St Johns County Criminal Records Search gives you instant, free access to arrest, conviction, sentencing, and probation data pulled directly from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Results update daily and show up as downloadable PDFs through trusted third-party sites like countyoffice.org. You’ll also find links to recent arrests, outstanding warrants, misdemeanor records, and traffic violations—each refreshed every few hours with the latest info from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
How to Search Criminal Records in St. Johns County
Anyone can search criminal records in St. Johns County using free online tools. Start by visiting the official Clerk of Court website or trusted public record portals that connect to FDLE data. Just enter a name, case number, or date range to see docket entries, charges, court outcomes, and probation status. Results appear instantly and include options to print or download documents. No registration is needed, and all searches are free.
Official Records Office: Location, Hours, and Contact
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court, led by Brandon J. Patty, manages all criminal and civil records at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can call (904) 819-3600 for help with case lookups, certified copies, or technical issues. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead saves time during busy periods.
Free Online Access to Court and Criminal Records
You don’t need to visit the office to get criminal records. The Clerk’s online portal lets you view docket sheets, indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders at no cost. Just click the “Court Records” icon on the homepage. Certified copies cost a small fee and are available through the E-certify system under the “Records” menu. All documents are official and legally valid.
Arrest Records, Warrants, and Booking Details
Recent arrest records in St. Johns County include booking photos, charge descriptions, bond amounts, and court dates. These are updated every four hours using data from the Sheriff’s Office and FDLE. You can search by name or date to find active warrants, jail bookings, or released individuals. Third-party sites like County Office format this data for easy reading and PDF download.
Misdemeanor and Traffic Violation Records
Misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses are handled separately from felonies. These include DUIs, petty theft, simple assault, and driving violations. Penalties range from fines and probation to up to one year in county jail. Records show arrest reports, charging documents, and final dispositions. Search by case number or defendant name to view full details.
Certified Copies and Legal Documentation
Need an official document for court, employment, or immigration? Certified copies of criminal records are available in person, by mail, or online via E-certify. Bring a valid photo ID and fill out a request form if visiting the office. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Online orders take 1–3 business days and include a digital seal for authenticity.
Land Deeds, Vital Records, and Business Filings
The same office that handles criminal records also manages land deeds, marriage licenses, birth certificates, and business filings. Use the Online Research portal to search property transactions dating back to the 1800s. The Landmark system lets you query deeds by date, grantor, or parcel ID and export results to CSV for analysis.
Statewide and Local Data Sources
St. Johns County criminal records come from two main sources: the local Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). FDLE provides statewide arrest and conviction data, while the Sheriff supplies real-time booking and warrant info. This dual-source system ensures your search results are complete and current.
Third-Party Portals: Safe and Reliable
Websites like countyoffice.org and florida.staterecords.org act as free gateways to official data. They don’t store records themselves—they pull live info from government databases and present it in user-friendly formats. Always check the “last updated” timestamp to confirm freshness. These sites are safe, ad-free, and designed for public use.
Search Tips for Best Results
Use full names when possible—avoid nicknames or initials. If you don’t know the exact spelling, try common variations. For recent arrests, search by date range (e.g., last 30 days). Include middle initials if known. Case numbers give the most accurate results. If you hit a dead end, call the Clerk’s office at (904) 819-3600 for assistance.
Privacy, Accuracy, and Legal Use
All records shown are public under Florida law. However, employers, landlords, and individuals must follow Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rules when using this data for background checks. Expunged or sealed records won’t appear. If you spot an error, contact the Clerk’s Records Division immediately—they correct mistakes within 48 hours.
Common Reasons People Search Criminal Records
- Employment background checks
- Tenant screening for rentals
- Personal safety checks on neighbors or dates
- Legal research for attorneys or paralegals
- Genealogy or family history projects
- Verifying court outcomes for appeals
What’s Not Included in Public Records
Juvenile records, mental health commitments, and sealed/expunged cases are not public. Federal crimes prosecuted outside Florida may not appear. Some older records (pre-1990) exist only in paper form and require an in-person visit. Always confirm completeness with the Clerk if the record is critical.
Mobile-Friendly Access
All major portals work on phones and tablets. The Clerk’s site is responsive, so you can search records while on the go. Downloadable PDFs open in your browser or save to your device. No app is needed—just use your phone’s web browser.
Fees and Payment Options
Viewing records is always free. Certified copies cost $1–$5 depending on document type. Online payments use secure credit card processing. In-person payments accept cash, check, or card. Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to “St. Johns County Clerk.”
How Often Are Records Updated?
Criminal records refresh daily from FDLE. Arrest logs update every four hours. Warrant lists sync twice daily. Property and civil records update nightly. If you don’t see new info within 24 hours, clear your browser cache or try a different device.
Reporting Broken Links or Errors
If a link doesn’t work or data looks wrong, use the “Report a Broken Link” form on public record sites. The Clerk’s IT team reviews reports within one business day. Include the URL, your email, and a brief description of the issue.
Neighboring Counties and Cross-Jurisdiction Searches
St. Johns County shares borders with Duval, Flagler, Putnam, and Clay counties. If someone lived or was arrested nearby, check those records too. Most Florida counties use similar systems, so the search process is nearly identical.
Trusted External Resources
These free tools connect you to verified data: – County Office: Arrest and criminal records – StateRecords.org: Background check requests – PublicRecords.SearchSystems.net: Inmate rosters, warrants, and more
Why Use Official Sources?
Free public portals linked to government databases are safer than paid background check sites. They avoid outdated info, hidden fees, or false reports. Plus, they’re faster—no signup, no wait, no spam emails.
Final Tips for Success
Start with a name search. Narrow by date if needed. Save or print results right away. For legal matters, always get certified copies. When in doubt, call (904) 819-3600—the staff is trained to help without judgment.
Contact and Visit Information
St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court
4010 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Website: https://stjohnsclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about searching criminal records in St. Johns County. Below are clear, direct answers based on official policies and real user experiences. These cover privacy, accuracy, access methods, and legal use—so you get the facts fast.
Can I search criminal records for free in St. Johns County?
Yes. Anyone can search criminal records at no cost using the Clerk of Court’s online portal or trusted third-party sites like County Office. You’ll see arrests, convictions, sentences, and probation status pulled from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. No login or payment is required. Results appear instantly and can be printed or saved as PDFs. Certified copies cost a small fee, but viewing is always free.
How current are the arrest and warrant records?
Arrest records update every four hours using live data from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Warrant lists refresh twice daily. Criminal case files sync nightly with the Clerk’s database. This means you’ll see new arrests within hours, not days. Always check the “last updated” stamp on the page to confirm freshness. If something seems outdated, refresh your browser or try again later.
Are juvenile or expunged records visible in public searches?
No. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and expunged convictions are not public and won’t appear in any search. Only adult criminal records that haven’t been legally removed are available. If you believe a record should be hidden but appears, contact the Clerk’s office immediately. They can verify status and correct errors quickly.
Can employers use these records for background checks?
Yes, but with limits. Employers may view public criminal records but must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This means they need your written permission before running a check and must tell you if they deny employment based on the results. Never use free public sites for commercial screening—always use an FCRA-compliant service for hiring decisions.
What if I find incorrect information in a record?
If you spot a mistake—like wrong charges, dates, or names—call the Clerk’s Records Division at (904) 819-3600. Provide the case number, your contact info, and details of the error. Staff will investigate and correct it within 48 hours. You can also submit a correction form online. Accurate records protect everyone’s rights.
Do I need to visit the office to get certified copies?
No. Certified copies are available online through the E-certify system, by mail, or in person. Online orders are fastest—just pay the fee and download your document with a digital seal. Mail requests take 5–7 days. In-person pickup is same-day if you bring ID and a completed form. All methods produce legally valid documents.
Are third-party sites like County Office safe to use?
Yes, if they link directly to government databases. Sites like County Office and StateRecords.org don’t store data—they pull live info from official sources like the FDLE and Sheriff’s Office. They’re free, secure, and designed for public access. Avoid sites that ask for payment or personal details beyond a name search.