St. Lucie County Court Records
What Is St. Lucie County Court Records
Court records in St. Lucie County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under Florida Statutes § 119.011(3)(c), which classifies court records as public records maintained by judicial branches of government.
St. Lucie County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Judgments and decrees
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees
- Probate filings and estate settlements
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by St. Lucie County, such as property records, vital statistics, and tax documents. While these other records are typically maintained by administrative departments, court records are specifically generated through judicial processes.
The Florida Courts system maintains records across multiple jurisdictional levels operating within St. Lucie County:
- Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit)
- County Court
- Family Court Division
- Probate Court Division
- Small Claims Court
- Traffic Court
These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, small claims disputes, and traffic violations. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by Florida's public records laws and judicial administrative rules.
Are Court Records Public In St. Lucie County
Court records in St. Lucie County are presumptively public pursuant to Florida's constitutional guarantee of access to public records. Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution establishes that "every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf."
This constitutional provision is further codified in Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, which applies to judicial records through Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Under these provisions, the following court records are generally accessible to the public:
- Civil case files and dockets
- Criminal case records (post-charging)
- Court orders, judgments, and decrees
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate and estate proceedings
- Small claims court filings
- Traffic court dispositions
However, certain exceptions and limitations exist. Under Florida Statutes § 119.071, specific categories of information are exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Social security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Medical records
- Juvenile records (with exceptions)
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Information that could compromise security
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
Additionally, the Florida Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records through Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, which balances the presumption of openness with privacy concerns and administrative efficiency.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, which has jurisdiction over St. Lucie County, are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions.
How To Find Court Records in St. Lucie County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in St. Lucie County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the St. Lucie County Clerk of Circuit Court's office during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form, specifying the case number or party names
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies)
- Review records on-site or request copies
Online Access:
- Navigate to the St. Lucie County Clerk's public search portal
- Select the appropriate record type (court cases, official records, etc.)
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range
- Review search results and select desired records
- Download available documents or note information needed for in-person retrieval
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk's office specifying desired records
- Include contact information and payment for applicable fees
- Address requests to:
St. Lucie County Clerk of Circuit Court
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 462-6900
St. Lucie County Clerk of Circuit Court
Email Requests:
- Send detailed record requests to the designated email address
- Include case information, document specifications, and contact details
- Await response regarding availability and payment instructions
For specialized court records, requestors may need to contact specific divisions within the court system. Criminal records may require additional verification procedures pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.053, which governs criminal history information.
How To Look Up Court Records in St. Lucie County Online?
St. Lucie County provides comprehensive digital access to court records through several online portals, each serving specific record types and court divisions. These systems allow for remote research of court documents without requiring physical visits to court facilities.
The primary online resources for St. Lucie County court records include:
St. Lucie County Clerk's Court Case Search:
- Access the official search portal through the Clerk's website
- No registration is required for basic searches
- Enter search parameters (case number, party name, date range)
- Review case summaries, docket entries, and available documents
- This system includes circuit civil, county civil, criminal, traffic, and probate cases
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal:
- Create a user account at Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Select St. Lucie County from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by case number or party information
- Access documents filed electronically with the court
- Note that some documents may require payment for viewing
St. Lucie County Public Records Search:
- Navigate to the comprehensive records search system
- Select from multiple record categories (Official Records, Court Records, etc.)
- Enter search criteria appropriate to the record type
- Review results and access viewable documents
- This system includes marriage licenses, property records, and other official documents
Florida Appellate Case Information System:
- Access the statewide appellate case database
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- Filter results to cases from St. Lucie County appealed to higher courts
- View case status, docket entries, and some court documents
- This system covers appeals from St. Lucie County cases to the 4th District Court of Appeal
When using these online systems, users should note that certain documents may be restricted due to confidentiality rules under Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which governs public access to court records.
How To Search St. Lucie County Court Records for Free?
Florida law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24, which establishes clerk service charges, inspection of records is provided without fee, while reproduction services incur standardized costs.
St. Lucie County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the St. Lucie County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at the public terminals
- Present identification and complete any required forms
- Review documents on-site at no charge
- Pay only if copies are requested ($0.15 per page for standard copies)
Free Online Search Systems:
- The St. Lucie County Clerk's Public Search portal offers free basic searches
- Case dockets and summaries are viewable without charge
- Basic case information including party names, case type, and filing dates is accessible
- Docket entries listing document titles and filing dates are available without fee
- Some document images may require payment to view
Public Access Terminals:
- Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to electronic court records
- Located in the public research area of the Clerk's office
- Available during regular business hours
- Offer more comprehensive access than remote online systems
- Staff assistance is available for search guidance
Law Library Access:
- The Rupert J. Smith Law Library provides free public access to court records
- Located at 221 Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
- Includes access to specialized legal research tools
- Professional librarians can assist with locating court documents
- Offers extended research capabilities beyond basic record searches
While basic searches and inspections are free, users should be aware that obtaining copies, certified documents, or comprehensive case files may incur fees as established in the Florida Statutes § 28.24 fee schedule.
What's Included in a St. Lucie County Court Record?
St. Lucie County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type. These records typically include multiple document categories that collectively represent the complete history of a legal matter.
Civil Case Records typically contain:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service documents
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and judicial rulings
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Final judgment or dismissal order
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records generally include:
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Arrest warrant or probable cause affidavit
- Defendant's plea documentation
- Bond or bail information
- Pretrial motions and rulings
- Evidence inventory lists
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (non-confidential portions)
- Appeal filings (if applicable)
Family Court Records typically contain:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage or other family action
- Financial affidavits (with certain redactions)
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Mediation agreements
- Court orders regarding custody, support, and property division
- Final judgment documents
- Post-judgment modification requests
Probate Records generally include:
- Petition for administration
- Death certificate (partially redacted)
- Will (if testate) or intestacy documents
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Notices to creditors
- Orders of distribution
- Final accounting documents
- Discharge of personal representative
Each court record also contains a docket sheet or register of actions that chronologically lists all activities in the case, serving as an index to the complete file. Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(d), certain confidential information is either redacted or maintained separately from publicly accessible portions of the record.
How Long Does St. Lucie County Keep Court Records?
St. Lucie County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These schedules, authorized under Florida Statutes § 257.36, mandate minimum retention periods for various court document types.
The General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerk of Court Records establishes the following retention periods:
Criminal Court Records:
- Capital/Life Felony Cases: Permanent retention
- Non-Capital Felony Cases: 75 years from case closure
- Misdemeanor Cases: 10 years from case closure
- Traffic Cases: 5 years from case closure
- Juvenile Criminal Records: Until subject reaches age 24
Civil Court Records:
- Circuit Civil Cases: 10 years from case closure
- County Civil Cases: 5 years from case closure
- Small Claims Cases: 5 years from case closure
- Eviction Proceedings: 5 years from case closure
Family Court Records:
- Dissolution of Marriage: Permanent retention
- Domestic Violence Cases: 5 years from case closure
- Child Support Enforcement: 10 years after youngest child reaches majority
- Adoption Records: Permanent retention
Probate Records:
- Estate Administration: 10 years from case closure
- Guardianship: 10 years after termination of guardianship
- Mental Health Proceedings: 5 years from case closure
Court Dockets and Indexes:
- Permanent retention for all dockets and indexes
While these schedules establish minimum retention periods, many records are maintained for longer periods or permanently, particularly those with historical or continuing legal significance. Additionally, records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic formats for long-term preservation while maintaining their legal validity.
The St. Lucie County Clerk of Circuit Court implements these retention schedules in accordance with state mandates and local administrative needs. Records scheduled for destruction undergo review to ensure compliance with all applicable retention requirements before disposal.
Types of Courts In St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County's judicial system operates within Florida's unified court structure, with several court types serving different jurisdictional functions. Each court handles specific case categories according to statutory authority.
St. Lucie County Circuit Court (19th Judicial Circuit)
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 462-6900
19th Judicial Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Circuit Court is St. Lucie County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $30,000, family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from county court decisions. The 19th Judicial Circuit encompasses St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.
St. Lucie County Court
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 462-6900
St. Lucie County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $30,000, small claims up to $8,000, traffic infractions, and ordinance violations.
St. Lucie County Family Court Division
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 462-6900
Family Court Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Family Court Division handles divorce, child custody, paternity, child support, domestic violence, and other family-related matters.
St. Lucie County Probate Court Division
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 462-6900
Probate Court Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Probate Division oversees estate administration, guardianships, and mental health proceedings.
St. Lucie County Traffic Court
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 462-6900
Traffic Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Traffic Court handles civil traffic infractions, criminal traffic violations, and related matters.
Appeals from St. Lucie County courts proceed to the following higher courts:
Fourth District Court of Appeal
110 South Tamarind Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 242-2000
Fourth District Court of Appeal
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Florida Supreme Court
500 South Duval Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-0125
Florida Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This hierarchical structure ensures cases are heard at appropriate jurisdictional levels with established pathways for appeals and review of lower court decisions.
What Types of Cases Do St. Lucie County Courts Hear?
St. Lucie County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court division handling specific case types according to jurisdictional parameters established by Florida Statutes § 26.012 and § 34.01.
Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (all degrees)
- Civil actions with damages exceeding $30,000
- Real property and land use disputes
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Complex business litigation
- Administrative agency appeals
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency
- Appeals from County Court decisions
- Extraordinary writs (mandamus, prohibition, etc.)
County Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal charges
- Civil disputes with damages up to $30,000
- Small claims up to $8,000
- Landlord-tenant evictions
- County and municipal ordinance violations
- Non-criminal traffic infractions
- Criminal traffic offenses (DUI, driving while license suspended)
Family Court Division Cases:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Child custody and visitation determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Paternity actions
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Name changes
- Adoptions
- Termination of parental rights
- Modifications of prior family court orders
Probate Court Division Cases:
- Formal and summary administration of estates
- Ancillary administration for non-resident decedents
- Determination of homestead status
- Guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults
- Baker Act proceedings (involuntary mental health examination)
- Marchman Act cases (substance abuse assessment)
- Trust administration disputes
Traffic Court Cases:
- Speeding citations
- Careless driving infractions
- Red light camera violations
- Driving without valid license
- Failure to maintain insurance
- Commercial vehicle violations
- Parking citations appealed from municipalities
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by Florida law, with matters being directed to appropriate divisions based on case type, monetary value, and subject matter. Complex cases may involve multiple divisions or specialized case management approaches to ensure efficient adjudication.
How To Find a Court Docket In St. Lucie County
Court dockets in St. Lucie County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in court cases, serving as essential navigational tools for tracking case progress. Multiple methods exist for accessing these dockets:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the St. Lucie County Clerk's Court Case Search portal
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Select the desired case from search results
- View the docket listing all case events, filings, and hearings
- Docket entries typically include document titles, filing dates, and party information
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the St. Lucie County Courthouse during business hours
- Proceed to the Clerk's office for the appropriate court division
- Request docket information for specific cases
- Use public access terminals to search electronic dockets
- Request assistance from clerk staff if needed for historical dockets
Daily Court Calendars:
- Access the 19th Judicial Circuit Court Calendar
- Select St. Lucie County and the desired court division
- View scheduled hearings, trials, and proceedings
- Calendars typically list case numbers, party names, hearing types, and assigned judges
- Updated calendars are generally posted one business day in advance
Case Tracking Services:
- Register for electronic case notifications through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Select cases to monitor for docket updates
- Receive email notifications when new entries are added
- Access linked documents when available
- This service requires registration and may involve fees for document access
For specialized docket information, such as foreclosure sales or probate proceedings, dedicated calendars are maintained on the St. Lucie County Clerk's website. Criminal dockets may contain additional information regarding defendant custody status, bond conditions, and scheduled appearances.
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain confidential information may be redacted from publicly accessible dockets, particularly in family, juvenile, and certain criminal proceedings.
Which Courts in St. Lucie County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Florida's judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings and whose decisions may be appealed directly to District Courts of Appeal. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts, and appeals from these courts involve new trials (trials de novo) in higher courts.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 34.01(5), all County Courts were historically designated as courts not of record. However, following constitutional revisions and statutory changes, St. Lucie County currently has no courts classified as "not of record" in the traditional sense.
The Florida Constitution, Article V, Section 1 establishes that "commissions established by law, or administrative officers or bodies may be granted quasi-judicial power in matters connected with the functions of their offices." These administrative bodies, while authorized to conduct hearings and render decisions, are not courts of record:
Administrative Hearing Bodies in St. Lucie County:
- Code Enforcement Board
- Value Adjustment Board
- Local Planning Agency/Zoning Board
- Construction Industry Licensing Board
- Nuisance Abatement Board
These quasi-judicial entities typically:
- Do not maintain court reporters or verbatim transcripts
- Follow more relaxed procedural and evidentiary rules
- Issue findings that may be appealed to Circuit Court
- Lack contempt powers and certain enforcement mechanisms
- Operate under specific statutory authority rather than general judicial power
Appeals from these administrative bodies proceed to the Circuit Court through certiorari review or statutory appeal processes rather than direct appellate review. This distinction reflects their status as administrative rather than judicial forums.
It is important to note that while County Courts now maintain records of proceedings, appeals from County Court decisions in cases valued under $15,000 still proceed to Circuit Court rather than directly to District Courts of Appeal, preserving an element of the historical distinction between courts of record and courts not of record.