Palm Beach County Clerk of Court

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court serves as the main office for record maintenance, case filings, payments, and public services across the county. It supports residents who need quick help with court updates, certified copies, or property records. The office also runs online tools that make case lookups and document research simple for anyone using the system. People rely on the clerk for fast information and steady support at every service center.

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court manages records for civil, family, criminal, and traffic matters, along with many county documents that people often need for legal or personal reasons. Staff members work across multiple locations to help with filings, forms, marriage licenses, payments, and record searches. The Palm Beach County Court system works closely with the Clerk’s office to keep processes organized and accessible. Users can visit in person or use online portals to handle many tasks without long wait times, ensuring every service operates efficiently and smoothly.

How to Search Clerk Records Online

People can search Palm Beach Clerk records online by using the official search page and entering a name, case number, document ID, or citation number. The system shows public records instantly, and most files can be viewed, downloaded, or printed.

Users reach the search portal through the official site:
https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com

Start on the Official Search Page

The homepage provides direct links for both court records and official records.
After selecting the category, the search box appears at the top. Users choose how they want to search based on the type of information they already have.

Common starting points include:

• Full name or partial name
• Case number
• Document number
• Ticket or citation number
• Filing year or record category

Name-Based Search

A name search works well when the user only knows the person or business involved in the case or filing.

The tool accepts:

• First name
• Last name
• Middle initial
• Partial names

Name-based searches often return:

• Civil records
• Criminal records
• Probate filings
• Traffic cases
• Property and official records tied to the name

Users often reduce long lists by adding:

• Filing year
• Case type
• Status filters
• Division filters

Case Number Search

A case number search brings up one specific case instantly.
This method works best for court files that were already assigned a number.

A standard case number may include:

• Filing year
• Case type code
• Sequence number

Entering the number exactly as printed is important.
Even one wrong digit may show no results or lead to the wrong file.

This search option displays:

• Full docket entries
• Filed documents
• Case events
• Hearing notes
• History of the case from start to finish

Document ID Search

A document ID search helps users find a single recorded item inside the Official Records system.
This is the most common tool for property or real estate documents.

Document ID search is used for:

• Deeds
• Mortgages
• Liens
• Satisfactions
• Releases
• Property filings
• Title-related records

Once opened, each record shows:

• Document type
• Recording date
• Book and page number
• Digital image (if available)

Ticket or Citation Number Search

Users with traffic matters or parking tickets can search using:

• Citation number
• Ticket number
• Uniform traffic code number

This opens the display page showing:

• Ticket status
• Court date
• Amount due
• Related case information

How to User Search

• Visit the official clerk site:
  https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com
• Choose Court Records or Official Records.
• Select the search method:
  • Name
  • Case number
  • Document number
  • Ticket number
• Enter the information into the search box.
• Apply filters if the list is long.
• Click a result to open the record.
• View, download, or print the document.
• If a record is missing, check spelling, confirm numbers, or try a different search type.

Current Palm Beach County Clerk of Court

The current Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Palm Beach County is Mike Caruso. He began serving on August 19, 2025, taking over from Joseph Abruzzo.

Name, Term, Responsibilities & Duties

Mike Caruso – Clerk Palm Beach

• Caruso was appointed by Ron DeSantis and sworn in on August 19, 2025.
• As Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Caruso serves as the county’s public trustee and oversees a broad set of official functions.

Core responsibilities include:

• Managing court records — civil, criminal, family, probate, property, and other official legal documents.
• Acting as the county’s Comptroller, Treasurer, Auditor, and Official Recorder. This means handling financial oversight, auditing county expenditures before payment, managing payroll, and keeping official records of deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, judgments, and more.
• Maintaining public access to court and government records, and managing the county’s jury system.

Clerk Leadership & Official Role

• The office of Clerk & Comptroller is a constitutional office in Palm Beach County; it is accountable to the voters and serves as an independent office managing both court-related duties and financial oversight.
• Caruso brings prior experience as a certified public accountant and as a former state legislator.
• On his first day, Caruso administered the oath to more than 200 Deputy Clerks, enabling them to act on his behalf for court and county matters requiring official signatures.

Reforms and Modernization Efforts

Although Caruso has only recently assumed the role, stakeholders expect his background in accounting and government service to shape his priorities.

Under the previous clerk, Abruzzo, the office advanced several modernization efforts that set a standard for ongoing reforms:

• Expansion of digital services, including online access to certified court and official documents.
• Broader public outreach, including programs such as property-fraud alerts and services for individuals under protective orders (“Hope Card” program).
• Efforts to increase transparency of county finances and public records, enhancing public trust in clerk leadership.

Given Caruso’s background as a forensic accountant and auditor, his tenure is likely to emphasize efficiency, accountability, and transparency — especially in managing public funds and safeguarding official records. His legislative experience suggests he may also support policies that improve access to public records and streamline county processes.

How to Contact the Palm Beach County Clerk

If someone needs to contact the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office, they can call (561) 355-2996 for general inquiries. For more specific needs, the office provides an email directory and departmental contact numbers so people reach the right team quickly.

Main Phone Number

• General / Customer Service (court records, tickets, basic questions): (561) 355-2996
• Hearing or voice-impaired callers: dial 711 to use the Florida Relay Service to reach the Clerk’s office.

Email Directory & Contact Options

If you don’t see a direct phone number that fits your request, you can email the general support address: clerkweb@mypalmbeachclerk.com
For public-records and official documents requests, use publicrecords@mypalmbeachclerk.com

Departmental Contacts

Here are some common offices with their phone numbers:

How to File Documents with the Palm Beach Clerk

People can file documents with the Palm Beach County Clerk either online through the state’s e-filing portal or in person at any clerk branch. The process depends on the document type, fee requirements, and whether the filer is submitting a court case, financial record, or official document.

Document Types Accepted by the Clerk

The Clerk accepts a wide range of filings tied to court cases and official records. Most users submit one of the following:

• Civil court documents (small claims, evictions, county civil, circuit civil)
• Criminal court filings
• Family filings (divorce, child support, domestic violence)
• Probate documents
• Traffic-related documents
• Official records such as deeds, liens, mortgages, releases, satisfactions, marriage paperwork, and declarations of domicile

File In Person vs. Online

Filing can be done in two main ways:

Online filing:

• Best for court cases, repeat filers, and anyone with digital copies ready.
• Uploads go through the statewide e-filing portal used by attorneys and self-represented filers.
• Payments are made electronically.

In-person filing:

• Many people still choose clerk windows for quick help, same-day stamping, and physical submissions.
• Ideal when someone has original documents or is unsure whether their paperwork qualifies for online filing.

Required Identification

Most filing tasks do not require ID.
However, ID is needed when the user:

• Records certain official documents
• Requests a service involving verification of identity
• Pays in person using specific payment types

Fees Explained

Filing fees depend on the type of case or record. Examples include:

• Civil cases: filing fees vary by claim amount
• Family cases: fees differ for dissolution, custody, and support
• Official records: usually a per-page recording fee

Processing Times

Processing is fairly fast.

• Online filings often receive review updates within a business day.
• In-person filings are stamped and logged the same day.
• Official records usually appear in the index shortly after submission.

Filing Documents Online in Palm Beach County

Online filing through the Florida e-filing portal makes it simple for most court-related documents to be submitted without visiting a clerk office.

How to Upload Documents

• Create a portal account and log in.
• Pick the case type or choose “Start a new case.”
• Select the correct county from the dropdown.
• Upload PDF documents that follow the portal’s formatting rules.
• Add case details, parties, and filing descriptions.

Payment Methods

The portal accepts:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Approved electronic payment methods

Confirmation Workflow

Once payment and submission finish:

• A confirmation number appears on screen.
• An email receipt is sent to the user.
• The Clerk’s review follows, and the filer receives a notice when the document is accepted or returned for correction.

Filing Documents In-Person at the Clerk’s Office

In-person filing remains popular for users who prefer hands-on help or need same-day processing.

Window Locations

Documents can be filed at several Palm Beach County Clerk branches, including West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Belle Glade, and Royal Palm Beach. Each location has dedicated counters for civil, criminal, family, and official records.

Ticketing System

Most branches use a ticket system:

• Visitors take a number.
• Screens announce the next available window.
• Staff direct the visitor to the correct service area.

Required Copies

The filer should bring:

• The original document
• At least one extra copy for clock-stamping
• More copies if other parties need service

What Staff Can Legally Help With

Clerk staff can explain:

• Filing rules
• Accepted forms
• Fees
• Processing times
• Where documents must be submitted

They cannot:

• Give legal advice
• Comment on the strength of a case
• Suggest which forms someone should choose
• Complete forms for the filer

Court-Related Services Provided by the Clerk

The Palm Beach County Clerk handles a wide set of court services, from jury support to records access and payment processing. These services keep court cases moving and give users a clear path for evidence submission, scheduling help, and document lookup.

Examining Evidence

The Clerk receives case evidence for many court divisions. Staff accept sealed or labeled items that follow each division’s rules. They log, secure, and track evidence until the judge or courtroom team requests it. Each item is documented to protect accuracy and chain-of-custody.

Evidence staff help with:

• Accepting evidence drop-offs
• Logging items into the case record
• Releasing evidence only under approved court orders

Scheduling Support

The Clerk supports courtroom scheduling tasks, especially in divisions with high traffic such as criminal, family, probate, and civil.

Common scheduling needs include:

• Hearing date updates
• Courtroom assignment details
• Rescheduling requests submitted with proper forms
• Calendar notes posted to the online case system

Case Record Access

Case records sit at the center of most questions the office receives. People can search cases online or request copies in person.

The Clerk provides:

• Online case lookups for civil, criminal, family, and probate
• Certified and noncertified copies
• Printed copies at clerk windows
• Expanded access for parties and attorneys with valid identification

Traffic and Misdemeanor Payment

The Clerk handles payments tied to traffic tickets, misdemeanor fines, and court costs. Users pay online or at any branch.

Services include:

• Paying traffic tickets by citation number
• Setting up payment plans
• Paying misdemeanor fines
• Requesting payment receipts

Financial & Administrative Services at the Clerk’s Office

The Clerk manages county financial duties and delivers key public services, including passports, audits, receipts, and several specialty transactions. These tasks support Palm Beach County’s financial health and help residents complete important paperwork.

County Audits

The Clerk serves as the county’s watchdog for financial oversight. The audit team reviews spending, checks internal controls, and monitors how county funds move.

Audit staff review:

• County department spending
• Financial reporting
• Contract payments
• Internal financial ris

Official Receipts

Every payment made to the county through the Clerk results in an official receipt. These receipts confirm the amount paid and the service completed.

Receipts are issued for:

• Court fines and fees
• Official record filings
• Traffic tickets
• Certified copies
• Miscellaneous county payments

Bonds

The Clerk accepts several types of bonds connected to court cases. Staff record the bond, issue proof of payment, and update the case.

Common bond types include:

• Cash bonds
• Surety bonds
• Appeal bonds
• Replevin bonds

Marriage License Fees

The Clerk issues marriage licenses and collects the required fees. Users can apply at any branch with proper identification.

Marriage services include:

• Marriage license applications
• License issuance
• Recording the license after the ceremony
• Certified copies of recorded marriage records

Passport Acceptance

The Clerk serves as an authorized passport acceptance site. Applicants bring the completed application, identification, a photo, and payment.

Passport services include:

• Application acceptance
• Immediate sealing and forwarding to the U.S. Department of State
• Photo services at select branches
• Renewal guidance for users who qualify for mail-in renewal

Public Records Available Through the Palm Beach Clerk

The Palm Beach County Clerk keeps a large collection of public records, including marriage and divorce records, documents, deeds, liens, and older historical files. Many of these records are available online, while older files may require an in-person request.

Marriage Records

The Clerk records marriage licenses issued in Palm Beach County and keeps certified and standard copies.
People can request:

• Recently recorded marriage licenses
• Older certificates stored in the official records index
• Certified copies used for name changes, benefits, or legal purposes

Deeds

Property deeds are part of the county’s official records repository. The Clerk records deeds when ownership changes and stores each file permanently.
The records include:

• Warranty deeds
• Quitclaim deeds
• Special warranty deeds
• Transfers connected to estates or business filings

Liens

The Clerk keeps a full list of recorded liens tied to property or court activity.
These records may include:

• Judgment liens
• Construction liens
• HOA and condo liens
• State or municipal liens
• Releases and satisfactions

Historical Records

Older documents stay in the Clerk’s long-term archive. These records may not appear in the online system but can still be requested.
Historical files may involve:

• Early property books
• Handwritten marriage entries
• Court dockets from earlier decades
• Records stored on microfilm

How Far Back Records Go

Record depth varies by document type:

• Many official records date back to the early 1900s.
• Marriage records are indexed for decades and can extend further with archive requests.
• Older deeds and liens appear in the public index from the early mid-1900s, with even earlier volumes stored in microfilm archives.
• Historic court files depend on the division, but many reach back several decades or more.

Fees, Payments & Accepted Methods

Palm Beach Clerk of Court fees cover filing, copies, and various administrative services. The office accepts multiple payment methods and provides clear rules for refunds and convenience charges so users can plan their costs with confidence.

The office publishes an updated fee schedule that breaks down filing charges, certified copy costs, and service fees. Most payments can be made online, in person, or by mail, giving residents flexible options for handling court payments, clerk fees, and other required transactions.

Payment Methods for Clerk Services

The Palm Beach Clerk accepts several forms of payment to make transactions simple and predictable. Each method works for different service types, and some options include small convenience charges.

Accepted methods include:

• Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Cash for in-person visits
• Money orders payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
• Checks for select services, except when prohibited by case type
• Online card payments through the Clerk’s secure payment portal

Card payments usually carry a service fee of 3% or a flat charge, depending on the system used. The office encourages users to verify fees before paying.

Fee List for Common Clerk and Court Services

Palm Beach County provides a straightforward list of fees so users know what charges apply before filing or requesting documents. The table below summarizes common clerk fees based on publicly posted court and administrative charges.

Sample Fee Table

Refund Policy for Clerk Transaction

The Palm Beach Clerk follows a strict refund policy guided by Florida statutes. Payments for filings or services are final once processed, since the office performs the service immediately. Refunds are rarely issued, except for very specific situations.

Refunds may be considered only when:

• A payment was charged twice
• A technical error caused an incorrect transaction
• A service was paid for but cannot legally be performed

Convenience Charges and Extra Fees

Many online services include small charges added by third-party processors. These payments help cover card-processing costs and secure transaction handling.

Common extra charges include:

• 3% service fee for online card payments
• Flat electronic payment fees for some portals
• Search or lookup fees for certain record requests

How to Schedule Appointments with the Clerk of Court

Residents can schedule a Palm Beach Clerk of Court appointment through the official booking system, which allows quick selection of services, dates, and locations. The process is simple, and most departments outline clear rules for rescheduling or canceling a visit.

The clerk uses an online appointment portal to help visitors plan ahead, avoid long lines, and pick the right service window. Each department provides its own booking instructions, so users can choose the option that matches their needs.

Steps to Book a Clerk Appointment

The appointment process follows a short set of actions that guide the visitor through service selection, location choice, and confirmation.

Basic steps include:

• Choose the service needed, such as passports, marriage licenses, payments, or court-file reviews.
• Select the closest location among the clerk branches across Palm Beach County.
• Pick a date and time from the available openings shown in the appointment portal.
• Enter contact information so the clerk can send a confirmation email or text.
• Finalize the appointment and keep the confirmation for check-in at the office.

Departments That Require Appointments

Not every service needs an appointment, but several high-traffic departments ask users to schedule a slot to reduce wait times.

Common areas that use scheduled appointments include:

• Passport services
• Marriage license applications
• Official record recordings
• Document pickup for certified copies
• Specialty court services like probate or juvenile matters
• In-depth case file research

Rescheduling and Cancellation Rules

The clerk’s appointment portal gives users the option to change or cancel their visit if their plans shift. Changes can be made through the confirmation link sent by email or text.

Most departments allow:

• Rescheduling up to the day of the visit as long as a slot is open
• Cancellation through the confirmation page without extra steps
• New appointments if the visitor misses their original time

Frequently Asked Questions

These expanded answers give visitors clear information about clerk processing times, corrections, wait expectations, service limits, and payment problems.

How long does the clerk take to process common requests?

Processing speed depends on the type of request and the volume of filings that day. Many public record copies, certified copies, and basic searches are completed the same day, especially if the office has staff available. Tasks that involve case updates, financial reviews, or new filings often take two to five business days because each request must be entered, checked, and recorded before it becomes part of the official file. Some departments, such as probate or juvenile services, may need extra time since each filing requires closer review.

Can corrections be made to filed clerk documents?

Corrections are possible, but they depend on what type of error needs fixing. The clerk can correct simple administrative issues, such as spelling errors or missing labels, as long as the problem does not change the meaning of the document. If the correction affects a legal fact—such as a date, amount owed, or personal information—Florida law may require a judge to approve the change. In those cases, the person must file the proper paperwork, and the clerk records the judge’s decision once it is issued.

What are the usual wait times at the clerk’s office?

Wait times shift throughout the day based on foot traffic, staffing levels, and the type of service. Passport counters and marriage license stations tend to move slower during peak travel and wedding seasons. Many visitors find that late morning offers shorter waits compared to early morning or lunchtime. Some branches post estimated wait times through their appointment portal, giving users a way to plan ahead before arriving at the counter.

What the clerk handles and what the office cannot?

The clerk handles government duties such as court filing, case record updates, official record recording, payment collection, marriage licensing, and public access to case information. Staff members can explain which forms are required, where to submit them, and how fees work. They cannot give legal advice, explain strategy, help draft arguments, or tell someone which option is better for their case. Those matters belong to legal professionals, not clerk staff.

How to fix failed payments or incorrect charges?

Payment problems usually fall into three categories: declined transactions, duplicate charges, or incorrect fees. The visitor can bring a receipt, bank screenshot, or confirmation number to the finance window or contact the clerk’s payment support line for help. The office reviews the transaction and credits or adjusts the payment when the error is verified. Most corrections are handled within a few business days, though bank posting times may vary by card issuer.

Can someone track a pending request status online?

Yes, many requests can be checked through online systems that show case updates, payment history, and record copy progress. Some services send email or text alerts when a request is completed, which helps visitors plan their next steps. For requests that require staff review, callers can ask for an update once the paperwork has been entered into the system, and the clerk can confirm whether the task is still in progress or already finished.