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A Florida county clerk of the circuit court keeps the court files, records deeds and other official records, and issues marriage licenses in the county.
Court records: Florida law requires the clerk to keep all papers and electronic filings in the court's cases and to stamp each one with the date and time it was filed. The clerk also keeps the court docket and the minutes of court proceedings.
Official records: The clerk is the county recorder. Deeds, mortgages, leases, liens, releases of mortgages, court judgments and other documents are recorded in one series called the Official Records, which is open to the public to inspect and copy for a fee. When a home is sold, the deed is recorded there. In Pinellas County, for example, the Property Appraiser (727-464-3207) takes changes of owner from the Official Records the clerk records.
Marriage licenses: Under Florida law, a marriage license is issued by a county court judge or the clerk of the circuit court.
County business: The clerk is also clerk and accountant for the board of county commissioners and keeps the board's minutes and accounts.
Property tax: The clerk runs the value adjustment board process, where owners can challenge a property value or the denial of an exemption. A petition to challenge a value is filed with the clerk within 25 days of the notice of proposed property taxes that comes in August. The clerk also holds tax deed sales. Under Florida law, the holder of a tax certificate on unpaid taxes can apply for a tax deed once 2 years have passed since April 1 of the year the certificate was issued.
Check your own county clerk's website for the services, record searches and fees in your county.
Apply together, in person, at any county Clerk of Court, each with a state-issued photo ID, military ID or passport, and know your Social Security numbers and, if either of you was married before, the exact date that marriage ended.
Read the answer →A Florida county property appraiser sets the value of every property in the county as of January 1 each year and handles exemptions such as homestead.
Read the answer →A Florida county tax collector mails property tax bills, collects the payments and sends the money to the county, cities, schools and other taxing bodies.
Read the answer →Once you get a Florida driver license or ID card, your name can be drawn for jury duty in the county where you live.
Read the answer →Each of Florida's 67 counties has one sheriff, elected by county voters to a 4-year term, whose office polices the county outside city limits.
Once you get a Florida driver license or ID card, your name can be drawn for jury duty in the county where you live.
Adults getting a first U.S. passport apply in person with Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or library.
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