The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller hosted a Historical Marker Unveiling and Dedication Ceremony on September 28 at the Governor’s House in St. Augustine. The clerk’s office honored its unique history with a historical marker designating the Governor’s House as the original clerk’s office in Florida.

“We are thrilled to share this important designation and marker with the community and fellow clerks from around the state,” said Clerk of Courts and County Comptroller, Brandon J. Patty. “Since the establishment of the office in 1821 at the Governor’s House in downtown St. Augustine, clerk’s offices have been indispensable in serving the people of St. Johns County and in counties across Florida.” 

Our office worked closely with the University of Florida and our Clerk Historian, Dr. Susan Parker, to have a marker placed, designating the Governor’s House as the original clerk’s office in the state. The St. John’s County Clerk’s Office was the first clerk’s office created in the then territory of Florida by Governor Andrew Jackson in 1821. The first deed was then recorded on September 13, 1821, at the Governor’s House.

As the official record keeper for St. Johns County, the clerk’s office has a plethora of historical items including historical maps, as well as books that all point back to its extensive history. Many records remain available for viewing in the clerk’s office and some are on display at the St. Augustine Historical Society.