Clearwater City public records include arrest reports, booking logs, mugshots, court filings, and property documents held by the City of Clearwater, the Clearwater Police Department, and Pinellas County. Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, gives every person the right to view or copy these records.
You do not need a reason, a relationship to the person, or a government ID to ask for them. This page covers how to look up Clearwater arrest records, booking data, mugshots, jail rosters, and other public files in 2026.
What Counts as a Public Record in Clearwater
Any document made or received by a government agency in the course of official business is a public record. This covers police reports, arrest affidavits, booking photos, court dockets, and property deeds. Police arrests, jail bookings, and court cases all create paper or digital files. These files stay open to the public unless a specific Florida law lists them as exempt.
The main agencies that hold Clearwater arrest and public records are:
- Clearwater Police Department (CPD)
- Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO)
- Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Pinellas County Jail
- City of Clearwater departments such as Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement
Each agency holds different types of records. Knowing which agency keeps the file you need saves time and fees.
Clearwater Arrest Records: What They Include
A Clearwater arrest record shows when a person was taken into custody, where the arrest happened, the charge, and the arresting officer. The record also shows booking data: height, weight, date of birth, fingerprints, and a photo. The full arrest report may add witness statements, evidence lists, and probable cause statements.
Arrest records in Clearwater fall into three groups:
- Arrest log. A daily list of people arrested in the city. The Clearwater Police Department posts a recent arrest log on its public site.
- Booking record. The jail’s intake file. It shows the person’s name, charges, bond, and booking photo. The Pinellas County Jail keeps these records.
- Arrest report. The full investigative file. It may take longer to get and parts may be redacted while a case is active.
All three are public record under Florida law. Active investigations have limited redactions, but the fact of the arrest stays public.
How to Search Clearwater Arrest Records by Name
You can search Clearwater arrest records by name through three main sources.
1. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail. The PCSO website has a “Who’s in Jail” lookup that lets you search current inmates and recent bookings by name. The database updates every few hours. You can see charges, bond amount, booking date, and a booking photo for each person.
To use the PCSO arrest search:
- Go to the PCSO website at pcsoweb.com
- Click “Inmate Search” or “Recent Bookings”
- Type the first and last name
- Add a date of birth if you have it to narrow the results
- Review the matching records
This tool covers everyone booked into the Pinellas County Jail, which includes people arrested by Clearwater Police, the PCSO, and other agencies in the county.
2. Clearwater Police Department Records Request
For a specific arrest report, contact the Clearwater Police Department Records Division. The CPD keeps arrest reports for arrests made inside city limits. You can ask in person, by phone, by mail, or by email. The report is free to view, but copies cost $0.15 per page. A redacted copy of a police report usually takes 3 to 5 business days to prepare.
The Clearwater Police Department is at 645 Pierce Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone: (727) 562-4242. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
For statewide criminal history, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers a paid background check. The FDLE database shows Florida arrests, convictions, and final case outcomes. The cost is $24.00 per check. You must have the person’s full name, date of birth, and written consent. This is the official statewide record used for employment and licensing.
Clearwater Booking Records and Mugshots
A booking record is created when a person is processed into jail. It includes a mugshot, fingerprints, personal details, charges, and bond. Booking records are public record under Florida law. The Pinellas County Jail makes these records available online through the PCSO inmate search.
You can see a Clearwater mugshot in two ways:
- Use the PCSO inmate search while the person is still in jail
- Request the booking photo from the PCSO Records Bureau after release
Third-party mugshot sites often copy booking photos from county jail systems. These sites are not official. For legal or official use, always request the record from the PCSO or the arresting agency.
Clearwater Recent Arrests and Current Inmates
The Clearwater Police Department publishes a recent arrest log on its website. The log shows the name, age, charge, and arrest date for people arrested in the last 24 to 72 hours. The log is updated daily by the CPD Public Information Office.
To see who is currently in jail in Clearwater, use the PCSO inmate search. The database shows all inmates housed in the Pinellas County Jail. The jail sits at 14400 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762.
| Facility | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinellas County Jail | 14400 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762 | (727) 464-6415 | Open 24 hours |
| Clearwater Police Department | 645 Pierce St, Clearwater, FL 33756 | (727) 562-4242 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM |
| Pinellas County Clerk of Court | 315 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756 | (727) 464-7000 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM |
| Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | 10750 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778 | (727) 582-6200 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM |
Clearwater Court Records and the 6th Judicial Circuit
After an arrest, the case goes to court. Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County and home to the main Pinellas County Courthouse. The courthouse handles cases in the 6th Judicial Circuit, including felony criminal cases, family law, civil suits, probate, and traffic cases.
You can search court records for free at the Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal. The portal shows case number, parties, charges, hearing dates, and the judge. You can also see if a case ended in a plea, dismissal, or verdict.
To look up a court record:
- Visit the Pinellas Clerk website at mypinellasclerk.gov
- Choose “Court Records Search”
- Enter the defendant’s name or case number
- View the docket and hearing schedule
Certified copies of court records cost $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page. You can order these in person at the Clerk’s office or by mail.
Clearwater Property and Official Records
The Pinellas County Clerk also handles property records. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, and judgments. The official records index is free to search. You can see who owns a property, when it was last sold, and if there is a lien on it.
For property values and tax data, the Pinellas County Property Appraiser is the source. The Appraiser’s site shows ownership, assessed value, sales history, and parcel maps. Both are public records and both are free to view online.
Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes create a broad right of access. Any person can ask for any record made or received by a government agency. The agency must produce the record unless a specific law says it is exempt.
Key points of Florida Chapter 119:
- No reason is needed to request a record
- No ID or proof of citizenship is required
- Requests can be made in person, by phone, by mail, or by email
- Agencies must respond in a reasonable time
- Denials must cite the specific exemption
This law covers Clearwater arrest records, jail booking photos, police reports, and court dockets. It also covers city budgets, contracts, and meeting minutes.
Record Exemptions in Florida
Not every record is open. Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes lists exemptions. Common exemptions that affect arrest and jail records include:
- Active criminal investigative details
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Home addresses of active law enforcement officers
- Medical and mental health records
- Juvenile criminal records in most cases
- Sealed or expunged records
For example, while the fact of an arrest is public, the home address of the person arrested is usually redacted. Photos of victims of certain crimes are exempt. Undercover officer identities are exempt.
If an agency denies your request, it must tell you which exemption it relied on. A vague denial with no specific citation is not lawful.
Fees and Request Process
Most public records in Clearwater are free to view. Copies have a small fee set by state law.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (city and county) | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copies (court records) | $2.00 per document + $1.00 per page |
| FDLE statewide criminal history | $24.00 per person |
| Clerk electronic certified copy | $2.00 per document |
For records that take more than 30 minutes to gather, the agency may charge for staff time. The first 30 minutes of research time is free. After that, the charge is based on the wage of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work.
What to Do If Your Records Request Is Denied
If a Clearwater agency denies your request, you have three main options:
- Ask for the legal basis in writing. The agency must cite the specific exemption. If they do not, the denial is not lawful under Florida law.
- Contact the Florida Attorney General. The AG’s Office runs a free mediation program for public records disputes. Phone: (850) 245-0140.
- File a lawsuit. Under Florida law, a person who wins a public records lawsuit can recover attorney fees and costs.
Most disputes are settled at the mediation stage. Keep all written records of your request and the agency’s response.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Search
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency in the county. The PCSO makes recent arrests and current inmate data available on its official website. The PCSO database covers arrests by:
- PCSO deputies
- Clearwater Police Department officers
- Other municipal agencies that book into the county jail
The PCSO also publishes a daily arrest bulletin. The bulletin lists name, age, charge, and booking time. It is a public record and can be requested from the PCSO Public Information Office.
Clearwater Police Department Arrest Log
The Clearwater Police Department posts a recent arrest log on its public site. The log covers the last 72 hours. The log includes:
- Full name of the person arrested
- Age
- Charge (misdemeanor or felony)
- Date and time of arrest
- Booking number
For older arrest logs, you must file a written records request with the CPD Records Division. Older logs stay on file for several years.
Clearwater Jail Booking Records: What to Expect
When someone is arrested in Clearwater, they are taken to the Pinellas County Jail for processing. Booking takes 2 to 6 hours. During booking, the jail collects:
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Charge details from the arresting officer
Once booked, the person’s data is added to the PCSO inmate search. The person may be released on bond, transferred to another facility, or held until first appearance in court.
Arrest History vs. Criminal History
An arrest history is a list of arrests, even if the person was not convicted. A criminal history shows convictions and final case outcomes. Both are public record, but they come from different sources.
| Record | Source | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest history (local) | PCSO, CPD, Clerk of Court | Free to view |
| Arrest report (full) | Arresting agency | $0.15 per page |
| Florida criminal history | FDLE | $24.00 |
| Federal criminal history | FBI | $18.00 |
For background checks on employees, tenants, or volunteers, the FDLE check is the official record.
Arrest Search by Name: Step-by-Step
To run a Clearwater arrest search by name, follow these steps:
- Open the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office website at pcsoweb.com
- Click the “Inmate Search” link
- Enter the person’s first and last name
- Add a date of birth if you have it to narrow results
- Click “Search”
- Review the list of matching inmates
- Click the name to see the full booking record, including mugshot, charges, and bond
If the person is not in the current inmate list, the next step is to search the Clerk of Court records for past cases. Past cases show the final outcome of the arrest.
Contact and Location Summary
Main agencies and their roles for Clearwater public records:
Clearwater Police Department (CPD): 645 Pierce St, Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone: (727) 562-4242. Records Division hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: myclearwater.com/police
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO): 10750 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778. Phone: (727) 582-6200. Records Bureau hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: pcsoweb.com
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court: 315 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone: (727) 464-7000. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: mypinellasclerk.gov
Pinellas County Jail: 14400 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762. Phone: (727) 464-6415. Visitation: 7 days a week, by scheduled appointment. Website: pcsoweb.com/inmate-search
City of Clearwater City Clerk: 112 S Osceola Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone: (727) 562-4040. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: myclearwater.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearwater City Public Records
How do I look up recent arrests in Clearwater, Florida?
You can look up recent arrests in Clearwater in two main ways. First, check the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office inmate search at pcsoweb.com. The PCSO database shows current inmates and recent bookings in the county jail, which includes Clearwater arrests. Second, the Clearwater Police Department posts a daily arrest log on its website at myclearwater.com. The CPD log shows the last 72 hours of arrests made inside city limits. For older arrests, file a records request with the CPD Records Division. The request is free to submit. Copies of arrest reports cost $0.15 per page under Florida law.
Are Clearwater arrest records public in 2026?
Yes. Clearwater arrest records are public under Florida Chapter 119 and the Florida Constitution. The fact of an arrest, the charges, the booking date, and the mugshot are all public. Some details are exempt, such as Social Security numbers, juvenile records, and active investigative details. Sealed or expunged records are removed from public view by court order. For any arrest not sealed or expunged, the record stays open and can be requested at any time.
Can I see Clearwater mugshots online for free?
Yes. The PCSO inmate search lets you see current mugshots for free. Once a person is released, the mugshot leaves the public search. To get a mugshot after release, request a copy of the booking photo from the PCSO Records Bureau or the arresting agency. Third-party sites post booking photos, but these are not official sources. For legal or official use, get the mugshot directly from the PCSO or the CPD.
What is the difference between the Clearwater arrest log and the booking record?
The arrest log is a daily list of people taken into custody. It shows name, age, charge, and time. The booking record is the full jail intake file. It shows the mugshot, fingerprints, personal property, medical screening, and bond. The arrest log comes from the Clearwater Police Department. The booking record comes from the Pinellas County Jail. Both are public. The booking record has more detail than the arrest log and stays in the PCSO system for the entire time the person is in custody.
How long does the Clearwater Police Department keep arrest records?
The CPD keeps arrest records for several years. Adult felony arrest records stay on file indefinitely. Misdemeanor arrest records stay on file for at least five years after the case ends. Records for cases that go to court are also stored by the Pinellas County Clerk. You can request older records through the CPD Records Division. Requests for very old records may take longer to process because they may be on microfilm or in off-site storage.
Can I get a Clearwater arrest record removed from the internet?
You can only remove a record through a court order. If a case ends in a full acquittal, you may qualify for an expungement under Florida law. An expunged record is removed from public view. If a case is sealed, the record still exists but is no longer public. Most third-party sites are not required to remove the photo once it is expunged. You must contact each site to ask for removal. The official PCSO and FDLE records will be updated once a court signs the order.
What if the person was arrested in Clearwater but lives in another county?
Use the same lookup tools. The PCSO inmate search covers the entire Pinellas County Jail, regardless of where the person lives. The Clearwater Police Department arrest log covers the arrest itself, no matter where the person lives. The court case is filed in Pinellas County, so the Pinellas Clerk of Court holds the case docket. You can look up the case at mypinellasclerk.gov by name or case number. For an out-of-state criminal history, the FBI runs a national check through the Identity History Summary at $18.00 per request.