Walton County public records include court files, arrest reports, booking records, mugshots, property deeds, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These records belong to the people of Florida under state law.
Anyone can ask for them. You do not need a reason. You do not need to show ID. The Walton County Clerk and Comptroller keeps most court and property records. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office holds arrest and jail records. You can search many of them online from home. You can also visit the offices in person or send a written request by mail. This page explains how to get each type of record, what it costs, and what stays sealed.
Florida Public Records Law Covers Walton County
Florida treats public records as open by default. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the main law. It says any record made or received by a government office during official business is public. The law applies to every county in Florida, including Walton. The Walton County Clerk’s own website confirms this rule under Florida Statutes 119.01 (1), (2), (3), and (4).
Section 119.07 sets the rules for how offices must respond to requests. They must let you look at records at any reasonable time. They must make copies if you pay the fee. The first 30 minutes of staff research time is free. After that, an office can charge a reasonable hourly rate for the extra time it takes to find your record.
Some records stay closed under Section 119.071. Active criminal investigation files are one example. Sealed or expunged court cases are another. Juvenile records are sealed by law. Personal data like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and medical files are removed before release. If an office denies your request, they must tell you which exact law allows the denial.
Types of Walton County Public Records
Walton County holds several types of public records. Each type lives in a different office. Knowing where to look saves time.
- Court records at the Clerk of Court (felony, misdemeanor, civil, family, probate, traffic)
- Arrest records at the Sheriff’s Office
- Booking records at the Sheriff’s Office and county jail
- Mugshots at the Sheriff’s Office
- Jail inmate records at the Sheriff’s Office
- Property deeds at the Clerk of Court (Official Records)
- Marriage licenses at the Clerk of Court
- Divorce decrees at the Clerk of Court
- Tax records at the Property Appraiser’s Office
- Voter registration at the Supervisor of Elections Office
Walton County Clerk and Comptroller Office
The Walton County Clerk and Comptroller is the main records office for court files and property records. Crystal Sconiers, MPA, SHRM-SCP, CPM, serves as Clerk. Her office is in DeFuniak Springs. The office holds circuit court files, county court files, Official Records, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. It also runs the online records search portal used by the public.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Crystal Sconiers, MPA, SHRM-SCP, CPM |
| Address | 571 US Highway 90 E, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 |
| Phone | (850) 892-8115 |
| Website | waltonclerkfl.gov |
| Office Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 1st Judicial Circuit |
Calling (850) 892-8115 before visiting is a smart first step. Staff can tell you if your record is online or if you need to come in person. They can also tell you the exact fee.
Online Court Records Search Portal
The Clerk runs a free online portal at waltonclerkfl.gov/courtrecords. You do not need to sign up or pay to search. You can search by last name, first name, and middle name. The search is not case sensitive. You can also search by case number. You can search by date range, but the date range is limited to seven days at a time.
The portal covers both circuit court and county court cases. Circuit court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $50,000, family law (divorce, custody, paternity), juvenile cases, and probate. County court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $50,000, small claims, and traffic tickets.
Florida attorneys can get a secure login with full access. They must sign a Walton County Access Agreement first. The public does not need this login. The Clerk’s website warns that online data is not the official court record. For a certified copy, you must contact the office directly.
Walton County Arrest Records and Recent Arrests
Walton County arrest records show who was arrested in the county and why. Each report lists the person’s full name, the arrest date, the arrest location, the charges, and the arresting officer. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office writes these reports. Other law enforcement agencies working in the county also file them.
The Sheriff’s Office is at 752 Triple G Road in DeFuniak Springs. The main phone line is (850) 892-8186. Their website is waltonso.org. Many sheriff offices post a daily arrest log on their website or Facebook page. Walton County may post recent arrests in this way. You can check both the website and the social media page first.
To get a copy of a specific arrest report, file a written public records request. Send it to the Sheriff’s records unit. Include the full name of the person. Include the date of arrest if you know it. Include the case number if you have one. The Sheriff charges copy fees set by state law. The first 30 minutes of search time is free.
Walton County Booking Records and Jail Roster
Booking records are made when someone enters the Walton County Jail. Each booking record shows the arrest date, the booking date and time, the charges, the bond amount, the arresting agency, and the next court date. The Walton County Jail is run by the Sheriff’s Office. The jail address is 752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.
Many Florida sheriff offices post a current jail roster online. The roster shows who is in jail at that moment. It shows the booking photo, also called a mugshot. It shows the charges, the bond, and the booking date. You can search the roster by last name. If Walton County posts a roster, you will find it on waltonso.org.
If no online roster exists, you can call the jail. Staff can confirm custody status by name and date of birth. They will not give full booking details over the phone for privacy reasons. For full booking data, file a written public records request to the Sheriff’s records unit. Allow time for staff to pull the file.
Walton County Mugshots
A mugshot is the photo taken at booking. It shows the front view of the face. Some agencies also take a side view. Florida law treats mugshots as public records in most cases. The Sheriff’s Office holds them as part of the booking record.
You can ask for mugshots in several ways. Call the Sheriff’s records unit at (850) 892-8186. Email a public records request to the office. Visit the office in person. Or use a third-party site that collects public mugshots from counties across the country. Be careful with third-party sites. Some charge fees. Some show old or outdated photos. Always check the booking date on the photo.
Some mugshots get removed over time. A court can order a record sealed. A person can get their criminal record expunged under Florida law. If either happens, the mugshot is no longer public. The Sheriff will deny your request and cite the court order or expungement. You can ask for proof of the seal.
Walton County Inmate Search
An inmate search lets you find a person in county jail. You can search by last name. You can search by booking date. You can also search by booking number if you have it. For state prison inmates, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a state inmate search at fdle.state.fl.us. This shows state prison inmates, not county jail inmates.
For county jail inmates, check the Sheriff’s website first. Many sheriff offices post a daily roster that updates each day. If Walton County posts one, you can search by last name. If not, call the jail at (850) 892-8186. Staff can tell you if a person is in custody at that moment. They can also tell you the release date if the person has been bonded out.
Booking number, full legal name, and date of birth help your search go faster. Without a date of birth, the jail may not confirm custody over the phone. A written public records request gets you full booking data, including charges, bond amount, and court dates.
Walton County Official Records and Property Records
The Clerk records every deed, mortgage, lien, release, and easement filed in Walton County. These are called Official Records. They show who owns each piece of land. They show the chain of title. They show any money owed on the property. They also show liens from the IRS, courts, or contractors.
You can search Official Records on the Clerk’s website. The search is free to look. You can search by name, by document type, by date range, or by legal description (lot and block number). Copies cost up to $1.00 per page. A certified copy costs an extra $5.00 fee. Many counties also use the statewide portal at myfloridacounty.com. Walton County records may appear there too.
Marriage licenses are also Official Records. The Clerk issues them. They become public after the marriage takes place. Divorce decrees are part of the circuit court file. They are public after the judge signs the final judgment. You can search both by name on the Clerk’s portal. You can also order certified copies for legal use.
How to Request Records by Mail or in Person
If a record is not on the online portal, you can request it three ways. Visit the office in person. Call the office. Or send a written request by mail or email. No special form is required under Florida law. You just need to describe the record clearly.
Include these details in your request to speed up the search:
- Full name of the person on the record
- Date of birth if you have it
- Date range of the event (arrest, filing, marriage, etc.)
- Case number or document number if you know it
- Type of record (arrest report, booking record, deed, etc.)
- Your contact details for the response
- Payment for copy fees if requesting copies
Mail your request to the office that holds the record. Court records go to the Clerk. Arrest and jail records go to the Sheriff. Put your return address on the envelope. Include a check or money order for copy fees. Allow two to four weeks for a response. Busy offices may take longer.
Costs, Fees, and Payment
Florida law sets copy fees for public records. For plain paper copies of most records, the fee is 15 cents per page. For recorded Official Records, the fee is up to $1.00 per page. A certified copy adds a $5.00 fee on top of the page cost.
Staff research time is free for the first 30 minutes. If your request takes longer, the office can charge an hourly rate. The rate must be reasonable. The rate covers the actual cost of staff time spent searching, redacting, and copying the files.
Looking at records in person is always free. You only pay if you want copies. The office may also charge a postage fee if you ask for copies by mail. If the office quotes a fee you think is too high, you can appeal. The Florida Attorney General runs a free mediation program at (850) 245-0140.
Exemptions and Sealed Records in Walton County
Some records are exempt from public view under Florida law. Active criminal investigation files are one example. Personal data like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and medical files are exempt. Juvenile court files are sealed by law. Adoption records are sealed. Mental health commitment records are sealed. Domestic violence victim addresses are exempt in many cases.
A person can also ask a court to seal or expunge their own criminal record. A judge must approve the request. Once approved, the record is no longer public. The Sheriff and Clerk must remove it from public search. Only the person named in the record, their lawyer, or a court order can open a sealed file.
If your request is denied, the office must cite the exact law that allows the denial. They must tell you in writing. You can appeal the denial. The First Amendment Foundation in Florida offers free help at floridafaf.org. You can also file a lawsuit under Chapter 119 to get the record.
Helpful State and Local Resources
Other state offices can help you find records too. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history search at fdle.state.fl.us. This shows arrests across all Florida counties. The Florida Court Clerks directory lists all 67 county clerks with current addresses and phone numbers at flclerks.com. The Attorney General’s open government page lists all public records laws in plain English.
Walton County borders five other Panhandle counties. Each has its own clerk and sheriff. Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Holmes, Washington, and Bay all border Walton. If a record is not in Walton, check the county where the event happened. For state-level records, check FDLE. For federal records, check the FBI or the federal court system.
Walton County Contact Information
Use this list to reach the right office fast. Each office handles a different type of record.
| Office | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walton County Clerk and Comptroller | 571 US Highway 90 E, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 | (850) 892-8115 | waltonclerkfl.gov |
| Walton County Sheriff’s Office | 752 Triple G Rd, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 | (850) 892-8186 | waltonso.org |
| Walton County Jail | 752 Triple G Rd, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 | (850) 892-8186 | waltonso.org |
| Walton County Property Appraiser | 571 US Highway 90 E, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 | (850) 892-8123 | waltoncountyfl.gov/property-appraiser |
| Walton County Supervisor of Elections | 571 US Highway 90 E, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 | (850) 892-8112 | waltoncountyfl.gov/elections |
| Florida Department of Law Enforcement | PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302 | (850) 410-7000 | fdle.state.fl.us |
| Florida Attorney General Open Government | PL-01 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | (850) 245-0140 | myfloridalegal.com/open-government |
Most county offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Sheriff’s Office is open 24 hours a day for emergencies. The jail lobby is open for visits during set hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walton County Public Records
How do I find out if someone is in Walton County Jail right now?
Call the Walton County Jail at (850) 892-8186. Give the full legal name and date of birth of the person you are looking for. Staff can confirm if the person is in custody at that moment. They can also tell you the bond amount and the next court date in many cases. Staff will not give full booking details over the phone for privacy reasons. For full booking data, including charges and arrest details, file a written public records request to the Sheriff’s records unit. The jail address is 752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433. You can also check the Sheriff’s website at waltonso.org for a current online roster if one is posted.
Are Walton County arrest records free to view?
Yes. Looking at arrest records in person at the Sheriff’s Office is free. Online arrest logs posted on the Sheriff’s website or social media page are also free. You only pay if you want a paper copy. The copy fee is 15 cents per page for most records under Florida law. The first 30 minutes of staff search time is free. If your request takes longer, the office can charge a reasonable hourly rate. A certified copy of an arrest report adds a $5.00 fee on top of the page cost. You can pay by check, money order, or cash in person.
Can I see mugshots online in Walton County?
Many Florida sheriff offices post current mugshots on their website as part of the jail roster. Check waltonso.org first. If mugshots are not posted there, you can file a public records request with the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff must release them unless a court order has sealed the case or the record has been expunged. Third-party mugshot sites also exist. They may charge a fee. They may show old data that is no longer current. Always check the booking date on the photo before relying on it. The official source is the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
How long does the Walton County Clerk keep court records?
The Clerk keeps most court records forever. Felony case files are permanent and never destroyed. Misdemeanor files are kept for at least 5 years after the final court action. Traffic cases are kept for at least 3 years. Civil case files are kept for at least 5 years. Family law files are kept for at least 10 years. Probate files are permanent. Older files may be stored off-site at a state records center. You can ask the Clerk to pull an old file for you. There may be a small retrieval fee for off-site files. Most older files are also scanned and available online.
Can I get a sealed record in Walton County?
No. Sealed records are not public. You cannot view them. You cannot get a copy. You cannot get a copy for someone else either. Only the person named in the record, their lawyer, or a court order can open a sealed file. If you need your own sealed record unsealed, you must file a motion with the court that handled the case. A judge must approve the motion. Expunged records are destroyed entirely in many cases. They are not sealed but removed from the system. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer in Walton County if you need to unseal or expunge a record.
What if the office denies my public records request?
The office must tell you the exact Florida law that allows the denial. They must respond in writing. The denial must cite the specific statute or rule. You can appeal the denial in several ways. The Florida Attorney General runs a free mediation program at (850) 245-0140. The First Amendment Foundation helps at floridafaf.org. You can also file a lawsuit under Chapter 119 to force the office to release the record. A judge can order the office to pay your lawyer fees if you win. Keep all written responses and emails as proof of your request and the denial.
Do I need a Florida ID to request public records?
No. Florida law does not require you to show ID to request public records. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to be a US citizen. You do not need to give a reason for your request. You just need to ask the right office for the right record. The office must treat your request the same as any other request. Some offices may ask for your name and address to send the copies to. That is the only contact data they need. They cannot refuse your request because you are from out of state or out of the country.