The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer accountable for sustaining and managing the information of the Polk County courts. The Clerk additionally supplies numerous providers to the general public, reminiscent of issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and amassing courtroom 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 presents 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 accountable for numerous authorized and administrative duties in Polk County, Florida.
- Maintains courtroom information
- 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 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 courtroom information
One of many main duties of the Polk County Clerk of Courts is to keep up and handle the information of the Polk County courts. These information embody:
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Case recordsdata:
This contains all paperwork filed in a courtroom case, reminiscent of pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments.
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Courtroom 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 decide and attorneys current, and a abstract of what occurred.
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Monetary information:
This contains information of courtroom charges and fines, in addition to restitution and little one assist funds.
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Important information:
This contains information of births, deaths, and marriages.
The Clerk of Courts is accountable for making certain that these information are correct, full, and safe. The Clerk additionally supplies public entry to those information, both in individual on the Clerk’s workplace or on-line.
Points marriage licenses
One other essential obligation of the Polk County Clerk of Courts is to subject marriage licenses. With the intention to receive a wedding license in Polk County, each events should be at the very least 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 identification and residency. As soon as the applying 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 very least 18 years outdated (or 16 or 17 with parental consent)
- Not be associated to one another inside sure levels of kinship
- Present proof of identification 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 applying and supply the required documentation.
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Charges:
The charge for a wedding license in Polk County is $93. This charge contains 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 subject a wedding certificates to the couple.
Data deeds and mortgages
The Polk County Clerk of Courts can also be accountable 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 document 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’s additionally a switch tax of $7 per $1,000 of the acquisition worth.
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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 information. 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 may 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 patrons, 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 accountable for amassing courtroom charges and fines. Courtroom 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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Varieties 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
- Visitors fines
- Felony fines
- Restitution funds
- Youngster 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:
In the event you fail to pay your courtroom charges or fines, it’s possible you’ll be topic to extra penalties, reminiscent of a late fee charge, a warrant on your arrest, or a suspension of your driver’s license.
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Assist with paying courtroom charges and fines:
In case you are unable to pay your courtroom charges or fines, you could possibly 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 vital income for the Polk County courtroom 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 resulting from unpaid taxes or different money owed. The Clerk’s workplace additionally auctions off surplus authorities property and gadgets which were forfeited to the courtroom.
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Varieties of auctions:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts conducts the next kinds of auctions:
- Tax deed auctions
- Surplus property auctions
- Forfeiture auctions
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Public sale schedule:
Auctions are sometimes held on a daily schedule, reminiscent of as soon as a month or as soon as 1 / 4. The Clerk’s workplace publishes a listing of upcoming auctions on its web site.
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The best way to take part in an public sale:
To take part in an public sale, you could register with the Clerk’s workplace prematurely. Additionally, you will must pay a deposit. On the day of the public sale, you can 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:
In the event you win an public sale, you can be required to pay for the merchandise in full inside a specified time frame. Additionally, you will want to choose up the merchandise from the Clerk’s workplace.
Public auctions are a good way to seek out bargains on quite a lot of gadgets. Nonetheless, you will need to 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 presents quite a lot of on-line providers for the comfort of the general public. These providers embody:
Looking courtroom information: You’ll be able to search the Clerk’s on-line database to seek out details about courtroom circumstances, together with case numbers, submitting dates, and case summaries. You can too 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 don’t have the time or means to file your paperwork in individual.
Paying courtroom charges and fines: You’ll be able to pay your courtroom charges and fines on-line utilizing a bank card or digital examine. This can be a secure and straightforward option 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 utility is accepted, 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 householders 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 option 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 folks to entry courtroom information, file courtroom paperwork, pay courtroom charges and fines, and procure marriage licenses and document deeds and mortgages. The Clerk’s workplace additionally presents quite a lot of different on-line providers, reminiscent of conducting public auctions and offering details about the courts.
Elected by voters
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is an elected official. Because of this 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 professional elector of Polk County and should have been a resident of the county for at the very 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 final 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 accountable for sustaining and managing the information of the Polk County courts, issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and amassing courtroom 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 an important function within the administration of justice within the county. The Clerk is accountable for making certain that the courts have the assets they should function successfully and effectively, and that the general public has entry to the courtroom information 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 in regards to the Clerk’s workplace and the providers it supplies. Listed here are a number of the most continuously 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 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 quite a lot of providers, together with sustaining and managing courtroom information, 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 information on-line?
Reply 4: You’ll be able to search courtroom information on-line via 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’ll be able to 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 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 examine via 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 continuously requested questions in regards to 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 ideas part that gives info on easy methods to use the Clerk’s on-line providers and easy methods to navigate the courtroom system.
Suggestions
Introduction Paragraph for Suggestions:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts web site has a useful ideas part that gives info on easy methods to use the Clerk’s on-line providers and easy methods to navigate the courtroom system. Listed here are a number of sensible ideas that will help you get began:
Tip 1: Use the net providers.
The Clerk’s workplace presents quite a lot of on-line providers that may prevent time and problem. You’ll be able to search courtroom information, file paperwork, pay courtroom 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 it’s essential to file a doc with the Clerk’s workplace, you are able to do so electronically. This can be a handy and environment friendly option 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 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 examine. This can be a secure and straightforward option to make your funds with out having to go to the Clerk’s workplace in individual. To pay your courtroom 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.
You probably have 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 staff 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 ideas 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 Predominant Factors:
The Polk County Clerk of Courts is a constitutional officer accountable for sustaining and managing the information of the Polk County courts. The Clerk additionally supplies numerous providers to the general public, reminiscent of issuing marriage licenses and passports, recording deeds and mortgages, and amassing courtroom 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 presents quite a lot of on-line providers for the comfort of the general public, together with looking out courtroom information, submitting paperwork, paying courtroom charges and fines, and acquiring marriage licenses. The Clerk’s workplace additionally has a useful FAQ and ideas part that will help 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 staff of pleasant and educated professionals who’re prepared to help you with any questions or wants you might have. Whether or not it’s essential to search courtroom information, file a doc, pay courtroom charges and fines, or receive a wedding license, the Polk County Clerk of Courts is right here to assist.
