St Johns County deed records are public files kept by the county clerk. They show who owned a piece of land and when the ownership changed.
These records include the names of the people who sold and bought the property. They also list the legal description of the land. You can use these records to check ownership. You can also use them to get a copy of a deed. The records go back many years. They are stored in the county clerk office in St. Augustine. Anyone can look at them. Most of the records are also online now. This makes it easy to search from home. The clerk keeps a grantor index and a grantee index. These indexes help you find a deed by name. You can also search by parcel number or by the book and page where the deed was recorded. Florida law makes these records open to the public.
Office That Records Deeds in St Johns County
The St Johns County Clerk of Court handles all deed recordings. This office is the official recorder for the county. Every time someone signs a deed, it must be filed here to be valid under Florida law. The clerk also keeps older records going back many decades.
St Johns County Clerk of Court Contact
The clerk office is located at 4010 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, Florida. The main phone number is (904) 819-3600. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and holidays. You can visit in person to ask questions. You can also call during office hours.
Recording Duties Under Florida Law
Florida law requires county clerks to record deeds. This rule comes from Florida Statutes Chapter 28 and Chapter 695. The clerk must check each deed before recording. The clerk makes sure the deed has proper signatures. The clerk also collects the right fees and taxes. After recording, the clerk gives the deed an instrument number. This number helps you find the deed later. The clerk also keeps a book and page number from older records.
Search Methods for St Johns County Deeds
You have several ways to search for deeds in St Johns County. Each method works for a different need. Pick the method that fits your situation. The online search tool is the fastest way. It works from your computer at home.
Search by Owner Name
The name search looks for deeds where a person is listed. You can search for a grantor, which is the person who sold the land. You can also search for a grantee, which is the person who bought the land. The clerk keeps two separate indexes for this reason. Type the full name into the search box. Try different spellings if you do not find a match. Common names may return many results. Narrow your search with a date range.
Search by Property Address
An address search uses the street address of the home or land. Type the full address into the search box. This method works best when you know where the property sits. The search tool will pull up all deeds linked to that address. You will see sales, mortgages, and other filings. The legal description is also shown on each deed. Match the legal description to the parcel number for the best results.
Search by Parcel Number
A parcel number is a unique code the property appraiser assigns to each lot. The St Johns County Property Appraiser keeps these numbers. Using the parcel number gives the most accurate results. One parcel will only show deeds tied to that exact piece of land. This avoids confusion with similar addresses. You can find the parcel number on the property appraiser website.
Search by Instrument Number
An instrument number is a code the clerk assigns when recording. Each deed gets its own number. If you already have this number, you can pull up the deed right away. This is the fastest search method. Lawyers and title companies often use this method for repeat lookups.
Types of Deeds in St Johns County
Florida recognizes several deed types. Each one gives a different level of protection to the buyer. Knowing the deed type helps you read the record. It also tells you what promises the seller made.
Warranty Deed
A warranty deed is the most common type used in Florida home sales. The seller promises the title is clear. The seller also promises no one else has a claim on the property. If a problem shows up later, the seller must fix it. This gives the buyer the strongest protection.
Quitclaim Deed
A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the seller has. The seller makes no promises about the title. Quitclaim deeds often appear in family transfers. They also show up in divorce cases and corrections. They are faster to file but offer less safety to the new owner.
Special Warranty Deed
A special warranty deed only covers the time the seller owned the property. The seller does not promise anything about what happened before. Commercial deals often use this deed type. It gives some protection without the full warranty.
Lady Bird Deed
A Lady Bird deed lets a property owner name a future heir. The owner keeps full control during their lifetime. The property skips probate when the owner dies. This deed helps families avoid court costs. It also keeps the property out of some Medicaid recovery rules.
Deed Recording Fees and Taxes in St Johns County
Filing a deed costs money. Florida charges a recording fee plus a documentary stamp tax. The clerk collects both. The exact amount depends on the value of the property.
Recording Fees
The clerk charges a set fee for recording the first page. Extra pages cost more per page. The current first page fee in St Johns County is $10. Each extra page adds to that cost. Names on the document also affect the fee. A cover sheet may be required.
Documentary Stamp Tax
Florida charges a documentary stamp tax on deeds. The tax rate on the county portion is $0.70 per $100 of value. The state portion adds another $0.35 per $100. The total tax rate equals $1.05 per $100. The clerk collects this tax at the time of recording. Some transfers, like gifts to family, may be exempt.
Other Related Fees
You may also pay for extra services. A certified copy costs more than a regular copy. A rush request adds a faster service fee. Mortgage filings and lien releases carry their own fees. E-recording vendors may charge their own fees on top of the county charges.
Requesting Certified Copies of Deeds
A certified copy comes with the clerk stamp and signature. Banks and courts often require certified copies. You can ask for one in several ways. Each way has a different speed and cost.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the clerk office in St. Augustine. Bring a photo ID and the deed details. The clerk will print a certified copy while you wait. This is the fastest option if you live near the office. You can pay by cash, check, or card.
Online Requests
The clerk website lets you order copies online. You will need a credit card. The online system charges a small convenience fee. You can pick up the copy in person or have it mailed. Mailing takes extra time.
Mail Requests
You can mail a request to the clerk office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Add a check for the fee. Mail requests take the longest to fill. They work well for people who do not need the copy right away.
Florida Official Records System
The Florida official records system holds deeds from every county. You can search it as a backup. It also helps when you need cross-county research.
MyFloridaCounty Portal
MyFloridaCounty is the statewide search portal. You can find it at myfloridacounty.com. It links to each county records system. This is a good starting point if you do not know which county holds the deed. It also lists clerk contact details for every Florida county.
Florida Court Clerks Directory
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website sits at flclerks.com. It lists all 67 county clerks. You can find office hours, addresses, and phone numbers. You can also find links to each county recording portal. This is a trusted source for county office details.
Other Florida Counties for Comparison
Florida has 67 counties in total. Each one runs its own recording office. The process stays the same across the state. The websites and fees may differ slightly.
Miami-Dade County Deed Records
Miami-Dade County records deeds through the Clerk of Courts. The portal sits at miamidadeclerk.gov. The county uses the same recording laws as St Johns. Fees may differ due to higher property values. Search tools work the same way.
Broward County Property Records
Broward County records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. You can find the site at browardclerk.org. Broward uses similar search fields. The recording fees match the state rules.
Orange County Florida Deed Records
Orange County handles deeds through the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The website is myorangeclerk.com. Orlando is the county seat. Search and fees match the state model.
Hillsborough County Official Records
Hillsborough County records deeds at hillsclerk.com. Tampa is the county seat. The portal uses the same name and parcel search tools. Fees follow state law.
Palm Beach County Deed Records
Palm Beach County records deeds at mypalmbeachclerk.com. The county uses the same search methods. Recording fees match state rules.
Property Appraiser Parcel Search
The St Johns County Property Appraiser keeps parcel data. You can search by owner name or address. The site sits at sjcpa.us. The parcel number helps you match land records to tax records. You can also see the property square footage and value. The property appraiser does not hold deeds. That is the clerk job. Use both sites together for full research.
Chain of Title and Historical Research
A chain of title shows every owner of a piece of land over time. You build this by pulling deeds in order. Start with the most recent deed. Then go back one owner at a time. Each link must match the next. A break in the chain signals a problem. Title companies do this work before issuing title insurance. You can do it yourself with patience. Older deeds may sit in microfilm or paper books.
Tax Deed Sales
Tax deed sales happen when a property owner falls behind on taxes. The county auctions the property to recover the unpaid amount. Buyers at these auctions receive a tax deed. The clerk records the tax deed after the sale. You can find tax deed sale records on the clerk website. They appear under separate indexes from regular deeds.
Homestead Exemption and Deeds
A homestead exemption lowers the property tax for a primary home. You file it with the property appraiser, not the clerk. The clerk still records the deed. The deed and the exemption work together. Make sure the deed lists you as the new owner before you file the exemption. Otherwise, the appraiser may reject the form.
Plat and Land Records
Plats are maps that show how land is split into lots. The clerk records plats along with deeds. Builders and developers file plats before selling new lots. The DEP Bureau of Title and Land Records also tracks state land. You can search plats through the county clerk portal.
Common Mistakes When Searching Deeds
Many people hit the same walls when searching. Watch for these traps. They save time and money.
- Searching with the wrong name spelling
- Forgetting to check both grantor and grantee indexes
- Missing the matching legal description
- Pulling a mortgage instead of the deed
- Using an old book and page number from another county
Contact Details for St Johns County Clerk
The St Johns County Clerk of Court holds the official records. Below are the details for the recording office. You can call during business hours for help with searches or copy orders.
Office Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: stjohnsclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Deed Records
The questions below cover common points about deed searches in St Johns County. The answers give clear steps based on current Florida rules and county office practice. Each answer points to the right office or tool for the job.
How do I find a deed by name in St Johns County?
Go to the St Johns County Clerk official records search at stjohnsclerk.com. Pick the name search option. Type the full legal name. Search both the grantor index and the grantee index. The grantor is the seller. The grantee is the buyer. Use a date range to narrow the list. Common names may need extra filters. Pull up the result that matches your property. Print or save the deed image. If you need a certified copy, order one through the same portal or visit the office.
How much does a certified copy of a deed cost?
The clerk charges per page plus a certification fee. The first page fee is $10. Each extra page adds to that total. The certification fee is on top of the page fee. Check the clerk fee schedule for the latest numbers. Online orders add a small card fee. Mail orders need a self-addressed stamped envelope. In-person orders accept cash, check, or card.
Can I look up St Johns County deed records for free?
Yes, basic search and viewing is free. The clerk online portal lets you search without paying. You can view deed images at no charge. Fees only apply when you order a copy or a certified copy. Some older records may not be online. Those require an office visit or a microfilm request. The free search is enough for most title checks.
Warranty deed vs quitclaim deed in Florida
A warranty deed is the strongest deed. The seller promises the title is clear. The seller also covers any past claims. A quitclaim deed transfers only what the seller owns. The seller makes no promises. Quitclaim deeds work for family transfers and title fixes. They offer less protection for the buyer. Most home sales use a warranty deed.
How long does it take to record a deed?
Recording time depends on how you file. E-recording through a vendor like Simplifile or CSC is fast. Most e-recorded documents post within one business day. Mail filings take longer. The clerk processes mail in the order received. Walk-in filings post the same day if filed before the cutoff time. Always ask for a recording receipt.
Where can I find tax deed sale records?
Tax deed sale records sit on the clerk website under a separate section. The Property Appraiser also lists tax deed auctions. You can search past sales by parcel number. The clerk records the tax deed after the auction. Buyers get a tax deed that gives them clear title after the redemption period ends.