Pinellas County Criminal Records
What Is Pinellas County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Pinellas County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple government agencies in accordance with Florida's public records laws, specifically Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the "Public Records Law."
Criminal records typically contain documentation of:
- Arrests and bookings processed by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
- Criminal charges filed by the State Attorney's Office
- Court proceedings and dispositions from the Pinellas County Court
- Sentencing information and incarceration details
- Probation and parole status when applicable
The primary custodians of these records include:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
10750 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33778
(727) 582-6200
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-7000
Pinellas County Clerk
These records serve multiple public interests, including promoting transparency in the criminal justice system, facilitating background checks for employment and housing, and providing statistical data for policy development and research purposes. Pursuant to §119.01, Florida Statutes, these records are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Are Criminal Records Public In Pinellas County
Criminal records in Pinellas County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Florida's robust public records laws. Florida Statute §119.01(1) establishes that "all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This statutory framework makes Florida one of the most transparent states regarding public access to government records.
The following aspects of criminal records accessibility apply in Pinellas County:
- Most adult criminal records are publicly available without restriction
- Records can be accessed through both in-person visits and online portals
- No statement of purpose is typically required when requesting records
- Requestors do not need to identify themselves to access public records
- Nominal fees may apply for copies or certified documents
However, certain exemptions do exist under Florida law that limit public access to specific types of criminal records:
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (with certain exceptions)
- Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order
- Active criminal intelligence information and investigative records
- Information that would reveal the identity of victims of certain crimes
- Records containing exempt personal information of specific categories of individuals
The Pinellas County public records portal provides comprehensive information about requesting various types of records. Members of the public seeking criminal records should note that while most information is accessible, certain sensitive details may be redacted in accordance with §119.071, Florida Statutes, which outlines general exemptions to inspection or copying of public records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Pinellas County in 2025
Pinellas County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through multiple channels in 2025. The county has continued to enhance its digital infrastructure while maintaining traditional access methods to accommodate diverse user needs.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(727) 464-7000
When conducting criminal record searches, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- Full name of the subject (including aliases or maiden names)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Case numbers (if known)
- Approximate date range of the incident or court proceedings
- Valid identification for certain types of records
The following methods are available for accessing criminal records:
- Online searches through the Clerk's View Records portal
- In-person visits to the Clerk's Office or Criminal Justice Center
- Written requests submitted via mail or email
- Automated kiosks located in public buildings throughout the county
- Mobile application services (introduced in 2024)
Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-24.003(1)(a), agencies must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time. For expedited service, requestors are advised to utilize the online search tools which provide immediate access to most non-confidential criminal records. The Clerk's Office has implemented enhanced search functionality for 2025, allowing more precise filtering of results by case type, date range, and disposition.
How To Find Criminal Records in Pinellas County Online?
Pinellas County offers comprehensive online access to criminal records through several official digital platforms. These resources enable members of the public to conduct research without visiting government offices in person.
The primary online resources for criminal records include:
- Pinellas County Clerk's View Records portal - Provides access to court cases, including criminal proceedings, judgments, and dispositions
- Pinellas County Sheriff's Office website - Offers inmate lookup, arrest reports, and warrant information
- Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search - Contains information on current inmates and offenders under community supervision
To conduct an effective online search, users should:
- Determine which agency is likely to maintain the specific records sought
- Create user accounts where required (some systems require registration)
- Enter accurate search criteria (full legal name, date of birth, case number)
- Apply appropriate filters to narrow results
- Review search results carefully to identify relevant records
- Follow on-screen instructions for viewing, printing, or saving documents
The Clerk's online system provides access to records dating back to the early 1990s, with more recent records typically containing more comprehensive digital information. Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain confidential information may be redacted from online records even when the underlying documents are public records.
Users encountering technical difficulties with online systems may contact:
Pinellas County IT Help Desk
315 Court Street, 4th Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-4357
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Can You Search Pinellas County Criminal Records for Free?
Pinellas County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records in compliance with Florida's public records laws. Florida Statute §119.07(4) permits agencies to charge only the actual cost of duplication for most records, with many digital records available without any fee.
Free access options include:
- Basic searches on the Pinellas County Clerk's website for case information and dockets
- Public access terminals located at the Clerk's Office and public libraries throughout the county
- Pinellas County Sheriff's Office online inmate search and arrest inquiry tools
- Florida Department of State resources for county-wide inmate searches
While basic searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Extensive research requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time
- Records requiring significant redaction or special processing
- Bulk data requests or specialized electronic formats
- Expedited processing of requests
The fee schedule for records is established pursuant to Florida Statute §28.24, which authorizes the Clerk to charge specific amounts for various services. Individuals with limited financial resources may request a fee waiver by submitting an affidavit of indigency in accordance with §57.081, Florida Statutes.
Public access terminals are available at:
Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
St. Petersburg Judicial Building
545 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What's Included in a Pinellas County Criminal Record?
Pinellas County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 and relevant provisions of the Florida Statutes.
A complete criminal record typically includes:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, address, identifying characteristics)
- Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency, charges)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") and fingerprint records
- Probable cause affidavits and arrest reports
- Formal charging documents filed by the State Attorney's Office
- Court proceedings documentation (hearings, motions, orders)
- Plea information or trial outcomes
- Sentencing details and judgment documents
- Probation or parole information when applicable
- Record of fines, court costs, and restitution orders
Certain supplementary materials may also be included:
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (access may be restricted)
- Evidence inventories and property receipts
- Victim impact statements (with appropriate redactions)
- Treatment or program compliance records
- Correspondence between the court and the defendant
Pursuant to §119.071(5), Florida Statutes, certain personal identifying information is redacted from publicly accessible records, including social security numbers, bank account information, and medical information. Additionally, information identifying victims of certain offenses may be exempt from disclosure under §119.071(2)(h).
The Pinellas County Clerk maintains the official court records, while arrest and booking information is primarily maintained by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
What Are the Penalties for a Pinellas County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Pinellas County is prosecuted under Florida Statute §810.08 (trespass in structure or conveyance) and §810.09 (trespass on property other than structure or conveyance). The penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's criminal history.
For basic trespass violations:
-
First-degree misdemeanor trespass (standard charge):
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Up to 12 months of probation
- Maximum fine of $1,000
- Court costs and fees (approximately $300-$500)
-
Second-degree misdemeanor trespass (lesser charge):
- Up to 60 days in county jail
- Up to 6 months of probation
- Maximum fine of $500
- Court costs and fees (approximately $300-$400)
Enhanced penalties apply under certain circumstances:
-
Trespass while armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon:
- Third-degree felony
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Up to 5 years of probation
- Maximum fine of $5,000
-
Trespass on construction sites, agricultural properties, or utility facilities:
- Enhanced penalties may apply under §810.09(2)
- Increased fines and potential jail time
The Pinellas County Court typically processes trespass cases at:
Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762
Criminal Court Administration: (727) 464-7000
First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs, including:
- Misdemeanor Intervention Program (MIP)
- Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI)
- Community service alternatives
Successful completion of these programs may result in charges being dismissed. Defendants should consult with legal counsel regarding eligibility and application procedures. The State Attorney's Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit handles prosecution of these cases in accordance with Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.
How Long Does Pinellas County Keep Criminal Records?
Pinellas County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and Rule 1B-24, Florida Administrative Code.
The retention periods for various criminal records are as follows:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Criminal court dockets: Permanent retention
- Arrest records:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 5 years
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention
- Non-filed or dismissed cases: Minimum of 5 years
- Traffic criminal records: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
These retention schedules represent minimum requirements; in practice, Pinellas County often maintains records for longer periods, particularly as digital storage has become more economical. The Pinellas County Clerk has digitized many older records, making them accessible beyond the required retention periods.
Important considerations regarding record retention:
- Sealed records: Maintained but with restricted access pursuant to §943.059, Florida Statutes
- Expunged records: Physical destruction required under §943.0585, Florida Statutes
- Juvenile records: Special retention rules apply under §985.04, Florida Statutes
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention with special archival procedures
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:
Pinellas County Records Management
315 Court Street, 4th Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-3321
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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