The appellate process allows the party who loses in a trial court to appeal to a higher court, which reviews the lower court’s decision. The higher court can either affirm or reverse the decision. Appeals are an essential part of the legal system and are rooted in the U.S. and Florida Constitutions. They serve to correct errors and guide judges on the law for future cases. The party appealing is called the appellant and must show that errors in the lower tribunal proceedings were serious enough to justify reversing or remanding the judgment. The appellant must identify the error, prove it exists, and demonstrate that it warrants a correction.
A Notice of Appeal is a document that begins the appellate process. Generally, a Notice of Appeal must be filed with the Clerk within thirty (30) days of the rendition of the order to be reviewed.
For information on how to file an appeal, you may either contact an attorney or research the Florida Statutes and Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.
A self-represented (Pro-Se) Appellate Handbook is available on the Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar at Pro Se Handbook – The Pro Se Appellate Handbook (flabarappellate.org).
| Item | Fee |
| Appeal to the Fifth District Court of Appeal | |
| Notice of Appeal Filing Fee to St. Johns County Clerk of Court | $100.00 |
| Fifth DCA Filing Fee (paid directly to the Fifth District Court of Appeal) | $300.00 |
| Appeal to Circuit Court | |
| Notice of Appeal Filing Fee | $281.00 |
After the Record on Appeal is prepared, an additional fee for the preparation will be due. The cost is based upon the complexity of the Record.
Financial arrangements for payments of transcripts must be made with the court reporters office. The Clerk’s Office is not involved in this process.
There are three ways to file:
- Submit the document electronically via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- In person at the St. Johns County Clerk’s Office Civil Division.
- Mail the document, along with a check or money order for the filing fee to:
- St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller
Attn: Appeals
4010 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
- St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller
Checks should be made payable to the St. Johns County Clerk’s Office.
An appeal of a lower court decision is a legal process by which a higher court is asked to review a decision or ruling of a lower court.
St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller