St Johns County Florida background check records include criminal cases, court filings, arrest data, and conviction outcomes from the local court system and FDLE’s statewide database. These records help employers, landlords, and private citizens check someone’s legal history in northeast Florida.
St Johns County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit, and its court records sit with the Clerk of Court in St. Augustine. The county has grown fast in recent years, and the number of background checks performed here keeps rising along with the population.
What St Johns County Florida Background Check Records Contain
Background check records in St Johns County include several types of legal and court data. Each record holds a different piece of a person’s legal history. You can pull one or all of these sources depending on what you need to know.
Criminal Court Cases
Criminal case records show charges filed in St Johns County courts. These include felony counts, misdemeanor charges, and traffic-related criminal offenses. The case record lists the charges, the defendant’s name, the case number, the filing date, and the final outcome. Outcomes include convictions, dismissals, acquittals, deferred adjudications, and guilty pleas.
Arrest and Booking Data
Arrest records come from the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office and local police agencies. These records show when someone was taken into custody, the charge at arrest, and where the arrest happened. Booking data includes the booking date, charges at the time of arrest, and release information.
Conviction and Disposition Records
Conviction records show the final result of a criminal case after the court enters a judgment. Disposition records list how each case ended. FDLE’s criminal history database combines arrest data with the final disposition from the clerk of court. This matters because an arrest alone does not mean a conviction.
Warrant Records
Active warrants show up in certain search tools. A warrant record lists the person, the charge, and the issuing court. St Johns County warrant searches may show outstanding warrants from the county, but you need to confirm the status through official sources before taking action.
Court Civil and Family Filings
The clerk of court also keeps civil case records, family court filings, probate records, and small claims cases. These records do not always relate to criminal history but they can show lawsuits, judgments, liens, divorces, and custody rulings.
How the St Johns County Clerk of Court Manages Records
The St Johns County Clerk of Court acts as the official record keeper for all court filings in the county. Brandon J. Patty holds this position. The clerk’s office stores paper records, electronic files, and official court documents. You can search these records online or visit the office in person.
Clerk Office Location and Hours
The main clerk office sits at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, FL 32084. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The phone number for general questions is (904) 819-3600. You can also reach the clerk through the official website at stjohnsclerk.com.
Online Case Search Portal
The clerk runs a free online case search tool on the website. You can look up records by name, case number, or filing date. The search returns matching cases from St Johns County courts. Results include the case type, parties involved, filing dates, and current status. This tool works well as a starting point when you need a quick check on someone in the local court system.
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.
Requesting Copies of Records
The clerk provides printed and certified copies of court records. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. You can request copies in person, by mail, or sometimes online. Tell the clerk staff if you need certified copies for court or legal use.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online case search | Free | Available 24/7 on the clerk website |
| Plain copies | $0.15 per page | Printed at the counter or mailed |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page | Accepted for court and legal use |
| Viewing files at counter | Free | Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM |
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s central criminal history database. This database covers every county in Florida, including St Johns County. A statewide search pulls arrests, charges, and dispositions from all 67 Florida counties through one request.
CCHInet Online Request System
CCHInet is the official FDLE online search portal for name-based criminal history checks. You can submit a request at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The fee is $24 per search. You need the person’s full name, date of birth, and a reason for the request. Results come back by email, usually within one business day. This tool works for employment screening, volunteer work, and personal use.
What FDLE Records Include
FDLE records show arrests in Florida, the charges at arrest, and the final disposition of each case. The disposition comes from the clerk of court in the county where the case was heard. If someone was arrested in St Johns County, FDLE’s database will show the arrest along with the outcome from the St Johns County court system. This makes FDLE a strong option when you need a full picture of someone’s Florida criminal history.
Personal Review of Your Own Record
FDLE offers a personal review option at fdle.state.fl.us/criminal-history-records/personal-review. This lets you see what a background check would show about you. You can request your own record to check for errors or outdated data. Corrections can be made through FDLE if you find mistakes.
Background Check Levels Available in Florida
Florida law defines three main levels of background checks. Each level pulls data from different sources and serves different purposes. Knowing which level you need helps you pick the right search.
Level 1 Name-Based Check
Level 1 checks run a person’s name through the FDLE statewide criminal history database. This includes arrests and dispositions from all Florida counties. The check costs $24 and results arrive by email. Anyone can request a Level 1 check for personal, employment, or housing purposes. This is the most common type of background check in St Johns County.
Level 2 Fingerprint-Based Check
Level 2 checks use fingerprints to search both the FDLE state database and the FBI national database. Florida law requires Level 2 checks for certain jobs, including those working with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Fingerprinting takes place at approved LiveScan sites. Several locations serve the St Johns County area, including St. Augustine. Processing takes a few extra days compared to a name-based check.
VECHS Program for Volunteer Groups
The Volunteer and Employee Criminal History Services program lets approved organizations run criminal history checks on people in sensitive roles. Only registered groups can use VECHS. Churches, schools, youth groups, and healthcare agencies often use this program for screening volunteers and staff.
Step by Step: How to Run a St Johns County Background Check
Running a background check in St Johns County takes a few clear steps. The right path depends on what you need to know and how much detail you want.
Step 1: Gather Basic Information
Start with the person’s full legal name and date of birth. A middle name helps narrow results when common names appear. You also need to know which county the person lived in or worked in. This helps you pick the right search source.
Step 2: Search the St Johns County Clerk Website
Go to stjohnsclerk.com and use the online case search. Enter the name and any other data you have. Look through the results for criminal cases, civil suits, and family court filings. This step gives you a quick view of local court history. The search is free and open to the public.
Step 3: Request an FDLE Statewide Search
For a wider view, submit a name-based check through CCHInet. Pay the $24 fee and provide the required details. Results arrive by email with a list of arrests and dispositions across Florida. This step catches cases from other counties that the local clerk search would miss.
Step 4: Check Official Records and Liens
For financial history and recorded documents, use the MyFloridaCounty official records portal. This site covers liens, deeds, judgments, and other public filings from St Johns County and the rest of the state. These records can show bankruptcies, tax liens, and civil judgments.
Step 5: Visit the Courthouse for Certified Copies
If you need certified records for legal use, visit the clerk office at 4010 Lewis Speedway. Bring a valid ID and the case details. Staff will help you pull the file and order certified copies at $1.00 per page. You can also mail a written request with payment to the clerk’s office.
Costs and Fees for St Johns County Background Checks
The cost of a background check in St Johns County depends on the search type and how you submit it. Here is a clear breakdown of current fees.
Statewide FDLE Search Fee
FDLE charges $24 for a name-based criminal history check. This fee is the same for every Florida county. You pay online through CCHInet when you submit your request. There is no extra charge for the email delivery of results.
Local Clerk Copy Fees
The St Johns County Clerk does not charge for online searches. You only pay when you want printed or certified copies. Plain copies are $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit cards at the counter.
Third-Party Screening Services
Private screening companies offer Florida background checks for a higher fee. These services often bundle several searches into one report. Costs range from $30 to $100 or more depending on the report depth. Always check that the provider follows FCRA rules if you plan to use the report for employment decisions.
Public Records Laws and Access Rights in St Johns County
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes states that government records are open to the public. This law covers St Johns County court records, arrest data, and other documents held by local agencies.
Who Can Request Records
Anyone can request public records in St Johns County. You do not need to live in the county. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The clerk must give you access to records that are not sealed, expunged, or otherwise exempt under Florida law.
Records That Are Restricted
Some records are off-limits to the public. Sealed and expunged criminal cases are closed under court order. Juvenile records face extra protections under Florida law. Active law enforcement investigations can be held back until they close. Personal data like Social Security numbers, medical records, and certain identifying details are also exempt.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
If a St Johns County office denies your public records request, you can contact the Florida Attorney General’s Open Government office. This office handles disputes about access to public records across the state. You can also seek legal help through a Florida attorney who works on public records matters.
FCRA Compliance for Employment Background Checks
Federal and Florida laws control how employers use background checks. The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets rules for consumer reports used in hiring, promotions, and other employment decisions. Florida employers must follow both federal and state rules.
When FCRA Applies
FCRA applies when an employer uses a third-party screening company to run a background check on a job applicant or current employee. The employer must get written consent before the check. If the employer takes adverse action based on the report, they must send a pre-adverse action notice and follow other FCRA steps.
Florida Requirements for Employers
Florida law has its own rules for employer background checks. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes covers background screening for employees in certain roles. The law also gives applicants a chance to explain any records that show up before an employer makes a final decision. St Johns County employers who work with vulnerable groups must follow these rules strictly.
Ban the Box Rules
Some Florida cities and counties have ban the box rules that limit when employers can ask about criminal history. St Johns County follows Florida state law on this issue. Employers must wait until later in the hiring process to ask about criminal records in many cases.
St Johns County Sheriff’s Office Background Checks
The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office holds arrest records and incident reports. You can contact the sheriff’s office directly for some record types. The sheriff’s office works with the clerk of court and FDLE to share arrest and disposition data.
Arrest Records Request
Arrest records from the sheriff’s office show bookings at the St Johns County jail. These records include the arrest date, charges, and booking details. You can request arrest records through the sheriff’s office records unit. Some basic arrest data may also show up in the clerk’s online search.
Incident Reports
Incident reports cover calls for service, traffic stops, and other law enforcement contacts. Not all incident reports become public record. Active investigations stay sealed until they close. You can check with the sheriff’s records unit about specific incidents.
Cities and Areas Covered by St Johns County Records
St Johns County covers several cities and unincorporated communities in northeast Florida. All court records from these areas go through the St Johns County Clerk of Court. You do not need to search separate databases for different cities within the county.
Main Cities in St Johns County
The county seat is St. Augustine. Other cities include St. Augustine Beach and Hastings. Unincorporated areas include Ponte Vedra, World Golf Village, Nocatee, and parts of the Jacksonville Beach area. Residents in all these areas share the same court system.
What This Means for Background Checks
When you search St Johns County records, you cover the entire county at once. There is no need to run separate searches for different cities. The clerk’s online portal and FDLE statewide search both pull data from the full county.
Nearby Counties and Cross-County Searches
St Johns County borders several other northeast Florida counties. If you need records from a neighboring area, each county has its own clerk and court system. You must run separate searches through each county’s records.
Neighboring Counties
The main counties near St Johns include Clay County to the west, Duval County to the north, Flagler County to the south, and Putnam County to the southwest. Each of these counties has its own clerk of court and online search tools.
When to Search Multiple Counties
If a person lived in more than one northeast Florida county, search each one separately. A background check through FDLE covers the whole state, so you do not need to run separate checks in every county for state criminal history. But for local civil cases, traffic tickets, and family court filings, you must check each county’s clerk portal.
Other Sources for St Johns County Public Records
Besides the clerk of court and FDLE, other sources hold useful records for background checks. These include official records portals, the sex offender registry, and federal databases.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal covers recorded documents from all Florida counties, including St Johns County. You can search for liens, deeds, mortgages, judgments, and other recorded documents. These records show financial history and property ownership. The search is free and open to the public at myfloridacounty.com.
Florida Sex Offender Registry
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state sex offender registry. You can search by name, address, or zip code. This registry covers registered sex offenders living in St Johns County and across Florida. The FDLE site at offender.fdle.state.fl.us offers free searches.
Federal Court Records
Federal court cases for St Johns County residents go through the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. You can search federal cases through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. Federal cases include federal criminal charges, civil rights cases, and bankruptcy filings.
Expungement and Sealed Records in St Johns County
Florida law allows certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Once a record is sealed or expunged, it is no longer available through normal background checks. The clerk of court handles these requests in St Johns County.
How Expungement Works
Expungement removes a criminal record from public access. Sealed records stay on file but cannot be released to the public. Both options require a court order. You must meet Florida’s eligibility rules, which include completing the sentence, paying all fines, and meeting waiting periods.
What Expunged Records Show on Background Checks
When a record is sealed or expunged, FDLE’s criminal history check will not show it. The clerk’s online case search also hides the record. Only certain government agencies can see sealed or expunged records for specific purposes like law enforcement or certain job applications.
Eligibility for Expungement
Florida allows one expungement or sealing per person in most cases. You cannot expunge or seal convictions for serious offenses like murder, sexual offenses, or certain violent crimes. Misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies may qualify if the case meets other requirements.
Official Contact Details for St Johns County Records
You can reach the St Johns County Clerk of Court and FDLE through the following official channels. These sources give you the most accurate and up-to-date records for background checks.
St Johns County Clerk of Court
The clerk office handles local court records, case searches, and copy requests. You can visit the office, call, or use the online portal.
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: stjohnsclerk.com
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database and the sex offender registry. You can request statewide searches through the online portal or by mail.
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Criminal History Search: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns people have about St Johns County Florida background check records. The answers below give clear, current details based on Florida law and the records systems in place today.
How long does an FDLE background check take?
A name-based FDLE background check through CCHInet usually arrives by email within one business day. Most requests are processed the same day they are submitted. Delays can happen if the system is busy or if the person’s record needs manual review. Fingerprint-based Level 2 checks take longer, often three to five business days, because they include the FBI national database search.
Are St Johns County arrest records the same as conviction records?
No, arrest records and conviction records are not the same. An arrest record shows that someone was taken into custody and charged. A conviction record shows that the court found the person guilty after a trial or plea. Many arrests do not lead to convictions. FDLE records combine arrest data with the final court disposition, so you can see whether each arrest ended in a conviction, dismissal, or other outcome.
Can I run a background check on myself for free?
Yes, you can check your own criminal record for free through the St Johns County Clerk online portal. FDLE also offers a personal review of your own record at no charge beyond the standard $24 search fee if you use CCHInet. The personal review option lets you see exactly what an employer or landlord would find when they run a background check on you.
What shows up on a Florida name-based background check?
A Florida name-based background check through FDLE shows arrests, charges, and final dispositions from every Florida county. It also shows outstanding warrants, probation status, and any other data in the state criminal history database. It does not show sealed or expunged records. It also does not include federal charges, out-of-state arrests, or civil court records unless those systems are searched separately.
How do I find out if someone has a warrant in St Johns County?
You can check for active warrants through the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Call the sheriff’s records unit or visit their website for warrant search tools. The clerk of court case search may also show pending criminal cases that have open warrants. FDLE records can show some warrant data, but the most accurate warrant search comes from the local sheriff’s office that issued the warrant.
Is it legal to run a background check on someone without their permission?
Florida law allows public access to most court records without the person’s consent. You can search the clerk’s portal and FDLE records on your own. But if you are an employer running a background check for hiring, FCRA rules require you to get written consent first. Landlord background checks also have legal rules under the Fair Housing Act that you must follow.
What records are exempt from public access in St Johns County?
Several types of records are exempt under Florida law. These include sealed and expunged criminal records, juvenile court records, active law enforcement investigations, Social Security numbers, medical records, adoption files, and certain personal data. Florida law starts with a presumption of openness, but specific exemptions in Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes protect these records from public view.