Escambia County court docket records list every case filed, every hearing set, and every order entered in courts across the county. The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Pensacola keeps these records.
You can search them online, by phone, or in person. This page shows you exactly how to find docket entries, read case status, and check hearing dates for civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases in Escambia County, Florida.
Escambia County Clerk of Court
The Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official keeper of all court docket records. This office files new cases, assigns case numbers, tracks hearings, stores court orders, and issues copies to the public. The clerk is an elected constitutional officer who serves a four-year term. Court docket management is one of the clerk’s main duties under Florida law.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main clerk’s office sits in the Escambia County Courthouse in downtown Pensacola. Staff help walk-in visitors search docket records during business hours. The office also answers phone questions about case status, hearing times, and document requests.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Street Address | 190 Governmental Center, Pensacola, FL 32502 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 333, Pensacola, FL 32591 |
| Phone Number | (850) 595-4310 |
| Official Website | escambiaclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT |
How to Search the Escambia County Court Docket
You have three main ways to search docket records in Escambia County. The fastest method is the online search tool. You can also call the clerk’s office. A third option is to visit the courthouse in person. Each method works for different needs.
Online Docket Search
The clerk’s website runs a free case search tool 24 hours a day. You can look up docket entries by name, case number, or filing date. The system shows the case type, party names, judge assigned, hearing dates, and all filed documents. No account is needed for basic searches. This is the best choice for quick docket lookups.
Statewide Court Access Portals
Florida offers statewide portals that include Escambia County docket data. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com tracks all documents filed in circuit and county court cases. You can check case status, view filed motions, and see upcoming hearings. The ACIS portal handles appellate court docket records. The MyFloridaCounty portal covers official records like deeds and liens tied to court cases.
In-Person Docket Lookup
Visit the clerk’s office at the Pensacola courthouse to search docket records with staff help. Bring the case number, full name of a party, or the date of filing. Staff can pull the full docket history and print copies. Certified copies with the clerk’s seal cost more than regular copies. Plan to arrive before 4:30 PM to allow time for your search.
Escambia County Court Docket Case Types
Escambia County courts handle many case types. Each type creates its own docket entries. The clerk tracks them all in one search system. You can filter searches by case type to narrow your results.
Civil Court Docket
The civil court docket covers disputes between people or businesses. This includes contract cases, property disputes, personal injury claims, and debt collection. Circuit civil cases in Escambia County involve claims over $50,000. County civil cases cover claims up to $50,000. Each case lists filings, motions, and hearing dates in the docket.
Criminal Court Docket
The criminal court docket tracks felony and misdemeanor cases. Felonies are heard in circuit court. Misdemeanors are heard in county court. The docket shows arraignments, plea dates, motion hearings, trial dates, and sentencing. The clerk updates entries as the case moves through the system.
Felony Docket
Felony cases involve serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, and violent offenses. The felony docket in Escambia County runs through the 1st Judicial Circuit Court. Judges hold bond hearings, arraignments, and trials on scheduled dates listed in the docket.
Misdemeanor Docket
Misdemeanor cases cover less serious crimes like petit theft, simple assault, and DUI. The misdemeanor docket moves through Escambia County Court. Most cases resolve at arraignment or pretrial hearing without going to trial.
Traffic Court Docket
The traffic court docket lists moving violations, driving with a suspended license, and other traffic offenses. You can check your traffic court date online. Many traffic cases let drivers pay fines online or attend traffic school to avoid points on their license.
Family Court Docket
The family court docket covers divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption. These cases are heard in circuit court. The docket tracks mediation dates, hearing schedules, and final judgment entries. Some family court records are sealed by Florida law.
Domestic Relations Docket
The domestic relations docket covers restraining orders, repeat violence injunctions, and dating violence cases. These hearings move quickly. The docket shows emergency hearing dates and final order entries. Some entries may be sealed to protect victims.
Probate Court Docket
The probate court docket tracks wills, estates, and guardianship cases. You can search probate filings to see if an estate is open. The docket lists petitions, inventory filings, and final distributions. Probate cases are public record in Florida unless a judge orders them sealed.
Small Claims Docket
The small claims docket covers civil disputes up to $8,000. These cases move through county court. Common small claims include unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, and minor contract issues. Hearings are short, and the docket shows trial dates and judgment entries.
Juvenile Docket
The juvenile docket covers cases involving minors accused of crimes and dependency cases. Most juvenile records are confidential under Florida law. The public can see limited docket information. Parents, attorneys, and approved agencies can access full records.
How to Read the Escambia County Daily Docket
The daily docket is a list of cases set for hearing on a specific date. The clerk posts the daily docket online each business day. You can view it to see which judges are hearing cases, which attorneys are scheduled, and what time each hearing starts.
What Docket Status Means
Docket status shows where a case stands in the court process. Common status codes include:
- Open / Active: The case has filings and pending hearings.
- Pending: The case is waiting for a hearing or action.
- Continued: A hearing was moved to a new date.
- Disposed / Closed: The case ended with a final order or judgment.
- On Appeal: A higher court is reviewing the case.
How to Find Upcoming Court Dates
Search the docket by case number to see all future hearing dates. You can also check the court calendar docket posted on the clerk’s site. Attorneys use the docket to track their schedules. The public can check the docket to confirm hearing times before going to the courthouse.
Public Access and Sealed Records
Florida law gives the public the right to view court docket records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes most government records open for inspection. You do not need to give a reason to view docket entries.
What Records Are Open
You can see case numbers, party names, filing dates, hearing dates, motions, orders, and judgments. Most docket entries are public. You can also see the name of the judge assigned to the case and the names of attorneys involved.
What Records Are Sealed
Some docket records are sealed by law or court order. Sealed records include:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency records
- Adoption files
- Mental health commitment records
- Records that could expose a victim of certain crimes
- Trade secrets and some business records protected by court order
Personal Information Redacted
The clerk removes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers from online docket records. You can request the full unredacted document in person with valid ID and a stated purpose.
Escambia County Court System Structure
Escambia County sits in the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also covers Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. The 1st Judicial Circuit is the largest circuit by geography in the region.
Circuit Court vs County Court
Escambia County has two trial court levels. Circuit court handles felonies, family law, probate, juvenile, and civil cases over $50,000. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims up to $8,000, and civil cases up to $50,000. Both courts create docket records you can search.
Fees for Docket Copies and Records Requests
The clerk charges fees for copies, certifications, and record searches. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card in person. Online payments carry an extra processing fee.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy per document | $2.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification fee | $2.00 per document |
| Written record search | $2.00 per search |
| Faxed document fee | $1.00 per page |
Call the clerk’s office at (850) 595-4310 to confirm current fees before you place an order.
How to Search the Docket by Case Number
Searching by case number gives you the fastest results. Escambia County case numbers follow a standard format. The format includes the year, case type code, and sequence number. For example, a 2024 felony case might show as 2024-CF-001234.
Enter the full case number into the online search tool. The system pulls the exact case file. You see all docket entries, party details, and hearing dates in one view. This method works for any case type.
Trial Docket and Court Calendar Lookup
The trial docket lists jury trials set for a future date. You can view the trial docket on the clerk’s website. The court calendar docket shows every hearing set for a specific day, week, or month. Judges post their own calendars on the circuit court site for public viewing.
Jury Trial Schedule
Jury trials appear on the trial docket once a case passes all pretrial hearings. The clerk updates the trial docket daily. You can check it to see if a case is still scheduled or if the court moved the date.
Hearing Calendar
Each judge posts a hearing calendar. The calendar shows motion hearings, status conferences, and pretrial conferences. You can search by judge name or division to see the full hearing calendar docket.
Online Court Docket Tools and Mobile Access
The clerk’s online docket search works on phones, tablets, and computers. The site uses a responsive design that fits any screen. You do not need to download an app. Bookmark the search page to check docket updates on the go.
Florida’s e-filing portal also works on mobile devices. You can file new documents, check filing status, and view your case docket from your phone. The portal sends email alerts when a new entry is added to your case docket.
Tips for Faster Docket Searches
Follow these tips to speed up your docket search:
- Use the full case number when you have it.
- Spell party names exactly as they appear on filings.
- Pick the right case type from the dropdown menu.
- Narrow your search by date range to cut down results.
- Clear your browser cache if the search tool runs slow.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Sometimes the search tool returns no results. This can happen if you typed a name wrong or used an old case number. Try a broader search with just the last name. Old case numbers may use a different format than current ones.
If the site is down, the clerk may be running scheduled maintenance. Try again after an hour. You can also call the clerk’s office for help with urgent searches. Staff can look up docket entries by phone during business hours.
Nearby Counties in the 1st Judicial Circuit
Escambia County shares its circuit with three other counties. Each county has its own clerk and docket system. You can search docket records in any of these counties using the same online tools.
- Okaloosa County: Located east of Escambia. Covers Crestview and Fort Walton Beach.
- Santa Rosa County: Located east of Escambia. Covers Milton and Navarre.
- Walton County: Located northeast of Escambia. Covers DeFuniak Springs and Santa Rosa Beach.
Contact the Escambia County Clerk Before You Visit
Call the clerk’s office at (850) 595-4310 before you visit. Ask about wait times, parking, and what to bring. Some records are only available in person. Staff can tell you which records you can get online and which need an in-person request.
Official Contact Block
Use these details to reach the Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court for docket searches, record requests, and case questions.
Address: 190 Governmental Center, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 595-4310
Website: https://www.escambiaclerk.com/
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT
Frequently Asked Questions About Escambia County Court Docket
1. How do I look up a court case in Escambia County Florida?
You can look up a court case in Escambia County by using the online docket search on the Escambia County Clerk of Court website. Enter the case number or full name of a party to see all filings, hearing dates, and orders. The search tool runs 24 hours a day and is free. You can also visit the courthouse at 190 Governmental Center in Pensacola for in-person help, or call the clerk at (850) 595-4310 during business hours.
2. What time does the Escambia County Clerk’s office open?
The Escambia County Clerk’s office opens at 8:00 AM Central Time, Monday through Friday. The office closes at 5:00 PM CT. The clerk’s office does not handle court business on weekends or on state holidays. Plan to arrive before 4:30 PM CT to give staff time to process your docket search or copy request before closing.
3. Can I view Escambia County criminal docket records online?
Yes, you can view Escambia County criminal docket records online. The clerk’s case search tool shows felony and misdemeanor docket entries. You see the charges, court dates, plea entries, and sentencing orders. Some sealed or expunged records do not appear in online searches. You must request sealed records through the court that handled the case.
4. How much does a certified copy of a court record cost in Escambia County?
A certified copy of a court record in Escambia County costs $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Online credit card payments add a small processing fee. Call the clerk at (850) 595-4310 to confirm the fee before you place your order.
5. Are Escambia County juvenile court records public?
No, most Escambia County juvenile court records are not public. Florida law keeps juvenile delinquency and dependency records confidential. Only the minor’s parents, attorneys, and approved agencies can view full juvenile docket entries. The public may see limited docket information, such as the case number and hearing dates, but cannot view the underlying documents.
6. What is the difference between a case docket and a court calendar in Escambia County?
A case docket is the full history of a single court case. It lists every filing, motion, hearing, and order. A court calendar shows all cases set for a specific day or week. The docket tells you what happened in a case. The calendar tells you when a case will be heard. You use both to track court activity in Escambia County.
7. How do I find out my court date in Escambia County?
Find your court date in Escambia County by searching the docket online using your case number or full legal name. The docket lists your next hearing date, the courtroom number, and the judge assigned. You can also call the clerk at (850) 595-4310 to ask about your court date. Always confirm your court date at least one business day before the hearing.