About Martin County
Martin County is located on Florida's Treasure Coast, situated between Palm Beach County to the south and St. Lucie County to the north. Martin County Seat is Stuart, a picturesque waterfront city that is the hub for county government operations. Established in 1925, Martin County was carved from portions of Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties and named after Governor John W. Martin, who served Florida from 1925 to 1929. Martin County includes approximately 556 square miles, with a significant portion consisting of water, including the St.
Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, and Atlantic Ocean coastline. As of recent estimates, Martin County has a population of approximately 161,000 residents. Martin County is renowned for its commitment to environmental preservation, strict growth management policies, and high quality of life.
Major landmarks include Jonathan Dickinson State Park, one of Florida's largest state parks; the Elliott Museum showcasing area history and innovation; House of Refuge Museum, Florida's first lifesaving station; and the pristine beaches of Hutchinson Island. Martin County Clerk & Comptroller, located at 100 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994, maintains official court records, marriage licenses, and recorded documents. Martin County Property Appraiser, at 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34996, handles property assessments and tax roll preparation.
Martin County Tax Collector manages tax collection and motor vehicle services. Martin County's economy traditionally centered on agriculture, particularly citrus and cattle, but has evolved to include marine industries, tourism, and a strong retirement community presence.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Martin County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Martin County. The office oversees the operation of Martin County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs tailored to the needs of Martin County residents. Notable divisions within the office include the Marine Unit, which patrols the extensive waterways, and the Special Investigations Unit, which focuses on narcotics and organized crime.
Police Departments
In addition to Martin County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments serve Martin County, including the Stuart Police Department and the Jupiter Island Public Safety Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while city police departments manage public safety within their respective municipalities. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of a coordinated response across Martin County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Martin County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff William Snyder, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including operating Martin County detention facility. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 800 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34994, and can be reached for Their official website is martinsheriff.org, where citizens can access various resources and information.
- For inmate searches, Martin County Jail maintains an online inmate locator accessible through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search current inmates by name, booking date, or booking number.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through the online inmate search system.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office Records Division, either in person, by mail, or through their online request portal.
- The Sheriff's Office must respond to public records requests promptly, typically within a few business days, and may charge reasonable fees for copies.
- Requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible, including names, dates, and case numbers.
The detention facility, located at the same address as the Sheriff's headquarters, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Municipal law enforcement within Martin County includes the Stuart Police Department serving the city of Stuart. Under Florida's broad public records law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (Florida Public Records Act), arrest records, booking reports, and incident reports are generally public record.
Florida Statute 119.07 guarantees public access to government records with limited exemptions for active criminal intelligence, confidential informants, and certain ongoing investigations. Martin County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit patrols the extensive waterways, while specialized units handle narcotics, SWAT operations, and criminal investigations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Martin County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registries. Martin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or use the state's online portal for more full searches.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Martin County are maintained by Martin County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the Sheriff's Office, either online or in person. A typical arrest record in Martin County includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's information. Florida's public records law, known as the Sunshine Law, ensures that arrest records are accessible to the public, promoting transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.
Jail & Inmate Records
Martin County Jail, officially known as Martin County Detention Center, is where individuals arrested in Martin County are booked and held. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to a dress code.
- In Florida, the bond or bail process allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the detention center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Martin County are taken and retained by Martin County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website. Residents can search for mugshots using the online inmate lookup tool provided by the Sheriff's Office. Florida does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may seek removal through legal channels if they believe the publication violates their rights.
Courts & Case Records
Martin County is served by the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which also serves St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. Martin County Courthouse is located at 100 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994, phone. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate, guardianship, and juvenile delinquency. Martin County Court, also housed in Martin County Courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $30,000, small claims up to $8,000, and county ordinance violations.
- Cases can be searched through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com, which provides public access to case dockets, parties, and selected filings for both circuit and county court cases.
- Martin County Clerk & Comptroller, serving as Clerk of the Circuit Court, maintains all official court records and provides public access to documents filed in court proceedings.
- The Clerk's office charges statutory fees for copies: $1.00 per page for non-certified copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
Property & Public Records
Martin County Clerk & Comptroller is the official Recorder of Deeds and maintains all land records for Martin County. The Official Records Division, located at 100 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994, phone, preserves and provides access to deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfaction of liens, easements, declarations of condominium, subdivision plats, maps, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, military discharges (DD-214s), and federal tax liens.
- The office has digitized records dating back to Martin County's 1925 inception, with searchable indexes available online at martinclerk.com/official-records.
- Recording fees are established by Florida Statute 28.24 and typically include $10 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page.
- Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- The Property Appraiser's online parcel search provides free access to property characteristics, ownership history, assessed values, exemption information, aerial photographs, and sales history.
The Official Records search is free to the public and allows searches by name (grantor/grantee), book and page, document type, or Official Record number. Martin County Property Appraiser, Lauren R. Sims, CFA, maintains property tax records, ownership information, and assessment data at 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34996, phone, website pa.martin.fl.us.
The interactive GIS mapping system allows users to search by address, parcel number, owner name, or map location. Tax payment records are maintained by Martin County Tax Collector at tcpalmbeaches.com. All real property records are public under Florida Statute 119, with limited exemptions for addresses of law enforcement officers, judges, and certain domestic violence victims.
Vital Records
Vital records for Martin County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Martin County are filed with the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, which is the central repository for all Florida vital records under Chapter 382, Florida Statutes. Birth certificates cost $9 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $5 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks; online orders through VitalChek are expedited to 7-10 business days.
- Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification, social security numbers, and payment ($86 standard license, $61 if couples complete premarital counseling).
- Certified copies of marriage certificates recorded in Martin County are available from the Clerk's office for $2.00 per page plus $2.00 certification.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest as defined by Florida law (family members, legal representatives, or persons with court orders). Orders can be submitted in person at county health departments, by mail to Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, PO Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231, or online through VitalChek.com (additional processing fees apply for expedited service). Marriage licenses are issued by Martin County Clerk & Comptroller at 100 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994, phone.
Florida has no waiting period if couples complete the counseling course; otherwise, there is a three-day waiting period. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance. Divorce records (dissolution of marriage) are court records maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and are generally public record unless sealed by court order.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Martin County operates on multiple levels involving county, state, and municipal agencies. Martin County Business Tax Receipt Division issues local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) for businesses operating within unincorporated Martin County. This office can be reached at and requires businesses to register annually. Fees vary based on business classification and size.
- Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA) are filed with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and can be searched online at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz.
- Registration of fictitious names costs $50 and must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Martin County where the principal place of business is located.
- Martin County Clerk & Comptroller processes the affidavits of publication required for fictitious name registration.
Businesses operating within incorporated municipalities must obtain business tax receipts from their respective city governments, such as the City of Stuart Business Tax Office. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare professionals are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), searchable at myfloridalicense.com/verification. Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning information are handled by Martin County Growth Management Department, 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34996, phone.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Florida Department of Revenue. Martin County Business Development Board promotes economic development and provides resources for businesses, while the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, located at 1650 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, FL 34994, website goodnature.org, offers networking and business support services.
Elections & Voter Records
Martin County Supervisor of Elections, located at 135 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994, administers all aspects of voter registration, elections, and campaign finance compliance within Martin County. The office can be reached at and maintains a full website at votemartin.gov where voters can access registration, polling locations, sample ballots, election results, and other election related information. Voter registration in Florida is available to U.S.
- Registration can be completed online at registertovoteflorida.gov, in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, at driver license offices, or by submitting a paper application.
- Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) are available to all registered voters upon request without requiring an excuse under Florida law.
- Requests can be submitted online through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, by mail, or in person, and are valid through the end of the calendar year for all elections in that period.
- Campaign finance reports for local candidates and political committees are filed with the Supervisor of Elections and are available for public inspection online through the Florida Division of Elections website.
- In the November 2024 general election, Martin County recorded approximately 71% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting high civic engagement typical of presidential election years.
Citizens who are at least 18 years old (or will be by the next election), Florida residents, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated about voting or convicted of a felony without having civil rights restored. Florida law requires voter registration applications to be submitted at least 29 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the Supervisor of Elections website by entering their name and date of birth.
Martin County typically operates 30-40 polling locations on Election Day, with assignments based on residential address and precinct boundaries. Early voting is offered at multiple locations countywide, typically beginning 10 days before Election Day and continuing through the Sunday before the election, with extended hours including evenings and weekends. Vote-by-mail ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
Under Florida's public records laws, voter registration information including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) are public record and available upon request. Precinct-level election results are posted on election night and maintained as public record. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, U.S. Senate, Florida Governor (if scheduled), Florida Cabinet offices, state legislative seats, and local county offices including County Commissioners and School Board members. Martin County demonstrates strong election transparency, with full online access to voter information, real-time election night reporting, detailed precinct results, campaign finance disclosures, and public records available upon request under Chapter 97 and Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.
Economy & Demographics
Martin County's economy has evolved significantly from its agricultural roots, though citrus production, cattle ranching, and tropical plant nurseries remain important sectors. Martin County has positioned itself as a high-quality residential community with strict growth management policies that have shaped its economic development. Major employment sectors include healthcare, education, retail trade, professional services, marine industries, and tourism.
- According to recent economic data, Martin County's median household income is approximately $68,000, higher than the state average, reflecting Martin County's affluent residential character.
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, Martin County's largest employer, operates multiple facilities including Martin County Health Medical Center in Stuart, employing thousands of healthcare professionals and supporting a strong medical services sector. The marine industry represents a significant economic driver, with numerous boatyards, marina services, yacht manufacturers, and fishing charter operations capitalizing on Martin County's extensive waterfront access along the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, and Atlantic Ocean.
The unemployment rate typically tracks below state and national averages, hovering around 3-4% in recent years. Tourism contributes substantially to the local economy, with visitors drawn to pristine beaches on Hutchinson Island, world-class fishing opportunities, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, cultural attractions like the Lyric Theatre, and numerous golf courses. Martin County's strict development regulations, including a full growth management plan and development caps, have preserved environmental quality while constraining rapid commercial expansion.
Witham Field, Martin County's general aviation airport, supports business aviation and aerospace-related commerce. Agriculture, while diminished from historical peaks, continues with specialty crops, aquaculture, and equestrian operations. Martin County has attracted retirees and second-home owners, creating demand for professional services, healthcare, and hospitality.
Economic development initiatives focus on attracting clean industries, supporting small businesses, enhancing marine sector competitiveness, and promoting eco-tourism while maintaining Martin County's environmental and quality-of-life standards.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Search Available | Property Records: Yes: Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail Records: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State Processing Required | Business Records: Yes: State Online Database | Election Records: Yes: Online Access | Overall Score: 9/10, Martin County provides excellent digital access to public records with user-friendly online portals, responsive public records compliance, and election transparency.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Martin County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Martin County, Florida.