Pinellas County Court Records
What Is Pinellas County Court Records
Court records in Pinellas County are official documents created and maintained by the county's judicial system during legal proceedings. These records document the activities, decisions, and filings associated with cases heard in Pinellas County courts. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the official custodian of these records pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.13.
Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented during proceedings
- Docket information
- Case dispositions
The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and various court administrative orders. Members of the public seeking access to court records may contact:
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller 315 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000 Pinellas County Clerk
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.
Are Court Records Public In Pinellas County
Court records in Pinellas County are generally considered public documents in accordance with Florida's Constitution (Article I, Section 24) and the Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those created by the judicial system.
However, certain exceptions and limitations to public access exist:
- Records sealed by court order
- Records deemed confidential by Florida Statutes
- Cases involving juveniles (with certain exceptions)
- Records containing sensitive personal information
- Adoption proceedings
- Baker Act proceedings
- Records related to ongoing investigations
Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 establishes procedures for determining confidentiality of court records. Individuals seeking access to potentially confidential records may need to file a motion with the court demonstrating good cause for access.
The Pinellas County public records portal provides comprehensive information regarding accessibility of various types of records maintained by county agencies, including court documents.
How To Find Court Records in Pinellas County in 2025
Pinellas County offers multiple methods for accessing court records in 2025. Members of the public may utilize the following approaches to locate and review court documents:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Clerk's office during regular business hours to request and review court records. Staff can assist with locating specific cases using available indices.
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller - St. Petersburg Branch 545 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 464-7000
Online Access: The Clerk's View Records portal provides electronic access to many court records. Users can search by case number, party name, or other identifiers.
Written Requests: Written requests for copies of court records may be submitted via mail or email. Requests should include:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Specific documents requested
- Contact information for response
Certified Copies: Certified copies of court records, required for official purposes, may be obtained for a fee as established by Florida Statutes § 28.24. Requests for certified copies must be made in writing or in person.
How To Look Up Court Records in Pinellas County Online?
Pinellas County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. The primary resource for electronic court record searches is the Clerk's official website.
To conduct an online search:
- Visit the Pinellas County Clerk's View Records page
- Select the appropriate record type (Civil, Criminal, Traffic, etc.)
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Access available documents, which may be viewable online or available for purchase
Additional online resources include:
- Florida's Second District Court of Appeal - For appellate cases involving Pinellas County matters
- Florida Appellate Case Information System - For searching appellate court dockets and opinions
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida - For federal cases in the jurisdiction covering Pinellas County
Users should note that pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(d), certain information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy and prevent identity theft.
Can You Search Pinellas County Court Records for Free?
Pinellas County provides several options for free access to court records, though certain services may incur fees as prescribed by Florida Statutes § 28.24. The following free search options are available to the public:
- Basic case searches through the Clerk's online portal are available without charge
- In-person inspection of public records at the Clerk's office during regular business hours
- Public access terminals located at courthouse facilities throughout the county
- Basic docket information through the Florida Courts statewide system
Fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (physical or electronic)
- Certified copies
- Extensive research assistance requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time
- Records requiring significant redaction before release
- Specialized searches requiring custom programming
The current fee schedule, as established by Florida Statutes and local administrative orders, is available at the Clerk's office or on their official website.
What's Included in a Pinellas County Court Record?
Pinellas County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Initial appearances
- Indictments or information (in criminal cases)
Procedural Documents:
- Motions and responses
- Court orders and rulings
- Hearing notices
- Subpoenas
- Witness lists
Evidentiary Materials:
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Deposition transcripts
- Affidavits
- Expert reports
Disposition Documents:
- Judgments
- Verdicts
- Sentencing information (in criminal cases)
- Settlement agreements (when filed with the court)
- Appeals notices
Administrative Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Judge assignments
- Attorney information
- Party details
- Docket entries documenting all case activity
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed confidentially, including social security numbers, bank account information, and certain medical records.
How Long Does Pinellas County Keep Court Records?
Pinellas County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by Florida law and administrative policies. The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430 and the Florida Department of State's records management program govern these retention periods.
General retention guidelines include:
- Felony case records: Maintained permanently
- Misdemeanor case records: Maintained for 5-10 years after case disposition
- Civil case records: Maintained for 5-10 years after final judgment
- Probate case records: Maintained permanently
- Family law cases: Retention varies by case type (5 years to permanent)
- Traffic infractions: Maintained for 3 years after final disposition
Historical court records dating back to the county's establishment in 1912 are preserved through various archival methods. The Clerk's office has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve older records and improve accessibility.
Records scheduled for destruction are carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with retention requirements. Parties with an interest in preserving specific records beyond their scheduled retention period may petition the court for extended preservation.
Types of Courts In Pinellas County
Pinellas County's judicial system encompasses multiple court levels, each with distinct jurisdictions and authority. The county's court structure includes:
Circuit Court (Sixth Judicial Circuit) The Circuit Court handles felonies, civil cases exceeding $30,000, probate matters, family law cases, and appeals from County Court decisions. The Sixth Judicial Circuit serves both Pinellas and Pasco counties.
Pinellas County Circuit Court 315 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000
County Court County Court addresses misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims. Multiple locations serve different geographic areas of the county.
Pinellas County Justice Center 14250 49th Street North Clearwater, FL 33762 (727) 464-7000
Federal Courts The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida maintains facilities in Tampa and handles federal cases involving Pinellas County residents.
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida 801 North Florida Avenue Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 301-5400
Appellate Courts Appeals from Pinellas County cases are heard by the Second District Court of Appeal or, for federal matters, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
What Types of Cases Do Pinellas County Courts Hear?
Pinellas County courts adjudicate a wide spectrum of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional limits established by Florida Statutes. The following case types are regularly heard in county judicial facilities:
Criminal Proceedings:
- Felony prosecutions (Circuit Court)
- Misdemeanor cases (County Court)
- Traffic violations and DUI cases
- Juvenile delinquency matters
- Probation violations
Civil Litigation:
- Personal injury claims
- Contract disputes
- Property disputes
- Landlord/tenant conflicts
- Small claims (under $8,000)
- Civil cases valued between $8,000-$30,000 (County Court)
- Civil cases exceeding $30,000 (Circuit Court)
Family Law Matters:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and support
- Adoption cases
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Paternity determinations
Probate and Guardianship:
- Estate administration
- Will contests
- Guardianship appointments
- Baker Act proceedings
- Marchman Act cases
Specialized Proceedings:
- Drug Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
- Mental Health Court
- Dependency cases
Case assignment follows jurisdictional guidelines established in Florida Statutes § 26.012 (Circuit Court) and § 34.01 (County Court).
How To Find a Court Docket In Pinellas County
Court dockets in Pinellas County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in specific cases. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access: The Pinellas County Clerk's website offers searchable docket information. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
In-Person Requests: Docket information may be reviewed at public terminals located at:
Pinellas County Courthouse 315 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000
Pinellas County Justice Center 14250 49th Street North Clearwater, FL 33762 (727) 464-7000
Specialized Docket Systems:
- Criminal court dockets are posted daily outside courtrooms
- Florida Appellate Case Information System provides appellate docket information
- Federal case dockets are accessible through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Docket information typically includes:
- Scheduled hearings and trial dates
- Filing dates of pleadings and motions
- Court rulings and orders
- Party and attorney information
- Case status updates
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain confidential matters may be excluded from publicly accessible dockets.
Which Courts in Pinellas County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Pinellas County, certain judicial proceedings occur in forums that are not designated as courts of record under Florida law. These tribunals do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings, though they may keep other documentation.
Non-record courts and quasi-judicial bodies in Pinellas County include:
Small Claims Court While technically part of County Court, small claims proceedings (for cases under $8,000) follow simplified procedures. Though basic records are maintained, verbatim transcripts are not automatically created unless specifically requested and paid for by a party.
Traffic Hearing Officer Proceedings Certain traffic infractions may be heard by hearing officers rather than judges. These administrative proceedings maintain basic documentation but not official court reporter transcripts.
Code Enforcement Boards These administrative bodies hear violations of county and municipal codes. While they maintain records of decisions, they are not courts of record in the traditional sense.
Pinellas County Code Enforcement Board 440 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-4761
Mediation and Arbitration Proceedings Court-ordered mediation and arbitration sessions, while part of the judicial process, are not courts of record. Only the resulting agreements or awards become part of the official court record.
Parties involved in non-record proceedings who wish to preserve a verbatim record must make independent arrangements with a court reporter as provided in Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.310.
Lookup Court Records in Pinellas County
Search Pinellas County court records online
Access official records through the Clerk's portal
Find public records in Pinellas County
Search appellate cases affecting Pinellas County
Access federal court records for Pinellas County