Pinellas County Court Records

Pinellas court records are documentation of judicial proceedings and cases filed in Pinellas County. These records hold significant importance in legal matters, serving as crucial resources for attorneys, litigants, researchers, and the general public.

Per Florida Statute 28.24 (1), court records encompass a broad spectrum of information. This encompasses case numbers, names of parties involved, details of legal representatives, hearing dates, transcripts, exhibits, and financial details such as fines and fees. Also, these records may include electronic files, video recordings, stenographic tapes of proceedings, and other documentary evidence pertinent to the case.

Are Court Records Public in Pinellas County?

Yes. In Pinellas County, court records are generally considered public and accessible under Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420. The Rule affirms that individuals have the right to access most court records, including case filings, judgments, and other legal documents. However, there are certain restrictions and limitations on accessing specific types of court records.

Some court records may include sensitive or confidential details, such as information about minors, victims of specific crimes, ongoing investigations, or sealed cases. In such instances, access to these records could be restricted or limited to uphold legal and ethical norms and prevent the improper use or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.

Pinellas County Court Records Search

In Pinellas County, individuals can search for court records through various methods, including:

• The county courthouse
• Clerk of the Circuit Court
• Online database provided by the Court
• Third-party website.

Pinellas County Court Records Search by Name

To perform a name-based search for court records in Pinellas County, individuals can follow these steps:

• Visit the website of the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
• Navigate to the "Record Request/Record Request Centre" tab.
• On the "Record Request Centre" page, locate and click on "Clerk Name Search Request".
• Choose the appropriate Service Request Type based on the type of records sought.
• Create an account to facilitate request tracking or submit requests anonymously.
• Pay the search fee. The fees vary depending on the selected option. For an anonymous name search in the civil/family category, each name searched incurs a charge of $2, and each certificate (limited to one per name) costs $7.00. Postage costs are based on actual expenses and there is a credit card convenience fee of 3.5%.

Pinellas County Courts

In Pinellas County, the court system comprises various types of courts, including circuit courts, and county courts. Circuit courts handle major civil and criminal cases, while county courts handle smaller civil cases, misdemeanor criminal offenses, and traffic violations. The following are the contact details of the courthouses:

Circuit Court - Tyrone Branch Office
1800 66th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33710
Phone: (727) 464-7000

Circuit Court - Clearwater Courthouse
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-7000

Circuit Court - Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: (727) 464-7000

Circuit Court - St. Petersburg Judicial Building
545 1st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Fax: (727) 582-7990

Circuit Court - North County Branch Office
29582 US 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: (727) 464-7000

County Court - Clearwater Courthouse
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-7000

County Court - Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: (727) 464-7000

County Court - North County Branch Office
29582 US 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: (727) 464-7000

County Court - Tyrone Branch Office
1800 66th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Phone: (727) 464-7000

County Court - St. Petersburg Judicial Building
545 1st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Fax: (727) 582-7990

Pinellas County Circuit Court Case Search

In Florida’s legal framework, there are four tiers: the Supreme Court, District Courts of Appeal, Judicial Circuit Courts, and County Courts. The Judicial Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the following cases:

• Civil Cases: These involve disputes between individuals or entities, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, and landlord-tenant disputes.
• Criminal Cases: These involve offenses against the state, ranging from misdemeanors like petty theft to felonies like burglary and murder.
• Family Law Cases: These include matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence injunctions.
• Probate Cases: These involve the administration of estates, guardianships, and mental health matters.
• Juvenile Cases: These involve minors accused of delinquent acts or in need of protection or services.

The Clerk of Courts is responsible for maintaining case files, and individuals seeking copies of records within these files should address their requests to the Clerk's Office.

Pinellas County Clerk of Courts
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Email: clerkinfo@mypinellasclerk.org.

Pinellas County District Court Records

The Second District Court of Appeal in Pinellas County, part of Florida's judicial system, handles appeals from circuit and county court decisions in the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco counties), serving as the court of last resort in most instances.

Typically, cases are decided by a panel of three judges, with at least two judges required to agree on the case resolution. Occasionally, all judges will hear and decide a case, especially when reconsidering a prior decision due to new legal developments.

The Clerk's Office manages court records and dockets. Interested persons may lookup court records in person during business hours or use the case record search portal maintained by the Clerk’s Office.

Pinellas County Criminal Records

Pinellas County criminal records are managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Individuals seeking access to Florida's criminal history records can use Instant Search, wherein customers conduct internet searches themselves, with results available immediately. Alternatively, they may opt for Certified/Non-Certified Search, where notarized results are sent by mail. Each method incurs a fee, typically $24 per search, plus additional credit card processing fees where applicable. Criminal records typically encompass both Pinellas County Arrest Records and conviction information.

Pinellas County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To look up criminal court case information in Pinellas County:

• Visit the website of the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
• Navigate to the section dedicated to accessing Court Records/Public View Court Records.
• Select the option for criminal court & traffic case records.
• Enter the required information such as the defendant's name or case number.
• Submit the search query.
• Review the search results to find the desired criminal court case information, including case status, charges, court dates, and other relevant details.

Get Pinellas County Civil Court Records

County civil court records in Pinellas County cover cases where damages sought are over $8,000 but less than $50,000, excluding costs, interest, and attorney fees. This category includes Landlord/Tenant actions. For cases exceeding $8,000 in value, a civil cover sheet specifying the dollar amount in dispute must be filed.

To perform a name-based search for court records in Pinellas County, individuals can follow these steps:

• Visit the website of the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
• Navigate to the "Record Request/Record Request Centre" tab.
• On the "Record Request Centre" page, locate and click on "Public Record Request"
• Choose Public Record Requests as the appropriate Service Request Type.
• Follow the steps similar to the “Pinellas County Court Records Search by Name” Section above.

Pinellas County Family Court Records

Family court matters in Pinellas County fall under the jurisdiction of the Civil Court. The Family Division of the Circuit Court specifically handles family actions, such as dissolution of marriage, name changes, paternity cases, domestic violence matters, and adoptions. Additionally, the Unified Family Court deals with certain adoption cases and domestic violence issues in conjunction with Juvenile Dependency actions. To obtain family court records in Pinellas County, individuals use the online official records search tool or visit the Clerk's Office in person during business hours.

Pinellas County Clerk of Courts
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Email: clerkinfo@mypinellasclerk.org.

Pinellas Dissolution of Marriage Records

Individuals can follow these steps to access dissolution of marriage records in Pinellas County through the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Florida Health Department. Applicants must provide essential information such as the full names of both spouses, the date of dissolution, the county where dissolution was granted, and personal details like full name, mailing address, phone number, signature, and relationship to the individual on the dissolution of marriage record.

For walk-in, visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics at

1217 North Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202.

For mail-in services, send the completed DH260 Application for Dissolution of Marriage form to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics

P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.

Each record costs $5.00. Payment can be made in cash, check, money order, Visa, or Mastercard for walk-in services. Normal processing time is 3 to 5 business days, excluding shipping time.

Pinellas County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Pinellas County, marriage and divorce records are accessible under specific conditions set by Florida Statute 382.025 (2). The Department of Health authorizes the issuance of certified copies of marriage, dissolution of marriage, death, or fetal death certificates upon request and payment of the prescribed fee. Individuals meeting certain criteria, including the registrant's immediate family members, legal representatives, or governmental agencies for official purposes, are granted access to these records. Additionally, upon request and payment of an additional fee, commemorative marriage licenses can be obtained for display purposes. These certificates are issued in a manner that preserves the integrity of vital records while allowing for public display, potentially bearing the state seal and the Governor's signature.

Pinellas Birth and Death Records

To obtain Pinellas County birth and death records, individuals can book an appointment or request a mail-in or a faxed order at the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County. Anyone can obtain certified copies of death certificates without cause of death information, as they are public records (Florida Statute 382.008). Birth certificates are issued only to the registrant (if of legal age), parent, guardian, legal representative, or by court order (Florida Statute 382.025).

Fees vary, starting at $13.00 (for birth record) and $9.00 (for death record) for the certified computer certificate, with additional charges for rush orders or optional purchases. Furthermore, applicants must provide essential information, including the full name of the child at birth, date of birth, city or county of birth, father's full name, mother's full name (including maiden name), and their relationship to the person named on the certificate.

Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
8751 Ulmerton Road, Suite 1700
Largo, FL 33771.

Birth and death records serve various crucial purposes, including:

• Legal Documentation: They establish identity, citizenship, and familial relationships, aiding in estate settlements and executing wills.
• Genealogical Research: These records help trace family lineage and uncover ancestry for genealogists and family historians.

Pinellas County Probate Court Records

In Pinellas County, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, who serves as the custodian of the Court Records, oversees probate court records related to various cases, including estate cases, guardianships of minors and incapacitated persons, Baker Act cases concerning mental health disorders, Marchman Act cases involving drug and alcohol abuse, and the filing of deposit wills. To access these records, individuals must request them from the Clerk using a designated email address to which service must be directed. Those without email access may request an excusal from the Clerk. Necessary forms can be found on the Forms page.

Pinellas County Property Records

Pinellas County provides public access to property records through various means. These records typically include information such as property ownership details, property tax assessments, sales history, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and any recorded liens or encumbrances on the property. Access to property records can be obtained from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser, either in person or through their official website. Also, the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller maintains property records, including deeds, mortgages, and other related documents, which can be accessed through their online official records search tool or in person at their office.

Pinellas County Property Appraiser - Main Office
County Courthouse
315 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-3207
Fax: (727) 464-3448

Pinellas County Property Appraiser - North County
Northside Square
29269 US Highway 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33761.
Pinellas County Property Appraiser - South County
2500 34th Street North, 2nd Floor
St. Petersburg, FL 33713.

Pinellas County Court Records Online

Typically, the general public can access Pinellas County court records through official government portals and third-party online resources. Third-party online resources like courtrecords.us are available for accessing court records in Pinellas County, providing convenient options for individuals to search for and obtain relevant information. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and allow users to search for court records by case number, party name, or other relevant criteria. Advantages of using third-party online resources include convenience, efficiency, accessibility, and additional features such as advanced search filters and document retrieval services.

However, there are also limitations associated with online access to court records. Third-party platforms may not always have the most up-to-date or accurate information compared to official court databases, and accessing detailed court records or additional features may require payment or subscription fees. Also, users should be cautious about the privacy policies and data security measures of third-party websites to ensure the protection of sensitive information. Moreover, online resources may not provide access to all court records, especially those that are sealed, confidential, or restricted by law.