St Johns County public records give anyone the legal right to see court files, arrest reports, property records, and inmate booking data. The Clerk of Court and the Sheriff’s Office keep these records and make them open to the public under Florida law.
This page shows how to search these records by name, how to view mugshots, and how to get certified copies.
Florida law treats most government records as open to the public. A person does not need to be a lawyer, a journalist, or a U.S. citizen to ask for them. The law only requires that the records exist and have not been sealed by a judge.
What St Johns County Public Records Include
St Johns County public records cover a wide range of documents. Court records include civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Official records include deeds, mortgages, liens, and marriage licenses. Arrest records include booking reports, mugshots, and jail rosters. Property records show ownership, tax assessments, and sales history.
Records come from several county offices:
- Clerk of Court (court and property records)
- Sheriff’s Office (arrest, booking, and incident reports)
- Property Appraiser (ownership and tax data)
- Supervisor of Elections (voter registration)
- Tax Collector (tax records and business receipts)
The Clerk of Court runs the main court records system. The Sheriff’s Office runs the arrest and jail records system. Both work under Florida’s Chapter 119 public records law.
Florida Public Records Law Chapter 119
Florida Chapter 119 sets the rules for public records. It was first passed in 1909 and applies to all state and local agencies in Florida. St Johns County must follow this law. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, also supports public access to government records.
The law states:
- Any person can ask for a record
- No reason is needed
- The agency must respond in a reasonable time
- Exemptions must be listed in the law
Common exemptions cover:
- Active criminal investigation files
- Victim identities in sex crimes
- Juvenile criminal records
- Certain personnel records
- Sealed court records
If a record is not exempt, the agency must release it. The agency pays for staff time to pull the record. The requester pays only for copies.
The St Johns County Clerk and Comptroller Office
The St Johns County Clerk of Court is Brandon J. Patty. The office is at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The phone number is (904) 819-3600. The website is stjohnsclerk.com. The Clerk’s office is the main keeper of court and property records in the county.
The Clerk’s office handles:
- Court case files
- Official recorded documents
- Marriage licenses
- Passports
- Tax deed sales
- Jury duty
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. St Johns County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit, shared with Flagler, Putnam, and Volusia counties.
Court Records Search System
The Clerk’s online system lets you search court records by name or case number. Go to stjohnsclerk.com and click on Court Records. You can search for civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Search choices include:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Date range
- Case type
- Judge name
Most cases filed after 1990 are available online. Older cases may need an in-person visit. The system shows case status, hearing dates, and filed documents. You can view PDFs of court filings at no cost.
Official Records Search
Official records include property documents. You can search these on the same website. Official records show:
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Liens
- Satisfaction of mortgage
- Easements
- Plats
These records help title companies, real estate agents, and homeowners check property history. Most records from 1990 forward are online. St Johns County has seen fast growth, so the volume of recorded real estate instruments is high.
St Johns County Sheriff’s Office and Arrest Records
The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office handles arrest records. The current sheriff is Chris Strickland. The office is at 4015 Sheriff’s Way, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The phone number is (904) 824-8304. The website is sjso.org. The Sheriff’s Office is the main source for arrest and booking data.
The Sheriff’s Office maintains:
- Arrest reports
- Booking records
- Jail roster
- Incident reports
- Warrants
- Mugshots
Florida’s public records law applies to all of these. The Sheriff must release arrest records unless they fall under a specific exemption. Active investigations and victim identities are common exemptions.
How to Search St Johns County Arrest Records by Name
You can search St Johns County arrest records by name through the Clerk’s online system or the Sheriff’s website. Both choices are free. The search works for current inmates and past arrests.
Steps to search by name:
- Go to stjohnsclerk.com or sjso.org
- Click on the search choice for court or arrest records
- Enter the last name and first name
- Add a date range if known
- View the results
Results show the person’s name, booking date, charges, and court case number. You can click on the case number to see the full court file. You can also search by booking number or date of birth.
St Johns County Jail Roster and Current Inmates
The St Johns County jail roster shows who is in jail right now. The Sheriff’s Office updates this list daily. The list shows:
- Booking number
- Name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond amount
- Court date
The jail roster is free to view on sjso.org. The list is updated every day at midnight. The list does not show people who have been released or transferred to state prison. The list only shows people in the county jail.
To see a current inmate:
- Visit sjso.org
- Click on Jail or Detention
- Click on Current Inmates
- Search by last name
The jail is at 4015 Sheriff’s Way, St. Augustine, FL 32084. You can also call (904) 824-8304 to ask about an inmate. The jail is open for visits seven days a week.
St Johns County Mugshots
Mugshots are photos taken at booking. Florida law makes mugshots public records. The Sheriff’s Office releases mugshots after the booking event is complete. The photos stay online while the person is in jail.
You can view mugshots in three ways:
- Sheriff’s online jail roster
- Third-party mugshot websites
- In person at the Sheriff’s Office
The official Sheriff’s Office site is the most reliable source. Third-party sites may have old photos or photos from other counties. Some third-party sites charge fees or sign you up for subscriptions. Always check the date on a mugshot before using it.
St Johns County Booking Records and Recent Arrests
Booking records show when a person was arrested and what charges they face. Recent arrests appear on the jail roster within 24 hours of booking. The booking log includes:
- Booking number
- Name and date of birth
- Arresting agency
- Charges
- Bond
- Court date
You can also search the Clerk’s court records to see the latest filings. New arrest cases appear in the court system within 48 hours. The booking log goes back many years for repeat offenders.
St Johns County Inmate Lookup
The inmate lookup system on the Sheriff’s website lets you search by name. The system shows:
- Current status (in jail or released)
- Booking date
- Release date
- Charges
- Bond status
The system does not show inmates held by other agencies. Federal inmates, state prisoners, and inmates from other counties do not appear in this lookup. You must contact those agencies directly for their records.
Free vs Paid Records Search
Florida law says basic records searches must be free. You can search the Clerk’s system and the Sheriff’s system at no cost. The law was written to make sure anyone can see government records.
Free choices:
- Clerk’s online court search
- Clerk’s online official records search
- Sheriff’s online jail roster
- Sheriff’s arrest log
Paid choices:
- Certified copies ($1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee)
- Background check services
- Third-party records sites
- Long research requests
The Clerk’s office charges $0.15 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 statement fee. The first 30 minutes of staff research are free. After 30 minutes, staff time is billed at a set hourly rate.
Copy Fees for St Johns County Records
Florida sets standard fees for all clerk offices. St Johns County follows these rates. The fees pay for staff time, paper, and printing costs.
Standard copy rates:
- $0.15 per one-sided page
- $1.00 per page for certified copies
- $5.00 for the certification statement
- Free for the first 30 minutes of staff research
Many online records are free to view as PDF files. You only pay when you need a certified paper copy. The Clerk’s website lists all current fees and accepted payment methods.
Requesting Records in Person or by Mail
You can request records in person, by mail, or by email. The Clerk’s office accepts all three methods. Choose the way that works best for your situation.
In person:
4010 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
By mail:
St Johns County Clerk of Court
Attn: Public Records
4010 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
By email: Use the contact form on stjohnsclerk.com
Always include:
- Your name and contact details
- A clear description of the record
- Case number or party name
- Payment if needed
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some records are not public. A judge can seal a record or order it expunged. Sealed records can only be viewed by court order. Expunged records are destroyed. The law treats sealed and expunged records differently.
Reasons a record may be sealed:
- Acquittal or dismissal
- Successful completion of a diversion program
- Court order to protect a victim
- Juvenile cases
You cannot view sealed or expunged records. The Clerk’s office will tell you if a record is sealed when you make a request. You can petition the court to unseal a record in some cases.
Common Public Records Requests
People request St Johns County public records for many reasons. Common requests include:
- Background checks for jobs
- Landlord checks on tenants
- Genealogy research
- Property purchase research
- Court case research
- News reporting
- Personal safety checks
The law does not require you to say why you want the records. You only need to describe the record clearly. The Clerk’s office cannot turn you away for not having a reason.
Official Contact and Location Details
Clerk of Court:
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Website: stjohnsclerk.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sheriff’s Office:
Address: 4015 Sheriff’s Way, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 824-8304
Website: sjso.org
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
View Clerk on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/4010+Lewis+Speedway,+St.+Augustine,+FL+32084
View Sheriff on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/4015+Sheriff%27s+Way,+St.+Augustine,+FL+32084
Frequently Asked Questions About St Johns County Public Records
People ask many questions about St Johns County public records. The answers below cover the most common questions about arrest records, booking logs, inmate searches, and mugshots. These answers are based on Florida law and the policies of the St Johns County Clerk and Sheriff’s Office as of 2026.
How do I see who got arrested in St Johns County today?
You can see recent arrests on the St Johns County jail roster at sjso.org. The list updates every day at midnight with all bookings from the previous 24 hours. You can search by last name to see a specific person. The list shows the booking date, charges filed, bond amount, and next court date. The jail roster only shows people still in custody. People who posted bond, were released on their own recognizance, or were transferred do not appear on the public roster. For a full arrest record with all charges and court filings, search the Clerk’s court records using the case number from the jail roster. You can also call the Sheriff’s Office records desk at (904) 824-8304 to ask about a specific arrest. The records desk is open 24 hours a day. Florida law requires the Sheriff to release arrest records within a reasonable time. The jail roster is the fastest way to see who was arrested in the last day. For arrests older than one day, search the Clerk’s online court records system. The Clerk’s system keeps a permanent record of all criminal cases filed in St Johns County.
Are St Johns County arrest records free to view?
Yes. The Sheriff’s Office jail roster is free to view at sjso.org. The Clerk’s court records search is also free at stjohnsclerk.com. You only pay when you need certified paper copies or when your research request takes more than 30 minutes of staff time. The first 30 minutes of staff research are free under Florida law. After that, staff time is billed at an hourly rate set by state law. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Most online records are free to view as PDF files. You can download and print these files at home. Certified copies are only needed for legal proceedings, real estate closings, or passport applications. The Sheriff’s Office does not charge for viewing mugshots or jail records in person. You can also walk into the Sheriff’s Office at 4015 Sheriff’s Way in St. Augustine and view records for free. Paid third-party websites charge fees for the same records. These sites are not affiliated with the county and do not offer any records that are not already free on government sites.
How long does St Johns County keep arrest records?
Arrest records stay in the system unless a judge seals or expunges them. Many records go back to the 1990s in the online system. Older records from the 1980s and earlier may need an in-person visit to the Clerk’s office. The Clerk’s office keeps physical records going back many decades. Some very old records may have been transferred to the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. Sealed or expunged records are removed from public view by court order. You cannot view sealed records even if you go to the courthouse in person. Expunged records are destroyed and cannot be recovered. The retention schedule for arrest records is set by the Florida Department of State. Most arrest records are kept permanently. Booking photos and incident reports are kept for at least five years after the case is closed. The Sheriff’s Office keeps jail records for the entire time a person is in custody and for several years after release. You can view historical arrest records for genealogy, research, or personal reasons at no cost.
Can I remove my mugshot from the internet?
Florida law does not require third-party websites to remove mugshots. You can contact these sites directly and ask for removal. Many sites charge a fee to remove photos, often between $100 and $500. Some sites will remove photos for free if you send a written request and proof of identity. The official Sheriff’s Office site only shows current inmates who are still in jail. Once you are released, your mugshot leaves the official site within 24 hours. Third-party sites copy photos from the official site and keep them online. Florida passed a law in 2025 that makes it easier to remove mugshots from third-party sites. The law requires sites to remove photos within 30 days of a written request. The law applies to people whose cases were dismissed or who were found not guilty. The law does not apply to people who were convicted. You may need a lawyer to help you with the removal process. The Florida Bar can refer you to a lawyer who handles mugshot removal cases in St Johns County.
How do I see if someone is in St Johns County jail right now?
Call the Sheriff’s Office at (904) 824-8304. You can also search the jail roster online at sjso.org. You will need the person’s full name and date of birth. The jail roster updates every day at midnight. The roster shows booking number, charges, bond amount, and next court date. The roster does not show federal inmates held in St. Johns County or state prisoners. The Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail. The jail is at 4015 Sheriff’s Way, St. Augustine, FL 32084. You can visit the jail in person 24 hours a day. Bring a photo ID. Staff can tell you if a specific person is in custody. They cannot give you full case details over the phone. For full case details, search the Clerk’s online records at stjohnsclerk.com. The Clerk’s system shows all criminal cases filed in the county. Both systems work together to give a full picture of someone’s arrest and court status. The jail also has a visitation schedule posted on the website for friends and family.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a conviction record?
An arrest record shows that a person was taken into custody by police. A conviction record shows that a person was found guilty by a court. Florida arrest records are public records under Chapter 119. Conviction records are part of the court file and are also public. Both types of records appear in the Clerk’s court records system at stjohnsclerk.com. A background check for a job usually shows both arrests and convictions. Many employers only look at convictions, but some employers look at all arrests. Landlords and licensing boards also run background checks for their own purposes. An arrest without a conviction does not always mean the person broke the law. It only means the police took the person into custody based on probable cause. The court may later dismiss the case, find the person not guilty, or seal the record. A conviction means the court found the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt or the person pleaded guilty or no contest. You can see both records by searching the Clerk’s system by name or case number. The Clerk’s system is free to use and available 24 hours a day.
Can I get an arrest record from another state through St Johns County?
No. St Johns County only keeps records for arrests that happened in St Johns County. For other states, you need to contact that state’s police or department of criminal justice. For a nationwide check, use the FBI’s Identity History Summary at fbi.gov. The FBI charges $18.00 for a basic check. For a Florida-wide check, use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at fdle.state.fl.us. FDLE charges $24.00 for a statewide criminal history search. The FDLE system covers all 67 Florida counties. The search shows arrests, convictions, and dispositions. The results come by mail or email in 3 to 5 business days. You can also go to a local FDLE office in person for faster service. St Johns County does not have an FDLE office. The nearest FDLE office is in Jacksonville. You can also use a private background check company for nationwide searches. These companies charge more but offer faster results. Always check if the company is licensed in Florida before paying for a search.