Highlands County Clerk of Courts
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Compliance and Internal Audit Division FAQ's

Where or how do I apply for a grant?
For Highlands County Grants: Budget Office, (863) 402-6520.
For State of Florida Grants: State Information Operator (850) 488-1234

Recording/Official Records FAQ's

What does Recording Services do?
The Clerk of the Circuit court, as the Official County Recorder, accepts documents for recordation in the Official Records of Highlands County. Documents are reviewed by deputy clerks for recordability prior to recording in the Official Records.

What type of documents do you record?
Recording Services records deeds, mortgages, liens, military discharges, judgments, certified copies of judgments, leases, agreements and other documents that are authorized or required by law to be recorded.

Can any document be recorded in the official records?
No. The Clerk of Circuit Court can only record those documents that are authorized or required by law to be recorded.

How does my document get recorded?
When your document is received in Recording Services, a deputy clerk will review the document to determine if it meets the statutory recording requirements. The appropriate fees will be calculated and collected. The document will be assigned an instrument number, official records book and page number, and the date and time of recording. The document will be indexed, microfilmed and scanned (placed on the internet) and will be officially recorded in the Official Records of Highlands County. Your document is then returned to you by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.

What will I find in the official records? 
A microfilmed copy of all recorded documents. Also, most official record images are available on the internet from 1983 through current date. They can be viewed on our web site on the Search Official Records page.

What is the earliest date of the official records on file?

The Official Records begin in 1921 when Highlands became a County and are carried to the present date.

Once a document is recorded, how soon does it appear in the official records?
When a document is recorded, the information will normally appear on the computer index and will be available for viewing on the microfilm or the internet within 24 to 48 hours.  The actual image of the document will be available for viewing on the internet normally within 3 to 5 days.

How much information is available on the computer?
The computer carries the index of recorded documents from January 1, 1983 through the present date.  It includes the names of the parties, the type of document, the location of the document (OR Book and Page number), the date of recording, and the legal description, if provided, and the image of all pages contained in the document.

How can I order a certified copy of a document from the official records?
To obtain a certified copy of a document recorded in the Official Records you may either mail your request, along with a check for the appropriate fees, i.e., $1.00 per page and $1.50 per document for a certified fee, made payable to the Clerk of Court, Attn: Recording. 590 S. Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida, 33870 OR you may request this information through www.myfloridacounty.com and pay the appropriate fees with a credit card. Depending on the method you choose, you should receive your document within 2 to 7 working days.

What else is located in the recording services office?
The real estate subdivision plat books and tax rolls for Highlands County.

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Declaration of Domicile FAQ's

What is a declaration of domicile?
A Declaration of Domicile is a sworn statement which states that you reside in and maintain a place of residence in Highlands County. It also states that you intend to maintain this county as your permanent residence.

What must I bring with me to get a declaration of domicile?
You will need to bring a valid form of identification such as a driver's license or a Florida issued identification card, your previous address and your present address.

Forms are available in the CLERK'S OFFICE for Declaration of Domicile.

What is the fee for a declaration of domicile?
All fees are established by legislative actions and are subject to change. Please refer to a current "Schedule of Service Charges" available in any Clerk's Office , or online, for applicable fees.

Office Location
Recording Services Division
590 S Commerce Ave.
Sebring, Fl 33870
Telephone: (863) 402-6592

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Traffic FAQ's

What is the Traffic Division's mailing address?
590 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870 - express mail deliveries 430 S. Commerce Ave., Room 3, Sebring, FL 33870

If I receive a ticket, when is it due?
Normally 30 calendar days from the issue date of the ticket unless otherwise indicated.

Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes.  We are able to accept all major credit cards.

How many points will this put on my license?
Contact DHSMV directly for this information.

Can I pay my Highlands County ticket in another county?
Tickets cannot be paid in another county. All tickets must be paid in person or by mail to the Highlands County Clerk of Courts.

Can I get an extension to pay my ticket?
Only the Judge can grant you an extension. You must come in, prior to the ticket due date, to fill out the necessary paperwork requesting an extension.

Why is my license suspended?
Contact DHSMV directly for this information.

Where are driving schools located?
Several driving schools are available throughout the county. Please check your local telephone directory.

Where are you located and what time do you open?
Our office is located at 430 S. Commerce Ave, Room 3 Courthouse Basement, Sebring, FL 38370 and we are open from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Can I pay for a ticket in Highlands County if I received it in another county?
You cannot pay for a ticket in Highlands County if it was issued in another county. Tickets must be paid in the county that issued the ticket.

Do you have a Spanish interpreter?
We have a Spanish interpreter in our offices.

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Juvenile FAQ's What is the Department of Juvenile Justice's phone number?
(863) 471-5300

How do I get my child out of detention?
Talk to your child's Department of Juvenile Justice counselor or contact an attorney.

Is my juvenile record confidential?
Juvenile records are confidential.

How do I go about getting my children back?
Contact the Department of Children & Families at (863) 385-4502 or see an attorney.

How do I go about becoming a Teen Court Member?
Contact the Clerk's Juvenile Department at (863) 402-6605 or come in and pick up an application - 430 S. Commerce Ave, Room 5 Courthouse Basement, Sebring, FL 38370.

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