Court records of Putnam County, Florida, are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the Clerk's office. PutnamFLCourt.us will help you find public information about court records in this county. Additionally, you can use the Florida Courts portal, the official Putnam County government website, and the Clerk's office to obtain document copies and clarify case details.
Putnam Court System Overview
Putnam County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which also includes Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. The Circuit Court is located in Palatka and serves both the circuit court and county court. Appeals from this county go to the Fifth District Court of Appeal of Florida.
The main judicial complex is located at:
The Clerk's office is typically open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding public holidays. The circuit court handles more serious cases — felonies, large civil claims, family law, probate cases. The county court deals with misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic violations.
Courts Serving Putnam
State Courts
Putnam County Circuit Court (7th Judicial Circuit)
Putnam County Court
Federal Court
Putnam County falls under the Middle District of Florida (U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida). The nearest federal court is located in Jacksonville (Jacksonville Division) or Ocala (Ocala Division), depending on the case category. Bankruptcy cases are also handled by the Bankruptcy Court of the Middle District of Florida.
There are no separate municipal courts in Putnam County — all local-level cases are handled by the county court.
What Types of Cases Putnam Courts Hear
Putnam County courts hear a wide range of cases at the circuit court and county court levels. Here are the main categories:
- Criminal cases: felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, DUI
- Civil cases: claims over and under $50,000, small claims
- Family law: divorce, custody, alimony, paternity establishment, protective orders
- Probate law: estate administration, guardianship, trust management
- Juvenile cases: juvenile offenses, child protection, adoption
- Infractions and administrative violations
Each of these categories is discussed in more detail below.
District Court Cases in Putnam
The circuit court in Putnam handles the most serious cases. Criminal felonies are brought here after a preliminary hearing in the county court or after an indictment by a grand jury. Civil claims over $50,000 are also under the jurisdiction of the circuit court.
Additionally, this court hears appeals from county court decisions, post-conviction motions, and cases related to family law, probate, and guardianship. Cases are assigned to circuit court judges according to the internal administrative rules of the 7th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney's Office represents the prosecution in criminal cases.
Magistrate Court Cases in Putnam
The county court in Putnam is the court of first instance for less serious cases. It handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, DUI hearings, and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
Civil claims up to $50,000 are handled by the county court. Small claims are limited to $8,000 according to Florida law. The county court judge also handles municipal ordinance violations.
If the case load is large, individual judges may specialize in traffic or criminal cases, although formally the county court in a small county usually does not have a strict division.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Putnam
Family Law
Divorce, child custody, alimony, protective orders from domestic violence, paternity establishment, and termination of parental rights are all handled by the circuit court. Divorce certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health, not the court.
Probate and Guardianship
The probate division of the circuit court administers estates, appoints guardians and conservators, and handles trust disputes. To open a probate case, a petition must be filed with the circuit court clerk.
Juvenile Cases
The juvenile division of the circuit court handles juvenile offenses and child protection cases (dependency cases). Juvenile case records are confidential under Florida law — access to them is restricted.
How Cases Move Through the Putnam Court System
- Case Initiation. A criminal case begins with an arrest or indictment; a civil case begins with the filing of a complaint or petition with the Clerk's office.
- Judge Assignment. The Clerk registers the case and assigns it to a judge according to internal distribution rules.
- First Hearing. In criminal cases — arraignment (announcement of charges and defendant's response). In civil cases — case management conference.
- Pretrial Phase. Parties exchange evidence (discovery), file motions, and negotiate plea or settlement agreements.
- Trial or Resolution. The case concludes with a verdict, plea, settlement, or default judgment.
- Post-Judgment. The convicted person is sentenced; in civil cases — judgment enforcement or appeal to the Fifth District Court of Appeal.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Putnam
The Administrative Judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit coordinates the work of the courts in all four counties, including Putnam. The Trial Court Administrator ensures daily operations.
Local rules of the 7th Judicial Circuit define document filing procedures, hearing schedules, and attorney requirements. They can be accessed through the Florida Courts portal.
Public Access to Records
According to the Florida Constitution and the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes), most court records are open to the public. Exceptions include juvenile cases, certain family cases, sealed or closed records, and information protected by court order. A public records request can be submitted directly to the appropriate office or through the Clerk's office.
Participation in Hearings
Most hearings are open to the public. Some hearings may be conducted remotely via video conferencing — check with the court office at (386) 326-7600.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Putnam
- Searching for Court Cases and Documents. Dockets and electronic documents of appellate courts are available through the Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS). For circuit court and county court cases, contact the Clerk's office or use the county clerk's online portal.
- Hearing Calendar. The schedule of sessions can be checked by calling the court or visiting the official Putnam County website.
- Forms and Self-Help Resources. Standard Florida court forms are available on the Florida Courts website in the Self-Help section.
- Clerk's Office. The Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles requests for document copies, issues certified copies, and accepts new cases. The office is located in the courthouse at 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka.
- Inmate Search. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office provides an online jail register search to check the status of a detainee.
- Florida Department of Corrections. To search for inmates serving sentences in state prisons, use the Florida Department of Corrections website. A directory of correctional facilities is also available there.
- Sex Offender Registry. The FDLE search allows you to find registered sex offenders by county, name, or zip code.
- Traffic Accident Reports. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is the official repository for traffic accident reports.
- Public Records Requests. The Florida Department of Health accepts requests for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.