St Johns County police records cover incident reports, arrest logs, crash reports, and dispatch records from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and city police departments.
Florida’s public records law gives citizens the right to see most of these documents after active investigations close. The Sheriff’s Office handles most police work in the unincorporated parts of the county. Cities such as St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, and Hastings keep their own records for incidents inside city limits. Anyone can ask for these records by name, case number, date, or location through online, mail, email, or in-person channels.
St Johns County Sheriff’s Office Records
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is the main police agency in the county. Deputies patrol 609 square miles across northeast Florida. The agency responds to roughly 100,000 calls for service each year. All calls generate a case report that goes into the central records system. Records staff handle these files and respond to public requests.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Records Division sits at the Sheriff’s Office main headquarters in St. Augustine. The building opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors must show a photo ID before entering the lobby. Staff accept walk-in requests during business hours. A drop box is available for after-hours submissions.
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Agency | St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office |
| Address | 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Phone | (904) 824-8304 |
| Website | sjso.org |
| Records Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
The Sheriff’s Office website lists department services, contact forms, and a public records portal for citizens who want to look up arrest data or report copies.
Records Division Staff and Hours
Records Division staff handle all written and in-person public records requests. Each clerk works a caseload of pending requests. Staff log every request in a tracking system. Requesters get a reference number for follow-up calls. The division employs eight full-time clerks and one supervisor. Staff training covers Florida’s public records law, redaction rules, and fee collection. The Records Division also works with the agency’s legal team on exemption claims. Complex requests move to legal review before any response goes out.
Agency Jurisdiction and Service Area
The Sheriff’s Office covers all unincorporated parts of St. Johns County. This area holds about 60% of the county’s 273,000 residents. Deputies respond to calls in neighborhoods outside city limits. The agency also runs the county jail, court security, and school resource officer programs. The Sheriff’s Office works with St. Johns County Fire Rescue on joint calls.
Types of Police Records in St Johns County
Police records cover many document types. Each type holds specific details about an event or case. Some records become public right after an officer files the report. Other records stay sealed until a court order releases them. Knowing the record type helps narrow your request and cut costs.
Incident Reports and Crime Reports
Incident reports describe crimes or events officers responded to. The report lists the date, time, location, and people involved. It also shows witness statements, evidence collected, and officer actions. Most incident reports become public after the investigation closes. Reports about homicide, sex crimes, or domestic violence may stay sealed longer. The Sheriff’s Office stores incident reports for at least 7 years.
Arrest Records and Booking Reports
Arrest records show when deputies took someone into custody. Booking reports cover the arrestee’s name, date of birth, charges, and booking photos. The jail keeps booking records separate from case files. Most arrest records become public within 24 to 48 hours of the arrest. Sealed or expunged records do not appear in public searches. Juvenile arrests follow different rules under Florida law.
Traffic Crash and Accident Reports
Crash reports document vehicle accidents on county roads and state highways. Officers file a crash report when the crash causes injury, death, or property damage over $500. The report shows driver names, vehicle details, insurance data, and a diagram. Crash reports go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A small fee applies for each copy. Reports are ready about 5 to 10 days after the crash.
Call Logs and Dispatch Records
Call logs show every 911 and non-emergency call the agency answered. Each log entry lists the call time, location, type, and response. Dispatch records cover the units sent and arrival times. The Sheriff’s Office keeps call logs for several years. Call logs often become public faster than full incident reports. Names of callers and victims get redacted before release.
Body Camera and Dashcam Footage
Body camera footage captures what officers see and hear during a call. Dashcam footage comes from patrol car video systems. Both fall under Florida’s public records law. Footage requests take longer to handle than written reports. Staff must review each video to redact faces and personal details. Fees for video copies can run $20 to $100 per request based on length.
Citations and Written Warnings
Citations record traffic and non-traffic violations. Each citation shows the offense, date, location, and officer. Written warnings have the same format but no fine. Citations for county ordinance violations go to the Clerk of Court. State citations go to the county traffic court. These records stay in the public court system.
How to Request St Johns County Police Records
The Sheriff’s Office accepts police record requests four ways: online, in person, by mail, or by email. Each way has its own form and turnaround time. The fastest way for simple requests is the online portal. Complex requests with many documents work better in person or by mail. The Records Division does not accept requests by phone.
Online Records Request Portal
The online portal on the sjso.org website lets requesters submit forms any time of day. Users create a login, fill out the request form, and upload any needed documents. The system sends email updates as the request moves through the queue. Online requests allow credit card payment for fees. Most simple reports arrive by email within 3 to 5 business days.
In-Person Records Requests
Walk-in requests go to the Records Division counter at headquarters. Requesters fill out a short form and show photo ID. Staff search the system on the spot for simple cases. Payment by cash, check, or card is accepted at the counter. Walk-in requests get same-day answers for reports already closed. Complex requests get a reference number and a callback.
Mail and Email Records Requests
Mail requests go to the Records Division mailing address. Each request needs a signed written form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment. Email requests go to the public records email listed on the website. Email requests should cover scanned ID and a credit card payment form. Mail and email requests take 7 to 14 business days to handle.
Phone and Fax Records Requests
Phone requests are accepted only for basic case status checks. The Records Division does not take new public records requests by phone. Fax requests use a fax form posted on the Sheriff’s Office website. The fax line is open 24 hours a day. A follow-up call confirms receipt of the fax.
Information Needed for Your Request
Strong requests cover key details. The more details you provide, the faster staff can pull the record. Missing details slow the search and may add fees.
- Full name of the person involved
- Date of birth if known
- Date and time of the incident
- Street address or intersection
- Case number if you have one
- Type of record you need
- Your contact phone and email
Request Review and Wait Times
Standard requests take 3 to 5 business days. Large requests with hundreds of pages may take 30 days or more. Florida law requires agencies to answer “with reasonable promptness.” A request that sits untouched for months violates the law. Requesters can file a complaint with the courts if an agency drags its feet. Most St Johns County requests close within two weeks.
Fees and Costs for Police Records
Florida law lets agencies charge for the actual cost of making copies. The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office sets fees that match state rules. Fees cover paper, ink, staff time, and media for electronic copies. No fee applies to viewing records in person at the office.
Standard Copy Costs in Florida
Black-and-white paper copies cost 15 cents per page. Color copies cost $1 per page. Double-sided prints count as two pages. Postage for mailed copies is added at actual cost. Payment is due before records leave the office.
Certified Copy and Notary Fees
Certified copies carry the agency seal and a signature. Each certified page costs $1 extra on top of the copy fee. Notary service adds $5 per signature. Most record requests do not need certification. Court filings and immigration cases often require certified copies.
Electronic and Digital Record Costs
PDF copies emailed at no extra charge. Files on CD cost $1 per disc. Video files on DVD or USB drive cost $5 per disc or drive. Large video files go through a third-party download link with a $10 hosting fee. Audio files follow the same fee structure as video.
Labor Costs for Large Requests
Agencies can charge for staff time on requests that take more than 30 minutes. The rate is the hourly wage of the lowest-paid worker who can do the job. Staff track time in 15-minute blocks. Requesters get a written cost estimate before work starts. The estimate must be paid in full before records release. Requesters can narrow the request to lower the cost.
Florida Public Records Law Explained
Florida’s public records law ranks among the strongest in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives citizens the right to see records made or kept by government agencies. The law covers police, sheriff, fire, court, and city records. Agencies must release records unless a specific exemption applies. The burden of proof sits with the agency, not the requester.
Florida Statute Chapter 119 sets the rules for public access to government records across all state, county, and city agencies.
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 lists the rules for all public records in Florida. The statute covers paper, digital, audio, and video records. Police records fall under this chapter along with most other government files. The law sets no fee cap but limits charges to actual cost. The statute gives requesters the right to sue agencies that deny access without cause.
Records Exempt from Public Release
Florida law lists dozens of record exemptions. Common exemptions in police records cover active criminal intelligence, victim IDs in sex crime cases, and informant names. Medical records of detainees stay sealed. Home addresses of sworn officers and their families are also exempt. Agencies must cite the exact exemption when denying a record.
Active Investigation Record Sealing
Records related to active investigations stay closed until the case ends. An “active” investigation covers pending arrests, open warrants, and ongoing prosecutions. Once the case closes or the statute of limitations runs out, records become public. A court order can also release records before the case closes. Agencies can deny requests that name specific open cases.
Juvenile and Minor Record Protections
Florida keeps most juvenile records sealed from public view. Juvenile arrest records, court files, and probation reports do not show in public searches. Some juvenile records become public after the minor turns 24. Serious juvenile offenses like murder and sex crimes can be charged as adults. Adult charges make the records public at the time of arrest.
Body Camera Footage Release Rules
Florida law sets special rules for body camera footage. Records requests for body cam video must describe the incident in detail. Agencies have 10 days to release or deny a body cam request. Exemptions cover footage showing victims of sex crimes, child abuse, or domestic violence. Officers on duty and in public spaces have no privacy right.
Statewide and Federal Record Sources
Some police records sit at the state or federal level. Florida runs central databases for criminal history and crash reports. The Federal Bureau of Investigation runs national crime databases. These sources add context to local police records. They also help requesters check records from other counties or states.
FDLE maintains statewide criminal records that supplement local police records in St Johns County and across all Florida counties.
FDLE Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history database. FDLE charges $24 for a name-based criminal history check. The check covers arrests, dispositions, and sentences across all Florida counties. Results come by mail or email within 5 business days. FDLE records cover sealed records that local agencies cannot release.
Florida Highway Patrol Crash Reports
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles keeps all state crash reports. The FLHSMV website hosts a free crash report search page. Users enter the crash date, county, and name to pull the report. Crash reports cost $10 each for electronic copies. Mailed copies cost $10 plus postage. The site also offers bulk downloads for insurance and legal use.
County Court and Clerk Records
The St Johns County Clerk of Court holds court case files. The Clerk’s website hosts a free public records search. Court records show charges, pleas, sentences, and fines. Traffic tickets, misdemeanors, and felonies all appear in the search. Sealed or expunged cases do not show in the public portal.
FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Data
The FBI collects crime data from local agencies through the UCR program. The UCR database shows yearly crime counts by type. St Johns County crime stats go into the annual FBI report. The data is free and downloadable from the FBI website. Crime stats help with research, journalism, and insurance underwriting.
City Police Departments in the County
Five cities in St Johns County run their own police departments. Each city police department keeps its own records. Records for incidents inside city limits go to the city agency, not the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office covers all unincorporated areas. Each city has its own request form and fee schedule.
St Augustine Beach Police Department
St Augustine Beach Police serves the beachside city of about 7,000 residents. The agency runs a small force with full-time sworn officers. Records requests go to the Records Unit at city hall. The agency uses the same Florida public records law as the Sheriff’s Office. Most requests clear in 3 to 5 business days.
St Augustine Police Department Records
St Augustine Police covers the historic downtown and nearby neighborhoods. The agency employs about 60 sworn officers. The Records Unit handles all public records requests for incidents inside city limits. Requests can go through the city website, by mail, or in person. The Records Unit shares a building with the city clerk’s office.
Hastings and Small Town Police Services
Hastings has no full-time police force. The town contracts with the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office for police services. All Hastings police records go to the Sheriff’s Office Records Division. Other small towns in the county follow the same contract model. The Sheriff’s Office keeps one set of records for the entire contract area.
Police Blotter and Recent Activity Logs
A police blotter is a public log of recent police activity. The Sheriff’s Office posts a daily blotter on its website and social media. The blotter shows arrests, traffic stops, and notable calls. Personal details get removed before posting. The blotter is a free resource for anyone tracking local crime trends.
Daily Arrest Reports
The Sheriff’s Office posts daily arrest reports on its website. Reports list the arrestee’s name, age, city of residence, and charges. Mugshots do not appear on the public blotter. Reports cover the previous 24 hours. The site keeps arrest reports online for 90 days. Older reports move to the public records archive.
Active Warrants and Wanted Lists
The Sheriff’s Office maintains a public list of active warrants. The list shows the suspect’s name, photo, and the warrant charge. The list updates daily. Anyone with a warrant on the list faces arrest on sight. Tipsters can call the Sheriff’s Office with anonymous tips. A cash reward is offered for tips that lead to an arrest.
Community Crime Alerts and Bulletins
The Sheriff’s Office sends community alerts through email and social media. Alerts cover burglaries, scams, traffic hazards, and missing persons. The alert system is free to join. The Sheriff’s Office also posts monthly crime trend reports. The reports show crime patterns by neighborhood and time of day.
Police Report Lookup by Name and Number
Many police records can be searched online by name or case number. The Sheriff’s Office offers a public search portal on its website. Third-party sites also host St Johns County police data. Free searches return basic results. Paid searches return full reports with details and documents.
Name-Based Records Search
A name search starts with the full legal name. Adding a date of birth narrows the results. The search returns arrests, incident reports, and warrants. Results show the case number, date, and a short summary. Clicking a result opens the full report if fees are paid. Name searches are free for arrest and warrant checks.
Case Number Records Lookup
A case number lookup returns one specific record. Case numbers start with the year and a serial code. Example format: 2026-001234. The Sheriff’s Office gives case numbers on every call for service. Case number searches skip the name search and pull the report directly. The fastest lookup way for known cases.
Date and Location Records Search
Date and location searches work for incidents without named suspects. Users pick a date range and a location radius. The system returns all reports in that window. The search covers up to 1,000 records at a time. Location searches help check property history before a home purchase.
Accident and Crash Report Access
Crash reports are public records in Florida. Reports become available 5 to 10 days after the crash. Drivers, passengers, and insurance companies can all request a copy. Crash reports help with insurance claims and legal cases. Reports stay online for 5 years.
How to Get Your Crash Report
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles runs the state’s crash report portal. The portal accepts searches by name, date, and county. Reports cost $10 each. Reports come as PDF files with a state seal. The portal also accepts mailed requests with a self-addressed envelope. The Sheriff’s Office can also pull a crash report at the front counter.
What Crash Reports Contain
Crash reports list the date, time, and location of the crash. The report names drivers, passengers, and witnesses. The report shows vehicle make, model, year, and plate number. A diagram shows the road layout and vehicle positions. The report lists injuries and citations. Insurance companies use the report to settle claims.
Florida Highway Patrol Crash Reports
The Florida Highway Patrol covers state highways in the county. State roads cover parts of US 1, A1A, and Interstate 95. FHP crash reports follow the same rules as Sheriff’s Office reports. The FHP website hosts its own search portal. FHP reports show trooper details and agency details.
St Johns County Sheriff Contact Info
The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office main office sits in St. Augustine. Records Division staff work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The lobby closes at 4:30 p.m. for new walk-in requests. Phone lines for records questions open at 9:00 a.m. The main switchboard answers 24 hours a day for emergencies and non-records calls. The official website is sjso.org. The main phone line is (904) 824-8304. Records staff can be reached by email at publicrecords@sjso.org. The office sits at 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The public records portal is sjso.org/public-records.
| Contact Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Records Division Address | 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Main Phone | (904) 824-8304 |
| Records Email | publicrecords@sjso.org |
| Online Portal | sjso.org/public-records |
| Records Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Lobby Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Mailing Address | 4015 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Official Website | sjso.org |
| Map Link | https://maps.google.com/?q=4015+Lewis+Speedway+St+Augustine+FL+32084 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common topics about St Johns County police records. Each answer points to the right office, form, or fee. These answers reflect the current rules under Florida law and St Johns County policy. Records rules can change, so check the Sheriff’s Office website for updates before submitting a request.
Are all St Johns County police records public?
Most police records in St Johns County are public under Florida law. Records about active investigations, juvenile offenders, sex crime victims, and police tactics are exempt. Agencies must cite the exact exemption when denying a record. A denial can be challenged in court. Most basic reports become public within days of the event. A requester who gets a denial without a clear exemption can appeal to the agency head and then to the local circuit court for a final ruling.
How much does a police report cost in St Johns County?
A standard paper copy costs 15 cents per page. Electronic PDFs are free. Certified copies add $1 per page. Video files on disc cost $5 each. Body camera footage can cost $20 to $100 per request based on length. Staff time for large requests costs the hourly wage of the worker handling the file. Florida law caps fees at the actual cost of duplication, so agencies cannot profit from records requests.
How long does it take to get a police report?
Simple requests close in 3 to 5 business days. Standard requests take 7 to 14 business days. Large requests with hundreds of pages may take 30 days or more. Online requests move faster than mail requests. Florida law requires “reasonable promptness.” A request that drags past 60 days may need legal action. The records clerk can give you a written timeline estimate before work starts on a large request.
Can I look up St Johns County arrest records online?
Yes. The Sheriff’s Office posts a daily arrest log on its website. The site keeps 90 days of arrest data. Older records move to the public records archive. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also runs a state arrest search for a $24 fee. Third-party sites also host St Johns County arrest data. The Sheriff’s Office arrest log only shows the arrestee’s name, age, and charges. Full booking photos and fingerprints stay private.
How do I get a copy of a traffic crash report?
Crash reports go online at the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Reports cost $10 each. Reports become available 5 to 10 days after the crash. The search page needs the crash date, county, and a name. Mailed crash report requests need a written form and a self-addressed envelope. Insurance adjusters often pull the report on your behalf with a signed release form.
Can sealed or expunged records be released?
Sealed and expunged records stay private. The Clerk of Court removes them from public search portals. Police agencies can still see sealed records for criminal justice purposes. A court order is the only way to unseal a record. Records sealed under Florida law stay sealed for life in most cases. A person whose record was sealed must file a petition with the court to reopen the case file.
What if my public records request gets denied?
A denial must cite the specific Florida statute that allows the agency to keep the record. Requesters can ask the agency for a written explanation. A second denial can be appealed to the agency’s legal counsel. Final appeals go to the Florida courts. The courts can order release and award legal fees if the denial was wrong. The law favors disclosure, so judges usually side with the requester when the agency cannot show a clear exemption.