St Johns County traffic court records are public files that show every traffic ticket, fine, and court hearing in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and nearby areas.
These records are kept by the St Johns County Clerk of Courts office on Lewis Speedway. Anyone can look up a case online using a name, citation number, or case number. The records show the charge, court date, fine amount, and final outcome. This page explains how to search, read, and pay for traffic cases in St Johns County. All data comes from the official clerk system and Florida state law.
How to Access St Johns County Traffic Court Records
The St Johns County Clerk of Courts runs the main records system for every traffic case filed in the county. You can reach these records three ways: online, in person, or by phone. Each method gives you the same basic case data. The clerk office keeps all traffic citations written by the Florida Highway Patrol, county police, and local city officers.
Online Portal Search Options
The clerk website lets you search traffic records from any device. The portal is free and open 24 hours a day. You do not need an account. Just type in a name, citation number, or case number to see the full case file. The system shows the charge, the fine, and the court date. It also shows whether the case is open, closed, paid, or dismissed.
In-Person Records Requests
You can visit the clerk office at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine to see records in person. The clerk staff will pull up your file and print copies for a small fee. Bring a photo ID and your citation number if you have it. The office window is open Monday through Friday during business hours.
Phone and Email Requests
The clerk phone line answers basic case questions during business hours. You can call to ask about court dates, fine totals, or payment status. Email requests work for general questions but not for sensitive case details. For full copies of court files, you must come in person or use the online portal.
What Types of Traffic Cases Are Filed
St Johns County traffic court records cover three main case types. Each type has a different court process and different fine amounts. Knowing your case type helps you understand what happens next.
Moving Violations
Moving violations are tickets given while a vehicle is in motion. Speeding, running a red light, and improper lane changes all fall in this group. These cases add points to your Florida driver license. Fines range from $100 to $500 depending on the charge.
Non-Moving Violations
Non-moving violations cover issues like expired tags, broken taillights, or parking problems on public roads. These cases do not add points to your license. The fines are lower, usually between $50 and $150. Most people pay these fines online without going to court.
Criminal Traffic Offenses
Criminal traffic offenses include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and leaving the scene of a crash. These cases carry heavier fines and possible jail time. They are heard in circuit court and stay on your record for life.
St Johns County Clerk of Courts Office Details
The clerk office handles every traffic case from the moment a ticket is written until the case closes. Their staff enters the citation, collects payments, and sends files to the judge. Below are the full office details for visits and contact.
Location and Hours
The St Johns County Clerk of Courts sits at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The office is on the west side of St. Augustine, near the intersection with State Road 16. Public service windows are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and all state holidays.
Contact Information
You can reach the clerk office by phone at 904-819-3600. The main website is stjohnsclerk.com. The statewide e-filing portal at myflcourtaccess.com handles all court document submissions. There is no public email for case details due to privacy law.
How to Search Records by Citation Number
The fastest way to find a St Johns County traffic record is by citation number. Every ticket has a unique number printed on the top right corner of the paper copy. Type that number into the clerk online portal search box. The system pulls up the case in seconds. You see the charge, court date, fine amount, and current status. The portal also shows any payments already made and any hearings scheduled.
How to Search Records by Name
If you lost your citation or only know the driver name, use the name search tool. Go to the clerk portal and select “Search by Name.” Type the last name first, then the first name. You see every traffic case linked to that person in St Johns County. The system lists traffic tickets, criminal traffic charges, and any old cases. Click any case to see the full record and fine total.
How to Pay Traffic Fines Online
Paying a St Johns County traffic ticket online takes less than five minutes. The clerk portal accepts credit and debit cards for a small service fee. You can also pay through the statewide system at PayFLClerk.com. Both systems give you a receipt number right away. Pay before the 30-day deadline to avoid extra fees and license suspension.
- Go to stjohnsclerk.com or PayFLClerk.com.
- Click “Pay Traffic Fine” or “Search Cases.”
- Type your citation number or case number.
- Confirm the charge and fine amount.
- Enter your card details and submit payment.
- Save the receipt number for your files.
Understanding Traffic Court Dispositions
The disposition is the final outcome of your traffic case. The clerk record shows one of four main results. Each result affects your driving record and insurance rates in different ways.
Guilty Plea
A guilty plea means you admit the charge and accept the fine. Points go on your license right away. Insurance rates often go up after a guilty plea. The case stays on your driving record for several years.
No Contest
A no contest plea has the same effect as guilty in Florida traffic court. You pay the fine and the points still count. Many people choose no contest to keep the wording off the court record.
Dismissed Cases
A dismissed case means the court threw out the charge. This can happen if the officer does not show up to the hearing or if the judge finds a legal error. No points hit your license and no fine is owed.
Adjudication Withheld
Withheld adjudication means you complete the court conditions but the court does not enter a formal conviction. You finish traffic school, pay the fine, and stay clean for a set time. No points show on your driving record.
Driver License Points and Court Records
Florida uses a point system for traffic violations. Each moving violation adds a set number of points to your license. The clerk court record sends these points to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, known as FLHSMV. Points stay on your record for three years. Reach 12 points in 12 months and your license gets suspended for 30 days. Speeding adds 3 to 4 points. Reckless driving adds 4 points. Running a red light adds 3 points.
| Violation Type | Points Added |
|---|---|
| Speeding (under 16 mph over) | 3 points |
| Speeding (over 16 mph) | 4 points |
| Reckless driving | 4 points |
| Running a red light | 3 points |
| Following too closely | 3 points |
| No valid driver license | 0 points |
Contesting a Traffic Ticket in St Johns County
You have the right to fight any traffic ticket in St Johns County. You must file your not guilty plea within 30 days of the ticket date. The clerk office accepts these filings online, by mail, or in person. After you file, the court sets a hearing date. You can hire an attorney or speak for yourself at the hearing.
Filing a Not Guilty Plea
Fill out the “Plea of Not Guilty” form on the back of your ticket or on the clerk website. Write your name, address, citation number, and a short reason for the plea. Drop it off at the clerk window or mail it to the office. The clerk sends a hearing date by mail within two weeks.
Court Hearing Process
Show up to the courthouse on your hearing date with any proof you have. Bring photos, dashcam video, repair bills, or witnesses. The judge listens to both sides. The officer who wrote the ticket must show up for the case to move forward. If the officer is missing, the case is often dismissed.
St Johns County vs Other Florida Counties
Each Florida county runs its own traffic court system. St Johns County uses the same statewide rules but has its own clerk office and judges. Duval County handles Jacksonville cases. Clay County covers Green Cove Springs. Putnam and Flagler counties handle tickets in their own borders. If you got a ticket near a county line, double-check which clerk has your case. A ticket on I-95 in St Johns County stays in St Johns County, even if you live in Duval.
| County | Seat | Clerk Website |
|---|---|---|
| St Johns County | St. Augustine | stjohnsclerk.com |
| Duval County | Jacksonville | duvalclerk.com |
| Clay County | Green Cove Springs | clayclerk.com |
| Flagler County | Bunnell | flaglerclerk.com |
| Putnam County | Palatka | putnamclerk.com |
Florida Public Records Law for Traffic Cases
Florida public records law lets any person look at most court files. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes keeps court records open for public view. Traffic court records fall under this rule. Some details get hidden for safety, such as Social Security numbers and bank accounts. The clerk office redacts these items before showing the file online. Most case data stays public forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns about St Johns County traffic court records. The answers use the current clerk system rules and Florida state law. Each response gives you a clear next step based on your case type and timing.
How Long Does a Traffic Ticket Stay on My Record?
A traffic ticket stays on your Florida driving record for three years from the date of the citation. Points get removed after three years, but the ticket itself shows up on your record for five years for insurance purposes. Court records for traffic cases stay public forever through the clerk system. Dismissed cases still show on the public docket, but no points go on your license. If you completed traffic school and got adjudication withheld, the conviction is hidden but the case file remains public.
Can I Look Up Someone Else’s Traffic Record?
Yes. Florida public records law lets anyone search traffic court records by name or citation number. You can see basic case data including charges, fines, court dates, and outcomes. Some personal details get redacted, but the core case facts stay public. The clerk online portal works the same for any search. There is no name block request for traffic cases in St Johns County.
What Happens If I Miss the 30-Day Deadline?
Missing the 30-day deadline leads to extra fees and license suspension. The clerk adds late fees and notifies FLHSMV to suspend your license. After 90 days, the case goes to a collection agency that adds up to 40 percent to your fine total. You also owe a reinstatement fee to FLHSMV to get your license back. Always respond within 30 days to avoid these penalties.
Do Red Light Camera Tickets Show in Court Records?
Yes. Red light camera tickets in St Johns County appear in the clerk online portal. They use a special civil case number that starts with TR or AX. The fine is usually $158, and you have 30 days to pay or contest. These cases do not add points to your license. If you ignore the ticket, the clerk passes the debt to a collection agency.
Will Traffic School Remove My Ticket?
Traffic school keeps points off your license but does not erase the ticket from the public court record. You plead no contest, pay the fine, and finish a state-approved course. The court withholds adjudication, and no points hit your driving record. The case still shows in the clerk portal as “adjudication withheld.” You can only take traffic school once every 12 months and no more than five times in your lifetime.
Can I Pay a St Johns County Ticket From Another State?
Yes. You can pay a St Johns County traffic ticket from any state through the online portal. The portal accepts all major credit and debit cards. The card service fee applies to every payment. If you ignore the out-of-state ticket, FLHSMV will suspend your Florida license and notify your home state. Most states honor out-of-state traffic suspensions under the Driver License Compact.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Court File?
Visit the clerk office in person and request a file copy at the records window. The fee is $1 per page for regular copies and $2 per page for certified copies. You can also order certified copies online through the clerk records request page. Court files include the citation, the plea form, and the final judgment. Most files are ready within 15 minutes at the counter.