LOCATION & HOURS

ABOUT

GOVERNING BOARD

SERVICES

***COVID-19 NOTICE***

The Law Library is only permitted to have two patrons at one time due to social distancing requirements. Priority is given to patrons that schedule an appointment.

Location & Hours of Operation:

Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension	Monday - Friday
1940 Lewis Turner Blvd., Rm 2-002	8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547	Closed 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
850-651-7256

 

Limited Hours:

Due to budget constraints, the library hours may be altered when staff is off. Scheduled closings are posted in advance. Please call to confirm hours.

About

In 1967 a Special Act by the Florida Legislature created the Okaloosa County Law Library.  The Special Act "provides for the establishment and maintenance of a central library for the use of county officials and the judges and offices of the several courts; declaring same to be a public need and for a general county purpose” (Ch. 67-1787 Laws of Florida, as amended 89-416).

The Okaloosa Law Library is committed to providing equal access to the courts for the legal community and the general public. The Law Library is committed to serving the public, self-represented litigants, and the legal community by providing access to legal material in both print and electronic format.

The Law Library is governed by a statutorily created five member Board of Trustees: the Administrative Judge, a County Commissioner, the Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller, and two private attorneys. As a public entity, the Law Library advertises its Board meetings in compliance with the Florida Sunshine Laws. Law Library meetings are open to the public.

Board of Trustees:

Chairman:	Honorable William F. Stone Okaloosa County Circuit Court Judge Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension 1940 N. Lewis Turner Blvd. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 609-5414
Members:	J.D. Peacock Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension 1940 N. Lewis Turner Blvd. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 651-7200
Members:	Nathan Boyles Okaloosa Board of County Commissioner Newman C. Brackin Building 302 N. Wilson Stree, Suite 302 Crestview, FL  32536 (850) 689-5030
Members:	Timothy W. Shaw, Esq. Anchors Smith Grinsley 909 Mar Walt Dr., Suite. 1010 Fort Walton Beach, FL  32547 (850) 863-4064
Members:	Stephanie Ockunzzi, Esq. Legal Services of North Florida 133 Staff Drive, Suite B Fort Walton Beach, FL  32548 (850) 862-3279

Services Available:

Resources:

The following resources are available in the Law Library:

• The Law Library maintains a collection of current Florida Statutes, Rules and Case Law in bound volumes.Computer access with Microsoft Word, internet and print capabilities
• Free on-site access to Westlaw Database 
• Free Wi-Fi access provided throughout the courthouse
• Copy Machine: THe library has one self-serve coin-operated copy machine that patrons may use for copying material. *Copies are .25 per page; the vending machine takes quarters, nickels, dimes, and one dollar bills only.  Copier prints in black and white only.
• Access to public computers on a first come, first serve basis.
• Printing is also available from the public access computers.  *Copies are .25 per page.
• A quiet work and reading area.

*The Law Library accepts CASH ONLY and is not able to provide change.

**PRINT COLLECTION INCLUDES:

• Florida Cases (1846 - 1982)
• Florida Jur 2nd
• Florida Laws and Statutues (1986 - current)
• Florida Statutes Annotated
• Florida Pleading & Practice Forms
• Florida Business & Legal Forms
• Florida Bar CLE Publications on various topics
• Legal Topics Treatises

**The Law Library is a reference library.  All material from the "Print Collection" may not be checked out or removed from the library.

ONLINE RESEARCH DATABASE:

Access to state and federal primary law material through WestlawNext public access.

Staff Assistance:

Staff is available to direct you to material in the print collection and the online database which will assist you with your legal questions. Limited instructions are provided on how to use the various resources available in the Law Library and at the public access computers.

Library staff can:

• Direct you to sources of law, including statutes, cases, and forms
• Explain how to use the books and other resources
• Refer programs and services that may assist you

Library staff cannot:

• Interpret statutes and cases
• Determine the correct form to be used
• Assist with filling our forms
• Review forms for accuracy
• Refer a specific attorney

CLE's:

The Law Library maintains a collection of Florida Bar CLE material which may be checked out by members of the Bar Association.

***PLEASE NOTE***

The Law Library is not authorized to answer any legal questions, give legal advice, recommend legal forms or give lawyer referrals.