Ala. Code § 45-59-230.20: Service of Process Fee; Disposition of Funds.

(a)(1) In addition to all other charges, fees, judgments, and costs of court, in the civil division and in the criminal division of the District Court and the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, a service of process fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) shall be collected for service or attempted service of process on each document requiring personal service of process by the sheriff for matters pending or to be commenced in a court in St. Clair County.

(2) A service of process fee of fifty dollars ($50) shall be collected for service or attempted service of process on each document requiring personal service of process by the sheriff for matters pending or to be commenced in a court outside of St. Clair County.

(b) The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Service of Process Fee Fund is created to supplement the budget of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office. The fund shall be used for law enforcement purposes in the county.

(c)(1) The clerk of the court, or his or her designee, in St. Clair County by law for the respective divisions of courts and courts shall collect the service of process fee provided in subsection (a) and distribute the fee to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Service of Process Fee Fund to be held and administered by the St. Clair County Commission.

(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fee may not be imposed and collected if the court finds payment of the fee will create a substantial hardship. A verified statement signed by the person requesting service and approved by the court attesting the substantial hardship shall be filed with the clerk of the court.

(d) The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Service of Process Fee Fund shall be an additional fund separate from the budget of the sheriff as provided for in the county general fund.

(e) St. Clair County and its district attorney, law enforcement officials, and its grand juries shall be exempt from payment of the fees provided for in this section.