The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer responsible for maintaining and managing the records of the Polk County courts. The Clerk also provides various services to the public, such as issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and collecting court fees and fines. The Clerk's office is located in Bartow, Florida, and has branch offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City.
The Clerk of Courts is elected by the voters of Polk County for a four-year term. The current Clerk of Courts is Stacy A. Butterfield, who was elected in 2020. Butterfield is a Republican and has served as Clerk since 2009. She is a member of the Florida Clerks of Court Association and the National Association for Court Management.
Transition paragraph: In addition to the duties and services outlined above, the Polk County Clerk of Courts also offers a variety of online services for the convenience of the public. These services include:
polk county florida clerk of courts
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer responsible for various legal and administrative duties in Polk County, Florida.
- Maintains court records
- Issues marriage licenses
- Records deeds and mortgages
- Collects court fees and fines
- Conducts public auctions
- Provides online services
- Elected by voters
The Clerk's office is located in Bartow, Florida, with branch offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City. The current Clerk of Courts is Stacy A. Butterfield.
Maintains court records
One of the primary duties of the Polk County Clerk of Courts is to maintain and manage the records of the Polk County courts. These records include:
- Case files:
This includes all documents filed in a court case, such as pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments.
- Court minutes:
This is a record of the proceedings of a court case, including the date, time, and location of the hearing, the names of the judge and attorneys present, and a summary of what occurred.
- Financial records:
This includes records of court fees and fines, as well as restitution and child support payments.
- Vital records:
This includes records of births, deaths, and marriages.
The Clerk of Courts is responsible for ensuring that these records are accurate, complete, and secure. The Clerk also provides public access to these records, either in person at the Clerk's office or online.
Issues marriage licenses
Another important duty of the Polk County Clerk of Courts is to issue marriage licenses. In order to obtain a marriage license in Polk County, both parties must be at least 18 years old (or 16 or 17 with parental consent) and must not be related to each other within certain degrees of kinship. Both parties must also provide proof of identity and residency. Once the application is approved, the Clerk will issue a marriage license that is valid for 60 days.
- Requirements:
To obtain a marriage license in Polk County, both parties must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (or 16 or 17 with parental consent)
- Not be related to each other within certain degrees of kinship
- Provide proof of identity and residency
- Application process:
The application for a marriage license can be obtained online or at the Clerk's office. Both parties must be present to complete the application and provide the required documentation.
- Fees:
The fee for a marriage license in Polk County is $93. This fee includes the cost of the license itself, as well as the cost of the marriage certificate.
- Validity:
A marriage license issued in Polk County is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
After the marriage ceremony, the officiant must file the marriage license with the Clerk's office within 10 days. The Clerk will then record the marriage and issue a marriage certificate to the couple.
Records deeds and mortgages
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is also responsible for recording deeds and mortgages. A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one person to another. A mortgage is a loan secured by real property. When a mortgage is recorded, it creates a lien on the property, which means that the lender can foreclose on the property if the borrower defaults on the loan.
- Documents required:
To record a deed or mortgage, the following documents must be submitted to the Clerk's office:
- The original deed or mortgage
- A transfer tax form
- A recording fee
- Fees:
The fee for recording a deed or mortgage in Polk County is $10 per page. There is also a transfer tax of $7 per $1,000 of the purchase price.
- Recording process:
Once the required documents and fees have been submitted, the Clerk's office will record the deed or mortgage in the county's public records. This process typically takes a few days.
- Public access:
Recorded deeds and mortgages are available for public inspection at the Clerk's office. Copies of these documents can also be obtained for a fee.
Recording deeds and mortgages is an important part of the real estate transaction process. It helps to protect the rights of buyers, sellers, and lenders by providing public notice of the ownership and encumbrances on real property.
Collects court fees and fines
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is also responsible for collecting court fees and fines. Court fees are charges that are assessed to cover the costs of court operations, such as the salaries of judges and court staff, and the maintenance of court facilities. Fines are penalties that are imposed by the court as punishment for certain offenses.
- Types of fees and fines:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts collects a variety of fees and fines, including:
- Filing fees
- Service fees
- Jury fees
- Traffic fines
- Criminal fines
- Restitution payments
- Child support payments
- Payment methods:
Court fees and fines can be paid in person at the Clerk's office, by mail, or online. The Clerk's office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
- Consequences of non-payment:
If you fail to pay your court fees or fines, you may be subject to additional penalties, such as a late payment fee, a warrant for your arrest, or a suspension of your driver's license.
- Help with paying court fees and fines:
If you are unable to pay your court fees or fines, you may be able to apply for a payment plan or a waiver of fees. Contact the Clerk's office for more information.
The collection of court fees and fines is an important source of revenue for the Polk County court system. These funds help to ensure that the courts have the resources they need to operate effectively and efficiently.
Conducts public auctions
The Polk County Clerk of Courts also conducts public auctions. These auctions are typically held to sell property that has been seized by the government due to unpaid taxes or other debts. The Clerk's office also auctions off surplus government property and items that have been forfeited to the court.
- Types of auctions:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts conducts the following types of auctions:
- Tax deed auctions
- Surplus property auctions
- Forfeiture auctions
- Auction schedule:
Auctions are typically held on a regular schedule, such as once a month or once a quarter. The Clerk's office publishes a list of upcoming auctions on its website.
- How to participate in an auction:
To participate in an auction, you must register with the Clerk's office in advance. You will also need to pay a deposit. On the day of the auction, you will be given a bidding number. When the item you are interested in is up for auction, you can bid by raising your bidding number.
- Payment and pickup:
If you win an auction, you will be required to pay for the item in full within a specified period of time. You will also need to pick up the item from the Clerk's office.
Public auctions are a great way to find bargains on a variety of items. However, it is important to do your research before bidding on an item. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the auction and that you are aware of any hidden fees or costs.
Provides online services
The Polk County Clerk of Courts offers a variety of online services for the convenience of the public. These services include:
Searching court records: You can search the Clerk's online database to find information about court cases, including case numbers, filing dates, and case summaries. You can also access electronic copies of court documents.
Filing court documents: You can file certain court documents electronically through the Clerk's website. This is a convenient option if you do not have the time or ability to file your documents in person.
Paying court fees and fines: You can pay your court fees and fines online using a credit card or electronic check. This is a safe and easy way to make your payments without having to go to the Clerk's office.
Obtaining marriage licenses: You can apply for a marriage license online. Once your application is approved, you can pay the fee and print your marriage license. You will then need to take the marriage license to a marriage officiant to be married.
Recording deeds and mortgages: You can record deeds and mortgages online. This is a convenient option for real estate professionals and homeowners who want to avoid having to go to the Clerk's office.
Conducting public auctions: The Clerk's office also conducts public auctions online. This is a great way to find bargains on a variety of items, including real estate, vehicles, and personal property.
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is committed to providing convenient and efficient online services to the public. These services make it easy for people to access court records, file court documents, pay court fees and fines, and obtain marriage licenses and record deeds and mortgages. The Clerk's office also offers a variety of other online services, such as conducting public auctions and providing information about the courts.
Elected by voters
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is an elected official. This means that the Clerk is chosen by the voters of Polk County to serve a four-year term in office. The Clerk must run for re-election every four years in order to remain in office.
- Qualifications:
To be eligible to run for Clerk of Courts, a candidate must be a qualified elector of Polk County and must have been a resident of the county for at least six months prior to the election.
- Election process:
The Clerk of Courts is elected in a nonpartisan election, which means that candidates do not run on a party ticket. The election is held on the same day as the general election for state and federal offices.
- Term of office:
The Clerk of Courts serves a four-year term, which begins on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January following the election.
- Duties and responsibilities:
The Clerk of Courts is responsible for maintaining and managing the records of the Polk County courts, issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and collecting court fees and fines. The Clerk also provides various online services to the public.
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is an important elected official who plays a vital role in the administration of justice in the county. The Clerk is responsible for ensuring that the courts have the resources they need to operate effectively and efficiently, and that the public has access to the court records and services they need.
FAQ
Introduction Paragraph for FAQ:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts website has a comprehensive FAQ section that provides answers to commonly asked questions about the Clerk's office and the services it provides. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
Question 1: What are the hours of operation for the Clerk's office?
Answer 1: The Clerk's office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
Question 2: Where is the Clerk's office located?
Answer 2: The Clerk's office is located at 333 North Florida Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830. There are also branch offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City.
Question 3: What services does the Clerk's office provide?
Answer 3: The Clerk's office provides a variety of services, including maintaining and managing court records, issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, collecting court fees and fines, and conducting public auctions.
Question 4: How can I search court records online?
Answer 4: You can search court records online through the Clerk's website. Simply click on the "Court Records Search" link on the homepage and enter the relevant information.
Question 5: How do I file a document with the Clerk's office?
Answer 5: You can file a document with the Clerk's office in person, by mail, or electronically. For more information, please visit the Clerk's website or contact the Clerk's office directly.
Question 6: How can I pay my court fees and fines online?
Answer 6: You can pay your court fees and fines online using a credit card or electronic check through the Clerk's website. Simply click on the "Pay Court Fees and Fines" link on the homepage and follow the instructions.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Polk County Clerk of Courts. For more information, please visit the Clerk's website or contact the Clerk's office directly.
Transition paragraph:
In addition to the FAQ section, the Polk County Clerk of Courts website also has a helpful tips section that provides information on how to use the Clerk's online services and how to navigate the court system.
Tips
Introduction Paragraph for Tips:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts website has a helpful tips section that provides information on how to use the Clerk's online services and how to navigate the court system. Here are a few practical tips to help you get started:
Tip 1: Use the online services.
The Clerk's office offers a variety of online services that can save you time and hassle. You can search court records, file documents, pay court fees and fines, and obtain marriage licenses online. To access these services, simply visit the Clerk's website and click on the "Online Services" link.
Tip 2: File your documents electronically.
If you need to file a document with the Clerk's office, you can do so electronically. This is a convenient and efficient way to file your documents without having to go to the Clerk's office in person. To file a document electronically, simply visit the Clerk's website and click on the "E-Filing" link.
Tip 3: Pay your court fees and fines online.
You can pay your court fees and fines online using a credit card or electronic check. This is a safe and easy way to make your payments without having to go to the Clerk's office in person. To pay your court fees and fines online, simply visit the Clerk's website and click on the "Pay Court Fees and Fines" link.
Tip 4: Get help from the Clerk's office.
If you have any questions or need help using the Clerk's online services, you can contact the Clerk's office directly. The Clerk's office has a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who are ready to assist you.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can save time and hassle when using the Polk County Clerk of Courts website and services.
Transition paragraph:
In addition to the FAQ and tips sections, the Polk County Clerk of Courts website also has a comprehensive conclusion section that provides information on the Clerk's office and the services it provides.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer responsible for maintaining and managing the records of the Polk County courts. The Clerk also provides various services to the public, such as issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and collecting court fees and fines. The Clerk's office is located in Bartow, Florida, and has branch offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City.
The Clerk of Courts is elected by the voters of Polk County for a four-year term. The Clerk's office offers a variety of online services for the convenience of the public, including searching court records, filing documents, paying court fees and fines, and obtaining marriage licenses. The Clerk's office also has a helpful FAQ and tips section to help you use the Clerk's online services and navigate the court system.
Closing Message:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is committed to providing excellent service to the public. The Clerk's office is staffed with a team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals who are ready to assist you with any questions or needs you may have. Whether you need to search court records, file a document, pay court fees and fines, or obtain a marriage license, the Polk County Clerk of Courts is here to help.