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.

Pinellas County Court is located in Clearwater, Florida. The address is 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The court is responsible for handling civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The court also handles appeals from lower courts. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Pinellas County Court is located in Clearwater, Florida and is part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including family law, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases. The court also has jurisdiction over appeals from county court decisions.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and certified documents according to the fee schedule established under Florida Statute 119.07.

Jail & Inmate Records

• 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).

• 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.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• 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.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• 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.