Official Records

Escambia County, located in the northwestern part of Florida, is home to a rich history and a robust system of official records. These records play a vital role in the day-to-day legal, business, and real estate transactions of the county. Official records in Escambia County are managed and maintained by the Escambia County Clerk’s Office, ensuring accessibility and proper documentation for all required legal and public records.

In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of Escambia County’s official records, how they’re categorized, how to search for them, and how to obtain copies. Whether you are dealing with real estate transactions, legal documentation, or need historical property information, understanding how Escambia County handles official records can help simplify the process.

What Are Official Records in Escambia County, FL?

Official records in Escambia County are a collection of documents that must be recorded by law for legal validity. These documents are typically related to real estate transactions, legal actions, and other formal declarations. The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is responsible for recording a broad spectrum of documents, which may include deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, powers of attorney, and various types of affidavits.

Key Types of Official Records:

Deeds: Legal documents that transfer property ownership.
Mortgages: Records of loans secured by real estate.
Liens: Notices that claim a right to the property until a debt is settled.
Powers of Attorney: Documents that designate someone to act on behalf of another.
Plats: Maps that represent the division of land into lots or plots.
Affidavits and Contracts: Sworn statements and agreements documented for legal purposes.

These documents are indexed, recorded, and available for public inspection in the Official Records, ensuring transparency and access to all interested parties.

How to Access Official Records in Escambia County

Accessing official records in Escambia County has become increasingly convenient with the introduction of online tools. The Escambia County Clerk’s Office offers an Official Records Search tool that allows individuals to search and view records from the comfort of their home or office.

Official Records Search:

Online Portal: The Escambia County Clerk’s official website provides a searchable database for accessing public records. You can search for documents using names, document types, or case numbers.
Official Records Search

For those who prefer historical documents, there is a Historical Deed Book Index available for records from 1820 to 1982, which provides an in-depth look at past transactions.

Plat Books: The Clerk also offers Plat Books which contain detailed maps of the county’s land divisions. These can be crucial when dealing with property development or legal land disputes.
Plat Books

E-Recording of Official Documents in Escambia County

The Escambia County Clerk’s Office also offers eRecording, a convenient way to submit documents for recording without having to physically visit the Clerk's Office. eRecording streamlines the process, making it faster and more efficient by allowing documents to be uploaded electronically. This service is available 24/7 through third-party vendors approved by the Clerk’s Office.

Benefits of eRecording:

Convenience: Submit documents from anywhere with internet access.

Speed: Records are processed more quickly, eliminating the delays associated with traditional paper submissions.

Cost-Effective: eRecording eliminates the need for postage or in-person visits to the Clerk’s Office.

To get started with eRecording, the Escambia County Clerk’s Office provides detailed eRecording Help and Information on their website.

Confidentiality and Public Records in Escambia County

While Escambia County's official records are available to the public, certain sensitive information is protected under Florida law. The Clerk’s Office follows strict guidelines when it comes to protecting personal data, especially in cases involving sensitive information like military discharge papers, death certificates, and family law cases.

Confidentiality Requests:

If an individual needs certain personal information redacted or removed from public records, they can submit a request for redaction. For example, if someone wishes to remove their name from a public record, such as a deed, they can complete the Request for Redaction of Exempt Personal Information Form and submit it to the Clerk’s Office.

This ensures that personal privacy is maintained in compliance with Florida’s public records laws, while still providing transparency and accessibility for non-sensitive data.

Recording Fees and Payment Options

Every document submitted for recording in Escambia County requires a fee. The Recording Fee Calculator on the Clerk’s website allows users to calculate the cost of recording documents such as deeds and mortgages. The fees depend on factors such as the number of pages and names to be indexed.

Additionally, payments can be made online through various methods, such as Online Payments, making the process easier for those submitting documents or paying fees for public records.

Other Resources for Escambia County Official Records

In addition to the standard documents such as deeds and mortgages, Escambia County Clerk’s Office also maintains a wealth of other public records, such as court records, financial reports, and meeting minutes from the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). These records are also accessible online and can provide invaluable insights into the local government and legal proceedings in Escambia County.

Court Records Search: A detailed database where you can search for court documents.

Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Minutes: Records of official meetings and decisions made by the county commissioners.

For more details, visit the Escambia County Clerk's website and explore additional services related to Online Public Records and Property Fraud Alert to safeguard against fraudulent activities.

Key Departments and Offices for Official Records

Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller - Official Records
Physical Address: 221 Palafox Place, Suite 110, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-595-3930

Public Records Center
Physical Address: 120 E Blount Street, Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: 850-595-4146

Escambia County Clerk & Comptroller - Main Office
Physical Address: 190 W Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-595-4310

Escambia County Official Records FAQs

How Can I Access Official Records in Escambia County?

To access official records in Escambia County, you can use the Official Records Search tool available on the Escambia County Clerk’s website. This service allows users to search for documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and more by using criteria like names or case numbers. For historical documents, the Historical Deed Book Index provides access to records dating back to 1820.

What Types of Documents Are Recorded in Escambia County Official Records?

Escambia County records various documents that are required by law to be recorded, including deeds, mortgages, liens, powers of attorney, affidavits, and plats. These records are critical for real estate transactions and legal matters. You can find these documents in the Official Records, which are indexed and accessible for public inspection via the Escambia County Official Records page.

What is E-Recording and How Can I Use It?

E-Recording is a service offered by Escambia County to electronically submit documents for recording without visiting the Clerk’s office. This process makes it faster and more convenient for parties to record documents such as deeds, mortgages, and notices of commencement. For more details and how to get started, visit the E-Recording Help and Information page.

How Can I Request Redaction of Personal Information from Official Records?

Under Florida law, certain personal information in public records can be redacted to protect privacy. If you need to remove specific details from a document, such as military discharge papers or death certificates, you can submit a request through the Request for Redaction of Exempt Personal Information Form. Requests for redaction must meet specific criteria outlined on the form.

Are There Fees Associated with Recording Documents?

Yes, recording documents in Escambia County requires payment of a fee. The fee varies based on the document type and the number of pages being recorded. You can use the Recording Fee Calculator on the Clerk’s website to estimate the cost of recording your document.