StJohns County Court Records
What Is StJohns County Court Records
St. Johns County court records are official documents created and maintained by the county's court system. These records document legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil disputes, traffic violations, and family law matters. The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller is responsible for maintaining these records.
St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Are Court Records Public In StJohns County
Yes, most court records in St. Johns County are public under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and the state constitution. This means that citizens have the right to access, inspect, and copy these records. However, certain records may be confidential or exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Juvenile records (with some exceptions)
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Certain family court records
- Records containing sensitive personal information
- Cases involving domestic violence or sexual abuse
How To Find Court Records in StJohns County in 2025
To find court records in St. Johns County in 2025, you have several options:
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Visit the St. Johns County Courthouse in person St. Johns County Courthouse: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
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Use the online records search portal provided by the Clerk's Office
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Submit a public records request form
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Contact the Records Department by phone at (904) 819-3600
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Email your request to the appropriate department
For the most current information, it's recommended to check the St. Johns County Clerk of Court website or call their office directly.
How To Look Up Court Records in StJohns County Online?
St. Johns County offers several online resources for accessing court records:
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The St. Johns County Clerk's Online Records Search: This portal allows you to search for civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases.
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The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: For accessing documents filed electronically in the court system. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: 501 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602
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The St. Johns County Public Records Request system: For requesting records not available through the online search.
To search online:
- Visit the St. Johns County Clerk's website
- Navigate to the "Online Research" or "Court Records" section
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range
- Review the results and select records for viewing or purchase
Can You Search StJohns County Court Records for Free?
Yes, you can search basic court record information in St. Johns County for free. The online case search system allows users to view basic case information without charge. However, there may be fees associated with:
- Obtaining certified copies of documents
- Printing or downloading complete case files
- Requesting extensive research assistance
- Accessing certain specialized databases
The current fee schedule (as of 2025) includes:
- Regular copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page
- Research assistance: $2.00 per name/record searched
What's Included in a StJohns County Court Record?
A typical St. Johns County court record includes:
- Case information sheet with basic details (case number, filing date, parties involved)
- Pleadings and motions filed by parties
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts (if requested and prepared)
- Evidence admitted during proceedings (in some cases)
- Financial information (fines, fees, payments)
- Case disposition and outcome
- Appeals information (if applicable)
The completeness of records may vary depending on the case type and when it was filed.
How Long Does StJohns County Keep Court Records?
St. Johns County follows Florida's records retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. Retention periods vary by record type:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor cases: Maintained for 5-10 years after case closure
- Civil cases: Generally kept for 5-10 years after final judgment
- Traffic infractions: Usually kept for 3-5 years
- Probate matters: Permanently maintained
Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services: 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399
Digital records systems have allowed for longer retention of many records beyond the minimum requirements.
Types of Courts In StJohns County
St. Johns County has several types of courts within its judicial system:
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Circuit Court: Handles felonies, civil cases over $30,000, family law, probate, and juvenile matters St. Johns County Circuit Court: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
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County Court: Handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, traffic cases, and small claims St. Johns County Court: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
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Family Court: A division of Circuit Court handling divorce, child custody, and related matters
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Probate Court: A division of Circuit Court handling wills, estates, and guardianships
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Drug Court and Veterans Court: Specialized courts for eligible defendants with substance abuse issues or veterans
What Types of Cases Do StJohns County Courts Hear?
St. Johns County courts hear a wide variety of cases:
Circuit Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil disputes over $30,000
- Divorce and family matters
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency
- Probate and guardianship
- Appeals from County Court decisions
County Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes up to $30,000
- Small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic violations
- Ordinance violations
- Evictions
How To Find a Court Docket In StJohns County
To find a court docket in St. Johns County:
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Online: Visit the St. Johns County Clerk's website and use the case search function to view upcoming court dates.
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In person: Visit the Clerk's Office at the courthouse and request to view the docket. St. Johns County Clerk's Office: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
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By phone: Call the Clerk's Office at (904) 819-3600 to inquire about specific case dockets.
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Court administration: Contact the Court Administration office for specialized docket information. Court Administration: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Dockets are typically updated daily and show scheduled hearings, trials, and other court proceedings.
Which Courts in StJohns County Are Not Courts of Record?
In St. Johns County, the following are not courts of record:
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Small Claims Court: While technically part of County Court, small claims proceedings (for cases under $8,000) are less formal and often don't maintain verbatim records of proceedings.
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Traffic Court: For minor traffic infractions, these proceedings may not have court reporters or verbatim transcripts.
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Code Enforcement Hearings: These administrative proceedings handle county code violations and are not formal courts of record.
St. Johns County Code Enforcement: 4040 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Courts of record maintain official verbatim transcripts of proceedings, while non-record courts typically only maintain basic documentation of outcomes and decisions.
Lookup Court Records in StJohns County
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Online Research - St. Johns County Clerk of Court - This section offers online tools for researching court records and other official documents in St. Johns County.
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Public Records - St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller - Information on how to access public records maintained by the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller.
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St. Johns - Florida Courts - Details about the court locations and services offered in St. Johns County, part of the Fifth District of Florida Courts.
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Public Records - St. Johns County - Guidelines and resources for submitting public records requests in St. Johns County, Florida.
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Public Records Request Form - A PDF form for requesting public records from St. Johns County, providing a structured way to submit requests.