The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer chargeable for sustaining and managing the data of the Polk County courts. The Clerk additionally supplies numerous providers to the general public, akin to issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and gathering court docket charges and fines. The Clerk’s workplace is positioned in Bartow, Florida, and has department places of work in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines Metropolis.
The Clerk of Courts is elected by the voters of Polk County for a four-year time period. The present Clerk of Courts is Stacy A. Butterfield, who was elected in 2020. Butterfield is a Republican and has served as Clerk since 2009. She is a member of the Florida Clerks of Courtroom Affiliation and the Nationwide Affiliation for Courtroom Administration.
Transition paragraph: Along with the duties and providers outlined above, the Polk County Clerk of Courts additionally provides a wide range of on-line providers for the comfort of the general public. These providers embody:
polk county florida clerk of courts
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer chargeable for numerous authorized and administrative duties in Polk County, Florida.
- Maintains court docket data
- Points marriage licenses
- Data deeds and mortgages
- Collects court docket charges and fines
- Conducts public auctions
- Supplies on-line providers
- Elected by voters
The Clerk’s workplace is positioned in Bartow, Florida, with department places of work in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines Metropolis. The present Clerk of Courts is Stacy A. Butterfield.
Maintains court docket data
One of many main duties of the Polk County Clerk of Courts is to keep up and handle the data of the Polk County courts. These data embody:
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Case information:
This consists of all paperwork filed in a court docket case, akin to pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments.
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Courtroom minutes:
This can be a file of the proceedings of a court docket case, together with the date, time, and placement of the listening to, the names of the decide and attorneys current, and a abstract of what occurred.
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Monetary data:
This consists of data of court docket charges and fines, in addition to restitution and baby assist funds.
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Very important data:
This consists of data of births, deaths, and marriages.
The Clerk of Courts is chargeable for making certain that these data are correct, full, and safe. The Clerk additionally supplies public entry to those data, both in individual on the Clerk’s workplace or on-line.
Points marriage licenses
One other vital obligation of the Polk County Clerk of Courts is to subject marriage licenses. As a way to receive a wedding license in Polk County, each events should be at the least 18 years previous (or 16 or 17 with parental consent) and should not be associated to one another inside sure levels of kinship. Each events should additionally present proof of id and residency. As soon as the appliance is accepted, the Clerk will subject a wedding license that’s legitimate for 60 days.
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Necessities:
To acquire a wedding license in Polk County, each events should meet the next necessities:
- Be at the least 18 years previous (or 16 or 17 with parental consent)
- Not be associated to one another inside sure levels of kinship
- Present proof of id and residency
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Utility course of:
The applying for a wedding license could be obtained on-line or on the Clerk’s workplace. Each events should be current to finish the appliance and supply the required documentation.
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Charges:
The charge for a wedding license in Polk County is $93. This charge consists of the price of the license itself, in addition to the price of the wedding certificates.
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Validity:
A wedding license issued in Polk County is legitimate for 60 days from the date of issuance.
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant should file the wedding license with the Clerk’s workplace inside 10 days. The Clerk will then file the wedding and subject a wedding certificates to the couple.
Data deeds and mortgages
The Polk County Clerk of Courts can also be chargeable for recording deeds and mortgages. A deed is a authorized doc that transfers possession of actual property from one individual to a different. A mortgage is a mortgage secured by actual property. When a mortgage is recorded, it creates a lien on the property, which implies that the lender can foreclose on the property if the borrower defaults on the mortgage.
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Paperwork required:
To file a deed or mortgage, the next paperwork should be submitted to the Clerk’s workplace:
- The unique deed or mortgage
- A switch tax type
- A recording charge
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Charges:
The charge for recording a deed or mortgage in Polk County is $10 per web page. There may be additionally a switch tax of $7 per $1,000 of the acquisition value.
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Recording course of:
As soon as the required paperwork and charges have been submitted, the Clerk’s workplace will file the deed or mortgage within the county’s public data. This course of sometimes takes a number of days.
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Public entry:
Recorded deeds and mortgages can be found for public inspection on the Clerk’s workplace. Copies of those paperwork will also be obtained for a charge.
Recording deeds and mortgages is a vital a part of the actual property transaction course of. It helps to guard the rights of consumers, sellers, and lenders by offering public discover of the possession and encumbrances on actual property.
Collects court docket charges and fines
The Polk County Clerk of Courts can also be chargeable for gathering court docket charges and fines. Courtroom charges are fees which are assessed to cowl the prices of court docket operations, such because the salaries of judges and court docket workers, and the upkeep of court docket amenities. Fines are penalties which are imposed by the court docket as punishment for sure offenses.
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Forms of charges and fines:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts collects a wide range of charges and fines, together with:
- Submitting charges
- Service charges
- Jury charges
- Site visitors fines
- Legal fines
- Restitution funds
- Baby assist funds
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Cost strategies:
Courtroom charges and fines could be paid in individual on the Clerk’s workplace, by mail, or on-line. The Clerk’s workplace accepts money, checks, cash orders, and bank cards.
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Penalties of non-payment:
When you fail to pay your court docket charges or fines, you might be topic to extra penalties, akin to a late fee charge, a warrant in your arrest, or a suspension of your driver’s license.
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Assist with paying court docket charges and fines:
In case you are unable to pay your court docket charges or fines, you might be able to apply for a fee plan or a waiver of charges. Contact the Clerk’s workplace for extra info.
The gathering of court docket charges and fines is a vital income for the Polk County court docket system. These funds assist to make sure that the courts have the assets they should function successfully and effectively.
Conducts public auctions
The Polk County Clerk of Courts additionally conducts public auctions. These auctions are sometimes held to promote property that has been seized by the federal government as a result of unpaid taxes or different money owed. The Clerk’s workplace additionally auctions off surplus authorities property and gadgets which have been forfeited to the court docket.
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Forms of auctions:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts conducts the next forms of auctions:
- Tax deed auctions
- Surplus property auctions
- Forfeiture auctions
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Public sale schedule:
Auctions are sometimes held on an everyday schedule, akin to as soon as a month or as soon as 1 / 4. The Clerk’s workplace publishes an inventory of upcoming auctions on its web site.
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Tips on how to take part in an public sale:
To take part in an public sale, it’s essential to register with the Clerk’s workplace upfront. Additionally, you will have to pay a deposit. On the day of the public sale, you’ll be given a bidding quantity. When the merchandise you have an interest in is up for public sale, you’ll be able to bid by elevating your bidding quantity.
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Cost and pickup:
When you win an public sale, you’ll be required to pay for the merchandise in full inside a specified time period. Additionally, you will want to choose up the merchandise from the Clerk’s workplace.
Public auctions are a good way to search out bargains on a wide range of gadgets. Nonetheless, it is very important do your analysis earlier than bidding on an merchandise. Be sure to perceive the phrases and situations of the public sale and that you’re conscious of any hidden charges or prices.
Supplies on-line providers
The Polk County Clerk of Courts provides a wide range of on-line providers for the comfort of the general public. These providers embody:
Looking out court docket data: You possibly can search the Clerk’s on-line database to search out details about court docket instances, together with case numbers, submitting dates, and case summaries. You may also entry digital copies of court docket paperwork.
Submitting court docket paperwork: You possibly can file sure court docket paperwork electronically by means of the Clerk’s web site. This can be a handy possibility in case you shouldn’t have the time or means to file your paperwork in individual.
Paying court docket charges and fines: You possibly can pay your court docket charges and fines on-line utilizing a bank card or digital test. This can be a protected and simple technique to make your funds with out having to go to the Clerk’s workplace.
Acquiring marriage licenses: You possibly can apply for a wedding license on-line. As soon as your software is accepted, you’ll be able to pay the charge and print your marriage license. You’ll then have to take the wedding license to a wedding officiant to be married.
Recording deeds and mortgages: You possibly can file deeds and mortgages on-line. This can be a handy possibility for actual property professionals and householders who wish to keep away from having to go to the Clerk’s workplace.
Conducting public auctions: The Clerk’s workplace additionally conducts public auctions on-line. This can be a nice technique to discover bargains on a wide range of gadgets, together with actual property, automobiles, and private property.
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is dedicated to offering handy and environment friendly on-line providers to the general public. These providers make it straightforward for folks to entry court docket data, file court docket paperwork, pay court docket charges and fines, and procure marriage licenses and file deeds and mortgages. The Clerk’s workplace additionally provides a wide range of different on-line providers, akin to conducting public auctions and offering details about the courts.
Elected by voters
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is an elected official. Which means that the Clerk is chosen by the voters of Polk County to serve a four-year time period in workplace. The Clerk should run for re-election each 4 years so as to stay in workplace.
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{Qualifications}:
To be eligible to run for Clerk of Courts, a candidate should be a certified elector of Polk County and will need to have been a resident of the county for at the least six months previous to the election.
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Election course of:
The Clerk of Courts is elected in a nonpartisan election, which implies that candidates don’t run on a celebration ticket. The election is held on the identical day as the overall election for state and federal places of work.
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Time period of workplace:
The Clerk of Courts serves a four-year time period, which begins on the primary Tuesday after the primary Monday in January following the election.
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Duties and obligations:
The Clerk of Courts is chargeable for sustaining and managing the data of the Polk County courts, issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and gathering court docket charges and fines. The Clerk additionally supplies numerous on-line providers to the general public.
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a vital elected official who performs a significant function within the administration of justice within the county. The Clerk is chargeable for making certain that the courts have the assets they should function successfully and effectively, and that the general public has entry to the court docket data and providers they want.
FAQ
Introduction Paragraph for FAQ:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts web site has a complete FAQ part that gives solutions to generally requested questions concerning the Clerk’s workplace and the providers it supplies. Listed below are among the most ceaselessly requested questions and their solutions:
Query 1: What are the hours of operation for the Clerk’s workplace?
Reply 1: The Clerk’s workplace is open from 8:00 AM to five:00 PM, Monday by means of Friday, aside from holidays.
Query 2: The place is the Clerk’s workplace positioned?
Reply 2: The Clerk’s workplace is positioned at 333 North Florida Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830. There are additionally department places of work in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines Metropolis.
Query 3: What providers does the Clerk’s workplace present?
Reply 3: The Clerk’s workplace supplies a wide range of providers, together with sustaining and managing court docket data, issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, gathering court docket charges and fines, and conducting public auctions.
Query 4: How can I search court docket data on-line?
Reply 4: You possibly can search court docket data on-line by means of the Clerk’s web site. Merely click on on the “Courtroom Data Search” hyperlink on the homepage and enter the related info.
Query 5: How do I file a doc with the Clerk’s workplace?
Reply 5: You possibly can file a doc with the Clerk’s workplace in individual, by mail, or electronically. For extra info, please go to the Clerk’s web site or contact the Clerk’s workplace instantly.
Query 6: How can I pay my court docket charges and fines on-line?
Reply 6: You possibly can pay your court docket charges and fines on-line utilizing a bank card or digital test by means of the Clerk’s web site. Merely click on on the “Pay Courtroom Charges and Fines” hyperlink on the homepage and observe the directions.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just some of probably the most ceaselessly requested questions concerning the Polk County Clerk of Courts. For extra info, please go to the Clerk’s web site or contact the Clerk’s workplace instantly.
Transition paragraph:
Along with the FAQ part, the Polk County Clerk of Courts web site additionally has a useful suggestions part that gives info on find out how to use the Clerk’s on-line providers and find out how to navigate the court docket system.
Ideas
Introduction Paragraph for Ideas:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts web site has a useful suggestions part that gives info on find out how to use the Clerk’s on-line providers and find out how to navigate the court docket system. Listed below are a number of sensible suggestions that can assist you get began:
Tip 1: Use the net providers.
The Clerk’s workplace provides a wide range of on-line providers that may prevent time and trouble. You possibly can search court docket data, file paperwork, pay court docket charges and fines, and procure marriage licenses on-line. To entry these providers, merely go to the Clerk’s web site and click on on the “On-line Companies” hyperlink.
Tip 2: File your paperwork electronically.
If you might want to file a doc with the Clerk’s workplace, you are able to do so electronically. This can be a handy and environment friendly technique to file your paperwork with out having to go to the Clerk’s workplace in individual. To file a doc electronically, merely go to the Clerk’s web site and click on on the “E-Submitting” hyperlink.
Tip 3: Pay your court docket charges and fines on-line.
You possibly can pay your court docket charges and fines on-line utilizing a bank card or digital test. This can be a protected and simple technique to make your funds with out having to go to the Clerk’s workplace in individual. To pay your court docket charges and fines on-line, merely go to the Clerk’s web site and click on on the “Pay Courtroom Charges and Fines” hyperlink.
Tip 4: Get assist from the Clerk’s workplace.
In case you have any questions or need assistance utilizing the Clerk’s on-line providers, you’ll be able to contact the Clerk’s workplace instantly. The Clerk’s workplace has a staff of pleasant and educated workers who’re prepared to help you.
Closing Paragraph for Ideas:
By following the following pointers, it can save you time and trouble when utilizing the Polk County Clerk of Courts web site and providers.
Transition paragraph:
Along with the FAQ and suggestions sections, the Polk County Clerk of Courts web site additionally has a complete conclusion part that gives info on the Clerk’s workplace and the providers it supplies.
Conclusion
Abstract of Foremost Factors:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer chargeable for sustaining and managing the data of the Polk County courts. The Clerk additionally supplies numerous providers to the general public, akin to issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and gathering court docket charges and fines. The Clerk’s workplace is positioned in Bartow, Florida, and has department places of work in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines Metropolis.
The Clerk of Courts is elected by the voters of Polk County for a four-year time period. The Clerk’s workplace provides a wide range of on-line providers for the comfort of the general public, together with looking court docket data, submitting paperwork, paying court docket charges and fines, and acquiring marriage licenses. The Clerk’s workplace additionally has a useful FAQ and suggestions part that can assist you use the Clerk’s on-line providers and navigate the court docket system.
Closing Message:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is dedicated to offering wonderful service to the general public. The Clerk’s workplace is staffed with a staff of pleasant and educated professionals who’re prepared to help you with any questions or wants you will have. Whether or not you might want to search court docket data, file a doc, pay court docket charges and fines, or receive a wedding license, the Polk County Clerk of Courts is right here to assist.
