Clearwater Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Clearwater, Florida government websites.

  About Clearwater City Government
Annual Budget $118 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Clearwater, Florida, is the Clearwater City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than specific districts. Each member serves a term of four years. As of October 2023, the current council members include Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor Kathleen Beckman, and council members David Allbritton, Mark Bunker, and Hoyt Hamilton.

For the fiscal year 2023, Clearwater's approximate annual operating budget is $118 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Clearwater City Council holds regular meetings every Thursday at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Clearwater City Hall, located at 112 S Osceola Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756. The public is encouraged to attend, as these meetings provide an opportunity for residents to engage with their elected officials and stay informed about city governance.

  About Clearwater, Florida

Nestled in the heart of Pinellas County, Clearwater, Florida, is a vibrant coastal city renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and rich cultural scene. With a population estimate of approximately 115,000, Clearwater stands out not only for its scenic beauty but also for its inviting atmosphere and diverse neighborhoods, including the bustling downtown area, the upscale community of Island Estates, and the family-friendly residential sections of the Countryside area. Founded in the late 1800s, Clearwater has evolved significantly over the years, growing from a small settlement into a thriving urban center. The local economy is buoyed by tourism, healthcare, and education, with prominent employers such as the City of Clearwater, Honeywell, and a range of healthcare facilities including Morton Plant Hospital. Clearwater's distinctiveness lies in its dedication to community engagement, recreational opportunities, and the preservation of its natural environment, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.

Law enforcement in Clearwater is primarily provided by the Clearwater Police Department, which ensures the safety and security of its residents. Additionally, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in broader law enforcement efforts across the county, including Clearwater. For individuals seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history related to Clearwater, the process begins with contacting the Clearwater Police Department's Records Unit, where individuals can request reports directly. Alternatively, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office maintains records that may be relevant, and those interested can request specific information by visiting their website or contacting their agency directly. For broader criminal history checks, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides a comprehensive state criminal repository through its Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. This service allows individuals to conduct background checks and request criminal history information online. Many of these records can also be accessed through dedicated online lookup portals, facilitating easier access for those seeking information about criminal activities in the Clearwater area.

The judicial system in Clearwater is served by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Court, which oversees various court-related functions, including the management of court records. To access court records, individuals can utilize the Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal and make requests through the website, or they can visit the Clerk's office in person. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are also housed at the Pinellas County Clerk-Recorder's office and can be requested either online or in person, as well as through the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. Property records are available through the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office and can be accessed by visiting their office or through their online portal, which provides users with the ability to search property information efficiently. Furthermore, Clearwater residents can file general public records requests under the Florida Sunshine Law, which mandates accessibility to governmental records. Typically, responses to these requests are provided within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accountability in local government.

  Clearwater, Florida Public Records & Government Resources

About Clearwater

Nestled along the sparkling shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater, Florida is a vibrant coastal community within Pinellas County. This city of approximately 116,984 residents boasts a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, when it transitioned from a small settlement into a thriving urban center. Today, Clearwater is celebrated for its stunning white-sand beaches, inviting atmosphere, and diverse neighborhoods - from the bustling downtown to the upscale Island Estates and family-friendly Countryside area.
The local economy is bolstered by tourism, healthcare, and education, with major employers like the City of Clearwater, Honeywell, and Morton Plant Hospital. Clearwater is dedicated to preserving its natural environment and providing ample recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Pinellas County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the St. Petersburg Police Department, Clearwater Police Department, and Largo Police Department. Each city department handles law enforcement within its respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and regional initiatives, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Pinellas County Jail, also known as the Pinellas County Detention Center, is located in Clearwater. The facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Inmate lookup is available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific guidelines on what visitors can bring. The bond and bail process follows Florida state law, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through a licensed bondsman.

Court Records

For those seeking information about the court system in Clearwater and Pinellas County, the Florida Courts website at https://www.flcourts.gov/ provides a centralized resource. This platform offers tools for searching case records, accessing court calendars, and understanding the jurisdiction of the various state and local courts serving the Clearwater area. Additionally, the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains detailed information about civil, criminal, and probate proceedings on their website, enabling residents to stay informed about the local judicial process.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Pinellas County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains these records, which are accessible to the public under Florida's Sunshine Law. Background checks can be conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Florida Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in maintaining and disseminating criminal records for Pinellas County residents.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pinellas County are maintained by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the Sheriff's Records Division. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, charges, and booking details. Florida's public records law, known as the Sunshine Law, ensures that these records are accessible to the public, although certain sensitive information may be redacted for privacy reasons.

Public Records Access

For individuals in Clearwater and the surrounding Pinellas County area seeking property records, the Florida Department of Revenue provides a comprehensive online resource at https://floridarevenue.com/property/. This platform allows users to access detailed information about real estate assessments, deeds, mortgages, and other key property-related data. Additionally, the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office maintains a user-friendly website with tools for researching parcel information, exemptions, and tax details specific to Clearwater and the broader county.

Economy & Demographics

Clearwater's local economy is largely driven by the tourism, healthcare, and education sectors. The city's beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and array of cultural attractions draw visitors from around the world, supporting a thriving hospitality industry. Healthcare is another significant economic driver, with Morton Plant Hospital and other medical facilities serving as major employers. Additionally, Clearwater is home to several prominent educational institutions, including Clearwater Christian College and Pinellas Technical College, which contribute to the area's skilled workforce.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Public safety in Clearwater is primarily overseen by the Clearwater Police Department, which can be contacted at https://www.clearwaterpolice.org/Home. This local law enforcement agency is responsible for responding to emergency calls, investigating crimes, and maintaining order within the city. For broader law enforcement efforts across Pinellas County, including Clearwater, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office also plays a crucial role. Individuals seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, or criminal history information related to Clearwater can begin the process by contacting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at https://www.fdle.fl.gov/Criminal-History-Records.

Vital Records

Clearwater residents can obtain vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses through the Florida Department of Health. The state's vital records website at https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/ offers a centralized portal for requesting and accessing these important documents. Whether individuals need to verify a family member's birth details or obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate, this resource provides a streamlined process for Clearwater residents to access their vital records.

Business & Licensing Records

The City of Clearwater maintains a comprehensive set of resources for local businesses, including information on licensing, permitting, and zoning regulations. Entrepreneurs and established companies can visit the city's website at http://www.clearwater-fl.com/ to navigate the process of obtaining necessary business licenses, permits for commercial construction or renovations, and details on land use and zoning requirements specific to Clearwater. This information is crucial for ensuring compliance and supporting the growth of the local business community.

Elections & Voter Records

Clearwater voters are served by the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, with the main office located at 13001 Starkey Road, Building G, Largo, FL 33773 (phone: 727-464-8683, website: votepinellas.com). Florida residents can register to vote online at registertovoteflorida.gov up to 29 days before any election. Registration requires a Florida driver license or ID card number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. First-time voters may need to provide identification when voting. Clearwater operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and four city council members elected citywide. Municipal elections are nonpartisan and held in March of odd-numbered years. The next Clearwater municipal elections will be held in March 2025 for certain council seats, and mayoral elections typically occur every four years (most recently 2024). Voters can find sample ballots, candidate information, and local ballot measures at votepinellas.com. To locate polling places, Clearwater residents can use the precinct finder at votepinellas.com/Voter-Information-Search or call the Supervisor of Elections. Early voting is available at multiple locations across Pinellas County, typically beginning 10 days before Election Day. Florida's extensive public records laws make most election records publicly accessible: voter registration rolls (minus certain confidential information) can be purchased on a cost-recovery basis; campaign finance reports for local, state, and federal candidates are searchable through the Florida Division of Elections at dos.fl.gov/elections and the Federal Election Commission; candidate qualification documents and ballot measure petitions are public; and precinct-level election results are published at votepinellas.com. In the November 2024 general election, Pinellas County reported approximately 67% voter turnout with over 540,000 ballots cast from approximately 805,000 registered voters. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Clearwater and Pinellas County voters will decide several significant races: Florida's gubernatorial election (as Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited), one of Florida's two U.S. Senate seats (the Class III seat), all of Florida's 28 U.S. House seats including Pinellas County's representatives, Florida State Senate and House districts covering Clearwater, Pinellas County constitutional offices including Sheriff, Clerk of Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and Supervisor of Elections, plus potential county commission seats and judicial retention elections. Florida offers vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots available upon request without requiring an excuse; voters can request a mail ballot online at votepinellas.com, by phone at 727-464-8683, or by written request. Mail ballot requests are valid through the end of the calendar year in which they are made for general election cycles. Ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted (postmark does not count). Clearwater residents can track their mail ballot status online through the Supervisor of Elections website to confirm receipt.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Free Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Pinellas County and Clearwater provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive free online databases for court records, property data, jail rosters, business filings, and election information, exemplifying Florida's nationally recognized commitment to government transparency through its robust sunshine laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Clearwater, Florida, you will be transported to the Pinellas County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Pinellas County Court. Under Florida law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.dc.state.fl.us/offenderSearch/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Clearwater area is served by the Pinellas County School District. According to the Florida Department of Education, the district's overall performance grade for the 2019-2020 school year was a B. The district's graduation rate was 82.2%, and the district's average SAT score was 1020.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the total number of reported crimes in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida in 2019 was 8,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 7,100 property crimes.
The Clearwater Public Library in Pinellas County, Florida provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Florida government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), which governs access to government documents in Florida. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Clearwater Florida Archives and Genealogy at https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/genealogy/. Contact the Clearwater Public Library reference desk at (727) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida Library is located at 100 N. Osceola Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755.
Fingerprinting services for Clearwater, Florida residents are provided at the Clearwater Police Department, which serves Pinellas County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Clearwater Police Department at (727) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
To obtain vital records from Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, you must contact the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Clerk's office is responsible for issuing birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.

To obtain a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person named on the record, and a completed application form. The application form can be found on the Clerk's website.

The vital records include the full name of the person, date and place of birth, date and place of death, date and place of marriage, and date and place of divorce. The records also include the names of the parents or spouse, if applicable.
Police reports from Clearwater, Florida can be obtained from the Clearwater Police Department, located in Pinellas County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), most police reports are public records in Florida, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Clearwater Police Department Records Division at (727) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
A background check in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Florida. Criminal background checks are processed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Florida residents. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Pinellas County, Florida

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Belleair North Redington Beach Redington Beach Belleair Beach Belleair Bluffs Dunedin