Pinellas County Civil Court Records

Pinellas County civil court records are public files held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clearwater, Florida. Anyone can look up civil case filings, judgments, and docket entries for free through the clerk’s online portal or in person at the courthouse on Court Street.

Pinellas County Clerk of Court Contact

The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller keeps all civil court files for the county. The office files new cases, stores old records, and gives copies to the public. Ken Burke serves as the current Clerk of Court. His office is the only official place to get certified civil court records in Pinellas County.

Office Location and Mailing Address

The main clerk’s office sits in downtown Clearwater at 315 Court Street, Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756. The building is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can walk in during these hours to ask about civil case files, pay fees, or pick up copies of court papers.

The clerk’s office also runs the official records system for property deeds, liens, and mortgages. Civil court records are kept in a separate online system but the same building handles both types of files. The Clearwater courthouse serves as the central hub for all six county court locations in Pinellas County.

Phone Numbers and Email Contact

The main phone number for the Pinellas County Clerk’s office is (727) 464-3341. This line covers general questions about civil court records, filing fees, and case status. Staff answer calls during regular business hours. The clerk’s office also lists a general contact email on the homepage for written questions about case lookup or document requests.

Under Florida law, all email addresses sent to the clerk’s office are public records. People who do not want their email released should not send messages to the office. The official website at pinellasclerk.com lists all phone numbers and email contacts by department.

How the Civil Court System Works in Pinellas

Pinellas County sits inside Florida’s 6th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Pasco County. The circuit court system has two levels that handle civil cases. Each level has different dollar limits and case types. Knowing the right level helps people file cases in the correct court.

6th Judicial Circuit Structure

The 6th Judicial Circuit operates under the Florida court system rules. Pinellas County is one of the most populated counties in the circuit. The chief judge and circuit court administrator run court operations from Clearwater. All civil appeals from Pinellas County go to the 2nd District Court of Appeal in Lakeland.

Civil cases in Pinellas County start at the trial court level. The clerk’s office assigns case numbers and tracks all filings. After a judge issues a final ruling, the losing party can appeal to a higher court. The clerk’s office keeps appeal records along with trial court records.

Circuit Civil vs County Civil Division

Circuit Civil handles cases where the amount in dispute is more than $30,000. These cases include complex business disputes, personal injury lawsuits, real property claims, and contract fights over large sums. Circuit civil cases also include family law matters, probate cases, and guardianship filings. These cases get a case number that starts with the year followed by a code like “CA” for civil action.

County Civil handles smaller disputes with amounts up to $30,000. This division covers most landlord-tenant cases, small claims up to $8,000, and simple contract disputes. County civil cases use a different case number format. The clerk’s office can tell people which division fits their case based on the dollar amount and case type.

Common Civil Case Types in Pinellas

Civil cases in Pinellas County cover many legal disputes between people or businesses. Common case types include breach of contract claims, debt collection lawsuits, auto accidents, slip and fall injuries, and property damage claims. The county also handles many foreclosure cases each year.

Family law matters like divorce, child custody, and adoption go through the circuit court family division. Probate cases for wills and estate administration also stay in circuit court. Personal injury cases with serious harm often fall under circuit civil when the claim value exceeds the county limit.

Searching Pinellas County Civil Court Records

The Pinellas County Clerk’s website offers free online search tools for civil court records. The case search portal works from any computer or phone with internet access. No account is needed to view basic case data. People can search by name, case number, attorney, or date range.

Online Case Search by Party Name

The name search tool asks for a last name first. Adding a first name narrows down the results. Common names in Pinellas County may pull up many cases. Users can add a date range to filter older or newer cases. The search shows the case number, filing date, case type, judge, and current status.

Each case result links to a full docket sheet. The docket sheet lists every paper filed in the case with the filing date. Users can view the actual document image for most filings. Some older records may only show text entries without scanned images.

Online Case Search by Case Number

Searching by case number gives the fastest and most exact results. Case numbers in Pinellas County follow a format like “23-CA-001234” where “23” is the year and “CA” stands for civil action. County civil cases use codes like “CC” or “SC” for small claims. Users can type the full number into the search box.

People who do not know the case number can still search by name and then note the case number for later lookups. The system saves the last 25 searches for quick access. Court staff can also look up a case number at the counter if someone walks into the clerk’s office with a party name.

Searching by Attorney Name

The online search also lets people look up civil cases by the lawyer’s bar number or name. This helps people track all cases filed by a specific attorney in Pinellas County. The attorney search shows the case role, party represented, and current status of each case.

Law firms often check this data to find conflicts of interest before taking new clients. Members of the public can also use the attorney search to verify a lawyer’s local case history. The bar number search gives the cleanest results when available.

Searching by Date Range

Date range filters help narrow searches when the name is common. Users can pick a start date and end date based on when they think the case was filed. The system only shows cases filed within that window. This feature speeds up research for people who know roughly when a case was active.

Date searches also help researchers build case lists for a specific period. Press reporters use this tool to find new civil filings each week. The clerk’s office updates new filings within one business day of receipt.

Florida E-Filing Portal Access

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to all 67 county clerks in the state. Pinellas County is part of this system. Lawyers must use the portal to file civil papers. Self-represented parties can also use the portal but can still file paper documents at the courthouse if they prefer.

Creating an account on the Florida E-Filing Portal is free. Users need an email address and basic contact data. After signing up, the system sends a confirmation email. Once confirmed, users can log in and file documents with any Florida county clerk that accepts electronic filings.

The portal login page sits at myflcourtaccess.com. Users can reset passwords through the email link. Account holders see a list of all their filings across all counties. This makes the portal useful for attorneys who practice in multiple Florida jurisdictions.

Filing Fees and Payment Methods

Civil filing fees in Pinellas County vary by case type. A new circuit civil case costs more than a county civil filing. Small claims cases have the lowest fee. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person payments. The e-filing portal takes credit card and bank account payments online.

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford the filing cost. The clerk’s office has a fee waiver form that asks about income, assets, and household size. People who get public benefits like food stamps or SSI qualify for free filings. The court reviews each waiver request before granting it.

DIY Florida Form Builder

The DIY Florida tool sits inside the e-filing portal and helps people fill out court forms. Users answer questions and the system creates the right forms based on the answers. More than 20 form sets cover small claims, landlord-tenant issues, name changes, and other civil matters.

After filling out the forms, users can file them directly through the portal to the Pinellas County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply. The system catches common errors before submission. This tool saves time for people who do not have a lawyer.

Civil Court Record Fees and Copy Requests

The Pinellas County Clerk charges small fees for paper copies and certified copies. Plain copies are cheap. Certified copies cost more because they include a court seal and signature. People can order copies online, by mail, or in person.

Standard Copy Costs

Plain paper copies cost a small fee per page at the clerk’s counter. The price is set by Florida statute and stays the same across all counties. People who want to view a file without copies can look at the records for free on the public computers at the courthouse.

Online document images are free to view through the case search portal. Users can save or print these images from home at no charge. The portal does charge for certified copies ordered online. A small convenience fee applies to credit card payments.

Certified Copy Costs

Certified copies include a court seal and clerk’s signature. These copies prove the document is a true copy of the original court file. Banks, government agencies, and other courts often require certified copies. The cost is higher than plain copies because of the extra steps involved.

People can order certified copies through the online portal or by mail. The clerk’s office mails certified copies within a few business days of payment. In-person pickup is faster. Bring a photo ID to pick up certified copies at the counter.

Online Document Retrieval

The online portal lets people pull official record images from home. Users search for a case, click on the document they want, and pay the copy fee. The system delivers a digital copy that people can save or print. Some records are not available online due to age or format.

For older records, people may need to visit the clerk’s office in person. The records archive holds paper files from cases filed before the digital system started. Staff can pull these files during business hours. A small retrieval fee applies for archived records.

Small Claims and Eviction Records

Small claims cases and eviction filings make up a large share of Pinellas County civil court records. These cases handle smaller money disputes and landlord-tenant conflicts. People search these records to check on a tenant, verify a judgment, or research a former business partner.

Small Claims Court Records Search

Small claims cases cover disputes up to $8,000. Common small claims matters include unpaid bills, security deposit disputes, car repair issues, and minor property damage. The case number starts with “SC” for small claims. People can search these records the same way they search other civil cases.

Small claims hearings happen quickly, often within a few months of filing. The judge makes a ruling without a jury. The losing party has 30 days to appeal to circuit court. The clerk’s office tracks all appeal filings as part of the same case record.

Landlord-Tenant Case Records

Landlord-tenant cases go through county civil court. These cases include eviction filings, security deposit lawsuits, and repair disputes. Both landlords and tenants can file claims. The case records show the property address, monthly rent, and amount owed.

Property managers often check these records before renting to a new applicant. A history of eviction filings can be a red flag. The clerk’s office allows free searches of these records by tenant name. The records stay public even after the case ends.

Eviction Filing Lookup

Eviction records show up under county civil filings. Each eviction case includes the property address, landlord name, tenant name, and reason for eviction. Common reasons include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and holdover tenancies.

The clerk’s office posts new eviction filings to the online portal within one business day. Tenants who want to know about an eviction filing against them can search by name. The full court file includes the lease, notice to vacate, and any tenant response.

Civil Judgments and Lien Searches

Civil judgments in Pinellas County become part of the public record. A judgment is a court order that one party owes money to another. Judgments can lead to liens on property or other collection actions. People search judgment records for credit checks, real estate deals, and business research.

Money Judgment Records

Money judgments show the amount awarded to the winning party. The judgment also lists interest rates, payment terms, and court costs. A judgment lasts for several years in Florida. The winning party can renew the judgment before it expires.

The online case search shows judgment amounts in the case docket. Users can view the actual judgment document by clicking the docket entry. The document includes the judge’s signature and court seal. Some judgments include payment plans or structured settlements.

Civil Judgment Liens

Winning parties can record civil judgments with the official records section to create a lien on real property. The lien attaches to any real estate the losing party owns in Pinellas County. The lien stays on the property until the debt is paid or the judgment expires.

Title companies search these liens before closing real estate deals. The clerk’s office official records portal lets users search judgment liens by property owner name. A separate search by case number shows the underlying court case that created the lien.

Satisfaction of Judgment Records

When a judgment is paid, the winning party files a satisfaction of judgment with the clerk’s office. This document removes the lien and clears the public record. The satisfaction shows up in the case docket and the official records system.

People who paid a judgment should make sure the winning party filed the satisfaction. If the winning party fails to file, the debtor can ask the court to compel filing. The clerk’s office has forms for this process.

Confidential Information and Record Redaction

Florida law protects certain personal data from public view in civil court records. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must stay confidential. The clerk’s office redacts this data before showing records to the public.

Florida Rule 2.420 Requirements

Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 controls what data stays confidential in court files. People who file civil court papers must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form when a document contains protected data. The form tells the clerk which pages and lines have confidential numbers.

Failure to use the confidential information form can result in penalties. The clerk’s office reviews each filing for compliance. Filings without the form may be returned for correction before they enter the public record.

Redaction Request Process

People who find confidential data in a public court record can ask the clerk to remove it. The clerk’s office has a “Request to Redact Confidential Number” form for this purpose. Users fill out the form, list the case number and page, and submit it to the clerk.

The redaction request is free. The clerk’s office processes requests within a few business days. Once redacted, the public version of the document hides the protected data. The original unredacted document stays in the court file but is not available to the public.

Florida Public Records Law

Florida has strong public records laws that cover civil court files. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says most government records are open to the public. Civil court records fall under this law. Anyone can ask to see or copy these records without giving a reason.

Chapter 119 Access Rights

Chapter 119 applies to all state, county, and city agencies in Florida. The Pinellas County Clerk’s office follows this law for civil court records. People who ask for records do not need to be a party in the case. The clerk’s office must respond to records requests within a reasonable time.

The law also covers electronic records. The online case search portal is one way the clerk’s office meets its public records duties. People who need records not available online can submit a public records request to the clerk’s office.

Sealed and Expunged Records

Some civil court records get sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. A judge must issue an order to seal a record. Common reasons include protecting trade secrets, minors, or sensitive personal data.

Expungement applies mostly to criminal records, not civil cases. Civil judgments stay public unless a court seals them. People who want to seal a civil record must file a motion with the court and show good cause for the seal.

Self-Help and Legal Resources

The Pinellas County Clerk’s office and Florida Courts offer self-help tools for people without lawyers. These tools help people file civil cases, fill out forms, and understand court procedures. The clerk’s office cannot give legal advice but can point people to the right forms and resources.

Self-Represented Litigant Services

The Florida Courts self-help website has forms and instructions for common civil case types. People representing themselves can download form packets for small claims, eviction responses, name changes, and other matters. The website explains each step of the court process in plain language.

The Pinellas County Clerk’s office also helps self-represented litigants at the counter. Staff can answer basic questions about which forms to file and where to file them. They cannot tell people what to say in court or how to win their case.

Court Forms and Form Packets

Court forms for civil cases in Pinellas County are available on the Florida Courts website. Each form has a set of instructions that explain how to fill it out. Common forms include complaints, summons, motions, and answers. Some case types have special form sets for unique issues.

People who need help with forms can visit the self-help center at the Clearwater courthouse. The center has computers, printers, and staff to assist with form completion. The service is free. People should bring any documents that relate to their case.

Official Contact Information

Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, 315 Court Street, Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756. Main phone: (727) 464-3341. Official website: pinellasclerk.com. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Email addresses sent to the office are public records under Florida law.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions below cover common topics about Pinellas County civil court records. Each answer gives practical details that help people use the clerk’s office and online tools. These answers reflect current Florida law and clerk policies.

How do I search Pinellas County civil court records for free?

The Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal lets anyone search civil case records without paying. Go to pinellasclerk.com and click on the case search link. Type a party name or case number into the search box. The system shows case type, filing date, judge, and docket entries. Viewing document images is also free. The only cost applies when ordering certified copies or paper copies of large files.

Can I look up civil case records by attorney name in Pinellas?

Yes, the online search tool supports attorney name searches. Type the lawyer’s last name first or use the Florida bar number for exact results. The system lists every civil case where that attorney filed a paper. The list shows the case role, party names, and current case status. This feature helps people research a lawyer’s local case history.

What is the difference between Circuit Civil and County Civil cases?

Circuit Civil handles cases where the dispute amount is more than $30,000. These cases often involve complex business or injury claims. County Civil handles smaller disputes up to $30,000 and includes small claims up to $8,000. The dollar amount and case type decide which division hears the case. The clerk’s office can tell people which division fits their filing.

How much does a certified copy of a civil court record cost?

Certified copies in Pinellas County cost a set fee per page plus a certification charge. The clerk’s office sets the fees under Florida law. Users can order certified copies online, by mail, or at the counter. A photo ID is required for in-person pickup. The clerk mails certified copies within a few business days of receiving payment.

Are eviction records public in Pinellas County?

Yes, eviction filings are part of the public record. The records show the property address, landlord, tenant, and reason for eviction. Anyone can search these records by tenant name or case number. The clerk’s office posts new eviction filings to the online portal within one business day. Eviction records stay public even after the case ends.

How long does the clerk keep civil court records?

Florida law sets retention rules for court records. Most civil case files stay in the clerk’s office for several years after the case ends. Older files may move to a state archive. The Pinellas County Clerk’s office has digitized most recent files and keeps paper copies for older cases. Users can still request paper files from older cases through the clerk.

Can I seal a civil court record in Pinellas County?

A judge can seal a civil court record by court order. The party who wants the seal must file a motion and show good cause. Common reasons include protecting trade secrets, minors, or personal safety. The court holds a hearing before granting a seal. Sealed records are not open to the public. People who want to view a sealed record must ask the court for permission.