Okaloosa County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Okaloosa County?

Public records in Okaloosa County encompass all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. As defined by Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), these records are available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.

Okaloosa County maintains the following categories of public records:

Property Records - Deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, and other real estate transactions
Court Records - Civil, criminal, probate, family, and traffic case files
Vital Records - Marriage licenses and death certificates (birth certificates are maintained by the Florida Department of Health)
Tax Records - Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies
Voting and Election Records - Voter registration information and election results
Business Records - Fictitious name registrations, business licenses, and permits
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest reports, incident reports, and jail records
County Commission Records - Meeting minutes, resolutions, and ordinances
Land Records - Plats, surveys, and land use documents
Financial Records - County budgets, expenditures, and financial reports
Building and Zoning Records - Building permits, inspections, and code enforcement actions
Environmental Records - Environmental assessments and permits

These records are primarily maintained by the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller who serves as the county recorder, though some specialized records may be held by other county departments or agencies.

Is Okaloosa County an Open Records County?

Okaloosa County is indeed an open records county, operating in full compliance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law (Chapter 286, Florida Statutes). These statutes establish Florida as one of the nation's most transparent states regarding public access to government information.

Pursuant to Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which guarantees the right of access to public records and meetings, Okaloosa County maintains a presumption of openness in all government operations. The county's Administrative Policy Manual explicitly states: "All records custodians shall comply with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, in providing access to public records. It is the policy of Okaloosa County that all county records shall be open for personal inspection by any person, at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions, except those records specifically exempted or made confidential by law."

This commitment to transparency is further reinforced by Florida Statute §119.01(1), which declares: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."

Okaloosa County has implemented this mandate by providing multiple access points for public records, including in-person services, online portals, and dedicated staff to assist with records requests.

How Do I Find Public Records in Okaloosa County in 2025

Members of the public seeking records in Okaloosa County in 2025 may utilize several methods to access information. The county has expanded its digital services while maintaining traditional access options.

For online access, the Okaloosa County Public Records Portal serves as the primary gateway for most records. This comprehensive system allows users to:

Search court records by case number, party name, or filing date
Access property records including deeds, mortgages, and liens
View county commission minutes and ordinances
Download marriage license applications and certificates
Search official records by book and page or instrument number

For geographic information and property data, the Okaloosa County GIS & Property Lookup provides interactive maps and property information, including:

Property ownership details
Parcel boundaries and dimensions
Zoning classifications
Flood zone information
Tax assessment data

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Okaloosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller - Main Office
101 E James Lee Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
(850) 689-5800
Okaloosa County Clerk

Okaloosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller - Branch Office
1940 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 110
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 651-7200
Okaloosa County Clerk

For specialized records, requestors should contact the appropriate department:

Law enforcement records: Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Tax records: Okaloosa County Tax Collector
Health records: Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County
Court case information: First Judicial Circuit of Florida

Written requests may be submitted via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate agency. Pursuant to Florida Statute §119.07, agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond in a reasonable timeframe.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Okaloosa County?

Fees for public records in Okaloosa County are established in accordance with Florida Statute §119.07(4), which permits agencies to charge only the actual cost of duplication plus labor costs for extensive requests. The current fee schedule for Okaloosa County public records is as follows:

Standard copies (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14"):
- Single-sided: $0.15 per page
- Double-sided: $0.20 per page
Certified copies: $1.00 per document plus copy charges
Large format documents (maps, plats, etc.):
- 11" x 17": $0.25 per page
- 24" x 36": $5.00 per page
- 36" x 48": $7.50 per page
Digital media:
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- USB drive: Actual cost of the device
Special service charges: For requests requiring extensive use of information technology resources or clerical assistance (defined as more than 30 minutes), an additional fee of $20.00 per hour may be assessed.
Court records:
- Case dockets: $1.00 per page
- Court documents: $1.00 per page for certified copies
- Complete case files: Variable based on volume
Recorded documents:
- First page: $5.00
- Each additional page: $4.00
- Document certification: $2.00 additional per document

Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card (where available). Agencies may require payment in advance if the estimated cost exceeds $10.00. Fee waivers or reductions may be available for requests that serve a public purpose, at the discretion of the records custodian.

Does Okaloosa County Have Free Public Records?

Okaloosa County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost to requestors. While certain records may incur statutory fees as outlined in Florida Statute §119.07, the county has implemented multiple free access options in the interest of government transparency.

The following records are available at no charge:

Online Records Access:
- The Okaloosa County Public Records Portal offers free searching and viewing of many official records, including court dockets, property records, and county commission minutes.
- The Okaloosa County Open Data Portal provides free downloads of geographic information system (GIS) data, census information, and other county datasets.
- The Okaloosa County GIS & Property Lookup allows free access to property information, maps, and related geographic data.
In-Person Inspection:
- Pursuant to Florida Statute §119.07(1)(a), any person has the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours.
- Computer terminals are available at the Clerk's offices for public use to access electronic records at no cost.
- The Okaloosa County Law Library provides free access to legal resources and certain public records.
Specific Free Records:
- Voter registration information (excluding exempt information)
- County Commission meeting agendas and minutes
- Current county ordinances and resolutions
- Public notices and announcements
- Budget documents and financial reports

Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statute §119.07(4)(d), agencies may not charge for inspection of records, and if the nature or volume of records requires extensive clerical assistance, only the labor cost of such extensive assistance may be charged.

Who Can Request Public Records In Okaloosa County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), any person, regardless of citizenship status, age, or purpose, may request access to public records maintained by Okaloosa County agencies. The statute defines "any person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, associations, partnerships, trusts, and all other legal entities.

Key provisions regarding who may request records include:

No residency requirement: Requestors need not be Florida residents or U.S. citizens to access public records.
No identification required: Pursuant to Florida Statute §119.07(1)(a), agencies may not require requestors to provide identification or disclose their purpose for requesting records.
Anonymous requests permitted: Individuals may make anonymous requests for public records, though providing contact information may facilitate communication regarding the request.
No age restrictions: Minors have the same right to access public records as adults.
Representatives and agents: Attorneys, researchers, commercial entities, and other representatives may request records on behalf of others.
Media organizations: Journalists and news outlets have the same access rights as any other person, with no special privileges or restrictions.
Inmates: Pursuant to Florida Statute §119.07(8), county or municipal agencies may restrict a convicted felon's access to certain records about agency personnel if the felon has been convicted of certain offenses.
Commercial use: Records may be requested for commercial purposes, though certain records (such as voter registration information) may have restrictions on commercial use under specific statutes.

The law explicitly states that an agency may not inquire about the purpose of a request as a condition of fulfilling it, except in very limited circumstances where specific statutory exemptions apply.

What Records Are Confidential In Okaloosa County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of openness for public records, certain records are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to various provisions in Florida Statutes. In Okaloosa County, the following categories of records are confidential or exempt from public inspection:

Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers (§119.071(5)(a))
- Bank account numbers and credit/debit card numbers (§119.071(5)(b))
- Medical and health information (§119.071(4)(a))
- Birth certificates (access restricted to family members and certain entities)
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active criminal investigative information (§119.071(2)(c))
- Confidential informant identities (§119.071(2)(f))
- Surveillance techniques and procedures (§119.071(2)(d))
- Juvenile offender records (§985.04)
- Victim information for certain crimes (§119.071(2)(h))
Personnel Records:
- Home addresses, telephone numbers, and photographs of certain public employees including law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and public defenders (§119.071(4)(d))
- Employee medical information (§119.071(4)(b))
- Performance evaluations until completed (§119.071(4)(c))
Court Records:
- Records pertaining to juveniles (§985.04)
- Sealed or expunged criminal history records (§943.0585 and §943.059)
- Certain family court records including adoption records (§63.162)
- Baker Act and Marchman Act proceedings (§394.4615 and §397.501)
Business and Economic Information:
- Trade secrets (§815.045)
- Certain economic development information (§288.075)
- Bids and proposals until decision or within 30 days (§119.071(1)(b))
Security Information:
- Security system plans (§119.071(3)(a))
- Information technology security systems (§282.318)
- Emergency evacuation plans (§119.071(3)(a))
Other Protected Records:
- Child abuse reports (§39.202)
- Certain educational records (FERPA, 20 U.S.C. §1232g)
- Library circulation records (§257.261)
- Voter registration information designated as confidential (§97.0585)

Requestors seeking potentially exempt information may be required to provide additional documentation or court orders to establish their legal right to access such records. County agencies are required to redact only the exempt information while providing access to the remainder of the record whenever possible.

Okaloosa County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller serves as the county recorder and maintains official records for the county. The office provides services at two locations:

Okaloosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller - Main Office
101 E James Lee Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
(850) 689-5800
Okaloosa County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Okaloosa County Clerk of Court & Comptroller - Branch Office
1940 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 110
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 651-7200
Okaloosa County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other official documents
Marriage license applications and issuance
Passport application processing (Crestview location only)
Court records access and filing
Tax deed applications
Certified copies of recorded documents
Notary services

Documents may be recorded in person during regular business hours or submitted by mail to either office location. Electronic recording (e-recording) services are also available through approved third-party vendors for qualified professionals.

For recording questions or information:
Recording Department: (850) 689-5800, Option 3
Email: recording@okaloosaclerk.com