The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer liable for sustaining and managing the data of the Polk County courts. The Clerk additionally gives numerous providers to the general public, corresponding to issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and amassing courtroom charges and fines. The Clerk’s workplace is situated in Bartow, Florida, and has department workplaces 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 Court docket Affiliation and the Nationwide Affiliation for Court docket Administration.
Transition paragraph: Along with the duties and providers outlined above, the Polk County Clerk of Courts additionally provides quite a lot 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 liable for numerous authorized and administrative duties in Polk County, Florida.
- Maintains courtroom data
- Points marriage licenses
- Data deeds and mortgages
- Collects courtroom charges and fines
- Conducts public auctions
- Gives on-line providers
- Elected by voters
The Clerk’s workplace is situated in Bartow, Florida, with department workplaces in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines Metropolis. The present Clerk of Courts is Stacy A. Butterfield.
Maintains courtroom data
One of many major duties of the Polk County Clerk of Courts is to take care of 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 courtroom case, corresponding to pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments.
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Court docket minutes:
This can be a document of the proceedings of a courtroom case, together with the date, time, and placement of the listening to, the names of the choose and attorneys current, and a abstract of what occurred.
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Monetary data:
This consists of data of courtroom charges and fines, in addition to restitution and baby help funds.
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Important data:
This consists of data of births, deaths, and marriages.
The Clerk of Courts is liable for making certain that these data are correct, full, and safe. The Clerk additionally gives public entry to those data, both in particular person on the Clerk’s workplace or on-line.
Points marriage licenses
One other vital responsibility of the Polk County Clerk of Courts is to difficulty marriage licenses. With the intention to get hold of a wedding license in Polk County, each events should be no less than 18 years outdated (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 permitted, the Clerk will difficulty 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 no less than 18 years outdated (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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Software 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 document the wedding and difficulty a wedding certificates to the couple.
Data deeds and mortgages
The Polk County Clerk of Courts can also be liable for recording deeds and mortgages. A deed is a authorized doc that transfers possession of actual property from one particular person 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 signifies that the lender can foreclose on the property if the borrower defaults on the mortgage.
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Paperwork required:
To document a deed or mortgage, the next paperwork should be submitted to the Clerk’s workplace:
- The unique deed or mortgage
- A switch tax kind
- 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 costs have been submitted, the Clerk’s workplace will document the deed or mortgage within the county’s public data. This course of usually 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 may also be obtained for a charge.
Recording deeds and mortgages is a crucial a part of the true 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 courtroom charges and fines
The Polk County Clerk of Courts can also be liable for amassing courtroom charges and fines. Court docket charges are costs which are assessed to cowl the prices of courtroom operations, such because the salaries of judges and courtroom employees, and the upkeep of courtroom amenities. Fines are penalties which are imposed by the courtroom as punishment for sure offenses.
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Forms of charges and fines:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts collects quite a lot of charges and fines, together with:
- Submitting charges
- Service charges
- Jury charges
- Site visitors fines
- Felony fines
- Restitution funds
- Little one help funds
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Fee strategies:
Court docket charges and fines could be paid in particular person 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 courtroom charges or fines, chances are you’ll be topic to further penalties, corresponding to a late fee charge, a warrant to your arrest, or a suspension of your driver’s license.
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Assist with paying courtroom charges and fines:
If you’re unable to pay your courtroom 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 courtroom charges and fines is a crucial income for the Polk County courtroom system. These funds assist to make sure that the courts have the sources they should function successfully and effectively.
Conducts public auctions
The Polk County Clerk of Courts additionally conducts public auctions. These auctions are usually held to promote property that has been seized by the federal government as a consequence 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 courtroom.
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Forms of auctions:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts conducts the next sorts of auctions:
- Tax deed auctions
- Surplus property auctions
- Forfeiture auctions
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Public sale schedule:
Auctions are usually held on a daily schedule, corresponding 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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The way to take part in an public sale:
To take part in an public sale, it’s essential to register with the Clerk’s workplace prematurely. Additionally, you will must 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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Fee and pickup:
When you win an public sale, you’ll be required to pay for the merchandise in full inside a specified time frame. Additionally, you will want to select up the merchandise from the Clerk’s workplace.
Public auctions are a good way to search out bargains on quite a lot of gadgets. Nevertheless, it is very important do your analysis earlier than bidding on an merchandise. Ensure you perceive the phrases and circumstances of the public sale and that you’re conscious of any hidden charges or prices.
Gives on-line providers
The Polk County Clerk of Courts provides quite a lot of on-line providers for the comfort of the general public. These providers embody:
Looking out courtroom data: You’ll be able to search the Clerk’s on-line database to search out details about courtroom instances, together with case numbers, submitting dates, and case summaries. It’s also possible to entry digital copies of courtroom paperwork.
Submitting courtroom paperwork: You’ll be able to file sure courtroom paperwork electronically via the Clerk’s web site. This can be a handy possibility when you do not need the time or capacity to file your paperwork in particular person.
Paying courtroom charges and fines: You’ll be able to pay your courtroom charges and fines on-line utilizing a bank card or digital verify. This can be a protected and straightforward method to make your funds with out having to go to the Clerk’s workplace.
Acquiring marriage licenses: You’ll be able to apply for a wedding license on-line. As soon as your software is permitted, you’ll be able to pay the charge and print your marriage license. You’ll then must take the wedding license to a wedding officiant to be married.
Recording deeds and mortgages: You’ll be able to document deeds and mortgages on-line. This can be a handy possibility for actual property professionals and owners who need 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 method to discover bargains on quite a lot 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 simple for individuals to entry courtroom data, file courtroom paperwork, pay courtroom charges and fines, and acquire marriage licenses and document deeds and mortgages. The Clerk’s workplace additionally provides quite a lot of different on-line providers, corresponding 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 with the intention 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 should have been a resident of the county for no less than six months previous to the election.
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Election course of:
The Clerk of Courts is elected in a nonpartisan election, which signifies that candidates don’t run on a celebration ticket. The election is held on the identical day as the final election for state and federal workplaces.
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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 liable for sustaining and managing the data of the Polk County courts, issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and amassing courtroom charges and fines. The Clerk additionally gives numerous on-line providers to the general public.
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a crucial elected official who performs a significant position within the administration of justice within the county. The Clerk is liable for making certain that the courts have the sources they should function successfully and effectively, and that the general public has entry to the courtroom 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 gives. Listed below are a few of the most often 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 via Friday, aside from holidays.
Query 2: The place is the Clerk’s workplace situated?
Reply 2: The Clerk’s workplace is situated at 333 North Florida Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830. There are additionally department workplaces in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines Metropolis.
Query 3: What providers does the Clerk’s workplace present?
Reply 3: The Clerk’s workplace gives quite a lot of providers, together with sustaining and managing courtroom data, issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, amassing courtroom charges and fines, and conducting public auctions.
Query 4: How can I search courtroom data on-line?
Reply 4: You’ll be able to search courtroom data on-line via the Clerk’s web site. Merely click on on the “Court docket 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’ll be able to file a doc with the Clerk’s workplace in particular person, by mail, or electronically. For extra info, please go to the Clerk’s web site or contact the Clerk’s workplace immediately.
Query 6: How can I pay my courtroom charges and fines on-line?
Reply 6: You’ll be able to pay your courtroom charges and fines on-line utilizing a bank card or digital verify via the Clerk’s web site. Merely click on on the “Pay Court docket Charges and Fines” hyperlink on the homepage and observe the directions.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just some of essentially the most often 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 immediately.
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 courtroom system.
Suggestions
Introduction Paragraph for Suggestions:
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 courtroom system. Listed below are a number of sensible suggestions that can assist you get began:
Tip 1: Use the web providers.
The Clerk’s workplace provides quite a lot of on-line providers that may prevent time and problem. You’ll be able to search courtroom data, file paperwork, pay courtroom charges and fines, and acquire marriage licenses on-line. To entry these providers, merely go to the Clerk’s web site and click on on the “On-line Providers” hyperlink.
Tip 2: File your paperwork electronically.
If you could file a doc with the Clerk’s workplace, you are able to do so electronically. This can be a handy and environment friendly method to file your paperwork with out having to go to the Clerk’s workplace in particular person. 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 courtroom charges and fines on-line.
You’ll be able to pay your courtroom charges and fines on-line utilizing a bank card or digital verify. This can be a protected and straightforward method to make your funds with out having to go to the Clerk’s workplace in particular person. To pay your courtroom charges and fines on-line, merely go to the Clerk’s web site and click on on the “Pay Court docket Charges and Fines” hyperlink.
Tip 4: Get assist from the Clerk’s workplace.
When you’ve got any questions or need assistance utilizing the Clerk’s on-line providers, you’ll be able to contact the Clerk’s workplace immediately. The Clerk’s workplace has a workforce of pleasant and educated employees who’re prepared to help you.
Closing Paragraph for Suggestions:
By following the following tips, it can save you time and problem 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 gives.
Conclusion
Abstract of Major Factors:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer liable for sustaining and managing the data of the Polk County courts. The Clerk additionally gives numerous providers to the general public, corresponding to issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and amassing courtroom charges and fines. The Clerk’s workplace is situated in Bartow, Florida, and has department workplaces 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 quite a lot of on-line providers for the comfort of the general public, together with looking out courtroom data, submitting paperwork, paying courtroom 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 courtroom 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 workforce of pleasant and educated professionals who’re prepared to help you with any questions or wants you will have. Whether or not you could search courtroom data, file a doc, pay courtroom charges and fines, or get hold of a wedding license, the Polk County Clerk of Courts is right here to assist.
