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ABOUT

LOCATION/HRS

GOVERNING BOARD

SERVICES

BOOKS & DATABASES

Notice:  Due to the COVID-19 virus, the Okaloosa County Courthouse has limited access.  Access to the Law Library is by appointment only and  limited to those with a current court case. Please call to schedule.

About:

The Okaloosa County Law Library was created in 1967 by a Special Act of the Florida Legislature (Ch. 67-1787 Laws of Florida, as amended 89-416).

 

“..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;”

 

Access to written laws is essential to ensure equal access to the courts. The public provision of legal resources is necessary not only for the layperson, but for all court users and the community as a whole.

 

Open to both the legal community and the general public, the Okaloosa County Law Library provides access to the courts through a collection of legal materials in both print and electronic format.

 

Law Library staff is committed to serving the public, self-represented litigants, and the legal community in Okaloosa County.

 

The Law Library is governed by a statutorily created 5 member Board of Trustees, consisting of the Administrative Judge, one member of the Board of County Commissioners, the County Clerk and Comptroller, and two private practice attorneys.

 

As a public entity, the Law Library advertises its Board meetings in compliance with the Florida Sunshine Laws and meetings are open to the public.

 

The Library Board meets quarterly.

Location & Hours:

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 - 1 daily
850-651-7256

Due to budget constraints, the library is either closed or open limited hours when staff is off or away from the office. Scheduled closings are posted in advance. Please call to confirm hours.

Governing Board:

Chairman:  

                    Honorable William F. Stone
                    Okaloosa County Circuit Court Judge
                    Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension
                    1940 N. Lewis Turner Blvd.
                    (850) 609-5414

Members:  

J. D. Peacock                                                        Nathan Boyles
Clerk of Court                                                       Bd. of County Commissioners
Courthouse Annex Extension                                  Newman C. Brackin Bldg.
1940 N. Lewis Turner Pkwy.                                   302 N. Wilson St. Suite 302
Ft. Walton Beach, FL  32547                                  Crestview, FL 32536
(850) 651-7200                                                    (850) 689-5030

Timothy W. Shaw, Esq.                                         Stephanie Ockunzzi, Esq.
Anchors Smith Grimsley                                         Legal Services of North Florida
909 Mar Walt Dr., Ste. 1014                                  133 Staff Drive, Suite B
Fort Walton Beach, FL  32547                                Fort Walton Beach, FL  32548
(850) 863-4064                                                    (850) 862 - 3279

Services:

Staff is available to direct you to materials in the collection which will assist you with your legal questions.  Limited instruction is provided on how to use the various resources available in the law library and at our public access computers. 

The Law Library does not provide change and is unable to accept checks or credit/debit cards.  There is an ATM available in the clerk’s office for your convenience and the clerk is also able to make change for large bills.

• Computer Access with Microsoft Word, internet and print capabilities
• Free Wi-Fi Access provided throughout the Courthouse
• Print Copies: The Library has one self-serve coin-operated copy machine and patrons may copy materials needed. Copies are .25 per page; the vend machine takes quarters, nickels, dimes and one dollar bills only. Copier prints only in black and white. Printing is also available from the public access computers.  Copies are $.25 per page.
• CLE’s for attorney check out
• A quiet work and reading area.

How Staff May Assist:

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

Library Staff Cannot:

• Interpret statutes and cases as they apply to your situation
• Determine the correct form for you to use
• Assist with filling out forms
• Review your forms for accuracy
• Refer a specific attorney

Books & Databases:

The Law Library maintains a collection of current Florida Statutes, Rules and Case Law in bound volumes. It also provides on-site access, free of charge, to a Westlaw Database.  The public access computers are on a first come, first serve basis. 

Print Collection Includes:

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

On-line Research Database:

• WestlawNext Public Access:access to state and federal primary law materials.

CLE’s:

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

The Okaloosa County Law Library is a reference library and materials may not be checked out or removed from the library facility. 

 

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