Pinellas County Property Records
What Is Pinellas County Property Records
Property records in Pinellas County are official documents that contain detailed information about real estate parcels located within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by several county offices and serve as the authoritative source of property ownership information, valuation data, and transaction history.
The primary custodians of property records in Pinellas County include:
Pinellas County Property Appraiser
315 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-3207
Pinellas County Property Appraiser
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-7000
Pinellas County Clerk
Pinellas County Tax Collector
315 Court Street, 3rd Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-7777
Pinellas County Tax Collector
Property records serve multiple governmental and public functions, including:
- Establishing legal ownership of real property
- Determining property tax assessments
- Documenting property transfers and sales
- Recording liens, mortgages, and other encumbrances
- Providing historical data on property characteristics and values
Pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, these records are maintained in accordance with state record retention schedules and are generally accessible to members of the public through various means, including in-person visits, mail requests, and online portals.
Are Property Records Public Information In Pinellas County?
Property records in Pinellas County are public information and are accessible to all citizens in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," establishes a clear presumption of openness regarding government records.
Under Florida Statute § 119.01, it is the policy of the state that "all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This statutory framework applies to property records maintained by Pinellas County agencies, including:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgage documents
- Tax assessment records
- Property valuations
- Liens and judgments
- Plat maps and surveys
Members of the public may access these records without providing identification or stating a purpose for their request. However, certain personal information may be redacted from public records pursuant to exemptions outlined in § 119.071, Florida Statutes, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Information related to certain protected individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers, judges)
The public may submit records requests to the appropriate county office:
Pinellas County Public Records
333 Chestnut Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-4062
Public Records Request
County officials are required to acknowledge requests promptly and provide records within a reasonable time frame. Reasonable fees may be charged for duplication costs as permitted under § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes.
How To Search Property Records in Pinellas County in 2025
Pinellas County offers multiple methods for searching property records in 2025, providing flexibility to accommodate various user needs and preferences. The county has implemented enhanced search capabilities while maintaining traditional access methods.
In-person searches remain available at the following locations during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM):
Pinellas County Clerk of Circuit Court - Official Records Department
315 Court Street, 1st Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-7000
Pinellas County Property Appraiser - Main Office
315 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-3207
To conduct an effective property records search, individuals should:
- Gather identifying information about the property (address, parcel ID, owner name)
- Determine which type of records are needed (deeds, mortgages, liens, etc.)
- Select the appropriate search method based on record type and urgency
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for certified copies if needed
The Pinellas County Property Appraiser maintains a comprehensive database of property characteristics, values, and ownership information. Users may search this database using:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Subdivision name
- Map-based search tools
For official recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Clerk of Circuit Court's Official Records search system should be utilized. This system has been upgraded for 2025 to include enhanced optical character recognition and improved search algorithms.
Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-24.003(1)(a), county officials must maintain these records in a manner that facilitates public access while preserving document integrity.
How To Find Property Records in Pinellas County Online?
Pinellas County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official web portals. These digital resources allow members of the public to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources for accessing Pinellas County property records include:
-
Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Website
The Property Appraiser maintains an extensive database accessible at www.pcpao.gov. Users may search by:- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Neighborhood or subdivision
This portal provides detailed property characteristics, assessed values, exemption information, and sales history.
-
Pinellas County Clerk's Official Records Search
The Clerk of Circuit Court offers an online records search at www.mypinellasclerk.gov where users can access:- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and judgments
- Plats and surveys
Searches may be conducted by name, recording date, document type, or book and page number.
-
Pinellas County Tax Collector's Property Tax Portal
Property tax information is available through pinellastaxcollector.gov, allowing users to:- View current and historical tax bills
- Check payment status
- Research tax certificates and delinquencies
When using these online systems, users should note that:
- Document images are typically available in PDF format
- Some older records may have been digitized from microfilm
- Certain documents recorded prior to 1975 may require additional research
- Florida Statute § 119.07(2)(a) requires that electronic records be provided in the format requested if maintained in that format
For technical assistance with online searches, users may contact:
Pinellas County Information Technology Services
(727) 464-4422
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Can You Look Up Pinellas County Property Records for Free?
Pinellas County provides free access to most property records through various platforms, in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, establishes the public's right to access government records, and Pinellas County has implemented systems to facilitate this access without cost barriers.
Free property record resources include:
-
Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Online Database
The Property Appraiser's website offers complimentary access to property data including ownership information, property characteristics, assessed values, and sales history. No registration or fees are required to search this database. -
Clerk of Circuit Court's Official Records Search
Basic searches and viewing of recorded documents are available at no charge through the Clerk's online portal. Users may search by name, recording date, or document type without incurring fees. -
Public Access Terminals
Free public access terminals are available at the following locations:Pinellas County Courthouse
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMNorth County Branch Office
29582 US Highway 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33761
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
While basic access is free, certain services do carry nominal fees as authorized by Florida Statute § 28.24:
- Certified copies of documents: $2.00 per page plus $1.00 for certification
- Printed copies from public terminals: $0.15 per page
- Research assistance from staff: $2.00 per name search per year
- Bulk data requests or specialized reports: Fees vary based on complexity
The City of Clearwater also provides free access to property records within city limits through their City Clerk's office.
Users should note that pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-26.003, electronic records must be provided in a format that is easily accessible, and agencies may not charge fees for inspection of electronic records when no specialized assistance is required.
What's Included in a Pinellas County Property Record?
Pinellas County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statute § 193.114, which establishes requirements for property assessment rolls, and § 695.01, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real property.
A complete Pinellas County property record typically includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner's name and mailing address
- Previous ownership history and chain of title
- Date of acquisition and type of deed (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
- Purchase price and documentary stamp tax paid
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description as recorded in official documents
- Parcel identification number assigned by the Property Appraiser
- Lot size, acreage, and property dimensions
- Year built and effective year (accounting for renovations)
- Building specifications (square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms)
- Construction details (foundation type, exterior materials, roof type)
- Special features (pool, fireplace, garage, outbuildings)
Valuation Data:
- Just (market) value as determined by the Property Appraiser
- Assessed value after applicable assessment limitations
- Taxable value after exemptions
- Historical valuation trends
Tax Information:
- Current and historical tax rates
- Annual tax amounts and payment history
- Special assessments or municipal service fees
- Tax exemptions (homestead, senior, disability, etc.)
Land Use Information:
- Zoning classification
- Future land use designation
- Flood zone and FEMA map information
- Wetland or environmental restrictions
Recorded Documents:
- Deeds and other title instruments
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
The Pinellas County Property Appraiser maintains property characteristic and valuation data, while the Pinellas County Clerk serves as custodian for officially recorded documents affecting property rights and interests.
How Long Does Pinellas County Keep Property Records?
Pinellas County maintains property records in accordance with retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and Rule 1B-24, Florida Administrative Code.
Property records in Pinellas County are subject to the following retention periods:
Permanent Records:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Official tax rolls
- Property record cards (historical)
These permanent records are maintained indefinitely by the Pinellas County Clerk of Circuit Court and the Property Appraiser. The records are preserved through multiple formats, including:
- Original paper documents (for more recent filings)
- Microfilm archives (for older records)
- Digital images in electronic document management systems
Records with Defined Retention Periods:
- Tax payment records: 5 fiscal years
- Building permits: 10 years after issuance
- Certificate of occupancy: Life of structure
- Variance applications: 5 years after final decision
- Zoning verification letters: 5 years
The Pinellas County Records Management Department oversees the implementation of these retention schedules:
Pinellas County Records Management
440 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-3311
For historical property records dating prior to computerization (generally pre-1980), researchers may need to consult:
Pinellas County Heritage Village
11909 125th Street North
Largo, FL 33774
(727) 582-2123
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Florida Department of Revenue provides oversight for property tax records retention and has established minimum standards for record preservation that all counties, including Pinellas, must follow.
How To Find Liens on Property In Pinellas County?
Liens on property in Pinellas County are public records that can be researched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property and may include tax liens, judgment liens, construction liens, and municipal code enforcement liens.
The primary resource for lien research is the Pinellas County Clerk of Circuit Court, which maintains the Official Records database containing recorded liens. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 55.10 (judgment liens), § 713.08 (construction liens), and § 197.122 (tax liens), these documents must be properly recorded to provide public notice.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
-
Search the Official Records Database
The Clerk's online records search at www.mypinellasclerk.gov allows users to search by:- Property owner name
- Property address (limited functionality)
- Book and page number (if known)
- Document type (select "Lien" from document types)
- Recording date range
-
Check Tax Collector Records
The Pinellas County Tax Collector maintains records of:- Delinquent property taxes
- Tax certificates sold at auction
- Tax deed applications
Pinellas County Tax Collector
315 Court Street, 3rd Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-7777
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM -
Research Municipal Code Enforcement Liens
Cities within Pinellas County may file code enforcement liens. For properties within city limits, contact the respective city clerk:City of Clearwater - City Clerk
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 562-4090
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Examine Court Records for Judgment Liens
Civil judgments may become liens on property when properly recorded. Search:- Circuit Civil case records
- County Civil case records
- Small Claims judgments
For complex properties or when a comprehensive lien search is required for title insurance purposes, professional title companies or attorneys often perform these searches. Under Florida Statute § 627.7843, title insurers may issue lien search reports that provide liability protection.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Pinellas County?
The Property Owner Rule in Pinellas County refers to a set of legal principles and administrative procedures that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions. This framework is derived from Florida state statutes, local ordinances, and established case law.
Central to the Property Owner Rule is the concept that property ownership confers both rights and obligations. These principles are codified in various sections of Florida law, including Chapter 196 (Exemption), Chapter 193 (Assessments), and Chapter 197 (Tax Collections) of the Florida Statutes.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Homestead Provisions:
- Florida Constitution Article VII, Section 6 establishes homestead exemption of up to $50,000 for primary residences
- Homestead properties receive assessment increase limitations (Save Our Homes) capped at 3% annually
- Homestead status provides creditor protection under Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution
Assessment and Valuation:
- Properties must be assessed at "just value" as of January 1 each year
- Property owners have the right to challenge assessments through the Value Adjustment Board process
- Assessment notices (TRIM notices) must be sent to property owners by August 1 annually
Disclosure Requirements:
- Property owners must notify the Property Appraiser of changes affecting exemption eligibility
- New owners must file for homestead exemption by March 1 to receive the benefit for that tax year
- Failure to disclose rental or commercial use of homestead property may result in penalties
Transfer of Ownership:
- Property transfers must be properly documented through recorded deeds
- Documentary stamp tax must be paid on most transfers ($.70 per $100 of consideration)
- Save Our Homes assessment benefits may be partially transferable (portability)
The Pinellas County Property Appraiser is responsible for implementing many aspects of the Property Owner Rule, including:
Pinellas County Property Appraiser
315 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-3207
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Property owners should be aware that under Florida Statute § 196.131, the burden of proving entitlement to exemptions and assessment limitations rests with the property owner. Applications for exemptions must be filed by the statutory deadline and supported by appropriate documentation.
Lookup Property Records in Pinellas County
Pinellas County property search