Flagler County Public Records Search

Flagler County public records are managed by the Clerk and Comptroller's office in Bunnell, serving a northeast Florida county of about 121,000 people that has grown rapidly over the past two decades. The clerk, Tom W. Bexley, is the official custodian of court records, official records, and other public documents maintained by the county. Florida law gives everyone the right to inspect these records, and this guide explains how to do that for Flagler County.

Flagler County Clerk and Comptroller

Tom W. Bexley serves as Flagler County Clerk and Comptroller. The office is located at 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110, and can be reached by phone at (386) 313-4400. The clerk's website at flaglerclerk.com provides online access to court case searches, official records, and information about how to make a public records request.

The clerk's office handles a range of functions beyond just maintaining records. It processes court filings, records property instruments, issues marriage licenses, and acts as the clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. All of these functions generate records that are subject to public inspection under Florida law. The Bunnell office is the main location for in-person access, and many records are also available through the online portal.

Flagler County Records Under Chapter 119

All Flagler County public records are governed by Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Florida's public records law starts with a presumption of openness. Every government record is public unless a specific exemption covers it. You do not need to justify your request, give your name, or use a special form. The custodian must permit inspection at any reasonable time.

The Flagler County Clerk's website provides the online case search and official records tools, along with contact information for records requests.

The site also links to the online search portal for court cases and official recorded documents.

Copy fees are limited by state law. Standard copies are up to $0.15 per one-sided page. Certified copies are $1 per page plus a $5 certification statement. The first 30 minutes of staff research are free. If the research takes longer, the agency can bill at the rate of the lowest-paid staff who can handle the task. Agencies must hold records for at least 30 days after receiving a public records request covering those records, so they cannot be destroyed or disposed of while your request is pending. For help with denied requests, the Florida AG's mediation line is (850) 245-0140.

Court Records in Flagler County

Flagler County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Volusia, St. Johns, and Putnam counties. Circuit court cases heard in Flagler County include felony criminal matters, civil disputes above the county court threshold, family law cases, and probate proceedings. County court handles misdemeanors, small claims, and minor civil matters. All court records from Flagler County are filed with the clerk in Bunnell.

The clerk's online case search lets you find cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. Case status and docket entries are visible for most cases. Some documents are available to view online. For older records or documents that haven't been digitized, you may need to visit the Bunnell office or submit a written request. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers directory links to all county clerks if you need to search in another county. For official records spanning multiple counties, try myFloridaCounty.com.

Flagler County Official Records

Flagler County's official records include property deeds, mortgage documents, liens, satisfactions, easements, and plat maps. The clerk records and indexes these instruments as they are submitted, creating the permanent record of property transactions and financial obligations in the county. The official records index is searchable by grantor and grantee name, document type, and recording date.

Given Flagler County's growth over the past two decades, the volume of official records has increased substantially. The online index covers a wide range of recording dates, though the oldest records may require in-person access. If you need a certified copy of a recorded instrument, the clerk's office can provide one. Certified copies are useful when you need legal evidence of a property transaction, a recorded lien, or a deed history.

Criminal Records in Flagler County

Criminal court records for Flagler County cases are available through the clerk's case search system. These cover felony and misdemeanor matters heard in the 7th Circuit in Bunnell. Arrest records and booking information are held by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, which operates separately from the clerk. Both agencies are subject to Chapter 119, and most arrest records are available to the public.

To get arrest records or jail data, contact the Flagler County Sheriff's Office directly. For court case records, use the clerk's online search or contact the Bunnell office. The Florida AG's open government resources explain your rights and what to do if a request is denied or delayed without a good reason.

Vital Records and Other Flagler County Documents

Birth and death certificates from Flagler County are state records held by the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. These are not available from the county clerk. Requests go to the state office, either online through VitalChek or by mail. Marriage licenses are an exception to this rule. They are issued and maintained by the Flagler County Clerk, so copies of marriage licenses issued locally are available from the Bunnell office.

Property tax records are maintained by the Flagler County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser, both of which are separate from the clerk. The Supervisor of Elections holds voter registration records. All of these offices are subject to Chapter 119 and must respond to public records requests under the same rules that apply to the clerk. If you are unsure which office holds the records you need, call the clerk's office and they can often help identify the right agency.

How to Request Flagler County Records

To request records from the Flagler County Clerk, you can visit the Bunnell office at 1769 East Moody Boulevard, call (386) 313-4400, or use the contact options on the clerk's website. No special form is required. Just describe the records you want clearly. The clerk must respond within a reasonable time and cannot charge you for simply viewing records in person.

If you need records from another county agency, such as the Sheriff or the Board of County Commissioners, contact that agency directly. Each office is its own custodian and handles requests independently. If a request is denied in whole or in part, ask for the specific exemption in writing. If you believe the denial is improper, the Florida AG's mediation program at (850) 245-0140 can help resolve the dispute without going to court.

Cities in Flagler County

Palm Coast is the only city in Flagler County that meets the population threshold for a dedicated page. Bunnell and Flagler Beach are other communities in the county but do not qualify.

Nearby Counties

Flagler County is located in northeast Florida between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, bordering three counties.