The Walton County Court Docket is a public list of every case filed in Walton County, Florida. The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps these records for all civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases.
Anyone can look up case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and past docket entries. This page explains how to search the Walton County Court Docket online, by phone, or in person at the courthouse in DeFuniak Springs.
Walton County sits in the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida. The 1st Circuit also covers Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. The Walton County Clerk’s office handles all filings and updates the docket each business day. You can check the daily docket, weekly docket, or monthly docket for free using the clerk’s online portal or the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
What the Walton County Court Docket Covers
The Walton County Court Docket tracks every legal case that moves through the county court system. Each entry shows the case number, the people or businesses involved, the type of case, the judge assigned, and the next court date. Entries are added each time a document is filed or a hearing is held.
You can search several types of dockets in Walton County:
- Civil court docket — disputes over money, property, or contracts above $8,000
- Criminal court docket — felony cases in circuit court and misdemeanor cases in county court
- Traffic court docket — traffic tickets, DUI charges, and driving offenses
- Family court docket — divorce, custody, child support, and adoption
- Probate court docket — wills, estates, and guardianship filings
- Juvenile court docket — cases involving minors
- Small claims docket — civil disputes up to $8,000
- Domestic relations docket — restraining orders and family violence cases
All these dockets are open to the public under Florida law. Sealed records, expunged records, and juvenile records are kept private.
Walton County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller manages the Walton County Court Docket. The main office sits in DeFuniak Springs, which is the county seat. A second branch serves the south end of the county near the beach communities along Highway 30A.
| Office | Walton County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller |
|---|---|
| Address | 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 |
| Phone | (850) 892-8115 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time |
| Website | waltonclerk.com |
| South Walton Branch | 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 |
| South Walton Phone | (850) 267-3066 |
You can call the clerk’s office to ask about a specific case, request a court date, or check whether a document has been filed. The clerk’s staff does not give legal advice, but they can help you locate docket entries and explain court procedures.
Official website: https://www.waltonclerk.com/
How to Search the Walton County Court Docket Online
The fastest way to look up a Walton County Court Docket is through the clerk’s online portal. You do not need an account to view basic case data. Searches are free and open 24 hours a day.
Follow these steps to search online:
- Go to waltonclerk.com
- Click the “Court Records” or “Case Search” link on the homepage
- Choose the type of search: name, case number, or filing date
- Type the full name of a party or the case number
- Pick the date range for the search
- Click “Search” to see the docket list
Each result shows the case number, style of the case (the names of the people involved), the type of case, the judge, and the next court event. You can click the case number to see the full docket sheet with every entry.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com also shows Walton County docket entries. This statewide system has more than 770,000 users and handles over 30 million filings each year. You can check case status, view documents, and get hearing notices through this portal. ACIS at acis.flcourts.gov handles appellate court dockets from the Florida Supreme Court and the District Courts of Appeal.
Walton County Docket Search by Case Number
Every case in Walton County has a unique case number. The number tells you the year, the case type, and the sequence in which the case was filed. For example, case number 2024-CA-000123 means the case was filed in 2024, it is a civil case, and it was the 123rd case of that year in that division.
You can search by case number on the clerk’s portal. Type the full number with dashes into the search box. The portal will pull up the full docket for that case. This method gives you the most accurate results if you already know the number.
If you do not know the case number, you can search by party name. The system will show every case where that person is listed as a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, or respondent. Party searches work best when you know the full legal name used in court filings.
Walton County Daily Docket and Weekly Docket
The Walton County daily docket shows all hearings, arraignments, and trials scheduled for one day. Courts post the daily docket the night before each court session. You can see the daily docket on the clerk’s portal under the “Court Calendar” section.
The weekly docket covers all cases set for a full week. The clerk updates this list every Friday for the following week. The weekly docket helps attorneys, parties, and witnesses plan their schedules.
The monthly court docket covers all cases set for an entire month. Judges use the monthly docket to manage their caseloads. You can request a copy of the monthly docket by calling the clerk’s office or visiting the courthouse.
Some judges also post their personal dockets on the 1st Judicial Circuit website at 1stcircuit.flcourts.gov. These dockets show only the cases assigned to that judge.
Walton County Civil Court Docket
The Walton County civil court docket covers disputes between people or businesses that involve money, property, or contracts. Circuit court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute is more than $50,000. County court handles civil cases where the amount is between $8,000 and $50,000.
Civil docket entries include:
- Initial complaint or petition
- Service of process
- Motions filed by either side
- Orders from the judge
- Hearing dates and trial dates
- Final judgments
- Appeals to a higher court
You can search the civil court docket by case number or party name. The docket stays public even after a judgment is entered. Sealed civil cases, such as those involving trade secrets, are removed from the public docket.
Walton County Criminal Court Docket
The Walton County criminal court docket covers all criminal charges filed in the county. Felony charges go to circuit court. Misdemeanor charges go to county court. Each entry shows the charges, the arresting agency, the defense attorney, the state attorney, and the next court date.
Criminal docket entries include:
- Arrest and booking
- Initial appearance before a judge
- Formal charges filed by the state
- Arraignment where the defendant enters a plea
- Pretrial motions and hearings
- Plea agreements
- Trial dates
- Sentencing
The criminal court docket is public. You can look up criminal cases the same way you look up civil cases. Sealed criminal records, such as those that have been expunged, do not appear in the public docket. The Florida Supreme Court’s Administrative Order AOSC24-65 sets the rules for who can see which criminal records.
Walton County Traffic Court Docket
The Walton County traffic court docket covers traffic citations, driving offenses, and DUI cases that are misdemeanors. The clerk’s office lists each case with the citation number, the violation, the officer, and the court date. Traffic dockets often have many cases set on the same day because courts group similar cases together.
You can check the traffic court docket under the “County Criminal” or “Traffic” section of the clerk’s portal. If you received a ticket in Walton County, you can look up your citation number to see your court date and the judge assigned to your case.
Most traffic tickets can be paid online without going to court. If you decide to contest the ticket, you must appear in court on the date listed on the docket.
Walton County Family Court Docket
The Walton County family court docket covers divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and name change cases. Family court is part of the circuit court system. Each case has its own docket sheet that shows every filing and hearing.
Family docket entries include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Financial affidavits
- Custody evaluations
- Mediation reports
- Parenting plans
- Final judgments of divorce
- Modifications after the final judgment
Most family court records are public. Records that name minor children, adoption records, and records involving domestic violence may be sealed under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. To see sealed family records, you may need to file a motion with the court.
Walton County Probate Court Docket
The Walton County probate court docket covers wills, estates, trusts, and guardianship cases. Probate court is part of the circuit court system. The clerk adds a new docket entry each time a document is filed in a probate case.
Common probate docket entries include:
- Petition to admit a will to probate
- Letters of administration
- Inventory of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Accountings by the personal representative
- Orders distributing property to heirs
- Discharge of the personal representative
You can search the probate court docket by the name of the person who died, the name of the personal representative, or the case number. Probate records in Walton County are public, but some financial details may be redacted.
Walton County Small Claims and Misdemeanor Docket
The Walton County small claims docket covers civil disputes where the amount in dispute is $8,000 or less. Examples include unpaid debts, property damage, and security deposit disputes. Small claims cases move faster than regular civil cases. Hearings usually happen within a few months of filing.
The Walton County misdemeanor docket covers less serious criminal charges. Examples include petty theft, simple battery, and first-time DUI. Misdemeanor cases are heard in county court. Felony cases start in county court for the first appearance and then move to circuit court.
You can search both dockets on the clerk’s portal. Use the “County Civil” tab for small claims and the “County Criminal” tab for misdemeanors.
Walton County Juvenile Court Docket
The Walton County juvenile court docket covers cases involving minors. These include delinquency cases, dependency cases, and truancy cases. Juvenile court is part of the circuit court system. The Walton County juvenile courthouse handles all juvenile cases for the 1st Judicial Circuit in this county.
Juvenile records are confidential under Florida law. The public docket shows only the case number, the initials of the minor, and the next court date. To see the full record, you must get court approval or be a party to the case.
How to Read a Walton County Court Docket Entry
A docket entry is a single line on the docket sheet. Each entry records one action in the case. The clerk’s office writes entries in a standard format that includes the date, the type of document or event, and a short description.
Here is a sample docket entry:
05/14/2025 — ORDER — Order Granting Motion to Compel Discovery signed by Judge J. Smith.
The date is the action date. “ORDER” is the type of filing. The rest of the line describes the order. The clerk may also list the document number, the party who filed it, and the result of the action.
Common docket abbreviations you may see in Walton County dockets include:
- PET — Petition
- MTN — Motion
- ORD — Order
- JT — Jury Trial
- CT — Court Trial
- HRG — Hearing
- ARR — Arraignment
- PLEA — Plea entered
- DISPO — Disposition
- JUDG — Judgment
Walton County Hearing, Arraignment, and Trial Docket
Each case type has its own set of court events. The docket shows when each event is scheduled.
Arraignment docket: This is the first time a criminal defendant appears in court. The judge reads the charges, and the defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Most arraignments happen within 30 days of the arrest.
Hearing docket: A hearing is a short court appearance on a specific issue, such as a motion to suppress or a motion to modify child support. Hearings usually last less than an hour.
Trial docket: A trial is the final court event. Jury trials last one to several days. Bench trials before a judge usually last one day. The trial docket shows the trial date, the courtroom, and the judge.
You can look up the Walton County arraignment docket, hearing docket, or trial docket by case number. The clerk’s portal also has a calendar view that shows all hearings for a given day or week.
Public Access Rules for Walton County Court Dockets
Florida law makes most court records public. Florida Statute Chapter 119 says all state, county, and municipal records are open to the public. This includes Walton County Court Docket records. You do not need a reason to look up a case.
The Florida Supreme Court’s Administrative Order AOSC24-65, issued in 2024, sets the rules for who can see which records. The order creates 15 user roles with different access levels. The general public can see case numbers, party names, and docket entries. To see sealed or confidential records, you may need to register on the clerk’s portal and prove your identity.
Records that are always sealed in Walton County include:
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Adoption records
- Records that have been expunged
- Trade secrets in civil cases
- Mental health records
- Records sealed by court order
If you try to look up a sealed case, the portal will tell you that the record is not available to the public.
Fees and Certified Copies for Walton County Docket Records
Searching the Walton County Court Docket online is free. You do not pay anything to see case numbers, party names, or docket entries. There is no fee to print or save the docket from your own computer.
The clerk charges fees for certified copies and official records. As of 2025, the fees are:
- Certified copy of a court document: $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee
- Non-certified copy: $0.10 per page
- Electronic certified copy: $1.00 per page
- Fax filing fee: $5.00 per document
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. The clerk accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. There is an extra 3.5% convenience fee for credit card payments.
Common Mistakes When Searching the Walton County Court Docket
Many people run into the same problems when they search the docket. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Wrong county: Walton County is in the Florida panhandle, not in Georgia. There is also a Walton County in Georgia. Make sure you are searching the Florida Walton County court docket, not the Georgia one.
Wrong name spelling: Court records use the legal name on the filing. If the person changed their name, you may need to search both names. Common misspellings will not return results.
Wrong case type: Some cases are filed in circuit court, others in county court. Make sure you search the right case type. The clerk’s portal lets you pick from civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims.
Looking for sealed records: If a case has been sealed, the docket entry will not show up in your search. This is normal and does not mean the case does not exist.
Using an old link: The clerk’s website changes its layout from time to time. If a link does not work, go to the homepage and look for the “Court Records” or “Search” link in the menu.
Assuming the docket is real-time: The clerk updates the docket during business hours. New filings may not appear in the portal for up to 24 hours. If you need a real-time check, call the clerk’s office.
Walton County Court Docket Search Tools and Portals
You have several options to search the Walton County Court Docket. Each tool has its own strengths.
| Tool | Website | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walton County Clerk Portal | waltonclerk.com | All Walton County cases | Free |
| Florida Courts E-Filing Portal | myflcourtaccess.com | Statewide case search, e-filing | Free to view, fees to file |
| ACIS Portal | acis.flcourts.gov | Appellate court dockets | Free |
| 1st Judicial Circuit | 1stcircuit.flcourts.gov | Judge calendars, court forms | Free |
| Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers | flclerks.com | Links to all 67 county clerks | Free |
For most people, the Walton County Clerk Portal is the best place to start. It has the most complete data on local cases. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is a good backup if the clerk’s portal is down or if you need statewide case data.
What to Do If You Cannot Find a Case on the Docket
If you search the Walton County Court Docket and cannot find the case you need, take these steps.
First, double-check the spelling of the name. Try a broader date range. Some cases may be filed under a different legal name.
Second, try the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. This portal has data from all 67 Florida counties and may have the case even if the local clerk’s portal does not.
Third, call the clerk’s office at (850) 892-8115. The clerk’s staff can look up the case for you over the phone during business hours. They can also tell you if the case is sealed and how to ask the court to open it.
Fourth, visit the courthouse in person. The clerk’s office in DeFuniak Springs has public terminals where you can search the docket for free. Staff can help you use the terminals.
Fifth, check the 1st Judicial Circuit website. Some judges post their dockets online. The circuit website has a list of all judges in Walton County and their contact information.
Walton County Courthouse Location and Map
Walton County has one main courthouse in DeFuniak Springs. A second branch in Santa Rosa Beach handles some civil, family, and passport services.
Main Courthouse
Address: 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Phone: (850) 892-8115
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time
Website: waltonclerk.com
Official website: https://www.waltonclerk.com/
South Walton Branch
Address: 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone: (850) 267-3066
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I check the Walton County Court Docket for a specific case number?
To check the Walton County Court Docket by case number, go to the Walton County Clerk’s online portal at waltonclerk.com. Click on the “Court Records” or “Case Search” link. Choose “Case Number” as the search type. Type the full case number with dashes, such as 2024-CA-000123. Click “Search” to see the full docket for that case. You can also search by the party’s legal name or by the filing date range. The portal is free and open 24 hours a day. If you cannot locate the case online, call the clerk’s office at (850) 892-8115 during business hours for help. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. Court staff do not give legal advice, but they can help you locate cases and explain what each docket entry means. For appellate court cases, use the ACIS portal at acis.flcourts.gov.
2. Are Walton County Court Docket records public?
Yes, Walton County Court Docket records are public under Florida law. Florida Statute Chapter 119 says all state, county, and municipal records are open to the public. This includes civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate case dockets in Walton County. You do not need to give a reason to look up a case. You also do not need to register or pay a fee. Some records are sealed by court order, and these do not appear in the public docket. Examples of sealed records include juvenile delinquency cases, adoption files, expunged criminal records, and trade secret filings in civil cases. The clerk’s office follows the Florida Supreme Court’s Administrative Order AOSC24-65, which sets 15 user roles and access levels for electronic court records. Sealed cases can sometimes be opened by a court order, but you must file a written motion and show a legal reason to see them.
3. Can I look up the Walton County daily docket for criminal cases?
Yes, you can look up the Walton County daily docket for criminal cases through the clerk’s online portal. The clerk posts the daily docket the business day before each court session. Go to waltonclerk.com and click the “Court Calendar” link. Choose the date you want to see. The system will show all criminal cases set for that day, along with the defendant name, case number, charges, and courtroom. You can also use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com to check criminal case status. The E-Filing Portal has statewide data and is a good backup if the clerk’s portal is down. For felony cases in circuit court, look under “Circuit Criminal.” For misdemeanors in county court, look under “County Criminal.” You can also call the clerk’s office to ask about the criminal docket for a specific day or judge.
4. How much does it cost to get a certified copy of a Walton County docket entry?
The cost of a certified copy of a Walton County docket entry depends on the number of pages. As of 2025, the clerk charges $1.00 per page for a certified copy, plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. A non-certified copy costs $0.10 per page. You can also get an electronic certified copy for $1.00 per page. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Credit card payments have a 3.5% convenience fee. You can order certified copies in person at the DeFuniak Springs courthouse, by mail, or online through the clerk’s portal. Certified copies carry an official court seal and can be used in court, in other states, and for legal filings. Non-certified copies are for personal use only. Mailing certified copies adds a postage and handling fee, which is usually $2.00 to $5.00 depending on the delivery speed you choose.
5. Can I see sealed records in Walton County Court Dockets?
Most sealed records in Walton County Court Dockets are not available to the general public. Florida law and court rules protect certain records from public view. Examples include juvenile cases, adoption files, expunged criminal records, mental health records, and trade secret filings. The clerk’s office removes these records from the public docket. To see a sealed record, you must file a written motion with the court that explains why you need the record. A judge will review the motion and decide whether to open the record. You will need to give your name, the case number, and a clear reason for the request. If the judge grants the motion, the clerk will give you a copy of the record. The process can take a few weeks to a few months. There is a filing fee for the motion, which is usually around $300.00. You may also need a lawyer to help you prepare and file the motion.
6. How do I check my court date in Walton County?
To check your court date in Walton County, look up your case on the Walton County Clerk’s online portal at waltonclerk.com. Use your citation number, case number, or full legal name to search. The docket will show your next court date, the courtroom, and the judge. You can also check the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com for statewide case data. If you received a traffic ticket, your court date is printed on the citation itself. If you cannot locate your court date online, call the clerk’s office at (850) 892-8115 during business hours. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. Always confirm your court date at least 24 hours before you plan to appear. Missing a court date can lead to a warrant, a fine, or a default judgment against you.
7. What is the difference between circuit court and county court in Walton County?
In Walton County, circuit court and county court are two separate court divisions. Circuit court is the higher court and handles serious cases. These include felonies, family law, probate, juvenile cases, and civil disputes over $50,000. County court handles less serious cases. These include misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims up to $8,000, and civil disputes between $8,000 and $50,000. The Walton County Courthouse in DeFuniak Springs has courtrooms for both divisions. The same clerk’s office handles filings for both courts. You can see which court your case is in by looking at the case number. Circuit cases start with “CA,” “DR,” “PR,” or “CF” in the case number. County cases start with “CC,” “CT,” “SC,” or “MM.” The Florida Supreme Court sets the rules for both courts through the Rules of Judicial Administration.