Access Criminal History Records in Pinellas County

Pinellas County criminal history records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Clearwater, serving as the official custodian for all court documents within the Sixth Judicial Circuit. These comprehensive archives contain detailed arrest records, court rulings, case dispositions, and final judgments spanning many years of judicial proceedings. The Clerk's office provides public access to these records through both digital platforms and in-person services, ensuring transparency while maintaining appropriate privacy protections. Whether you need to conduct employment background checks, verify tenant applications, research legal precedents, or obtain personal records, understanding how to navigate the Pinellas County system will help you locate the specific information you require efficiently and accurately.

About Pinellas County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Pinellas County provide official documentation of arrests, charges, and court outcomes processed through the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court operates from the main office at 315 Court Street in Clearwater, overseeing records for both Pinellas and Pasco counties within the circuit. Each case file contains essential documentation including the original arrest report, formal charging documents submitted by the State Attorney, motions and pleadings filed by defense and prosecution attorneys, detailed court minutes from hearings, and the final judgment or disposition. These records represent decades of criminal justice proceedings and remain accessible to the public under Florida's government transparency laws.

Public access to these records derives from Florida Statute 943.053, which establishes the legal framework for sharing criminal history information while protecting sensitive personal details from unauthorized disclosure. You can review the full text of this statute at the Florida Legislature website to understand both your rights as a requester and any limitations on specific information types.

How to Search Local Records in Pinellas County

The Pinellas County Clerk provides multiple methods for accessing criminal records, designed to accommodate various needs and preferences. In-person visits to the Clerk's office offer the most comprehensive experience, with staff available to assist in locating specific cases, explaining file contents, and providing certified copies when required. Be sure to bring valid photo identification and any information you have—such as case numbers, defendant names, or approximate dates—as the office operates during regular weekday hours and can become busy during peak periods.

For remote access convenience, the Clerk's website features online search tools that allow you to look up cases by defendant name, case number, or filing date from any location with internet connectivity. While basic case information is typically available without charge, obtaining copies of documents or certified records usually requires payment of statutory fees. Mail-in requests serve as an alternative for those unable to visit in person or access online services—simply send a detailed request including the subject's full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, though processing typically requires several business days.

FDLE Statewide Search Options

When your investigation extends beyond Pinellas County boundaries, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers comprehensive statewide criminal history checks through their centralized database. This resource proves essential for employers, licensing agencies, and individuals who need to verify criminal records across all 67 Florida counties rather than confining their search to a single jurisdiction. FDLE aggregates data from local law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities statewide to provide the most complete criminal history picture available within Florida.

To explore available search options, visit FDLE's official page where you'll find instant name-based searches available for $24 plus applicable processing fees, delivering immediate electronic results suitable for many background verification purposes. For situations requiring official certification—such as positions working with vulnerable populations, professional licensing applications, or court proceedings—the certified search option processes through the CCHInet portal and typically takes five to seven business days to complete, requiring accurate name and birth date information.

Important limitations apply: FDLE searches only reflect criminal activity within Florida and will not include federal arrests, out-of-state convictions, or international records.

What Records Are Available in Pinellas County

The Pinellas County Clerk maintains an extensive repository of criminal case files encompassing various types of proceedings and related documentation. Arrest records document the circumstances when law enforcement took individuals into custody, charging papers specify the crimes the State Attorney formally filed, court minutes provide chronological records of each hearing and motion, and final judgments reveal case conclusions—whether through dismissal, plea negotiation, or jury verdict. The collection includes both currently active cases and historical records dating back many decades, though older files may be stored on microfilm or in secure archival facilities.

Beyond criminal cases, the Clerk's office also maintains traffic citations, civil lawsuits, family court proceedings, and small claims matters in separate sections. Staff members can help you identify which department holds specific records you need and explain the procedures for accessing each type.

Contact Information for Pinellas County

The Pinellas County Clerk of Court welcomes your questions about criminal records and stands ready to assist with your search. Their knowledgeable staff can help determine what records exist for particular individuals or cases, explain any applicable restrictions, and guide you toward the most efficient access method.

The Clerk's office also manages records for property transactions, marriage licenses, official court documents, and various other public records, with their website offering numerous digital tools to enhance accessibility.