St Johns County court records are public files kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in St. Augustine, Florida.
These records cover civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases filed in the 7th Judicial Circuit. Anyone can look up case status, view dockets, or request copies of court documents from the clerk’s office or through the online research portal.
Who Keeps St Johns County Court Records
Brandon J. Patty serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court for St Johns County. His office files every new court case, stores all legal documents, issues certified copies, and gives the public access to court files. The clerk’s office is the single source for court records in this county. Every civil lawsuit, criminal charge, family law matter, and probate case passes through this office.
The main courthouse sits at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can call (904) 819-3600 for general questions about court records. Staff at the front desk can pull case files, make paper copies, and help with search requests. The office serves all of St. Johns County, from St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach to Ponte Vedra Beach and the growing areas along the US-1 corridor.
The clerk’s website at stjohnsclerk.com links to the main tools for court records, jury service, e-certify, and official records. From the homepage, you can reach the online research portal, public records page, and e-certify system.
Office Contact Details
| Office | St Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Brandon J. Patty |
| Address | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Phone | (904) 819-3600 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | stjohnsclerk.com |
St Johns County Court Case Search Online
The online research portal at stjohnsclerk.com/online-research is the main way to look up court records from home. The clerk divides records into two groups. Modern era records cover cases from about the 1990s to today. You can find these in the digital search system. Archival records go from 1821 to roughly the 1990s. Many older files are not yet in the online database. For older court records, you may need to call the clerk’s office or visit in person.
In January 2026, St Johns County launched a new online portal for public record requests. Users get a unique ID and security key so they can check the status of any request at any time. This system helps people who file frequent requests with the St Johns County Clerk. It runs next to the existing search tools and gives you another way to get the court documents you need.
Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, all court records in St Johns County are public unless sealed or made confidential by law. You can inspect any public court file for free. The online search is open to everyone. You do not need to register for basic access to court records in St Johns County.
What You Can Search for Free
- Civil case dockets and party names
- Criminal case numbers and charges
- Family court filings and hearing dates
- Probate and estate case details
- Traffic citations and dispositions
- Small claims filings and judgments
St Johns County Civil Case Records
Civil case records cover disputes between people, businesses, or groups. These cases include contract issues, personal injury claims, property disputes, and debt collection. The St Johns County Clerk files every civil complaint, answer, motion, and judgment. You can search for civil cases by party name, case number, or attorney name through the online portal.
Civil cases in St Johns County follow the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. The court issues a case number when the plaintiff files the complaint. From that point, every document filed in the case gets added to the public record. You can view the full docket, read motions, and check scheduled hearings. Most civil case documents are available online within a few days of filing.
For complex civil cases, you may need to look at exhibits or sealed attachments. Some exhibits contain sensitive data and are not posted online. You can request a copy of these items in person at the clerk’s office or by mail.
St Johns County Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records cover felony, misdemeanor, and criminal traffic cases. The St Johns County Clerk files every arrest, charge, plea, and sentence. You can search criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or citation number. Each criminal case shows the charges filed, court dates, and final disposition.
The clerk’s office works with the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office to file criminal cases. After an arrest, the case goes to the clerk, who assigns a case number. From there, all court filings become part of the public record. Probation violations, sentencing orders, and appeals are also part of the criminal case file.
Some criminal records are not open to the public. Sealed cases, expunged records, and juvenile cases do not appear in any public search. Dismissed cases that meet the criteria under Florida Statute 943.0595 may also be marked confidential by FDLE. You can check the status of these cases only through a court order.
St Johns County Family Court Records
Family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, domestic violence, and paternity cases. The St Johns County Clerk files all family court documents and assigns case numbers. You can search family cases by party name, but many family court records are protected due to sensitive content.
Florida law keeps certain family court details private. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and the names of minor children are removed from public records. Financial affidavits and parenting plans may also be sealed by court order. The public docket still shows the case type, hearing dates, and final judgment.
Adoption records are fully sealed under Florida law. You cannot view adoption files through the public search. Paternity cases that end in a sealed acknowledgment also stay confidential. For access to these restricted files, you must file a motion with the court.
St Johns County Probate Court Records
Probate court records cover wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. The St Johns County Clerk files all probate documents, including the initial petition, will, and final accounting. You can search probate cases by decedent name, case number, or attorney name. The docket shows each step in the probate process.
Florida probate cases follow specific rules. Summary administration works for small estates. Formal administration covers larger or more complex estates. The clerk files different forms for each type. You can view the case type and the personal representative listed for each estate through the online portal.
Guardianship records are also part of the probate division. These cases cover both minor and adult guardianships. Some guardianship records are sealed to protect the ward’s privacy. You can view the case status and hearing schedule, but the medical and financial details stay private.
St Johns County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records cover citations, infractions, and traffic-related criminal charges. The St Johns County Clerk files every traffic ticket issued in the county. You can search traffic cases by citation number, driver name, or case number. Each record shows the violation, court date, and final disposition.
Most traffic cases are handled in the county court division. Drivers can pay fines online, attend traffic school, or contest the ticket in court. The clerk’s office processes payments and updates the case status. You can check whether a ticket was paid, dismissed, or sent to collections through the public search tool.
For traffic cases that go to court, the docket shows the hearing date, the judge’s name, and the final ruling. If you need a copy of the citation or the court order, you can request it through the clerk’s office or the e-certify system.
St Johns County Small Claims Court Records
Small claims records cover civil disputes involving smaller dollar amounts. These cases are filed in the county court division. The St Johns County Clerk files all small claims complaints, responses, and judgments. You can search small claims cases by party name or case number.
Florida law sets a limit on the amount you can sue for in small claims court. As of 2026, the limit is $8,000. The clerk’s office handles the paperwork for these cases. The docket shows the claim amount, the parties involved, and the court date. Judgments in small claims cases are public record and can affect credit reports.
If you win a small claims judgment, the clerk issues a copy of the judgment. If the other party does not pay, you can use the judgment to pursue collection actions, like a writ of garnishment. The judgment stays on the public record until it is paid or released by the court.
St Johns County Appellate Court Records
Appellate court records cover appeals from the circuit and county courts. St Johns County is part of the 5th District Court of Appeal. When a party appeals a lower court ruling, the case file moves to the appellate court. The clerk’s office keeps a record of the original case and the appeal documents.
You can search for appellate briefs, motions, and opinions through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Each appellate case has a new case number assigned by the district court. The docket shows the filing dates, oral argument schedule, and final ruling.
Appellate records are public, but some filings are sealed. Briefs that include sensitive personal data may be redacted before posting online. You can request unredacted copies by filing a motion with the appellate court.
Court Record Fees in St Johns County
The St Johns County Clerk offers several ways to get copies of court records. Costs vary based on the format and type of copy. Free online viewing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can read case info, check dockets, and look at documents without paying anything. This is the fastest way to get basic data from St Johns County court records.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online viewing | Free, 24/7 |
| Paper copies | $0.15 to $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification |
| E-certified copies | $1.00 per page + $2.00 + $6.00 via ClerkECertify.com |
Paper copies cost between $0.15 and $1.00 per page based on the document type. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. For electronic certified copies, the fee is $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification plus a $6.00 processing fee through ClerkECertify.com. The e-certified option gives you a court record from St Johns County that carries official weight without a trip to the courthouse. The digital seal has the same legal standing as a paper certified copy.
Public Records vs. Confidential Cases
Florida Statute 119.0714 lists the types of data the clerk must keep confidential. The clerk strips social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other protected data before posting records online. Sealed and expunged cases do not show up in any public search tool.
Dismissed cases that meet the criteria may be marked confidential under Florida Statute 943.0595. Active warrants in St Johns County are also kept out of public view. Per Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, warrants stay confidential until they are served. You will not find active warrant data through the clerk’s court records search in St Johns County.
If you need access to a sealed or restricted court record in St Johns County, you must file a motion with the court. You must show a valid legal basis for the request. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access.
How to Request Court Records in Person
You can visit the clerk’s office at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can help you search for case records, pull files, and make copies. Most basic searches take only a few minutes.
- Arrive at the courthouse during business hours.
- Go to the public records desk on the first floor.
- Provide the case number or party name to the clerk.
- Pay any copy or certification fees at the cashier window.
- Receive your records in person or by mail.
For older archival records, you may need to schedule an appointment. Some historical files are stored off-site. The clerk’s office can pull these files for you, but it may take a few business days.
How to Request Court Records by Mail
You can request court records by mail. Send a written request to the St Johns County Clerk’s office. Include the case number, party name, and the type of record you need. Include a check or money order for the copy and certification fees. Mail your request to:
St Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court
4010 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Turnaround time for mail requests depends on the volume of requests and the type of record. Most requests are processed within 5 to 10 business days. Certified copies are returned by regular mail unless you request a faster shipping option.
How to Use E-Filing in St Johns County
All new court filings in St Johns County go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. Attorneys and self-represented filers can submit court documents online. The portal accepts civil, criminal, family, and probate filings. You must create an account and follow the step-by-step instructions to file a new case or submit documents in an existing case.
After you file a document, the clerk’s office reviews it. If accepted, the document becomes part of the public record. You can check the status of your filing through the portal. Filing fees are paid online at the time of submission.
Official Contact and Location
Office: St Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: stjohnsclerk.com
Public Records Portal: stjohnsclerk.com/online-research
Nearby Counties and Court Records
St Johns County borders several other counties in northeast Florida. Each county has its own clerk and search tools for court records. If your case was filed in a different county, you must search that county’s records.
- Duval County – serves Jacksonville
- Flagler County – covers Bunnell and Flagler Beach
- Clay County – covers Green Cove Springs
- Putnam County – covers Palatka
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ section below answers the most common questions about St Johns County court records. Each answer gives clear, direct facts you can use right away.
How do I search for a court case in St Johns County by name?
Go to the online research portal at stjohnsclerk.com/online-research. Enter the full name of the party in the search field. The system pulls up all cases linked to that name. You can narrow the search by case type, date range, or court division. If you have a case number, you can use that for a direct lookup. The search tool is free and open 24/7. You do not need to register for basic access. For older records from before the 1990s, you may need to contact the clerk’s office directly.
Are St Johns County court records free to view?
Yes, basic viewing of court records through the online portal is free. You can read case details, view dockets, and check court dates without paying anything. Fees only apply when you request paper or certified copies. Paper copies cost between $0.15 and $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. E-certified copies include an extra $6.00 processing fee through ClerkECertify.com.
Can I view sealed or expunged court records in St Johns County?
No, sealed and expunged court records are not open to the public. They do not appear in any online search tool. To access a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to grant access. Expunged records are destroyed or marked confidential by FDLE. Only the person named in the record can request access, and only under limited conditions.
How do I get a certified copy of a court record?
You can request a certified copy online through ClerkECertify.com, in person at the clerk’s office, or by mail. The fee is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. E-certified copies have an extra $6.00 processing fee. Certified copies carry an official seal and are accepted by courts, government agencies, and private businesses. You must provide the case number or party name to identify the record.
What types of cases are filed in St Johns County court?
St Johns County court covers civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases. The circuit court handles felonies, civil disputes over $30,000, family law, and probate. The county court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and civil disputes up to $30,000. All cases are filed at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine.
How long does it take to get court records by mail in St Johns County?
Mail requests for court records take about 5 to 10 business days to process. You must include the case number, party name, and a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail your request to 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Certified copies are returned by regular mail unless you request faster shipping.
Where do I find probate records in St Johns County?
Probate records are filed with the St Johns County Clerk of Court. You can search probate cases online by decedent name, case number, or attorney name. The probate division handles wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. Some guardianship and estate records are sealed to protect privacy. You can view the case type and personal representative for each estate through the public search tool.