St Johns County dissolution of marriage records are official court files that show when a marriage ended in St. Johns County, Florida.
These records are kept by the county Clerk of Court and are open to the public. Anyone can look up a case, see the final judgment, or order a certified copy. This page covers where the files are stored, how to search them online, what you can get, and how much it costs. You will also learn the rules that control who can file and what the court must do before granting a final divorce in Florida.
Where St Johns County Keeps Divorce Records
All St Johns County dissolution of marriage records are filed with the St. Johns County Clerk of Court. The clerk is the official record keeper for the 7th Judicial Circuit. The office stores three main types of files. First, the court case docket shows every paper filed in a case. Second, the official records index lists judgments, liens, and recorded documents. Third, the final judgment file holds the signed order that ends the marriage. Each type has a different lookup method, a different fee, and a different use. Most people need the final judgment when they want proof the marriage is over.
Clerk of Court Main Office
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court main office is located in St. Augustine. The current clerk is Brandon J. Patty. The office handles family law cases for the entire county, even when people live in cities like St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Hastings, or Ponte Vedra Beach. All filings, hearings, and final judgments are processed through this one office. Visitors can search records at the public terminals during business hours.
Role of the Clerk in Dissolution Cases
The clerk does not judge the case. The clerk keeps the papers, collects filing fees, swears in witnesses, and issues certified copies. After a judge signs the final judgment, the clerk stamps the order, files it in the case docket, and reports the divorce to the Florida Department of Health. The clerk also sends a copy to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics for the official state index. This reporting process is set by Florida Statute 382.023.
How to Search St Johns County Dissolution Records Online
Online lookup is the fastest way to check whether a divorce file exists. The clerk runs a public search portal that lets you search by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows case style, filing date, judge, and current status. It also shows the hearing history and any public orders. If the case is closed and the final judgment is on file, the index entry will say “Final Judgment of Dissolution.”
Name Search Method
A name search works best when you know both spouses’ full legal names. Type the last name first, then the first name. The system looks for any case where that name appears as a party. Search results may include criminal, civil, and family cases. Look for case types marked “DR” for domestic relations. The DR prefix means the file is a family law case, which covers dissolution of marriage.
Case Number Search Method
If you already have the case number, use it. A case number search skips the name match step and pulls the file directly. St. Johns County case numbers begin with a year code, then a sequence code, then “DR.” For example, “2024-CA-001234 DR” would mean a 2024 domestic relations case. Case numbers appear on every court paper filed in the case, including the petition, summons, and final judgment.
Date Range Search Method
When you only know the year, narrow your search by date range. Choose a one-year window first. If nothing matches, expand to a five-year window. The clerk portal sorts results by filing date, so older cases appear at the bottom. Date range searches help when the spelling of a name is uncertain. They also help when the file was filed under a maiden name or a name change.
This screenshot shows the St. Johns County clerk homepage where users begin their search for dissolution of marriage records.
Types of Records You Can Get
The clerk office offers three record products. Each product has a different fee and a different legal value. Choose the right product for your purpose to save money and time.
Plain Copy of the Final Judgment
A plain copy is a photocopy of the signed final judgment. It shows the names, case number, date of marriage, date of filing, and the judge’s signature. It does not carry a raised seal or a clerk’s certification stamp. Plain copies are useful for personal records, genealogy, and reference. They cannot be used in court or for legal name changes. The clerk charges a per-page fee for plain copies.
Certified Copy of the Final Judgment
A certified copy is an official copy with the clerk’s raised seal, a certification stamp, and a signature. It proves the document is a true copy of the record on file. Banks, immigration offices, insurance companies, and other courts accept certified copies. You will need a certified copy for name changes, Social Security updates, and property transfers after divorce.
Verification Letter from the Clerk
A verification letter is a short letter from the clerk confirming that a divorce case was filed and finalized in St. Johns County. The letter includes the names, the case number, the filing date, and the final judgment date. Verification letters cost less than certified copies. They work for jobs, school enrollment, and basic proof of single status. They do not replace a certified copy for most legal filings.
Costs, Fees, and Payment Options
The clerk charges different fees for different services. Florida law caps most of these fees. The table below shows the common costs for St Johns County dissolution of marriage records as of August 2026. Prices can change, so call the clerk before placing a mail order.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain copy per page | $1.00 | Self-service copies may be cheaper |
| Certified copy per document | $2.00 (first page) + $1.00 each additional page | Raised seal included |
| Verification letter | $2.00 – $5.00 | Fee depends on letter length |
| Online search | Free to view | Charges apply only for copies |
| Mail request handling | No extra fee | Postage not included |
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards at the counter. Mail orders should include a money order or a cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted for mail orders over a small amount. Online orders go through the clerk portal payment system, which uses a secure third-party processor. A small service fee may apply for card payments.
Refunds and Rejections
Fees are non-refundable once a search begins. If the clerk cannot find a matching record, the search fee may still apply. Make sure you have the correct spelling and the correct county before sending payment. Records from another Florida county cannot be ordered through St. Johns County. Each county has its own clerk office.
Florida Divorce Filing Rules That Apply in St Johns County
Florida law sets the rules for every dissolution of marriage filed in the state. St. Johns County follows these rules exactly. Knowing the rules helps you understand what the records will show.
Six-Month Residency Rule
Florida Statute 61.021 requires that one spouse live in Florida for at least six months before filing for divorce. The petition must state the filing date and the residency start date. The clerk checks this fact when the petition is filed. The final judgment cannot be granted until the six-month rule is met. The rule protects non-residents from being divorced in Florida courts without a real Florida connection.
Irretrievably Broken Marriage Standard
Florida is a no-fault state. Under Florida Statute 61.052, the court grants a dissolution if the marriage is irretrievably broken. The spouse who files does not need to prove wrongdoing. The other spouse cannot block the divorce by saying the marriage can be saved. The judge reviews the petition and the response, then decides whether the marriage is indeed irretrievably broken.
Minimum Delay Before Final Judgment
Florida Statute 61.019 sets a minimum delay before a court can enter a final judgment. In most cases, at least 20 days must pass between the filing of the petition and the entry of the final judgment. The waiting period gives both sides time to respond. A judge can waive the delay in special cases, but waivers are rare. The minimum delay rule is one reason the clerk portal may show a filed case without a final judgment.
Circuit Court Jurisdiction
Under Florida Statute 61.043, dissolution cases are filed in circuit court. St. Johns County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit. The 7th Circuit also covers Flagler, Putnam, and Volusia counties. Even so, each county clerk keeps its own records. A divorce filed in Flagler County is not on file in St. Johns County. Always check the county where the petition was filed.
Property and Debt Division
Florida Statute 61.075 sets the rules for dividing property and debt. The court aims for an equal split, but the result depends on each spouse’s income, assets, and liabilities. The final judgment lists every asset, every debt, and the division. This part of the record is important for credit disputes, refinancing, and retirement account divisions. Banks often ask for the full final judgment, not just the cover page.
How to Order Records by Mail or Online
There are three ways to order records from the St. Johns County Clerk of Court. Pick the method that fits your timeline and your need for certified copies.
Online Order Through the Clerk Portal
The fastest method is online ordering. Go to the clerk website and open the records search. Find the case, then click the order button for a certified copy or a plain copy. Pay by card. The clerk mails the certified copy within three to five business days. You can also pick up the copy at the counter on the same day if you select in-person pickup at checkout.
Mail Order to the Clerk Office
Mail orders work for people who live outside the county. Send a written request that includes both spouses’ full legal names, the case number if known, the filing year, and the type of record you want. Include a money order or cashier’s check for the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail orders take seven to ten business days, plus postal time in both directions.
In-Person Visit to the Counter
An in-person visit is best when you need the copy right away. The clerk office has public terminals for searching. Staff at the records counter can pull the file, make copies, and certify them on the spot. Bring a photo ID. The clerk needs to confirm the requester is a party to the case or a person entitled to a copy under Florida public records law.
Required Information for Any Request
Every request, no matter the method, should include the same core details. Missing details cause delays and rejections.
- Full legal name of each spouse as filed in the case
- Case number, if known
- Filing year or judgment year
- Type of record needed: index entry, plain copy, or certified copy
- Mailing address for response
- Daytime phone number for questions
Other Places to Check Divorce Records in Florida
The clerk office is the best source for court records. Other agencies offer related files that may also help your search. Each source has a different role, and no single source has every type of file.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds statewide divorce indexes. The bureau issues statewide divorce certificates that show the names, the county of filing, and the date the final judgment was entered. The bureau does not keep the full case file. For full case files, you must still go to the county clerk. The bureau office accepts mail and online orders for certified certificates.
Florida Department of Health Divorce Certificates
The Florida Department of Health runs the state divorce certificate program. After the county clerk reports the final judgment, the department adds the record to the state system. State certificates cost more than county copies, but they are accepted by all state and federal agencies. Use the state certificate when you need a record for a passport, an immigration case, or a federal benefit.
Florida Court E-Filing Portal
People who filed the case can log into the Florida e-filing portal and see the full case docket. The portal shows every motion, every order, and the final judgment. This method only works for parties to the case. Other people must use the public search portal. The e-filing portal also handles new filings, so attorneys and self-represented filers use it daily.
Florida Official Records Search
The Florida Official Records search covers recorded documents like judgments, liens, and deeds. A final judgment of dissolution is sometimes recorded in official records even though it already lives in the court file. Recording is rare for routine divorces. It happens more often in cases with real property transfers. Always check official records when the case involves real estate.
Self-Help Resources for People Without an Attorney
Most people who look up divorce records in St. Johns County do not have a lawyer. Florida courts offer free self-help resources to support self-represented filers and people who just need a copy of an old record.
Florida Courts Self-Help Information
The Florida Courts self-help page explains family law procedure, forms, and filing steps. Court staff can answer questions about forms and process, but they cannot give legal advice. Self-help staff can show you how to fill out the form, how to file it, and what fees apply. They cannot tell you whether you should file for divorce or how to win your case.
Florida Family Law Forms
The Florida Supreme Court approves a full set of family law forms. The forms cover petitions, responses, financial affidavits, child support worksheets, and final judgments. The forms are free to download. People who use the approved forms have fewer rejections at the clerk counter. The form packet for a simple dissolution with no children is the shortest. Cases with children, property, or support have longer packets.
DIY Florida Document Interviews
The DIY Florida tool walks users through an online interview. The tool asks plain questions, then builds the court forms automatically. The interview takes about 30 minutes for a simple case. The finished forms can be printed or e-filed. The DIY tool does not replace an attorney, but it helps people who cannot afford one prepare the basic paperwork correctly.
Cities in St Johns County and How Records Work
St. Johns County has several cities, towns, and census-designated places. All of them fall under the St. Johns County Clerk of Court for dissolution filings. No city runs its own family court.
St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine is the county seat and the largest city. Most residents file at the main clerk office in St. Augustine. People in St. Augustine Beach use the same office. There is no satellite clerk office for the beach. The main office is the only place to file or pick up records in person.
Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee
Ponte Vedra Beach is on the eastern coast. Nocatee is a planned community. Residents from both areas file at the same county clerk office. Online lookup works the same way for all county residents. Mail orders ship to the same St. Augustine office.
Hastings, Elkton, and Rural Areas
People in rural parts of the county use the same clerk office. Mail orders may take longer for rural addresses because of postal routes. Online ordering is often faster for rural residents. The clerk portal does not change based on where you live. It only checks the county file.
Contact the St Johns County Clerk of Court
The clerk office is the only official source for St Johns County dissolution of marriage records. Before visiting, call to confirm hours, counter workflow, and the documents you need to bring. Phone lines are busiest on Monday mornings and on the day after holidays.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County Clerk | Brandon J. Patty |
| Office Address | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Main Phone | 904-819-3600 |
| Court Records Phone | 904-819-3636 |
| Official Records Phone | 904-819-3630 |
| Website | stjohnsclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 7th Judicial Circuit |
Tips for a Faster and Cleaner Record Search
A few small steps before you start can save you hours. The clerk office processes hundreds of requests every week. Clean requests move faster than vague ones.
Confirm the Spelling of Names
Check old paperwork, IDs, or family records for the exact spelling used on the court file. Names with hyphens, accents, or double letters are common sources of search misses. The clerk portal matches spelling exactly. A small spelling change can mean a missed record.
Confirm the County Before Paying
Divorce records are filed in the county where the petition was filed, not where the spouses lived at the time of the divorce. If the couple moved, the filing county may not match their last known address. Call the clerk to confirm the county before paying any fee.
Decide Between County Copy and State Certificate
Pick the record that fits your purpose. A county certified copy works for most in-state uses. A state certificate is required for federal agencies, immigration, and out-of-state filings. Pay only for the product you actually need. Ordering both costs double the fee.
Save Your Order Receipt
Every paid order produces a receipt. Save the receipt with your case number and the date of the request. If the clerk needs to look up your order, the receipt speeds up the process. Receipts also help with tax records and expense reports when the record request is for work.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Johns County Divorce Records
Below are clear answers to the most common questions about St Johns County dissolution of marriage records. Each answer points to the right office, the right form, and the right fee. Use these answers to plan your search before you contact the clerk.
Can I view a divorce record for free in St Johns County?
Yes. Online search through the clerk portal is free. You can see the case style, filing date, judge, and case status at no charge. You only pay when you order a copy or a certified document. In-person terminals at the clerk office also offer free search. The free search shows the index entry but not the contents of the file.
How long does the clerk take to issue a certified copy?
Online certified copy orders are ready for download or mail within three to five business days. Mail orders take seven to ten business days, plus postal transit. In-person requests are completed the same day in most cases. Rush service is not offered, but online pickup at the counter is faster than mail.
Who can get a certified copy of a divorce judgment?
Certified copies are issued to parties to the case, attorneys of record, and people who present a valid government ID. Florida public records law allows access to divorce judgments, but certified copies require a specific need or party status. Call the clerk before visiting if you are not sure whether you qualify for a certified copy.
Does the state of Florida charge extra for the same record?
Yes. The Florida Department of Health charges a separate fee for statewide divorce certificates. The county clerk charges a different fee for certified copies of the final judgment. The two products are not the same. Pick the one your receiving agency accepts to avoid paying for the wrong record.
Can I get a divorce record if the marriage was dissolved decades ago?
Yes, in most cases. St. Johns County keeps dissolution records dating back many decades. Older files may be stored on microfilm or in archival boxes. Search by name and a wide year range. If the clerk cannot find a match online, the records staff can search the archives for an extra fee.
What if the divorce was filed in another Florida county?
You must contact that county’s clerk of court. St. Johns County cannot issue copies of records filed in another county. The statewide index at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics can confirm which county holds the file. Then contact that county clerk to order a copy.
Are sealed or expunged divorce records public?
Sealed divorce records are not open to the public. The clerk removes them from the public index. Only the parties to the case and the court can access sealed files. Expungement is rare in family law cases but can happen when the record contains sensitive personal data. The clerk can tell you whether a specific file is sealed.