St Johns County Probate Court Records cover all estate files, will deposits, guardianship cases, and trust matters filed in St Augustine, Florida. The Clerk of Circuit Court holds these records under the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Anyone can search probate case status, view docket entries, or request certified copies of court documents. The clerk office makes most records public, with some limits on sealed or confidential filings.
St Johns County Probate Court
The St Johns County Probate Court operates as part of the Circuit Court system in Florida. It handles all probate matters for residents of St Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, St Augustine Beach, and other communities within the county. The court follows Florida Probate Code rules and works closely with the Clerk of Court office to maintain public records.
Clerk of Court Brandon Patty
Brandon Patty serves as the current Clerk of the Circuit Court for St Johns County. He oversees all probate filings, record keeping, and public access services. The clerk office processes new petitions, stores existing case files, and issues certified copies of probate documents to the public. Brandon Patty St Johns probate records are available through his office and online portal.
Court Location and Contact Info
The main St Johns County Clerk office sits at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St Augustine, FL 32084. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can reach the clerk office by phone at (904) 819-3600. The official website at stjohnsclerk.com provides online search tools, forms, and fee schedules for probate records.
7th Judicial Circuit Coverage
St Johns County belongs to the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also covers Flagler, Putnam, and Volusia counties. Each county keeps its own probate files and has its own clerk office. If a person owned property in more than one circuit county, separate probate filings may be needed in each location.
How to Search Probate Records
You can search St Johns County probate case files through three main methods. The online portal gives free access to basic case data. The in-person counter at the Lewis Speedway office helps with full record lookups. Mail requests work for copy orders when you cannot visit the office.
Online Search Portal Access
The St Johns County Clerk of Court probate records online portal runs through the stjohnsclerk.com website. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date range. Probate cases appear under the civil court category in the search system. No registration or login is required to view basic case data.
Online results show the case number, decedent name, personal representative, filing date, and current status. Some docket entries and document images appear in the portal. Florida law restricts certain records, such as inventories and accountings, from public web access.
- Search by full name of the deceased person
- Search by case number if known
- Search by filing date range
- View case status and hearing dates
- Download public docket images
In-Person Record Requests
Visit the clerk office at 4010 Lewis Speedway during business hours for full record access. Bring the decedent full name, death year, or case number to help staff locate the file. The clerk staff can pull physical case files and make copies on the spot. Non-certified copies cost less than certified versions.
Ask for help at the public service counter if you cannot find a case online. The clerk staff can search older files, archived records, and microfiche systems that are not yet digitized. Some probate files from before 2000 may only exist in paper form at the office.
Mail and Phone Requests
Mail requests for St Johns County probate case files go to the clerk office at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St Augustine, FL 32084. Include the decedent name, case number, and a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk office can give you a cost estimate by phone before you send payment.
Call (904) 819-3600 to ask about specific probate case files, fee amounts, or record status. Phone requests work well for simple questions about whether a probate case exists. Mail requests work best for certified copy orders that need official stamps and signatures.
Types of Probate Cases Filed
Florida law sets out four main types of probate cases. The right type depends on the estate size, asset types, and time since death. St Johns County handles all four types through the Circuit Court system.
Formal Administration Cases
Formal administration covers estates worth more than $75,000 or cases needing a court-appointed personal representative. A judge supervises the entire process, from asset collection to final distribution. An attorney is required unless the personal representative is the only beneficiary. Most formal cases in St Johns County take six months to one year to close.
Summary Administration Cases
Summary administration works for smaller estates worth $75,000 or less. It also applies when the person died more than two years ago. No personal representative gets appointed. Beneficiaries file a simple petition, and the court issues an order to release assets. This method costs less and finishes faster than formal administration.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest probate path in Florida. It covers cases where the only assets are exempt property or items worth $6,000 or less needed for funeral and medical bills. No full probate case opens. The person handling the estate files a short affidavit with the clerk office instead.
Ancillary Probate Cases
Ancillary probate handles estates where the person died in another state but owned Florida property. Real estate, bank accounts, or investments in St Johns County need a separate Florida probate filing. The main probate case stays in the decedent home state while the Florida case handles only the local assets.
Filing Fees and Copy Costs
St Johns County follows the Florida statutory fee schedule for all probate filings. Fees change with estate value and case type. The clerk office posts the current fee schedule on the stjohnsclerk.com website and can quote exact amounts by phone.
Probate Filing Fee Schedule
Filing fees for formal administration in St Johns County start at a few hundred dollars and rise with estate value. Summary administration fees run between $100 and $300 based on the estate size. Disposition without administration costs much less, often under $50 in total fees. Call the clerk office for a current fee quote before you file.
| Case Type | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration | $300 to $4,000+ |
| Summary Administration | $100 to $300 |
| Disposition Without Admin | $0 to $50 |
| Ancillary Administration | $300 to $3,000+ |
Document Copy and Certification
Certified copies of probate documents in St Johns County cost about $2 per page plus a $1 certification fee per document. Non-certified copies cost less. You need certified copies of Letters of Administration to open estate bank accounts, transfer real property, or work with financial institutions. Order extra certified copies because most agencies keep the copy you provide.
Fee Waiver Options
Estate funds that cannot cover filing fees can request a fee waiver. Submit the waiver request with the initial probate petition. The court reviews the estate finances and decides whether to waive or reduce the fees. Fee waivers help small estates and low-value cases avoid upfront costs.
The Probate Process in St Johns
The probate process in St Johns County follows Florida state law. Each case moves through filing, court review, creditor notice, and final distribution. The timeline depends on the case type and complexity.
Filing the Initial Petition
The probate process starts when someone files a petition with the St Johns County Clerk. For formal administration, the filing includes the original will, a verified petition for administration, and a certified death certificate. The clerk assigns a case number and sends the file to a 7th Circuit probate judge for review.
Florida law requires anyone holding a decedent will to deposit it with the clerk within 10 days of learning about the death. This rule applies even when no probate case will open right away. Will deposit protects the document and creates a public record of its existence.
Court Appointment Process
The judge reviews the petition and supporting documents. If everything meets legal standards, the judge signs an order admitting the will to probate and appointing a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Administration that give the representative legal authority to act for the estate.
Banks, title companies, and brokerage firms need the Letters of Administration before they release estate assets. Keep the original Letters in a safe place and order certified copies for each institution you need to contact.
Creditor Notification Period
The personal representative must publish a Notice to Creditors in a local St Johns County newspaper. Publication starts a 90-day window for creditors to file claims against the estate. Valid debts get paid from estate funds after the claim period closes. The personal representative also sends a Notice of Administration to all named beneficiaries and interested parties.
Publication costs vary by newspaper. The clerk office can direct you to approved newspapers for legal notice publication in St Johns County. Pay publication fees directly to the newspaper office.
Estate Distribution and Closing
After the creditor period ends, the personal representative pays valid claims, files final tax returns, and prepares to distribute remaining assets. The representative files an accounting with the court showing all income, expenses, and planned distributions. The court reviews the accounting and approves the distribution plan.
Assets transfer to the named beneficiaries once the court approves the final accounting. The personal representative files a discharge petition, and the court officially closes the estate. A simple formal administration case in St Johns County typically closes within six to twelve months from start to finish.
Florida Death Certificate Records
Florida death certificate records connect directly to probate court records. You need a certified death certificate to open most probate cases. The State of Florida keeps these records through the Bureau of Vital Statistics and local county health departments.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds statewide death records from 1917 to the present. The Bureau issues certified copies of death certificates for legal purposes. You can order copies online, by mail, or in person through the Florida Department of Health vital records office. The Bureau also maintains the Florida death index for genealogy research.
The vital records office processes requests for Florida death certificate replacement, amendments, and apostille services. Processing times range from same-day rush service to several weeks for standard mail orders. Fees vary by service type and delivery method.
Death Certificate Replacement
Order Florida death certificate online through the Florida Department of Health vital records website. The online ordering system accepts credit card payments and ships certified copies by mail. You can also order by phone or visit a county health department in person. Death certificate replacement costs set fees per copy plus shipping charges.
You must show proof of eligibility to order a death certificate. Eligible applicants include immediate family members, legal representatives, and people with a documented legal need. Government agencies and financial institutions can also request certified copies for official purposes.
Pre-1977 Death Records
Florida historical death records from before 1977 sit in the state archives. The Bureau of Vital Statistics began statewide electronic recording in 1977, so older records exist mainly on microfilm and paper. FamilySearch Florida death records and other genealogy sites have indexed many older certificates for free public access.
Pre-1977 Florida death records genealogy research often requires checking church records, cemetery files, and local newspaper obituaries. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds the original paper records from 1917 through 1977. You can visit the archives in person or request copies by mail.
Apostille and Certified Copies
A Florida death certificate apostille adds a state authentication seal for use in foreign countries. The Florida Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records used in international legal matters. You need the original or certified copy of the death certificate before you can request the apostille stamp.
Certified copies of Florida death certificates come with a raised state seal and registrar signature. These certified copies work for all legal purposes, including probate filings, insurance claims, and property transfers. The vital records office uses security paper and special ink to prevent fraud.
Legal Help and Resources
Probate cases in St Johns County can involve complex legal rules. Many people need help from an attorney, legal aid office, or court self-help center. Several local and statewide resources serve St Johns County residents.
Finding a Probate Attorney
The Florida Bar Find A Lawyer service at floridabar.org lists probate attorneys serving St Johns County. Many lawyers offer free first meetings to discuss your case. Look for attorneys who focus on estate planning, probate administration, or elder law. A qualified attorney can handle filings, court hearings, and creditor disputes.
Ask attorneys about their experience with St Johns County probate court before you hire them. Local attorneys know the local judges, court staff, and filing procedures. Fee structures vary, so ask about hourly rates, flat fees, and payment plans during your first meeting.
Legal Aid Services
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid serves low-income residents in the 4th and 7th Circuits, including St Johns County. The jaxlegalaid.org website lists eligibility rules and service areas. Qualifying residents may get free help with basic probate matters, including summary administration and small estate filings.
Legal aid offices handle cases for seniors, veterans, and families below federal poverty guidelines. Volunteer attorney programs also offer reduced-cost legal help for people who do not qualify for free legal aid. Contact the legal aid office directly to apply for services.
Self-Help Court Forms
The Florida Courts self-help center at selfhelp.flcourts.org provides free probate forms and instructions. These forms cover summary administration, disposition without administration, and small estate affidavits. The self-help center does not give legal advice, but the forms help people who file without an attorney.
The Florida Legislature website at leg.state.fl.us posts the full Probate Code in Chapters 731 through 735. Reading these chapters helps you understand Florida probate rules, creditor rights, and beneficiary protections. The statutes serve as the legal source for all probate procedures in the state.
St Johns County Contact Details
St Johns County probate records and court services are available through the Clerk of Court office. The office handles all in-person requests, mail orders, and phone inquiries. Use the contact details below to reach the probate division for records searches, copy orders, and filing questions.
St Johns County Clerk of Court
Brandon Patty, Clerk of Circuit Court
4010 Lewis Speedway, St Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Website: stjohnsclerk.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section covers the most common questions about St Johns County probate records, filing procedures, and death certificate access. The answers below reflect current Florida law and local court practices as of August 2026. Use this section to resolve specific questions about case searches, copy orders, and probate timelines.
How do I search St Johns County probate case status?
Search St Johns County probate case status through the free online portal at stjohnsclerk.com. Enter the decedent name, case number, or filing date to pull up active and closed cases. The portal shows current status, hearing dates, and available docket images. Records that are sealed or restricted by court order do not appear in the public portal. You can also call the clerk office at (904) 819-3600 to ask about specific case status updates.
Are St Johns County probate records free to view online?
Yes, St Johns County public probate records are free to view through the clerk online portal. You can see basic case data, party names, and filing dates without paying any fee. Some document images are also free to view. Charges apply only when you need certified copies or want to download full document images. Non-certified copies at the office cost less than certified versions with the official court seal.
What probate documents are not public in St Johns County?
Florida law restricts certain probate documents from public view. Inventories of estate assets, accountings of income and expenses, and certain financial records stay sealed unless the court orders them released. The personal representative can ask the court to keep specific records confidential to protect beneficiary privacy. Sealed documents require a court order before the clerk office can release them to the public.
How long does probate take in St Johns County?
Probate timelines in St Johns County depend on the case type. Summary administration cases typically close within three to six months. Formal administration cases take six months to one year for simple estates and longer for complex estates with disputes or business assets. Ancillary probate cases follow the home state timeline for the main case plus local processing time in St Johns County.
Can I get Florida death records from 1950 for genealogy?
Florida death records from 1950 are available through the Florida State Archives and FamilySearch genealogy databases. Records before 1977 exist on microfilm and paper at the state archives in Tallahassee. You can search the Florida death index online for free through FamilySearch Florida death records portal. Certified copies of older death certificates cost standard vital records fees when ordered from the state archives office.
Do I need a lawyer to file probate in St Johns County?
Florida law requires a lawyer for formal probate administration unless the personal representative is the only beneficiary. Summary administration and disposition without administration cases can often be filed without an attorney. Self-help forms from the Florida Courts website work for simple summary cases. Complex estates with real property, business interests, or family disputes should use a qualified probate attorney.
How much does a certified death certificate cost in Florida?
A certified Florida death certificate costs a set fee per copy through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The standard fee covers the certificate and processing. Rush service and expedited shipping cost extra. You can order certified copies online, by mail, or in person at any Florida county health department that offers vital records services. Processing times range from a few days for rush orders to several weeks for standard mail requests.