Find Public Records in Hamilton County

Hamilton County public records are kept by the Clerk and Comptroller's office in Jasper and are open to any person under Florida law. This guide covers how to access court case files, property documents, and other official records in Hamilton County, whether you search online, submit a written request, or visit the courthouse on NE First Street.

Open Records Law in Hamilton County

Florida's public records law is codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. It applies statewide, and Hamilton County is fully subject to its requirements. The law presumes that all government records are open to the public. You do not need to give your name or explain why you want a document. Any person can make a request, and agencies must respond promptly.

In a small county like Hamilton, requests typically go through a single point of contact. Most public records requests are handled by the Clerk and Comptroller's office. For documents held by county administration, the Board of County Commissioners, or other county offices, you would contact those offices separately. Florida law covers all of them equally.

If a request is denied or delayed without cause, you have options. The Florida Attorney General's Office runs a free mediation program reachable at (850) 245-0140. You can also visit the AG's Open Government page for more on your rights. The First Amendment Foundation offers free advice for anyone who runs into a records dispute in Florida.

Hamilton County Clerk and Comptroller

W. Greg Godwin serves as the Clerk and Comptroller for Hamilton County. His office in Jasper is the primary custodian for court records and official records in the county. The Clerk handles civil and criminal case filings, recorded documents such as deeds and liens, marriage records, and county financial records.

The office is open weekdays during normal business hours. You can call the main line to ask about record availability before visiting in person. Staff can tell you which division holds the records you need and what the current search tools can show you online.

The screenshot below shows the Hamilton County Clerk's website, which is the primary portal for searching court and official records in the county.

The site provides links to online search tools, office contact information, and guidance for submitting records requests by mail or in person.

Court Records in Hamilton County

Hamilton County sits in the 3rd Judicial Circuit, which also covers Columbia, Dixie, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor counties. Circuit court cases in Hamilton County include civil disputes over $8,000, felony criminal charges, family law matters such as divorce and adoption, juvenile cases, and probate proceedings. County court handles misdemeanors, civil claims under $8,000, and small claims.

Most court records in Hamilton County are public under Chapter 119. Certain record types carry exemptions. Juvenile records are confidential by statute. Records sealed or expunged under court order are not available to the public. Mental health and some domestic violence records also carry specific protections. If you are researching a case and are unsure whether it is accessible, the clerk's office can advise you before you make a formal request.

You can find contact information for the Hamilton County Clerk through the statewide Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers directory. That directory lists all 67 county clerks in Florida and is useful if you need to contact multiple counties at once.

Official and Property Records

The Hamilton County Clerk records and indexes all official documents affecting real property in the county. Deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, releases, and liens are all filed and indexed through the Clerk's office. These documents are public records and can be searched by name or document type. Many are available through the online portal on the clerk's website.

If you are buying or researching property in Hamilton County, the recorded documents held by the Clerk provide the definitive chain of title. Any liens, encumbrances, or recorded restrictions on a parcel will appear in the official records index. For a simple review, you can inspect records for free at the clerk's office. For copies, the standard fee is up to $1.00 per page, with a $5.00 certification fee for certified copies if you need them for legal purposes.

Marriage licenses issued in Hamilton County are also maintained by the Clerk's office. These are public records. Divorce records are part of the circuit court file and are similarly accessible through the clerk for cases filed in Hamilton County.

How to Request Hamilton County Records

You can get Hamilton County public records by visiting the clerk's office in person at 207 NE First St in Jasper, by calling (386) 792-1288, or by submitting a written request by mail to the same address. No special form is required. Florida law only asks that you describe the records you want clearly enough for staff to find them.

Give as much detail as you can: names of the parties, approximate dates, case numbers if you have them, and the type of document you need. More detail means a faster response. Agencies must acknowledge requests and respond promptly. The first 30 minutes of research time is not charged. After that, the agency may charge a reasonable fee for time spent. Standard copy fees apply for paper reproductions.

Hamilton County is a rural county with a small clerk's staff. Calling ahead before visiting is always a good idea. It lets you confirm that the records you need are available and whether you need an appointment. For records held by other county agencies, contact those offices directly.

Other Record Sources in Hamilton County

Beyond the Clerk's office, other county agencies hold records that may be relevant. The Hamilton County Property Appraiser maintains assessment data, parcel maps, and ownership information for all parcels in the county. The Tax Collector keeps records related to property taxes and vehicle registrations. The Board of County Commissioners maintains meeting minutes, budgets, and adopted ordinances.

Vital records like birth and death certificates are a state function in Florida. They are issued and held by the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. You would contact that agency directly or use their online portal for those records rather than contacting the Hamilton County Clerk.

Law enforcement records from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office are also subject to Chapter 119. Incident reports and arrest records are generally available, though records related to active investigations may be exempt. Contact the Sheriff's Office directly for those requests.

Cities in Hamilton County

Hamilton County has no incorporated cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. Jasper is the county seat and handles records for residents throughout the county.

Nearby Counties

Hamilton County is bordered by four other North Florida counties, each served by its own clerk's office and records system.