The Putnam County court docket is a public list of every case filed, scheduled, or decided in the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka, Florida. It shows case numbers, party names, hearing dates, charges, filings, and judge assignments.
Anyone can look up the Putnam County court docket online through the Clerk of Court website, the Florida E-Filing Portal, or in person at the clerk’s office on St. Johns Avenue.
Putnam County sits inside the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers Putnam, Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. The clerk’s office stores docket entries for criminal, civil, traffic, family, and probate cases. Records date back several decades, and most can be viewed for free. The Putnam County court docket is open to the public under Florida Statute Chapter 119.
What the Putnam County Court Docket Shows
The Putnam County court docket is a written timeline of every event in a court case. Each entry includes a date, a description, the name of the judge, and the type of action taken. Common entries include filings, motions, pleas, sentences, rulings, and scheduled hearings. A single case can have dozens of entries over its lifetime.
Three main docket types exist in Putnam County. The circuit court docket covers felonies, family law, probate, guardianship, and civil cases over $50,000. The county court docket covers misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims up to $8,000, and civil cases up to $50,000. The appellate docket covers appeals to higher courts and is handled by the ACIS portal.
Putnam County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all official docket records. The office files new cases, stores old ones, tracks hearing dates, and issues certified copies. The clerk also handles marriage licenses, official records, and passport applications. The office sits on the first floor of the courthouse in downtown Palatka.
The image below shows the Putnam County Clerk website, where users can start a docket search, pay fees, and contact staff.
The portal gives free access to case lookup, fee schedules, and contact details. A separate tab covers e-filing, e-recording, and official records searches.
| Office | Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177 |
| Phone | (386) 329-0361 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | putnamclerk.com |
The clerk’s office follows Eastern Time and closes on federal and state holidays. The phone line routes to different departments based on the prompt selected. Walk-in visitors should bring a photo ID and a case number if possible.
How the Putnam County Court Docket System Works
The Putnam County court docket system runs on a statewide platform called Odyssey. Every Florida county clerk uses this same system. The platform stores case data, scans paper filings, and updates docket entries in real time. When a judge signs an order, the entry appears online within minutes in most cases.
Users access the system through the clerk’s website, the Florida E-Filing Portal, or the statewide ACIS portal. The clerk’s site handles Putnam County court docket searches for local cases. The E-Filing Portal handles active case filings and status checks. The ACIS portal handles appellate docket entries from the Florida Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal.
How to Search the Putnam County Court Docket Online
Online search is the fastest way to view a Putnam County court docket. The clerk’s website offers a case search tool that works on phones, tablets, and computers. Users enter a name, case number, or date range to pull results. No account or login is needed for basic searches.
Step-by-step process for online search:
- Go to putnamclerk.com and click the Case Search link.
- Choose the search type: name, case number, or citation.
- Type the last name, business name, or full case number.
- Pick a date range or leave it open for all years.
- Click Search and review the list of matching cases.
- Click a case number to see full docket entries.
Free searches return party names, case numbers, charges, filing dates, and hearing dates. Some images and sealed records require a paid account or an in-person visit. Florida Administrative Order AOSC24-65 sets 15 user roles for the system. The general public sees case numbers, party names, and docket entries without an account.
Putnam County Court Docket by Case Number
Searching the Putnam County court docket by case number is the most accurate method. Every case filed in Putnam County gets a unique number that follows a standard format. Circuit court cases start with a two-digit year, a two-letter court code, and a six-digit sequence (example: 2024-CA-001234). County court cases use a similar pattern with different court codes.
To find a case number, check any prior court paperwork, a summons, an arrest record, or a letter from an attorney. The clerk’s office can also look up a case number by name. Once the number is known, type it into the case number search field for a direct match.
Putnam County Court Docket by Name
Searching the Putnam County court docket by name is useful when the case number is unknown. The clerk’s system searches both first and last names. Wildcard characters like an asterisk can pull partial matches. Common names may return many results, so adding a middle name, date of birth, or city narrows the list.
Name searches work best for civil and criminal cases. They may miss sealed family court cases. Juvenile records stay confidential under Florida law and do not appear in public searches.
Putnam County Court Docket by Date
Date-based searches help users find hearings scheduled for a specific day, week, or month. The Putnam County court docket by date tool returns a list of all cases with a hearing on that date. Users can pick a court division, a judge, or a case type to filter the results.
Date searches also help with Putnam County court docket archive research. Setting a date range from a prior year pulls closed cases from that period. Older paper records from before 2000 may need a manual pull from the clerk’s vault.
Types of Cases in the Putnam County Court Docket
Putnam County Criminal Court Docket
The Putnam County criminal court docket lists all felony and misdemeanor cases. Felonies go through the circuit court. Misdemeanors go through the county court. Each entry shows the charge, the arresting agency, the plea, the sentence, and the next court date. Users can check the status of a pending case, a bond hearing, or a trial.
Putnam County Civil Court Docket
The Putnam County civil court docket covers lawsuits between private parties. These include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property fights, and debt collection. Civil cases over $50,000 go to circuit court. Cases between $8,000 and $50,000 go to county court. Small claims up to $8,000 also fall under county court jurisdiction.
Putnam County Traffic Court Docket
The Putnam County traffic court docket covers traffic citations issued in the county. Common entries include speeding tickets, driving on a suspended license, DUI first offenses, and accident cases. Drivers can check the hearing date, fine amount, and points assessed. Paying a fine or contesting the ticket both create docket entries.
Putnam County Family Court Docket
The Putnam County family court docket covers divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Most family court files are public, but some sealed records require court approval. Adoption cases stay fully confidential under Florida law. The court handles paternity tests, name changes, and protective orders as well.
Putnam County Probate Court Docket
The Putnam County probate court docket covers wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. Each entry shows the personal representative, the attorney, the property list, and the creditor claims. Probate cases can stay open for months or years. Users can check the status of an estate, a guardianship review, or a creditor hearing.
Putnam County Daily Court Docket and Hearing Schedule
The Putnam County daily court docket shows every hearing set for a given day. Judges, attorneys, and the public use this list to plan their day. The clerk’s office posts the daily docket online by 6:00 AM on each court day. Updates roll in throughout the day as cases settle, get continued, or get added.
The Putnam County court docket today may include arraignments, plea hearings, status conferences, motion hearings, and trials. A separate Putnam County upcoming court docket view shows the next 30 days. Users can click any case on the daily list to see its full docket history.
Putnam County Circuit Court Docket
The Putnam County circuit court docket sits at the top of the local court system. It handles the most serious criminal cases and the largest civil lawsuits. The circuit court also serves as the family court and probate court for Putnam County. Two main Putnam County circuit court locations operate from the Palatka courthouse.
Putnam County Magistrate and Hearing Officer Docket
Florida does not use the term “Superior Court.” Putnam County cases that might fit that label go through the circuit court. A magistrate judge handles specific matters like child support, dependency, and some civil motions. The Putnam County magistrate court docket shows these hearings on a separate schedule. Magistrate rulings can be appealed to a circuit judge.
Putnam County Court Docket Public Access Rules
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all government records are open unless a law says otherwise. Court docket records fall under this rule. The clerk must give access in a timely way and cannot charge more than the cost of copying.
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists the records that stay sealed. These include juvenile cases, adoption records, sealed criminal records, and some family court files. Some docket images require a free registered account. Sealed case numbers do not appear in name searches, but the case still exists in the system.
Restricted case types in Putnam County:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
- Sealed criminal records after expungement
- Mental health commitment hearings
- Trade secret and certain financial filings
Putnam County Court Docket Archive and Older Records
The Putnam County court docket archive holds cases from 1900 to the present. Records from 2000 forward are fully digital. Records from the 1990s and earlier are partly on microfilm and partly in paper storage. The clerk’s office charges a small fee for pulling archived files. Some older Putnam County court docket entries may be incomplete or handwritten.
Researchers can request archive pulls in person or by mail. The clerk needs a case number, a party name, and a date range. Response times range from 1 business day to 2 weeks based on file location. Digital copies cost less than paper copies.
Putnam County Court Docket Status Check
Checking the Putnam County court docket status helps users see if a case is active, closed, or on appeal. The status field updates with each docket entry. Common status labels include “Open,” “Pending,” “Disposed,” “Closed,” “Inactive,” and “Appealed.” Some civil cases stay “Open” for years while the court waits for action.
The Putnam County docket status also shows bond amounts, warrant status, and probation conditions for criminal cases. A bond “Set” entry means the defendant can post bail. A bond “Forfeited” entry means the court kept the money. A “Warrant Issued” entry means the clerk can print a copy of the active warrant.
Common Issues with Putnam County Court Docket Searches
Search problems happen for several reasons. Misspelled names return no results. Old case numbers from the 1990s use a different format than current ones. Sealed cases never appear in public searches. System downtime during upgrades can block access for short windows.
Fix steps for common search issues:
- Try a partial name with a wildcard character.
- Add a date range to limit results to a specific year.
- Check the court division and pick the right one.
- Call the clerk’s office at (386) 329-0361 for help.
- Visit the courthouse for in-person lookup if online fails.
The clerk’s office charges no fee for the first 10 pages of printed records. Each page after that costs a small fee set by Florida law. Certified copies cost more and include a raised clerk’s seal.
How to File a Case in Putnam County
Filing a new case in Putnam County starts with the E-Filing Portal. The system works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users create a free account, pick a case type, upload their forms, and pay the filing fee. The clerk reviews the filing and assigns a case number within 1 business day.
Most civil filings cost between $300 and $400. Family court filings cost less. Probate filings vary based on estate size. Payment happens by credit card or e-check. Self-represented filers can use the Florida Courts self-help center for free forms and instructions.
Putnam County Court Docket Court Divisions
The Putnam County courthouse houses several court divisions. Each division keeps its own calendar and posts a separate daily docket. Divisions include Circuit Criminal, Circuit Civil, County Criminal, County Civil, Family, Probate, Traffic, and Juvenile. Some divisions share the same courtroom on different days of the week.
Judges rotate between divisions on a set schedule. The Putnam County court docket list shows the assigned judge for each hearing. Knowing the judge helps attorneys prepare and helps the public track rulings.
Contact the Putnam County Clerk
Users can contact the Putnam County Clerk of Court by phone, mail, email, or in person. The phone line runs during business hours. The mail address is the same as the physical office. The email address is on the clerk’s website under the Contact tab.
Office: Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0361
Website: putnamclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
E-Filing Portal Help Line: (850) 577-4609
Frequently Asked Questions About the Putnam County Court Docket
The Putnam County court docket covers criminal, civil, traffic, family, and probate cases. It also includes appeals, juvenile cases, and small claims. Each case type has its own division and judge assignment. The clerk’s office keeps the records and updates the online portal.
How Do I Search the Putnam County Court Docket by Name?
Go to putnamclerk.com and click Case Search. Pick the name search option. Type the full last name and first name. Add a middle name or date of birth if the name is common. The system returns a list of cases with that name. Click any case number to see the full Putnam County court docket entries.
Name searches cover all case types open to the public. Sealed and juvenile cases do not appear. The search tool works on any device with a web browser. No account or payment is needed for basic name searches.
Can I View the Putnam County Court Docket for Free?
Yes. The Putnam County court docket is free to view online through the clerk’s website. The Florida E-Filing Portal and the ACIS portal also give free access to case status and docket entries. Fees only apply to printed copies, certified copies, and certain image downloads.
Free access includes case numbers, party names, charges, hearing dates, and docket entries. Some images of filed documents are open without a fee. A few restricted images need a registered account or a paid subscription.
What Is the Difference Between the Circuit and County Court Docket in Putnam County?
The Putnam County circuit court docket covers felonies, family law, probate, guardianship, and civil cases over $50,000. The Putnam County county court docket covers misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims up to $8,000, and civil cases up to $50,000. Both dockets sit in the same courthouse and use the same online system.
Circuit court cases take longer to resolve. County court cases often finish in weeks or months. The clerk’s search tool lets users filter by court level to see only the cases they need.
How Far Back Does the Putnam County Court Docket Archive Go?
The Putnam County court docket archive holds cases from 1900 to the present. Records from 2000 forward are digital and available online. Records from 1990 and earlier are on microfilm or in paper storage. The clerk can pull older files for a small fee.
Researchers should call the clerk before visiting to confirm file availability. Some older case files are incomplete. Microfilm readers are available at the courthouse for in-person review.
Are Putnam County Court Docket Records Public?
Yes. Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, the Putnam County court docket is a public record. Anyone can view it without giving a reason. The clerk must provide access in a timely way. The law applies to both paper and electronic records.
Some records stay sealed by court order. Sealed cases do not appear in public searches. Juvenile and adoption records also stay confidential. All other docket entries remain open for viewing and copying.
How Do I Find the Putnam County Daily Court Docket?
Go to putnamclerk.com and click the Daily Docket link. The list updates each morning by 6:00 AM. Users can filter by judge, division, or case type. The Putnam County daily court docket shows hearings set for the current day. Click any case to see its full history.
Updates roll in throughout the day. A case on the morning docket may settle, get continued, or get removed by afternoon. Check the system often for the most current Putnam County hearing docket.
Can I Get a Certified Copy of a Putnam County Court Docket Entry?
Yes. Visit the clerk’s office in person or send a written request by mail. Bring a case number or party name. Pay the certified copy fee set by Florida law. The clerk stamps the document with a raised seal and signs it for legal use.
Certified copies work for court filings, immigration cases, and background checks. Processing takes 1 to 3 business days. Mail requests need a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order.