St Lucie County County Family Court Records cover every legal file tied to family cases filed at the local courthouse. The St.
Lucie County Clerk of Court keeps these files safe and makes many of them open to the public. Family cases involve divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, name changes, and domestic violence injunctions. Anyone can look up a case by name or case number through the clerk’s online portal. Some records are free to view, and certified copies cost a small fee. This page explains what records exist, where to find them, and how to request copies through official channels in 2026.
What Family Court Records Cover
The Family Department at the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court manages records for every type of family law case in the 19th Judicial Circuit. This team files new petitions, stores signed orders, and handles requests from the public. Each case type follows its own set of forms and procedures under Florida law. Knowing the type of record you need helps you pick the right search path and the right form.
Divorce Records
Divorce records show the full life of a marriage dissolution case. They start with the petition filed by one spouse and end with the final judgment signed by the judge. These files hold financial affidavits, marital settlement agreements, and parenting plans when children are part of the case. Dissolution of marriage records are public once the court signs the final judgment. Sealed financial documents may stay private.
Child Custody and Support Records
Child custody cases create parenting plans that spell out time-sharing and decision-making for each parent. Child support orders set monthly payment amounts based on Florida guidelines. Court records show the parenting plan, support order, payment history, and any later modifications. These files stay open to the parties named in the case.
Paternity Records
Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood for a child. The court may order DNA testing, and the final order lists the biological father by name. Paternity records also show child support terms that follow the order. Many paternity files are sealed to protect the child.
Adoption Records
Adoption records document the legal transfer of parental rights. Florida law seals most adoption files to protect birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child. Only parties named in the case or those with a court order may access them.
Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence records include petitions for protection, temporary injunctions, and final restraining orders. The clerk files these documents and stores them in the family division. Access can be limited for safety reasons, especially for the petitioner’s address.
Name Change Records
Name change cases are simple family filings where one person asks the court to legally change their name. The petition and final order become part of the public record. These cases fall under the Family Department as well.
Clerk of Court Office Details
Michelle R. Miller serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for St. Lucie County. Her office holds all family court files for the county and runs the search portals the public uses. The clerk also collects filing fees, issues certified copies, and runs self-help services for people who file without a lawyer.
Main Office in Fort Pierce
The main clerk’s office sits at 201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. This building serves as the central file room for family court records. Visitors can use public computers to search cases and request copies at the front counter. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
South County Courthouse in Port St. Lucie
The South County Courthouse stands at 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. This location handles family law hearings and has a clerk’s satellite office. Residents on the south side of the county can file papers or check records here without driving to Fort Pierce.
Phone and Contact Channels
You can reach the clerk’s office by phone at (772) 462-6900 for general questions about family records, search steps, and document copies. A separate line at 772-462-1650 handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and other constitutional office services. The clerk’s website at stlucieclerk.gov lists all phone numbers, office hours, and online portals in one place.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Clerk Office | 201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 | (772) 462-6900 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| South County Courthouse | 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 | See clerk website | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Constitutional Services Line | Same main address | 772-462-1650 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Searching Records Online
The clerk runs three main online sites for public record searches. Each site serves a slightly different purpose, and most people use more than one to piece together a full case history. All three sites are free for basic searches.
My Florida Court Access Portal
My Florida Court Access covers every Florida county, including St. Lucie. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date range. Results show case type, party names, judge, hearing dates, and final disposition. Most family cases filed after 2005 appear in the system. Documents such as petitions and orders are viewable as scanned images on the same screen.
Clerk eRecordPortal
The clerk’s own eRecordPortal sits at clerkezrecord.stlucieclerk.gov. This portal handles official records such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments alongside some family filings. The site supports e-recording for submitters and a public search side for anyone who needs to view a document. A contact page at clerkezrecord.stlucieclerk.gov/Home/Contact lists help options.
Daily Court Docket
The Daily Court Docket at dockettomorrow.stlucieclerk.gov shows the next court day schedule. Family hearings show up by judge, time, and case number. This site helps attorneys and self-represented parties confirm their court date. The docket refreshes each evening for the next business day.
Searching Records In Person
Some records sit only in the file room or behind a counter at the clerk’s office. In-person visits give you access to original documents, certified copies, and older cases that never made it online. The clerk’s staff helps locate files by name, case number, or filing date.
What to Bring for a Visit
Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. The clerk needs proof of identity before releasing certified copies. Write down as much detail as you can: full legal name of the parties, date of birth, case number if you have one, and the year the case was filed. Smaller details save time at the counter.
Fees for Certified Copies
Standard copies cost less than certified copies. Certified copies that work for legal proceedings run $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee under Florida’s public records law. The clerk accepts cash, money order, and most major cards. Call ahead to confirm the current fee schedule before you visit.
Self-Help Forms at the Clerk’s Office
The clerk maintains a self-help forms page for people who file without an attorney. Family law forms cover dissolution of marriage, paternity, custody, support, and name change. These forms match the official Florida Supreme Court forms and stay current with state law. You can download and print them for free from the clerk’s website.
19th Judicial Circuit Coverage
St. Lucie County sits in Florida’s 19th Judicial Circuit. The circuit combines four counties under one court system. Family cases follow the same rules and forms no matter which county the case starts in.
Circuit Counties
The 19th Judicial Circuit covers Indian River County, Martin County, Okeechobee County, and St. Lucie County. Each county has its own clerk of court and its own file room. The circuit’s main office coordinates judges, training, and shared forms across the four counties.
Family Court Divisions
The circuit runs a separate Family Court Division for each county. Judges in this division hear only family law cases, which speeds up hearings. The clerk’s Family Department works directly with these judges to file orders and docket new cases.
Filing Family Court Documents
Most new family cases and follow-up papers now go through the statewide e-filing portal. The clerk accepts paper filings at both courthouse locations as well. E-filing shortens filing time and gives you a time-stamped filing receipt the same day.
E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts e-Filing Portal accepts family filings for St. Lucie County. Attorneys must use the portal for almost every family case type. Self-represented parties may file electronically or hand-deliver papers to the clerk. The portal charges a small convenience fee per filing.
Common Family Court Forms
Florida uses numbered Supreme Court forms across the state. Form 12.901 covers the family law petition series. Other common forms include the financial affidavit, the parenting plan, and the child support calculation worksheet. The clerk’s self-help page links to every required form with a plain-language description.
Filing Fees
Filing fees vary by case type. A simple dissolution of marriage with no minor children costs less than a contested divorce. Petitions for injunction against domestic violence often have no filing fee. The clerk’s fee schedule on the website lists every charge and accepted payment method.
Access Rules and Privacy
Florida’s public records law presumes most court files are open. Family court has more privacy rules than other divisions as children are often involved. The clerk follows state law and court orders when deciding what to release.
Public vs Sealed Records
Most divorce judgments, custody orders, and paternity orders are public once signed. Adoption records, sealed financial affidavits, and documents under a protective order stay closed to the public. The clerk redacts Social Security numbers and minor children’s data from public copies.
Who Can Access Restricted Records
Named parties, their attorneys, and people with a valid court order may access restricted records. Judges may also order a file unsealed for a specific legal reason. The clerk checks identification and court orders before releasing restricted documents.
Probate and Guardianship Records
Probate and guardianship cases sit in a separate division but stay at the same clerk’s office. These files cover wills, estates, and the care of minors or adults who cannot manage their own affairs. The 19th Circuit’s Probate and Guardianship Division handles filings in the proper county based on where the person lived or owned property at the time of death.
How to Open a Probate Case
Probate cases open with the clerk of court in the right county. If the person who died lived in Florida, you file in the county of residence. If they lived elsewhere, you file in the county where they owned real property. Most probate filings now go through the statewide e-Filing Portal.
Common Questions About Family Records
People who search family records often run into the same questions. The next section answers the most common ones based on current clerk policies and Florida law. These answers reflect the search sites and office practices active in 2026.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Certified copies are often ready the same day you visit the clerk’s office. The clerk prints them on security paper and adds a raised seal. Larger copy orders can take a few business days. Mail requests add shipping time on top of handling time.
Can I see records from before 2005?
Yes. The clerk’s file room holds paper records going back decades. Older cases need an in-person search as they were filed before electronic records began. Staff can pull archived files within a few business days for a small retrieval fee.
Are divorce records public in Florida?
Final divorce judgments are public. Sealed financial documents and certain personal details are redacted from public copies. Adoption records stay sealed by law.
How do I get a court date for a family case?
The Daily Court Docket at dockettomorrow.stlucieclerk.gov lists the next court day. You can also call the clerk’s office or check My Florida Court Access for upcoming hearing dates. Attorneys get automatic e-mail notices through the e-filing system.
Can I view a family case without permission?
You can view public family court records without permission. Sealed or restricted records require the party’s consent or a court order. The clerk follows state law on every request.
FAQ
The following questions cover edge cases and specific situations people run into when looking up family court records in St. Lucie County. Each answer is based on current clerk policies, Florida public records law, and the search sites available in 2026. The clerk’s office can give you the final word on any case-specific question.
How do I see a sealed family court record?
Sealed family records are not available to the public. Only named parties, their lawyers, and people with a court order can see them. To open a sealed file, you must file a written motion with the court that explains why you need the records. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to unseal part or all of the file. The clerk will not release sealed records without that signed order, even to family members. Expect the motion review to take a few weeks once it is filed.
Are child support payment records public?
Child support orders are public once signed by the judge. Payment history held by the State of Florida Disbursement Unit is not part of the court file. To get payment history, you must contact the Florida Department of Revenue, which runs the state’s child support program. The clerk’s office only holds the support order, not the payment log. Most payment questions are answered through the state’s child support portal, not the court file.
How do I request a family court record by mail?
Send a written request to the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court at 201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. Include the case number, full names of the parties, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. State the type of record you need and how you want it delivered. Add a check or money order for the copy and certification fees. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits and can run up to two weeks depending on the clerk’s workload.
What family records are free to view online?
My Florida Court Access shows basic case data and many scanned documents at no charge. The clerk’s eRecordPortal also shows official records for free. You only pay when you want a certified copy with a raised seal. Print or save the free copies for your own records, but they cannot be used in court in place of certified copies. Free records still follow redaction rules for Social Security numbers and minor children.
Can I remove a family court record from public view?
Only a judge can order a record sealed or expunged. You must file a motion and show legal cause, such as identity theft, mistaken identity, or a closed adoption. The court holds a hearing and decides based on Florida law. The clerk follows the judge’s order once it is signed and recorded. Expungement is rare and only granted in specific cases under Florida Statute.
Where do I file for divorce in St. Lucie County?
File your divorce petition with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court at the Fort Pierce or Port St. Lucie courthouse. You can also e-file through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal. The petition must include the marriage certificate, financial records, and any children-related documents. The clerk assigns a case number and a judge after you file. Filing fees apply and vary by case type.
How do I check if my divorce was filed?
Search by your full legal name or your spouse’s name on My Florida Court Access. The results show case type, filing date, and judge. You can also call the clerk at (772) 462-6900 with both names and a date range. Staff will tell you if a case exists and how to get copies. Online search is the fastest way to confirm a filing.
Contact and Office Locations
Use the contact details below to reach the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court for any family court records request. The clerk’s office is the only official source for certified family court documents in the county.
St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Office of Michelle R. Miller
201 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Website: stlucieclerk.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
South County Courthouse
250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Map location: View on Google Maps
