Pinellas County Courts

Pinellas County is the seventh most populous county in Florida. Located on the west central coast of Florida, it is the most densely populated county in Florida. Its largest city is St. Petersburg, and its county seat is Clearwater. It is also home to about 961,000 people, making up approximately 4.4 percent of Florida's population. On average, Pinellas County records at least 30,000 cases in its Circuit Court and 107,000 case filings in its County Court. Out of this, there are 38,000 criminal cases, 52,000 civil cases, 9,000 family cases, and 7,800 probate case filings. Court case dispositions reach approximately 140,000 yearly.

Pinellas County has a two-tiered court system, which consists of the Circuit and the County Courts. The majority of the courts are primarily located in Clearwater; however, St. Petersburg hosts a few of the court facilities. The following are the court types in Pinellas County, as well as their jurisdiction:

• The Pinellas County Circuit Court has several divisions, such as the civil, family, criminal, and probate divisions. Each department handles specific cases ranging from professional malpractice lawsuits, establishment of paternity, drug trafficking, and mental health proceedings.
• The Pinellas County Courtis structured into distinct units, namely civil, criminal, traffic, and small claims.

How To Access Pinellas County Court Records

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, known as the Public Records Act, establishes the right of access to court records. Therefore, all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Certain records, however, fall under exemption and may be accessed by the subjects of record and their legal representatives. There are often requirements for obtaining court records in Pinellas County. This typically involves submitting a valid photo ID and providing a case number. The following are ways in which Pinellas County residents may access court records.

Online

The public can access court records online through the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's website. The types of files available on this portal include criminal, civil, traffic, family, probate, and juvenile case information. Members of the public may also find court case information on CourtCaseFinder. Individuals may find records from federal, state, and county courts on this third-party website. Records are accessible using such criteria as the names of parties involved and case number.

Furthermore, the public may find cases filed in all federal courts on the Public Access to Court Records Electronic (PACER) system. Record seekers are required to register for an account on the PACER system to find records. To find records, you may search the specific case in the federal court where such cases were filed. However, if you do not know the court where a case was filed, you may utilize the PACER case locator feature. While registration is free, users are generally charged a fee to view records.

In-Person

A clerk of court is usually assigned to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all court proceedings, filings, and judgments. Therefore, the public may find records by visiting the appropriate clerk's office in person. In addition, certain courthouses provide public terminals for self-service access to court records. These public self-service terminals are typically located in the clerk's office, where individuals may view and, in many cases, print or copy court records. Court record access in Pinellas County usually involves a nominal fee. Certified copies cost $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, while regular copies cost $1.

Old and Archived Records

The public may utilize the Court Records Public View portal to view historic and archived court records in Pinellas County. For child support and alimony records, individuals may locate them at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida. Archived felony records are located at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL. On the other hand, archived municipal court records are available at:

How To File a Case in Pinellas County

Filing a case is a structured process that involves several requirements. The process is subject to strict procedural requirements, including adherence to legal timelines. While individuals may represent themselves in court, they are obligated to adhere to established legal procedures. Whether pursuing justice for a civil rights violation, breach of contract, or other matter, understanding the steps involved is crucial. Furthermore, errors in filing or procedural missteps may lead to delays or dismissal.

The jurisdiction and nature of a case determine where such a case may be tried. While some courts support online case filing, others still rely on traditional methods such as in-person submission. The Florida Courts E-filing System is available for online case filing in Pinellas County. Furthermore, in-person filings are also acceptable by going to the appropriate clerk's office and submitting your documents along with the required fees. However, e-filing is mandatory for all case filings in Pinellas County.

Individuals are required to pay a filing fee to initiate a case in Pinellas County. However, there are fee exemptions for those who are unable to afford court costs. Indigent parties are required to fill out the Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status Form and submit it to the clerk of court when filing their case. If approved, they may be exempt from paying such fees as the service of process fee, mediation fees, and costs for certified copies of orders and judgments. A guide to the filing fee for Pinellas County is available on thePinellas County Circuit Court Clerk's website.The following is a step-by-step approach to filing a case in Pinellas County:

• Identify the case type: Individuals are required to determine the type of case involved, as each case type has a specific procedure.
• Fill out the required forms: Litigants are required to use the appropriate forms to file their case. They may also visit the specific clerk's website to access the required forms for their case type.
• File the case: Individuals are required to submit completed forms along with supporting documents to file their case. They may do so in person at the appropriate clerk's office or via an electronic filing portal.
• Serve the other party: The defendant may be formally notified about the petition filed against them by the plaintiff. This ensures the defendant has an opportunity to respond.
• Track your case: Individuals may utilize the Pinellas County Access Portal to monitor filings and court dates.
• Prepare for court: It is necessary to gather evidence, follow deadlines, and attend hearings. You may, however, be referred to mediation before trial.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

The United States provides a broad array of resources to ensure equal access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their financial status. In Pinellas County, Florida, this commitment is demonstrated through court-backed initiatives, legal assistance programs, and pro bono legal panels that contribute to bridging the justice gap.

Self-represented litigants often encounter challenges such as paying court filing fees, document preparation costs, and attorney consultation expenses. To help ease these burdens, Pinellas County offers several supportive resources, including fee waivers for eligible individuals, affordable legal consultations, and free legal aid provided by nonprofit organizations. Below are some of the key resources available to Pinellas County residents seeking legal representation:

Free & Low-Cost Legal Aid for Pinellas County Residents

• Bay Area Legal Services: This is a nonprofit law firm that offers free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents. The areas of specialization cover family law, eviction, domestic violence, and bankruptcy cases.
• Community Law Program: It provides support through pro bono legal services and by organizing legal advice clinics. It focuses on family law and eviction cases. Individuals may contact the organization at 501 1st Ave N Ste 512, St. Petersburg, FL, or call (727) 582-7402.
• Gulfcoast Legal Services: Free legal aid is available for individuals facing eviction or dealing with family law issues. They also assist victims of domestic violence.

Self-Help Centers (for people without attorneys)

• Pinellas County Clerk's Self Help Centers: Helps with family law, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases. These centers provide court-approved forms, notarization, and procedural guidance.

Online Legal Tools

• Florida Courts Help: It offers guides and forms for self-represented litigants.
• FloridaLaw Help: This organization provides a statewide directory of legal aid offices and free legal info.

Types of Courts in Pinellas County, New Jersey

Pinellas County operates a dual-level trial court system that facilitates the administration of justice. Both Circuit and County Courts are served by a dedicated Clerk of Court, whose responsibilities are defined by the Florida Constitution. The clerk plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the judicial system by managing records, processing filings, and supporting courtroom procedures. Below are the types of courts that exist within Pinellas County:

Circuit Courts in Pinellas County

Pinellas County Circuit Court

Jurisdiction: It is a court of general jurisdiction and reviews certain decisions made in the County Courts.

Contact Information:

Pinellas County Circuit Court

Jurisdiction: It handles juvenile cases and criminal court proceedings.

Contact Information:

Pinellas County Circuit Court

Jurisdiction: This court oversees more serious cases like family law matters and felonies.

Contact Information:

Pinellas County Circuit Court

Jurisdiction: It processes cases related to wills, probate, and guardianship. It also hears landlord-tenant cases and personal injury claims.

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County Courts in Pinellas County

County Court of Pinellas County

Jurisdiction: It processes ordinance and traffic violation cases. It also manages small claims disputes under $8,000.

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County Court of Pinellas County

Jurisdiction: This court holds hearings for protective orders related to domestic violence cases. It also handles juvenile dependency and delinquency cases.

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County Court of Pinellas County

Jurisdiction: The County Court accepts filings for small claims, misdemeanors, and traffic citation cases.

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County Court of Pinellas County

County Court of Pinellas County

Jurisdiction: It handles misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic violations.

Contact Information:

There are no federal courts in Pinellas County; however, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida serves the county. This court has jurisdiction over federal cases for Pinellas and surrounding counties. The address of this court is located at:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pinellas County Courts

The following are some of the frequently asked questions in Pinellas County courts: