Court records of Nassau County, Florida, are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the Clerk's office. NassauFLCourt.us is a convenient resource for searching publicly available information on court cases. Additional access points include the Florida Courts portal, the Nassau County Clerk of Court's office, and other state resources.
Nassau Court System Overview
Nassau County is part of the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, which also includes Duval and Clay counties. The Circuit Court handles serious criminal cases, civil claims involving significant sums, family, and probate matters. The County Court deals with minor civil disputes, traffic violations, and misdemeanors. The Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit administers both court levels in the region.
Nassau County Courthouse
Courts Serving Nassau
| Court | Address / Contacts |
|---|---|
| Nassau County Circuit Court (Fourth Judicial Circuit) | 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097 |
| Nassau County Court | 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097 |
| U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (Jacksonville Division) | 300 N. Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida (Jacksonville Division) | 300 N. Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
There are no municipal courts within Nassau County — the state of Florida does not use a municipal court system for criminal cases or violations.
What Types of Cases Nassau Courts Hear
County courts handle a wide range of cases. The Circuit Court focuses on more complex categories, while the County Court serves the everyday legal needs of residents.
- Felonies (serious crimes)
- Misdemeanors and minor offenses
- Civil claims — both large and small (small claims)
- Family law: divorce, custody, child support
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Juvenile matters, child protection, adoption
- Traffic violations and DUI
District Court Cases in Nassau
The Circuit Court in Nassau handles felonies after the County Court conducts a preliminary hearing and transfers the case. Civil claims over $50,000 also fall here. A Circuit Court judge presides over trials, and cases are categorized into criminal, civil, and family.
Appeals from County Court decisions are filed with the Circuit Court. Additionally, post-conviction motions, termination of parental rights cases, and trust disputes are heard here. If a case involves real estate or a large sum, it almost certainly goes to the Circuit Court.
Magistrate Court Cases in Nassau
The County Court is the first level where most residents encounter the judicial system. Misdemeanors, minor offenses, and preliminary hearings for felonies start here. DUI cases undergo initial review in the County Court.
Civil claims up to $50,000 fall under the jurisdiction of the County Court according to Florida law. Small claims are limited to $8,000. Traffic violations — from speeding tickets to driving without a license — are also handled at this level. Given the high volume of cases, some judges may specialize exclusively in traffic cases or small claims.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Nassau
Family Law. Divorce, custody determination, child support enforcement, protective orders, and paternity establishment are all handled by the Circuit Court. To apply for a divorce certificate after a court decision, you can contact the Florida Department of Health.
Probate Matters. The Probate division of the Circuit Court handles estate administration, guardian appointments, and trust cases. If the deceased resided in Nassau, the case is opened here.
Juvenile Matters. The Juvenile division handles juvenile offenses and child protection cases (Child Protective Act). Juvenile case records are confidential under Florida law — access is strictly limited.
How Cases Move Through the Nassau Court System
- Case Initiation. A criminal case begins with an arrest or an indictment by the State Attorney. A civil case starts with the filing of a complaint or petition with the Clerk of Court.
- Judge Assignment. The Clerk assigns the case to a specific judge based on the category.
- Initial Hearing. In criminal cases, this is an arraignment — the charges are read to the defendant. In civil cases, it's a scheduling conference where timelines are set.
- Pre-Trial Phase. Parties exchange evidence (discovery) and file motions. In criminal cases, plea negotiations may occur.
- Trial. The case concludes with a jury verdict, settlement, guilty plea, or default judgment.
- Post-Judgment. Sentencing, appeal filing, or enforcement of the court's decision.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Nassau
The administrative management of the courts of the Fourth Judicial Circuit is carried out by the Chief Judge of the Circuit in conjunction with the Trial Court Administrator. Local court rules are available on the Florida Courts website.
Under the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most court documents are open to the public. Exceptions include juvenile cases, certain family cases, sealed or expunged records. The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration (Rule 2.420) outline the procedure for restricting access to confidential information.
Hearings are generally open to the public. Some sessions may be held remotely via Zoom or another platform — check with the Clerk's office before visiting.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Nassau
- Online Case Search. The Nassau County Clerk of Court portal allows searching for cases by party name or case number. NassauFLCourt.us is also available for initial information searches.
- Court Hearing Calendar. The schedule of hearings is published on the Clerk of Court's website and on the Florida Courts portal for Nassau.
- Court Forms and Self-Help. Standard Florida forms are available on the Florida Courts Self-Help website. The Clerk of Court does not provide legal advice but can assist with procedural questions.
- Divorce Certificates. The Florida Department of Health issues divorce certificates registered since 1927.
- Inmate Search. The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search System allows finding information on individuals serving sentences.
- Sex Offender Registry. The official FDLE Sexual Offender / Predator Registry is available on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's website.
- Driver's Licenses and Vehicle Registration. The FLHSMV Service Center in Nassau serves drivers and vehicle owners.
- Department of Health. The Nassau Branch assists with public records and certificate requests.