About Saint Lucie County
Saint Lucie County is located on Florida's Treasure Coast, spanning approximately 572 square miles along the Atlantic Ocean in the southeastern part of the state. Saint Lucie County Seat is Fort Pierce, which is the governmental and administrative hub. As of recent estimates, Saint Lucie County has a population of approximately 340,000 residents, making it one of Florida's mid-sized coastal counties. Saint Lucie County was established in 1905 and named after the Spanish mission Santa Lucia.
Saint Lucie County is known for its citrus groves, pristine beaches, the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem, and its role as a retirement and tourism destination. Major landmarks include the Navy SEAL Museum, the Savannas Preserve State Park, and numerous waterfront parks. Saint Lucie County is served by several key agencies: Saint Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller located at 201 South Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce handles court records, marriage licenses, and official recordings; Saint Lucie County Property Appraiser's Office at 2300 Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce manages property assessments and tax records; and Saint Lucie County Recorder function is performed by the Clerk's office for deeds and land records.
Saint Lucie County features a diverse economy mixing agriculture, healthcare, education, and maritime industries, with Interstate 95 and Florida's Turnpike providing major transportation corridors.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the unincorporated areas of Saint Lucie County. This office manages Saint Lucie County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is involved in various community programs and has specialized divisions such as a narcotics unit and a K-9 unit to address specific law enforcement needs. The office also engages in community outreach programs to foster better relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Police Departments
Saint Lucie County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Fort Pierce Police Department and the Port St. Lucie Police Department. The sheriff's office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the city departments manage policing within their respective city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, often collaborating on task forces and joint operations to enhance community safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Keith Pearson, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and operates Saint Lucie County detention facilities. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 4700 West Midway Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, phone, with a full website at stluciesheriff.com providing public resources. Saint Lucie County Jail, located at the same address, houses inmates and provides an online inmate search tool accessible through the Sheriff's website where citizens can look up current detainees by name, booking number, or date of birth.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's online inmate search system and may also be obtained through formal public records requests.
- Processing times and copy fees vary but must comply with statutory limits.
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also maintains statewide criminal history databases accessible to authorized requesters.
Municipal police departments operating within Saint Lucie County include the Fort Pierce Police Department serving Saint Lucie County Seat and the Port St. Lucie Police Department serving Florida's eighth-largest city. Under Florida's broad public records law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (Government in the Sunshine Law), arrest records are public information unless specifically exempted.
Citizens can request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a public records request to the Sheriff's Office or respective police departments, either in person, by mail, or often via online portals.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Saint Lucie County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the FDLE, which offers a full view of an individual's criminal history in Florida.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Saint Lucie County are maintained by Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the sheriff's office, either in person or via their online portal. A typical arrest record includes the individual's personal information, charges, booking details, and the arresting agency. The process is governed by the Florida Public Records Law, which ensures transparency and accessibility to public records, allowing individuals to obtain arrest information as part of their legal rights.
Jail & Inmate Records
Saint Lucie County Jail, also known as Saint Lucie County Detention Center, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Saint Lucie County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording the personal details of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation at the facility is regulated, with specific hours and requirements that visitors must adhere to.
- The bond or bail process follows Florida's legal framework, where a judge determines the bail amount, and individuals can post bail through cash or a bail bond agent to secure release.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Saint Lucie County are taken and retained by Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or third-party services that compile such data. Florida does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can request removal from private websites through legal channels if the mugshot is outdated or incorrect. The sheriff's office provides access to these images as part of its commitment to transparency under state law.
Courts & Case Records
Saint Lucie County's judicial system operates under Florida's Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, which also serves Martin, Okeechobee, and Indian River counties. Saint Lucie County Courthouse is located at 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, phone. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate, guardianship, and appeals from county court. Saint Lucie County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims.
- Nunnery, maintains all court records and provides public access services.
- Online access is generally free for searching, though certified copies and bulk data requests incur fees.
- Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page, plus applicable service fees.
- In-person record requests can be made at the Clerk's office during business hours.
Saint Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, currently John R. Florida law guarantees public access to most court records under Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, with specific exemptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and certain confidential information. The Nineteenth Circuit offers online case lookup through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Clerk's website at stlucieclerk.com, where users can search civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
Property & Public Records
Saint Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the official Recorder of Deeds and maintains all property and land records for Saint Lucie County. The Recording Division is located at 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, phone, with extensive online services available at stlucieclerk.com.
- Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page when requested in person or by mail.
- Their website features a full GIS mapping system and parcel search tool allowing free searches by owner name, address, or parcel identification number.
- The Property Appraiser's interactive map provides aerial imagery, property characteristics, tax history, and comparable sales information.
- Recording fees are set by Florida Statute 28.24.
The office maintains an Official Records database containing deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens (including mechanics liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, plat maps, condominium declarations, subdivision documents, powers of attorney, military discharges (DD-214s), and other instruments affecting real property. Saint Lucie County provides a free online Official Records Search accessible through the Clerk's website, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or Official Records number dating back decades. Images of recorded documents can be viewed and printed at no charge for personal use.
Saint Lucie County Property Appraiser's Office, located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982, phone, website at paslc.gov, maintains property tax records, ownership information, assessed values, exemptions, and sales data.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Saint Lucie County are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Saint Lucie County, located at 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983, phone. However, the primary vital records authority is the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, which maintains statewide records. Birth certificates can be requested in person at Saint Lucie County Health Department, by mail to the Bureau of Vital Statistics at P.O.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks by mail, while in-person requests at Saint Lucie County health department may be processed same-day or within a few business days if records are readily available.
- Online orders through VitalChek incur additional processing and shipping fees but offer expedited service.
Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231, or online through the official VitalChek service at floridahealth.gov. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Florida Statute 382, which governs vital records. Marriage licenses are issued by Saint Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court at 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, with a fee of approximately $86.00 (reduced to $61.00 for couples completing a premarital preparation course).
Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk's office as part of court records and can be searched through the circuit court case lookup system.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Saint Lucie County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Saint Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court Official Records Division records fictitious name registrations (DBAs) required under Florida Statute 865.09, searchable through the Clerk's online database at stlucieclerk.com.
- Professional licenses for regulated occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, and cosmetologists are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, searchable online.
However, the primary repository for business entity information is the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, which maintains records of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities. The Division's Sunbiz.org website provides a free, full business entity search tool where users can look up active and inactive businesses, view registered agents, corporate officers, annual reports, and document images. Business licenses and occupational licenses in unincorporated Saint Lucie County are issued by Saint Lucie County Tax Collector's Office, located at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982, phone.
Municipalities including Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie maintain separate local business tax receipt (occupational license) requirements administered by their respective city licensing departments. Building permits, land development permits, and zoning information are handled by Saint Lucie County Development Services Department at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, phone.
The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, website at youredc.com, serves as Saint Lucie County's chamber of commerce equivalent, promoting business development and providing resources for entrepreneurs.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Saint Lucie County are administered by Saint Lucie County Supervisor of Elections, currently Gertrude Walker, with offices located at 4132 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34947, phone, and a full website at slcelections.gov. Voter registration in Florida can be completed online through the state's RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov website, in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, at any driver license office, or by mailing a completed Florida Voter Registration Application. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election.
- Registered voters can find their polling place, check registration status, and view sample ballots through the Supervisor of Elections website or the state's Vote411.org portal.
- In the 2024 general election, Saint Lucie County reported approximately 64% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with typical Florida mid-sized county turnout in presidential election years.
- Florida Statute 101 governs election procedures and public access to election records, for public access in the electoral process.
- Citizens may request copies of election related public records by contacting the Supervisor of Elections office directly.
Florida law requires voters to provide their Florida driver license number or Florida identification card number, and if they do not have either, the last four digits of their Social Security number. Saint Lucie County election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding certain confidential information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth per Florida Statute 97.0585), campaign finance reports filed with Saint Lucie County or state, candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and ballot question language. The Florida Division of Elections also maintains statewide databases.
The next major election is November 4, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Florida gubernatorial and Cabinet races, state legislative seats, and local offices. Florida offers vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) to any registered voter upon request; applications can be submitted online through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, in person, or by mail, and are valid through the end of the calendar year of the second general election following the request.
Economy & Demographics
Saint Lucie County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of industries including healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, retail, and light manufacturing. Major employers include the Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital, HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, Treasure Coast Hospice, Saint Lucie County School District (one of the largest employers with over 5,000 employees), and Florida Power & Light's St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant, which provides significant employment and tax revenue.
- The median household income in Saint Lucie County is approximately $56,000, below the state average but reflective of Saint Lucie County's substantial retirement population and service-oriented economy.
Agriculture remains important, particularly citrus production in western areas, though the industry has faced challenges from citrus greening disease and development pressure. The Port St. Lucie area has experienced substantial residential growth, making construction and real estate significant economic drivers.
Tourism and recreation contribute through beach visitation, fishing, boating, spring training baseball (the New York Mets' spring training facility is located in Port St. Lucie), and eco-tourism focused on the Indian River Lagoon. Unemployment rates in Saint Lucie County typically track close to or slightly above state averages, fluctuating seasonally with tourism patterns.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on diversifying the economy, attracting technology and research firms, and using proximity to Florida's Space Coast. The Digital Domain visual effects company previously maintained operations in Port St. Lucie.
Retail and healthcare services continue to expand to serve the growing population, with significant development along the Interstate 95 corridor and in the Tradition master-planned community.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Saint Lucie County provides online access to court records, property records, jail rosters, and election information through well-maintained county websites, with strong compliance to Florida's sunshine laws.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Saint Lucie County
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Saint Lucie County, Florida.