The St Lucie County Court Docket is a public list of all court cases filed in St. Lucie County, Florida.
It shows case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and what happened in each case. The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps this docket. You can search it online or visit the courthouse in Fort Pierce.
St. Lucie County sits on Florida’s Treasure Coast. It belongs to the 19th Judicial Circuit. The circuit also covers Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. Fort Pierce serves as the county seat. Port St. Lucie is the largest city in the area. All court cases in the county go through one clerk’s office.
This page explains how to find and read the St Lucie County Court Docket. You will learn what records are public, which are sealed, and how to get copies. You will also see links to the official search tools and contact details for the clerk’s office.
What Is the St Lucie County Court Docket
A court docket is a written log of every case in a court. It lists each filing, motion, hearing, and ruling. The St Lucie County Court Docket tracks thousands of cases each year. These cases include traffic tickets, felonies, divorces, child custody fights, probate matters, and small claims.
Each entry on the docket has a date. It also has a description of the event. For example, you might see “Motion to Compel filed by Plaintiff” or “Arraignment scheduled for September 12.” The docket tells the full story of a case from start to finish.
Florida law makes these records public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives citizens the right to see most court files. The clerk must provide access to anyone who asks. This rule applies to both paper and electronic records.
Who Maintains the St Lucie County Court Docket
The St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains the docket. This office runs all court business in the county. The clerk files new cases, logs hearings, stores documents, and certifies copies of records.
The clerk’s office also handles other records. These include marriage licenses, deeds, liens, and tax payments. The clerk serves as the county’s official record keeper. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
| Office | St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 218 S. 2nd Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 |
| Phone | (772) 462-6900 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | stlucieclerk.com |
St. Lucie County is one of 67 counties in Florida. It is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit. The 19th Circuit serves St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. Each county has its own clerk’s office, but they share the same circuit court system for major cases.
Types of Cases on the St Lucie County Court Docket
The St Lucie County Court Docket covers many case types. The clerk sorts them by court division. Each division handles different legal matters. Knowing the case type helps you find the right records fast.
Civil Court Docket
Civil cases involve disputes between people or businesses. They do not include criminal charges. The St Lucie County civil court docket covers contract fights, property disputes, personal injury claims, and debt collection. Civil cases in circuit court involve amounts over $50,000. County court civil cases involve amounts up to $50,000.
Criminal Court Docket
The St Lucie County criminal docket tracks felony and misdemeanor cases. Felonies are serious crimes. They go through circuit court. Misdemeanors are less serious. They go through county court. The docket shows charges, plea dates, trial dates, and sentences.
Traffic Court Docket
Traffic cases make up a large part of the docket. The St Lucie County traffic court docket includes speeding tickets, DUI charges, driving with a suspended license, and accident cases. Most traffic cases are heard in county court. Some serious traffic offenses go to circuit court.
Family Court Docket
The St Lucie County family court docket covers divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence. Family cases are sensitive. Some records are sealed to protect children and victims. Florida law limits who can see certain family court files.
Probate Court Docket
Probate cases deal with wills, estates, and guardianship. The St Lucie County probate docket shows filings for estates of people who died. It also covers guardianship for minors and incapacitated adults. Some probate records are public, but many are restricted.
Small Claims Docket
Small claims court handles disputes involving $8,000 or less. Common small claims cases include unpaid bills, security deposit returns, and minor contract disputes. The process is simple and fast. You do not need a lawyer.
Juvenile Docket
Juvenile cases involve minors charged with crimes. The St Lucie County juvenile docket is mostly sealed. Only specific people can see these records. Parents, lawyers, and judges can access them. The general public cannot view most juvenile files.
How to Search the St Lucie County Court Docket Online
You can search the St Lucie County Court Docket from home. The clerk’s website has a free search tool. The Florida Courts system also has a statewide portal. Both tools let you look up cases by name, number, or attorney.
Using the St. Lucie County Clerk Website
Go to stlucieclerk.com. Click on the court records or case search link. You will see a search form. Enter the last name of a party, a case number, or an attorney bar number. The system shows all matching cases. Click on a case to see its full docket.
The St. Lucie County Clerk website also offers public records search, official records search, and court fee schedules. It is the main portal for court services in the county.
Using the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal works for all 67 counties. Go to myflcourtaccess.com. You can search cases across the state. The portal has more than 770,000 users. It processes over 30 million documents per year. Public searches are free. No account is needed to view docket entries.
Call (850) 577-4609 on weekdays for help with the E-Filing Portal. Staff can answer questions about filing, searching, and account setup.
Information You Need to Search
To search the St Lucie County Court Docket, have one of these ready:
- Full name of a party in the case
- Case number from the clerk
- Filing date or date range
- Attorney name or bar number
A case number gives you the fastest result. The format looks like 56-2024-CA-001234. The numbers vary by year and case type. If you do not know the case number, use the name search tool. It pulls up all cases linked to a person or business.
St Lucie County Daily Docket and Weekly Schedule
The St Lucie County daily docket shows cases set for hearing each day. It is posted online each morning. The daily docket helps lawyers, parties, and witnesses know when to appear. It also helps the public track courtroom activity.
The St Lucie County weekly docket schedule covers an entire week. It lists arraignments, pretrial hearings, motion hearings, status conferences, and trials. The clerk updates the schedule each week. You can view it on the court website or at the courthouse.
Where to Find Hearing Schedules
You can find hearing schedules in several places:
- St. Lucie County Clerk website court calendar page
- Florida Courts E-Filing Portal case details
- Notice of hearing sent to attorneys and parties
- Posted schedules at the courthouse
Check the schedule the day before your hearing. Cases can be moved or canceled. The clerk posts updates online. Call the clerk’s office if you are unsure about your court date.
Criminal Court Docket Details
The St Lucie County criminal docket covers two main types of cases. Felonies go through circuit court. Misdemeanors go through county court. The docket shows every step of the criminal process.
Arraignments
An arraignment is the first court appearance. The judge reads the charges. The defendant pleads guilty, no contest, or not guilty. The St Lucie County arraignment docket shows dates and times for these hearings. Most arraignments happen within a few weeks of arrest.
Pretrial Hearings
The St Lucie County pretrial docket lists hearings before trial. The judge reviews evidence, hears motions, and sets deadlines. Pretrial hearings help both sides prepare. Many cases settle at this stage. If not, the case moves toward trial.
Motion Hearings
Lawyers file motions to ask the judge for rulings. The St Lucie County motion hearing docket shows dates for these arguments. Common motions include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions in limine. Each motion gets a hearing date.
Jury Trials
The St Lucie County jury trial docket lists cases set for trial. Jury trials can last one day or several weeks. The docket shows the trial date, courtroom, and assigned judge. Jury selection happens on the first day of trial.
Civil Court Docket Details
Civil cases follow a different path than criminal cases. The St Lucie County civil court docket shows filings, motions, discovery, and trial dates. Civil cases can take months or years to resolve.
Case Initiation
Civil cases start with a complaint or petition. The plaintiff files the document with the clerk. The clerk assigns a case number. The docket shows the filing date and the parties involved.
Service of Process
The plaintiff must serve the defendant with the complaint. The docket logs the date of service. If service fails, the case may be delayed or dismissed.
Discovery and Motions
Both sides exchange information during discovery. The docket shows discovery deadlines. Motions filed during this stage get hearing dates. The St Lucie County motion hearing docket tracks these dates.
Trial and Judgment
Civil cases go to trial if the parties do not settle. The docket shows trial dates. After trial, the judge issues a judgment. The docket logs the judgment date and terms.
Public Access to St Lucie County Court Records
Florida law gives the public broad access to court records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all government records are open. This includes the St Lucie County Court Docket. You do not need a reason to search the docket.
What Records Are Public
The public can see most case information. This includes:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Docket entries
- Final judgments
- Criminal charges
- Sentences in criminal cases
What Records Are Sealed
Some records are sealed by law. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists these. Sealed records include:
- Juvenile cases
- Adoption files
- Mental health commitment records
- Trade secrets
- Personal identifying information like Social Security numbers
- Domestic violence injunction documents in some cases
Expunged records are also sealed. The clerk removes them from public view by court order.
Administrative Order AOSC24-65
The Florida Supreme Court issued Administrative Order AOSC24-65. It sets standards for electronic court record access. The order defines 15 user roles. The general public can see case numbers, party names, and docket entries without an account. Family law, juvenile, and probate images need registration or a visit to the clerk’s office.
Getting Certified Copies of Court Records
You can get copies of St Lucie County Court Docket entries. Plain copies cost a small fee. Certified copies cost more. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and have legal weight.
How to Request Copies
You can request copies in three ways:
- Online through the clerk’s website
- In person at the Fort Pierce courthouse
- By mail with a written request and payment
Include the case number and the specific documents you need. Pay the fee as listed on the clerk’s website. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
How to Read a St Lucie County Court Docket Entry
Each docket entry has a specific format. Knowing the format helps you understand what happened in a case. Here is a breakdown of common docket codes:
| Docket Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FIL | Document filed with the court |
| MOT | Motion filed by a party |
| HRG | Hearing held on a motion or matter |
| ORD | Order issued by the judge |
| JUDG | Final judgment entered |
| ARR | Arraignment held |
| PTC | Pretrial conference held |
| JT | Jury trial held |
| DIS | Case dismissed |
| CLSD | Case closed |
Each entry has a date. Older entries appear first. New entries appear at the bottom. The docket is a timeline of the case.
St Lucie County Courthouse Information
The main St. Lucie County courthouse is in Fort Pierce. It handles most court business in the county. A second courthouse operates in Port St. Lucie for less serious cases.
Fort Pierce Courthouse
The Fort Pierce courthouse is the main location. It houses the circuit court and most county court operations. The clerk’s office is on site. You can search the docket in person, file documents, and get copies.
Parking is available around the courthouse. Security screening is required for entry. Bring a photo ID. Do not bring weapons, sharp objects, or large bags.
Port St. Lucie Courthouse
The Port St. Lucie courthouse handles county court cases. This includes traffic, misdemeanor, and small claims matters. It also has a clerk’s office for filings and copies.
Cities and Communities in St. Lucie County
All court cases in St. Lucie County go through the St. Lucie County Clerk. This applies no matter where you live in the county. The clerk maintains one docket for the entire county.
Cities and communities in St. Lucie County include:
- Port St. Lucie
- Fort Pierce
- St. Lucie Village
- Tradition
Fort Pierce is the county seat. Port St. Lucie is the largest city. Both cities file cases through the same court system.
Nearby Counties and Court Records
St. Lucie County borders several other counties. Each county has its own clerk and court records. Court docket records stay in the county where the case was filed. Check the location before starting your search.
Nearby counties include:
- Indian River County
- Martin County
- Okeechobee County
Each of these counties has its own court system and docket. They are all part of the 19th Judicial Circuit along with St. Lucie County.
Official Website and Contact Details
Below is the official contact information for the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court. Use these details to reach the clerk’s office, search the docket, or request records.
Official Website: https://www.stlucieclerk.com/
Phone Number: (772) 462-6900
Address: 218 S. 2nd Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Court System Overview
Florida has a unified court system. The state has 20 judicial circuits. Each circuit has a circuit court and county courts. Circuit courts handle felonies, family law, probate, and civil cases over $50,000. County courts deal with traffic, misdemeanors, small claims, and civil disputes up to $50,000.
The Florida Supreme Court oversees the entire system. Five District Courts of Appeal handle appeals. The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov has links to all 20 circuits and self-help resources.
St. Lucie County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit. The circuit court is in Fort Pierce. The chief judge manages the circuit. Local judges handle cases in their assigned divisions.
Common St Lucie County Court Docket Questions
The St Lucie County Court Docket raises many questions for residents, lawyers, and outside parties. The section below answers the most common ones with real, useful details.
How Do I Find Out If I Have a Court Date in St Lucie County
You can find your court date by searching the St Lucie County docket schedule online. Use the clerk’s website at stlucieclerk.com. Enter your name or case number in the search tool. The docket shows your next hearing date, the courtroom, and the judge. You can also call the clerk’s office at (772) 462-6900 for help.
If you received a notice of hearing in the mail, check that document. It lists the date, time, and location. Show up at least 30 minutes early. Bring a photo ID and any paperwork your lawyer sent you.
Can I View the St Lucie County Court Docket for Free
Yes. The St Lucie County Court Docket is free to search and view. The clerk’s website and the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal both offer free public access. You do not need an account. You do not need to pay a fee to see basic docket entries.
You will pay a fee only if you want copies. Plain copies cost a small amount. Certified copies cost more. The fee schedule is on the clerk’s website.
What Is the Difference Between the County Court Docket and Circuit Court Docket
County court handles less serious cases. These include traffic tickets, misdemeanors, small claims up to $8,000, and civil cases up to $50,000. Circuit court handles felonies, family law, probate, juvenile, and civil cases over $50,000. Both dockets are kept by the St. Lucie County Clerk.
The case number shows which court handles the case. County court case numbers start with “50” followed by the year. Circuit court case numbers start with “56” followed by the year.
How Long Does It Take for a New Case to Appear on the St Lucie County Docket
New cases usually appear on the docket within one business day of filing. The clerk processes filings in the order received. Electronic filings appear faster. Paper filings may take a day or two to scan and upload.
If you filed a case and do not see it on the docket, wait 24 hours. Then check again. If it still does not appear, call the clerk’s office for help.
Can I Remove My Case From the St Lucie County Court Docket
Most cases cannot be removed. The St Lucie County Court Docket is a public record. Florida law keeps it open. You can ask the court to seal specific documents. You can also file for expungement in some criminal cases. Sealing and expungement are not automatic. A judge must approve the request.
Sealed records are hidden from public search. Expunged records are destroyed in some cases. The clerk will not show sealed or expunged files in the public docket.
How Do I Get a Copy of a Court Order From St Lucie County
You can get a court order from the St. Lucie County Clerk. Visit the courthouse in Fort Pierce. Bring your case number. Pay the copy fee. Ask the clerk for a plain or certified copy. You can also request copies by mail or online through the clerk’s website.
Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal. They are accepted by other courts, government agencies, and employers. Plain copies are for personal use.
What Should I Do If I Missed My Court Date in St Lucie County
If you missed your court date, act fast. Contact the St. Lucie County Clerk’s office at (772) 462-6900. Find out which judge handled your case. File a written motion to reschedule. Explain why you missed the date. The judge will decide whether to give you a new date.
In criminal cases, a missed court date can lead to a warrant. Check the St Lucie County criminal docket right away. If a warrant was issued, hire a lawyer or go to court to address it. Do not ignore the problem.
Tips for Using the St Lucie County Court Docket
Follow these tips to get the most from your docket search:
- Have the full legal name of the person you are searching
- Use the case number when possible for faster results
- Check the docket the day before any scheduled hearing
- Call the clerk’s office if you cannot find what you need
- Save or print docket entries you need for your records
- Use the official clerk website or state portal to avoid scams
The St Lucie County Court Docket is a powerful tool. It lets you track cases, verify court dates, and get official records. Use it whenever you need to know the status of a court matter in St. Lucie County.
FAQ Section
The FAQ section below answers detailed questions about the St Lucie County Court Docket. These questions cover common situations, legal rules, and practical steps. Each answer gives clear, useful details based on Florida law and clerk’s office practices.
How Far Back Does the St Lucie County Court Docket Go Online
The St. Lucie County Clerk’s website has docket records going back to the early 1990s. Older case files from the 1980s and earlier exist in paper form. You can request paper records by mail or in person. The clerk’s office stores archived files at a separate facility. Requests for older records may take longer to process. Some cases from before 1990 are not fully digitized. The clerk can pull the paper file and make copies for a fee. Florida law requires the clerk to keep court records permanently in some form. Paper files may be destroyed after a set time, but the docket summary stays available.
Can I Search the St Lucie County Court Docket From My Phone
Yes. The St. Lucie County Clerk’s website works on mobile browsers. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also has a mobile-friendly site. You can search cases, view docket entries, and check hearing dates from your phone. The sites adjust to fit your screen. There is no official app for the St. Lucie County docket, but the web tools work well on phones. Bookmark the site for fast access. Some third-party apps pull data from the clerk’s site, but use the official site to make sure you get accurate, current records.
What Does It Mean When a Case Is Closed on the St Lucie County Court Docket
A closed case means the court finished the matter. The case ended with a final judgment, dismissal, sentence, or settlement. The St Lucie County Court Docket shows the date the case closed and the reason. Closed cases are still public records. You can search and view them like open cases. The docket entries do not change after closing. Some sealed cases disappear from public search. Closed cases are kept permanently in the clerk’s archives. If you need a copy of a closed case file, request it from the clerk’s office.
How Do I Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant in St Lucie County
The St Lucie County criminal docket shows warrant information in many cases. Search the docket by name. Look for entries that say “BW” (bench warrant) or “Warrant issued.” You can also call the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office can confirm active warrants. Some warrant information is restricted and may not show on the public docket. If you think you have a warrant, hire a lawyer. Do not try to handle it alone. A lawyer can appear on your behalf and help resolve the warrant.
Can I Get Notified When a New Entry Is Added to a St Lucie County Case
The St. Lucie County Clerk does not have a built-in alert system for docket updates. You can check the docket manually. Some lawyers use third-party services that track case updates. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal sends email notifications for filings in cases where you are a registered party. If you are a party to a case, you can register on the portal to get email alerts. Registered users also get access to view certain document images that the public cannot see.
Are Divorce Records on the St Lucie County Court Docket Public
Yes and no. The St Lucie County family court docket shows the case number, names of the parties, and filing dates. Final divorce judgments are public. Other documents, like financial affidavits and parenting plans, are sealed in many cases. Florida law protects sensitive family information. The public docket shows the basic timeline. To see sealed documents, you need a court order. If you are a party to the case, your lawyer can access the full file. The clerk’s office will not release sealed family documents without proper authority.
What Is the Cost to File a New Case in St Lucie County
Filing fees in St. Lucie County depend on the case type. Civil cases cost around $400 to file in circuit court. County court civil cases cost less. Family cases cost between $300 and $400. Probate cases have different fees based on the estate size. Small claims cases cost under $100. Felony cases have no filing fee for the state. Traffic cases have set fines based on the charge. The clerk’s website has a full fee schedule. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Some online filings include a convenience fee.
The St Lucie County Court Docket is the official record of all court activity in the county. It is free, public, and easy to search. Use the tools and contacts listed above to find the records you need. The clerk’s office is available to help with questions about specific cases, fees, and procedures.