Pinellas County Family Court Records are official documents that track legal actions involving families in Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit. These records include divorce filings, child custody disputes, domestic violence injunctions, child support modifications, and adoption proceedings. Every case is assigned a unique docket number and stored both physically at county courthouses and digitally through the Clerk of Court’s secure online system. Residents, attorneys, researchers, and background check services rely on these records for legal, personal, or investigative purposes. The information is public under Florida Statute 119, but certain sensitive details—like children’s names or mental health evaluations—may be redacted to protect privacy. Access is available in person, by mail, or online with identity verification and payment of standard fees.
Where to Access Pinellas County Family Court Records
Three primary locations serve the public for family court record requests. The main office at 315 Court Street, Room 170, Clearwater, FL 33756, operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It handles case intake, document filing, and in-person record retrieval. The North County Branch at 29582 U.S. 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33761, offers identical services and includes a self-service kiosk for after-hours document drop-offs. The St. Petersburg Branch at 545 First Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, features a confidential interview room for private consultations related to sensitive family matters. All three sites share the phone number (727) 464-7000 and accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, and electronic funds transfer for fees.
Online Access to Family Court Records
The Clerk of Court provides a secure online portal for searching family court records filed since 1990. Users must create an account and verify their identity using a government-issued photo ID before conducting any searches. The system allows name-based queries—either full or partial—and charges a base fee of $7.00 per unique name searched. If records span multiple calendar years, an additional $2.00 is charged for each distinct year found. Search results display instant PDF docket entries. Hard copies cost $0.15 per page, and certified copies are $10.00 each. Payment is accepted via credit card, debit card, or the county’s e-payment portal. A temporary download link valid for 48 hours is generated after payment. Physical copies are prepared within two business days and mailed in tamper-evident envelopes via USPS Priority Mail.
Types of Cases Included in Family Court Records
Family court records cover a wide range of domestic relations matters. Divorce and dissolution of marriage cases include petitions, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and final judgments. Child custody and visitation disputes document parenting plans, relocation requests, and modification orders. Child support cases track enforcement actions, income withholding, and arrearage calculations. Domestic violence injunctions record temporary and final protective orders, including no-contact provisions and firearm restrictions. Adoption files contain consent forms, home studies, and court approval decrees. Paternity actions establish legal fatherhood and related rights. All case types are indexed under the Civil Court division and maintained according to Florida’s public records laws.
Fees and Payment Methods
Accessing Pinellas County Family Court Records involves several fee structures. The base search fee is $7.00 per name. Each additional calendar year with records adds $2.00. Copying costs $0.15 per page for standard prints. Certified copies, which include an official seal and clerk signature, cost $10.00 per document. Expedited processing or large-volume requests may incur extra charges. Payments can be made in person with cash, check, or card. Online transactions require credit or debit cards or use of the county’s e-payment system. Mail-in requests must include a check or money order payable to the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. Fee waivers are not available for general public requests but may apply in specific legal aid situations.
Record Retrieval Process
When a user submits a request—online or in person—the query routes to the Records Retrieval Unit. Staff cross-references the name against civil, criminal, and family case indexes. Once located, documents are scanned or pulled from storage. Electronic copies are delivered via a secure, time-limited download link. Physical copies are printed, packaged in tamper-evident envelopes, and shipped within two business days. For certified copies, staff apply the official clerk stamp and signature before mailing. Users receive email confirmations at each step. The entire process typically completes within 48 to 72 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
Confidentiality and Redacted Information
While most family court records are public, Florida law requires redaction of sensitive personal data. Social Security numbers, bank account details, and children’s full names are routinely removed. Mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment records, and certain juvenile-related filings may be sealed entirely. Protective order applications often omit addresses and phone numbers to ensure victim safety. Users should note that “as-is” records may contain pending corrections. For official verification, only certified copies issued by the Clerk’s office carry legal weight. Uncertified online prints are for reference only and cannot be used in legal proceedings.
Electronic Filing and Case Management
Attorneys and self-represented litigants can file family court documents electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The system assigns a docket number upon submission and notifies all parties via email. Case status updates—such as hearing dates, motion rulings, or settlement conferences—are posted in real time. Users can sign up for email or SMS alerts to track changes. The public docket terminal at each courthouse allows self-service searches without staff assistance. E-filing reduces paper use, speeds up processing, and ensures accurate timestamping of all submissions.
Public Records Liaison and Support
The Public Records Liaison, located at 315 Court Street, Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756, assists with complex or bulk requests. This office confirms record availability, provides fee estimates, and schedules onsite viewing appointments. Contact them at (727) 464-3341 or via the protected email listed on the official website. They explain retention schedules: civil case files are kept for ten years after closure; criminal files for at least twenty-five years. Researchers, journalists, and genealogists often use this service for historical or investigative projects.
Third-Party Services and Legal Research Tools
Platforms like Trellis.Law aggregate Pinellas County family court data into searchable databases. Subscribers can filter by case type, date, party name, or judge. Email alerts notify users of new filings in watched cases. PDFs are downloadable, and summaries export to CSV for analysis. These services comply with Florida public record laws and offer free trials for legal professionals. However, they are not official sources—always verify critical information directly with the Clerk’s office.
Common Misconceptions About Family Court Records
Many believe all family court details are fully public, but redactions and seals protect privacy. Others assume online records are always up to date, though nightly refreshes mean minor delays can occur. Some think background checks include family court data by default—they do not unless specifically requested. Additionally, out-of-state cases or expunged records are not available through Pinellas County systems. Always confirm what is included before relying on search results.
Tips for Efficient Record Searches
Use full legal names when possible to narrow results. Include middle initials if known. Check spelling variations, especially for hyphenated or changed surnames. Search by docket number if available—it yields faster, more accurate results. For recent filings, allow 24–48 hours for system updates. If no records appear, try alternate name formats or contact the Records Retrieval Unit directly. Keep receipts and download links secure, as they expire quickly.
Legal and Ethical Use of Records
Family court records may be used for legitimate purposes such as legal representation, background verification, or personal research. Commercial resale of data is prohibited under county terms of use. Misuse—including harassment, discrimination, or identity theft—is illegal. Always cite the official source when referencing records in reports or court filings. Respect privacy, especially when children or victims of domestic violence are involved.
Contact Information and Hours
Main Office: 315 Court Street, Room 170, Clearwater, FL 33756 North County Branch: 29582 U.S. 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33761 St. Petersburg Branch: 545 First Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: (727) 464-7000 Public Records Liaison: (727) 464-3341 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (all locations) Website: https://www.mypinellasclerk.org Online Portal: https://officialrecords.mypinellasclerk.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about accessing and using Pinellas County Family Court Records. Each answer provides clear, actionable guidance based on current procedures and Florida law.
How far back do Pinellas County family court records go?
Online family court records date back to 1990. Older files may exist in physical archives but require in-person requests and additional processing time. The Clerk’s office maintains all active and closed cases according to state retention schedules.
Can I get a certified copy of a divorce decree online?
Yes. After searching and locating your case, select the option to request certified copies. Pay the $10.00 fee per document. Certified copies will be mailed within two business days with an official seal and clerk signature.
Are children’s names visible in family court records?
No. Florida law requires redaction of minors’ full names and other identifying details to protect their privacy. Only initials or partial identifiers may appear in public dockets.
What if I can’t find a record online?
Try alternate spellings or contact the Records Retrieval Unit at (727) 464-7000. Some older or sealed cases may not be digitized. In-person visits or mailed requests may be necessary for complete access.
Can I use these records for a background check?
Yes, but only for lawful purposes. Family court records are public, but misuse violates privacy laws. Always verify the legitimacy of your request and avoid sharing sensitive information unnecessarily.
Do I need a lawyer to access family court records?
No. Anyone can request records, though legal representation may help interpret complex documents. Self-service terminals and online portals are designed for public use without attorney involvement.
Are protective order records public?
Yes, but with redactions. Addresses, phone numbers, and other victim identifiers are removed. The existence and terms of the order remain public unless sealed by a judge for exceptional safety concerns.