Martin County provides clerk services that support court operations by maintaining official records, processing legal filings, issuing copies of court documents, collecting court fees, and managing public records. The clerk’s office serves residents, attorneys, businesses, and visitors seeking reliable information for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. This page explains available clerk services, office responsibilities, record requests, payment options, court forms, and contact details, helping visitors locate the information they need with confidence.
Martin County offers a clerk’s office that plays a central role in record management, case processing, and public court services. Visitors can review filing procedures, search court records, request certified copies, locate marriage license information, and check court payment options through the clerk’s office. This resource brings together key details about office functions, courthouse services, document requests, and case-related information, making it easier to find the right clerk service for personal, legal, or business purposes.
Court Filing Process
Martin County court filing begins by submitting the required legal documents to the Martin County Clerk of Court. This process, often referred to as Martin Court Filing is the official way to start a legal case or add documents to an existing one. Attorneys must file electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, while self-represented (pro se) filers may choose electronic filing or submit paper documents at the Clerk’s Office. Each filing must include correct forms, supporting documents, and the applicable fee for processing. Once reviewed and accepted, filings become part of the official court record. Incorrect or incomplete submissions may be returned for correction.
Court Filing
The filing process follows a standard sequence for most civil and family court cases.
- Prepare the required legal documents for the case.
- Complete all court forms with accurate information.
- File the documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or submit paper documents at the Clerk’s Office if eligible.
- Pay the required filing fees during the filing process.
- Receive a confirmation after the filing is accepted.
- Obtain the assigned case number for new cases.
- Arrange service of process when Florida law requires notice to the opposing party.
Attorneys are required to use electronic filing. Self-represented litigants may file online at any time or submit paper filings directly to the Clerk’s Office. The statewide portal accepts filings 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Required Forms
The documents required depend on the type of case being filed. Civil, probate, family, juvenile, and county court matters each require different forms.
| Requirement | Martin County Information |
|---|---|
| Required Forms | Complaint, petition, motion, summons, or other case-specific forms |
| Supporting Documents | Affidavits, exhibits, contracts, evidence, or other required records |
| Filing Fees | Fees vary by case type under Florida law and are collected when the filing is submitted |
| Payment Methods | Credit card or electronic check through the e-Filing Portal. Paper filings may be paid by cash, check, money order, or approved credit card at the Clerk’s Office. |
| Electronic Filing | Mandatory for attorneys; optional for self-represented litigants |
| Processing Time | Processing depends on filing volume and Clerk review. Each document must be reviewed and, when required, redacted before it appears on the court docket. |
After acceptance, the Clerk records the filing in the court docket and sends an electronic confirmation through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. If a filing contains errors or missing information, it is returned with the reason for rejection, allowing the filer to correct the documents and submit them again.
Responsibilities Clerk of Court
The Martin County Clerk of Court responsibilities include court administration, maintaining official records, recording legal documents, processing court payments, and providing public services. The Clerk’s office supports the local court system by managing court files, preserving public records, collecting fees, and helping residents obtain certified documents and required court forms. The Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for the county’s judicial system and performs many administrative duties required under Florida law. These responsibilities help courts operate efficiently and provide reliable recordkeeping for legal proceedings, property transactions, and public filings.
Court Administration
Court administration is one of the primary duties performed by the Martin County Clerk of Court. The office prepares case files, maintains judicial records, schedules hearings, records court proceedings, and provides courtroom support for judges throughout the legal process. Court staff process new filings, update case information, issue notices, and preserve official court documents. These administrative functions help civil, criminal, probate, family, and juvenile cases move through the court system in an organized manner.
Official Records Management
The Clerk maintains a large collection of official records that document legal actions and public transactions throughout Martin County. These records include court files, marriage licenses, judgments, legal notices, plats, and many other legal documents required by state law. Many public records may be searched online or requested directly from the Clerk’s office, though confidential records remain protected under Florida law. Certified copies are available for many eligible documents when an official record is required.
Recording Services
The Clerk provides recording services for many property-related documents submitted by residents, businesses, lenders, and legal professionals. Common recordings include deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions of mortgage, plats, easements, affidavits, and other property records. Recording these documents creates an official public record and helps preserve the legal history of real estate transactions. Each document is reviewed for filing requirements before becoming part of the county’s permanent records.
Financial Services
The Clerk manages many financial duties connected with court operations. These services include collecting court payments, filing fees, fines, court costs, restitution, and other required payments ordered through legal proceedings. The office records financial transactions, distributes funds according to Florida law, and maintains accurate accounting records. Payment options and processing methods may vary depending on the type of case and the court division handling the matter.
Public Services
The Clerk’s office offers many services that help residents complete legal and public record requests. Common services include processing public filings, providing court forms, issuing certified copies, responding to public record requests, and supplying copies of eligible court documents. Residents may request records in person, by mail, or through available online services. These public services support transparency and help people obtain the documents needed for legal, personal, business, or property-related purposes.
Online Services Provided by the Clerk
Quick Answer: Martin County Clerk online services allow the public to complete many court-related tasks without visiting the courthouse. These digital services include online record searches, electronic filing, online payments, document requests, and selected scheduling options, making routine court business faster and more convenient. The Martin County Clerk online services portal supports residents, attorneys, businesses, and self-represented litigants through several web-based tools. Many routine court functions can be completed online at any time, reducing office visits and helping users manage court matters more efficiently. Available features may vary depending on the case type, document status, or legal requirements.
Online Record Search, E-Filing, and Court Search
The Clerk provides an online records system that allows users to search many public court records by case number, party name, attorney name, business name, or filing date. Search results often include case summaries, docket entries, hearing dates, court filings, judicial assignments, and current case status. Certain records remain confidential under Florida law and are not available for public viewing. Electronic filing, commonly called e-filing, allows attorneys and eligible self-represented filers to submit legal documents electronically through Florida’s approved filing system. Electronic filing helps reduce paperwork, shortens processing time, and creates a digital filing history for each case.
Available online tools may include:
- Court record search
- Case status lookup
- Electronic filing (e-Filing)
- Court docket search
- Document request services
- Public record searches
Online Payments, Document Requests, and Scheduling Services
The Clerk’s website supports online payments for many court-related obligations. Depending on the case, users may pay court fees, fines, traffic citations, filing fees, and other approved charges through secure payment services. Payment availability depends on the type and status of the case. The Clerk also accepts document requests for many public court records and certified copies. Requestors may submit information online before records are processed. Certified copies and record searches may require applicable fees. Some Clerk services may offer appointment scheduling for selected in-person transactions. Appointment availability depends on the office location and the service requested. Checking available appointment options before visiting the courthouse can help reduce waiting time.
| Online Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Online Record Search | Search public court records and case information |
| Electronic Filing (e-Filing) | Submit court documents electronically |
| Online Payments | Pay eligible court fees, fines, and citations |
| Document Requests | Request copies of public court records |
| Court Search | View case status, docket entries, and hearing details |
| Appointment Scheduling | Schedule eligible in-person Clerk services when available |
Fees and Payment Options
Martin County Clerk filing fees vary by case type, filing request, and court service. The Clerk accepts several payment methods, making it easier for parties to pay filing fees, court costs, certified copy fees, and other record-related charges. Court fees depend on the type of case being filed and the service requested. Civil, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases each have their own fee schedule, including Circuit court Case filings, which typically involve higher-value or more complex disputes. Charges may apply for filing new cases, reopening existing matters, requesting copies, certifying documents, or obtaining other clerk services. Since fee schedules can change, checking the current list before making a payment helps avoid delays.
Martin County Clerk filing fees depend on the type of case and the court service requested. Payments can be made using several methods, and fees apply to new case filings, court records, certified copies, and other clerk services.
Clerk Filing Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Civil Case | $400 |
| Small Claims | $55–$300 |
| County Civil Case | $300–$400 |
| Eviction (Removal of Tenant) | $185 |
| Summons Issuance | $10 |
| Reopen a Case | $25–$50 |
| Record Search | $2 per year/per name |
| Court Record Copy | $1 per page |
| Certified Copy | $2 per document |
Payment Methods
The Martin County Clerk accepts:
- Cash
- Checks
- Money Orders
- Credit and Debit Cards (processing fees may apply)
Before filing, it is a good idea to confirm the current fee schedule since court costs may change under Florida law.
Contact Information & Office Location
Quick Answer: Martin County Clerk of Court contact information includes the main courthouse office in Stuart, two branch offices, customer service phone numbers, office hours, and the official mailing address. The details below help visitors locate the correct office, contact the Clerk’s staff, and plan a courthouse visit. The Martin County Clerk office location serves residents who need court filings, official records, passport services, payment processing, and other Clerk services. Office hours vary by location, so checking the schedule before visiting can help avoid delays.
Martin County Clerk of Court Contact Information
- Main Courthouse – Stuart
- Office Address: 100 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994
- Phone Number: (772) 288-5576
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Hobe Sound Branch Office
- Office Address: 11730 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
- Phone Number: (772) 546-1308
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM
- Indiantown Branch Office
- Office Address: 16550 SW Warfield Boulevard, Indiantown, FL 34956
- Phone Number: (772) 223-7921
- Office Hours: Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00 PM–4:30 PM
- Mailing Address
- P.O. Box 9016
- Stuart, FL 34995-9016
- Directions & Parking
- The Stuart courthouse is located near downtown Stuart and is reachable from major local roads.
- Public parking is available close to the courthouse, though spaces may be limited during busy court sessions.
- Arriving a few minutes before an appointment or hearing allows extra time for parking and courthouse security screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Martin County Clerk of Court manages court records, official records, document filing, court payments, and many administrative services for the county courts. The Clerk’s office provides public record searches, court forms, filing services, and customer support through online resources and office locations. The following frequently asked questions explain the Clerk’s responsibilities, document filing process, contact methods, and court forms. These answers help visitors locate the right information before contacting the Clerk’s office or filing court paperwork.
What does the Martin County Clerk of Court do?
The Martin County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for the county’s court system and performs many administrative duties required by Florida law. The office maintains court records, official records, case files, civil filings, criminal records, probate records, marriage records, financial transactions, jury information, and court dockets. It accepts legal filings, processes court payments, issues certified copies, records public documents, and supports judges during court proceedings. The Clerk’s office helps keep court records organized, preserves legal documents, manages electronic case files, and provides public record services through online and in-person options for residents, attorneys, businesses, and government agencies.
How do I contact the Martin County Clerk of Court?
The Martin County Clerk of Court can be contacted through its main courthouse office, branch offices, telephone services, mailing address, or online customer service resources. Visitors may contact the office to ask about court records, case status, filing procedures, official records, payment options, certified copies, marriage licenses, passport services, and court forms. Office hours vary by location, so checking the correct branch before visiting can save time. Staff members assist with administrative questions, though they cannot provide legal advice, recommend legal strategies, or explain how a person should proceed in a court case.
How do I file court documents?
Court documents are filed through the Martin County Clerk of Court, either electronically when permitted or by submitting paper documents at the appropriate filing location. Most filings require completed court forms, supporting documents, filing fees when applicable, and compliance with Florida court rules. After the Clerk accepts the documents, the filing receives a case number or is added to an existing case file. Filers should review document requirements, verify all information before submission, include any required signatures, and keep copies of every document for future reference throughout the court process.
Where can I find court forms?
Court forms are available through the Martin County Clerk of Court and other approved Florida court resources. Forms are organized by case type, making it easier to locate documents for civil cases, family law, probate matters, small claims, traffic cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and other legal proceedings. Selecting the correct form helps reduce filing delays and missing information. Many forms include filing instructions, required attachments, and signature requirements. Self-represented filers should read each form carefully before submission, since incomplete paperwork may require corrections before the Clerk can process the filing.