Pinellas County public records include court files, arrest logs, booking photos, inmate rosters, property deeds, marriage licenses, and many other documents created by local government agencies. Florida law gives every person the right to view, copy, and request these records.
This page explains how to search Pinellas County public records online, by phone, by mail, and in person. It also covers arrest records, jail inmate lookups, mugshots, and recent booking data from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida Public Records Law and Your Right to Access
Florida’s public records law is one of the strongest in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says that any record made or received by a public agency is open to the public. Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution also protects this right. You do not need to give your name. You do not need to say why you want the records. The agency must prove a legal reason to keep a record hidden.
Most Pinellas County public records fall under this law. Court records, arrest reports, property records, and meeting minutes are all public. Some records are exempt. Active criminal investigation files, victim identity data, certain personnel files, and medical records are often sealed. If an agency denies a request, it must cite the exact legal reason in writing. The Florida Attorney General’s Office offers free help at (850) 245-0140 when an agency wrongly denies a request.
Who Oversees Pinellas County Public Records
Several agencies manage different types of Pinellas County public records. The Clerk of Court handles court files and official records. The Sheriff’s Office manages arrest records and jail data. The Property Appraiser keeps ownership and tax records. Each agency must follow the same state law when releasing documents.
| Record Type | Agency | Main Office |
|---|---|---|
| Court records | Clerk of Court | 315 Court St, Clearwater |
| Arrest logs | Sheriff’s Office | 10750 Ulmerton Rd, Largo |
| Jail inmates | Corrections Department | 14400 49th St N, Clearwater |
| Property records | Property Appraiser | 400 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater |
| Marriage licenses | Clerk of Court | 315 Court St, Clearwater |
| Voter records | Supervisor of Elections | 13001 Starkey Rd, Largo |
Pinellas County Clerk of Court: Court and Official Records
The Pinellas County Clerk and Comptroller, Ken Burke, CPA, runs the main public records office for the 6th Judicial Circuit. This office holds court filings for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. It also stores official records like deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. The office processes millions of documents each year.
You can search court records online through the Clerk’s portal. Each case has a number that you can enter to pull up the full file. Documents within each case carry one of four status labels. These labels tell you what you can see online.
Document Status Types in the Clerk’s Online System
When you pull up a case, you will see different status labels for each document. Each label controls what you can view.
- Public – You can open and read the document right away through the portal. No account is needed. Most civil, traffic, and criminal court records fall under this label.
- Confidential – Only people with special account rights can view these files. They often include juvenile records or sealed family court cases. The search shows the file exists but blocks the contents.
- Sealed – A judge has ordered the document hidden. The Clerk’s office cannot show the contents even with a written request. Only a court order can lift the seal.
- View On Request (VOR) – The document is not online by default. You must contact the Clerk to ask for access. The review usually takes a few business days.
The screenshot below shows the main page of the Pinellas County Clerk’s website, where you start a court or official record search.
The image above shows the main navigation for court records, official records, and other public services run by the Pinellas County Clerk.
How to Search Court Records Online
Go to mypinellasclerk.gov and click “View Records.” Enter the case number, party name, or date range. The system will pull up matching cases. Click on a case to see the full list of filed documents. You can view public documents without logging in. To save or print documents, you may need a free user account.
The next screenshot shows the View Records page, where case searches begin and where the document status labels appear.
The page above is the main entry point for case searches. It displays the four document status types described earlier.
Pinellas County Arrest Records and Recent Arrests
Pinellas County arrest records show when a person was taken into custody, the charge, and the booking date. These records are public under Florida law. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office maintains a daily arrest log that lists people booked into the county jail. The log updates each day and stays online for several days at a time.
To view recent arrests, visit the Sheriff’s Office website at pcsoweb.com. Click on the “Arrest Reports” or “Jail” section. The arrest log shows name, age, charge, booking time, and bond amount. Recent booking photos are also posted on the site and on third-party mugshot databases. Booking photos remain public unless a judge orders them sealed.
What Pinellas County Arrest Records Include
Each arrest record contains basic details. You can usually see the person’s full name, date of birth, race, gender, height, weight, and eye color. The record also lists the arrest date, booking number, charge description, and bond amount. Some records include the arresting officer and the booking photo.
Arrest records are not the same as conviction records. A person can be arrested and never charged. The arrest record will still show, but the court case may end with a dismissal. For full criminal history, you need a state-level search through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Pinellas County Arrest Log Today and Recent Booking Photos
The daily arrest log is one of the most searched Pinellas County public records. Residents, employers, and journalists check it often. The log shows who was booked in the last 24 to 72 hours. The Sheriff’s Office refreshes the log each morning. If you need older arrest data, you can request a full report through the Sheriff’s records unit.
Recent booking photos appear on the Sheriff’s site and on mugshot lookup services. These photos show the person at the time of booking. Hair, clothing, and visible tattoos will reflect how the person looked on that day. Photos are taken during intake and posted within hours. Most booking photos stay online until the case closes.
Pinellas County Jail Inmate Search and Jail Roster
The Pinellas County jail system runs two main facilities. The Central District Court Holding Facility handles new arrestees. The Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater holds people who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The Sheriff’s Office posts a current inmate roster on its website. The roster shows who is in custody right now.
To search the inmate roster, go to pcsoweb.com and click on “Jail” or “Inmate Search.” You can search by name or booking number. The search result shows the inmate’s name, booking date, charge, bond, and projected release date. You can also see a current photo of the inmate if one is available.
How to Use the Pinellas County Jail Inmate Lookup
The inmate lookup tool works like a standard search box. Type the last name first, then the first name. You can also enter the booking number if you have it. The system returns a list of matching inmates. Click on a name to see the full record. The record shows charge details, court dates, and bond status.
If the inmate is in another Florida county, you will not see them in the Pinellas system. Each county runs its own jail. For a statewide search, use the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search tool at dc.state.fl.us.
Pinellas County Booking Records and Detention Data
Booking records cover the entire intake process. They start with the arrest and end with release or transfer. The record includes fingerprints, a photo, a full body search record, and a list of personal property. Medical screening notes also appear in the booking file. Most of this data is internal, but the basic booking record is public.
To request a full booking record, contact the Sheriff’s records unit. You can do this in person, by mail, or by email. The unit charges a small fee for copies. Most requests are filled within five business days.
Document Status Types for Arrest and Jail Records
The Sheriff’s Office uses a different system from the Clerk’s Office. Arrest records carry their own labels. Each label tells you what data is open and what is sealed.
- Active – The case is still open. Basic arrest data is public, but full investigative files are not.
- Closed – The case is resolved. Full arrest and court data is public.
- Sealed – A judge has hidden the case. You cannot view any data, even the arrest itself.
- Expunged – The record has been legally destroyed. The arrest never happened in the eyes of the law.
Sealed and expunged records are rare. They require a court order. Most Pinellas County arrest records fall under the Active or Closed labels.
Copy Fees and Request Costs for Pinellas County Public Records
Florida law sets a standard fee for copies. In Pinellas County, copies cost $0.15 per one-sided page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Research time over 30 minutes may be billed at an hourly rate set by the Clerk.
For online records, you can often download a PDF for free. The Clerk’s portal does not charge for standard views. For records not in the digital system, you must submit a written request with prepayment of estimated fees.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (one-sided) | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page |
| Certification statement | $5.00 per document |
| Research time (over 30 min) | Hourly rate set by Clerk |
| Online PDF download | Free |
Other Pinellas County Public Records Sources
Beyond the Clerk and Sheriff, several agencies produce public records. The Property Appraiser’s office at pcpao.gov keeps real estate data. The Tax Collector handles tax records and tag data. The Supervisor of Elections keeps voter rolls. Each agency has its own search portal.
For statewide criminal history, use the FDLE criminal history search. It covers arrests from all 67 Florida counties. For court records from other counties, use the Florida Clerks directory at flclerks.com. The Pasco County Clerk holds records for cases filed in Pasco, since the 6th Judicial Circuit covers both counties.
Major Cities in Pinellas County
Pinellas County includes several large cities. Each city has its own police department that maintains arrest logs and incident reports.
- St. Petersburg – Population around 260,000. Runs the St. Petersburg Police Department.
- Clearwater – County seat. Runs the Clearwater Police Department.
- Largo – Population around 85,000. Runs the Largo Police Department.
- Pinellas Park – Population around 55,000. Runs the Pinellas Park Police Department.
- Dunedin – Population around 36,000. Runs the Dunedin Police Department.
- Tarpon Springs – Population around 25,000. Runs the Tarpon Springs Police Department.
City police departments post their own arrest logs. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office covers unincorporated areas. For records in a specific city, check the city police website first.
Pinellas County Public Records Search: Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to find any public record in Pinellas County.
- Pick the right agency. Court records go through the Clerk. Arrest records go through the Sheriff. Property records go through the Property Appraiser.
- Search online first. Most records are on the agency website. Use the search box to enter a name or case number.
- Check the document status. Public documents are open. Confidential, sealed, or VOR documents need extra steps.
- Download or print. Open records are free to download. For certified copies, pay the fee online or in person.
- Submit a request for offline records. Use the agency’s public records request form if the record is not online.
- Pay any fees. Copy fees and research fees apply. The agency will tell you the total cost before processing.
- Wait for processing. Most requests are filled within five business days. Complex requests may take longer.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
If an agency denies your request for Pinellas County public records, it must cite a specific legal reason. You have several options. First, ask for the denial in writing. Second, contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office for free mediation. Third, contact the Florida First Amendment Foundation for help. Fourth, hire an attorney to file a lawsuit under Chapter 119.
Most denials involve sealed records, active investigations, or exempt personal data. If the agency cites a valid exemption, you cannot override it. If the agency cites no reason or a wrong reason, you have strong legal grounds to challenge the denial.
Pinellas County Arrest Records Search: Common Use Cases
People search Pinellas County arrest records for many reasons. Employers run background checks before hiring. Landlords screen tenants. Journalists track local crime. Families check on loved ones. Victims follow their cases. Each user has a different need, but the process is the same.
For employment background checks, the FCRA requires you to use a consumer reporting agency. Standard arrest searches are not enough. You need a full criminal history check. For personal use, the Sheriff’s Office portal gives you all the data you need.
Pinellas County Jail Bookings and Corrections Department
The Pinellas County Corrections Department runs the county jail. The department processes all new arrestees, manages inmate housing, and handles release. The department also runs work release and pretrial services. Booking data flows from the Sheriff’s Office to the Corrections Department within hours.
To visit an inmate, you must be on the approved visitor list. Visits are by appointment only. The Corrections Department posts visiting rules on its website. You can also send money to an inmate’s account through the jail’s online payment system.
Bond and Release Information
Most arrestees can post bond within hours of booking. Bond amounts depend on the charge. Misdemeanors often carry small bonds. Felonies carry higher bonds or no bond. You can post bond at the jail or through a licensed bail bondsman. The Sheriff’s Office posts current bond amounts on the inmate roster.
If the court orders a “no bond” status, the inmate must stay in jail until the case ends. Pretrial release programs may apply for low-risk inmates. The Corrections Department runs these programs in cooperation with the courts.
Pinellas County Arrest History and Criminal Background Checks
An arrest history shows every arrest in a person’s past. It includes dismissed charges, dropped cases, and sealed records if they are still public. A full criminal history also shows convictions, sentences, and parole data. The FDLE runs a statewide criminal history search that covers all Florida arrests.
To run a Pinellas County arrest history search, you have three options. First, use the Sheriff’s online roster for current inmates. Second, request a local records check through the Sheriff’s records unit. Third, run a statewide check through FDLE for $24 per name.
Arrest history data is sensitive. Florida law limits how employers can use it. The FCRA also sets rules for background checks in hiring. Make sure you follow the law when you run a search on someone else.
Common Issues with Pinellas County Public Records
Several issues come up often in Pinellas County public records searches. Name conflicts are the most common. Two people can share the same name, and the system may return the wrong record. Always check the date of birth, address, and photo to confirm the right person.
Sealed records also cause confusion. The system shows the case exists, but the data is hidden. You cannot force the agency to unseal the record. You need a court order. Expunged records do not show up at all. They are legally removed from the public system.
Old records may not be online. The Clerk’s digital system goes back to the 1980s for most record types. For older records, you must visit the archives in person or submit a written request. The archives charge a research fee for older files.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinellas County Public Records
Below are answers to the most common questions about Pinellas County public records, arrest logs, and inmate searches. These answers reflect the latest Florida law and current agency procedures as of July 2026.
How Do I Find Recent Arrests in Pinellas County?
Visit the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office website at pcsoweb.com and click on the arrest log or jail section. The log updates daily and shows people booked in the last 24 to 72 hours. You can also call the Sheriff’s records unit at (727) 582-6200 for recent arrest data. Third-party mugshot sites also pull data from the Sheriff’s Office, but the official site is always the most current source for booking photos and arrest records.
Are Pinellas County Mugshots Public Records?
Yes. Booking photos are public under Florida law unless a judge orders them sealed. The Sheriff’s Office posts current booking photos on its website. Older booking photos may be removed once the case closes. To request an older mugshot, contact the Sheriff’s records unit. The request usually takes three to five business days to process.
How Do I Run a Pinellas County Inmate Search?
Go to pcsoweb.com and click on “Inmate Search” or “Jail Roster.” Enter the person’s last name. The system returns a list of matching inmates. Click on a name to see the full record, including charges, bond, and court dates. You can also call the jail at (727) 464-6415 to check if someone is in custody. For inmates in other Florida counties, use the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search.
Can I Remove My Arrest Record from Pinellas County Websites?
You can only remove an arrest record by getting it sealed or expunged through a court order. Florida law lets certain people seal or expunge arrest records if they were never convicted or if they completed a diversion program. The process starts at the Clerk’s office and goes through the State Attorney’s Office. Most seal and expunge requests take six to twelve months to complete.
What Is the Cost of Pinellas County Public Records?
Online records are free to view. PDF downloads are also free. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Standard paper copies cost $0.15 per page. Research time over 30 minutes is billed at an hourly rate set by the Clerk. The Sheriff’s Office charges similar fees for arrest records and incident reports. FDLE statewide criminal history checks cost $24 per name.
How Long Does the Sheriff’s Office Keep Arrest Records?
The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records indefinitely in physical or digital form. Online arrest logs only show the last few days. Older arrest data is stored in the records unit archive. You can request older data through a public records request. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also keeps all arrest data for the state in its central repository.
Can I Search Pinellas County Court Records for Free?
Yes. The Clerk’s online portal at mypinellasclerk.gov lets you search court records for free. You can view public documents, check case status, and see court dates without paying. Certified copies and printed documents do carry a fee. The free online search is the most common way to check Pinellas County court records.
Official Contact Information for Pinellas County Records
Use the contact details below to reach the right agency for Pinellas County public records. Each office handles a different type of record. Calling ahead saves time and helps you get the right document faster.
Pinellas County Clerk and Comptroller
Address: 315 Court Street, Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-3341
Website: mypinellasclerk.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778
Phone: (727) 582-6200
Website: pcsoweb.com
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Pinellas County Corrections Department (Jail)
Address: 14400 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: (727) 464-6415
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Pinellas County Property Appraiser
Address: 400 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-3207
Website: pcpao.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
All four agencies follow Florida’s public records law. They must respond to valid requests within a reasonable time. Most requests are filled within five business days. Complex requests may take longer. If you have a dispute, contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at (850) 245-0140.