How do I establish an escrow account with the Clerk’s Office to pay for copy, certification or search services?

To establish an escrow account, first determine the amount of money you wish to deposit with the Clerk of Courts. Your initial and subsequent deposits depend upon your estimated use for the escrow account over any given period, for example, two weeks or a month. Next, send or bring your deposit with a letter requesting an escrow account to the Clerk of Courts, Accounting Division, 201 S.E. 6th Street, Room 275, Fort Lauderdale, FL. When your initial deposit is received, the Clerk will assign your organization a unique escrow account number. Provide this account number to the division clerks when you request copies, certifications or searches. Payment for services will then be drawn for your available escrow account balance.

How do I cancel my escrow account?

To cancel your escrow account, send a letter to the Accounting Division, 201 S.E. 6th Street, Room 275, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, requesting a return of your escrow account balance. Upon receipt of your request, the Clerk of Courts will send your organization a check for your remaining account balance within ten business days.

If my escrow account balance is in dispute, whom do I contact?

Questions regarding your escrow account balance should be directed to the Accounting Division, 201 S.E. 6th Street, Room 275, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 or by phone (954) 831-6244.

How often should my organization replenish its escrow account balance?

Escrow account balances should be replenished on an as-needed basis. Your organization's use of its escrow account determines how often the escrow account balance needs to be replenished. However, a depleted escrow account could result in a delay between your organization's request for services and the Clerk's delivery of those services.