Search Pinellas County Background Check

Pinellas County background check records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clearwater along with state-level resources from FDLE. Pinellas is one of the most densely populated counties in Florida and sits on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The clerk's office holds criminal case files, civil court records, and other public documents that you can search. Whether you go in person to the Clearwater courthouse or use online search tools, the process starts with knowing where to look for Pinellas County records.

Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Ken Burke serves as the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. His office is the central hub for court records in the county. The main office is at 315 Court Street, Room 400, in Clearwater. You can call (727) 464-3341 with questions about records or filing procedures. Staff are available during regular business hours on weekdays.

The clerk's website at mypinellasclerk.gov offers a robust online case search. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or date range. The system covers criminal, civil, family, and probate cases filed in Pinellas County. This is a free tool and a solid starting point for any background check. The results show case type, charges, filing dates, and outcomes when available. For detailed documents, you might need to request copies directly from the clerk.

The state-level FDLE portal provides another way to search for records tied to Pinellas County residents.

This FDLE search tool covers statewide criminal history data, including records from Pinellas County.

Note: Pinellas County also has branch courthouse locations in St. Petersburg and other areas for added convenience.

Searching for Background Check Records in Pinellas County

Running a background check in Pinellas County is pretty straightforward. You have multiple paths to get the data you need. The clerk's website has a free case search. FDLE runs statewide criminal checks. And the courthouse in Clearwater lets you look at files in person.

The online case search at the Pinellas County clerk site is the easiest starting point. Enter a name and the system brings back matching court records. You get case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and current status. This covers cases filed in Pinellas County only. If you need records from other parts of the state, the MyFloridaCounty portal lets you search official recorded documents across all Florida counties.

For a broader criminal history check, CCHInet from FDLE is the way to go. Submit a name and pay the $24 fee. FDLE searches their statewide database, which includes arrest and conviction data from every county in Florida. Results typically come back within 24 hours. This is a Level 1 background check and pulls data from the same system law enforcement uses.

Florida's public records law under Chapter 119 gives anyone the right to view these records. You do not need to live in Pinellas County or give a reason for your search.

What Background Checks Cost in Pinellas County

The cost depends on what you need. FDLE charges $24 for a name-based check. You pay online through the FDLE criminal history records page. This fee is set by the state and applies no matter where you live.

At the Pinellas County clerk office, searching court cases online is free. Copies have their own fee structure. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies run $1.00 per page. If you need a document stamped and certified for court or legal use, the certified version is the one to get. The clerk also charges for some record reproduction services.

• FDLE name-based check: $24.00
• Clerk plain copies: $0.15 per page
• Clerk certified copies: $1.00 per page
• Court case search online: Free
• Level 2 fingerprint check: Varies by agency

Background Check Levels in Pinellas County

Level 1 checks are name-based. They pull records from the FDLE state database. Fast and simple. These are the most common type of background check people run in Pinellas County. Results show arrests, charges, and case dispositions from across Florida.

Level 2 checks need fingerprints. They go through both FDLE and the FBI. This means the search covers national records, not just Florida. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes sets out when a Level 2 check is required. You need to visit an approved LiveScan provider to get fingerprinted. There are several locations in and around Pinellas County. Once printed, the data goes to FDLE and FBI for processing. Takes a few days for results.

The VECHS program is another option. Run by FDLE under Chapter 943, it is designed for organizations that work with vulnerable populations. Only approved groups can use it. If you work with children, seniors, or people with disabilities in Pinellas County, your organization may qualify.

Note: Level 2 results are sent to the requesting agency, not directly to the individual being checked.

Public Records Access in Pinellas County

Florida's Sunshine Law is a big deal. It means nearly all government records are open to the public. The Attorney General's Open Government page breaks down how this works. Court records, arrest reports, incident reports, and other files held by Pinellas County agencies are all fair game.

Some records are exempt. Juvenile cases are sealed. Records that have been expunged are removed from public view. Certain domestic violence filings can be restricted. But outside of these narrow exceptions, the rule in Pinellas County is open access. If you ask for a record and the agency says no, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General or go to court to enforce your right.

How to Get Copies of Pinellas County Court Records

Visit the Pinellas County Clerk at 315 Court Street in Clearwater. Bring your ID. Tell the staff what records you need. They will pull the file and make copies for you. Pay the fee at the counter. Cash, check, and card are usually accepted.

You can also request records by mail. Write a letter with the person's full name, any case numbers you know, and the type of record. Include payment for the copy fees. Send it to the clerk's office at the Clearwater address. They will process the request and mail back your copies. For statewide criminal records, use the CCHInet portal online. The Find a Clerk directory can help you confirm contact info for the Pinellas County office before you go.

Note: Response times for mail requests from Pinellas County can range from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the volume.

Cities in Pinellas County

Pinellas County contains several large cities. Court records for all of them run through the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clearwater. Background checks involving court data go through the same office regardless of which city in the county is involved.

Other communities in Pinellas County include Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Seminole, and Pinellas Park. Court records for all of these go through the Pinellas County clerk office in Clearwater.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Pinellas County. Each one has its own clerk office and separate court records system.