St. Johns County Court Records Search gives residents, attorneys, and researchers direct access to civil, criminal, and probate case files dating back to 1902. The Clerk of Court’s secure online portal indexes every pleading, judgment, hearing transcript, and appellate brief by case number, filing date, and party name. The system updates nightly from the county’s primary case management database, ensuring near real-time accuracy. Users can perform a guest search for basic docket details or create a free registered account—verified with a government-issued ID—to view full documents, download PDFs, and submit electronic requests. The site clearly states that electronic copies are for reference only and recommends confirming critical details in person or by phone before making legal or financial decisions.
How to Use the Official Online Portal
The official St. Johns County Clerk of Court website offers two access levels: guest and registered user. Guest searches display case numbers, parties involved, filing dates, and general case status. Registered users gain access to complete docket sheets, scanned documents, judgment entries, and hearing calendars. To register, users must provide a valid email address and upload a copy of a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Once verified, the account allows saved searches, request tracking, and electronic document delivery. All searches are logged for compliance with Florida public records laws, and users receive email confirmations for every action.
Search Filters and Navigation Tools
The portal supports multiple search methods. Users can look up cases by case number, plaintiff or defendant name, attorney of record, presiding judge, or filing date range. Advanced filters allow sorting by case type—such as civil, criminal, family, probate, or traffic—and by court division. The system also includes a calendar view for upcoming hearings and a judgment index for enforcement actions. Each result page shows a summary card with key details, and clicking opens the full docket with downloadable PDFs where available. The interface is mobile-friendly and works on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Guest vs. Registered User Access
Guest access is free and requires no login. It shows basic case information but blocks document downloads and detailed docket entries. Registered users pay no subscription fee but must verify identity to unlock full features. Registration takes less than five minutes and grants immediate access to all non-sealed records. Registered accounts also allow users to request certified copies, schedule in-person appointments, and receive email alerts for new filings in specific cases. The system does not sell user data or share login details with third parties.
Types of Records Available
The St. Johns County Court Records Search system includes over 350,000 active and archived case files. Civil records cover lawsuits, contract disputes, small claims, and property liens. Criminal records include felony and misdemeanor charges, arrest warrants, sentencing documents, and probation status. Family law cases contain divorce decrees, child custody agreements, adoption records, and domestic violence injunctions. Probate files list wills, estate inventories, guardianship appointments, and trust distributions. Traffic citations, code enforcement violations, and code compliance hearings are also included. All records are public unless sealed by court order or protected under Florida privacy statutes.
Historical Records and Archive Access
Records date back to 1902, with digitized files available from the 1980s onward. Older paper records can be requested in person or by mail. The clerk’s office maintains a microfilm archive for pre-1980 cases and offers retrieval services for a fee. Researchers studying genealogy, property history, or local legal trends can access historical dockets, land disputes, and early court rulings. Some 20th-century probate and divorce records have been scanned and are searchable online. The office does not guarantee completeness for records prior to 1975 due to natural disasters and storage limitations.
Sealed, Expunged, and Confidential Records
Not all court files are publicly accessible. Juvenile records, mental health hearings, adoption proceedings, and certain domestic violence cases are sealed by law. Expunged or sealed criminal records cannot be viewed online or in person without a court order. Users who believe a record should be public but is missing should contact the clerk’s office directly. The website clearly marks restricted cases and explains why access is limited. Requests to unseal records must be filed through the court and require legal representation in most cases.
Fees, Payments, and Service Charges
The clerk’s office charges modest fees to cover administrative costs. A standard records search costs $2.00 per request. If no case number is provided, a $5.00 research fee applies per name and per year searched. Requests requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time are billed at $1.00 per quarter-hour increment. Photocopies of documents—whether printed or delivered as PDFs—cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $1.00 certification fee per document. Payments can be made online via credit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person using cash, card, or check.
Fee Schedule Table
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Search (with case number) | $2.00 |
| Research Fee (no case number) | $5.00 |
| Staff Time (per 15 minutes) | $1.00 |
| Document Copy (per page) | $0.15 |
| Certified Copy | $1.00 + copy fee |
Payment Methods and Processing Times
Online payments are processed instantly, and users receive a receipt via email. Mail-in requests take 5–7 business days to process after receipt. In-person requests are fulfilled immediately during business hours. The office does not accept cryptocurrency or international wire transfers. Refunds are not issued for completed searches, even if no records are found. Users should confirm fees before submitting requests and keep payment confirmations for tax or legal purposes.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court and Comptroller is located at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Phone inquiries can be made at (904) 819-3600 during business hours. The main email for records requests is records@stjohnsclerk.com. For traffic citations, email traffic@stjohnsclerk.com. The office does not offer weekend or evening appointments but provides self-service kiosks for basic searches and payments. Visitors should bring a valid ID for in-person record requests.
Clerk of Court Leadership
Brandon J. Patty serves as Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for St. Johns County. He oversees all record-keeping, financial operations, and voter registration services. His office manages more than 350,000 case files and supports over 100,000 public inquiries annually. The clerk’s team includes records specialists, IT support staff, and customer service representatives trained in Florida public records law. The office is committed to transparency, efficiency, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Third-Party Access and Legal Research Tools
Several third-party platforms aggregate St. Johns County court records for easier searching. UniCourt provides a free search tool with filters for case type, party name, attorney, judge, and filing date. It updates nightly and offers downloadable PDFs of judgments, motions, and orders. UniCourt also tracks case histories, including appeals and settlements. Other services like County Office and State Records offer summaries and links to official sources. These platforms are not affiliated with the clerk’s office and may charge fees for premium features. Users should always verify information through the official portal before relying on third-party data.
Comparing Official vs. Third-Party Sources
The official clerk’s portal is the most accurate and up-to-date source for court records. Third-party sites may lag by 24–48 hours and sometimes omit sealed or recently filed cases. While convenient, these services cannot provide certified copies or legal validation. Attorneys, title companies, and government agencies rely on the official system for due diligence. Researchers should use third-party tools for initial screening but confirm findings directly with the clerk’s office. The official site also offers better mobile performance and clearer document previews.
Privacy, Security, and Legal Disclaimers
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court provides records as a public service under Florida Statute 119. The website includes a clear disclaimer stating that electronic copies are not official documents. Users must verify critical details—such as judgment amounts, lien status, or case outcomes—with the clerk’s office before making decisions. The system uses SSL encryption to protect user data and login credentials. Searches are logged for audit purposes but are not shared with law enforcement or marketing firms. The office complies with Florida’s public records law and responds to records requests within three business days.
Redaction and Personal Information
Social Security numbers, bank account details, and minor names are redacted from public documents. Users who find unredacted personal information should report it immediately. The clerk’s office reviews redaction requests from individuals whose privacy may be at risk. However, most financial and identifying details in court filings are considered public under state law. Users should avoid posting full documents online or sharing sensitive data on social media.
Common Use Cases and User Scenarios
Homebuyers use court records to check for liens, judgments, or pending lawsuits on a property. Employers conduct background checks using criminal and civil dockets. Attorneys research case law, track opposing counsel, and monitor judicial trends. Journalists investigate local legal issues and government accountability. Genealogists trace family history through probate and divorce records. Landlords verify tenant histories, and insurers assess risk using civil judgments. Each group benefits from the portal’s search tools, document access, and fee structure.
Real-World Example: Property Title Search
A buyer purchasing a home in St. Johns County searches the court records portal using the seller’s name. They find a civil judgment from 2020 for unpaid contractor fees. The judgment includes a lien on the property. The buyer contacts the clerk’s office to confirm the lien amount and payment status. They learn the debt was satisfied in 2022, and the lien was released. The buyer requests a certified copy of the release document for their title company. This process prevents future legal disputes and ensures a clean title transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many users have questions about access, fees, and record types. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on actual user behavior and clerk office data.
Can I search court records for free?
Yes, guest searches are free and show basic case information. However, viewing full documents, downloading PDFs, or requesting certified copies requires a registered account and payment of applicable fees. The $2.00 search fee applies only when accessing detailed records. There is no charge to browse the homepage or use general search filters.
How far back do the records go?
Court records in St. Johns County date back to 1902. Digitized files are available from the 1980s onward. Older records exist in paper or microfilm format and can be requested in person or by mail. The clerk’s office does not guarantee the completeness of pre-1975 files due to historical storage issues and natural events.
Are criminal records public?
Most criminal records are public, including charges, arrests, and sentencing documents. However, juvenile records, expunged cases, and certain mental health proceedings are sealed by law. Users cannot access these files online or in person without a court order. The website clearly marks restricted cases and explains access limitations.
How long does it take to get records?
Online requests are processed instantly for registered users. Mail-in requests take 5–7 business days. In-person requests are fulfilled immediately during office hours. Certified copies may require an additional day for processing. Users receive email confirmations for all actions.
Can I get certified copies online?
Yes, registered users can request certified copies through the portal. The system generates a secure order form, and users pay the $1.00 certification fee plus copy costs. Certified documents are mailed or available for pickup within one business day. Digital certification is not available; physical stamps and signatures are required by law.
What if I can’t find a record?
If a record is missing, it may be sealed, misfiled, or not yet entered into the system. Contact the clerk’s office at (904) 819-3600 or records@stjohnsclerk.com. Provide the case number, party names, and filing date if known. Staff will research the file and respond within three business days.
Are third-party sites reliable?
Third-party sites like UniCourt and County Office offer convenient search tools but are not official sources. They may have outdated or incomplete data. Always verify critical information through the official clerk’s portal before making legal or financial decisions.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use the official St. Johns County Clerk of Court website: stjohnsclerk.com/records/. The office is located at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Phone: (904) 819-3600. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Email: records@stjohnsclerk.com. Traffic records: traffic@stjohnsclerk.com.