Clearwater Court Records Search

Clearwater court records are stored at the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, which has its main courthouse right in Clearwater at 315 Court Street. This is the county seat of Pinellas County, so the primary courthouse and clerk's office are both located here.

Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court

The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court is based in Clearwater. The main office at 315 Court St. is where most court filings happen for Pinellas County. Clearwater residents have the advantage of living in the same city as the courthouse, so in-person visits are easy.

The clerk handles all court records for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County. Civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic records are all managed here. Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, these records are public. You can view any case unless a judge has ordered it sealed or the law makes it confidential.

The Pinellas County Clerk's website gives Clearwater residents direct access to court records and other services.

The site has links to court record searches, official records, jury service, and payment options. Clearwater residents use this site for most routine court business.

Searching Records Online

The View Records page on the clerk's site is where you start a court records search for Clearwater. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date range. The tool covers all case types in Pinellas County.

The View Records portal is the main search tool Clearwater residents use to find court cases in Pinellas County.

Searches are free. You do not need to create an account for basic lookups. The system shows case status, docket entries, party names, and hearing dates. Some document images are available for viewing too.

Certified copies run $1 per page. You can get them at the courthouse in Clearwater or by mail. Per Florida Statute 119.0714, the clerk strips out social security numbers and bank account info from public records online. This is automatic for all Clearwater cases and every other case in the county.

For recorded documents like deeds, liens, and mortgages, the clerk runs a separate official records search. These are not court cases but recorded instruments. Both search tools are free to use.

Family Law Records

Family cases in Clearwater go through the 6th Judicial Circuit. Divorce, child custody, paternity, and domestic violence filings are all handled at the Clearwater courthouse. The clerk's Find A Service page helps you find forms and filing steps for family court matters.

Some family records are restricted. Child dependency files are confidential. Domestic violence injunctions are public, but the court may keep certain details private to protect victims. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 covers when a judge can seal records. If sealed, they will not appear in a public search.

Clearwater residents can file family law papers through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Attorneys must e-file. Self-represented parties can choose to. The portal runs 24/7. Court fees still apply.

Since the courthouse is in Clearwater, residents can also walk in and file in person. The clerk's office on Court Street accepts filings during business hours. Bring your documents and payment for any filing fees.

Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases from Clearwater are heard in the 6th Judicial Circuit. Felony cases go to circuit court. Misdemeanors stay at the county level. The clerk stores records for both.

Search criminal records through the View Records tool. You will see charges, court dates, plea entries, and case outcomes. Arrest records come from the Clearwater Police Department or Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The clerk handles only court records, not arrest or booking data.

Per Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14, the clerk can put court documents online for public access. Sealed and expunged cases are excluded. The criminal and juvenile page on the clerk's site has more details on criminal case procedures in Clearwater and the rest of Pinellas County.

Getting Copies of Court Records

Online is the quickest way. Use the View Records page for court cases. Use the official records tool for deeds and liens. Both are free to search from home.

In person is simple for Clearwater residents. The courthouse is at 315 Court St. Walk in during business hours. Staff can help you find a case file or get copies. Bring a photo ID for certified copies.

By mail, write to the Pinellas County Clerk at 315 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Include the case number or party names and a filing date range. Add payment for copies. Processing takes a few business days plus mail time.

The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers site links all 67 county clerks. For free forms and guides, check the Florida Courts Help center. The MyFloridaCounty.com portal handles online payments for court fees and fines. Clearwater residents can pay traffic tickets, court costs, and other charges there.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Clearwater in the Tampa Bay area. Court records for each are handled by their county clerk.