Public Records

Role of the Clerk / Official Records / Marriage Licenses / Marriage Fee Information Marriage Course Providers / Passports / Tax Deeds
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Role of the Clerk

The major roles of the office of the Clerk of Court revolve around records, public records.  We keep a large volume of records, in the areas we refer to as Official Records, Court Records, and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) records.

As an independent elected county officer authorized by the Florida constitution, our office plays a role in the check-and-balance function in local government.  We keep the court files, records, and evidence in lieu of prosecutors, defense attorneys, or judges having that responsibility.

These are court records in the custody of the Clerk but they belong to the public. Under current rules only limited court information is available online: Court Record Search We are however, scanning in court documents and when the time comes for these to be put on-line, we will have them in proper format for your access.

We play an even more significant role in County Government in our Clerk to the Board role, being both the keeper of the official minutes of all Board meetings, and the custodian of all ordinances, resolutions, and contracts for the BOCC.

This Clerk to the Board role is extended by law into the finance function of local government, paying the bills and keeping the books for the BOCC.  The Clerk is charged with signing the checks for county disbursements only when the Clerk has determined that the expenditure is legal.  We keep all of the financial documents and records and these are public records, available for your inspection.  After all, this is your business, the public business!

Our future goals include plans to put other BOCC information on the internet, and we will let you know as that becomes a reality.

Finally, we fill the role of County recorder, by keeping the “Official Record” of various documents that have to do with land ownership, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, etc. These are also very important public records impacting everybody's lives.

We take these responsibilities very seriously and attempt to make all records available for public inspection.  You may view Official Records since January of 1990 online, where they have been posted since 2005.  We also have subdivision plat maps on-line, and we are working on getting more of this type of record on-line and accessible, such as old tax roll books, pre-1990 Official Records, and certain other record series.

We are pleased to announce that we have redacted certain private information that is included in the official record which is available on the web to help in protecting your privacy while facilitating access to these records.

Our official Records department also oversees functions such as tax deeds, marriage licenses, and passport applications.

Official Records Department

Official Records

Among the large number of official record questions the clerk receives, there are a few that are asked more than most. Here you will find many of these “Frequently Asked Questions” and their answers.

If your particular question is not here, or you need elaboration on an answer given here, feel free to contact the Clerk.

What types of documents can be recorded?

• Agreements
• Assignments
• Assignment of Judgment
• Cancellations or Satisfactions of Mortgages and Liens
• Certified Copies of Court Documents
• Certificate of Discharge
• Certificate of Separation of Service
• Death Certificates
• Declaration of Domicile
• Deeds
• Easements
• Financing Statements
• Judgments
• Leases
• Mortgages
• Notice of Claims of Lien
• Notice of Commencements
• Notices of Levy
• Notices of Liens for taxes
• Notice of Lis Pendens
• Powers of Attorney relating to any of the instruments
• Releases
• Releases of Judgments
• Satisfactions of Judgment
• Tax executions and other instruments relating to the ownership, transfer, or encumbrance of or claims against real or personal property, or any interest therein
• Tax Warrants

Any other instruments required or authorized by law to be recorded

Where can I record a document?

The Clerk of Circuit Court Official Records Recording Department is located at the Wakulla County Courthouse, 3056 Crawfordville Hwy., Crawfordville, FL 32327. The department is open for recording business 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

What is the Recording process?

• Documents are reviewed to make sure they meet Florida Statute requirements.
• Appropriate fees are collected.
• Consecutive Clerk’s numbers and official record book and page numbers along with the date and time of recording are placed on the document. Documentary and intangible tax is also placed on the document, if required.
• In the case of documents transferring real property, a Property Transfer Form is required to be completed and submitted with the document to be recorded. These forms are available in the Official Records Recording department.
• Each document is digitally imaged. An alphabetical Official Record index is created from information contained in each document.
• The quality of the images is then verified.
• The original is returned to the party indicated on the document.

What are the requirements of recording a document?

• Date
• The name and address of each person signing an instrument affecting real property.
• The name and address of each person receiving property on all documents conveying an interest in real property.
• Legal Description of property
• The signed and typed or printed names are in agreement
• Notary acknowledgement
• Notary Public seal and expiration date
• Corporate seal if applicable
• Name and address of the natural person who prepared the instrument or under whose supervision it was prepared
• A 3 inch square at the top right-hand corner on first page for placement of Recording Label.
• Name of each person who executed, witnessed and acknowledged documents affecting real property shall be legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped on each document.
• The grantor, grantee or agent for grantee must indicate on the Property Transfer Form the amount of Sale/Transfer, and Existing Mortgage, if applicable. This information determines the amount of Documentary Tax due. This information is required by the Department of Revenue and the Property Appraiser. The forms are available in the Official Records Recording Department.

What are the Recording fees?

Recording fees are $10.00 for the first page, and $8.50 each additional page. Documentary Stamps on deeds are calculated at $.70 per $100.00 of consideration in addition an intagigle tax is applicable to mortgages. These are both state fees our offices are required to collect.

Recording Fee Calculators

http://www.wakullaclerk.com/feecalculator.asp

How do I purchase copies of Official Records?

• By mailing a request for copies to the Official Records Office along with the appropriate fee (See fees below).
• By using the Clerk of Court Official Web-site: www.wakullaclerk.com, to obtain an unofficial copy of the document.
• By using MyFloridaCounty.Com, purchasing documents using a credit card.
• Fees for documents are: $1.00 per copy. If a certification is requested, the fee is $2.00 for certification, in addition to the $1.00 per copy fee.

Please Note: Postage is not Supplied for Return US Mail

Search

The County presents the information on this web site as a service to the public. We have tried to ensure that the information contained in this electronic search system is accurate. County makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of the content at this site or at other sites to which we link. Assessing accuracy and reliability of information is the responsibility of the user. The user is advised to search on all possible spelling variations of proper names, in order to maximize search results.

The County shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for any damages in connection with the use of the information contained herein.

Wakulla County, Florida Public Records Search

Plat CD Orders

To order a CD of the counties plats please contact: The recording desk at 850-926-0326.

Marriage Licenses

A marriage license may be obtained in the Wakulla County Courthouse or you may complete the following form with the exception of the signature line. Do not sign any document until you are in the presence of a Deputy Clerk. It would be helpful if you could arrive no later than 4:00 p.m. to complete your application. Both parties must apply in person at the same time.

The application fee is $93.50, unless premarital counseling has been performed by a registered provider, in which case the application fee is $61.00. Fees are payable in cash, check or money order. You will need to present your certificate of completion in order to be eligible for this discount. Please feel free to call our office at (850) 926-0322 to request a facsimile of the approved course providers or just visit our list online.

Florida law does not require a blood test.

United States citizens are required to present a photo ID, which has the correct legal name, correct date of birth and signature. We will accept one of the following:

• Driver’s License
• Passport
• Military ID or State Identification Card
• Non-United States citizens must present a Passport or a valid government issued alien registration card with photo, date of birth and signature.

Expired identification will not be accepted.

There is a three day waiting period after the marriage license is obtained before a ceremony may be performed, unless the couple has taken a premarital course from a registered provider, or unless the couple is from out-of-state.

You will be required to acknowledge that you have read the "Florida Marriage Handbook".

Other Useful Information:

• We do not come to other locations.
• Blood tests are not required.
• You do not need to be a resident of Florida.
• Marriage licenses are valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance.
• If divorced or widowed the exact date the last marriage ended or date of death of your spouse is required.
• Any applicant under the age of 18 must have the consent of both parents. Consent forms may be obtained from this office. Exception: if one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required.
• A civil marriage ceremony can be performed by a Clerk or Deputy Clerk. The fee for performing the ceremony is $30.00.
• No witnesses are required for a marriage ceremony.
• If you need a certified copy of a marriage license dial (850) 926-0326. You may also order one from www.myflorida.com.

Is there a waiting period in the state of Florida for getting married after a couple applies for a marriage license? Do you have to apply in the county you live in? Can a minor apply for a license?

Yes and no. There is normally a 3-day waiting period as of January 1, 1999. However, if both parties have taken a 4-hour premarital preparation course given by a minister or counselor registered with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the waiting period is waived, and the license fee is reduced.

If only one applicant took the course, the waiting period is still required.

If neither applicant is a Florida resident, the waiting period is not required.

If one applicant is not a Florida resident, and the other is a Florida resident and has taken the premarital course, the waiting period is still required.

A marriage license may be applied for and solemnized in any Florida county.

Minors, who under oath, swear that they are parents or expectant parents of a child may apply. In addition, the pregnancy must be verified by a written statement from a licensed physician.

A previously married minor may also apply.

A person age 16 or 17 may apply with the consent of both parents or guardian, unless the parents are divorced and only one parent has full custody.

Marriage Fee Information

• Marriage License
  • with counseling - $ 61.00
  • without counseling - $93.50
  • Certified copies of license – first 2 are free, each additional copy $3.00
• Marriage Ceremony - $30.00
  • We offer several unique locations for your ceremony- please ask us!
• Decorative Marriage Certificate - Free
  • with frame and matting(11x14 frame) - $15.00
• Marriage Photo
  • without frame (8x10) - $10.00
  • without frame (5x7) - $5.00
  • with frame & matting (8x10) - $25.00
  • with frame & matting (5x7) -$15.00

Marriage Course Providers

Passports

What is a passport?

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer. The passport is a request on the part of the issuing government that officials of foreign governments permit the bearer to travel in their territories and to afford them all lawful aid and protection.

Who needs a passport?

Anyone, including infants, departing from the United States and entering the United States from outside the United States. Travel.State.Gov contains information regarding the passport and visa requirements of foreign countries, and their respective fees. A passport is not required for travel by U.S. citizens to any territory or waters, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Proof if identity and citizenship is always required.

What are the requirements for a passport?

The requirements for a US passport are federal, not set by the Clerks office.

• Proof of Identity: A current valid driver's license, military identification, government identification, or previous U.S. Passport will serve as identification. Social Security cards are not acceptable for identification.
• Certified copy of birth record: The birth record must be certified by the state in which the birth took place. A raised or embossed seal must be affixed to the birth record. Children under age 16 require both parents' signatures.
• Proof of citizenship: If you were born outside of the United States, a Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship is required.
• Social Security Number: A social security number is required for all passport applications regardless of the age of the applicant.
• Two passport photos: Two recent identical passport photos, 2" x 2" are required. Photographs can be taken at a local Pharmacy.

Can you get a passport if a birth record is not available?

Yes. This requires additional documentation. You should call the Clerk's Office (926-0300) for specific instructions regarding your particular situation.

Do I have to apply in person?

As of February 1, 2004 passport services will begin requiring the personal appearance of all children applying for U.S. passports as well as both parents, or your passport was lost or stolen, or your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.

When should I apply for a passport?

You should apply for a passport several months before you plan to travel. If you will need a visa, you will be referred to the Main Post Office in Tallahassee.

How long is a passport valid?

The passport is valid for ten (10) years if you are 16 years of age or older. The passport is valid for five (5) years if you are 15 years of age or younger.

Can a passport be renewed by mail?

Yes. If your most recent passport was issued when you were at least 16 years old, issued within the past 15 years, and you use the same name as on your most recent passport OR you have had your name changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect the name changes.

When will I receive my passport?

You will receive your passport within six to eight weeks, plus mailing time, from the receipt of your completed application by the passport agency. If you need your passport sooner, you may request expedited service which guarantees processing within 7-10 business days from the receipt of your completed application by the passport agency.

How do I report a missing passport?

Complete form DSP-64 and bring it to the Clerk's Office when you apply for a new passport.

Where can Passport applications and renewal applications be obtained?

Although you can get the forms from The Clerk’s Office, 3056 Crawfordville Hwy., Crawfordville, FL 32327, you can also download them online from The US Department of State

Fees

You will need to write a check to the Clerks office for the $25.00 execution fee. You will need to write another check to the Department of State for the remainder. Click here http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html#pmt_instruct

Tax Deed Sales

Notice
Before the sale begins, everyone should be aware of the requirements of Florida Law. All sales are for cash. This can be a certified cashier's check or a money order. Anyone bidding on the property should have already made financial arrangements so that they can meet the requirements of the sale. If a person other than the certificate holder is the successful bidder, they must immediately post a $200.00 minimum deposit (cash, money order, cashiers check) of the bid amount. If the balance of the bid is not received by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the sale. It may be necessary to void the sale and advertise the property for resale. If this occurs, the initial $200.00 deposit shall be used by the court to pay all costs of the sale and any amount remaining is directed to be applied toward the judgment.

The successful bidder is also required to pay for the documentary stamps on the Tax Deed, and any other fees for recording said Tax Deed. A purchaser at a judicial sale takes the property subject to any defects, liens, encumbrances and all matters of which he/she has notice or of which he/she could have obtained knowledge.

View the most recent tax deed sales