About the St. Lucie County Courthouse
The St. Lucie County Courthouse, located in the county seat of Fort Pierce, serves as a vital hub for the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. Within this system, the St. Lucie County Clerk of the Court plays a critical role in managing official court records, processing case files, and accepting formal court payments, including certain bond-related fees and fines associated with criminal cases.
Under Florida law, individuals arrested in St. Lucie County must receive a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of their arrest. During this initial hearing, a judge reviews the arrest report to determine probable cause, decides whether to release the defendant on their own recognizance, and sets the official bail amount. The Clerk's office meticulously documents these judicial decisions, ensuring that the official bond conditions are accurately recorded for the active case file.
Posting Bail for a St. Lucie County Case
Once a judge sets a bail amount, securing a release typically involves working with a licensed bail bond agent. A bail bondsman can post a surety bond for a small, non-refundable premium, which is legally capped at ten percent in Florida. This process ensures the defendant's release from custody while guaranteeing their future appearances at the St. Lucie County Courthouse.
How to Post Bail at St. Lucie County Courthouse
There are several ways to post bail in St. Lucie County:
- Through a bail bondsman (most common) — Pay 10% of the bail amount to a licensed agent. Call QuickBail at (941) 477-6888 for 24/7 service. This is the fastest method.
- Cash bond at the Clerk's office — Pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier's check, or money order at the Clerk of Court during business hours. The full amount is returned (minus fees) when the case concludes.
- Property bond — Use real property as collateral. Requires property appraisal and court approval. Takes longer to process.
- Surety bond — Posted through a licensed insurance company. Same as a bail bond but directly through the insurer.
Bail Payment Tips
- The Clerk's office typically accepts: cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and some credit cards
- Personal checks are usually NOT accepted for bail payments
- After-hours bail posting requires a bail bondsman — the Clerk's office is closed evenings/weekends
- Bond amounts are set by the judge or per the county's bail schedule
St. Lucie County Jail
Defendants arrested in St. Lucie County are booked into the St. Lucie County jail. For detailed jail information including inmate search, visitation hours, and bail schedules: