St. Petersburg Family Court Case Records Search
St. Petersburg family court records are maintained by the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. The city clerk does not keep these files. All family law cases for St. Petersburg residents are filed at the county level. The 6th Judicial Circuit Court handles these matters. The county clerk is the official record keeper. City clerks manage municipal business only.
St. Petersburg Quick Facts
Pinellas County Clerk Maintains St. Petersburg Family Court Records
Family court records for St. Petersburg are maintained by the Pinellas County Clerk of Court, not the St. Petersburg City Clerk. Ken Burke serves as the elected clerk, and his office manages all court records for the 6th Judicial Circuit, which includes cases from St. Petersburg and all other cities throughout Pinellas County. This centralized record-keeping system means that St. Petersburg residents must visit the county clerk's office in Clearwater rather than city offices to access divorce decrees, custody orders, or support documentation, as the city clerk has no jurisdiction over court records.
The county clerk's main office is located at 315 Court Street in Clearwater, which serves as the county seat for Pinellas County. This location houses the official repository for all family court records filed by St. Petersburg residents. Staff members are available to assist with case searches using party names or specific case numbers, and they provide certified copies for legal proceedings. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and visitors should bring valid photo identification.
The Pinellas County Clerk office maintains all family court records for St. Petersburg residents.
| Office | Pinellas County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Ken Burke |
| Address | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Phone | (727) 464-3341 |
| Website | www.mypinellasclerk.gov |
The St. Petersburg City Clerk's office is located at 175 5th Street N and can be reached at (727) 893-7448. This office maintains city council records, municipal contracts, business permits, and various local government documentation, but they do not possess any court files or family law records. St. Petersburg residents seeking family court documentation must contact the Pinellas County Clerk directly.
Online Access to St. Petersburg Family Court Records
You can search St. Petersburg family court records remotely through the Pinellas County Clerk's digital records search system. The official website at www.mypinellasclerk.gov provides comprehensive case search features that allow you to look up family law cases by party name or case number. This system displays detailed case histories and some documents, making it a convenient starting point for residents who need to verify case status or review basic information without traveling to Clearwater.
The Florida E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com provides statewide access to court records, including all cases from Pinellas County. This broader search capability is valuable when you need to verify case information across jurisdictions. While online searches display case status and party information, full document access may require an in-person visit to the clerk's office.
The Pinellas County records search system helps St. Petersburg residents find family court cases.
Certified copies of court documents must be obtained directly from the clerk's office and cannot be downloaded online. If you have questions about record availability or access procedures, contact the Pinellas County Clerk at (727) 464-3341.
Types of Family Court Records in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg family courts within the 6th Judicial Circuit handle a comprehensive array of case types, each generating detailed records maintained by the Pinellas County Clerk. Divorce cases are filed frequently, creating extensive documentation that includes initial petitions, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and final judgments of dissolution. Child custody proceedings produce parenting plans that establish time-sharing schedules and outline parental responsibilities. Child support records contain payment orders and income documentation. Domestic violence cases are processed with urgency, and temporary injunctions can provide immediate protection to victims.
Paternity actions establish legal fatherhood and associated rights, while adoption and guardianship proceedings create permanent records of new family relationships. Most family court records in St. Petersburg are public documents, though sensitive information such as social security numbers and financial account details are automatically redacted from public view. Some files may be sealed by court order when privacy interests outweigh public access rights.
St. Petersburg City Clerk vs County Clerk
St. Petersburg operates separate city and county clerk offices with distinctly different responsibilities. The St. Petersburg City Clerk serves the municipal government and handles administrative functions related to city operations, while the Pinellas County Clerk serves the judicial system and maintains all court-related documentation. This distinction is critical for family law matters because city offices have no access to court records regardless of where St. Petersburg residents live.
The St. Petersburg City Clerk is located on 5th Street in downtown and maintains city council minutes, municipal contracts, business permits, and local government records. They do not possess family court files. The Pinellas County Clerk is located in Clearwater at the county seat and serves as the official custodian of all court records for the 6th Judicial Circuit.
Both offices require photo identification. The courthouse has mandatory security screening, so arrive early to allow sufficient time. Parking is available near both locations, and public transit serves both the downtown St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas.
How to Request St. Petersburg Family Court Records
You have several options for obtaining family court records as a St. Petersburg resident. In-person visits to the Pinellas County Clerk's office at 315 Court Street in Clearwater provide the fastest results, allowing direct consultation with staff and immediate production of copies. Bring valid photo identification and any case information you possess. Staff can locate files quickly and provide both plain and certified copies, with certified copies carrying additional fees for official use.
Online searches through the Pinellas County Clerk's website offer convenience for residents who cannot visit during business hours. The records search tool displays case information and some documents. Mail requests are also accepted for those who prefer written correspondence. Submit a detailed request letter including case information, your contact details, and payment for copies, though this method requires additional processing time.
Pinellas County Family Court Records
As the largest city in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg's family court records are fully integrated into the Pinellas County court system. The Pinellas County Clerk maintains comprehensive family law files for St. Petersburg residents as well as residents of other communities throughout the county, including Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, and various unincorporated areas. Understanding this county-level record maintenance structure is essential for efficiently accessing family court documentation in the Tampa Bay area.