St Johns County Florida divorce records are court files that show the full history of a marriage ending inside St. Johns County.
These files sit at the county Clerk of Court in St. Augustine, Florida. They include the case docket, all filings, and the final judgment that ends the marriage. This page covers how to search, request, and use these records through both county and state channels. You will learn what you need, where to go, what it costs, and how long each step takes.
What St Johns County Divorce Records Contain
St Johns County divorce records hold the complete paper trail for a marriage that ended in the county. The records show who filed, when the case opened, what the court ordered, and when the final judgment was signed. They serve as proof that a marriage legally ended in Florida.
Court Case Files vs Certificates
Two types of documents exist for any Florida divorce. The first type is the full court case file, which lives at the county Clerk of Court. The second type is a short certificate, which shows only the basic facts of the divorce. The county holds the full file. The state vital records office holds certificates. Each serves a different purpose. The court file gives legal detail. The certificate gives quick proof.
Who Files These Records
A divorce starts when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the circuit court. In St. Johns County, the case goes to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court. The Clerk of Court assigns a case number and opens a file. The judge signs a Final Judgment of Dissolution when the case ends. The clerk then records the judgment, which becomes part of the public record.
Where to Find St Johns County Divorce Records
Three main sources hold St Johns County divorce records. Each one serves a different need. Knowing the right source saves time and money.
St Johns County Clerk of Court
The county Clerk of Court is the main source. This office holds every divorce case filed in the county. You can request the full case file, a single document, or a certified copy of the final judgment. The clerk charges a fee for copies and certifies the documents with a raised seal. This is the best source for legal proof.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The state Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps short divorce certificates. These certificates show the names of both parties, the date of divorce, and the county where it was granted. The state office does not hold the full case file. People use state certificates when they need quick proof for name changes, benefits, or insurance updates.
Online Search Portals
Online portals let you search court records from home. The St. Johns County Clerk runs a public records search on its website. The Florida Courts system also offers a statewide search tool. These portals show case numbers, party names, and filing dates. They do not always show full document images. You often need to order copies separately.
How to Search for Divorce Records in St Johns County
A good search starts with the right facts. The more you know, the faster the search runs. County staff use names, dates, and case numbers to match the right file.
Information You Need Before You Search
Gather these facts before you start. They help match the right file quickly.
- Full legal name of both spouses at the time of divorce
- Approximate year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number, if known
- Type of copy you need (plain or certified)
- Your own ID, since you must prove your identity for certified copies
Online Search Steps
The county clerk website runs a public records search. Follow these steps to search online.
- Visit the St. Johns County Clerk of Court website at sjclerk.com.
- Click on Public Records or Court Records search.
- Enter the last name of one party in the case.
- Add a first name to narrow results.
- Type a date range if you know the year of the divorce.
- Review the list of cases that match your search.
- Write down the case number for any file you need to order.
In-Person Request Steps
Going to the clerk office in person often gives the fastest result. You can talk with staff and resolve issues on the spot.
- Visit the Clerk of Court during open hours.
- Go to the court records or civil records window.
- Fill out a search request with both names and a date range.
- Pay the search fee at the cashier window.
- Wait while staff pull the file or print copies.
- Pick up certified copies at the same window with a raised seal.
Mail Request Steps
Mail requests work when you cannot visit in person. They take longer but reach every county in Florida.
- Write a request letter with both full names, the date range, and the case number if known.
- State whether you need a plain copy or a certified copy.
- Include a check or money order for the correct fee.
- Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
- Mail the packet to the St. Johns County Clerk of Court.
- Wait for the clerk to mail the copies back to you.
Types of Copies You Can Order
St Johns County offers two copy types. Pick the one that fits your need. The wrong type costs time and extra fees.
Plain Copies
Plain copies are simple paper copies of a court document. They show the same text and signatures as the original file. They do not carry a raised seal. Most people use plain copies for personal records or basic checks. They cost less than certified copies and arrive faster.
Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the court seal and a clerk signature. They prove the document is a true copy of the original file. Banks, courts, and government agencies often ask for certified copies. Each certified copy costs more and adds a small processing time. The clerk stamps the document and attaches a cover sheet with the seal.
Copy and Search Fees
Fees change from time to time. The table below lists the common fees charged by Florida county clerks for divorce records. Always check the current fee before you order.
| Service | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name search (per name, per year) | $1.00 to $2.00 | Charged when no case number is given |
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.15 to $1.00 | Most pages cost $0.15 to $0.50 |
| Certified copy | $2.00 to $5.00 per document | Includes the raised court seal |
| Additional certification | $2.00 to $5.00 | Needed for some out-of-state agencies |
| Exemplified or authenticated copy | $7.00 to $25.00 | Used for foreign countries or federal court |
Florida Law and Public Access Rules
Florida law sets the rules for who can see divorce records and how the clerk shares them. State law covers both the divorce process and public access to court files.
Florida Chapter 61 Dissolution Rules
Florida Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes sets the legal rules for ending a marriage. It covers residency, filing, grounds, property, children, and support. The clerk follows these rules when accepting and processing divorce filings. This is why the case file always shows the same basic structure from county to county.
Florida Chapter 119 Public Records Law
Florida has strong public records laws under Chapter 119. These laws say that court files are open to the public. A citizen can ask for a copy of any court file that is not sealed. The clerk may redact sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers and bank account details. The rest of the file stays open.
Sealed and Redacted Cases
A judge can seal a divorce file to protect privacy. Sealed files hide the case from public search. The clerk still keeps the file but does not share it without a court order. Some files stay open but have certain details blacked out. This balance keeps the public record open while shielding private facts.
Common Reasons People Request Divorce Records
People order St Johns County divorce records for many reasons. Most requests fall into a few common categories. Knowing your reason helps you pick the right copy type.
Name Changes After Divorce
Many people change their name back after a divorce. A certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution acts as proof of the name change. The Social Security Administration, DMV, banks, and passport office all ask for this document. The certified copy must include the court seal and clerk signature.
Remarriage Documentation
People who plan to remarry often need proof that the prior marriage ended. A divorce certificate from the state vital records office or a certified copy of the final judgment both work. Some states ask for an apostille or exemplified copy. The clerk can issue these for an extra fee.
Legal and Financial Matters
Lawyers, courts, and government agencies ask for divorce records during legal work. Property divisions, debt claims, child support orders, and retirement benefits all rely on the divorce file. Insurance companies and employers also ask for proof when they process benefits changes after a divorce.
St Johns County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Clerk of Court office in St. Johns County handles all divorce record requests for cases filed inside the county. The main office sits in St. Augustine and stays open during normal business hours on weekdays.
Office: St. Johns County Clerk of Court
Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Website: https://www.sjclerk.com/
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Records Window: Civil and Family Court Records
Nearby Courthouse Annex Locations
The Clerk of Court also runs smaller service windows in nearby towns. These annexes accept basic records requests and payments. Full case file review happens at the main office.
- St. Johns County Annex at 3125 Agricultural Center Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092
- Julington Creek Annex at 725 Flora Branch Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32259
Image of the St Johns County Records Source Page
The image below shows the Florida vital records page linked to St Johns County divorce records. This page lists the state channels for ordering divorce certificates and points users back to the county clerk for full court files.
FAQ About St Johns County Florida Divorce Records
The questions below cover what readers ask most often about St Johns County Florida divorce records. Each answer gives a clear, direct fact that solves a common need. Use these answers as a quick reference when you plan your search or request.
How long does it take to get a divorce record in St Johns County?
In-person requests at the St Johns County Clerk of Court often finish the same day for plain or certified documents. Mail requests usually take 5 to 10 business days from the date the clerk receives the request. Online orders through the county portal can take 3 to 7 business days for digital delivery. Time grows when the request needs extra certification, apostille, or out-of-state authentication. Plan ahead if your deadline is tight.
Can I view a St Johns County divorce file for free?
Yes. The county clerk lets you view public case files at the records window without paying a fee. You only pay when you want copies. The online portal also lets you see basic case data for free, such as party names, case number, and filing dates. Full document images may need a small fee through the portal.
Are St Johns County divorce records public?
Yes. Florida law treats divorce case files as public records under Chapter 119. Any member of the public can ask for a copy. Sensitive data like Social Security numbers, bank details, and minor children information may be redacted in public copies. Sealed cases stay hidden from public view by court order.
What is the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce decree?
A divorce certificate is a short state document that proves a marriage ended. It lists the names of both parties, the date, and the county. A divorce decree is the full court order that ends the marriage and decides property, support, and custody. The county clerk holds the decree. The state holds the certificate.
Can I get a divorce record from another Florida county through St Johns County?
No. St Johns County only holds records for divorces filed inside St Johns County. To get a record from another county, you must contact that county clerk. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds certificates for the entire state and can help when you need proof but do not know the county.
Do I need a case number to order a divorce record?
No. You can order a record with just the full names of both spouses and a date range. The clerk will run a name search. A case number speeds the search and lowers the risk of a name mix-up. Adding a year or a date window helps the clerk match the right file when names repeat in the index.
Can I get a St Johns County divorce record if I am not a party to the case?
Yes. Public records are open to anyone. A third party can request and receive copies. Certified copies still need the normal fee and ID check. Some documents inside the file may be restricted, but the basic judgment and docket stay open to the public under Florida law.