | $5.00 |
| Non-certified copy of court record | $0.50 per page |
What Staff Can and Cannot Do
Clerk staff can pull files, make copies, and answer questions about how to get records. They cannot give legal advice. They cannot tell you if you have a case or how to fill out legal forms.
- Staff can help you locate a case file
- Staff can make copies and certify them
- Staff can explain fees and payment options
- Staff cannot give legal advice
- Staff cannot recommend what to do in your case
Bradford County Civil Court Structure
Bradford County sits in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit court and county court hear different types of civil cases. The dollar amount in the case decides which court hears it.
Circuit Court Division
The Circuit Court hears civil cases where the amount in dispute is more than $30,000. It also handles family law, probate, guardianship, and felony criminal cases. Civil appeals from County Court go to Circuit Court for review.
- Civil claims over $30,000
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Real property disputes
- Contract cases over the limit
- Civil appeals from lower courts
County Court Division
The County Court hears civil cases where the amount is $30,000 or less. It also handles misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and small claims. This court is the entry point for most civil lawsuits in Bradford County.
- Civil claims up to $30,000
- Eviction and landlord-tenant cases
- Small claims up to $8,000
- County ordinance violations
- Traffic and misdemeanor cases
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cases in Bradford County cover disputes up to $8,000. The process is simpler than regular civil cases. People often file small claims without a lawyer.
- Claim limit: $8,000, not including court costs
- Forms: Simplified forms from the clerk
- Hearings: Often decided in one hearing
- Appeals: Heard by Circuit Court
- Filing fee: Lower than regular civil cases
Confidential and Sealed Records
Some parts of civil court records stay private. Florida law lists certain details that must be kept out of public view. The clerk redacts these items before showing the file.
What Stays Private
Florida law lists items that must be removed from public court files. These items can hurt people if they become public. The clerk must keep them out of any public view in all Florida counties, including Bradford.
- Social security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Debit card numbers
- Tax ID numbers
- Sealed cases by court order
- Juvenile and adoption records
How to Request Redaction
Anyone can ask the clerk to redact private data from a court file. The form used is the Notice of Confidential Information under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. There is no fee for redactions in Bradford County. The clerk will pull the file and remove the private data.
- File a redaction request with the clerk
- Use form 2.420 to flag confidential data
- No fee for redactions
- Clerk removes the data from the public file
Public Records Laws in Florida
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says government records must stay open. Civil court records fall under this law and stay open unless a court seals them.
Chapter 119 Rights
Chapter 119 gives every person the right to see and copy government records. You do not need to be a party in a case to ask for a court file. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The clerk must respond to valid requests within a reasonable time.
- Right to inspect public records
- Right to copy records for a fee
- No need to be a party in the case
- No need to give a reason for the request
Request Response Times
The clerk must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time. Simple requests can be filled the same day. Large requests for many files may take longer. The clerk posts fee schedules at the service window so you know the cost before you ask.
- Simple requests: Same day in many cases
- Large requests: May need more time
- Reasonable time: Based on the size of the request
- Fees: Set by Florida law and posted at the clerk’s office
Self-Help and DIY Resources
Florida offers free tools to help people file civil cases without a lawyer. These tools work for people in Bradford County. The clerk’s office can point you to the right forms for your case type.
DIY Florida Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions and fills out court forms for you. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Bradford County clerk’s office. Standard filing fees still apply when you submit the forms.
- Cost: Free to use
- Forms: 20+ civil case form types
- Process: Step-by-step interview
- Output: Ready-to-file court forms
- Filing: Through the E-Filing Portal
Florida Court Clerks Directory
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website has a clerk directory. It lists contact details for all 67 county clerks. You can use it to reach the Bradford County clerk or any other Florida clerk in the 8th Judicial Circuit or beyond.
- Website: flclerks.com/page/findaclerk
- List: All 67 county clerks
- Data: Phone, address, hours, website
Cities and Communities Served
Bradford County covers several small cities and towns. All civil court filings for these communities go through the Bradford County Clerk of Court in Starke. The clerk’s office serves the entire county from a single location.
Starke
Starke is the county seat of Bradford County. Most court business happens here. The clerk’s office, courthouse, and main courtrooms are in Starke. The city has a population of about 5,000 people.
Lawtey
Lawtey is a small city in Bradford County. Residents of Lawtey file civil cases at the Bradford County Courthouse in Starke. Lawtey is a quiet community with a small-town feel.
Brooker
Brooker sits in the western part of Bradford County. All civil court cases for Brooker residents go to the Starke courthouse. The town has a small population and a rural setting.
Hampton
Hampton is a small community in Bradford County. Civil cases for Hampton residents go to the Starke courthouse. The community is small and falls under the same court jurisdiction as the rest of the county.
Nearby Counties in the 8th Judicial Circuit
Bradford County is one of six counties in the 8th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handled your case, check the address where the dispute took place. The clerk’s office can help you locate the right county for your case file.
- Alachua County
- Baker County
- Bradford County
- Gilchrist County
- Levy County
- Union County
Contact and Office Information
The Bradford County Clerk of Court office is the place to start for all civil court record requests. Visit, call, or go online to start your search. Office hours run Monday through Friday during business hours. The clerk’s office is closed on weekends and Florida state holidays.
- Office: Bradford County Clerk of Court
- Clerk: Denny Thompson
- Address: 945 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091
- Phone: (904) 966-6280
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Website: bradfordclerk.com
- Online Records: civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/04/
945 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Bradford County civil court records. The questions cover searches, fees, and how to get copies. Each answer gives you a clear path to the records you need and points you to the right office or tool.
How do I look up a civil case in Bradford County?
You can look up a civil case in Bradford County using the Online Court Records Search at civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/04/. The site lets you search by name or case number for free. You do not need an account to view basic docket data, party names, and hearing dates. You can also visit the clerk’s office at 945 N Temple Ave in Starke, Florida, or call (904) 966-6280 during business hours for help. The clerk’s staff can pull a file, run a search, or help you place a copy order. For best results, have the full legal name or the case number ready before you start. The Florida E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com is another tool, but it works best for people who are part of a case or who need to file new papers.
Are Bradford County civil court records free to view?
Yes, the online search tool is free for basic case lookups. You do not need to pay or register to see the docket and basic case data. The clerk charges small fees for printed copies and certified copies. A plain copy costs $1.00 per page. A certified copy costs $2.00 per page, plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. You can view the case file in person at the clerk’s office for no charge, but copies cost the same fees listed above. The free online search gives you the docket, party names, hearing dates, and case status. For certified copies, you must visit the clerk in person or send a written request by mail. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and cards for in-person requests.
Circuit Court vs County Court in Bradford County
Circuit Court hears civil cases with claims over $30,000. It also handles family law, felony criminal cases, and civil appeals. County Court hears civil cases with claims of $30,000 or less, plus small claims, evictions, misdemeanors, and traffic cases. The dollar amount in your case decides which court hears it. Small claims cases fall under County Court and have a separate claim limit of $8,000. The clerk’s office in Starke can help you figure out which court handles your case if you are not sure. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases always go to Circuit Court, no matter the dollar amount. Civil appeals from County Court go up to Circuit Court for review.
Getting a Certified Copy Online
No, certified copies must come from the clerk’s office in person or by mail. The online search tool shows basic docket data but does not give you a certified document. A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and counts as proof for legal use in court or with other agencies. To get one, visit the clerk at 945 N Temple Ave in Starke, Florida, during business hours. Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have it. The fee is $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. You can also send a written request by mail with a check or money order. The clerk will mail the certified copy back to you. Federal documents have a higher certification fee of $5.00 per document.
How long does the clerk keep civil court records?
The clerk keeps most civil court records permanently. Old paper files are stored in the courthouse or at an off-site state storage facility. Some types of files, like small claims cases, may be moved to state storage after a set time but stay available through the clerk. You can ask the clerk’s office to search for older records if you cannot locate them online. The online OCRS system covers recent cases, and the clerk’s staff can pull older files from storage. The clerk follows Florida records retention rules set by the state. For very old files, the clerk may need extra time to locate them. Plan ahead if you need an older record, as retrieval from off-site storage can take several business days.
Can I remove my name from public civil court records?
Most civil court records stay public under Florida law. You can ask the court to seal a record in narrow cases, like identity theft, mistaken identity, or certain personal safety issues. The judge decides if the case meets the legal standard for sealing. You can also ask the clerk to redact private data like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers from the public file. There is no fee for these redactions in Bradford County. Use form 2.420 to flag the data you want removed. Sealing a full case file is harder than redacting private data. You may need a lawyer to file a motion to seal, and the court may hold a hearing before granting the request.
What payment methods does the Bradford County clerk accept?
The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards for in-person requests at the service window. Mail orders must use checks or money orders, and you should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your copies. The clerk posts the exact list of accepted payment methods at the service window and on the website. Credit and debit card users may face a small processing fee from the card vendor. The clerk cannot accept partial payments or hold checks. Make checks payable to the Bradford County Clerk of Court. For large orders, call the clerk’s office at (904) 966-6280 to confirm payment options and total cost before you visit.