Martin County public records are documents created or kept by county offices in Stuart, Florida. Florida law says anyone can see most of these records.
You do not need to say who you are or give a reason to ask for them. This page covers court files, arrest logs, jail bookings, mugshots, and other records held by the Clerk, Sheriff, and related offices in Martin County, Florida.
Florida Public Records Law and Martin County
Florida’s main records law is Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. It says all state, county, and city records must be open to the public. Martin County agencies follow this law. You can ask for records by phone, email, mail, or in person. The agency must answer your request in a reasonable time. If they say no, they must name a specific legal reason for the denial.
Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution also gives you the right to see public records. This right is written into the state constitution. It cannot be changed easily. All Martin County agencies must follow it. This includes the Clerk’s office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, and every county department.
Some records are exempt from public view. Section 119.071 lists these exemptions. Common examples include active criminal case files, certain victim data, juvenile records, and some personnel files. When an agency denies a request, it must tell you which exemption applies. If you think the denial was wrong, you can call the Florida Attorney General’s mediation line at (850) 245-0140. The AG’s Open Government page explains your rights in plain words.
Martin County Clerk and Comptroller Office
The Clerk and Comptroller is the main keeper of court and official records in Martin County. The current Clerk is Carolyn Timmann. Her office serves the 19th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The office handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, and traffic cases. It also records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents.
You can search most records online through the Clerk’s website. The portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or document type. No account is needed for basic searches. The official records section has deeds and liens going back many years. Some older paper records may require a visit to the office or a written request.
Clerk Office Contact Details
| Clerk Name | Carolyn Timmann |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994 |
| Phone | (772) 288-5736 |
| Website | martinclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Searching Court Records Online in Martin County
The Martin County Clerk’s online portal gives you access to court records. You can look up civil cases, criminal cases, family law, probate, and traffic cases. The search tools let you filter by name, case number, date range, or case type. Results show the case status, filing dates, parties listed, and court events.
Official records, such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, are kept in a separate online database. These documents go back many years in digital form. For older paper documents, you may need to contact the Clerk’s office directly. Staff can tell you how far back each record type goes in the system.
The statewide portal at myfloridacounty.com also covers Martin County records. This site is helpful when you want to search across several Florida counties in one session. Property records, however, are held by the Martin County Property Appraiser. Tax records are kept by the Martin County Tax Collector. Each office runs its own search portal.
Martin County Arrest Records and Recent Arrests
Martin County arrest records show people taken into custody by local police or the Sheriff’s Office. These records include the arrest date, charges, arresting agency, and booking details. The Sheriff’s Office keeps a log of recent arrests. Under Chapter 119, these are public records unless an active investigation exemption applies.
To look up Martin County Florida arrest records, you have a few options. You can contact the Sheriff’s Records Bureau in person or by mail. You can also search third-party databases that collect public arrest data from Florida counties. These sites often let you search by name and show mugshots, charges, and booking dates.
Recent arrests in Martin County are posted on the Sheriff’s Office website in some cases. The booking log updates as new people are processed into the county jail. You can also call the Sheriff’s Office to ask about a specific arrest. The Records Bureau handles requests for arrest reports, offense reports, and incident logs.
Martin County Mugshots and Jail Bookings
Mugshots are photos taken at the time of booking. In Martin County, mugshots are public records once a person has been booked into the jail. They appear in the booking log and in arrest databases. You can view mugshots through the Sheriff’s Office or through third-party mugshot sites that pull data from county sources.
Martin County Florida jail bookings are recorded in a daily log. This log shows the name of each person booked, the date and time, the charges, and sometimes the bond amount. The booking log is a public record under Florida law. It updates throughout the day as new arrests are processed.
To get a copy of a specific mugshot or booking record, you can submit a request to the Sheriff’s Records Bureau. Standard copy fees apply. Most basic booking photos and logs are available free on the Sheriff’s website or through public records search portals.
Inmate Search and Current Inmates in Martin County
The Martin County jail holds people arrested in the county who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. You can search for current inmates online or by phone. The Sheriff’s Office runs an inmate search tool on its website. You can look up inmates by name or booking date.
Martin County inmate search results show the inmate’s name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and current housing location. The search also shows release dates for people who have been transferred or released. The tool updates as new bookings come in and inmates are released.
If you cannot find an inmate online, you can call the jail directly. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office can confirm whether someone is in custody. Phone staff can also tell you the charges and bond amount. For a formal copy of the booking record, you must submit a written request to the Records Bureau.
Martin County Booking Records and Arrest Log
Booking records are created every time someone is processed into the Martin County jail. Each record includes the arrest report, charges, personal details, and fingerprints. These records are kept by the Sheriff’s Office and the jail. They are public records under Florida law, unless an active investigation exemption applies.
The Martin County Florida arrest log is a list of all arrests made in the county. It includes arrests by the Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and other law enforcement agencies operating in Martin County. The log shows the arrest date, the person’s name, the charges, and the arresting agency.
You can request copies of booking records and arrest logs from the Sheriff’s Records Bureau. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or sometimes by email. You do not need to give your name or state a reason. The office will process the request and tell you any fees before filling it.
Sheriff’s Office Records Request Process
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records, incident reports, traffic crash reports, and offense reports. You can ask for these records under Chapter 119. The Records Bureau handles all public records requests for the Sheriff’s Office.
To submit a request, write a clear letter or email that includes the date of the incident, the names of people involved, the type of record you want, and your contact details. Be as specific as possible. This helps the Records Bureau find the right file faster. You do not need to say why you want the record.
The Sheriff’s Office must respond in a reasonable time. If your request involves an active criminal case, some information may be withheld under Section 119.071. The office must name the exemption in writing. If you believe the denial was wrong, you can contact the Florida Attorney General’s office for free mediation.
Public Records Copy Fees in Martin County
Florida law sets a standard fee schedule for copies of public records. Basic copies cost $0.15 per single-sided page. Double-sided copies cost $0.20 per page. Certified copies of official records from the Clerk’s office cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Court record certified copies also cost $1.00 per page. The Clerk’s office charges extra for postage and handling on mailed requests. Research fees apply when a request takes a lot of staff time. The first 15 minutes of research time are free. After that, the office bills at the employee’s hourly rate.
Many records can be viewed and printed for free through the online portal. If the record is already scanned and posted online, there is no per-page fee to view it. Physical copies, certified documents, and mailed records carry the standard fees. Ask for a cost estimate before the office starts work on a large request.
How to Make a Public Records Request
You can make a public records request in any format. Phone calls, emails, letters, and walk-in requests are all accepted. There is no required form. You do not need an attorney or any special paperwork. The simpler and more specific your request, the faster the agency can fill it.
Include these details in your request:
- Date range for the records you want
- Names of people involved
- Type of record (arrest, court case, deed, etc.)
- Your contact details for follow-up
Agencies must respond to your request in a reasonable time. They cannot stall without giving a reason. If a request is denied, the agency must name the specific exemption in Florida law that allows the denial. If you run into problems, call the Attorney General’s mediation line at (850) 245-0140 for free help.
Property Records and Tax Records in Martin County
Property records in Martin County are held by the Property Appraiser’s office. These records show who owns each parcel of land, the assessed value, building details, and sales history. The Property Appraiser runs an online search tool on its website. You can look up properties by address, owner name, or parcel number.
Tax records are kept by the Martin County Tax Collector. These records show the taxes owed on each property, payment history, and any liens. You can search tax records online through the Tax Collector’s website. The site lets you pay taxes, view bills, and check the status of payments.
For deed history, mortgages, and liens, use the Clerk’s Official Records search. Deeds and mortgages are recorded with the Clerk when property changes hands or when a loan is taken out. These records go back many years in the digital system. Older paper records may require a visit to the Clerk’s office.
Types of Records Held in Martin County
Martin County agencies hold a wide range of public records. The main categories include:
- Court records: civil, criminal, family law, probate, traffic
- Official records: deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments
- Sheriff’s records: arrest reports, incident logs, booking records, mugshots
- Property records: ownership, values, sales, parcel data
- Tax records: bills, payments, liens, certificates
- County commission records: meeting minutes, agendas, resolutions
- Building records: permits, inspections, code enforcement files
- Marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and death certificates
Each office is the keeper of its own records. The right agency to contact depends on what you need. The Clerk handles court and official records. The Sheriff handles arrest and incident records. The Property Appraiser handles property data. The Tax Collector handles tax bills and payments.
Martin County Arrest Lookup and Arrest Database
Martin County arrest lookup tools let you search for arrests by name. The Sheriff’s Office offers a public search tool on its website. You can also use third-party arrest databases that collect data from Florida counties. These databases often include mugshots, charges, booking dates, and bond amounts.
A Martin County Florida arrest database includes arrests made by the Sheriff’s Office, Stuart Police, Jupiter Island Public Safety, and other agencies in the county. Each agency reports arrests to the county jail, where booking records are created. These records are then made public under Chapter 119.
For a complete arrest history on a person, you may need to search court records as well. Court records show charges, case outcomes, sentences, and any appeals. The Clerk’s portal lets you search criminal cases by defendant name. You can also use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) public portal for statewide criminal history checks.
Detention Records and Jail Information
Martin County Florida detention records include all information about a person’s time in jail. This covers the booking date, charges, court appearances, bond hearings, medical needs, and release date. These records are kept by the Sheriff’s Office and the jail administration.
Most detention records are public, but some details may be exempt. Medical records, for example, are private under HIPAA. Juvenile records are not open to the public. Records related to active investigations may also be withheld. The Sheriff’s Office will tell you which exemption applies if part of a record is denied.
To request detention records, contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Records Bureau. You can also view basic inmate information through the online inmate search tool. For more detailed records, such as incident reports from inside the jail, you must submit a written request and pay any copy fees.
Cities and Communities Served by Martin County Records
Martin County is on Florida’s east coast. The county seat is Stuart, where the Clerk and Comptroller’s office is located. Other communities in the county include Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Palm City, and Port Salerno. Each of these areas falls under Martin County’s record-keeping system.
Residents of these communities can use the same online portals and in-person services. There are no separate record offices for individual cities. The Stuart Police Department keeps its own arrest and incident reports, but these are public through the same Chapter 119 rules. For records from other agencies, contact the agency directly.
Nearby counties include St. Lucie to the north, Palm Beach to the south, Hendry to the west, and Okeechobee to the northwest. Each of these counties has its own Clerk’s office and Sheriff’s Office. Records from these counties are not part of the Martin County system. You must contact the right county office for those records.
Getting Help With Records Requests
If you have trouble getting records from a Martin County agency, help is available. The Florida Attorney General’s office runs a free mediation program. The mediation line at (850) 245-0140 can help you resolve disputes without going to court. The AG’s Open Government page has guides and sample letters in plain language.
The Florida First Amendment Foundation also helps citizens with records requests. The foundation can answer questions, review denial letters, and connect you with a lawyer if needed. Their website at floridafaf.org has fact sheets and contact details.
For records held by the Clerk’s office, you can also contact the Clerk’s public records officer directly. The Clerk’s office has staff who help with complex requests. They can tell you if a record exists, how far back it goes, and what fees apply. For records held by the Sheriff’s Office, contact the Records Bureau during normal business hours.
Martin County Clerk and Comptroller Location and Hours
The Martin County Clerk and Comptroller’s office is located at 100 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays. You can call (772) 288-5736 during office hours for help with records requests.
The office website is martinclerk.com. The site has online search tools for court records, official records, and other services. You can also pay fines, check court dates, and access forms through the website. The Clerk’s office does not require an appointment for basic records searches.
Parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Stuart. The building is accessible to people with disabilities. For visitors who need to view older paper records, the Records Center is in the same building. Staff can pull files during normal business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Martin County Public Records
The questions below cover common topics about Martin County arrest records, jail bookings, inmate searches, and other public documents. Each answer gives clear facts about how to get the records you need.
How do I find out if someone was arrested in Martin County, Florida?
You can search for Martin County Florida arrest records through the Sheriff’s Office inmate search tool. The tool lets you look up current inmates by name and shows booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. For past arrests, you can contact the Sheriff’s Records Bureau or check third-party arrest databases that collect data from Martin County. Court records are also searchable through the Clerk’s online portal.
Are Martin County mugshots public records?
Yes, mugshots taken at the Martin County jail are public records under Florida law. You can view them through the Sheriff’s Office website or third-party mugshot sites. To get a copy of a specific mugshot, submit a request to the Records Bureau. Basic booking photos are often free, but certified copies carry a fee.
How much does it cost to get a copy of an arrest report in Martin County?
Standard copies of arrest reports cost $0.15 per single-sided page or $0.20 per double-sided page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Many basic arrest logs and booking records are available free online. For mailed copies, you also pay postage and handling.
Can I search Martin County arrest records by name?
Yes, you can search Martin County arrest records by name. The Sheriff’s Office inmate search lets you look up people currently in jail. For past arrests, you can check court records through the Clerk’s portal or use third-party arrest databases. These tools filter results by first and last name.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a court record?
An arrest record shows the arrest itself, including the date, agency, charges, and booking details. A court record shows the legal case after the arrest, including charges filed, hearings, plea deals, verdicts, and sentences. Both are public records, but they are kept by different offices. The Sheriff keeps arrest records. The Clerk keeps court records.
How do I find current inmates in the Martin County jail?
Use the Martin County inmate search tool on the Sheriff’s Office website. You can search by name or booking date. Results show the inmate’s current status, charges, bond, and housing location. The tool updates as new bookings come in and inmates are released. You can also call the jail directly to ask about a specific person.
What if a Martin County agency denies my records request?
The agency must give you a written reason for the denial, citing the specific Florida statute that allows the withholding. If you believe the denial was wrong, you can contact the Florida Attorney General’s mediation program at (850) 245-0140. Mediation is free and can resolve most disputes without going to court. The Florida First Amendment Foundation also offers help at floridafaf.org.