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Pinellas County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Pinellas County?

Public records in Pinellas County refer to documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). These records include court documents, property records, marriage licenses, tax records, meeting minutes, and various other official documents.

The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the primary custodian of many public records in the county. This office maintains court records, official records, and various other documents that are available for public inspection.

Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756

Is Pinellas County an Open Records County?

Yes, Pinellas County is an open records county. Florida has some of the most comprehensive public records laws in the United States, often referred to as "Sunshine Laws." These laws ensure transparency in government operations by making most government records available to the public.

Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, public records are defined as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency."

Pinellas County government agencies comply with these laws by providing access to public records upon request, with certain exemptions as specified by state law.

Pinellas County Government: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756

How Do I Find Public Records in Pinellas County in 2025

Finding public records in Pinellas County in 2025 can be done through several methods:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the Pinellas County Clerk's website. The Clerk's Office provides access to court records, official records, and other documents through their online portal.

  2. In-Person Requests: You can visit the Pinellas County Clerk's Office or other relevant county departments to request records in person.

  3. Written Requests: Submit a written request to the appropriate agency that maintains the records you're seeking.

  4. County Public Records Request Portal: Pinellas County maintains an online portal specifically for submitting public records requests to various county departments.

For specific types of records:

  • Court records: Available through the Clerk of Court
  • Property records: Available through the Property Appraiser's Office
  • Tax records: Available through the Tax Collector's Office
  • Vital records (birth/death certificates): Available through the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County

Pinellas County Property Appraiser: 315 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756

Pinellas County Tax Collector: 315 Court Street, 3rd Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756

Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County: 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Pinellas County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Pinellas County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

  1. Copy Fees:

    • Paper copies: Generally $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 per two-sided page for standard letter/legal size documents
    • Certified copies: Additional fee (typically $1-2 per document)
    • Large format documents (maps, plans): Higher fees based on size

  2. Search and Retrieval Fees: If a request requires extensive use of agency resources (typically more than 30 minutes), additional labor charges may apply. These are calculated based on the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work.

  3. Electronic Records: May have reduced fees or in some cases no fee if records are already in electronic format and can be emailed.

  4. Special Service Charges: For requests requiring extensive information technology resources or clerical assistance.

It's important to note that payment is typically required before records are released, and fees can be waived or reduced in certain circumstances at the agency's discretion.

Does Pinellas County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Pinellas County does offer some public records for free:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available at no cost through the Clerk's online portal and other county department websites. This includes:

    • Court dockets and case information
    • Property records
    • County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
    • Building permits and code enforcement records

  2. Public Inspection: You can view public records in person at the appropriate agency at no cost. Fees only apply when you request copies.

  3. Electronic Delivery: Some records that are already in electronic format may be provided via email at no cost if they don't require extensive staff time to locate and prepare.

  4. Fee Waivers: In some cases, fees may be waived if the request is determined to be in the public interest or if the requester demonstrates financial hardship.

Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners: 315 Court Street, 5th Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756

Who Can Request Public Records In Pinellas County?

In Pinellas County, as throughout Florida, public records are available to anyone regardless of:

  1. Citizenship: You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or Florida resident to request public records.

  2. Age: There are no age restrictions on who can request public records.

  3. Purpose: You are not required to explain why you want the records or how you plan to use them.

  4. Identity: In most cases, you are not required to identify yourself when requesting public records, though providing contact information is necessary if you want the records sent to you.

The Florida Public Records Law specifically states that records must be made available to "any person" who requests them, with certain exemptions as provided by law. This broad access is a fundamental principle of Florida's government transparency laws.

What Records Are Confidential In Pinellas County?

While Florida has strong public records laws, certain records are exempt from disclosure in Pinellas County and throughout Florida. These include:

  1. Personal Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Medical records
    • Bank account numbers
    • Credit card numbers

  2. Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active criminal investigations
    • Confidential informant information
    • Surveillance techniques
    • Undercover personnel identities

  3. Juvenile Records:

    • Most juvenile criminal records
    • Dependency proceedings

  4. Family Court Records:

    • Certain domestic violence records
    • Child abuse reports
    • Adoption records

  5. Security Information:

    • Building security plans
    • Computer security information
    • Emergency response plans

  6. Personnel Records:

    • Employee medical information
    • Personal contact information for certain public employees

  7. Attorney-Client Communications:

    • Communications between government agencies and their attorneys regarding pending litigation

These exemptions are established by Florida Statutes and are designed to protect privacy, safety, and other important interests while still maintaining government transparency.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 4211 N Lois Ave, Tampa, FL 33614

Lookup Public Records in Pinellas County

For convenient access to Pinellas County public records, you can use the following resources:

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