Port St Lucie city court records are public files held by the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court.
The clerk keeps these files for all cases filed in Port St Lucie. You can search them online or visit the clerk’s office in person. This page shows you how to find criminal, civil, traffic, family, and probate records. It also covers fees, contact details, and courthouse hours.
Who Keeps Port St Lucie Court Records
The St. Lucie County Clerk of Court and Comptroller holds all Port St Lucie city court records. The current clerk is Michelle R. Miller. The clerk runs both the circuit court and county court systems for the 19th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers St. Lucie County, Martin County, Indian River County, and Okeechobee County.
Port St Lucie does not have its own city courthouse. All cases from Port St Lucie get filed with the St. Lucie County Clerk. The main office sits in Fort Pierce. A second location operates in Port St Lucie at the South County Courthouse. Most filings happen online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
St. Lucie County Clerk Contact Details
The clerk’s office gives you several ways to reach them. The main phone line is (772) 462-6900. You can also visit the website at stlucieclerk.gov. The mailing address is P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954. The South County Courthouse address is 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34986.
| Office | St. Lucie County Clerk of Court and Comptroller |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Michelle R. Miller |
| Main Phone | (772) 462-6900 |
| Website | stlucieclerk.gov |
| Main Office | 201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 |
| South County Office | 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34986 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954 |
How to Search Port St Lucie Court Records Online
The St. Lucie County Clerk runs a free public search tool. You can use it to look up case numbers, party names, or filing dates. The tool covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. You do not need an account to search. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers. It runs 24 hours a day.
Search Options Available
- Party name search – Type the full name of a person or business
- Case number search – Enter the case number if you know it
- Date range search – Pick a start and end date to filter results
- Attorney search – Look up cases by lawyer name
- Citation number search – Use this for traffic tickets and code violations
The search portal shows docket entries, party lists, hearing dates, and filing dates. You can view basic case data for free. To see the actual court documents, you need to pay a small fee. Some cases get sealed by a judge. Sealed cases do not show up in search results. Florida Statute 119.0714 lists which records stay private.
Tips for Better Search Results
If you get too many results, add a middle name or birth year. Use a date range to narrow your search. Check spelling carefully. Common misspellings can hide the case you need. Try searching by case number first if you have it. Case numbers give you the fastest result.
Port St Lucie Civil Court Records
Port St Lucie civil court records cover disputes between people or businesses. Common civil cases include contract fights, property disputes, personal injury claims, and debt collection. The circuit court handles civil cases over $50,000. The county court handles cases at or below $50,000.
You can search civil court records through the clerk’s online portal. The search covers all civil filings from Port St Lucie. You will see the plaintiff name, defendant name, case type, and current status. Most civil case files from 1990 forward are available online. Older files may need an in-person request.
Civil Case Types in Port St Lucie
- Contract disputes
- Property and land disputes
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Foreclosure cases
- Insurance claims
- Employment disputes
- Debt collection cases
Port St Lucie Small Claims Court Records
Port St Lucie small claims records fall under county court jurisdiction. The claim amount must be $8,000 or less. Small claims cases move through the system faster. Many small claims cases involve unpaid debts, security deposits, or minor property damage.
You can pull up small claims records through the public search portal. The case type will say “small claims” in the docket. Filing fees for small claims cases are lower than regular civil cases. People can file small claims cases without a lawyer.
Port St Lucie Criminal Court Records
Port St Lucie criminal court records cover felony and misdemeanor cases. Felonies get filed in circuit court. Misdemeanors stay in county court. The St. Lucie County Clerk keeps all criminal case files. You can search these records by defendant name or case number.
Felony Records
Felony cases include serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, and aggravated assault. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles these cases. You can view felony case dockets online. The records show charges, plea dates, trial dates, and sentence details. Sealed felony records do not show up in public searches.
Misdemeanor Records
Misdemeanor records cover less serious crimes. These include simple battery, petty theft, and minor drug possession. County court handles all misdemeanor cases from Port St Lucie. Most misdemeanor case files are available through the online search tool. You can see the full case history and current status.
What’s Public in Criminal Records
- Defendant name and date of birth
- Charges and statute numbers
- Arraignment dates
- Plea information
- Sentence and probation details
- Attorney of record
Port St Lucie Traffic Court Records
Port St Lucie traffic court records cover moving violations, speeding tickets, and driving offenses. The clerk keeps these records in the county court system. You can pay traffic fines, view your driving record, or contest a ticket online. The MyFloridaCounty.com portal handles most traffic payments.
To look up a traffic case, use the citation number on your ticket. You can also search by your full name and date of birth. Traffic case records show the violation, court date, fine amount, and payment status. Points on your license also appear in the driving record section.
Common Traffic Cases in Port St Lucie
- Speeding violations
- Running red lights
- Driving with a suspended license
- DUI charges
- Careless driving
- No proof of insurance
Port St Lucie Family Court Records
Port St Lucie family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption. The circuit court handles all family cases. Some family records have limits on public access. Adoption records stay sealed permanently. Juvenile dependency records also stay private.
Divorce records from Port St Lucie are public. You can search them by party name through the clerk’s portal. The records show filing dates, settlement terms, and final judgments. Custody and support records may have parts sealed to protect children.
Family Court Services
The St. Lucie County Clerk’s Family Relations Department helps with family cases. They offer mediation services and self-help resources. You can reach the Family Relations Department at 772-462-6910. The office sits on the first floor of the main clerk’s office in Fort Pierce. Marriage license services run from the Recording Department on the second floor.
Port St Lucie Probate Court Records
Port St Lucie probate court records cover wills, estates, and guardianship cases. The circuit court handles all probate filings. These records show who filed the case, the deceased person’s name, and the estate value. You can search probate records by case number or party name.
To open a probate case in Port St Lucie, file the petition with the clerk. The clerk assigns a case number and sets a hearing date. Most probate records are public. Some financial details may get redacted. Guardianship records follow the same rules.
Port St Lucie Official Records Search
The official records search covers recorded documents. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and marriage licenses. The St. Lucie County Clerk keeps these records separate from court case files. You can search official records by name, book and page, or instrument number.
Property transfers in Port St Lucie go through the official records system. Title companies, lawyers, and real estate agents use this database daily. The records show who owns each property and any liens on it. You can view most official records online for free. Certified copies cost $1 per page.
How to Get Certified Copies
You can order certified copies online or in person. The clerk offers e-certified copies through a third-party vendor. This service lets you skip a trip to the courthouse. Each certified copy costs $1 per page. You will get a digital version with the clerk’s seal. Most agencies accept these digital certified copies.
Electronic Court Records and E-Filing
Port St Lucie court records are mostly electronic. Florida requires electronic filing for most case types. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal handles new filings. You can file documents any time of day or night. The portal is free to use, but court filing fees still apply.
Attorneys must use the e-filing portal for all new cases. People who represent themselves can also use the portal. Self-represented filers get help from the clerk’s office. The clerk offers free workshops on how to file documents online.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The portal works for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. You create an account, pick the court, and upload your documents. The system stamps your filing and sends it to the clerk. You get email updates on your case status. Payment happens through the portal by credit card or e-check.
Court Fees for Port St Lucie Records
The clerk charges small fees for most record services. Basic case lookups are free. Document copies cost a small fee. Certified copies run $1 per page. Apostille services cost more. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card.
Fee Schedule for Common Services
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Public case search (online) | Free |
| Document copy (per page) | $0.15 to $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Written record search | $2.00 per year searched |
| Apostille | Set by Florida Department of State |
| E-certified copy | $1.00 per page plus vendor fee |
Visiting the Courthouse in Port St Lucie
The South County Courthouse handles most Port St Lucie court matters. You can file papers, attend hearings, and request records here. The building sits at 250 NW Country Club Drive in Port St Lucie. Free parking is available on site. Security screening runs at the entrance.
South County Courthouse Hours
The South County Courthouse opens Monday through Friday. The clerk’s office runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Court hearings happen between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. The building closes on weekends and state holidays. Plan to arrive early for hearings. Security lines can take 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours.
Main Clerk Office in Fort Pierce
The main St. Lucie County Clerk’s office sits at 201 S. Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce. This office handles record requests, marriage licenses, and passport applications. The hours match the South County Courthouse. Both offices close for the same state holidays.
How to Request Court Records in Person
You can request Port St Lucie court records at either clerk’s office. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk what records you need. The clerk will pull the file or print the documents. Most requests get filled the same day. Older records may take a few days to retrieve.
For sealed records, you need a court order. You can ask the judge to unseal a record by filing a motion. The motion must show a good reason. The judge decides based on Florida law and the case facts. Sealed records stay private unless a judge orders them released.
Port St Lucie Case Docket Search
A docket shows every event in a court case. The St. Lucie County Clerk keeps these dockets. You can view dockets through the public search portal. The docket shows filing dates, hearing dates, motion filings, and orders. Dockets help you track case progress.
To search a docket, use the case number or party name. The portal lists all docket entries by date. You can click on each entry to see the actual document. Some docket entries link to the filed document. Older dockets may not have document links.
Public Access to Port St Lucie Court Records
Florida law makes most court records public. Florida Statute Chapter 119 sets the rules. The clerk must let you see court records unless a judge seals them. Sealed records include juvenile cases, some family cases, and sensitive personal data. The clerk also redacts Social Security numbers and bank account details.
The clerk provides free access to public records. You do not need to give a reason to search. The clerk cannot ask why you want the records. If the clerk denies your request, you can appeal under Florida’s public records law.
Port St Lucie Court Record Request by Mail
You can request court records by mail. Send a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the case number, party name, and record type. Add your contact details and a check for the copy fees. The clerk will mail the records back to you. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days.
Mailing Address for Record Requests
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court
Attn: Records Department
P.O. Box 700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request. Add a contact phone number in case the clerk has questions. Payment must be by check or money order. The clerk does not accept cash through the mail.
Port St Lucie Court Records FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about Port St Lucie city court records. These cover search methods, fees, and access rules.
How do I find Port St Lucie court records online for free?
You can search Port St Lucie court records for free at stlucieclerk.gov. Use the public case search tool. Type a name, case number, or citation number. The system shows case dockets, party names, and hearing dates. You do not need an account. The service runs 24 hours a day. Document images may cost a small fee.
What types of cases show up in Port St Lucie court records?
Port St Lucie court records show all cases filed in the city. This includes felony, misdemeanor, civil, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases. The records cover both circuit court and county court filings. Sealed cases and juvenile records do not appear in public search results. Most case types from 1990 forward are searchable online.
Can I get a certified copy of a Port St Lucie court record?
Yes, you can get certified copies from the St. Lucie County Clerk. The cost is $1 per page. You can order online, by mail, or in person. The clerk offers e-certified copies through a third-party vendor. Digital certified copies work for most legal and government purposes. Apostille services need extra steps through the Florida Department of State.
Are Port St Lucie criminal records public?
Most Port St Lucie criminal records are public. You can search felony and misdemeanor cases by defendant name. The records show charges, pleas, sentences, and probation terms. Sealed criminal records do not appear in searches. Expunged records get removed from public view. Juvenile criminal records stay confidential under Florida law.
How long does it take to get court records by mail?
Mail requests for Port St Lucie court records take 5 to 10 business days. The clerk needs time to locate the file and make copies. Add extra time for older records. Certified copies take longer because of the seal process. Online orders get processed faster than mail requests.
Can I view Port St Lucie court records from my phone?
Yes, the St. Lucie County Clerk’s website works on mobile devices. The public search tool adjusts to phone screens. You can also pay traffic fines and search official records on your phone. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also has a mobile-friendly design. Most clerk services work on both Android and iOS devices.
What if I cannot find the court record I need?
Contact the St. Lucie County Clerk’s office at (772) 462-6900. The records staff can help you locate missing files. Older records may need a manual search. You can visit the Research Department in person for older files. The Research Department charges $2 per year searched for manual lookups. Bring as much case data as you can find.