St Johns County booking reports are public records that show every person arrested and processed at the county jail in Saint Augustine, Florida. These reports include the arrestee’s name, date of birth, charges, booking date, and bond amount.
Anyone can view them under Florida’s public records law. The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office creates and maintains each booking report after a person is brought to the detention center following an arrest. Booking reports help families locate loved ones, help attorneys track cases, and let the public stay aware of law enforcement activity in the county.
What Are St Johns County Booking Reports
St Johns County booking reports are official documents created when someone is arrested and taken to the county jail. Each report captures key facts about the arrest and the person arrested. These records serve as the first step in the criminal justice process and become part of the public record system in Florida.
Definition and Purpose
A booking report is a written record of a person’s entry into the St Johns County Detention Center. It starts the moment a suspect arrives at the jail. The report holds the person’s identity, physical details, the charges they face, and the time of booking. Its main purpose is to create a clear paper trail for the arrest, track the person while in custody, and make the arrest a matter of public record. Courts, law enforcement, and the public all rely on booking reports to verify arrests and confirm custody status.
Who Creates the Reports
The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office creates all booking reports for arrests made in the county. The Sheriff’s Office runs the only jail in St Johns County. Police departments from Saint Augustine, Saint Augustine Beach, Hastings, and other local agencies bring arrested persons to this same facility. Once an arrestee arrives, detention deputies handle the booking process and enter the data into the official system. Florida Department of Law Enforcement receives the fingerprints from every booking under state law.
Information in Each Report
Every St Johns County booking report contains the same core details. The full legal name of the person arrested appears first. The report lists the date of birth, race, sex, and height and weight. It shows the date and time of the arrest, the agency that made the arrest, and the location of the arrest. Each charge carries a statute number and a short description. The report also shows the booking number, bond amount, and the arresting officer’s name. A photograph called a mugshot is taken during booking and stays linked to the record.
How to Search St Johns County Booking Reports
Searching St Johns County booking reports takes only a few steps. The Sheriff’s Office offers several ways to look up current inmates and recent arrest records. The fastest method is the online inmate search, but phone and in-person options also work for records that are not online.
Online Inmate Search Tool
The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office runs a free online inmate search on its website. The tool lets users search by name or booking number. It shows every person currently held at the detention center. The search results list each inmate’s full name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. The tool updates as new arrests are processed. Users do not need an account to run a search. The results display in a simple list format that makes it easy to scan recent bookings.
Phone Inquiries
People can call the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304 to ask about booking reports. The records division can confirm whether a person is in custody, provide bond amounts, and give general booking details. Callers should have the full name and date of birth of the person they are looking for. Phone service runs during regular business hours. Callers who need sealed or restricted records will be told to file a formal written request.
In-Person Records Requests
Visitors can request booking reports in person at the Sheriff’s Office located at 3955 Lewis Speedway, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID. The records staff will help locate the requested booking report and provide copies. Copy fees follow Florida state guidelines. Most requests are filled the same day, though older records may take longer to retrieve from archives.
Written Records Requests
Florida law allows written public records requests for booking reports. Requests can be mailed to the Sheriff’s Office records division or sent by email. Each request should include the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and the date of arrest if known. The Sheriff’s Office must respond to written requests within a reasonable time under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Fees for copies and staff time may apply for large requests.
The Booking Process in St Johns County
The booking process at the St Johns County Detention Center follows a set order of steps. Each step creates a record that becomes part of the booking report. The full process usually takes between two and six hours but can run longer during busy periods or when holds apply.
Arrest to Intake Timeline
The booking process begins the moment an officer delivers a suspect to the detention center. A deputy checks the arrest warrant or probable cause affidavit before accepting the person. The arrestee is searched, and personal property is collected and stored. A medical screening follows to check for injuries, illness, or mental health needs. The deputy then enters the arrestee’s personal data into the jail management system, which creates the booking report.
Identification and Fingerprinting
Every person booked into the St Johns County Detention Center must be fingerprinted. Florida Statute Chapter 943 requires fingerprints for all adults charged with felonies or misdemeanors. Palm prints and a facial photograph are also taken. The fingerprint data goes to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI. This step confirms the identity of the arrestee and checks for prior criminal history. The results link to the booking report.
Medical Screening
Medical screening takes place right after the arrestee enters the facility. A trained staff member asks about current health, medications, and mental health history. Any immediate medical needs are addressed before the person moves to a housing unit. This screening is required for safety and is not visible on the public booking report. Medical records stay separate from booking records and remain confidential.
Bond and Release Decisions
After booking, a judge or the standard bond schedule sets the bond amount. The booking report reflects this bond amount. Some arrestees qualify for release on their own recognizance, which means no bond is required. Others must post a cash bond or use a licensed bondsman. Bond hearings take place before a judge, usually within 24 hours of arrest. Once bond is posted, the person can leave the jail, and the booking report shows the release date.
St Johns County Detention Center Details
The St Johns County Detention Center sits at 3955 Lewis Speedway in Saint Augustine. It serves as the only jail facility in the county. The center handles all arrests made by the Sheriff’s Office and by every city police department in the area. Visitors and families can reach the facility by phone or in person for questions about inmates and bookings.
Location and Contact Information
The St Johns County Detention Center address is 3955 Lewis Speedway, Saint Augustine, FL 32084. The main phone line is 904-824-8304. The facility sits near the intersection of Lewis Speedway and State Road 207. Visitors should plan to arrive early to clear security. The Sheriff’s Office runs the facility 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The records division works standard business hours but the jail itself never closes.
Visitation Rules
Visits at the St Johns County Detention Center follow a set schedule. Inmates can receive visits on approved days and times set by the facility. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. Each visitor must show a valid photo ID at the check-in window. The facility has a dress code that bans revealing clothing, gang colors, and certain fabrics. Visits are limited to a set time per session. All visits are recorded for security.
Phone and Mail Policies
Inmates at the St Johns County Detention Center can make phone calls through a contracted phone system. Family members and friends can set up prepaid accounts to receive calls. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls, but they can leave voice messages in some cases. Mail must go through the U.S. Postal Service and is checked for contraband. Letters, photos, and approved publications are allowed. Legal mail has special handling rules.
Commissary and Funds
Family and friends can place money in an inmate’s commissary account. The funds allow the inmate to buy food, hygiene items, and other approved goods at the jail store. Money can be added online, by phone, or at a kiosk in the lobby. Each inmate has a spending limit per week. The commissary does not appear on the booking report but is tracked separately by the detention center.
Legal Framework for Booking Reports
Florida law controls who can view booking reports and how those reports are shared. St Johns County follows the same rules as every other county in the state. Some booking records have limits, and some people have special rights when it comes to their own booking information.
Florida Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes booking reports public records. Any person can ask to see or copy them without giving a reason. The law covers state, county, and city agencies. The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office must provide access to booking reports during normal business hours. The law also sets limits on copy fees and staff time charges for large requests.
Sealed and Expunged Records
A court can order a booking report sealed or expunged in some cases. Once sealed, the record is hidden from public view. Once expunged, the record is destroyed in the public system. Only the arresting agency and a few state offices can still see sealed records. People who want to seal or expunge a record must file a petition with the court and meet specific legal requirements under Florida law.
Juvenile Booking Records
Booking reports for minors under 18 are not open to the public. Florida law keeps juvenile records confidential to protect young people. Only parents, guardians, lawyers, and certain agencies can view them. If a minor is charged with a felony, some details may become public through the court system. The detention center still creates a booking report for every juvenile arrest.
Mugshot Removal Rights
Florida Statute 901.43 protects people from websites that charge money to remove booking photos. If a for-profit site posts a St Johns County mugshot, the person can send a written request to remove it. The site has 10 days to act. If the site keeps the photo or reposts it, the person can sue for a fine of $1,000 per day, rising to $5,000 per day for reposted images.
Recent Booking Activity and Statistics
St Johns County booking reports show steady activity at the detention center. The county has grown quickly in recent years, and the arrest volume has grown with it. The Sheriff’s Office processes bookings every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.
Current Booking Volume
The St Johns County Detention Center processes an average of 30 to 50 new bookings each day. The exact number changes based on the day of the week and seasonal events. Weekends tend to bring more arrests tied to alcohol, traffic stops, and minor fights. Holiday weekends often see a sharp rise. The detention center can hold several hundred inmates at a time, with capacity shifting as releases and new arrests balance out.
Common Charges in St Johns County
The most common charges seen in St Johns County booking reports include driving under the influence, simple battery, petty theft, drug possession, and traffic offenses. Domestic violence charges also appear often. Warrants for failure to appear in court or violation of probation lead to many bookings each week. Felony charges make up a smaller share of total bookings but account for longer stays at the detention center.
Trends and Patterns
Booking reports show clear patterns across the year. Summer months bring a rise in alcohol-related arrests and tourist-area incidents. School months bring a smaller drop in some non-violent offenses. Drug possession charges stay steady all year. Domestic calls tend to rise around holidays and major events. The Sheriff’s Office shares these trends in annual reports to help the public understand local law enforcement activity.
Additional Resources and State Tools
St Johns County booking reports are part of a larger state records system. Florida agencies offer tools that link to county jail data and help the public track inmates who move between local and state custody.
Florida Department of Corrections Search
The Florida Department of Corrections runs a statewide inmate search that covers state prison facilities. If a person arrested in St Johns County receives a prison sentence and transfers to state custody, that person will show up in this search. The tool lists current location, release date, and offense history. Data refreshes weekly, with release dates updated nightly. The tool is free and does not require an account.
FDLE Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s criminal history system. It collects fingerprint data and arrest records from every county, including St Johns. The public can request a criminal background check through FDLE for a small fee. The check shows arrests, charges, and dispositions from across the state. FDLE can be reached at 850-410-7000 for questions about the records system.
Sexual Offender Registry Checks
FDLE also runs the Florida Sexual Offender and Predator search. The tool lets users check if a registered offender lives in a specific area, including St Johns County. It works well alongside booking reports for people who want a full picture of local criminal activity. The search is free and updates daily. Users can search by name or by address to see nearby registered offenders.
Contact Details for St Johns County Booking Reports
St Johns County booking reports are handled by the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office. The office runs the detention center and keeps all arrest records for the county. Anyone with questions about a booking report, bond, or inmate status can contact the Sheriff’s Office directly. The office is open 24 hours a day for jail matters, while the records division works standard business hours. Phone calls and written requests are both accepted. In-person visits are also welcome at the main office in Saint Augustine.
Address: 3955 Lewis Speedway, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: 904-824-8304
Website: sjso.org
Records Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jail Lobby Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about St Johns County booking reports. The answers below cover the most common concerns about access, accuracy, and use of these public records. The Sheriff’s Office handles each question through its records division.
How Long Does a Booking Report Stay Public
A St Johns County booking report stays in the public records system until it is sealed or expunged by a court order. There is no automatic time limit for removal. Most booking reports stay visible for years unless the person takes legal action. The Sheriff’s Office keeps current and recent reports online for quick access. Older reports are kept in archives and can still be requested through the records division at any time.
Can I Find Out Why Someone Was Arrested
Yes, the booking report lists the charges that led to the arrest. The online inmate search shows the charge and the statute number. The full arrest report and incident details are not on the booking report itself. Those records come from the arresting agency. You can request the incident report through the Sheriff’s Office or the city police department that handled the arrest.
What If the Booking Report Has Wrong Details
If a St Johns County booking report has errors, the person named in the report can ask the Sheriff’s Office records division to review the file. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong dates of birth, or incorrect charges. The person may need to provide proof like a court order or government ID to make changes. The records staff can update the file once the error is confirmed.
Are Warrants Listed in Booking Reports
Booking reports show that an arrest took place, but they do not list outstanding warrants. Active warrants are kept in a separate law enforcement database. The Sheriff’s Office can confirm if a warrant is active for a specific person, but this is usually done through a law enforcement check rather than a public booking report. Warrants can lead to future bookings, which would then show up on a new booking report.
Can I Be Removed From Online Booking Reports
St Johns County booking reports posted on government sites stay online because of Florida public records law. Private websites that repost mugshots must remove them if you send a written request under Florida Statute 901.43. The government sites run by the Sheriff’s Office are not subject to that rule. Expungement through the court is the only way to remove a record from the official system.
Do Out of State Arrests Show in St Johns County
No, St Johns County booking reports only cover arrests made in St Johns County, Florida. Arrests in other counties or states have their own booking reports. If a person was arrested in St Johns County and later moved to a state prison, the transfer will show in the Florida Department of Corrections search. Out of state records would need to be checked through that state’s system.
How Do I Send Money to Someone in Jail
Friends and family can add money to an inmate’s commissary account through the St Johns County Detention Center’s approved service. Money can be added online, by phone, or at a kiosk in the jail lobby. The inmate uses the funds to buy approved items at the jail store. Each inmate has a weekly spending cap. Sending money does not change the booking report, but it helps the person during their stay.