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Civil Court Services

Civil law encompasses many types of cases and filings from small claims to evictions, from family law to guardianship, from foreclosure sales to mental health, probate and more. To learn more, review the information below and the Your Courts page.

New as of 7/1/21, the Florida Supreme Court changed the rules regarding redaction of certain court records. Please make sure you are informed and follow the new protocols. Click the followings link to learn more about Changes to Redaction of Private Info in Certain Court Records & Required Confidentiality Forms.

Circuit Court
The Circuit Civil Division handles civil actions in which the damages being sought or the matter in controversy exceeds $50,000. Once the case is filed, it must be served by either the Sheriff’s Office or, with the appropriate order of the court, by a private process server. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office charges $40.00 per defendant for service.

County Court
The County Civil Division handles civil actions in which the damages being sought or the matter in controversy is exceeding $8,000 up to $50,000. Matters in controversy $8,000 and under are handled in Small Claims Court. Once the case is filed, it must be served by either the Sheriff’s Office or, with the appropriate order of the court, by a private process server. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office charges $40.00 per defendant for service.

Civil Cover Sheet
Filers must include a civil cover sheet that declares how much money is at stake in disputes exceeding $8,000. The Civil Cover Sheet for use in Clay County is linked below.

Civil Cover Sheet

For more information about the various levels of civil case filings, please visit the state’s website.