St. Johns County Court Records Search
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St. Johns County, situated along Florida’s northeast Atlantic coast and anchored by the historic city of St. Augustine, is served by the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which also encompasses Flagler, Putnam, and Volusia counties. Five circuit judges and three county court judges are assigned to hear cases in St. Johns County, handling everything from felony prosecutions and complex civil litigation to family law disputes and probate estate matters. The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller is the official custodian of all court records generated within the county, maintaining both modern electronic records and archival files dating back to the county’s founding in 1821.
Individuals looking for court case data in Florida can draw on several resources to find what they need, including clerk of court offices, in-person public access terminals at courthouses, and web-based case search tools. The FloridaStateCourts.us website may also help users identify and locate publicly available court case information across the state’s judicial circuits. In St. Johns County, the Clerk’s office operates a free online case search portal, maintains public viewing terminals at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, and accepts in-person, mail, and email requests for court records.
How to Look Up a Court Case in St. Johns County?
St. Johns County offers online, in-person, and mail-based options for searching and obtaining court records. The method you choose depends on the case type, whether you need certified copies, and whether the records exist in the Clerk’s electronic system.
Online Case Search
The Clerk’s Online Case Search portal provides free public access to court case information. Users can search by:
- Party name (individual, business, or attorney)
- Case number or citation number
- Case type
- Filing date range
No registration is required to use the portal as a public user, though creating an account or logging in provides additional functionality. The system displays case status, descriptions, docket entries, hearing information, and document images where available. Documents can be viewed and printed at no charge directly from the online system. Searches are updated in real time.
The Clerk’s office notes that most modern-era records (roughly 1990s to present) for criminal and civil cases are available online. Archival records (1821 to approximately the 1990s) are not viewable online but can be accessed at public terminals on-site or through a public records request.
Additional online tools include the Official Records Search for non-court documents such as deeds and marriage licenses, and the E-Certify system for purchasing electronically certified copies.
In-Person Requests
The Clerk’s main office is located at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center. Public access terminals are available throughout the office for on-site searching. Walk-in service is available during business hours.
Richard O. Watson Judicial Center
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk also operates two annex locations for limited services:
- Julington Creek Annex: 725 Flora Branch Blvd., St. Johns, FL 32259 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, by appointment)
- Ponte Vedra Annex: 151 Sawgrass Corners Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (limited days; appointment required)
Mail and Email Requests
Written requests can be submitted by mail, fax, or email to the appropriate division. For general court records research, send requests to:
St. Johns County Clerk of Court
Attn: Research
4010 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Email: cocresearch@sjccoc.us
Fax: (904) 819-3692
Standard Fees for Copies and Research
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents | $1.00 per page |
| Certification per document | $2.00 |
| Exemplified certificates (including signing and sealing) | $7.00 |
| Record search (per year, per name) | $2.00 |
| Extended research (beyond 15 minutes) | $5.00 per quarter hour |
| Forms purchased at the Clerk’s office | $3.00 |
| E-Certify (electronically certified copy) | $1.00/page + $2.00 certification + $6.00 service fee |
Filing fees are payable by local business or personal check (with license number), money order, or cashier’s check. Out-of-state personal checks are not accepted. The Julington Creek and Ponte Vedra annex locations do not accept cash payments.
Are Court Records Public in St. Johns County?
Court records in St. Johns County are generally open to the public. The Florida Sunshine Law (Florida Statutes Chapter 119) establishes that records created and maintained by publicly funded agencies — including the courts — are available for public inspection and copying. Viewing court records in person or online carries no charge; fees apply only when copies are produced.
Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration governs the maintenance and public availability of judicial branch records. While most records are accessible, the rule identifies categories that are confidential or exempt from public disclosure:
- Memoranda and working papers of trial and appellate courts
- Judicial conference records
- Written notes and drafts of judges and court staff
- Unexecuted search and arrest warrants (confidential until a return of service is filed)
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Adoption and certain juvenile proceeding records
- Information revealing the identities of respondents and petitioners in domestic, sexual, dating, and repeat violence cases
- Records designated confidential by federal law, state statute, or court rule
Additional exemptions are codified in Florida Statutes 119.071 and 119.0714. Pursuant to the combined effect of Florida Supreme Court Order SC2023-1320 and Florida Statute 943.0595, criminal cases dismissed on all counts that meet certain criteria may be marked confidential by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, after which the Clerk removes the case from anonymous public online viewing.
St. Johns County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in St. Johns County are adjudicated in both the circuit and county courts of the Seventh Judicial Circuit. The circuit court has jurisdiction over felonies and any misdemeanors arising from the same circumstances as a felony. The county court handles standalone misdemeanor charges, county and municipal ordinance violations, and criminal traffic offenses.
Searching Criminal Court Records
The Clerk’s Online Case Search portal is the primary tool for looking up criminal cases. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or citation number, and filter by case type (felony, misdemeanor, or criminal traffic) and filing date. Document images from modern-era cases can typically be viewed and printed online at no cost.
For direct criminal court inquiries, contact the Clerk’s Criminal division:
- Email: felony@stjohnsclerk.com
- Phone: (904) 819-3600
To request certified copies of criminal court documents, submit a completed Request for Records Research form in person or by mail with the applicable fees ($1.00 per page, $2.00 per certification).
Seal and Expunge Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| FDLE non-refundable processing fee | $75.00 (money order or cashier’s check) |
| Clerk processing fee (includes certified copies for law enforcement) | $54.00 |
| Fingerprint card (cash only) | $5.00 |
| Notary fee | $10.00 |
Forms for the seal and expunge process are available in the Clerk’s Forms Library. Additional information can be obtained from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Seal and Expunge page or by calling FDLE at (850) 410-7870.
Arrest Records and Law Enforcement Sources
Arrest records and local criminal history information are maintained by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, not the Clerk of Court. Local records checks performed by the Sheriff’s Office are limited to arrests made by the SJSO and do not constitute a complete criminal history report. To request a local records check:
- Submit a request through the Sheriff’s Public Records Online Portal
- Call (904) 810-6610 during business hours
- Submit a completed Records Check Form by mail to:
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Records
4015 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Copy fees from the Sheriff’s Office are $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page, plus $1.00 for certification.
For a complete statewide criminal history, contact the FDLE Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. FDLE charges $24 for criminal history records. Requests can be sent to: Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal History Services, 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Email: backgroundchecks@fdle.state.fl.us. Phone: (850) 410-8161
Per Florida Statutes 943.053 and 985.04, juvenile criminal records are accessible only to the record subject or specifically authorized individuals and entities.
St. Johns County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in St. Johns County are divided between the circuit and county courts based on the amount in controversy. The circuit court has jurisdiction over civil claims exceeding $15,000, including real property disputes, professional malpractice, mortgage foreclosures, and contract indebtedness. The county court handles civil claims of $15,000 or less, small claims, evictions, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched through the Clerk’s Online Case Search portal using a party name, case number, or filing date range. Document images from cases in the modern-era system can be viewed and printed free of charge. For direct civil court inquiries, email civil@stjohnsclerk.com or call (904) 819-3600.
Small Claims Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 to $99.99 | $55.00 |
| $100 to $500 | $80.00 |
| $500.01 to $2,500 | $175.00 |
| $2,500.01 to $8,000 | $300.00 |
Select Circuit Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil (5 defendants or fewer) | $400.00 |
| Dissolution of marriage | $408.00 |
| Adoption | $442.00 |
| Name change / termination of parental rights | $400.00 |
| Mortgage foreclosure ($50,000 or less) | $400.00 |
| Mortgage foreclosure ($50,001–$250,000) | $905.00 |
| Mortgage foreclosure (over $250,000) | $1,905.00 |
| Garnishment actions | $85.00 |
| Each summons issued | $10.00 |
All filing fees must be paid at the time of filing. Fees are non-refundable. All forms are available in the Clerk’s Forms Library or for purchase at the Clerk’s office for $3.00 each. Fees comply with Florida Statute 28.24.
St. Johns County Family Court Records
The St. Johns County Circuit Court’s Family Division handles matters including dissolution of marriage (divorce and annulment), child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, adoption, name changes, juvenile delinquency and dependency, and protective injunctions. The Seventh Judicial Circuit uses General Magistrates and Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officers to support the resolution of family law cases in St. Johns County. The General Magistrate for St. Johns County is located at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, Room 290, and can be reached at (904) 827-5618.
Searching Family Court Records
Family court case information can be searched through the Clerk’s Online Case Search portal. Select the appropriate case type — such as “Dissolution” for divorce records or the relevant family law category — and enter a party name or case number. Certain family records, including adoption files, juvenile cases, and protective injunction cases involving domestic or sexual violence, are restricted from public viewing under state law.
For family court questions, contact the Clerk’s Family division:
- Email: familydl@stjohnsclerk.com
- Juvenile matters: juveniledl@stjohnsclerk.com
- Phone: (904) 819-3600
Injunctions for Protection
Petitions for protective injunctions (domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking) can be filed at the St. Johns County Courthouse, 4010 Lewis Speedway, Room 137B, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After hours, emergency domestic violence injunctions can be filed by contacting the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 824-8304. The Court Advocates Office can be reached at (904) 827-5633.
Marriage Records
The Clerk’s office issues marriage licenses and performs ceremonies at three locations. Marriage license application fees are:
- Florida residents (both completed premarital course): $61.00
- Florida residents (no course): $86.00
Ceremonies cost $30.00 and are available at the Main Office (no appointment needed), Julington Creek Annex, and Ponte Vedra Annex (appointment required). After the ceremony, the license must be returned to the Clerk within 10 days to be recorded in the Official Records.
Uncertified copies of marriage and divorce records can be viewed for free through the Clerk’s Official Records Search tool. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification and can be ordered in person or by mail to the Clerk’s Recording Department at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County, located at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Phone: (904) 506-6081 x6092. Fax: (904) 823-4062 Under Florida Statute 382.025, birth records less than 125 years old and death records less than 50 years old (containing cause of death) are restricted to eligible applicants — including the record subject (over 18), parents, siblings, or authorized legal representatives.
St. Johns County Probate Court Records
The Probate Department of the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all matters related to the administration of deceased persons’ estates, validation of wills, guardianships, and other probate proceedings. The Probate office is located on the 1st Floor of the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084, and can be reached at (904) 819-3655 or by email at probate@stjohnsclerk.com.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched through the Clerk’s Online Case Search portal by selecting the appropriate probate case type and entering a party name or case number. Certified copies can be ordered in person, by mail, or through E-Certify.
Types of Probate Administration
Florida law establishes two main types of probate:
- Formal Administration — generally used when the estate value exceeds $75,000. Florida Probate Rule 5.030 requires attorney representation for most formal administration cases.
- Summary Administration — generally used for estates valued at $75,000 or less.
A third option, Disposition Without Administration (sometimes called a Small Estate Affidavit), is available when no assets exist beyond the paid funeral bill and final medical expenses, and the estate includes no real property. Required documents include the original will (if any), death certificate, paid funeral bill, and documentation of the decedent’s assets.
Probate Filing Fees
| Proceeding Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration | $400.00 |
| Trust Administration | $400.00 |
| Summary Administration (estate ≥ $1,000) | $345.00 |
| Summary Administration (estate < $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Petition and One Order | $231.00 |
| Petition and Order to admit foreign wills | $231.00 |
| Disposition of Personal Property without Administration | $231.00 |
| Caveat | $41.00 |
| Notice of Trust | $41.00 |
| Petition to Determine Incapacity and Restoration | $231.00 |
Wills
Pursuant to Florida Statute 732.901, the custodian of a will must deposit the original document with the Clerk of Court within 10 days after receiving information that the testator has died. The date of death or Social Security number must be supplied with the deposit. The Clerk’s office prefers that a death certificate accompany the original will. In Florida, wills are not placed on deposit before death.
Guardianship
Guardianship cases involve judicial determinations regarding the need for a guardian for incapacitated individuals. Filing fees include:
- Guardianship of the Person and Property: $400.00
- Guardianship of the Property Only: $400.00
- Guardianship of the Person Only: $235.00
Potential guardianship fraud can be reported through the Guardianship Fraud Hotline at (866) 272-4351 or online. If physical abuse or neglect is suspected, contact the Florida Department of Children and Families at (800) 962-2873.