Polk County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller (FL): Records & Services

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Polk County, Florida Clerk & Comptroller Guide

Polk County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller (FL): Records & Services

The Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is the official local office for Polk County court records, civil and criminal case searches, traffic tickets, court payments, certified copies, official records, deeds, mortgages, marriage licenses, passports, jury services, tax deeds, public records requests, and county comptroller services.

The most useful starting point is Polk Records Online, the Clerk’s consolidated case-record search system. For deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, HOA restrictions, historical deeds, and other recorded documents, use the Clerk’s Official Records search instead.

Search Polk Court Records Public Records Searches Locations & Google Map

Independent guide last reviewed September 2026. Confirm current fees, hours, court access rules, holiday closures, service locations, and payment instructions on the official Polk Clerk website before filing, paying, requesting copies, or visiting.

Quick Facts: Polk County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller

Official office name Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.
Clerk & Comptroller Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA, is listed by the Clerk website as Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Polk County.
Main courthouse 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830.
Main phone 863-534-4000.
Traffic & court payments 863-733-8045.
Records custodian email Records@PolkClerkFL.gov.
Main online case system Polk Records Online, also called PRO, is the Clerk’s consolidated case records search application.
Official records coverage Official Records are searchable online from 1957 to present; historical deeds are available back to 1861.
Fast answer: use Polk Records Online for court cases, dockets, civil records, criminal records, traffic tickets, court dates, fines, and documents filed in cases. Use Official Records for deeds, mortgages, liens, notices of commencement, plats, HOA restrictions, marriage licenses, and recorded documents.

Request Polk County Records, Certified Copies, and Documents Not Found Online

Many uncertified court records and official records can be downloaded for free through the online record portals. If you cannot locate the desired record online, or if you need a certified copy, the Clerk directs users to submit a records request through the Public Information & Electronic Records application or contact the Records Custodian.

For better results, prepare the case number, party name, date of birth, document title, recording information, approximate year, and whether you need a plain copy, certified copy, mailed copy, or e-certified official record.

Official request systemPolk Public Information & Electronic Records Request

After opening this link:

  1. Read the notice that many uncertified copies are available free through Polk Records Online or Official Records search.
  2. Choose the request option that matches your need, such as certified copies, record copies, or public records help.
  3. Enter the case number, party name, record title, document date, book/page or instrument number, and any other details you have.
  4. Explain whether you need a court record, divorce record, marriage license, official record, deed, mortgage, lien, or other document.
  5. Wait for the Clerk’s response with cost, availability, and delivery instructions before sending payment.
  6. Do not send Social Security numbers, bank information, or card numbers in a general request message unless the official form specifically requires it.
Records Custodian mail Records Custodian
P.O. Box 9000, Drawer CC-18
Bartow, FL 33831-9000
Records Custodian email Records@PolkClerkFL.gov
Certified copy by mail The Clerk can process certified-copy requests and then contact you for payment before mailing documents.
Electronic certification note Electronic certification is available for Official Records, but the Clerk states that this service is not currently available for court records.
Practical copy tip: check whether a free uncertified copy is enough before paying. For legal filing, title work, name change, immigration, licensing, banking, or agency use, ask the receiving office whether it requires a certified copy.

Polk County Official Records: Deeds, Mortgages, Liens, Marriage Licenses, and More

As County Recorder, the Polk County Clerk maintains the official records of the county. The online Official Records database includes records from 1957 to present, and historical deeds dating back to 1861 are also available online.

The Clerk states that more than 350 types of records are in the database. Examples include final court judgments, property records such as deeds and mortgages, notices of commencement, liens, plats, HOA documents when recorded, marriage licenses, and other recorded documents.

Use Polk Records Online for

  • Civil court cases.
  • Criminal court cases.
  • Traffic tickets and citations.
  • Court dockets and court activity.
  • Documents filed in court cases.
  • Court dates and fines owed.

Use Official Records for

  • Deeds and mortgages.
  • Liens and notices of commencement.
  • Plats and property recordings.
  • Marriage licenses.
  • HOA deed restrictions when recorded.
  • Historical deeds and recorded instruments.

Official recordsPolk County Official Records

After opening this link:

  1. Choose “Search Official Records” for records from 1957 to present.
  2. Choose “Historical Deeds” if you need deed records from 1861 to 1956.
  3. Search by name, book/page, instrument number, document type, recording date, or other available field depending on the search page.
  4. Use Official Records for deeds, mortgages, liens, notices of commencement, plats, HOA documents, recorded judgments, and marriage licenses.
  5. Use the records request page if you need a certified copy or cannot find the record online.

Property protectionPolk County Property Alert Service

After opening this link:

  1. Read the warning that the service sends alerts when an official record is filed using your information.
  2. Register the name or property information you want monitored.
  3. Watch for alerts about deeds, titles, mortgages, marriage licenses, or other official records filed with your information.
  4. If you receive an unauthorized-recording alert, contact law enforcement because the alert service does not prevent fraud by itself.

eRecordingPolk County eRecording

After opening this link:

  1. Review whether your document can be recorded electronically with the Official Records Department.
  2. Scan the original document, convert it to an electronic image, and add the required indexing information.
  3. Use an approved eRecording vendor or workflow accepted by the Clerk.
  4. Confirm recording fees, formatting rules, and rejection reasons before submission.

Polk County Clerk Google Map, Address, Phone, and Office Locations

The main Polk County Clerk courthouse location is in Bartow. The Clerk also lists public service offices at the Lakeland Government Center and the Northeast Government Center. Use the official location page before visiting because mail addresses, drawer numbers, physical delivery instructions, and service counters can differ by department.

Main Polk County Courthouse

Physical address: 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830

Main phone: 863-534-4000

Traffic & Court Payment Center: 863-733-8045

Mail: Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, P.O. Box 9000, Bartow, FL 33831-9000. Include the correct drawer number for the division.

Common courthouse divisions: Civil, criminal, family law, domestic violence, probate, guardianship, jury, evidence, records, official records, tax deeds, marriage/passports, and court payments.

Open Bartow Courthouse in Google Maps

Polk County Courthouse

255 N. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830

Use this location for many court, records, official records, marriage/passport, probate, jury, criminal, civil, and payment services. Confirm the drawer or room before mailing or visiting.

Lakeland Government Center

930 E. Parker St., Room 240
Lakeland, FL 33801

A public Clerk service location for many common services. Check the official location page for exact services and current hours before visiting.

Northeast Government Center

200 Government Center Blvd.
Lake Alfred, FL 33850

The Clerk lists Northeast Polk services at this government center. Review hearing notices carefully because some family law hearings may occur at the Northeast Government Center.

Comptroller Office

330 W. Church St.
Bartow, FL 33830

Use Comptroller-related routing for county finance, public funds, county audit, Board records, and Clerk-as-Comptroller functions when directed by the Clerk.

Official contactPolk Clerk Contact, Addresses, Drawer Numbers, and Location Details

After opening this link:

  1. Start with the contact page before mailing anything because Polk uses drawer numbers for courthouse mail.
  2. Find the division you need, such as Civil, Criminal, Court Payments, Family Law, Jury, Marriage/Passports, Official Records/Tax Deeds, Probate, or Records/Evidence.
  3. Copy the correct drawer number, physical address, and mailing address for that division.
  4. Use the listed phone numbers to confirm the correct service counter before visiting.
  5. Open the Google Map for the specific location, not only the Bartow courthouse, if you plan to visit Lakeland or Northeast Polk.

What the Polk County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller Does

The Polk County Clerk & Comptroller performs three major public roles: Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Recorder, and County Comptroller. The office describes itself as a public trustee responsible for safeguarding public records and public funds.

In everyday use, that means the Clerk helps with court records, official records, court payments, court filings, marriage licenses, passports, tax deeds, jury services, official county records, foreclosure sales, Value Adjustment Board services, and public-record requests.

Clerk of the Circuit Court Processes, records, and files court documents for criminal, civil, juvenile, traffic, divorce, domestic violence, tenant eviction, and other court matters.
County Recorder Maintains Official Records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, marriage licenses, plats, and recorded documents.
County Comptroller Serves as county financial watchdog, auditor, treasurer, and records office for public funds and county finance duties.
Clerk to the Board Maintains records for County Commission meetings and related county government records.
Public services Jury services, marriage licenses, passports, foreclosure sales, tax deed sales, self-help forms, and payment services.
Online access Case records, official records, public records requests, property alert, tax deeds, e-filing links, and court-payment tools.

Official overviewAbout the Polk County Clerk & Comptroller

After opening this link:

  1. Review the Clerk’s three main roles: Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Recorder, and County Comptroller.
  2. Use the overview to decide whether your task is a court record, official record, county finance record, Board record, or public service.
  3. Return to the Public Records Searches page for court and official records search links.
  4. Use the Contact page for drawer numbers, division routing, and service addresses.

Traffic Tickets, Court Payments, Payment Plans, and Compliance

The Polk Clerk provides several ways to pay traffic citations and court obligations. The official traffic page lists online payment as the quickest option, phone payment through the Traffic & Court Payment Center, in-person payment at three offices, and mail payment.

Traffic deadlines matter. Payments by mail must be received by the due date, and failure to attend a required hearing or complete traffic school requirements can lead to additional fees or driver’s license suspension.

Online payment Fastest option for eligible traffic tickets and court fines.
Phone payment Call 863-733-8045 for Traffic & Court Payment Center service.
Payment center hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., based on the Clerk’s traffic page.
Mail payment Polk County Clerk & Comptroller, P.O. Box 9000, Drawer CC-10, Bartow, FL 33831-9000.

Official trafficPolk County Traffic Tickets

After opening this link:

  1. Review the four payment methods: online, phone, in person, and mail.
  2. Check whether your citation requires a court appearance before paying.
  3. If selecting traffic school, follow the Clerk’s deadline and approved-course instructions.
  4. Use your citation number or case number to confirm the correct balance.
  5. Save the payment receipt and any confirmation about license reinstatement or compliance.
  6. If mailing payment, make sure it is received by the due date and includes the proper drawer information.

Official paymentsCourt Payments, Payment Plans & Compliance

After opening this link:

  1. Read whether your balance is a traffic ticket, criminal fine, civil penalty, county ordinance, municipal ordinance, or payment-plan item.
  2. Check whether community service, payment plan, or compliance documentation is allowed for your case.
  3. Keep proof of hours, payment, or compliance if you are working with Court Payments & Compliance.
  4. For driver’s license reinstatement, the Clerk notes that the local DMV function in Polk County is handled by the Tax Collector after eligible payment/compliance steps.

Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, Guardianship, Juvenile, and Self-Help Services

Polk Clerk services cover a wide range of court divisions. Civil records include small claims, evictions, divorce, foreclosures, probate, wills, estates, custody, domestic relations, and related matters. Criminal records include felony, misdemeanor, traffic, municipal ordinance, and county ordinance cases.

Some records may be restricted by Florida court access rules. Family, juvenile, guardianship, probate, mental-health, domestic violence, sealed, expunged, and confidential documents may not be fully visible to anonymous public users.

Civil and small claims Use for small claims, evictions, foreclosures, landlord-tenant disputes, and other civil case records.
Family law Divorce, dissolution, custody, paternity, domestic relations, modification, and domestic violence routing.
Probate and guardianship Wills, estates, guardianships, probate records, and certified copies often needed by banks, agencies, or heirs.
Criminal and traffic Felony, misdemeanor, traffic, municipal ordinance, county ordinance, fines, compliance, and court-payment records.
Do-it-yourself filings Available for divorce, dissolution of marriage, evictions, restraining orders, and injunctions for protection.
Confidential filing duty The Clerk reminds filers that they are responsible for redacting or identifying confidential information for redaction.

Official servicesPolk Clerk Services Directory

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the specific service: Civil Court, Court Payments, Divorce, DIY Filings, E-Filing, Evictions, Expunging a Record, Family Law Modification, Guardianships, Indigent Status, Injunctions, Jury Duty, Marriage, Passports, Small Claims, Tax Deeds, or Value Adjustment Board.
  2. Read the service page before downloading forms or paying fees.
  3. If your task involves a court case, look up your case first in Polk Records Online.
  4. If filing without an attorney, review the forms and instructions carefully before submitting.
  5. For emergency protection or injunction questions, use the official injunction link and court instructions instead of guessing from a general records page.

Official e-filingFlorida Courts E-Filing Portal

After opening this link:

  1. Create or log in to your Florida Courts E-Filing Portal account.
  2. Select Polk County and the correct court division.
  3. Upload documents in the required format and review filing fees before submission.
  4. Save the confirmation and watch for acceptance, rejection, or correction notices.
  5. Check Polk Records Online later to verify whether the accepted filing appears on the case docket.

Marriage Licenses, Marriage Records, Ceremonies, and Passports

The Polk Clerk handles marriage services and passport applications at the Clerk’s three office locations. Marriage services may include license applications, ceremonies, and marriage record copies. Passport services are issued by the U.S. Department of State, but applications can be accepted at the Clerk’s office locations.

For marriage license records, remember that the license is not an official record of marriage until it has been returned to the Clerk’s office that issued it and recorded.

Marriage service locations Bartow Courthouse, Lakeland Government Center, and Northeast Government Center are the three Clerk office locations commonly listed for marriage services.
Passport service locations Passport applications and photos are listed at all three office locations: Bartow, Lakeland, and Northeast Government Center.
Marriage record proof After the ceremony, the license must be returned to the Clerk that issued it before the official marriage record exists.
Passport warning The commemorative passport celebrating America’s 250th anniversary is not available at the Polk County Clerk’s office.

Official marriagePolk County Marriage Services

After opening this link:

  1. Review the marriage license, ceremony, and marriage record instructions separately.
  2. Prepare government-issued identification and any premarital-course proof if it applies.
  3. Confirm whether appointments are available or whether the Clerk handles marriage services as walk-in service.
  4. After the ceremony, make sure the signed license is returned to the issuing Clerk for recording.
  5. For a certified marriage copy, use the records request or official records process and provide both names and the marriage date.

Official passportsPolk County Passport Services

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm whether you need a first-time passport, child passport, renewal, replacement, passport book, or passport card.
  2. Prepare proof of citizenship, photo identification, passport photo, and the correct application form.
  3. Check whether an out-of-state ID requires an additional ID document.
  4. Separate Clerk execution/photo fees from U.S. Department of State fees when preparing payment.
  5. Use travel.state.gov for current federal processing times and renewal eligibility.
  6. Read the Clerk’s notice about services not available at the office before visiting.

Polk Clerk Fees, Certified Copy Notes, and Payment Planning

Fees depend on the service, document type, case type, certification, search time, recording type, and payment method. The Clerk provides a fee schedule and also notes that certain public agencies and court-related government users may be exempt or pay reduced fees under Florida law.

Instead of guessing the total, check the official fee page before mailing payment or ordering a large set of records. For certified copies, wait for the Clerk’s cost response if the exact total is unclear.

Copy fees May apply when the Clerk prepares record copies or when a free online uncertified copy is not enough.
Certification fees May apply when a bank, agency, court, licensing office, or title company requires a certified copy.
Search fees May apply for record searches when you do not provide enough information to locate the record quickly.
Recording fees Apply to deeds, mortgages, liens, notices of commencement, and other Official Records recording services.
Marriage fees Marriage license, ceremony, and certified marriage-copy fees are separate services.
Passport fees Clerk acceptance/photo fees and federal Department of State passport fees may be separate payments.
Card convenience fees The Clerk notes that credit card processing vendors may charge a convenience fee and the Clerk does not receive that portion.
Amscot service fee The Clerk notes that cash payment at Amscot may include a service fee and may take time to post.

Official feesPolk Clerk Fees

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the fee category that matches your task: court record, civil filing, criminal payment, traffic ticket, marriage, passport, recording, tax deed, or public-record copy.
  2. Check whether the fee is per page, per document, per year searched, per filing, or per transaction.
  3. Confirm whether payment must be made to the Clerk, the U.S. Department of State, a vendor, or another agency.
  4. If mailing, include the correct drawer number and do not send payment until the amount is clear.
  5. For records requested online, wait for the Clerk’s payment instructions if the final amount depends on staff review.

Tax Deeds, Surplus Funds, Value Adjustment Board, and Comptroller Records

Because the Polk office is both Clerk and Comptroller, users often need more than case records. The Clerk provides tax deed search tools, surplus funds information, Value Adjustment Board services, county financial records, Board records, and other comptroller-related services.

Current tax deeds Current tax deeds and surplus funds from January 2025 to present are routed through the current tax deed search tool.
Past tax deeds Past tax deeds from December 2024 and older are routed through the prior tax deed search tool.
Value Adjustment Board The Clerk administers the VAB process for petitions involving property appraiser determinations, exemptions, classifications, portability, and valuations.
County finance The Comptroller role includes county funds, county audit, treasury, public records of county finance, and watchdog functions.

Official public searchesPolk Public Records Searches

After opening this link:

  1. Choose Court Records Search for civil, criminal, and traffic case information.
  2. Choose Official Records Search for deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, HOA restrictions, and recorded documents.
  3. Choose Historical Deeds for deed research from 1861 to 1956.
  4. Choose Current Tax Deeds & Surplus Funds for January 2025 to present.
  5. Choose Past Tax Deeds if the tax deed is from December 2024 or earlier.

Privacy, Restricted Records, Redaction, and Legal Use Notice

Not every Polk County record is fully public online. Florida court access rules and public-record exemptions can limit court files, family law records, juvenile records, probate records, mental-health records, domestic violence records, military discharge documents, death certificates, sealed records, expunged records, and exempt personal information.

The Clerk provides official forms for certain confidentiality, protected-party release, military separation document removal, and exempt information requests. These forms are specific; they are not a substitute for a court order when sealing or expungement is required.

Official formsPolk Clerk Document Center and Forms

After opening this link:

  1. Use the search or filter tool to find confidentiality, redaction, official records, court forms, recording forms, or service-specific forms.
  2. Read the entire form before signing because some requests require legal authority or proof of protected status.
  3. Identify the exact record, book/page, instrument number, case number, or document title when requesting redaction or confidentiality action.
  4. For sealing or expungement, use the Clerk’s expungement information and Florida agency instructions instead of only filing a redaction request.
Legal-use warning: this page is an independent informational guide and is not the official Polk County Clerk website. This website is not a consumer reporting agency. Do not use this guide or linked court-record searches for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, insurance eligibility, or any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose. Verify records directly with the official Clerk, court, or agency before acting on them.

Related Florida Clerk Guides

These nearby Florida clerk pages can help users compare case-search portals, court-record request steps, official records, and Clerk service locations across major Florida counties.

Orange County Clerk of Court Broward County Clerk of Courts Pinellas County Clerk of Court Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Volusia County Clerk of Court

Official Polk County Clerk Links Used in This Guide

Use these official sources for the most current records, services, payments, locations, maps, court access, and Clerk instructions.

Polk Clerk Official Website Polk Records Online Public Records Searches Court Records Public Information & Electronic Records Request Records Requests Official Records Contact and Locations Services Directory Traffic Tickets Court Payments & Payment Plans Marriage Services Passports Property Fraud Alert Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

Polk County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller FAQs

1. How do I search Polk County court records online?

Use Polk Records Online, the Clerk’s consolidated case-record search system. Search by available identifiers such as case number, party name, business name, citation number, or other case details, then review the docket, documents, court dates, and fines when available.

2. What is the official Polk County Clerk case search website?

The official case-record system is Polk Records Online at pro.polkcountyclerk.net/PRO. It is linked from the Clerk’s official Public Records Searches and Court Records pages.

3. Where is the Polk County Clerk of Courts located?

The main Polk County Courthouse is located at 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. The Clerk also lists offices at the Lakeland Government Center and Northeast Government Center.

4. What phone number should I call for the Polk Clerk?

The main phone number is 863-534-4000. For traffic tickets and court payments, the Clerk lists the Traffic & Court Payment Center at 863-733-8045.

5. Can I print Polk County court records for free?

Many uncertified court and official records can be viewed and printed for free from the online search portals. If you need a certified copy or cannot find the document online, use the Clerk’s records request process.

6. Can I get e-certified Polk County records online?

Yes, the Clerk states that electronic certification is available for Official Records. The Clerk also states that e-certification is not currently available for court records, so court-certified copies may require a different request process.

7. Are deeds and mortgages searched in Polk Records Online?

No. Polk Records Online is mainly for court case records. Deeds, mortgages, liens, notices of commencement, plats, marriage licenses, and other recorded documents should be searched through the Clerk’s Official Records search.

8. What records are in Polk County Official Records?

Official Records include more than 350 record types, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, notices of commencement, plats, HOA documents when recorded, final court judgments, marriage licenses, and other recorded documents.

9. Does the Polk Clerk handle marriage licenses and passports?

Yes. The Polk Clerk handles marriage services and passport applications at the Clerk’s three office locations: Bartow, Lakeland, and the Northeast Government Center. Check the official page for requirements before visiting.

10. Is this page the official Polk County Clerk website?

No. This is an independent informational guide. For official case searches, records requests, fees, certified copies, payment instructions, maps, office hours, and service updates, use the official Polk Clerk links provided in this article.

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