Search Jefferson County Public Records

Jefferson County public records are maintained by the Clerk and Comptroller in Monticello and are open to any person under Florida law. This guide explains where records are held, how to request copies, what fees apply, and what types of documents the county keeps, from court case files and property instruments to county commission records and more.

Public Records Law in Jefferson County

Florida's Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes governs public records access across every county in the state. The law's default rule is simple: records are open. An agency must point to a specific statutory exemption to withhold any document. That policy flows directly from Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which makes open records a constitutional right for every resident.

In Jefferson County, that means you can walk into the Clerk's office, ask to see a court file or an official record, and the staff cannot turn you away without a legal reason. You do not have to identify yourself. You don't have to say why you want the record. Those requirements would violate the law.

Section 119.07 requires the custodian to permit inspection at any reasonable time during normal business hours. Copies must be provided in a reasonable time at a reasonable cost. If you believe a request was wrongly denied, the Florida Attorney General's mediation program is available at (850) 245-0140. More information appears on the AG's Open Government page. Mediation is free and often resolves disputes without going to court.

Agencies cannot require a form or a specific format to accept your request. A written note, email, or phone call works fine.

Jefferson County Clerk and Comptroller

Cecil "Trey" Hightower serves as the Clerk and Comptroller for Jefferson County. The Clerk's office at the courthouse in Monticello is the main point of contact for court records, official records, and county financial documents. Jefferson County is a small county, and the office staff can generally help with most requests directly.

Jefferson County sits in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which also includes Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Franklin, and Liberty counties. The circuit court holds sessions at various locations, but Jefferson County cases are filed and maintained locally through the Monticello courthouse. For most requests, calling the main line is the fastest way to find out which division holds what you need.

The screenshot below shows the Jefferson County Clerk's official website, where you can find the records search portal, filing information, and department contact details.

The site shown above is the official source for Jefferson County court records, official records filings, and public records request information.

Online Record Searches for Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Clerk's website provides online access to court case records and official records. You can search by name, case number, or recording date without setting up an account. The search covers civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. It also covers official records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens that have been recorded with the Clerk.

Jefferson County also participates in the statewide myfloridacounty.com system, which lets you search official records across multiple Florida counties from one interface. That can be helpful if a document was recorded in a neighboring county or involves parties in more than one county.

Because Jefferson County is small, some older records have not been digitized. For anything before the mid-1990s, or for certified copies of instruments, an in-person visit or written request may be necessary. Staff are available to help locate records that don't appear in the online search. The Florida Court Clerks directory is a good backup when you need to check multiple counties or confirm the right office to contact.

Fees and Copy Costs

Florida law caps what agencies can charge for public records. For administrative records held by county departments, the standard fee is $0.15 per single-sided copy or $0.20 for a double-sided page. Court records and official records from the Clerk cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies of official records carry a $5.00 certification fee on top of the per-page charge.

Research fees may apply when a request requires staff time to locate, compile, or redact documents. The first 30 minutes of that work are not charged. After that, the agency can bill at the rate of the lowest-paid staff member who could do the work. Ask for a written estimate before agreeing to a large or complex request. Agencies are required to provide one if you ask.

Payment options at the Jefferson County Clerk include cash and check for most services. Call ahead to confirm available payment methods if you plan to pay by card.

Types of Records Held in Jefferson County

The Clerk and Comptroller's office handles the widest range of public records in Jefferson County. Court records cover all civil, criminal, family law, and probate filings made in the 2nd Judicial Circuit for Jefferson County cases. Official records include every instrument recorded against real property, from deeds and mortgages to judgment liens and notices of commencement.

Other record types maintained by or through the Clerk include marriage license applications, tax deed proceedings, jury records, county commission minutes, and county budget documents. Each of these is a public record unless a specific statutory exemption applies.

Beyond the Clerk's office, other Jefferson County offices hold separate records. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and offense reports. The Property Appraiser keeps assessment data and parcel maps. The Tax Collector holds property tax payment records and vehicle registration data. Each office is an independent custodian for its own records, so a request for Sheriff records goes to the Sheriff, not the Clerk.

For state-level criminal background information, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a public access system at fdle.state.fl.us. State records and county records are separate; you may need both for a complete picture of someone's history in Florida courts.

How to Submit a Public Records Request

Requests in Jefferson County can be made in person at the courthouse, by phone, by mail, or by email. No specific form is required. A brief description of the records you need is all that is necessary to get the process started. Staff will tell you if the records are available, how long it will take to fill the request, and what the cost will be.

For requests directed at county departments other than the Clerk, such as the Sheriff or a county commission office, address the request to the custodian of that office. Each department is responsible for its own records. If you're not sure where to start, calling the Clerk's office first is a reasonable approach since staff there can often point you in the right direction.

If a request is denied, ask the custodian to identify the specific statutory exemption in writing. Under Chapter 119, they are required to do so if you ask. That written denial gives you the basis to challenge the decision through the AG's mediation program or in court if needed.

Cities in Jefferson County

Monticello is the county seat and the main population center in Jefferson County, though no cities in the county meet the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site.

Nearby Counties

Jefferson County borders these counties, each with its own Clerk's office and public records access system.