Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court

Misdemeanor Frequently Asked Questions

How can I change my court date?

The Clerk’s office does not have the authority to change a court date.  If you are represented by an attorney, please contact their office.  If you do not have an attorney, any request to continue your case must be made in writing to the Judge.  It is important that your request includes your name and case number.  File your request with the Clerk’s office and we will forward it to the Judge.

What happens if I fail to appear for my court date?

Failing to appear in court could result in the Judge issuing a capias for your arrest.  The Judge may order a forfeiture of the bond posted on your case.  Upon arrest, you may be required to post an additional bond or the Judge may require that you be held without bond.

How do I have a public defender appointed to my case and how much does it cost?

At your arraignment you will have an opportunity to apply for the services of the public defender.  If you qualify, the Judge may appoint a public defender to your case at arraignment.

When you complete the application requesting the services of the public defender, an application fee of $50 will be assessed to your case.

Where can I get legal advice if I don’t qualify for the public defender?

The Clerk’s office is prohibited from dispensing legal advice.  Any technical or legal questions you have about your case should be addressed with a qualified attorney.  If you do not know an attorney, you can contact the Lawyer Referral and Information Service of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association at (850) 434-6009.

Who should I notify if my address changes?

It is your responsibility to notify the Clerk’s office of any change of address, in writing, at Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court, Attn: Misdemeanor Division, P.O. Box 472, Milton, FL 32572.  Please include your case number and/or date of birth on the correspondence.

How do I get information on a case in Santa Rosa County?

You may contact the Misdemeanor Division by phone at 850-981-5561, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:30PM for general information regarding case numbers, upcoming court dates, etc.  This information is also available online at the following link:  Santa Rosa County Court Record Search.

How do I have my case sealed or expunged?

The Clerk’s office has a packet you can purchase for $3.00.  The packet includes instructions regarding the steps necessary to process such a request.  These instructions are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace the assistance of a qualified attorney.  Once you have received your packet, if you still have questions you may contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at (850) 410-7870 or visit them online at www.fdle.state.fl.us .  FDLE’s website contains valuable information regarding a variety of topics including, but not limited to, frequently asked questions regarding sealing and expunging records.