St Johns Clerk Of Court Official Records provides free public access to over 1.2 million legal documents, including property deeds, marriage licenses, probate files, and criminal court entries dating back to the 1800s. Located at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, Florida, the office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. under Clerk Brandon J. Patty. Visitors can search records on-site using kiosks or submit up to 25 requests online. Certified copies are available through the E-Certify system, with digital delivery in under 30 minutes. The online portal indexes more than 500,000 documents and supports Boolean searches, date filters, and secure PDF downloads.
How to Search St Johns Clerk Of Court Official Records
To find a record, start by visiting the official online research portal. Enter a name, case number, or instrument number like a deed book and page. Use filters to narrow results by year, document type, or filing date. Each search result shows key details such as recording date, parties involved, and document status. Click any row to view a high-resolution PDF copy. The system logs every search for audit compliance and applies a chain-of-custody watermark on all downloads. For help, call (904) 819-3600 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. or email techsupport@stjohnsclerk.com.
Types of Records Available
The Records division maintains land deeds, mortgage filings, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, probate files, and criminal docket entries. Property transactions go back to the 1800s, making it a key resource for title searches and historical research. Vital records include birth and death certificates processed through state partnerships. Court documents cover civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. All records comply with Florida Statute 119, ensuring authenticity and public access rights.
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies prove legal validity and are required for court, banking, or government use. Use the E-Certify service launched in October 2021 to order deeds, marriage licenses, or judgments online. The platform uses two-factor authentication to verify identity and applies a digital signature recognized by all Florida courts. Fees start at $2 per request, plus $0.15 per page. Payment options include credit card, money order, or electronic transfer. Most orders are delivered within 30 minutes after payment confirmation.
Fee Schedule and Payment Options
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Base record request | $2.00 |
| Name or year research (no case number) | $5.00 |
| Extended search (per 15 minutes) | $1.00 |
| Copy per page (paper or digital) | $0.15 |
Payments are accepted via credit card, money order, or electronic funds transfer. Receipts are emailed automatically after each transaction. For large orders exceeding 25 records, contact the office directly at (904) 819-3600 to discuss bulk pricing or special arrangements.
Online Research Portal Features
The secure portal offers password-protected access to indexed documents with advanced search tools. Users can combine keywords using AND, OR, and NOT operators for precise results. Date range filters help locate filings from specific periods. Exported PDFs include a visible watermark showing chain-of-custody details. Every action is logged for audit purposes, meeting Florida Courts Technology Commission standards. Technical support is available by phone and email during extended hours.
In-Person Services at the Courthouse
The physical office at 4010 Lewis Speedway has public kiosks for self-service printing of recent filings. Staff assist with complex searches, fee calculations, and record verification. Visitors can request title searches, statistical reports, or historical document reviews. The building also houses courtroom scheduling, jury management, and financial services under Clerk Patty’s oversight. Parking is available on-site, and security protocols are clearly posted at all entrances.
Court Docket and Hearing Information
The Courts division manages over 3,000 hearings annually across Circuit, County, and business courts. An online docket updates every ten minutes with case statuses, hearing times, and courtroom assignments. Jury summons are sent to approximately 12,000 eligible citizens each year. Historic courtrooms, including the Beach Street location, follow strict access rules. Call (904) 819-3600 for directions, parking info, or security requirements before visiting.
E-Recording for Property Documents
St. Johns County supports e-recording through the Simplifile platform for mortgages and conveyance documents. Users upload PDFs directly, where automated checks validate signatures, formatting, and notarization. Approved documents are recorded within 24 hours. This service reduces errors and speeds up property transfers. For guidance, visit the Tutorials By The Roll blog or call the office at (904) 819-3600.
Registering for Secure Access
To retrieve sensitive court case documents or schedule hearings, complete the electronic agreement on the REGISTER page. This form follows Florida Supreme Court Administrative Orders AOSC15-18 and AOSC16-14. It ensures compliance with state technology standards for electronic records. After submission, a confirmation email with a secure download link arrives within 24 hours. Contact the clerk’s office for clarification on terms or access rights.
Traffic and Criminal Records Requests
Traffic records require a separate request sent to [email protected]. Include full name, date of birth, and incident date if known. Processing follows the same fee structure as other records. Criminal docket entries are searchable online but may require additional verification for certified copies. Allow extra time for requests involving sealed or expunged cases.
Financial and Election Duties
As Comptroller, Brandon J. Patty manages over $45 million in escrow accounts and prepares the annual Circuit Court budget. The office coordinates with the Florida Department of Revenue and publishes audit reports online. Election administration includes voter registration support and ballot tracking. Citizens can obtain procurement records, budget summaries, and financial statements during business hours or by phone request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license? Use the E-Certify service on the clerk’s website. Upload ID, pay the fee, and receive a digitally signed PDF within 30 minutes. Can I search records without a case number? Yes, use a name or year search for $5 extra. Are historical property deeds available? Yes, records date back to the 1800s and are fully searchable online. What if my document is missing? Contact the Records division at (904) 819-3600 for assistance. Is there a fee waiver? No, but bulk requests may qualify for discounts. How often is the online docket updated? Every ten minutes during business hours. Can I e-record a deed? Yes, through Simplifile with automated validation.
Contact Information and Hours
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Email: techsupport@stjohnsclerk.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Website: https://stjohnsclerk.com/official-records/
Related Services and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive a certified copy?
Most certified copies ordered through E-Certify are delivered within 30 minutes of payment. In-person requests may take longer if staff assistance is needed. Digital copies include a secure signature and chain-of-custody seal accepted by all Florida courts.
Can I search for someone else’s property records?
Yes, property records are public under Florida law. Use the online portal to search by owner name, parcel number, or legal description. No registration is required for basic searches, but downloading or printing may require account creation.
Are divorce records available online?
Final divorce decrees are public and searchable. However, some supporting documents may be sealed. Request full case files in person or via mail with proper identification. Fees apply for copies and certification.
What if I can’t find my record online?
Older documents may not be digitized. Visit the office at 4010 Lewis Speedway or call (904) 819-3600. Staff can retrieve paper files from storage. Allow extra time for pre-1990 records.
Is there a mobile app for record searches?
No official app exists, but the website is mobile-friendly. Bookmark the online research portal for quick access. For frequent users, consider saving login credentials securely.
How do I correct an error on a recorded document?
Contact the Records division immediately. Minor errors may be fixed with a correction affidavit. Major changes require court approval. Bring original documents and ID to the office for review.