St Petersburg City civil court records hold every civil case filed by people and businesses in this Florida city. These records sit with the Pinellas County Clerk of Court.
Anyone can look up these records online or visit the clerk’s office in person. This page shows you how to search, what records exist, and where to get help for civil cases in St Petersburg.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court System
The Pinellas County Clerk of Court runs the entire civil court record system for St Petersburg. The city does not run its own civil court. Every civil case filed by a St Petersburg resident or business goes to the county clerk’s office first.
Who Manages St Petersburg Civil Court Records
Ken Burke serves as the Clerk of Court for Pinellas County. His office handles all civil case filings, court papers, and official records for the county. St Petersburg is the largest city in Pinellas County, so a large portion of the county’s civil cases come from St Petersburg residents and local businesses.
St Petersburg Courthouse Location and Details
The Pinellas County court system has two main courthouse locations. The main office sits in Clearwater at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. A second branch location sits in St Petersburg at 545 1st Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33701. Both locations handle civil court records and accept new filings.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Main Office (Clearwater) | 315 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756 | (727) 464-3341 |
| St Petersburg Branch | 545 1st Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33701 | (727) 464-3341 |
St Petersburg Quick Facts
St Petersburg sits in Pinellas County on Florida’s west coast. The city has a population of about 267,000 people. It belongs to the 6th Judicial Circuit, which covers Pinellas and Pasco counties together. The clerk’s office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, at both courthouse locations.
How to Search Civil Court Records Online
You can search civil court records for St Petersburg without leaving home. The Pinellas County Clerk runs a free online portal that connects to every case in the county. Three main tools let you search these records from any device with internet access.
Using the Pinellas County Clerk Online Portal
The Pinellas County Clerk website at pinellasclerk.com hosts the main case search tool. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The tool covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. St Petersburg civil cases show up in the same search results as cases from other Pinellas County cities.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to all 67 county clerks in the state. This statewide tool lets you search St Petersburg civil court records and file new cases at any time. Creating an account costs nothing. The portal has a DIY Florida tool that asks you questions and fills out the correct court forms for your case type.
Searching by Name and Case Number
The name search lets you type the full name of a person or business. Results show all matching cases, dates filed, and current status. The case number search requires the exact case number, which you can get from court papers or a previous search. The attorney search finds all cases where a specific lawyer served as the attorney of record.
Free Public Access Options
Basic case searches cost nothing through the Pinellas County Clerk portal. You can view case headers, party names, filing dates, and hearing schedules. Printed copies and certified copies cost extra. The online portal shows civil judgments, liens, foreclosure filings, and small claims cases without any fees.
Civil Court Structure for St Petersburg Cases
St Petersburg civil cases go to one of two court levels. The amount in dispute and the type of case decide which court hears the matter. Both courts sit within the 6th Judicial Circuit.
Circuit Court vs County Court
Circuit Court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $30,000. This court also hears family law cases, probate matters, guardianship cases, and felony criminal cases. County Court handles civil cases where the amount is $30,000 or less. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court.
| Court Level | Amount in Dispute | Common Case Types |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | Over $30,000 | Personal injury, contracts, real property, family law, probate |
| County Court | $30,000 or less | Small claims, evictions, landlord tenant disputes |
Common Case Types in St Petersburg
The most common civil cases in St Petersburg include mortgage foreclosure filings, landlord tenant disputes, personal injury claims, contract disputes, and debt collection lawsuits. The Pinellas County Clerk’s office receives thousands of new civil filings each year from St Petersburg residents and businesses.
Small Claims and Evictions
Small claims cases in St Petersburg cover disputes up to $8,000. These cases move faster than regular civil cases and use simpler rules. Eviction cases are filed separately from small claims but stay in County Court. Landlords file most evictions in St Petersburg through the Pinellas County Clerk’s office.
Types of Records Available
The Pinellas County Clerk keeps many types of civil records for St Petersburg. Each record type serves a different purpose and shows up in different searches.
Civil Judgments and Liens
Civil judgments from St Petersburg cases show up in the Official Records search. This includes money judgments from lawsuits, mechanic’s liens on property, and foreign judgments from other states. These records stay in the system for years and affect credit reports and property sales.
Foreclosure Records
St Petersburg has one of the highest foreclosure rates among Florida cities. The Pinellas County Clerk records every foreclosure filing. You can search these records by property address, lender name, or homeowner name. The records show the original mortgage amount, the default amount, and the sale date if the case closed.
Landlord Tenant Cases
Eviction cases and landlord tenant disputes in St Petersburg appear in the civil court records system. You can search by tenant name, landlord name, or property address. The case file shows the lease terms, the amount of rent claimed, and the court’s decision.
Family and Probate Records
Divorce cases, custody disputes, and probate matters from St Petersburg also sit in the clerk’s system. These cases have separate search categories but use the same online portal. Some family law records are sealed by court order and do not show up in public searches.
In-Person Access Options
Some people need to visit the courthouse in person. The Pinellas County Clerk offers computer terminals at both courthouse locations for free searches. Staff members can help you use the search system and direct you to the right records.
Clearwater Main Courthouse
The main Pinellas County Courthouse sits at 315 Court Street in downtown Clearwater. This location has the largest records archive and the most staff. Visitors can search old case files from decades ago. The Clearwater office also handles passport applications and other clerk services.
St Petersburg Branch Location
The St Petersburg branch courthouse sits at 545 1st Avenue North. This location handles many civil court hearings and accepts new filings. The branch has public computer terminals for record searches. Wait times at the St Petersburg branch tend to be shorter than at the main Clearwater office.
What to Bring for In-Person Searches
Bring a valid photo ID when visiting either courthouse. Write down the name or case number you want to search before you arrive. Old case files require advance notice for the clerk to pull them from storage. You will pay per page for any printed copies.
- Photo ID (driver license, state ID, or passport)
- Party name or case number for your search
- Cash or card for copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
Filing Fees and Costs
Filing fees for St Petersburg civil cases follow the Florida state fee schedule. The fees stay the same at both courthouse locations. The clerk’s office accepts cash, check, money order, and most credit cards.
Standard Filing Fees
A new civil case in Circuit Court costs $400 to file. A new civil case in County Court costs $300 to file. Small claims cases cost $175 to file. These fees cover the basic filing and do not include service of process fees for delivering papers to the other side.
Copy and Certification Costs
Regular copies of court documents cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $3 certification fee. Copies of documents in the Official Records system cost the same. Faxed documents and expedited copies carry higher fees.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has some of the strongest public records laws in the country. These laws give you the right to see most court records without explaining why you want them.
Chapter 119 Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and city records are open for public viewing and copying. This law covers civil court records from St Petersburg. You do not need to be a party in the case to ask for the records. The clerk’s office must let you see the file during regular business hours.
Sealed and Exempt Records
Some records stay closed to the public. Sealed records require a court order to open. Records involving minors, adoption, and certain family law matters are often sealed. Exempt records include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers. The clerk redacts this private data before showing files to the public.
Confidential Information Rules
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 requires anyone filing court papers to flag any private data using a Notice of Confidential Information form. If private data slips through, anyone can ask the clerk to redact it at no cost. The clerk keeps the original sealed version for court use and removes the private data from the public version.
Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases
People who handle their own civil cases without a lawyer can use free resources from the Florida Courts system. These tools help you fill out forms, file papers, and follow the right steps.
Florida Courts Self-Help Forms
The Florida Courts self-help page at flcourts.gov has free forms and guides for civil court matters. You can find packets for small claims, evictions, family law, and other common case types. These forms work for St Petersburg civil cases filed through the Pinellas County Clerk.
DIY Florida Tool
The DIY Florida tool sits inside the E-Filing Portal. It asks you simple questions about your case and fills out the right forms. More than 20 form types work with this tool. You can file the completed forms through the portal to the Pinellas County clerk’s office.
E-Filing Portal Support
The E-Filing Portal support desk is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. Call (850) 577-4609 for help with electronic filing of civil cases in St Petersburg. Training videos on the portal walk you through each step from start to finish.
Nearby County Civil Court Resources
People in nearby counties use different clerks for their civil court records. Each county in Florida runs its own clerk’s office with its own online portal.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Hillsborough County covers Tampa and sits next to Pinellas County. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court runs civil records for Tampa cases. The online portal at hillsclerk.com works the same way as the Pinellas County portal. Tampa cases use different case numbers than St Petersburg cases.
Pasco County
Pasco County sits north of Pinellas County and shares the 6th Judicial Circuit. The Pasco County Clerk of Court handles civil records for New Port Richey and other Pasco cities. The online portal at pascoclerk.com lets you search Pasco County civil records.
Other Florida Counties
Large Florida counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, and Palm Beach run their own civil court records systems. Each county has its own online portal and search tools. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to all 67 county clerks, so you can file or search from one account.
Contact Information and Location
The Pinellas County Clerk of Court serves all St Petersburg civil court records needs. You can reach the clerk’s office by phone, in person, or through the website.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Ken Burke |
| Main Office Address | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| St Petersburg Courthouse | 545 1st Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33701 |
| Phone Number | (727) 464-3341 |
| Website | pinellasclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| E-Filing Portal Support | (850) 577-4609 |
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers the most common questions about St Petersburg civil court records. Each answer gives you clear steps and current details based on how the Pinellas County Clerk runs the system. These answers help you avoid common mistakes and find what you need faster.
How Much Does It Cost to Search St Petersburg Civil Court Records?
Basic online searches for St Petersburg civil court records cost nothing. You can view case headers, party names, and filing dates through the Pinellas County Clerk portal without paying any fees. Printed copies cost $1 per page, and certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $3 certification fee. If you need old case files pulled from storage, the clerk may charge an additional retrieval fee. Calling the clerk’s office at (727) 464-3341 before you visit helps you learn the exact fees for your specific request.
Can I Search St Petersburg Civil Records by Name for Free?
Yes, you can search St Petersburg civil records by name for free through the Pinellas County Clerk online portal. The name search covers all civil cases in the county, which includes every case from St Petersburg. You can search by full legal name or business name. The search results show case numbers, filing dates, case types, and current status. You can view the docket sheet for each case without paying any fees. Only printed copies and certified documents cost money.
What Is the Difference Between Circuit Court and County Court Records in St Petersburg?
Circuit Court records in St Petersburg cover cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $30,000. These cases include personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes, foreclosure actions, and family law matters. County Court records cover civil cases where the amount is $30,000 or less. These cases include small claims up to $8,000, evictions, and minor civil disputes. Both court levels sit within the 6th Judicial Circuit and use the same Pinellas County Clerk’s office for record keeping.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep St Petersburg Civil Court Records?
The Pinellas County Clerk keeps St Petersburg civil court records based on Florida state retention schedules. Most civil case files stay in the system for at least 10 years after the case closes. Foreclosure records and real property cases stay longer. Very old files may sit in off-site storage and require advance notice to retrieve. You can ask the clerk’s office about specific records by calling (727) 464-3341 or visiting the courthouse during business hours.
Can I Access Sealed Civil Records in St Petersburg?
Sealed civil records in St Petersburg stay closed to the public unless a court order opens them. Parties to the case and their attorneys can see sealed records. Other people must file a motion with the court asking to unseal the records. The court decides whether to grant the motion based on the reasons given. Some sealed records stay sealed forever, especially those involving minors, adoption, or certain family law matters.
How Do I File a New Civil Case in St Petersburg?
You can file a new civil case in St Petersburg through the Pinellas County Clerk’s office. File online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or visit either courthouse location in person. You must fill out the correct forms for your case type and pay the filing fee. Circuit Court cases cost $400 to file, and County Court cases cost $300. Small claims cases cost $175. The clerk’s office can tell you which forms you need for your specific situation.
Are St Petersburg Civil Court Records the Same as Official Records?
St Petersburg civil court records and Official Records serve different purposes. Civil court records show case filings, hearings, and judgments from lawsuits. Official Records show recorded documents like deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments from other courts. Both systems sit within the Pinellas County Clerk’s office, and both have online search tools. Many civil judgments also appear in the Official Records system after the case closes.