Clearwater City family court records are public files that cover divorce, custody, support, paternity, and adoption cases for people who live in Clearwater, Florida. These records live at the Pinellas County Clerk of Court office, not the city clerk office.
Anyone can search these files by name or case number using the county website or by visiting the courthouse in person. The records show filings, hearings, judgments, and payment history for family law cases filed in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court.
Who Keeps Clearwater Family Court Records
Family court records for Clearwater are stored at the county level. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court runs the records system for the whole 6th Judicial Circuit. Ken Burke served as the elected Clerk of Court for many years and his office built the current public search tools. The office keeps every family law file for cities inside Pinellas County, which includes Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Dunedin, and Palm Harbor.
Pinellas County Clerk Main Office
The main clerk office sits at 315 Court Street in downtown Clearwater. This building holds the paper files and computer system for family court cases. You can walk in, show photo ID, and ask to see case files. Staff at the front desk can pull files by name, case number, or filing date. The office also sells certified copies that courts and other agencies accept.
| Office Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Address | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Phone | (727) 464-3341 |
| Website | www.mypinellasclerk.gov |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Why the City Clerk Is Not the Right Office
The Clearwater City Clerk office is on Osceola Avenue, but it only handles city business. It keeps city council minutes, contracts, permits, and local election files. It has zero family court files. People who call the city clerk about a divorce or custody case get sent to the county office. The two offices share the name clerk but do different jobs. Calling the right office first saves time.
How to Search Clearwater Family Court Records Online
The Pinellas County Clerk website gives free public access to family court records. The search tool runs on a secure server and shows case data from the early 2000s to the present. You can search by last name, first name, or case number. The system shows party names, filing dates, case type, and current status for each match.
Steps to Use the Online Search Tool
The search form on mypinellasclerk.gov is simple to use. You type a name or case number in the search box and pick a date range if you want. The tool returns a list of matching cases. Clicking a case opens a docket page with hearing dates, motions, and orders. Some files have scanned images you can view for free.
- Go to www.mypinellasclerk.gov
- Click the Court Records or Records Search link
- Type the full name or case number
- Pick the family court case type
- Press Search to see results
- Click a case to see the full docket
Florida Statewide Court Access Portal
Clearwater residents can also search through the Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com. This statewide system covers all 67 Florida counties. It works well when you do not know which county filed a case. For Pinellas County cases, the county website is faster and shows more file detail. The statewide portal is better for finding cases filed in other parts of Florida.
Types of Family Court Records in Clearwater
Clearwater family courts handle many case types. Each case type creates a different set of public records. The county clerk files every motion, order, and judgment in the docket. These dockets are the public record and show the full life of a case from filing to final judgment.
Divorce Records and Decrees
Divorce files in Clearwater include the petition, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and the final judgment. The final decree shows how the court split property, debt, and alimony. It also marks the date the marriage ended. Anyone can view the case docket online and see all motions filed in the case. Certified copies of the final decree cost a small fee and are needed for name changes or remarriage.
Child Custody and Parenting Plan Records
Custody cases create parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and decision-making orders. These records show where children live on school days, weekends, and holidays. They also show which parent makes decisions about school, health, and religion. Changes to custody require a court order, and every change appears in the public docket. Sealed records exist only when a judge signs a specific order to protect a child.
Child Support Order Records
Child support cases include income calculations, payment orders, and arrears balances. The Department of Revenue often files these cases on behalf of a parent. The docket shows payment history, contempt hearings, and wage withholding orders. Anyone can check if a support order exists by searching the parent names in the clerk system.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood. The court order shows the father name, child name, and birth date. After paternity is set, the case can move to custody or support. Adoption records in Florida are sealed after the adoption is final. The new birth certificate is the public proof. The original adoption file is closed to the public except by court order.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases produce injunction orders. These orders can bar contact, set no-trespass rules, and grant temporary custody. The petition and order are public unless the judge seals them. Repeat injunctions create a paper trail. Neighbors, landlords, and employers can check for active injunctions through the clerk search.
Clearwater Family Court E-Filing System
The Pinellas County Clerk runs an e-filing portal that lets people file family court papers online. Attorneys must use the portal for all new filings. Self-represented people can use it but may also file paper copies at the courthouse. The portal accepts petitions, motions, responses, and supporting documents in PDF format.
How E-Filing Works
To file online, create a free account on the clerk e-filing portal. The system asks for your name, email, and a password. After login, pick the case type, attach your PDF files, and pay the filing fee with a credit card. The system stamps the filing with a date and time. You get an email confirmation right away. The clerk reviews the filing and accepts or rejects it within a few business days.
Files You Can and Cannot E-File
Most family court papers can be e-filed. These include petitions for divorce, custody motions, support petitions, and responses. Some documents must be filed in person. These include original wills, certified records, and certain sealed exhibits. A judge can also order paper filing in special cases. The e-filing portal lists which documents it accepts.
How to Request Family Court Records in Person
Walking into the clerk office is the fastest way to get certified copies and view full case files. The records counter at 315 Court Street serves walk-in customers every weekday. Staff can pull a file in a few minutes if you have the case number or full party names.
What to Bring for In-Person Requests
You need a valid photo ID to enter the courthouse. Florida driver license, state ID, passport, and military ID all work. The courthouse has metal detectors, so leave weapons at home. You also need the case number or the full legal name of at least one party. The more detail you bring, the faster staff can pull the file.
- Valid photo ID
- Case number if you have it
- Full legal name of a party
- Cash or card for copy fees
- Phone with the clerk phone number saved
Copy and Certification Fees
Standard copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more because they carry the clerk seal and signature. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards at the counter. The fee for a certified copy of a divorce decree covers the cost of the seal and the clerk time. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check.
How to Request Records by Mail
Mail requests work for people who do not live near Clearwater. You write a letter to the clerk office with the case number, party names, and a list of the documents you need. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Mail processing takes a few weeks.
Mail Request Template
A simple mail request includes five parts. The first line names the case and case number. The second line names the parties. The third line lists each document you want. The fourth line states the fee and payment method. The fifth line gives your return address and contact phone number. Keep a copy of the letter and your check stub for your own records.
Sealed and Confidential Family Court Records
Not all family court records are open to the public. Florida law lets judges seal files to protect children, victims, and private financial data. Adoption files are sealed after the final order. Some paternity and custody cases get sealed by judge order. The clerk system marks sealed files as restricted. You cannot view them without a court order or party status.
What Stays Public in a Sealed Case
Even in sealed cases, the docket exists and shows basic case data. The names of the parties, the case type, and the filing date remain public. The body of the file stays private. Financial records, medical records, and child details are removed from public view. Sealing does not erase the case. It only limits who can read the file body.
How to Ask the Court to Seal a File
A party can file a motion to seal. The motion states the reason for sealing and cites the legal basis. A judge reviews the motion and holds a hearing. The court weighs the public right to know against the harm from disclosure. If the judge grants the motion, the clerk marks the file as restricted. Sealing can be reversed later if the situation changes.
Clearwater Family Court Locations and Hearing Info
Family court hearings in Clearwater happen at the main courthouse on Court Street. The clerk office is in the same building. Courtroom numbers appear on the docket page and on the daily court calendar posted at the entrance. Visitors must pass security before going to a courtroom.
Parking and Transit Near the Courthouse
The courthouse has a public parking garage on nearby Pierce Street. Street parking exists but fills up fast on hearing days. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus system serves downtown Clearwater with several routes. Bus stops sit within a short walk of the courthouse. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to clear security and find your courtroom.
Court Hours and Holiday Closures
The courthouse opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It closes on federal and state holidays, including New Year Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The clerk office follows the same holiday calendar. Check the clerk website before you visit on a holiday week.
Common Search Terms for Clearwater Family Court Records
People search for Clearwater family court records using many phrases. Some look for a specific case by name. Others want to check if a divorce is final. Some need a certified copy for a new marriage. The county search tool handles all these needs with one form.
Search by Party Name
Name searches work best with the full legal name. Last name alone returns many results. Adding a first name narrows the list. A middle name or date of birth cuts the list further. The search shows every case where the named person appears as a party, witness, or attorney.
Search by Case Number
Case numbers are faster and more exact. A typical case number in Pinellas starts with a year, a case type code, and a sequence number. For example, a 2024 divorce case might read 24-00XXXX-FD. The clerk can give you the number if you have a name and a filing date. Once you have the number, the docket page opens in one click.
Pinellas County Family Court System Background
Pinellas County sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers Pinellas and Pasco counties. Family court is one of the divisions in the circuit. The chief judge assigns judges to family court. Each judge handles a docket of active cases. Reassignments happen when a judge retires or moves to a new division.
Family Court Judges in the 6th Circuit
The 6th Circuit has many family court judges across both counties. Each judge serves a four-year term. The clerk website posts the current judge list. Cases get a judge at filing and stay with that judge until final judgment. Motions after final judgment may go to a different judge if the original judge is no longer on the bench.
Self-Represented Parties in Family Court
Many family court cases in Clearwater involve at least one self-represented party. The court runs a self-help center for these parties. Staff at the center explain forms, court rules, and hearing procedures. They do not give legal advice. Local legal aid groups offer free help to people who qualify based on income. The clerk office also sells form packets for common case types like divorce and custody.
Clearwater Family Court Records for Legal Use
Certified copies of Clearwater family court records work for legal purposes. Courts, agencies, and employers accept them as proof of marriage end, custody order, or support order. The clerk seal and signature make the copy official. Plain copies do not carry the same legal weight.
Where Certified Copies Are Accepted
Certified copies of a divorce decree are needed to remarry, change a name, or update insurance. Certified custody orders help with school enrollment and passport applications. Certified support orders are used to enforce payments across state lines. Out-of-state courts ask for certified copies to register a Florida order in their state.
Apostille and Authentication
For use in another country, a certified copy may need an apostille from the Florida Department of State. An apostille confirms the clerk signature for foreign governments. The process takes a few weeks. The clerk office can tell you if your document needs an apostille based on the destination country.
Clearwater City Family Court Records: Official Contact and Location
For the fastest service on Clearwater City family court records, contact the Pinellas County Clerk of Court directly. The office is the only public source for certified and uncertified family court files in Clearwater. The main office sits in the heart of downtown Clearwater and serves walk-in customers each business day.
- Office: Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Address: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
- Phone: (727) 464-3341
- Website: www.mypinellasclerk.gov
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearwater City Family Court Records
These questions cover the most common requests about Clearwater family court records. The answers reflect the current Pinellas County Clerk system, the 6th Judicial Circuit rules, and Florida public records law. Each answer gives a clear path to the records you need without legal jargon or filler detail.
Are Clearwater family court records free to view?
Yes, basic case dockets and case data are free on the Pinellas County Clerk website. You can search by name and read the docket entries at no cost. The clerk office does charge a fee for printed copies and certified copies. The first page of a regular copy costs a set fee, and each extra page costs less. Certified copies cost more because the clerk signs and seals the document. Online viewing is free, but downloads of full case files may carry a small fee per page.
Can I see adoption records from Clearwater family court?
Most adoption records are sealed after the final order. The clerk system shows the case existed and the date it closed, but the file body stays private. Adult adoptees can request a copy of their original birth certificate through the Florida Department of Children and Families. A court order can unseal an adoption file in rare cases, such as a medical need or a criminal investigation. The clerk office can explain the steps to request an unsealing motion.
How do I check if someone filed for divorce in Clearwater?
Search the county clerk website using the spouse name. Divorce cases show the filing date, both party names, and the case status. If the case shows a final judgment, the divorce is complete. If the case shows pending or dismissed, the divorce is not final. The clerk search tool updates daily. For an official copy of the final decree, order a certified copy from the clerk counter or by mail.
What if I do not know the case number?
You can search by name instead of case number. Use the full legal name of at least one party. The search tool returns every matching case. If the list is long, add a date range or a middle name. The clerk front desk can also help you find the case number if you walk in with a photo ID. The clerk staff can search by name, date of birth, or other case data to find the right file fast.
Can I seal my own family court records?
You can file a motion to seal your own records. The motion must state a clear legal reason and cite a Florida law that supports sealing. A judge reviews the motion and may hold a hearing. Common reasons include protecting a child, keeping financial data private, or hiding a domestic violence address. The clerk office has a form for the motion, but the court rules on each case based on its facts.
Do out-of-state courts accept Clearwater custody orders?
Yes, every U.S. state accepts a Clearwater custody order under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. To enforce the order in another state, file a certified copy with the court in that state. Many states require the order to be registered before enforcement. A family law attorney in the new state can help with the registration process. The original order stays on file at the Pinellas County Clerk office.
What happens to old family court records in Clearwater?
Old paper files get scanned and stored in the clerk digital system. Cases from the early 2000s forward are searchable online. Older cases are searchable by name on microfilm or in archive boxes at the clerk office. Records that reach the end of the retention schedule get destroyed under Florida law. Adoption, paternity, and sealed files have longer retention periods than other case types. The clerk office follows the Florida Records Retention Schedule for all family court files.