Nassau County probate court records are the official court files that cover the legal steps for handling the property, debts, and final wishes of people who passed away in this northeast Florida county. These files hold wills, letters of administration, inventory reports, creditor claims, and final court orders.
The Nassau County Clerk of Courts in Yulee keeps all of these filings in one place. People search these files to learn who runs an estate, to confirm legal heirs, or to get proof of a court order. This page explains how to look up records, what each probate type covers, and how to get help with estate matters in Nassau County, Florida.
Nassau County Clerk of Courts and Probate
The Nassau County Clerk of Courts runs the probate division for the entire county. Yulee is the county seat, and the main courthouse sits there. If you are coming from Fernandina Beach or Amelia Island, plan extra time for the drive west to Yulee. The clerk’s office takes all new probate filings, stores old case files, and issues certified copies of court orders. Anyone with a direct stake in an estate, plus attorneys and the public, can ask to see most of these records.
Office Location and Contact Details
The clerk’s office is easy to reach by phone, mail, or in person. The mailing address and phone numbers below are current as of 2026. Always call ahead to confirm hours before you drive to the office, since court schedules can change on short notice.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Nassau County Clerk of Courts |
| Street Address | 76347 Veteran’s Way, Suite 456, Yulee, FL 32097 |
| Main Phone | (904) 548-4600 |
| Toll-Free Phone | 800-958-3496 |
| Website | www.nassauclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The clerk’s website links to the online case search tool, fee schedules, and division contacts. The homepage lists every court division, including probate and guardianship, and gives direct links to the records portal.
Office Hours and Visit Tips
The clerk’s office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM on weekdays. The office stays closed on weekends and on Florida state holidays. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing so staff can pull your case file. Bring a valid photo ID and your case number when possible. If you do not have a case number, the full legal name of the person who passed away and the year of death help the staff locate the right file fast.
4th Judicial Circuit and Court Authority
Nassau County sits inside the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit court has authority over all probate cases filed in the county. The 4th Circuit covers more than one county, so its rules apply across a wider area than a single-county circuit. Probate cases, though, still file locally in Nassau County and get heard by judges assigned to the Nassau County docket. This local docket controls how hearings run and which judge signs each order.
Counties Covered by the Circuit
The 4th Judicial Circuit covers three northeast Florida counties: Clay, Duval, and Nassau. Duval County is the largest by population and includes Jacksonville. Clay County sits southwest of Duval. Nassau County sits to the north and east, bordering Georgia along the Saint Marys River. The 4th Circuit shares judges, clerks, and court rules across all three counties. Each county still has its own clerk’s office for local filings, and each office keeps its own probate case files.
Local Administrative Orders
The chief judge of the 4th Circuit signs local administrative orders that set extra rules for probate cases. These orders cover how petitions must be formatted, what papers must attach, and how hearings get scheduled. The orders carry the force of local court rules. If you miss a rule in a current order, the court can reject your filing or delay your hearing. Always check the 4th Circuit website at jud4.flcourts.org for the latest orders before you file any new probate case in Nassau County.
How to Search Probate Court Records Online
The Nassau County Clerk of Courts runs a free online case search tool that anyone can use from a phone or computer. The tool lets you look up probate cases by the name of the person who passed away, the name of the personal representative, or a case number. Public case facts show filing dates, party names, hearing dates, and docket entries. The tool updates each business day with new filings and new docket lines.
Using the Clerk’s Online Portal
Go to www.nassauclerk.com and click the court records link on the homepage. The portal lets you pick a search type, enter a name or case number, and view the matching cases. Each result shows the case number, the type of case, the filing date, and the current status. Click on a case to see the full docket, party list, and any open hearings. You can also print the docket page for your own records at no cost. The tool does not show scanned images of every document, so you may need to visit the office in person for some papers.
The homepage lists every court division, including probate and guardianship, and gives direct links to the online records portal. Use the search bar at the top to start a name-based lookup fast.
Public Records and Confidential Files
Most probate papers are public records, but a few stay sealed under Florida law. Inventories of estate assets, accountings, and final reports stay confidential. Florida law bars the clerk from posting images of any court file on a public website. This rule means some papers can only be viewed at the clerk’s office or by mail request. When you ask for a copy of a sealed paper, you must show a direct stake in the case, like being an heir, a creditor, or the personal representative.
Types of Probate in Nassau County
Florida law gives three main paths for settling a deceased person’s estate. The right path depends on the total gross value of the assets and on how long ago the person died. All three paths file with the Nassau County Clerk of Courts. The clerk’s office can give you the right forms for each path and answer basic questions about which one fits your case.
Formal Administration
Formal administration covers the full probate workflow. The court names a personal representative, creditors get formal notice, an inventory of assets gets filed, and a final accounting must be submitted before the estate can close. Formal administration applies when the estate’s gross value is more than $75,000 and the person died less than two years ago. Florida law usually requires an attorney in formal administration cases. The workflow can take many months or more than a year, based on the estate’s size and on whether any disputes come up.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a shorter path for smaller estates or older estates. The court can order summary administration when the estate’s gross value is $75,000 or less, or when the person died two or more years ago. The two-year rule matters, and many people miss it. Once two years have passed since death, summary administration is open regardless of the estate’s size, as long as no creditor claims remain open. No personal representative gets named. The interested parties file a petition, and the court signs an order directing how assets get paid out. Summary administration can wrap up in a few weeks instead of many months.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest path. It applies when an estate has only personal property worth $6,000 or less and no real estate. A family member files a short petition with the clerk. No full court case opens. The clerk’s office can give you the right form. People most often use this path to access a small bank account or to collect a titled vehicle after someone dies with very few assets.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Nassau County follows the statewide probate fee schedule set by Florida law. Fees for formal administration depend on the estate’s estimated gross value. Summary administration petitions have a flat fee. Certified copies of court orders and letters of administration cost extra per page. Call the clerk’s office at (904) 548-4600 to confirm current fees before you file, since the fee schedule can change each year.
Statutory Fee Schedule
The fee for a formal administration petition in Florida ties to the estate’s gross value. A small estate pays a small fee, and a large estate pays a larger fee. The clerk’s office can quote the exact amount based on the value you list in the petition. Certified copies of letters of administration, court orders, and other case papers each cost a few dollars per page. If you mail in a request, add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the total amount.
Attorney Fees in Probate Cases
Attorney fees in formal administration follow the schedule in Florida Statutes Section 733.6171. The law sets a baseline tied to the estate’s value. The personal representative and the attorney can agree to a different fee, but the statutory schedule sets a floor and a ceiling that courts watch closely. Other costs in a probate case include service of process fees and publication costs for notice to creditors in formal administration. Notice to creditors is required by Florida law in formal administration so that any known or unknown creditors get a fair chance to file claims.
Death Records and Florida Probate
Probate cases in Florida always need a certified copy of the death certificate. Banks, title companies, and investment firms all ask for this paper before they will move money or change property records. The Florida Department of Health, through the Bureau of Vital Statistics, runs the statewide system for death records. You can order a certified copy of a Florida death certificate by mail, in person, or online. Most probate cases need at least three to five certified copies, so plan to order more than one at a time.
Florida Death Certificate Order
You can place a Florida death certificate order through the Florida Department of Health or through an approved local registrar. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville is the closest vital records office to Nassau County. You can also place an order online through the state-approved vendor at the Florida Department of Health website. The cost is set by Florida law. Most certified copies arrive in two to three weeks by mail, and rush service is open for an extra fee. The vital records office will only issue a certified copy to a person who shows a direct legal relationship to the deceased, like a family member, an attorney, or a personal representative named in a probate case.
Florida Death Record Request Form
The Florida death record request form is a one-page paper you fill out and sign. The form asks for the full legal name of the deceased, the date of death, the county of death, and the requester’s name and address. You must also sign the form under penalty of perjury. You can download the form from the Florida Department of Health website or pick one up at any county health department. The form must travel with a photo ID copy and the correct fee. If you mail the form, send it to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, since that office serves Nassau County.
Florida Vital Statistics Database
The Florida vital statistics database holds all Florida death records from 1917 to the present. Death records more than 50 years old are open to the public for free lookup through the Florida State Archives. Recent death records stay restricted to close family members, attorneys, and people with a direct legal need. The state archives run a free online search tool that lets you look up older death records by name, county, and year. For recent records, you must order a certified copy through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or an approved local registrar. Nassau County probate cases usually need a certified copy of the death record, not just a database lookup, so plan ahead for the fee and the wait time.
Legal Help and Self-Representation
Florida lets people handle small probate cases on their own. The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov has approved probate forms, self-help guides, and plain-language explanations of the estate administration workflow. These forms work in every Florida county, including Nassau County. For larger estates, or for any case with real property, debts, or family disputes, a probate attorney is the safer path. Many Nassau County attorneys offer a free first consult on probate matters.
Self-Help Forms and Court Resources
The Florida Courts self-help center has the full set of approved probate forms. The forms cover petitions for administration, summary administration, disposition without administration, and waivers. Each form has a set of step-by-step instructions written in plain English. You can fill out the forms by hand or type in the fields and print them. The clerk’s office in Nassau County will accept the state-approved forms without any local changes. Bring at least two copies of every form to the clerk’s office when you file. The clerk will stamp both copies, keep one for the court file, and return the other to you with the filing date.
Local Legal Aid Providers
Three Rivers Legal Services gives free civil legal help to low-income residents in Nassau County and the surrounding area. Their services can include help with summary administration petitions for small estates. Contact their office to see if your case qualifies. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with a local probate attorney if you need paid legal representation. Nassau County is a growing community, and estates in the county often involve real property, including homes and investment properties near Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island. Real property in an estate can push a case into formal administration even when the rest of the estate is small. An attorney can help you weigh your path before you file.
Office Location and Contact Summary
Below is the full contact summary for the Nassau County Clerk of Courts probate division. Use these facts to plan a visit, place a phone call, or send a mail request. The clerk’s office holds all Nassau County probate court records and can help you start a search today.
Office: Nassau County Clerk of Courts
Address: 76347 Veteran’s Way, Suite 456, Yulee, FL 32097
Phone: (904) 548-4600
Toll-Free: 800-958-3496
Website: www.nassauclerk.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section covers common questions people ask about Nassau County probate court records, Florida death certificate order steps, and the local probate workflow. Each answer gives direct, current facts based on Florida law and on the Nassau County Clerk of Courts rules as of 2026. Use these answers to plan your next step, but always confirm current fees and hours with the clerk’s office before you file or visit.
How Do I Look Up a Probate Case in Nassau County?
Go to the Nassau County Clerk of Courts website at www.nassauclerk.com and click the court records link. Use the name of the person who passed away, the personal representative’s name, or the case number to run a search. The online portal shows filing dates, party names, hearing dates, and docket entries. For sealed papers like inventories and accountings, you must visit the clerk’s office in person at 76347 Veteran’s Way, Suite 456, Yulee, FL 32097, or send a written copy request by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the correct fee. The clerk’s office can be reached at (904) 548-4600 for help with case lookup.
What Is the Cost to Open a Probate Case in Nassau County?
The filing fee for a formal administration petition ties to the estate’s gross value, and the fee for a summary administration petition is a flat amount set by Florida law. Certified copies of court orders and letters of administration cost a few dollars per page. Attorney fees in formal administration follow the schedule in Florida Statutes Section 733.6171. Other costs include service of process fees and publication costs for the creditor notice, which Florida law requires in formal administration. Call the clerk’s office at (904) 548-4600 to confirm the current fee schedule before you file. The fee schedule can change each year, so a quick phone call can save a wasted trip.
Do I Need a Florida Death Certificate for Probate?
Yes, the court will ask for a certified copy of the Florida death certificate when you open a probate case. Banks, title companies, and other institutions will also ask for certified copies before they will move money or transfer property. You can place a Florida death certificate order through the Florida Department of Health, the Bureau of Vital Statistics, or an approved local registrar. Most probate cases need at least three to five certified copies, so order more than one at a time. Rush service is open for an extra fee through the state-approved online vendor. Death records more than 50 years old are open for free lookup at the Florida State Archives, but recent records need a formal order through the vital records system.
What Is the Difference Between Formal and Summary Administration?
Formal administration is the full probate workflow. The court names a personal representative, creditors get formal notice, an inventory gets filed, and a final accounting is required. This path applies when the estate’s gross value is more than $75,000 and the person died less than two years ago. Summary administration is a shorter path for estates with a gross value of $75,000 or less, or for any estate where the person died two or more years ago. No personal representative gets named in summary administration, and the court signs an order directing how assets get paid out. The Florida Statutes Chapter 733 covers both paths and all the rules for each step in the workflow.
Can I Handle a Nassau County Probate Case Without an Attorney?
You can handle a small summary administration or disposition without administration on your own. The Florida Courts self-help center has the full set of approved forms, and the clerk’s office in Nassau County will accept these state forms. For any formal administration case, Florida law usually requires an attorney. For a small estate with no real property and no family disputes, the self-help path can save legal fees. For any estate with real property, debts, business interests, or family disputes, an attorney is the safer path. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a local probate attorney for a paid consult. Three Rivers Legal Services gives free help to low-income residents who qualify.
How Long Does Probate Take in Nassau County?
A summary administration can wrap up in a few weeks. A formal administration usually takes many months, and complex cases can take more than a year. The exact time depends on the estate’s size, the number of creditors, and whether any disputes come up among heirs. The court requires a creditor notice period in formal administration, and that period alone takes several months. Once creditors have had their chance to file claims, the personal representative can move toward the final accounting and the order closing the estate. The Nassau County Clerk of Courts can give you a current timeline estimate when you file your petition. Always plan for at least six months in formal administration, and more for large or disputed estates.