Palm Coast city family court records are kept by the Flagler County Clerk of Court. The city of Palm Coast does not store court files.
Family law cases like divorce, custody, and child support are filed at the county level. The 7th Judicial Circuit Court handles all family law matters for Palm Coast residents. This means anyone looking for court papers must contact the county clerk in Bunnell, Florida. The county office keeps divorce papers, custody orders, support records, and other family law files for the entire area.
People search for these records for many reasons. Some need them for a new legal case. Others want to check a court order. Lawyers, family members, and private citizens all look up these files each year. The records are open to the public, but some details stay private. Social Security numbers and bank account data are always removed. Some cases are sealed by a judge’s order. This page explains where to find these records, how to request them, and what to expect.
Flagler County Clerk Maintains All Family Court Records
The Flagler County Clerk of Court is the official keeper of Palm Coast city family court records. Tom Bexley serves as the elected clerk. His office stores every family law file filed in the county. This includes cases from Palm Coast, Bunnell, Beverly Beach, and all unincorporated areas. The clerk’s office makes sure these files stay safe and easy to find. The office is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also covers St. Johns and Putnam counties.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Flagler County Clerk’s office sits at 1769 East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell, Florida 32110. Bunnell is the county seat and sits about twenty minutes from Palm Coast. The office phone number is (386) 313-4400. The official website is www.flaglerclerk.com. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Visitors must pass through a security checkpoint at the entrance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Flagler County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Tom Bexley |
| Street Address | 1769 East Moody Boulevard |
| City, State, ZIP | Bunnell, FL 32110 |
| Phone | (386) 313-4400 |
| Website | www.flaglerclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Closed | Weekends and state holidays |
What the Clerk’s Office Does for You
The clerk’s office keeps every family court file for the county. Staff can help you search for a case by name or case number. They provide plain copies for review and certified copies for legal use. The office also files new court papers through the e-filing system. Staff answer questions about court procedures and direct people to the right forms. They collect fees for copies and other services. The office works with judges and lawyers to keep cases moving forward.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Palm Coast family courts handle many kinds of cases under Florida family law. Each case type creates its own set of records. These records stay on file with the county clerk. Most files stay open to the public, but some parts are kept private. The main case types include divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence. Each type generates different documents like petitions, orders, and judgments.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce cases make up the largest share of family court filings in Palm Coast. These records include the original petition for dissolution, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and the final judgment. Each file also contains court orders about property division, spousal support, and attorney fees. Older divorce cases from before 1980 may have limited online access. People request these records for remarriage, name changes, or new legal matters.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Child custody cases produce detailed parenting plans. These plans set time-sharing schedules for each parent. They list holiday schedules, school breaks, and decision-making rights. The records also include any modifications made after the original order. Custody files often contain evidence from investigations and evaluations. These files help lawyers and parents track past court decisions about the children involved.
Child Support and Paternity Records
Child support cases include payment orders based on Florida guidelines. Records show income information, calculation worksheets, and payment history. Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood and often link to support orders. These files may include DNA test results and acknowledgment forms. The Department of Revenue often works with the court on these cases. People check these records to confirm payment totals or to request changes.
Adoption and Domestic Violence Records
Adoption records create new legal family ties. These files include the original petition, background checks, home studies, and final adoption decree. Many adoption files become sealed after the case closes. Domestic violence cases move quickly through the court. Records include petitions for injunction, temporary orders, and full hearing transcripts. Some protective order files stay sealed to protect the victim. People need these records for background checks, custody disputes, and personal reasons.
How to Search Palm Coast Family Court Records
You can search Palm Coast city family court records in three ways. You can go online from home, visit the clerk’s office in person, or send a request by mail. Each method works for different needs. Online searches work best for quick checks. In-person visits help with complex searches or when you need certified copies. Mail requests work for people who live far away. The clerk’s office charges fees for copies and certification.
Online Search Through the Clerk Website
The Flagler Clerk website at www.flaglerclerk.com has a free case search tool. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The search shows case type, filing date, judge name, and current status. You can also see a list of hearings and documents filed. Some documents are available for free download. Other documents require a paid copy request. The online system updates daily with new filings.
Statewide Search Through MyFloridaCourtAccess
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com covers all counties. This statewide tool lets you check cases across Florida. It helps when you do not know the exact county. You can search by name across all 67 Florida counties. The portal also handles e-filing for new cases. You need to create a free account to use full features. The system shows case dockets and hearing schedules.
In-Person Visits to the Clerk’s Office
Going to the clerk’s office in Bunnell gives you the fastest results. Staff can run detailed searches using partial names or old case numbers. You can review files on-site using public computer terminals. Staff can print copies and certify them while you wait. Bring a valid photo ID and your case details. The office also has a public research area with binders of old records. Plan to arrive before 4:00 PM to allow enough time.
Mail Requests for Court Records
You can request copies by mail from the Flagler County Clerk. Send a written request that includes the case number, party names, and the documents you need. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Add your return address and a phone number. Mail your request to 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days to process. Certified copies by mail include an extra fee for postage and handling.
Costs and Payment for Court Records
The Flagler County Clerk charges set fees for copies and services. These fees are set by Florida state law. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most credit cards. Online payments go through a secure portal. In-person payments happen at the cashier window on the first floor. Some records are free to view but cost money to copy. Certified copies always cost more than plain copies.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy, per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy, per page | $2.00 |
| Certification fee | $2.00 per document |
| Online search access | Free |
| Exemplified certificate | $7.00 per document |
| Returned check fee | $25.00 |
Ways to Pay for Records
The clerk’s office accepts several payment methods. Cash works for in-person visits at the cashier window. Personal checks are accepted with a valid photo ID. Money orders are preferred for mail requests. Credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Online payments go through a third-party processor that adds a small service fee. The office does not accept phone payments for new requests.
What Information You Need to Request Records
You need certain details to request Palm Coast city family court records. The more details you have, the faster the search. At minimum, you should know the full name of at least one party. The case number speeds up the search even more. Other helpful details include the year of filing, the type of case, and the judge’s name. The clerk can search with partial information, but it takes more time.
Items You Must Bring to the Office
Visitors must bring a valid photo ID to the clerk’s office. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You will also need case details like names, dates, or case numbers. Payment is required for copies and certifications. The courthouse has security screening, so leave large bags and weapons at home. Cell phones are allowed but may need to stay in your bag during screening. Plan for parking near the main entrance.
Information Kept Private in Public Records
Some details stay private in public family court records. Social Security numbers always get removed. Bank account numbers and credit card data stay hidden. Children’s names may be replaced with initials in some files. Home addresses of victims in domestic violence cases stay sealed. Medical records and mental health evaluations stay private. The court seals entire files in rare cases when privacy outweighs public access. You can ask the clerk about redactions for a specific case.
Palm Coast City Clerk vs Flagler County Clerk
Many people confuse the two clerk offices. The Palm Coast City Clerk and the Flagler County Clerk do very different jobs. Knowing which office to call saves time. The city clerk handles local government records. The county clerk handles court records. Family court files only exist at the county level. The city clerk has no access to court files of any kind.
Duties of the Palm Coast City Clerk
The Palm Coast City Clerk sits at 160 Cypress Point Parkway. The phone number is (386) 986-3700. This office keeps city commission meeting minutes and agendas. It also stores municipal contracts, business tax receipts, and local ordinances. The city clerk handles public records requests for city departments. This office does not hold any court records. People looking for family court files must call the county clerk instead.
Duties of the Flagler County Clerk
The Flagler County Clerk serves the entire county court system. This office stores all family court files for Palm Coast and other areas. It handles criminal, civil, probate, and traffic cases too. The clerk files new lawsuits and motions. It also records real estate deeds and liens. Marriage licenses and passport applications also go through this office. The clerk is elected by county voters and serves a four-year term.
Accessing Sealed and Restricted Records
Some family court records stay sealed from the public. Judges seal records to protect children, victims, or private business. Adoption records are often sealed after the case closes. Domestic violence files may have parts sealed to protect the petitioner. Mental health records and certain financial details stay restricted. You can ask the court to unseal a file in some cases. The judge will hold a hearing to decide.
How to Request Access to Sealed Records
You can file a motion to unseal records in some cases. The motion must explain why you need the records. A judge reviews the motion and may set a hearing. You must serve the motion on all parties in the case. Lawyers often handle this process for clients. The court may unseal parts of a file but keep other parts private. Expect to pay a filing fee for the motion. The decision rests with the judge assigned to the case.
Electronic Records and Digital Access
The Flagler Clerk’s office has moved many records to digital format. Files from 1980 to today are mostly digital. Some older files exist only on paper. The clerk scans new paper filings into the system within a few days. You can view digital files at public terminals in the clerk’s office. You can also access many files from home through the website. The e-filing system accepts new case documents 24 hours a day.
Using the MyFloridaCourtAccess Portal
MyFloridaCourtAccess at www.myflcourtaccess.com serves all Florida counties. You can search for Palm Coast cases on this statewide system. The portal shows case dockets, hearing dates, and party names. You can also file new documents through the e-filing system. The portal requires a free user account for full access. You can pay filing fees with a credit card. The system sends email alerts when new events happen in a case you follow.
Mobile Access to Court Records
The Flagler Clerk website works on mobile phones and tablets. You do not need a special app. Open the website in your phone browser and search for cases. The site adjusts to your screen size. You can also use the MyFloridaCourtAccess mobile portal. Some features are limited on mobile, but basic searches work well. Saving searches requires logging into a free account.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Palm Coast city family court records. These questions come from real searches by people like you. Each answer gives you the facts you need. The answers are based on current Florida law and clerk office rules as of 2026. Contact the clerk’s office for case-specific details.
Can I view Palm Coast divorce records online for free?
Yes, basic case details are free to view on the Flagler Clerk website. You can see party names, filing dates, and case status. You can also view the docket of events. Some documents are available for free download. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. The clerk does not charge a fee to view public terminals in the office. You can also use the MyFloridaCourtAccess portal at no cost for basic searches.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a court order?
In-person requests for certified copies take about 15 to 30 minutes. The clerk prints and stamps the copy while you wait. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days. Online certified copy requests through the e-filing portal take 3 to 5 business days. Rush service is not available for mail orders. Plan ahead if you need copies for a court hearing or filing deadline.
Are family court records in Palm Coast public or private?
Most family court records are public in Florida. Anyone can view case dockets and basic documents. Some sensitive details stay private, like Social Security numbers and bank accounts. Judges can seal entire files in special cases. Adoption files often get sealed after the case closes. Domestic violence files may have parts sealed to protect victims. Ask the clerk about redactions for a specific case.
Can I find out if someone has a family court case in Palm Coast?
Yes, you can search by name on the Flagler Clerk website or the MyFloridaCourtAccess portal. You will see active and closed cases under that name. The search shows case type, filing date, and current status. You need a full legal name for best results. Common name searches may return many results. The clerk can help narrow down the search with extra details like birth year or address history.
What if I cannot find the records I need?
Contact the clerk’s office for help at (386) 313-4400. Staff can run advanced searches with limited information. Older paper records may need extra time to find. Files from before 1980 may only exist on microfilm. You can view microfilm at the clerk’s research area. The clerk may need a written request for very old files. Expect a small research fee for staff-assisted searches of historical records.
Can I get family court records from another Florida county?
Yes, you can use MyFloridaCourtAccess at www.myflcourtaccess.com to search all Florida counties. Each county has its own clerk office too. You can contact the clerk office in the county where the case was filed. Some clerks accept mail requests from out-of-state people. Out-of-state mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for copy fees.
Do I need a lawyer to request family court records?
No, you do not need a lawyer to request family court records. The clerk’s office serves the public directly. You can search for and request records on your own. Lawyers help with filing motions or unsealing records. If you need help with a legal issue, contact the Flagler County Legal Aid office. The Florida Bar also has a lawyer referral service for people who need legal help.
For more help, contact the Flagler County Clerk of Court at (386) 313-4400 or visit www.flaglerclerk.com. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110.