Organized in 1821, Escambia County is the oldest and northernmost county in Florida. Its water bodies cover 25% of its total area of 875 square miles, and its population is 321,905 (2020 census). Pensacola is its county seat and largest city by land area.

Courts in Escambia County

The First Judicial Circuit Court, the highest court in Escambia County, hears cases that fall outside the County Court's purview. It is divided into five divisions, each handling a specific case. Civil cases with claims above $50,000 are heard by the Civil Division. All felonies and misdemeanors resulting from the same circumstances as felonies are heard by the Criminal Division. Domestic issues such as emancipation, annulment, divorce, adoption, custody, and child support are handled by the Family Division. All probate matters, including guardianship, estates, trusts, and mental health, are handled by the Probate Division. All juvenile-related issues, such as juvenile dependency and delinquency, are handled by the Juvenile Division.

The County Court of Escambia County is a trial court with restricted authority. It hears most criminal and civil proceedings with claims under $50,000, traffic law infractions, and municipal ordinance violations.

Where to Find Public Court Records in Escambia County

Public court records in Escambia County, including court filings, proceedings, writs, warrants, and judgments available to the public. The county's public court records are under the jurisdiction of the Escambia County Clerk and Comptroller. The office of the County Clerk and Comptroller keeps these documents up to date and maintains them in compliance with county and state legislation. Through its online Case Search portal, Escambia County makes nonconfidential court records searchable for the general public. Alternatively, members of the public can visit the Public Records Center under the office of the County Clerk and Comptroller with the completed Request for Copies or Viewing of Court Records forms to view or request public court records. Court record copies are $1 per page, while certified copies are $2 per document.

Types of Public Court Records in Escambia County

The availability of nonconfidential court records helps to build public trust and confidence in the legal system. The following types of court records are available to the public in Escambia County unless sealed by court orders:

• Civil Case Records: court orders, settlement agreements, and court proceedings
• Criminal Case Records: warrants, details about charges, court proceedings, and verdicts for criminal cases
• Family Court Records: Family law matters, including emancipation, annulments, visitation orders, divorce decrees, child custody decrees, and maintenance orders
• Probate Records: documentation of estates, trusts, wills, and guardianships

Confidential Court Records in Escambia County

Confidential court records in Escambia County are court records sealed by court orders or by default under Florida law. Court records are sealed to preserve privacy and protect sensitive information. Unlike public court records that are accessible by anyone, confidential court records can only be accessed by authorized persons or by court orders. The following are typically excluded from public court records in Escambia County:

• Most juvenile records
• Adoption records
• Medical and mental health records
• Substance abuse treatment records
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) test results and treatment records
• Domestic and sexual violence victim information and records
• Dismissed or acquitted cases records
• Records sealed or expunged under Florida’s sealing and expungement laws

The following sensitive information is also concealed from public view in Florida:

• Social Security number
• Driver’s license number
• Bank account details
• Psychological evaluation results
• Tax returns

Juvenile Delinquency in Escambia, FL

Unfortunately, in many areas of the Escambia County, juvenile delinquency crimes are on the rise. There are many reasons for the increase in youth offenders. The juvenile sentence in Florida often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of offenses, and other family matters.

In 2017, a total of 460 juvenile cases were reported for every 100,000 people age 10 to adulthood in the jurisdiction of Escambia County. Of that total, 100% of those proceedings were delinquencies which equaled 460 court cases. Another 0% were dependency cases that accounted for 0 of the juvenile cases.

A lot of counties, including, Escambia County, are focusing on family health and relationships rather than punishment for juvenile crimes. Future Escambia County juvenile delinquency statistics will show whether or not this approach is working.

Government of Escambia County, FL

https://www.myflorida.com/

County Seat:	Pensacola
Government Type:	County
Authority:	Dillon's Rule
Year Organized:	1822
Total Square Miles:	875
2019 Population:	313,512
Persons/Square Mile:	0.00

Escambia County, FL Courts