Taylor County family court records cover all legal files tied to marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption cases filed in the 3rd Judicial Circuit of Florida. The Clerk of Court office in Perry stores these files and offers both online and in-person search options.
Residents, attorneys, and outside parties can review case details, request copies, or pull certified documents for legal use. This page covers the records available, search steps, fees, contact points, and the most common questions asked by users in 2026.
Taylor County Clerk of Court Office
The Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for every family case filed in Taylor County. The office maintains paper files, scanned images, and electronic docket entries for active and closed cases. Gary Knowles, Jr. serves as the current Clerk and oversees all record management duties under Florida law.
Clerk Office Address and Hours
The main clerk office sits at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, FL 32347. This is the only physical location in the county where certified family court records can be requested. Office doors open at 8:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on all federal and state holidays. Visitors must pass through courthouse security before reaching the record search counter.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Taylor County Clerk of Court |
| Street Address | 108 N. Jefferson Street, Ste 102 |
| City, State, ZIP | Perry, FL 32347 |
| Phone Number | (850) 838-3506 |
| Website | taylorcountyclerk.com |
| Weekday Hours | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday Hours | Closed |
Phone and Online Contact Methods
The clerk phone line at (850) 838-3506 connects callers to the records department during business hours. Staff answer questions about case status, file locations, copy fees, and certified document requests. The clerk website at taylorcountyclerk.com hosts contact forms, fee schedules, and a direct link to the statewide case search portal. Email support is available through the website for general questions that do not require sealed or restricted records.
Staff Roles and Record Services
Deputy clerks handle record searches, accept new filings, process copy orders, and issue certified documents. Court reporters maintain transcripts for hearings and trials held before circuit judges. The records department scans older paper files into the electronic docket when cases are requested. Each clerk role follows strict Florida public records laws that balance public access with privacy protection for minors and sealed matters.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Taylor County keeps a full range of family law records. Each file type follows its own access rules based on Florida statutes. Some files are open to the public, while others need a court order or proof of identity before release.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Dissolution of marriage files include the original petition, financial affidavits, marital settlement agreements, and the final judgment of divorce. These files show how property was divided, whether alimony was ordered, and the date the marriage legally ended. Final divorce decrees are public records and can be viewed by any adult who can name the parties or provide a case number.
Child Custody and Support Records
Child custody files hold parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and decision-making orders. Child support records show payment amounts, arrears balances, and any modifications made by the court. These files are partly public, but financial worksheets and sensitive personal data may be redacted to protect the children named in the case.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence injunction files contain petitions for protection, sworn statements, and the judge’s order granting or denying relief. Some documents are sealed to protect victims from further harm. Public access to these records is limited under Florida law, and certain details are removed from online dockets.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases include DNA test results, court orders naming the legal father, and any linked child support orders. Adoption records are sealed by Florida statute and stay closed to the public. Adult adoptees may request their original birth certificate and adoption file through the Florida Department of Health after meeting specific eligibility rules.
How to Search Taylor County Family Records
Three main search paths exist for Taylor County family court records. The best path depends on the file type, the level of detail needed, and whether certified copies are required. Each method has its own time, cost, and access limits.
Online Search via My Florida Court Access
The My Florida Court Access portal at myflcourtaccess.com covers every county in Florida, including Taylor. Search by last name, first name, or case number to see docket entries, hearing dates, party names, and the final judgment in many family cases. Basic search access is free for the public. Some document images are viewable online, while others require a paid account or an in-person visit.
- Go to myflcourtaccess.com.
- Select “Search” under the public menu.
- Choose “Taylor County” from the county drop-down list.
- Enter the party last name or full case number.
- Review the docket sheet for case events and document images.
In-Person Search at the Clerk’s Office
Walk-in visitors can use the public access terminals at the Perry courthouse to search for family cases. A valid photo ID is required to enter the building and to request paper files from the records vault. Clerk staff can pull older files that are not yet scanned into the digital docket. In-person searches take more time but offer the most complete record access.
Mail and Email Record Requests
Written record requests can be mailed to the clerk office at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, FL 32347. Each written request must include the case number, party names, the specific documents needed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery. Email requests are accepted for simple searches but not for certified copies, which must be paid for by check or money order through the mail.
Required Information for Searches
The more details a searcher provides, the faster the clerk staff can locate a file. The most useful data points include the full legal name of either party, the year the case was filed, the case number if known, and the type of family action involved. Searches with only a first name and a broad date range can take several business days to complete.
- Full legal name of at least one party to the case
- Approximate year the case was filed or closed
- Case type (divorce, custody, paternity, adoption, injunction)
- Case number, if available on prior paperwork
- Valid photo ID for in-person or certified requests
3rd Judicial Circuit Family Court Details
Taylor County sits inside Florida’s 3rd Judicial Circuit, a multi-county district that shares judges, case management rules, and electronic filing systems. The circuit structure makes cross-county record searches easier for families that move within North Florida.
Circuit Counties and Jurisdiction
The 3rd Judicial Circuit covers seven counties: Taylor, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, and Suwannee. The chief judge and circuit administrator manage the shared court system from the Lake City office. Family cases filed in any one of these counties are heard in the local courthouse but follow the same circuit-wide rules of procedure.
Family Court Judges in Taylor County
Circuit judges rotate through Taylor County on a scheduled docket. Each judge handles a full caseload that includes family cases alongside criminal and civil matters. The current list of judges sitting in Taylor County is posted on the clerk website and on the 3rd Circuit’s main page. Self-represented parties can find judge-specific local rules and form requirements there.
Online Tools for Taylor County Records
Several free and paid tools help users track family cases in Taylor County. Each tool serves a slightly different purpose, and using more than one source gives the most complete picture of a case file.
Taylor County Clerk Website
The clerk homepage at taylorcountyclerk.com links directly to the case search system, the e-filing portal, public forms, and the official fee schedule. The site also lists holiday closures, jury duty updates, and contact details for every department. A mobile-friendly version of the site makes it easy to search a docket from a phone or tablet.
Statewide Court Access Portal
My Florida Court Access serves as the official statewide docket for all 67 Florida counties, including Taylor. Registered users can save docket alerts, track multiple cases, and view document images that are not redacted under public records rules. Attorneys with a Florida Bar number can log in for full case access.
E-Filing Portal for New Cases
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal allows attorneys and self-represented filers to submit new family cases, motions, and supporting documents online. Filers create an account, select Taylor County as the venue, upload PDFs, and pay the filing fee by credit card or e-check. E-filed documents enter the clerk’s electronic docket the same day and are visible to searchers within minutes.
Fees and Certified Copies of Records
Copy fees and certification charges are set by Florida statute and apply equally across every county. The clerk office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards for in-person payments. Mail requests must include payment by check or money order.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees
Regular paper copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $2.00 per document on top of the per-page charge. A written verification of a court record costs $2.00. Expedited search fees may apply for files that take more than 15 minutes to locate. All fees are subject to change under Florida law.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (extra per document) | $2.00 |
| Written record verification | $2.00 |
| Expedited search (over 15 minutes) | Hourly clerk rate |
Accepted Payment Methods
In-person payments can be made with cash, personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and major credit or debit cards. A small card processing fee may apply to credit and debit transactions. Mail orders must include a check or money order made payable to the Taylor County Clerk of Court. The clerk office does not accept phone payments for record orders.
Contact, Location, and Office Hours
The clerk office welcomes walk-in visitors during normal business hours. Courthouse security requires all visitors to pass through a metal detector and show a valid photo ID before entering the record search area.
Office Location and Map
The clerk office is located inside the Taylor County Courthouse at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. The courthouse is on the north side of downtown Perry, two blocks east of US Highway 19. Free public parking is available behind the building. Visitors with mobility needs can use the accessible entrance on the south side of the courthouse.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Doors open at 8:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM on weekdays. The record search counter stops accepting new requests 15 minutes before closing. Cell phones must be silenced inside the courthouse. No weapons, food, or drinks are allowed past the security checkpoint. Children must stay with a parent or guardian at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover the most common questions about Taylor County family court records, search methods, and access rules. Each answer reflects current Florida law and clerk office practice as of 2026. Contact the clerk office directly for case-specific guidance.
How do I find a Taylor County divorce decree?
A Taylor County divorce decree can be viewed through the My Florida Court Access portal by searching the name of either spouse or the case number. The final judgment is listed under the case docket once the judge signs the order. A certified copy of the decree can be ordered at the clerk office in person, by mail, or through the e-filing portal. The standard fee is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification charge. Allow one to three business days for mail requests to arrive.
Are Taylor County family court records public?
Most Taylor County family court records are public under Florida’s broad public records law. Divorce judgments, custody orders, child support orders, and paternity findings are open to any adult. Domestic violence injunctions and adoption files are sealed to protect victims and children named in the case. Financial affidavits and minor children’s personal data are often redacted from public dockets even when the rest of the file is open.
Can I access sealed adoption records?
Sealed adoption records in Taylor County stay closed under Florida law. Adult adoptees born in Florida can request their original birth certificate and adoption file from the Florida Department of Health after meeting age and eligibility rules. Adoptive parents, birth parents, and adult siblings may also request records in limited cases. A court order can unseal adoption records for good cause, such as a medical emergency or criminal investigation.
How long does a record request take?
Online docket searches return results within seconds. In-person searches for files already in the electronic docket take 5 to 15 minutes. Older paper files stored in the vault can take one to two business days to retrieve. Mail requests add transit time on top of the clerk processing time. Expedited searches are available for an extra fee when a file is needed the same day.
Can I view child custody orders online?
Child custody orders filed in Taylor County after 2010 are usually viewable through My Florida Court Access. The order text appears in the docket entry, and a scanned image of the signed order is available when the clerk uploads it. Older custody orders may only exist in paper form and require an in-person visit. Sensitive details about the children and financial support are often redacted in the online version.
What ID do I need for in-person searches?
A valid government-issued photo ID is required for every in-person record request. Accepted forms include a Florida driver’s license, a state-issued ID card, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. The ID must match the name of the person requesting the record or be linked to a notarized authorization letter from the named party. Visitors without a photo ID will be turned away at the security checkpoint.
Can I get family court records from another Florida county?
Family court records from any Florida county can be pulled through the My Florida Court Access portal. The portal lists every case filed in every county, so a single search covers the entire state. For certified copies from another county, contact that county’s clerk of court directly. Each Florida clerk office has its own fee schedule and mail request rules, so plan ahead for orders that cross county lines.