Court records of Santa Rosa County, Florida, are available through several channels. SantaRosaCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official online resources of the court, directly at the Clerk of Court's office, as well as on public terminals in the courthouse in Milton.
Santa Rosa Court System & Jurisdictions
Santa Rosa County is part of the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, which serves four counties: Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton. The court system here is divided into two main levels — the Circuit Court and the County Court.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court handles the most serious cases. These include:
- Felony criminal cases (serious crimes)
- Civil lawsuits with claims over $50,000
- Family law cases — divorce, child custody, alimony
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Appeals from the County Court decisions
Juvenile justice cases also fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court. Information about Circuit Court services is available on the Florida Courts website.
County Court
The County Court is where most residents turn to most frequently. It handles:
- Misdemeanors — less serious criminal offenses
- Civil lawsuits with claims up to $50,000
- Small claims cases — up to $8,000
- Traffic violations and other offenses
- Eviction cases
Speeding tickets or rental disputes — all these are handled by the County Court.
Federal Court
Federal cases related to the area are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida with a division in Pensacola. Federal records are searched through the PACER system, not through the local clerk.
Santa Rosa Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week depends on the type of court.
- Clerk of Court's Online Information Center — the official page of the Clerk of the Circuit Court contains links to case searches and hearing calendars. Visit the page and use the case search section, where scheduled hearing dates are usually displayed.
- Florida Courts Portal — on the Florida Courts website, you can search for files and documents of the Supreme Court and district appellate courts of the state.
- In-person visit — public terminals in the courthouse allow you to view the hearing calendar without registration. Court address:
If you need to confirm the time of a specific hearing, call the clerk's office directly — it's the fastest way.
How to Get a Copy of a Santa Rosa Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office, managed by Jason D. English, Esq. There are two types of copies:
- Uncertified copy — suitable for review but does not have official legal force.
- Certified copy — contains the clerk's seal and confirms the document's authenticity. Required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for immigration procedures.
How to Order a Copy
- Online — check the availability of the required document through the Clerk's online information center. Some documents are available for download.
- In-person — visit the clerk's office at the address below. Bring the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date.
- By mail — send a written request with case details and a check or money order for payment of fees.
For divorce certificates: the actual court decision is obtained from the clerk, while the certificate of dissolution of marriage is issued by the Florida Department of Health. These are different documents.
Some records have restricted access — including juvenile cases, sealed or expunged materials, and certain family law cases. Inquire with the clerk if there are restrictions for a specific document.
Santa Rosa Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and certification of documents in Florida are set by law (Florida Statutes, §28.24). Below are typical rates applied in the county:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification | $2.00 per document |
| Registry search (by name, per year) | $2.00 per year of search |
| Microfilm document copy (per page) | $1.00 |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Confirm with the office whether credit and debit cards are accepted — the policy may change.
Public records requests can also be submitted through the Santa Rosa County public records portal in accordance with Section 119 of the Florida Statutes. If record preparation requires significant time, the county may charge an additional fee for staff labor — you will be notified in advance.