8 Essential Services And Recent Digital Upgrades By The Okaloosa Clerk Of Court In 2025

The Okaloosa Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office is the central hub for the county's judicial, financial, and public records, serving a critical role far beyond simple court administration. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the office, led by Brad E. Embry, is continually rolling out new digital services and updates to enhance public access and efficiency across Okaloosa County, Florida. This deep dive explores the Clerk’s multifaceted responsibilities and highlights the most recent, essential updates you need to know for the current year.

The office is not merely a record-keeper; it is a constitutionally mandated entity that operates as the County’s accountant, auditor, and treasurer, ensuring fiscal transparency while managing the vast judicial records of the Circuit Court and County Court. Understanding the full scope of their work is key to navigating legal and governmental processes in the region.

Meet the Clerk: Brad E. Embry, Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and Comptroller

The current Okaloosa Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller is Brad E. Embry. He serves as a duly elected Constitutional Officer, a position mandated by the Florida Constitution to provide checks and balances on local government.

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• Current Role: Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller for Okaloosa County, Florida.
• Appointment/Election: Appointed to the position, continuing the long history of dedicated service in the office.
• Education: Holds a Master of Science in Administration (MSA) from the University of West Florida (UWF), graduating in 2011.
• Professional Certifications: Mr. Embry possesses several high-level professional certifications, demonstrating his expertise in finance and auditing. These include Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Inspector General (CIG), Certified Inspector General Investigator (CIGI), Certified Inspector General Auditor (CIGA), and Certified Electronic Crime Forensic Examiner (CECFE).
• Professional History: His background includes extensive experience in professional court correspondence and financial oversight, preparing him for the dual role of Clerk and Comptroller.

8 Essential Roles of the Okaloosa Clerk of Court and Comptroller

The Florida Clerk of Court is unique, holding a complex set of duties that span the judicial, financial, and administrative arms of the county. In Okaloosa, the office is responsible for eight major functions that directly impact every resident and business.

1. Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts

This is the most recognized function. The Clerk is the official custodian of all court records, including criminal, civil, traffic, and juvenile cases. This includes processing all filings, managing evidence, and maintaining the official minutes of the court proceedings. The office is instrumental in the administration of justice by supporting the judges and the public.

2. County Recorder

The Clerk’s office maintains the Official Records of Okaloosa County. These are documents that establish ownership and interest in property, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and marriage licenses. The recording fee for documents is standardized at $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page, plus indexing fees.

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3. County Treasurer and Auditor

As the County Comptroller, the Clerk manages all county funds and investments. This includes processing all county expenditures and payroll. The Auditor role involves reviewing and verifying the financial transactions of the Board of County Commissioners to ensure fiscal integrity and compliance with state statutes.

4. Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

The Clerk serves as the ex-officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, maintaining the official records of all Board meetings, resolutions, and ordinances. This administrative role ensures a transparent and accessible governmental process for the public.

5. Public Records Custodian

The office is the central point for public records requests. Citizens can search a wide range of documents online, including court records, case information, and other official filings. The ability to submit a Public Records Request online has streamlined this vital function.

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6. Marriage and Passport Services

The Okaloosa Clerk's office is the local authority for issuing marriage licenses and processing passport applications, providing essential life event services to the community.

7. Value Adjustment Board (VAB) Support

The Clerk provides administrative and clerical support for the Value Adjustment Board (VAB), which hears appeals regarding property assessments. Recent public notices, such as the VAB Public Hearing Notice for 2024, are handled and publicized through the Clerk’s office, ensuring due process for property owners.

8. Financial Services and Payments

The Clerk facilitates the payment of court-related fees and fines. Popular online services include making payments for Child Support, Criminal Court Payments, and Traffic fines, offering convenience to citizens across the county.

Digital Transformation: New Online Services and 2025 Updates

The Okaloosa Clerk of Court has embraced digital transformation, focusing on making historically paper-intensive processes accessible online. These updates are the most current and relevant features for anyone interacting with the office in 2025.

e-Certify: Electronic Certified Documents

One of the most significant recent upgrades is the introduction of e-Certify. This service allows the public to purchase and receive electronically certified court documents directly from the Clerk's website. These documents include a unique Clerk of Court digital signature, making them legally valid and secure. This eliminates the need to travel to a courthouse for certified copies.

e-Recording for Official Records

The office now utilizes e-Recording, a secure online submission process for documents intended for the Official Records of Okaloosa County. This service is primarily used by title companies, banks, and legal professionals to submit deeds, mortgages, and other critical documents electronically, drastically speeding up the recording process.

Advanced Court Records Search

The Okaloosa Clerk’s Office has been approved by the Florida Courts Technology Commission for implementing new technology that enhances the public's ability to search court records. This ongoing effort ensures that the search functionality is robust, compliant with state rules, and provides comprehensive access to case information while protecting confidential data.

Fraud Notify Service

To help residents protect their most valuable asset, the Clerk offers a Fraud Notify service. This system alerts property owners if a document, such as a deed or mortgage, is recorded against their name or property. This is a crucial, proactive measure against property fraud and identity theft.

Key Financial and Judicial Entities and Fees

Navigating the Okaloosa court system requires an understanding of specific fees and judicial programs. The Clerk’s office plays a direct role in managing these financial and administrative entities.

• Small Claims Filings: For those initiating a Small Claims case, the Sheriff's Service Fee for serving a defendant in Okaloosa County is $40.00 per defendant, payable at the time of initiating the case.
• Civil Process Fees: The fee for issuing a Summons is $10.00, and the fee to prepare and issue a Summons is $17.00. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office charges a separate $40.00 service fee for serving documents like Summons, Subpoenas, and Writs.
• Judicial Programs: Beyond record-keeping, the Clerk supports Court Services, which is a collection of judicial programs designed to provide pretrial assessments and other court-related services for those who have been arrested.
• Jury Duty: Citizens can easily respond to a Jury Duty summons and view information about their service online through the Clerk’s portal, streamlining the civic duty process.

The Okaloosa Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s office remains a cornerstone of local government, effectively balancing the duties of a constitutional officer with the demands of a modern, digitally-driven public service entity. The ongoing commitment to digital services like e-Certify and Fraud Notify demonstrates a clear focus on transparency, efficiency, and public convenience for 2025 and beyond.