St Johns County civil court records are public files that show civil lawsuits filed in St. Johns County, Florida.
These records include lawsuits about money, property, contracts, personal injury, evictions, and other civil disputes. The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller keeps these files. Brandon J. Patty serves as the current Clerk. Anyone can search these records online or visit the clerk office in person to get copies.
St Johns County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court office holds all civil court records for the county. The main office sits at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, Florida. You can reach the office by phone at (904) 819-3600. Email questions go to clerk@stjohnsclerk.com. The office stays open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The official website at stjohnsclerk.com has free search tools and forms.
| Contact Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Brandon J. Patty |
| Main Address | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Phone Number | (904) 819-3600 |
| clerk@stjohnsclerk.com | |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | stjohnsclerk.com |
A new Public Service Center opened on August 3, 2026. This center helps residents get faster service for clerk records and filings. The old main office also continues to serve the public at the Lewis Speedway address.
How St Johns County Civil Court Records Work
Civil court records in St Johns County follow Florida state law. Each case gets a case number when filed. The clerk office stores the file, adds new papers as the case moves forward, and gives the public a way to view or copy the file. Most civil cases stay open to the public. Sealed records or parts with private data stay hidden.
What Counts as a Civil Case
Civil cases cover disputes between people, businesses, or groups. Money, property, contracts, and personal injury claims are common civil case types. Landlord-tenant disputes like evictions also fall under civil court. Small claims up to $8,000 go to County Court. Larger claims up to $30,000 also go to County Court. Claims over $30,000 go to Circuit Court.
7th Judicial Circuit Coverage
St Johns County sits inside the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit also covers Flagler County, Putnam County, and Volusia County. Circuit Court handles bigger civil cases, family law, probate, and guardianship. County Court inside St Johns County handles smaller civil cases, small claims, traffic, and misdemeanor criminal cases.
How to Search St Johns County Civil Court Records Online
The St Johns County Clerk website offers a free online search tool. You can search by name, case number, or party type. The tool pulls up case summaries, docket entries, party names, and filing dates. Most civil court records from the past several years show up in the online search.
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also lets you search and file civil cases. This statewide portal connects to all 67 county clerks, including St Johns County. The portal works day and night. Registration is free for attorneys and self-represented parties. Filing fees still apply when you submit new papers.
Searching by Name
To search by name, type the last name first in the search box. Add a first name to narrow the results. A middle name or date of birth can help find the right person. St Johns County has grown fast in recent years, so name searches can pull many cases. Add a date range or case type to filter faster.
Searching by Case Number
Each civil case has a unique case number. The format looks like CA-2026-0123 for Circuit Civil or CC-2026-0456 for County Civil. Enter the full number in the search box. The system shows the case summary, parties, and the full docket history. Case numbers work better than names when you want one exact file.
Searching by Attorney or Judge
The online search also lets you filter by attorney bar number or judge name. This helps lawyers track their own cases. It also helps people find cases tied to a specific judge or law firm. Date filters can narrow the search to a single year or hearing term.
Civil Case Types in St Johns County
Civil court records in St Johns County cover many case types. Each case type has its own division code. The clerk search tool shows the division when you pull up a case. Knowing the case type helps you understand the court process.
Contract Disputes
Contract disputes happen when one party claims the other broke a written or spoken deal. These cases often involve unpaid bills, broken service contracts, or failed real estate deals. Damages can range from a few hundred dollars to millions. Contract disputes go to Circuit Court if the claim is over $30,000.
Landlord-Tenant and Evictions
Landlord-tenant disputes cover unpaid rent, lease breaks, and evictions. Eviction filings in St Johns County hit their highest level in at least seven years during the first half of 2026. Landlords filed 419 eviction cases from January through June 2026. Eviction cases fall under County Court.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury cases cover car accidents, slip and fall, and medical malpractice. These cases always go to Circuit Court because damages usually exceed $30,000. The case file includes medical records, insurance paperwork, and settlement offers.
Real Property and Foreclosure
Real property cases involve land, homes, and buildings. Foreclosure is the most common type. The lender sues to take back the property after missed mortgage payments. These cases go to Circuit Court. The docket shows loan history, payment records, and court rulings.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cases cover disputes up to $8,000. These cases use simple forms and skip most formal court rules. People often file small claims without a lawyer. The case usually ends with a hearing before a judge. Common small claims include unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, and minor property damage.
In-Person Records Requests at the Clerk Office
You can visit the St Johns County Clerk office in person to view or copy civil court records. Staff can help you search the file room, pull docket entries, and print copies. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk office uses a queue system during busy hours.
Plain Copies vs Certified Copies
The clerk office offers plain copies and certified copies of civil records. Plain copies show the document but have no official stamp. Certified copies carry an embossed seal and work for court filings, immigration, and other legal needs. Certified copies cost more per page than plain copies. The clerk office accepts cash, check, money order, and card at the counter.
Mailing a Record Request
You can mail a record request to the clerk office if you cannot visit in person. Send a written request that lists the case name, case number, and the documents you need. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fees. Mailing takes longer than visiting in person. Allow several weeks for a mailed response.
New Public Records Request Portal
In January 2026, the St Johns County Clerk Office launched a new online portal for public records requests. The portal lets you submit a request, track progress, and download files. The portal covers clerk records that go beyond court files, including audits, contracts, and email logs. You can check the status of your request in real time through the portal.
Confidential Information in Civil Court Records
Florida law protects some data inside civil court records. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor child information cannot appear in public files. The clerk office redacts this data before showing files to the public. Redaction is free.
Request to Redact Confidential Number
If you see private data in a public civil court file, you can ask the clerk to redact it. File the “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form with the clerk office. The form lists the case name, case number, document title, and page number where the data shows. The clerk will black out the data from the public version of the file.
Notice of Confidential Information Form
Parties and attorneys who file civil papers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form tells the clerk that the filing contains protected data. The clerk keeps the protected data away from the public view. This rule protects victims, minors, and financial account holders.
Fees for Civil Court Records in St Johns County
The clerk office charges small fees for copies and certified documents. Fee amounts follow Florida state law. Fee schedules get posted at the clerk counter and on the official website. Cash, check, money order, and card are accepted at the counter. Online payments through the E-Filing Portal also work for new filings.
| Service | Fee Type |
|---|---|
| Online case search | Free |
| Plain copy per page | Standard state rate per page |
| Certified copy per page | Higher rate with seal |
| E-Certify electronic certified copy | Available through the clerk portal |
| New civil case filing fee | Depends on case type and amount |
E-Certify Electronic Certified Copies
The St Johns County Clerk offers E-Certify, an electronic certified copy service. E-Certify copies carry the same legal weight as paper certified copies. The system emails a secure PDF with an electronic seal. Courts, title companies, and other agencies accept E-Certify copies for most needs.
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk office accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and debit or credit cards at the public counter. The E-Filing Portal accepts credit card and bank account payments for online filings. A small processing fee may apply for card payments. The clerk office does not accept payment by phone for new record requests.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Court Cases
People who handle a civil case without a lawyer can use free self-help resources. The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for common case types. Self-represented parties can find packets for eviction, small claims, name change, and other civil matters. The clerk office cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right form.
DIY Florida Forms Tool
DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. The tool asks you questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. More than 20 form sets cover small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil case types. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the St Johns County clerk office. Standard filing fees still apply.
E-Filing Portal Help Desk
The E-Filing Portal help desk stays open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. Call the help desk at (850) 577-4609 for help with electronic filing of civil cases. Training videos on the portal walk you through each step. The help desk supports attorneys, self-represented parties, and clerk staff.
Public Records Laws and Access Policy
Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in St Johns County. You do not need to be a party in a case to view the file. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court record.
Limits on Public Access
Some limits apply to public access. Section 119.0714 lists protected data like social security numbers and bank account numbers. Records sealed by a court order also stay off limits. Most civil court files in St Johns County stay open to the public. Juvenile records and adoption records follow different rules.
Find a Clerk Directory
The Florida Clerk Find a Clerk directory lists contact info for all 67 county clerks. The directory helps you reach another county clerk if your case crosses county lines. Each clerk entry shows the address, phone number, website, and office hours. The directory updates whenever a new clerk takes office.
Cities and Communities in St Johns County
St Johns County covers several cities and towns. All civil court cases for these places go through the St Johns County Clerk of Court. St. Augustine serves as the county seat and the main location for filing and looking up civil court records.
Main Communities Served
Communities in St Johns County include St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Hastings, and Nocatee. Other communities include Ponte Vedra Beach, Vilano Beach, and Fruit Cove. None of these cities run separate court systems. All civil cases flow through the St Johns County clerk office at the Lewis Speedway location.
Nearby Counties in the 7th Circuit
Flagler County, Putnam County, and Volusia County also sit inside the 7th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction over the parties.
Florida Civil Court Records Beyond St Johns County
Florida civil court records work the same way across the state. Each county clerk keeps its own files. The St Johns County clerk handles cases filed inside St Johns County. For cases in other counties, you must contact that county clerk office.
Miami-Dade and Broward County Records
Miami-Dade County and Broward County run their own civil court search portals. These South Florida counties process very high case volumes. Their portals offer the same search tools as St Johns County. Broward uses a free basic case search plus a paid subscription option for lawyers.
Orange and Hillsborough County Records
Orange County covers Orlando and the central Florida region. Hillsborough County covers Tampa and the Tampa Bay region. Both counties offer free online case search through their clerk portals. Each system covers civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.
Palm Beach and Duval County Records
Palm Beach County runs its own clerk portal for civil court records. Duval County covers Jacksonville, which sits next door to St Johns County. Duval civil cases can have ties to St Johns County residents, so many people search both county portals. Duval and St Johns share some legal traffic across the border.
Pinellas, Lee, Polk, and Brevard County Records
Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Lee County covers Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Polk County covers Lakeland and Winter Haven. Brevard County covers the Space Coast. Each county offers free civil case search through its own clerk portal.
Federal Court Records vs St Johns County Civil Records
Some civil cases fall under federal court instead of state court. Federal cases include lawsuits between citizens of different states with damages over $75,000, federal law violations, and bankruptcy. Federal cases stay separate from St Johns County civil records.
PACER for Federal Cases
PACER is the federal court records system. PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. Federal civil cases get filed through PACER. PACER charges a small fee per page viewed. Federal appeals and bankruptcy cases also go through PACER.
Bankruptcy Court Records
Bankruptcy cases in the St Johns County area go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. Bankruptcy records stay separate from St Johns County civil court records. You can search bankruptcy records through PACER.
Tips for a Successful Civil Court Records Search
A few tips can save you time when you search civil court records. Start with the right search tool, use exact spellings, and add filters to narrow results. The clerk office can help if you get stuck.
Use Exact Spellings and Date Ranges
Type the exact spelling of a name or case number. Add a date range to limit results to the right time period. A common last name can pull dozens of cases. A first name and date of birth can pinpoint the right person. Date filters also help when you know the year of filing.
Know the Case Type Code
Each civil case type has a short code. CA means Circuit Civil. CC means County Civil. SC means Small Claims. CC-CP means County Civil – Contract. Knowing the code helps you find the right file faster. The clerk search tool lists codes on the results page.
Call the Clerk Office for Help
If you cannot find a case online, call the clerk office at (904) 819-3600. Staff can look up the case by name or number. Phone help works best during mid-morning hours when call volumes are lower. Have a name and date of birth ready when you call.
St Johns County Courthouse Location
The Richard O. Watson Judicial Center houses the courts for St Johns County. The courthouse sits near downtown St. Augustine. The clerk office and courtrooms operate inside the same complex. Parking stays free at the courthouse during business hours.
Court Address and Directions
The courthouse address is 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Lewis Speedway connects to U.S. Route 1. Drivers from I-95 take Exit 318 toward St. Augustine. The courthouse complex includes the clerk office, courtrooms, and the new Public Service Center that opened on August 3, 2026.
Parking and Security
Free parking sits outside the courthouse. Visitors pass through a metal detector and bag check at the entrance. No weapons are allowed inside. Cell phones must be turned off in courtrooms. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to clear security.
Civil Court Statistics and Trends in St Johns County
St Johns County has seen steady growth in civil filings in recent years. Population growth, new businesses, and a stronger housing market have added to the caseload. The clerk office tracks case numbers each year.
Eviction Filings Trend
Eviction filings climbed to their highest level in at least seven years during the first half of 2026. Landlords filed 419 eviction cases from January through June 2026. That was a rise of nearly 70% from the same period in 2019. Eviction cases stay in County Court.
New Civil Filings Volume
Civil case filings in St Johns County include thousands of new cases each year. Contract disputes, small claims, and personal injury claims make up the largest share. The clerk office publishes monthly filing reports on its website. Local news outlets also report on case trends each quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Johns County Civil Court Records
These questions cover the most common topics people ask about civil court records in St Johns County. Each answer gives clear facts based on the latest data from the clerk office and Florida law. Use these answers as a starting point for your own records search.
Are St Johns County civil court records free to search online?
Yes, the online case search on the St Johns County Clerk website is free. You can search by name, case number, party type, attorney, or judge. The search shows case summaries, parties, and docket entries. Plain copies of documents may carry a small fee per page.
How do I get a certified copy of a civil court record in St Johns County?
You can get a certified copy in person at the clerk office, by mail, or through E-Certify online. Bring a photo ID for in-person visits. Mailing takes longer. E-Certify sends a secure PDF with an electronic seal. Certified copies cost more per page than plain copies.
What civil case types does St Johns County Circuit Court handle?
Circuit Court handles civil cases over $30,000. The court also handles family law, probate, guardianship, and felony criminal cases. Common Circuit Civil case types include personal injury, real property, foreclosure, and complex contract disputes.
Can I view sealed or confidential civil court records?
Most sealed records stay off limits to the public. Only parties, attorneys, and people named in a court order can view sealed files. Confidential data like social security numbers gets redacted from public files for free. You must file the “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form to start a redaction.
Does the St Johns County clerk office accept record requests by phone?
The clerk office does not accept record requests by phone. You must visit in person, mail a written request, or use the new online Public Records Request portal launched in January 2026. Phone calls help with questions about cases and procedures. Payments for records go through the counter, mail, or the online portal.
What is the small claims limit in St Johns County?
The small claims limit in St Johns County is $8,000. Small claims cases go to County Court. If your claim exceeds $8,000, you must file a regular civil case instead. County Court handles civil claims up to $30,000. Circuit Court handles civil claims over $30,000.
How long does it take to get a civil record by mail?
Mailed record requests usually take two to four weeks to process. The timeline depends on the case age, document type, and clerk workload. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the correct fee with your written request. Call (904) 819-3600 to check the status of a mailed request.