Search St. Johns County Background Checks

St. Johns County background check records are managed by the Clerk of Court in St. Augustine and by FDLE's statewide system. This northeast Florida county has grown fast in recent years, now holding about 290,000 people. The 7th Judicial Circuit handles court cases here, and the clerk's office keeps all local filings. Running a background check in St. Johns County can involve the clerk's online case search, a statewide FDLE request, or a trip to the courthouse. Each path pulls different data, so the best approach often means using more than one source to get a full picture.

St. Johns County Clerk of Court

Brandon J. Patty serves as the St. Johns County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine. Call (904) 819-3600 if you have questions about records or court services. The clerk handles all local court filings, including criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family matters, and traffic citations. St. Johns County has seen big population growth, and the court system has gotten busier as a result.

The clerk's website at stjohnsclerk.com has an online case search. You can look up records by name, case number, or date. The results show filing dates, case types, party names, and current status. For criminal cases, you can see the charges and how the case turned out. Civil cases list the parties and the nature of the suit. The search is free and anyone can use it. This is a good first step when you need a background check in St. Johns County, especially if you want to see what the local court system has on someone.

The St. Johns County Clerk portal gives access to case records and filing information for the county.

Use this site to search court records and check case status in St. Johns County.

Note: St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, and the clerk's caseload reflects that growth.

How to Search St. Johns County Records

The online case search at stjohnsclerk.com is the fastest starting point. Enter a name and the system returns matching cases from St. Johns County courts. You can narrow results by case type or date. The tool shows status, filing dates, and parties involved. Criminal cases include charge information when it is in the system. You can run as many searches as you want for free.

FDLE handles the statewide side. Go to CCHInet and submit a name-based request for $24. FDLE checks the state criminal history database, which covers all 67 Florida counties. If the person was ever arrested in St. Johns County or anywhere else in the state, the record will show up. Results come by email, usually within a day. This gives you a wider view than the local clerk search alone.

For recorded documents like liens, deeds, and judgments, check the MyFloridaCounty portal. It covers St. Johns County along with the rest of the state. These records are not criminal data, but they can tell you a lot about a person's financial history and any court judgments they may have.

Walking into the courthouse works too. Go to 4010 Lewis Speedway and ask at the clerk's counter.

St. Johns County Background Check Costs

The cost depends on what you are looking for. FDLE charges $24 for a state criminal history check. Pay at the FDLE criminal history records page. This fee is the same in every Florida county. A Level 2 fingerprint-based check costs more, and the price varies depending on the agency.

The St. Johns County Clerk does not charge to search cases online. When you want printed copies, you pay. Plain copies are $0.15 per page. Certified copies run $1.00 per page. Viewing a case file at the counter is free. You only pay for what you take with you. If you need something certified for use in court, tell the clerk when you ask for the copies.

• FDLE statewide check: $24.00
• Plain copies from clerk: $0.15 per page
• Certified copies: $1.00 per page
• Online case search: Free

Note: Always confirm fees with the clerk or FDLE before you start, since prices can change.

Public Records Rights in St. Johns County

Florida's public records law is one of the strongest in the country. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes says that government records are open to the public. You do not need to live in St. Johns County. You do not need to give a reason. The clerk must let you see records that are not sealed, expunged, or otherwise exempt. This applies to court filings, arrest data, and most other documents held by local agencies.

Some records are off-limits. Sealed and expunged cases are closed. Juvenile records face extra protections. Active law enforcement investigations can be held back until they close. But the law starts with the presumption of openness. If a St. Johns County office denies your records request, contact the Attorney General's Open Government office. They handle disputes about public records access across the state.

Background Check Levels Available

Level 1 is the standard name-based check. FDLE runs the name through its statewide criminal history database. This pulls arrests, charges, and outcomes. It costs $24 and results come back by email. Submit your request at CCHInet. Anyone can request a Level 1 check for St. Johns County or any other Florida county.

Level 2 is fingerprint-based. It searches both the FDLE state database and the FBI national database. Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes covers how FDLE manages criminal history information and the standards for both check levels. Fingerprinting is done at approved LiveScan sites. Several locations serve the St. Johns County area, including in St. Augustine. Processing takes a few business days longer than a name-based request.

FDLE also has the VECHS program. It lets approved groups check criminal history for people in sensitive roles. Only registered organizations can access it.

How to Get Copies of St. Johns County Records

Go to the clerk's office at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine. Tell the staff what you need and they will pull the file. View it at the counter for free or ask for printed copies. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page. Use the Find a Clerk page to confirm the office details before your visit.

You can mail in a request if you cannot visit. Include the person's full name, date of birth if known, the type of record, and payment for the copy fees. For state records, go to CCHInet and submit your request online. Results are sent by email. FDLE also has a personal review option for people who want to see their own criminal history record. This is a good way to check what a background check on yourself would show before someone else runs one.

Cities in St. Johns County

St. Johns County includes St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Hastings, and several unincorporated communities like Ponte Vedra and World Golf Village. All court records for these areas go through the St. Johns County Clerk of Court. No cities in St. Johns County meet the population threshold for a separate page. Background check records for all St. Johns County residents are held at the clerk's office in St. Augustine.

Nearby Counties

St. Johns County borders several northeast Florida counties. If you need records from a neighboring area, each county has its own clerk and court system.