About the Martin County Courthouse
The Martin County Courthouse, located in the county seat of Stuart, serves as a vital hub for the local justice system within the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also encompasses Indian River, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. The Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller plays a crucial role in the legal process, acting as the official custodian of court records and managing the processing of all court-related financial transactions, including bail and bond payments.
Under Florida law, individuals who are arrested in Martin County must receive a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of their arrest. During this initial hearing, a judge reviews the arrest report to determine if probable cause exists, decides whether to set bail, and establishes the specific conditions of release. The Clerk's office ensures that these decisions are officially documented and that all subsequent court filings and bond paperwork are processed accurately to keep the legal proceedings moving forward.
Posting Bail in Martin County
To secure a release from custody for a case pending at the Martin County Courthouse, you can post bail by paying the full cash amount directly to the court or jail, or by utilizing a licensed bail bond agent. A bail bondsman charges a non-refundable premium—typically ten percent of the total bail amount—to guarantee the defendant's appearance at all scheduled court hearings.How to Post Bail at Martin County Courthouse
There are several ways to post bail in Martin County:
- Through a bail bondsman (most common) — Pay 10% of the bail amount to a licensed agent. Call QuickBail at (941) 477-6888 for 24/7 service. This is the fastest method.
- Cash bond at the Clerk's office — Pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier's check, or money order at the Clerk of Court during business hours. The full amount is returned (minus fees) when the case concludes.
- Property bond — Use real property as collateral. Requires property appraisal and court approval. Takes longer to process.
- Surety bond — Posted through a licensed insurance company. Same as a bail bond but directly through the insurer.
Bail Payment Tips
- The Clerk's office typically accepts: cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and some credit cards
- Personal checks are usually NOT accepted for bail payments
- After-hours bail posting requires a bail bondsman — the Clerk's office is closed evenings/weekends
- Bond amounts are set by the judge or per the county's bail schedule
Martin County Jail
Defendants arrested in Martin County are booked into the Martin County jail. For detailed jail information including inmate search, visitation hours, and bail schedules: