St. Lucie County Court Records
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St. Lucie County sits along Florida's Treasure Coast, with Fort Pierce as the county seat and Port St. Lucie as the largest city. The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit serves St. Lucie County alongside Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties. The trial court system here consists of the Circuit Court—which has general jurisdiction over felonies, civil actions above the county court threshold, family law, juvenile dependency and delinquency, and probate—and the County Court, which hears misdemeanors, criminal traffic offenses, small claims, evictions, and civil cases within its jurisdictional limit. The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller keeps all court records in the county, including filings, dockets, orders, judgments, transcripts, and exhibits for each proceeding.
Court records in Florida are accessible through several official channels: the Clerk's office, courthouse public terminals, and online search tools the Clerk maintains. If you're searching for court case information across the state, FloridaStateCourts.us can help you identify available judicial resources. The St. Lucie County Clerk also operates a dedicated online case search, and the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit publishes division-specific forms and checklists to help both attorneys and self-represented litigants navigate the process.
How to Look Up a Court Case in St. Lucie County?
You can search for a court case in St. Lucie County online, in person, or through a written request—whichever works best for you.
Online Case Search
The Clerk maintains a Court Case Search portal covering records dating back to 1993. You can search by:
- Party name (first and last)
- Case number
- Case type and date range
Results show case numbers, party names, case types, status, and filing dates. Basic index-level searches are free. The portal also provides access to case documents, court costs, and upcoming court dates for most cases. If you need certified copies, you can use the Clerk's E-Certify application for electronically certified documents. For expanded electronic access beyond publicly viewable indexes, register through the Clerk's public records request page.
In-Person Search
You can visit either of the Clerk's two office locations:
Main Office
Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
St. Lucie West Branch
Address: 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Phone: (772) 871-7200
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
By Mail
Mail written requests to the appropriate department at:
Clerk and Comptroller
P.O. Box 700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Include the case number or full party names and prepayment for copying. Accepted payment methods include cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and personal checks (accepted in the Family Relations, Civil, and Probate departments). Credit cards are accepted but carry a service charge.
Copy and Service Fees
Standard charges set by Florida Statute 28.24 apply across all departments:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photographic copy (up to 14″ × 8½″) | $1.00 per page |
| Photographic copy (larger than 14″ × 8½″) | $5.00 per page |
| Non-photographic copy | $6.00 per page |
| Certification of a court record | $2.00 per document |
| Search of records | $2.00 per year searched |
| Exemplified certificate (signing and sealing) | $7.00 |
| Preparing witness subpoena | $7.00 |
| Sealing or expunging a court record | $42.00 |
| Approving a bond | $8.50 |
| Flash drive (provided by Clerk) | $5.00 |
| CD (provided by Clerk) | $25.00 |
Are Court Records Public in St. Lucie County?
St. Lucie County court records are public records under the Florida Sunshine Law (Fla. Stat. 119.011), which defines public records broadly to include all materials—regardless of format—created or received in connection with official business. Florida Statute 119.0714 specifically addresses court records and establishes their presumptive accessibility. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 further governs access to judicial branch records and outlines the process for designating records as confidential.
Exemptions and Restrictions
Certain records or portions of records may be withheld from public disclosure under statutory exemptions:
- Files involving minors, including juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive personal identifiers
- Confidential informant information in criminal investigations
- Confessions obtained from juveniles
- Information about domestic violence victims where disclosure could compromise safety
- Mental health and medical records, including Baker Act reports
- Records the court has ordered sealed or redacted upon petition of a party
Minimization of Sensitive Information
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.425 requires anyone filing court documents to leave out full Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers. Identification numbers, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, and PINs must appear only in truncated form. Minors must be identified by initials only.
Anyone can ask the Clerk in writing to remove a document image from its public website if it is a military record, death certificate, or court file covered by the Florida Rules of Family Law, Juvenile Procedure, or Probate Rules. The request must identify the specific document, and there is no fee for this removal under F.S. 28.2221(5).
St. Lucie County Criminal Court Records
The Circuit Court handles felony prosecutions and juvenile delinquency matters in St. Lucie County. The County Court adjudicates misdemeanors, criminal traffic offenses, and ordinance violations. Both courthouses—in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie—hear criminal cases. The Clerk's Criminal Department keeps all criminal case filings, including charging documents, motions, plea records, sentencing orders, and judgments.
Fort Pierce Courthouse
Address: 218 South 2nd Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
St. Lucie West Annex Courthouse
Address: 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Phone: (772) 807-4370
Searching Criminal Court Records
- Use the Clerk's Court Case Search portal and select the criminal case category to search by defendant name or case number.
- Visit the Criminal Department at the Main Office, 201 South Indian River Drive, 3rd Floor, Fort Pierce, FL 34950.
- Send a written request to: Clerk and Comptroller, ATTN: Criminal Department, P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954.
Copies of criminal case documents cost $1.00 per page, plus $2.00 for certification per document. Electronically certified copies are available through the Clerk E-Certify app.
Arrest Records and Background Checks
Arrest records are maintained by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, separately from court case records. The Sheriff publishes daily arrest reports in an online archive. An inmate lookup tool provides booking information for currently incarcerated individuals and those released within the preceding five days.
For formal background checks and public records requests, contact the Sheriff's Records Custodian at (772) 462-3299 or submit a request through the Sheriff's online public records portal.
Sheriff's Office Records Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Background check (in person or online) | $20.00 |
| Booking photo (each) | $5.00 |
| Standard fingerprints (by appointment) | $26.00 |
| Incident report copies | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copy of a public record | Up to $1.00 per copy |
Statewide and National Criminal History
For searches that go beyond county-level records, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) offers a statewide criminal history check through its online portal. The instant search fee is $24.00 per subject plus a $1.00 processing fee.
Under Florida Statute 316.066, crash reports containing personal identifying information are confidential for 60 days after filing. During that window, access is limited to involved parties, legal representatives, insurers, law enforcement, qualified media, and victim services providers.
St. Lucie County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in St. Lucie County is split between the Circuit Court and the County Court. The Circuit Court hears civil actions exceeding $50,000, mortgage foreclosures, and real property disputes. The County Court handles claims up to $50,000, small claims, evictions, and unlawful detainer actions. The Clerk's Circuit Civil Department and County Civil Department keep all associated filings, from initial complaints through final judgments.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records are accessible through the Clerk's online case search portal—just select the appropriate civil case category. In-person requests go to:
Circuit Civil Department
Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, 4th Floor, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Mailing: Clerk and Comptroller, ATTN: Circuit Civil Department, P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954
County Civil / Small Claims
Address: 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Mailing: Clerk and Comptroller, ATTN: County Civil / Small Claims, P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Selected Circuit Civil Filing Fees
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Civil action (any) | $400.00 |
| Mortgage foreclosure ($50,001–$250,000) | $905.00 |
| Mortgage foreclosure (over $250,000) | $1,905.00 |
| Cross-claim, counterclaim, or third-party complaint | $395.00 |
| Garnishment, attachment, replevin, or distress (additional) | $85.00 |
| Issuance of summons | $10.00 |
| Case reopening | $50.00 |
| Pro hac vice appearance (F.S. 28.241(6)) | $100.00 |
Selected County Civil / Small Claims Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $100 | $55.00 |
| $100–$500 | $80.00 |
| $501–$2,500 | $175.00 |
| $2,501–$8,000 | $300.00 |
| $8,001–$15,000 | $300.00 |
| $15,001–$50,000 | $400.00 |
| Eviction (possession only, no damages) | $185.00 |
| Unlawful detainer (possession only) | $185.00 |
A complete and current fee schedule is published on the Clerk's website and is subject to change by the Florida Legislature.
Official Records Search
Property-related civil records—including recorded judgments, liens, and lis pendens—are searchable through the Clerk's Official Records search, which covers documents from 1990 to the present. Historical deed records going back to 1905 are also available through separate search tools the Clerk maintains.
St. Lucie County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit handles dissolution of marriage, child custody and time-sharing, child support, paternity, adoption, name change, URESA (interstate support enforcement), and domestic violence injunction cases in St. Lucie County. The Clerk's Family Relations Department keeps all family law filings.
Searching Family Court Records
The Clerk's online case search portal lets you search family cases by selecting domestic relations/family as the court type. You can refine results further by choosing a specific case type—dissolution of marriage, domestic violence, or paternity, for example—from the dropdown menu. In-person and mail requests go to:
Family Relations Department
Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, 1st Floor, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Fax: (772) 462-2843
Mailing: Clerk and Comptroller, ATTN: Family Relations Department, P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Confidentiality Restrictions
Most family court records are open to the public. Records involving minors, juvenile dependency or delinquency proceedings, domestic violence victim information, and adoption cases are restricted under Florida law. Documents covered by the Florida Rules of Family Law can be removed from the Clerk's public website on written request at no charge.
Family Law Filing Fees
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of marriage or annulment | $397.50 |
| Emancipation, temporary custody by extended family, adoption, or name change | $400.00 |
| Paternity or disestablishment of paternity | $300.00 |
| All other family law cases | $400.00 |
| Counter-petition (where initial fee is $300) | $295.00 |
| Counter-petition (where initial fee is $400) | $395.00 |
| Recording final judgment of dissolution (first page) | $10.50 |
| Case reopening | $50.00 |
All fees must be paid in cash, money order, personal check, attorney check, or credit card (American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover). Make checks payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Filing for Divorce
Self-represented parties can download family law forms from the Clerk's website and file them electronically. The Clerk's office also participates in the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Florida program, a free tool to help litigants complete and file official court forms. Forms must be printed one-sided. Bring the completed originals, two copies, and valid photo identification to the Family Relations Department. A final hearing before the judge is required and typically lasts about 15 minutes.
Marriage Licenses
Couples can apply for a marriage license online or in person at either the Fort Pierce Main Office or the St. Lucie West Branch, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The license is valid in any Florida county for 60 days. Florida law requires a three-day waiting period, which is waived for couples who complete an approved premarital preparation course.
| Marriage License Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| License with three-day waiting period | $86.00 |
| License with waived waiting period (premarital course) | $61.00 |
| Solemnizing matrimony | $30.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage license | $3.00 |
| Certified copy prior to 1972 | $7.00 |
| Ceremony photographer | $40.00 |
| Keepsake certificate | $10.70 |
Birth and Death Records
Vital records including birth and death certificates are maintained by the Florida Department of Health. St. Lucie County residents can request copies through the local Office of Vital Statistics:
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics in St. Lucie County
Address: 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
Phone: (772) 873-4932
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Applications for birth certificates and death certificates can be downloaded, completed, and submitted in person or by mail. Only authorized individuals—such as the record subject, immediate family members, or legal representatives—may obtain copies. A valid photo ID is required.
St. Lucie County Probate Court Records
The Probate and Guardianship Division of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit handles estate administration, probate of wills, summary and formal administration, determination of incapacity, appointment and supervision of guardians, and trust litigation in St. Lucie County. The Clerk's Circuit Civil Department keeps all probate case filings.
Accessing Probate Records
Search probate cases through the Clerk's online case search portal by selecting the probate case type. In-person requests and written inquiries go to:
Probate Department
Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, 2nd Floor, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-6938
Mailing: Clerk and Comptroller, ATTN: Circuit Civil Department, P.O. Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Probate Filing Fees
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Will deposit only | $1.00 |
| Formal administration | $400.00 |
| Summary administration ($1,000 or more) | $345.00 |
| Summary administration (under $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Disposition of personal property without administration | $231.00 |
| Caveat or Notice of Trust | $41.00 |
| Guardianship person and property | $400.00 |
| Guardianship person only | $235.00 |
| Guardianship Veterans Administration | $235.00 |
| Petition for determination of incapacity | $231.00 |
| Guardianship initial inventory audit (above $25,000) | $85.00 |
| Guardianship annual return audit ($25,000 or less) | $20.00 |
| Guardianship annual return audit ($25,001–$100,000) | $85.00 |
| Guardianship annual return audit ($100,001–$500,000) | $170.00 |
| Guardianship annual return audit (over $500,000) | $250.00 |
| Case reopening (not guardianships or mental health) | $50.00 |
| Service and certification of Statement of Claim | $7.00 |
Effective October 1, 2025, under Florida Statute 28.24(9)(a), a $7.00 fee is assessed for verifying that the Statement of Claim was served and for certifying that service.
Confidentiality of Probate Records
Most probate records are open for public inspection. However, guardianship records containing medical or financial information about wards, records in involuntary commitment proceedings, and certain documents relating to minors' estates may be restricted. Documents covered by the Florida Probate Rules can be removed from the Clerk's public website on written request at no charge, under F.S. 28.2221(5). Anyone filing probate documents must comply with Rule 2.425 minimization requirements to ensure sensitive data is properly truncated or omitted before submission.