Putnam County civil court records are the official court files for every civil lawsuit filed in Putnam County, Florida. These files hold the start paperwork, motions, judgments, and final orders for each case.
The Putnam County Clerk of Court stores all of these files. The clerk’s office keeps the files open to the public. Anyone can search these records online from home. Anyone can also visit the courthouse in Palatka to read paper files in person.
Putnam County Clerk of Court Role
The Putnam County Clerk of Court runs the records office for all civil cases in the county. The clerk stores every paper filed in each case. The clerk stamps new filings, makes docket entries, and issues certified copies of court orders. The current clerk is Matt Reynolds. His office serves two groups of people. The office serves people who file cases. The office also serves people who want to read public files for personal, legal, or business reasons.
Clerk Office Location and Contact
The clerk’s main office sits inside the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka. The street address is 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177. People can call the clerk’s main line at (386) 326-7600. The clerk’s official website is putnamclerk.com. This website has the online search tool and downloadable court forms. Visitors can park near the courthouse on St Johns Avenue. Public parking spots sit on the street and behind the building. Visitors walk into the courthouse through the front doors on St Johns Avenue.
The clerk’s office holds records for civil cases going back many years. Older files sit in the clerk’s archive room. Newer files stay on the main floor of the clerk’s office. Staff can pull older files for you when you ask at the counter.
Office Hours and Public Access
The clerk’s office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. The office works Monday through Friday each week. The office stays closed on weekends. The office also stays closed on state holidays. People can walk in to ask for records during open hours. Staff help guests at the front counter. The clerk asks visitors to bring a photo ID for certain types of requests.
The clerk’s office serves people on a first come, first served basis. The office sets a closing time for new in-person requests. Most offices stop new requests 30 minutes before closing time. Visitors should plan to arrive by 4:30 PM if they need records the same day.
How to Search Civil Court Records Online
Anyone can search Putnam County civil court records from home. The clerk’s website links to a free search tool. This tool shows cases filed in Putnam County. People can look up cases by party name. People can also look up cases by case number. The search results show the case type, filing date, and judge assigned to the case.
The search tool is open 24 hours a day. The tool pulls data from the clerk’s main computer system. The system updates each night with new filings from that day. People do not need to register or sign in to use the search tool. The tool works on phones, tablets, and laptop computers.
Searching by Party Name
A name search works well when you know the person who filed or the person who got sued. Type the last name in the search box first. Then add a first name to narrow down the results. The system pulls up all civil cases tied to that person. Results show the case number and case type. Each result links to the full docket sheet for the case. The docket sheet lists every paper filed in the case.
People should spell names the way they appear on the court papers. The search may miss results with small spelling errors. People can try different spellings if they do not get results the first time.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search works when you already have the full case number. Putnam County case numbers follow a set pattern. Each case number starts with a two-digit year. The year is followed by a court code. The court code is followed by a six-digit file number. For example, a case from 2024 may look like 2024-CA-001234. Type the full case number in the search box. The system brings up the exact case file in seconds. This method is the fastest way to find a specific record.
Using the Statewide E-Filing Portal
Florida runs a statewide e-filing portal. The site is called the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal connects to all 67 county clerks across the state. People can file new civil cases through this portal. Registration is free. Filing fees still apply when people submit civil cases to Putnam County. The portal accepts new cases any time of day. The portal also lets people serve court papers on other parties by email.
The portal keeps a record of every filing in each case. Filers can log in to see the status of new cases. Filers can also see which papers the clerk accepted. Filers get an email notice when the clerk accepts or rejects a filing.
Civil Court Structure in Putnam County
Putnam County sits inside the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit also covers Flagler County, St. Johns County, and Volusia County. Civil cases in Putnam County go to one of two courts based on the dollar amount at stake. The dollar amount decides which court hears the case. Most cases end up in the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka.
Each court level in Putnam County has its own set of forms. Each court level has its own set of filing fees. Each court level has its own set of judges. The clerk’s office can tell filers which court level fits their case.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
The Circuit Court hears civil cases with claims over $30,000. The court handles disputes about contracts worth more than $30,000. The court handles personal injury suits with damages over $30,000. Real property claims and mortgage fights go to Circuit Court. Family law cases, probate cases, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court in Putnam County.
The Circuit Court also hears appeals from the County Court in Putnam County. A party who loses in County Court can ask the Circuit Court to review the decision. The Circuit Court judge reads the lower court file and listens to both sides before ruling on the appeal.
County Court Civil Cases
The County Court hears civil cases with claims up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 are County Court matters. Eviction cases are County Court matters too. County Court also handles replevin cases. A replevin case is a suit to get personal property back from someone else. Both court levels sit inside the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka.
County Court civil cases move faster than Circuit Court cases. The court sets shorter deadlines for filings. The court also holds hearings closer together. This speed helps people who need a quick decision.
Types of Civil Cases Filed in Putnam County
Many kinds of civil cases get filed in Putnam County each year. The most common types include contract fights, landlord-tenant cases, and personal injury suits. Each type has its own set of forms and rules. The clerk’s office can tell filers which form fits each case type. The clerk can also tell filers which filing fee applies to each case type.
The court tracks each case type with a special court code. The code shows up in the case number. For example, contract cases use the code CA. Landlord-tenant cases use the code LT. Personal injury cases use the code PI. The case type code helps the clerk route each case to the right judge.
Contract Disputes
A contract dispute starts when one party claims the other broke a deal. The deal can be written or spoken. These cases cover business deals, sales of goods, and service contracts. The court looks at the contract terms and what each side did. Money damages are the most common outcome in a contract dispute. The judge may order one side to pay the other side a set amount.
Putnam County contract disputes often involve local business deals. Many cases come from home repair contracts. Other cases come from car sale deals. The court hears these cases in the Circuit Court when the claim is over $30,000. Smaller contract cases go to County Court.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Landlord-tenant disputes often involve eviction. A landlord may file to remove a tenant for unpaid rent. A landlord may also file to remove a tenant for breaking a lease term. Tenants may file to get back a security deposit after moving out. The County Court hears all landlord-tenant cases in Putnam County. The court’s order tells the tenant when to move out. The court’s order may also tell the landlord to fix a problem in the rental unit.
Landlord-tenant cases in Florida have strict deadlines. The landlord must serve the tenant with a notice before filing the case. The notice gives the tenant a chance to pay the rent or move out. The court may dismiss the case if the landlord skips this step.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
A personal injury lawsuit asks for money because of an injury. Car crashes, slip and fall accidents, and dog bites are common examples. The injured person files the case against the person or business at fault. The Circuit Court hears these cases when the claim is over $30,000. The court may award money for medical bills. The court may also award money for lost wages and pain.
Personal injury cases often settle before trial. A settlement is a deal between the two sides to end the case. The settlement amount may be less than what the court might award at trial. Both sides save money by settling.
Filing a New Civil Case
People who want to file a new civil case in Putnam County must follow a set of steps. The first step is to pick the right court level. The court level depends on the dollar amount at stake. The second step is to fill out the right forms. The third step is to file the forms with the clerk. The clerk stamps the forms and gives the filer a case number.
The clerk’s office gives filers a case number right away for in-person filings. The clerk’s office emails the case number for portal filings. The case number tracks the case through the court system.
Forms Needed to Start a Case
Every civil case starts with a basic set of forms. The most common forms include a petition or complaint. The petition tells the court what the filer wants. The petition also names the other party. Other common forms include a summons. The summons tells the other party about the case. The summons gives the other party a deadline to respond.
Each court level in Putnam County has its own set of forms. The Florida Courts website lists these forms. The clerk’s office also keeps paper copies at the front counter. Filers can ask the clerk which forms fit their case.
Filing Fees and Payment Methods
New civil filings carry a filing fee. The fee depends on the case type. County Court civil cases cost less to file than Circuit Court cases. Small claims cases have the lowest filing fee. The clerk lists current fees on the putnamclerk.com website. Some filers can ask the court to waive the fee based on income. The court may grant the waiver if the filer shows low income.
The clerk accepts cash, money orders, checks, and most major credit cards. Personal checks are accepted for some filings. Credit card payments carry a small extra fee. The clerk’s office gives a receipt for each payment.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Most civil court records in Putnam County are open to the public. Florida law gives the public a right to see court files. Some parts of a file stay sealed or confidential. Social security numbers stay out of public view. Bank account numbers stay out of public view. Credit card numbers stay out of public view.
Court-sealed records stay off limits to the public. A judge must order a file sealed before the clerk takes it out of public view. The order states the reason for sealing the file. The clerk stamps the file with the seal order.
Redacting Confidential Numbers
Florida law lets anyone ask the clerk to remove private data from a public record. The form is called the Request to Redact Confidential Number. The form lists the case name, case number, and page where the data shows. The clerk takes out the private data at no charge. The clerk keeps the original sealed under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420.
Attorneys and parties who file papers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form. This form tells the clerk that a filing has protected data. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other personal details in civil court records.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Filers
People can file civil cases without a lawyer in Putnam County. The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for self-represented parties. The clerk’s staff can point filers to the right forms. Staff cannot give legal advice. Staff can only help with the filing process and the court system.
Self-represented filers face the same court deadlines as lawyers. The court will not give extra time because someone filed without a lawyer. Filers must read the rules and follow the deadlines on their own.
DIY Florida Forms Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. The tool walks filers through a set of plain language questions. The tool fills out court forms based on the answers. More than 20 form sets are open in the tool. The sets cover small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. Filers submit the forms through the portal. Standard filing fees apply to the submission.
The DIY Florida tool works best for simple cases. The tool may not cover every type of civil case. The clerk’s office can help filers whose cases do not fit the tool.
Self-Help Packet Library
The 10th Judicial Circuit Court runs a self-help packet library on its website. The packets include step-by-step instructions for common filings. The packets cover civil cases in the Putnam County area. The packets list the forms needed and the filing fee for each one. People can print the packets at home or at the courthouse.
The packets are updated each year. The clerk’s office keeps the latest packet copies at the front counter. People can ask for a packet at the counter without signing in or giving their name.
Court Fees and Copy Costs
Civil court records cost money to copy. Florida law sets the fees for copies and filings. The clerk charges a small fee for plain copies. The clerk charges a higher fee for certified copies. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and most major credit cards at the front counter.
The clerk posts the current fee schedule on the putnamclerk.com website. The fee schedule lists fees for every type of request. The clerk updates the schedule when the Florida Legislature changes the fees.
Filing Fees
New civil filings carry a filing fee. The fee depends on the case type. County Court civil cases cost less to file than Circuit Court cases. Small claims cases have the lowest filing fee. The clerk lists current fees on the putnamclerk.com website. Some filers can ask the court to waive the fee based on income. The court may grant the waiver if the filer shows proof of low income.
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Claims (up to $8,000) | Lowest fee tier |
| County Court Civil (up to $30,000) | Mid-range fee |
| Circuit Court Civil (over $30,000) | Higher fee tier |
| Eviction (Landlord-Tenant) | Set by state law |
Certified Copy Costs
A certified copy carries the court seal and a clerk signature. The clerk charges more for certified copies than plain copies. The fee per page covers the work of certifying the document. People often need certified copies for other courts. People also need certified copies for government agencies. The clerk can issue certified copies while you wait at the counter.
E-Filing Portal Details
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is the main way to file new civil cases in Putnam County. The portal is open 24 hours a day. The portal accepts filings from lawyers and self-represented filers. The portal charges a small fee for credit card payments.
The portal sends an email notice for every filing. Filers get a notice when they submit a new case. Filers also get a notice when the clerk accepts or rejects the filing. The portal keeps a full record of every filing in each case.
Account Registration
Filers must register an account before using the portal. Registration is free. Filers give their name, address, and email. Filers also pick a username and password. Lawyers must add their Florida Bar number to their account.
Filers can reset their password through the portal. The portal sends a reset link to the email on file. Filers can update their address through the portal at any time.
Portal Help Desk
The E-Filing Portal help desk answers questions about the portal. The help desk phone number is (850) 577-4609. The desk is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. The help desk can help with login problems, filing errors, and payment issues.
Appeals and Post-Judgment Records
A party who loses a civil case in Putnam County can ask a higher court to review the decision. The review is called an appeal. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the final judgment. The party who appeals is the appellant. The party who responds is the appellee.
The appeal goes to the 5th District Court of Appeal. That court sits in Daytona Beach. The court reads the lower court file and the briefs from both sides. The court may also hear oral arguments from the lawyers. The court then issues a written decision.
Post-Judgment Motions
A party can file post-judgment motions in the trial court. These motions ask the trial court to change or set aside the final judgment. Common post-judgment motions include motions for rehearing and motions for relief from judgment. The deadlines for these motions are set by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
Enforcing Judgments
A winning party can ask the court to enforce a money judgment. The winning party can file a writ of garnishment. The writ takes money from the losing party’s bank account. The winning party can also file a writ of execution. The writ lets the sheriff seize the losing party’s property.
Putnam County Courthouse Location
The Putnam County Courthouse sits on St Johns Avenue in downtown Palatka. The building holds the clerk’s office and the courtrooms. The courthouse is open to the public during business hours. Visitors can sit in on hearings when the courtroom is open. Security screening happens at the front door.
Putnam County is in northeast Florida. The county sits along the St. Johns River. The county has a population of about 74,000 people. Palatka is the county seat and the only city with a courthouse. All civil cases in Putnam County go through the Palatka courthouse.
Address and Directions
The Putnam County Courthouse sits at 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177. Drivers from East Palatka can take U.S. Route 17 south into downtown Palatka. Drivers from Interlachen can take State Road 20 east to U.S. Route 17. The courthouse has parking behind the building. The St. Johns River runs two blocks west of the site.
Phone and Email Contact
The clerk’s office phone number is (386) 326-7600. Staff answer calls Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk’s official website lists staff emails by department. People can reach the E-Filing Portal help desk at (850) 577-4609 weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time.
| Contact Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Matt Reynolds |
| Street Address | 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177 |
| Main Phone | (386) 326-7600 |
| Website | putnamclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| E-Filing Help Desk | (850) 577-4609 |
| Judicial Circuit | 7th Judicial Circuit |
Cities and Communities Served
Putnam County has several small cities and towns. All civil court cases for these places go through the Putnam County Clerk of Court. Palatka is the county seat. Palatka is the main spot for filing and looking up civil court records in the county. Smaller communities in Putnam County include Crescent City, Interlachen, Pomona Park, and Welaka. None of these cities have separate court systems. All civil cases go through the Putnam County clerk’s office in Palatka.
Nearby Counties in the Same Circuit
These counties sit in the 7th Judicial Circuit with Putnam County. If you are not sure which county handles a case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction. The 7th Judicial Circuit includes Flagler County, St. Johns County, Volusia County, and Putnam County.
Florida Court Records Law Background
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This law covers civil court records in Putnam County. People do not need to be a party in a case to see a public record. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court file.
Some limits exist under the law. Section 119.0714 lists items that stay confidential. Social security numbers and bank account numbers stay confidential. Court-sealed records also stay confidential. Most civil court files in Putnam County are open to the public without restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Putnam County civil court records. People ask these questions before searching online or visiting the clerk’s office. The answers below come straight from Florida law and the clerk’s public rules. Read each answer for the facts you need before your next search or visit.
How do I check a Putnam County civil case?
You can check a Putnam County civil case online for free. Go to the clerk’s website at putnamclerk.com. Click the link to the online court records search. Type the party name or case number in the search box. The system shows the docket, filings, and judge for the case. You can also visit the clerk’s office in Palatka to see paper files in person. Bring a photo ID when you visit the courthouse. The clerk’s office staff can help you find the right file at the front counter.
Are Putnam County civil cases public?
Yes. Most civil cases in Putnam County are public under Florida law. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public the right to see court files. You do not need to be a party in the case. Anyone can ask to see a public file. Some files stay sealed by court order. Some data like social security numbers stay out of public view. The clerk redacts private data from public files at no charge. File the Request to Redact Confidential Number form with the clerk to remove private data from any public file.
What cases fall under small claims?
Small claims cases in Putnam County cover civil disputes up to $8,000. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, property damage, and minor contract fights. The County Court hears all small claims cases in the county. The court uses simpler rules than other civil courts. People often file small claims cases without a lawyer. The DIY Florida tool can help filers prepare small claims cases for free. The court holds the hearing within a few weeks of the filing date.
How long does a civil case take in Putnam County?
Civil case times in Putnam County vary by case type and complexity. Small claims cases often resolve in 30 to 90 days. County Court civil cases often take 3 to 6 months. Circuit Court civil cases take longer. Many Circuit Court cases last six months to two years. Cases with motions or trials take more time. The clerk’s docket shows the next hearing date for any open case. Most civil cases settle before trial. Settlements cut down the time and cost of a case.
Can I view sealed civil records in Putnam County?
Sealed civil records stay off limits to the public. Only parties in the case and their lawyers can see sealed files. A judge must order a file sealed before the clerk takes it out of public view. The clerk stamps the file with the seal order. Anyone who wants to open a sealed file must file a motion with the court. The judge then decides whether to open the file. The judge may grant the request if the person shows a good reason to see the file.
How do I get a certified court copy?
You can ask the clerk for a certified court copy at the front counter. Tell the clerk the case name and case number. Pay the certified copy fee per page. The clerk stamps the copy with the court seal and signs it. You can also mail a request to the clerk’s office with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include a check or money order for the certified copy fee. The clerk mails the certified copy within a few business days of getting the request.
Where do I file a new civil lawsuit in Putnam County?
You file a new civil lawsuit in the county where the dispute took place. For Putnam County cases, you file at the clerk’s office in Palatka. You can file in person or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Filing fees apply. The clerk stamps your filing and gives you a case number on the spot. The portal emails the case number to the filer after the clerk accepts the filing. Filing fees must be paid when you submit the case.