Services as County Recorder, Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies and Passport Applications
Recording Services & Official Records
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the County Recorder, responsible for recording all recordable documents into the Official Records of Pinellas County, Florida. Additional services include issuing Marriage Licenses, Performing Marriage Ceremonies, and Serving as an Official Passport Application Acceptance Agent for the U.S. Department of State.
The Clerk is authorized to record only those instruments which are expressly entitled to recordation under Florida Statutes, including:
A Declaration of Domicile is a sworn statement of permanent residency, pursuant Florida Statute. 222.17 Recording this document with the Clerk’s office is a statement that an individual resides & maintains a dwelling within Pinellas County, and that the individual intends for this residence to be their permanent home.
Declaration of Domicile forms are available online or upon request within the Clerk’s office locations listed below.
American citizens will also need to bring:
Fees are established by legislative action and are subject to change.
For applicable fees, refer to the current Fee Schedule; also available upon request within all Clerk's office locations.
Recording Services Department 315 Court Street, Room 150 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. New! Recording Services now has a drop box located at 315 Court Street South entrance parking lot. St. Petersburg Branch 545 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Recording Services Department 315 Court Street, Room 150 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
New! Recording Services now has a drop box located at 315 Court Street South entrance parking lot.
St. Petersburg Branch 545 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drop off only – Please note that documents will not be recorded at this location. They will be sent via courier to the 315 Court Street location for processing. Payment will need to be cash (exact change) or check/money order or you may opt for a call back to use a credit/debit card method.
North County Customer Information & Service Center - Drop off only 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
eRecording, or electronic recording, is the process of filing and recording documents with the Pinellas County Clerk's Recording Office online. This process would otherwise require documents to be submitted by express mail, courier service or a personal visit.
To eRecord, a customer utilizes one of the eRecord vendors from the list provided below. The customer can scan the original document to be recorded, convert it to an electronic image, add indexing information and then submit the document to the Pinellas County Clerk's Recording Office online.
Please contact one of the following volume eRecord Vendors if you wish to begin sending your Recordable documents to Pinellas County electronically:
Specialty eRecording Vendors
The following eRecording services are directed toward lower-volume customers. These services vary but are typically focused on specific document types, such as Notice of Commencement and lien or claim-related documents. The Pinellas County Clerk has no direct relationship with these service providers, and each customer should carefully review each to decide which, if any, they wish to do business with.
The Clerk's office is working to list additional eRecord vendors.
If you are an eRecording vendor who would like to begin eRecording with the Pinellas County Clerk's Office, please contact the Recording Office at recording@mypinellasclerk.gov.
You are solely responsible for ensuring the timeliness of a recording for any legal purpose. While in most cases, the Clerk processes all documents received for recording within 2 business days; the Clerk cannot guarantee same or next-day recording for documents received by mail, drop-box, or through eRecording. While rare, instances of equipment failure, high volume of recording requests, emergencies, or other unforeseen delays may impact recording times. If your recording is time-sensitive, you may wish to consider recording your document in person at the Clerk’s Recording Services Department during normal business hours.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller acts as an Agent for the State of Florida to issue Marriage Licenses within Pinellas County, Florida; pursuant to Florida Statute 741.01. Clerk’s Recording Services offers Marriage License, Marriage Ceremony and Marriage Photo services. For Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies, you may visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, the St. Petersburg Branch, or the North County Branch of the Clerk’s office.
When at least one party is a Florida Resident, Florida Statute 741.04(5) requires a 3 day waiting period between the day the License is purchased and the day the License will become Effective for the couple to marry. For a Marriage to be valid, the ceremony must take place between the Effective date and Expiration date listed on the License.
Completing a Premarital Preparation Course and presenting the Certificate of Completion to the Clerk will waive the three day waiting period, when at least one of the applicants is a Florida Resident. This will allow the couple to marry the day they purchase the License.
When both parties are non-Florida Residents, the waiting period does not apply.
The 60 days period begins on the issue date written on the license and ends on the expiration date written on the license. If a marriage ceremony is performed before the effective date or after the expiration date, the marriage license is not valid. If a couple allows a marriage license to expire and they wish to be married, then they will need to apply for a new marriage license.
1. Complete & Submit the online EMarriage Application
The EMarriage Application is a required form that must be filled out prior to obtaining a Marriage License from the Clerk’s office. The application is an online form that can be completed at the couple’s convenience prior to coming into the Clerk’s office, or on a public terminal within one of the Clerk’s office locations offering Marriage services.
EMarriage Application
2. The couple applies in person at the Clerk's office with proper identification
Both applicants are required to appear in person and provide the Clerk with proof of the following:
Biological Child in common Applicants who are both the biological parent of a minor child/children, born within the State of Florida should complete the Affirmation of Common Children form and present it to the Clerk at this time.
3. Premarital Preparation Course
If a Premarital Preparation Course was completed, the Certificate should be presented to the Clerk while the couple applies for the Marriage License in order to receive the discounted fee and to waive the three day waiting period that applies to Florida residents.
Per F.S. 741.0305 (3)(b) The cost of such premarital preparation course shall be paid by the applicant. (4) Each premarital preparation course provider shall furnish each participant who completes the course with a certificate of completion specifying the name of the participant and the date of completion and whether the course was conducted by personal instruction, videotape instruction, or instruction via other electronic medium, or by a combination of these methods.
Premarital Preparation Courses are not provided by the Clerk. The Clerk can provide a list of qualified, registered providers in Pinellas County. Providers set their own fees and terms. For example, some ministers will only provide the course for members of their congregation.
You may use the below list to sort, filter and find Marriage Counselor Providers.
Note: If you find that a provider no longer offers this service, please notify our office.
Per F.S. 741.0305 (3)(a) All individuals electing to participate in a premarital preparation course shall choose from the following list of qualified instructors.
Qualified, registered providers interested in being included on the Clerk’s list: Request for inclusion on Pinellas Clerk's Premarital Preparation Course Provider List Please Note: A Premarital Preparation Course is not required, but it can have a positive effect on the Fee and Effective date of a Marriage License for Florida Residents.
Marriage License Fee
The fee for obtaining a Marriage License is $86.00.
When both applicants complete a Premarital Preparation Course and present the Certificate to the Clerk, the fee is reduced to $61.00.
4. Family Law Handbook Requirement
While applying for a Marriage License, the couple will be presented with the Family Law Handbook which outlines the Rights and Responsibilities of parties to a Marriage.
Both Parties are required to sign the Statement of Family Law Handbook, which acknowledges that each party has obtained and read/accessed the information contained within the Handbook. Each party will also mark whether or not a Premarital Preparation Course was completed. The Statement is required in order for a Florida Marriage License to be issued, pursuant to Florida Statute 741.04(4). Family Law Handbook Family Law Handbook - Spanish version
5. Oath and Signature
Once the Marriage License is prepared, the couple will review the License for accurate information. The couple will then be instructed to take an oath attesting to the truthfulness of the information they have provided, and to sign the Marriage License.
6. Payment
A single payment (Cash, Card, Check, etc.) made payable to the Clerk of Court.
Marriage Ceremony Fee
For your convenience, Deputy Clerks are authorized and available during normal working hours, Monday through Friday, to perform Marriage Ceremonies. No Appointment is necessary, and the Ceremony can take place as soon as the License is purchased, as long as the Effective Date is valid. The fee for this service is $30.00.
Marriage Photo & Certificate
The Clerk's Office offers a Wedding Photo service for a $10.00 fee. The Clerk’s Office also offers a Wedding Certificate for a $5.00 fee.
A Marriage License is Only Valid for a 60 day period
The 60 days period begins on the Issue Date written on the License and ends on the Expiration Date written on the License. If a Marriage Ceremony is performed before the Effective Date or after the Expiration Date, the Marriage License is not valid. If a couple allows a Marriage License to expire and they wish to be Married, then they will need to apply for a new Marriage License.
Marriage Ceremony
A Florida Marriage License allows a couple to get Married anywhere in Florida, regardless of the County the License was purchased from. For your convenience, Pinellas County Deputy Clerks are authorized to perform Marriage Ceremonies for a $30.00 fee. No Appointment is necessary, and the Ceremony can take place as soon as the License is purchased, as long as the Effective Date is valid. Additional services provided include a Marriage Photo for a $10.00 fee and a Marriage Certificate for a $5.00 fee.
Recording the License after the Marriage Ceremony
Once the Marriage Ceremony has been performed, a Pinellas County Marriage License is to be returned to the Pinellas County Clerk to Record into the Official Records. A Marriage License obtained in Pinellas County is valid for the Marriage to be performed anywhere in Florida, but a Pinellas County Marriage License must be Recorded in Pinellas County.
Once the Completed Marriage License is recorded, the Clerk will provide one Certified Copy to the couple without charge. Additional Certified Copies will cost $3.00 each. To have a completed Marriage Licenses recorded, visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg or North County Branches of the Clerk’s Office.
Viewing Marriage Licenses
Pinellas County Marriage Licenses from May of 1972 through the present date are available to view on the Clerk’s Official Records site.
Copies of Pinellas County Marriage Licenses are available for purchase through the Clerk’s Online Copy Request and Payment Center.
Marriage Licenses may also be viewed and purchased in Official Records, Room 163, at the Clearwater Courthouse.
Amending a Marriage License
In the event an Amendment to a Recorded Marriage License is necessary, complete the Affidavit Amendment to Marriage License form and visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg, or North County Branches of the Clerk’s office.
There is a 3 day waiting period for Florida Residents, which can be waived if: The couple complete a Premarital Preparation Course from a qualified, registered course provider and present the Certificate of Completion to the Clerk prior to obtaining the Marriage License. The couple must also sign the Statement of Family Law Handbook, acknowledging they have accessed the Family Law Handbook, and mark the section of the Statement that certifies whether or not a Premarital Preparation Course was completed. Please note: There is not a waiting period when both parties are Non Florida Residents.
There is a 3 day waiting period for Florida Residents, which can be waived if:
Please note: There is not a waiting period when both parties are Non Florida Residents.
The Clerk does not provide the course. We can provide with a list of qualified, registered providers in Pinellas. Providers set their own fees and terms. For example, some ministers will only provide the course for members of their congregation. If you receive a Certificate of Completion of a Premarital Counseling it must state the course was a minimum of four hours, it was given within the past year, and state whether it was given by personal instruction or other means. The certificate must be presented at the time of application for the license. List of Providers
The Clerk does not provide the course. We can provide with a list of qualified, registered providers in Pinellas.
Providers set their own fees and terms. For example, some ministers will only provide the course for members of their congregation.
If you receive a Certificate of Completion of a Premarital Counseling it must state the course was a minimum of four hours, it was given within the past year, and state whether it was given by personal instruction or other means.
The certificate must be presented at the time of application for the license.
List of Providers
Florida Statute 741.07 grants the following individuals the right to perform Marriage Ceremonies: All regularly Ordained Ministers of the gospel, Elders in communion with a church, or other Ordained Clergy. All Judicial Officers, including retired Judicial Officers, Clerks of the Circuit Courts, and Notaries Public of the State of Florida. "Quakers" or "Friends," may perform marriages in the manner and form used or practiced in their societies.
Florida Statute 741.07 grants the following individuals the right to perform Marriage Ceremonies:
A Minister who has been recognized in the manner required by the regulations of the respective Denomination to perform Marriage Ceremonies.
Yes. Deputy Clerks are authorized and available during normal working hours, Monday through Friday, to perform Marriage Ceremonies. No appointment is necessary. The fee for this service is $30.00. The Clerk's Office also offers a Wedding Photo service for a $10.00 fee.
Yes. If the Captain is a Notary Public of the State of Florida, the ship is in Florida waters at the time of the ceremony, and the Florida Marriage License is valid. Florida waters: within three geographic miles from the coastline.
Once the Marriage Ceremony has taken place and the Officiator has completed their required fields on you Marriage License, return to the Clerk’s Office to have the document recorded into Official Records. The Clerk will provide the couple with one Certified Copy, the price of which was include in the purchase of the License. Additional certified copies will cost $3.00 each.
No. There are no citizenship or resident requirements.
Florida Statute 741.04(1) does not allow for a Marriage License to be issued to a person who is younger than 18 unless: 741.04(1)(a): They are 17 years old and can provide written consent from their Parents/Legal Guardians, which is acknowledged by an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments and administer oaths And 741.04(2)(b): The older party to the marriage is not more than 2 years older than the younger party. Which means the Clerk’s Office will issue a Marriage License to: A 17 year old & another 17 year old, when they have both obtained Parental/Guardian consent, as stated above. A 17 year old with Parental/Guardian consent, as stated above, & the other party is either 18 or 19 years old. The Clerk will not issue a Marriage License to a 17 year old, even with legally acknowledge Parental/Guardian consent, with anyone who is 20 years old or older. The Clerk will not issue a Marriage License to anyone who is 16 years old or younger.
Florida Statute 741.04(1) does not allow for a Marriage License to be issued to a person who is younger than 18 unless:
And
Which means the Clerk’s Office will issue a Marriage License to:
The Clerk will not issue a Marriage License to a 17 year old, even with legally acknowledge Parental/Guardian consent, with anyone who is 20 years old or older. The Clerk will not issue a Marriage License to anyone who is 16 years old or younger.
No. Speak to your clergyman, chaplain or other advisor.
In Pinellas County a Domestic Partnership can be registered with the Clerk of Court in accordance with Pinellas County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70, Article III, Section 70-237: Registration of Domestic Partnerships. To Register a Domestic Partnership, visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg or North County Branches of the Clerk’s office.
A Registered Domestic Partnership means the entity formed by two persons who have met the criteria listed in Section 70-237, Pinellas County Code and filed an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership with the Clerk.
Requirements for Domestic Partnership Eligibility
To register for a Domestic Partnership, both partners are required to appear in person and provide the Clerk with Identification: Driver’s License, State ID, Military ID, or Passport. The Affidavit of Domestic Partnership Registration Form must be completed. The document is required to be signed by both Partners under the pains and penalties of perjury, witnessed and signed by two Witnesses and to be Notarized. The fee to Register a Domestic Partnership is $50.00. Affidavit of Domestic Partnership Registration Form
Certificate of Domestic Partnership Card Upon registration with the Clerk, each partner will receive a Certificate of Domestic Partnership Card, reflecting the registration of the Domestic Partnership within Pinellas County. The Certificate Card will include the assigned DPR Registration number. Printable Guide for Pinellas Domestic Partnership Registration
An Amendment to a Registered Domestic Partnership is necessary in the event the legal address for the Registered Domestic Partners changes; a legal name change of a Domestic Partner takes place; or to update the list of dependents of the Domestic Partnership. The Fee to Amend a Registered Domestic Partnership is $25.00. Complete the following form and visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg or North County Branches of the Clerk’s office. Domestic Partnership Amendment Form
An Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership must be signed by one or both partners and submitted to the Clerk upon voluntary termination of the partnership. Additionally, under the Pinellas County Code, a Domestic Partnership will be terminated by operation of law upon the occurrence of certain events. However, even with the occurrence of an event resulting in automatic termination, it is a Domestic Partner’s obligation to file an Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership with the Clerk within 10 days of the occurrence. The partner filing an Affidavit of Termination shall provide a copy of the termination to the Former Domestic Partner at their last known address.
There is no fee for recording an Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership. Complete the following form and visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg or North County Branches of the Clerk’s office. Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership Form
To the extent not superseded by federal, state, or other city law or ordinance, or contrary to rights conferred by contract or separate legal instrument, Registered Domestic Partners shall have the following rights:
Recording Services Department 315 Court Street, Room 150 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. North County Customer Information & Service Center 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. St. Petersburg Branch 545 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
North County Customer Information & Service Center 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court acts as an Official Passport Application Acceptance Agent for the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs. Clerk’s Recording Services offers Passport Application & Passport Photo services at any of the office locations listed below:
The Clerk’s office does not schedule appointments for Passport Applications. Expect longer wait times in the afternoon, towards the end of the day.
Clerk’s Recording Services provides a Passport Photo service at each location capable of accepting Passport Applications. The fee is $15.00 per person. U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel can get their passport photos free of charge by visiting any of the Clerk’s office locations listed above and presenting their CAC card (active duty), Military 10 card (veterans) or a veteran designation on their driver license.
The U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs sets & regulates policies for U.S. Passport Applications, Renewals & Fees. Visit Travel.State.Gov for further details or any additional information you may be seeking that is not found on this page
U.S. Passport Books are valid for International Travel by Air, Sea or Land. U.S. Passport Cards are only valid for Travel by Land and Sea between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Not Valid for Air Travel.
Passport Applications are required to be filled out in Black Ink.
Do not sign the DS-11 Application Form until you are instructed to do so in person.
English
Spanish
For further information on documents the U.S. Department of State will accept, please visit their Citizenship Evidence page on Travel.State.Gov.
Please Note: The documents you provide as Citizenship Evidence to obtain your Passport will be mailed to the U.S. Department of State with your Passport Application. The documents will be mailed back to you in a separate mailing from the Passport. You may wish to make a copy to keep with you until your original documents are returned.
Please Note: A Social Security card, Voter Registration Card or Military Discharge papers are not acceptable proof of your Identity.
For further information on Passport Photos the U.S. Department of State will accept, please visit their Passport Photos page on Travel.State.Gov.
Clerk’s Recording Services provides a Passport Photo service at each location accepting Passport Applications. The fee is $15.00 per person. U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel can get their passport photo free of charge by presenting their CAC card (active duty), Military 10 card (veterans), or a veteran designation on their driver’s license.
A Social Security Number is required for all Passport Applications, regardless of the age of the applicant.
U.S. Passport Fees are set and regulated by the U.S. Department of State. To view up to date Fees, please visit Travel.State.Gov’s Passport Fee page.
Two separate payments are required for Passport Applications processing
1. Application Fees: Required to be either a Check or Money Order made payable to the U.S. Department of State
2. Execution (Acceptance) Fee: A separate payment, Cash, Card, Check, etc. made payable to the Clerk of Court
3. Optional Fees
Children under 16
For detailed information regarding Passport Application & Renewal Requirements for minors who are 15 or younger, please view Travel.State.Gov’s Children Under 16 page. Requirements for Minors under 16
For detailed information regarding Passport Applications & Renewal Requirements for minors who are 16 or 17 years old, please view Travel.State.Gov’s Applicants Age 16 and 17 page. Requirements for Minors who are 16 or 17
The Clerk's Office Can only process Passport Renewals if:
Form DS-11 is used for each of the situations above
Renew your Passport by Mail if:
Renew by mail with Form DS-82 for each of the above scenarios
For further information on Passport Renewal, please visit the Renew my Passport by Mail page on Travel.State.Gov.
After the Clerk accepts your Passport Application, the documents are submitted to a Regional Passport Agency to process.
Track the Status of your Passport
Online with Travel.State.Gov’s Online Passport Status System.
Or call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY). NPIC customer service representatives are available Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM EST; & Saturday 10 AM – 3 PM EST.
You must report a Lost or Stolen Passport immediately. Form DS-64, “Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport,” can be submitted Online or by Mail.
For further information or to submit DS-64 Online, please visit the Lost or Stolen Passports page on Travel.State.Gov. After a Passport has been Lost or Stolen, to obtain a new Passport, you must appear in person with a new Application, Form DS-11, rather than a Renewal form.
Accepting Passport Applications
Recording Services Department 315 Court Street, Room 150 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. St. Petersburg Branch 545 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. North County Customer Information & Service Center 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is the Pinellas County Recorder, is responsible for maintaining archives of all Pinellas County Official Records from 1912 to present date.
The Official Records Index contains Official Record Instrument, Book and Page numbers, Types of Documents Recorded, Date of Recording, & a Name reference.
Additional Services Clerk’s Official Records provides include Pinellas County Tax Deed Sales and Fraud Alert subscription.
NOTICE OF THE RIGHT OF ANY AFFECTED PARTY TO REQUEST THE ADDITION OF INFORMATION TO A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INTERNET WEBSITE
Any affected person has a right to request that a county recorder or clerk of the court add information to a publicly available Internet website if that information involves the identity of a respondent against whom a final judgment for an injunction for the protection of a minor under s. 741.30, s. 784.046, or s. 784.0485 is entered, unless the respondent is a minor. The request must be in writing and contain the case number. To make a request contact the Clerk’s office by mail or in person at Recording Services 315 Court Street rm 150, Clearwater, FL 33756 or by email at recording@mypinellasclerk.gov. Note: Your request may also be dropped off at the Clerk’s St. Petersburg Branch office 545 First Ave North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 or the Clerk’s North County Branch office 29582 U.S. 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33761 and your request will be forwarded to Recording Services for processing.
Pinellas County Official Records are available to view online for General Public Access.
There are multiple search functions to utilize to assist in locating a Recorded document in Official Records:
Official Records documents that fall within the categories below are not available online for General Public Access. Florida Statute 28.2221(5)(a) restricts online General Public Access to:
These Official Records documents are available for the public to view:
The Official Records subscription service is available for an initial set-up fee and an annual usage fee. A subscription account provides online access to the Clerk's secure, password-protected website.
The cost for the service is a one-time initial set up fee of $100.00, per User ID and an annual usage fee of $75.00 per User ID, to be paid on October 1st of each year. Up to five additional users may be added per account for an annual usage fee of $300.00 per organization, with the increase in increments of five users.
If you are interested in this service please complete the "Subscription Agreement for Electronic Access to Official Records." Send in the signed agreement along with your company's check or money order for $175.00 using the methods detailed below.
STEP ONE: Complete a Subscription Agreement
A subscription agreement is required for each account prior to gaining access to electronic recorded documents. Please complete the subscription agreement including notarized signature.
Also, if you have an old login account from our previous system and would like to use the same login ID number, please write your Username at the bottom of the form.
STEP TWO: Submit your Subscription Agreement and payment via the methods below
A) Mail your subscription agreement and payment to:
Ken Burke, Clerk of Court & Comptroller Attn: Official Records Subscription Service 315 Court Street, Room #150 Clearwater, FL 33756
B) If you have existing Draw Down Account (Deposit Account) you can submit your subscription agreement to Recording Services by email at recording@mypinellasclerk.gov and include your existing account number. If you would like to create a Draw Down Account, please click here.
Email questions to: recording@mypinellasclerk.gov.
Redaction of recorded documents within the Official Records can be requested online for Social Security, Bank Account, Credit, Debit or Charge Card numbers. Select the following link to submit your request online: Official Records/Recorded Documents Redaction Request Form.
To request Official Records redaction of Florida Statute Exempt Personal Information, please download, complete and submit the Request to Redact Personal Information Form. The form can be submitted to the Official Records Department in person, via mail or fax.
Select only the Exemption Information categories that apply to you, enter your contact information and identify the documents to receive redaction. Submit the completed form to Official Records via mail or in person.
Please note:
NOTICE OF THE RIGHT OF ANY AFFECTED PARTY TO REQUEST REMOVAL OF CERTAIN CHAPTER 119 INFORMATION OR RECORDS
Any person has a right to request that a county recorder remove, from a publicly available Internet website, information made exempt from inspection or copying under Florida Statutes s.119.071 or an image or copy of a public record, including an official record, if that image or copy is of a military discharge; death certificate, or a court file, record or paper relating to matters or cases governed by the Florida Rules of Family Law, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, or the Florida Probate Rules. However, grantor, grantee or party names may not be removed from the Official Records index.
Requests must be notarized, state the statutory basis for removal, and confirm the individual’s eligibility for the exemption. To make a request contact the clerk’s office by mail or in person at Recording Services 315 Court Street rm 150, Clearwater, Florida or by email at recording@mypinellasclerk.gov. Note: Your request may also be dropped off at the Clerk’s St. Petersburg Branch office 545 First Ave North St. Petersburg or the Clerk’s North County Branch office 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, Fl 33761 and your request will be forwarded to the Clearwater Recording Services office for processing.
Official Records Department 315 Court Street, Room 163 Clearwater, FL 33756 Phone: (727) 464-7000 Fax: (727) 453-3451 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You can order copies of Official Records online through the Clerk’s Online Copy Request and Payment Center. Copies can also be purchased in person, and access is provided to public computer terminals to view Official Records at two Clerk’s Office Locations:
Clearwater Courthouse 315 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756 St. Petersburg Branch 545 1st Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Clearwater Courthouse 315 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756
St. Petersburg Branch 545 1st Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701
View the current Fee Schedule for applicable fees.
A copy of your deed (for real estate transactions within Pinellas County) is available from the Official Records of Pinellas County. A certified copy of a 1-page deed costs $3.00 from the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court's Office. Please use the information on this page to find out how to locate and order a certified copy of your deed with ease.
You may search the Official Records of Pinellas County for a copy of your recorded deed.
Under Official Records, click on the link titled "Official Records Search" to access the Official Records Entry Form. Enter the name that the deed is recorded under - typically this is the homeowner's name. Using the "Instrument Select" drop-down box, you may select "Deed" to narrow your search of the Official Records documents to just deeds. You may enter a beginning date and an ending date to further limit your search to a specific time period.
Images of deeds are available online from 1957 through the present date. Certified copies can only be provided by U.S. Postal Service mail or in person. Uncertified copies can be provided via email, fax, U.S. Postal Service mail or in person.
Deeds/Records can be ordered with payment of appropriate fees as follows:
Downtown Clearwater Courthouse Recording Services, Room 163 315 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (727) 464-7000 St. Petersburg Branch 545 1st Avenue N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (727) 464-7000 North County Customer Information & Service Center 29582 US Highway 19 N Clearwater, FL 33761 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (727) 464-7000
Downtown Clearwater Courthouse Recording Services, Room 163 315 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (727) 464-7000 St. Petersburg Branch 545 1st Avenue N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (727) 464-7000
North County Customer Information & Service Center 29582 US Highway 19 N Clearwater, FL 33761 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (727) 464-7000
Please make your check payable to The Clerk of the Circuit Court and include a self-addressed envelope along with your request.
The copying and/or the certifying of Court or Official Record documents requires copy and/or certification fees paid to the Clerk of Court. Refer to our current fee schedule..
*There is a 3.5% fee charged by the credit card processor for the use of a credit card to pay for the records requested. This fee is not shared with the Clerk. This fee is not a charge for the records requested, but is related solely to the method of payment.
Official Records Department 315 Court Street, Room 163 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Properties offered for sale to the highest bidder to satisfy delinquent property taxes are referred to as Tax Deed Sales. Clerk’s Official Records conducts the sale of Tax Deeds in Pinellas County upon notification from the Pinellas County Tax Collector. The sales are held in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 197, and Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 12D-13.
For Tax Certificate Sales, please visit the Pinellas County Tax Collector.
Pinellas County Tax Deed Sales are conducted online at Pinellas.RealTaxDeed.com, on scheduled sale days beginning at 11:00 AM EST/EDT. To check for upcoming sale dates, view the Auction Calendar page. The Sale of a particular property is subject to change without notice.
Notices of pending Tax Deed Sales are published in a newspaper with local circulation. Tax Deed files and document images are available for online viewing at taxdeedsales.mypinellasclerk.gov. Unless the property is redeemed prior to the sale, the sale is held in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 197.
For Additional Information about Pinellas online Tax Deed Sales, Requirements for Bidding, Payments and more please visit the Tax Deed Sale Process page on Pinellas.RealTaxDeed.com.
The Surplus Claim Form is available here.
All Properties are sold “AS IS.”
Bidders are responsible for conducting their own research as to the condition of the property and the state of the title of the property being sold. There may be encumbrances (outstanding judgements, current year’s taxes, and/or other liens) that survive the Tax Deed Sale and become the responsibility of the winning bidder. You Must Do Your Own Research For Each Property, or consult with someone who can advise you legally.
The Clerk’s Office makes no warranties or representation about the location or condition regarding any property, the condition of structures or fixtures, its marketability, existing or potential uses, zoning regulations or laws that may affect current or future uses of the property, outstanding or potential liens, mortgages or encumbrances or defects in title that may exist.
The Clerk’s Office is not authorized to give legal advice. If you require legal advice, you should obtain it from a licensed attorney. The Clerk’s Office assumes no responsibility for any encumbrances on any property offered for sale.
Official Records Department – Tax Deeds 315 Court Street, Room 163 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-3424 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Official Records Department – Tax Deeds 315 Court Street, Room 163 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-3424
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
If you do not otherwise have access to a computer, access to the electronic online auction will be available at public computer terminals in Two Clerk’s Offices locations:
Protect yourself from Fraud with the Clerk's Fraud Alert Service
The Clerk's Fraud Alert Subscription Service is offered free to the public by the Pinellas County Clerk’s office to help you detect fraudulent documents recorded with your name into Pinellas County Official Records.
According to the FBI, property and mortgage fraud is the fastest-growing white-collar crime. Property Fraud is when someone illegally uses your property for financial gain. An instance of this entails someone recording a fraudulent deed and/or lien against your property in the Official Records of the Pinellas County Clerk's office. The Fraud Alert Subscription Service will notify you of any document recorded in your name, property or otherwise.
Although the alert system does not prevent the actual fraudulent activity from taking place, it does provide an early warning system for subscribers to become aware of what may have otherwise gone undetected. Subscribers armed with this notification system will be able to take prompt, appropriate action if they determine the activity to be fraudulent.
It's about keeping YOU informed. Sign Up Today!
A FREE public service offered by the Pinellas County Clerk's office that can help you detect fraudulent documents recorded with your name in the Clerk's Official Records.
The name you choose to subscribe (business name, maiden name, married name, etc.) is the only criteria being monitored. If you have a common name, you may receive multiple alerts because it will not distinguish one name from another.
Starting on the day you sign up for the service you will receive an alert of any document recorded with your name in the Pinellas Official Records. The alert you receive, either by phone or email, will contain the document Book & Page Number and Document Type, along with the recorded Date and Name. Using this information, you can easily search the Clerk's Official Records online to see if the alert pertains to you. Pinellas Official Records.
Starting on the day you sign up for the service you will receive an alert of any document recorded with your name in the Pinellas Official Records. The alert you receive, either by phone or email, will contain the document Book & Page Number and Document Type, along with the recorded Date and Name.
Using this information, you can easily search the Clerk's Official Records online to see if the alert pertains to you. Pinellas Official Records.
Yes. Signing up for the Service will ensure that every type of recordable document that is recorded into Pinellas County Official Records with your name will send an alert to you.
No, this service only alerts its subscribers of documents being recorded in the Pinellas County Official Records.
Many counties are looking into the possibility of providing this service to their citizens. You may contact the Clerk of the Court in the county of interest to see if they offer such service.
There is nothing that will distinguish one name from another. Therefore, a person with a common name, like Jim Jones, will receive multiple alerts.
Fraud can be committed in a number of ways by recording documents in public records. For example, someone can create a fraudulent document that will deed your home to them and then record that document in Official Records.
The only information you need to provide is your first and last name along with your email address or phone number depending on your preferred contact method. Nothing else is needed when signing up for the service.
Anyone can sign up for the Clerk’s Fraud Alert subscription service by clicking on the link here or by calling the toll free number (800) 728-3858.
When signing up online, please note that some internet browsers may require you to install the Silverlight plug-in. This plug-in is required by some websites to properly display their content. Once you successfully install the plug-in, you should be able to access the page without any issues. Remember to completely close your browser session after the installation to ensure the changes take effect.
The alert email will provide you with an Official Records Book and Page number to view your document in Official Records. The Document Number within the email alert is the Book and Page number. There is a space between the numbers. See the Sample Alert below. Sample Email Alert: Dear subscriber, a document has recently been recorded that matches the monitor criteria you have provided Jane Doe. The document information is: Location: Pinellas, FL Document Number: 18745 2635 Document Type: RELEASE Recorded Date: 08-15-2014 Matched Party Name: JOHN DOE ALERT ID 17508931 Please visit www.propertyfraudalert.com/nextsteps or call 1-800-728-3858 for information. If you feel you have received this message in error or you wish to modify your monitor criteria, please contact Fraud Alert Customer Service at 1-800-728-3858 Please Note: The Document Number contains both the Book & Page numbers. The Book number is always 5 digits. There will be a space, then the Page number will follow.
The alert email will provide you with an Official Records Book and Page number to view your document in Official Records. The Document Number within the email alert is the Book and Page number. There is a space between the numbers. See the Sample Alert below.
Sample Email Alert: Dear subscriber, a document has recently been recorded that matches the monitor criteria you have provided Jane Doe. The document information is: Location: Pinellas, FL Document Number: 18745 2635 Document Type: RELEASE Recorded Date: 08-15-2014 Matched Party Name: JOHN DOE ALERT ID 17508931 Please visit www.propertyfraudalert.com/nextsteps or call 1-800-728-3858 for information. If you feel you have received this message in error or you wish to modify your monitor criteria, please contact Fraud Alert Customer Service at 1-800-728-3858
Please Note: The Document Number contains both the Book & Page numbers. The Book number is always 5 digits. There will be a space, then the Page number will follow.
The Fraud Alert Subscription Service is offered through the Pinellas County Official Records department
Office Locations & Hours
Official Records Department 315 Court Street, Room 163 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000
View our Fraud Alert Brochure
Ready to sign up? Click here
"Serena's Law," effective July 1, 2021, amends F.S. 28.2221 to require each county recorder or clerk of the court to post on its publicly available website an entry of final judgment for an injunction for the protection of a minor which includes the identity of each adult respondent against whom the injunction is entered, unless the respondent is a minor.
Such request must be in writing and must identify the case number assigned to the protective injunction and be personally delivered by mail, facsimile, or electronic transmission to the county recorder. Requests may sent by mail or in person: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL. 33756. Email recording@mypinellasclerk.gov.
Any minor or his/her representative may petition the Circuit court for an order directing compliance.
Step-by-Step instructions to Search for Respondents in Domestic Violence Injunction Judgments Involving Minors per Section 28.2221, Florida Statutes, as Amended 7/1/2024
The search results will be shown below your search criteria. The document image will not be shown per Florida Statute 28.2221.
Images of these documents are available for viewing inside our offices.
If you are searching for a specific name, you can enter the respondent name, document type (still DVI JUDGMENT - MINOR), and a date range.
If you need assistance searching for these or any other documents, please contact:
Recording Department 727-464-7000 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Information not made available on the website by July 1, 2021, must be made available to the general public on the website if the minor, or his/her representative, identifies the information and requests it be made publicly available.
Any affected person has a right to request that a county recorder or clerk of the court add information to a publicly available Internet website if that information involves the identity of a respondent against whom a final judgment for an injunction for the protection of a minor under s. 741.30, s. 68 784.046, or s. 784.0485 is entered, unless the respondent is a minor. The request must be in writing and contain the case number. To make a request, contact the clerk’s office by mail or in person at Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, 315 Court Street, Room 163, Clearwater, FL 33756 or by email at recording@mypinellasclerk.gov.
