pinellas county florida public records: what they include and how to use them

Overview

Florida's Sunshine Law makes most government documents accessible to the public, enabling residents, journalists, and businesses to review how decisions are made.

In Pinellas County, records may include property deeds, court filings, arrest logs, commission minutes, building permits, marriage and divorce indexes, and GIS maps.

How to request

You can request in person, by phone, or online from the custodian agency-such as the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Sheriff's Office, or municipal departments. Provide specific dates, names, parcel numbers, or case numbers to narrow the scope and reduce fees for extensive searches or redactions.

Pros and cautions

• Transparency: Track spending and policy decisions.
• Due diligence: Verify liens, code cases, and litigation before a purchase.
• Timelines: Agencies must respond promptly, though complex requests can take longer.
• Costs: Copying, extensive labor, or certified documents may incur charges.
• Privacy limits: Certain data-social security numbers, medical details, juveniles-are exempt or redacted.

For efficient results, ask for digital copies, clarify preferred formats, and keep communications polite and concise; this often leads to quicker fulfillment.