Courthouse Tours & Presentations
Visit one of Polk County's tallest buildings, where justice, history, and law unite. Our Courthouse Tour offers an immersive and informative experience for all visitors, providing an inside look at the day-to-day operations of our judicial system.
Tour Highlights
Get to know your County's Clerk, Clerk Butterfield.
You'll have the opportunity to meet with Clerk Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA, who will provide an overview of our office operations and her responsibilities as Clerk. You'll also be able to ask her questions about her role and learn about her responsibilities.
Courtroom Experience
Visit a courtroom where real cases are heard. During the tour, guests may witness court proceedings such as trials, arraignments, or hearings. You will get to visit a court holding cell, learn the courtroom layout, and observe the court.
Interactive Mock Trial
Experience a mock trial where you can play the roles of defendant, judge, attorney, witness, and juror. This interactive segment helps illustrate the courtroom process in a fun and engaging way, bringing the legal system to life.
Hear from Legal System Partners
Connect with representatives from key legal offices involved in the justice system. Gain general insight into their roles, responsibilities, and how they contribute to the legal process.
Courthouse Security Office Overview
Meet our courthouse Sheriff Deputies. You will get an overview of their role in the courthouse and how they work to help keep all of our visitors safe. You will learn about their role, courtroom safety, and inmate transportation.
Meet a Judge
Meet with one of our 10th Judicial Circuit Judges, who will share insights into their role, career path, and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Evidence Room Tour
Get a guided tour of our evidence room, where we store crucial evidence from ongoing and closed cases. You'll learn about how we catalog, preserve, and secure the evidence and the procedures in place to maintain its integrity throughout the judicial process.
Tour Information
- Length: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4 hours
- Availability: Weekdays - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Age Requirements: 6th grade and up
- Cost: Free
- Group Size: Maximum 25 people per tour, including chaperones
- Location: 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33831
Our office is available to speak at your next event, meeting, or school program. We offer presentations for community groups, schools, and civic organizations interested in learning more about local government and the role of the Clerk & Comptroller.
Our team will come to your location to share an overview of what we do, including:
Court services like, jury duty and court records
Official records, such as recording deeds and marriage licenses
Our financial role as County Comptroller
Additionally, we will highlight how our office fosters transparency, accountability, and public access. Presentations can be customized to suit your audience and schedule. We look forward to collaborating with you!
Courthouse Tours & Presentations in Action
- 1 Children in a mock trial, three at podiums, classmates in yellow shirts as jury.
- 2 People in a parking garage listen to a woman speaking; one in sheriff’s uniform
- 3 About 25 people in a classroom, smiling, woman in bright green jacket near center.
- 4 Teens in purple ‘Leadership Polk’ shirts with two adults, smiling in a courtroom
- 5 Clerk Butterfield at a podium, gesturing, U.S. and state flags behind.