About Pinellas County
Pinellas County, Florida, is a unique peninsula county situated between Tampa Bay to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, covering approximately 280 square miles of land area with an additional 344 square miles of water. Pinellas County seat is Clearwater, located at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. With a population exceeding 975,000 residents, Pinellas County ranks as one of the most densely populated counties in Florida and the entire United States. Established in 1912 from the southern portion of Hillsborough County, Pinellas takes its name from the Spanish "Punta Piñal" (Point of Pines). Major landmarks include the renowned St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach (consistently ranked among America's best beaches), the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, historic Fort De Soto Park, and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. Pinellas County is home to 24 incorporated municipalities, including St. Petersburg (Pinellas County's largest city and fifth-largest in Florida), Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas County Park, and Tarpon Springs (famous for its Greek sponge diving heritage). Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, located at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, maintains official records including court documents, marriage licenses, and recorded instruments. The Property Appraiser's Office, situated at 315 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756, assesses all real and tangible personal property. The Tax Collector's Office, at 315 Court Street, 1st Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756, collects property taxes and issues vehicle registrations. What makes Pinellas County unique is its remarkable coastline spanning 35 miles of Gulf beaches, its distinction as Florida's most densely populated county, its thriving arts and culture scene anchored by St. Petersburg's museum district, and its status as a major tourist destination attracting millions annually while maintaining distinct residential communities and a strong local identity.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. It operates Pinellas County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community policing efforts and specialized divisions such as the Narcotics Division and the Marine Unit, which patrols the extensive waterways in Pinellas County.
Police Departments
Pinellas County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including 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.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO), headquartered at 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including detention operations, court security, and civil process. Pinellas County Jail, located at the main campus in Largo, houses inmates and provides a public inmate lookup system accessible through the PCSO website's "Who's In Jail" feature, allowing searches by name, booking number, or physical characteristics with real-time booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and certified documents according to the fee schedule established under Florida Statute 119.07.
Municipal police departments serving Pinellas County cities include the St. Petersburg Police Department (serving Pinellas County's largest city with over 260,000 residents), Clearwater Police Department, Largo Police Department, Pinellas Park Police Department, Tarpon Springs Police Department, Dunedin Police Department, Gulfport Police Department, Treasure Island Police Department, St. Pete Beach Police Department, Seminole Police Department, Kenneth City Police Department, Belleair Police Department, and Indian Rocks Beach Police Department, among others.
Under Florida's full public records law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (the Florida Public Records Act), and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, arrest records are generally public information. Citizens can request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information from the Sheriff's Office Public Records Unit by submitting written requests to the Records Section at the Largo headquarters, with responses typically provided within a reasonable timeframe as mandated by law. Mugshots and booking photos are considered public records in Florida and are available through the PCSO online jail inquiry system, which displays booking photographs for current inmates, or by requesting records directly from the Sheriff's Office Records Section.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Pinellas County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. 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 Department of Law Enforcement also helps with maintaining and disseminating criminal records for Pinellas County residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pinellas County are maintained by 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.
Jail & Inmate Records
Pinellas County Jail, also known as Pinellas County Detention Center, is located in Clearwater. The facility handles the booking process for people arrested within Pinellas 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.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pinellas County are taken and retained by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are available for public viewing through the Sheriff's Office website, where individuals can search for mugshots by name or booking date. Florida does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can request removal from private websites under certain circumstances, often requiring legal action.
Courts & Case Records
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serves Pinellas County and Pasco County, with Pinellas County courthouse complex located at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 (main civil courthouse) and the criminal courthouse at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762. The court system includes the Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including dissolution of marriage and custody disputes, probate and guardianship proceedings, and appeals from county court.
- Pinellas County Court handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, civil cases under $30,000, small claims disputes up to $8,000, traffic violations, and preliminary felony proceedings.
- Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains all court records and provides public access through multiple channels.
- The online system provides case dockets, court calendars, judgments, liens, and document images for most recent cases.
- Under Florida Statute 28.24, the clerk may charge fees for certified copies ($1.50 per page for copies, plus certification fees), exemplified copies, and research services.
- In-person record requests can be made at the clerk's offices during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
The clerk's main office is located at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Court records are searchable online through the clerk's full case search portal at www.pinellasclerk.org, where users can access civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic case information free of charge for viewing, though certified copies require fees. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 governs public access to judicial branch records, establishing that court records are presumptively public with specific statutory exemptions for confidential information such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain family law sensitive data. The court system also includes specialized divisions such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Juvenile Court, all maintaining records through the Clerk's office with appropriate confidentiality protections where mandated by law.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit maintains a full website at www.jud6.org with court calendars, judicial directories, self-help resources, and electronic filing information for attorneys and pro se litigants.
Property & Public Records
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the official Recorder of Deeds and maintains all property related documents for Pinellas County. The Official Records Division is located at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, with full online services available at www.pinellasclerk.org.
- Recording fees are established by Florida Statute 28.24, with the first page of most documents costing $10 and each additional page $8.50, plus additional fees for certified copies.
The Official Records repository includes deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, declarations of condominium, restrictive covenants, plat maps, subdivision maps, powers of attorney affecting real property, military discharges (DD-214s), Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, and federal tax liens. The Clerk's online Official Records Search system provides free public access to recorded documents dating back to the 1800s, with images of recorded instruments viewable and printable at no charge for unofficial copies. Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office, headed by an elected Property Appraiser, maintains property tax assessment records at 315 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756, website www.pcpao.gov.
The Property Appraiser's online portal offers a full GIS mapping system and parcel search tool allowing users to search by owner name, address, parcel identification number, or interactive map, displaying property characteristics, assessed values, exemptions, sales history, aerial photography, and property tax estimates. This searchable database is free to the public and updated regularly. Pinellas County Tax Collector's Office, at 315 Court Street, 1st Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756, website www.taxcollector.com, provides online access to property tax payment history, current tax bills, and delinquent tax information.
Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person at the Clerk's Official Records counter, by mail with appropriate fees, or through the online ordering system with credit card payment and document delivery via email or postal mail. Pinellas County's sophisticated online Property and Geographic Information System (GIS) viewer integrates tax assessment data, zoning information, aerial imagery, flood zone maps, and recorded document references, providing full property research capabilities without charge to the public, exemplifying Florida's strong commitment to transparent land records under Chapter 28 and Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.
Vital Records
Vital records for events occurring in Pinellas County, Florida, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth certificates for births occurring in Pinellas County can be requested from the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, which maintains local vital records, or from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 Birth certificates cost $9 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously, with processing times typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates (recorded marriage records) cost $2 for the short form and $5 for the long form.
- Expedited processing is available for additional fees, and same-day service may be available for in-person requests at the state vital statistics office in Jacksonville depending on record availability and workload.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate a direct and tangible interest as defined by Florida Statute 382.008, including the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or authorized legal representatives, with valid government-issued photo identification required. Death certificates follow similar procedures, available through the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, with the same fee structure ($5 for the first certified copy, $4 for additional copies). Death certificates are available to immediate family members, legal representatives of the estate, funeral directors, and others demonstrating legal entitlement under Florida Statute 382.008.
Marriage licenses are issued by Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Marriage License Department, 315 Court Street, Room 170, Clearwater, FL 33756 The marriage license fee is $86 for couples who have not completed a premarital preparation course, or $56.50 for couples who present a completion certificate from a qualified course provider as authorized under Florida Statute 741.0305. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance and require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers.
Divorce records (final judgments of dissolution of marriage) are maintained as court records by Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and can be searched through the clerk's online case search system or requested in person at the Family Law Records section. Online ordering of vital records is available through the Florida Department of Health's VitalChek partner website at www.floridahealth.gov/certificates, though VitalChek charges additional processing fees beyond the state fees. The statutory framework governing vital records in Florida includes Chapter 382, Florida Statutes (Vital Statistics), Chapter 741 (Marriage), and Chapter 119 (Public Records), with certain vital records subject to confidentiality restrictions to protect privacy while balancing public access rights.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Pinellas County, Florida, are maintained by multiple agencies at Pinellas County, state, and municipal levels depending on the type of business activity and licensing requirements. Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains fictitious name registrations ("Doing Business As" or DBA filings) at the Official Records Division, 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
- These registrations are searchable through the Clerk's online Official Records search system at www.pinellasclerk.org.
- Local business tax receipts are required for most businesses operating in Pinellas County under Chapter 205, Florida Statutes, with fees varying based on business classification and gross receipts.
- Pinellas County Economic Development department, at 13805 58th Street North, Suite 2-200, Clearwater, FL 33760, provides business assistance, site selection support, and economic incentive information.
Fictitious name registrations are required under Florida Statute 865.09 for any person or entity conducting business under a name other than their legal name, with registration forms filed with the Clerk and published in a newspaper of general circulation. For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, maintains the statewide business entity database accessible at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz. The Sunbiz database provides free public access to business formation documents, registered agent information, annual reports, officer and director names, business addresses, entity status, and filing history for all Florida business entities, with document images available for download.
Business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) are issued by Pinellas County Tax Collector's Office at various branch locations, with information available at or www.taxcollector.com. Additional municipal business tax receipts may be required for businesses operating within incorporated cities. Professional and occupational licenses for regulated professions (contractors, real estate agents, health care professionals, cosmetologists, etc.) are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and searchable at www.myfloridalicense.com.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning information are administered by Pinellas County Construction Licensing & Building Services Department, located at 400 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Suite 100, Clearwater, FL 33756, with permit records searchable online through Pinellas County's permit portal. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce (www.tampabaybeaches.com) and the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (www.clearwaterflchamber.org) serve the business community with networking, advocacy, and resources. Sales tax registration and permits are handled by the Florida Department of Revenue at floridarevenue.com, with sales tax collected at 7% in most of Pinellas County (6% state rate plus 1% county surtax).
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Pinellas County, Florida?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Pinellas County, Florida?
How do I get a criminal background check in Pinellas County, Florida?
How can I look up sex offenders in Pinellas County, Florida?
How do I register to vote in Pinellas County, Florida?
How do I look up property records in Pinellas County, Florida?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Pinellas County, Florida?
How do I find business license records in Pinellas County, Florida?
Cities & Towns in Pinellas County
Explore public records for 27 cities and communities in Pinellas County, Florida.
Economy & Demographics
Major employers include BayCare Health System (Pinellas County's largest private employer with over 13,000 employees in Pinellas County), Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Raymond James Financial Services (headquartered in St. Petersburg with over 7,000 employees), Tech Data Corporation (now TD SYNNEX, a major IT distribution company), Jabil Inc. (electronics manufacturing services), Home Shopping Network (HSN), Nielsen Holdings, and the Publix Super Markets corporate presence.
- Manufacturing remains significant with aerospace components, electronics assembly, medical devices, and food processing operations throughout Pinellas County.
The median household income in Pinellas County is approximately $59,000, slightly above the Florida median but below the national average, reflecting Pinellas County's diverse economic base and significant retirement population.The marine science and technology cluster has expanded significantly, with institutions including the U.S. Geological Survey Center for Coastal and Watershed Studies, NOAA facilities, the Florida Institute of Oceanography, and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus (with its College of Marine Science) contributing to research, innovation, and high-skill employment.
The financial services sector thrives with Raymond James Financial, Synovus Bank operations, and numerous wealth management firms concentrated in downtown St. Petersburg. The unemployment rate in Pinellas County has remained consistently below the national average, hovering around 3.0-3.5% in recent years, demonstrating economic resilience and labor market tightness.
Economic development initiatives focus on targeted industry recruitment in life sciences, information technology, marine research, financial services, and advanced manufacturing, supported by workforce development partnerships with St. Petersburg College, Pinellas Technical College, and the University of South Florida. Major recent and ongoing development projects include the redevelopment of Tropicana Field site in St.
Petersburg, continued expansion of the Feather Sound corporate park area, revitalization of downtown Clearwater, and substantial resort hotel renovations and expansions along the beach communities. The Port of St. Petersburg contributes to maritime commerce and cruise operations.
Agriculture is minimal given Pinellas County's dense urban development, though some specialty agriculture and aquaculture operations exist. The retirement population contributes significantly to healthcare services demand and consumer spending, with retirees representing approximately 25% of residents. The economic trajectory shows continued diversification beyond tourism, growing technology sector presence, and substantial investment in infrastructure and quality of place amenities that attract talent and businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pinellas County, Florida, are administered by Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, an elected constitutional officer whose office is located at 13001 Starkey Road, Suite 106, Largo, FL 33773, phone (727) 464-VOTE (8683), with a full website at www.votepinellas.com providing election information, voter services, and election results. Voter registration in Pinellas County is available to U.S.
- Voters must register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election as required by Florida Statute 97.055.
Citizens who are at least 18 years old (or will be by election day), Florida residents, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated about voting or, if convicted of a felony, have had voting rights restored. Online voter registration is available through the Florida Department of State website at registertovoteflorida.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration using a Florida driver license or ID card. Paper registration forms are available at county libraries, driver license offices, various government agencies, and the Supervisor of Elections office.
Voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Supervisor of Elections website and using the "Find My Precinct" tool, which requires entering the voter's address and returns the specific polling location, sample ballot, and early voting sites. Pinellas County maintains approximately 170 Election Day polling places throughout Pinellas County's diverse geography. Election records that are public under Florida's Chapter 97 and Chapter 119 statutes include the voter registration database (with certain personal information redacted under Florida Statute 97.0585, such as social security numbers, driver license numbers, and signatures), precinct-level election results, campaign finance reports filed with the Supervisor of Elections for county and municipal candidates, candidate qualifying documents, polling place lists, and early voting and vote-by-mail statistics.
Campaign finance records for state and federal candidates are maintained by the Florida Division of Elections and Federal Election Commission respectively. S.
Senate and U.S. House of Representatives midterm elections, Florida Cabinet positions, state legislative races (Florida Senate and House of Representatives), county constitutional officers (Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Clerk of Court, and Supervisor of Elections), county commission seats, judgeships, school board members, and various municipal offices and referenda. Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) are available to any registered voter in Florida without requiring an excuse under Florida Statute 101.62, and voters can request a ballot online through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, by written request, or in person at the elections office, with requests accepted up to 10 days before the election (though earlier requests are encouraged).
Vote-by-mail ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (with sufficient time for delivery), at secure ballot drop boxes located throughout Pinellas County (listed on the elections website), or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office or any early voting site during operating hours. Early voting is offered at approximately 14-18 convenient locations throughout Pinellas County beginning 10 days before the election and continuing through the Sunday before Election Day, with hours typically from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (including weekends), providing maximum flexibility for voters. Florida's election transparency is among the strongest in the nation, with detailed precinct-level results published on election night, full voter history data available for research purposes (with privacy protections), public testing of voting equipment before elections, and public canvassing board meetings to review provisional ballots and vote-by-mail signatures.
Citizens can request election related public records by contacting the Supervisor of Elections Records Department with specific requests, subject to reasonable fees for extensive research or copying as permitted under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.