St Petersburg City probate court records are filed with the Pinellas County Clerk of Courts in Clearwater, not inside the city of St Petersburg itself. Probate cases always go to the county where the person who died lived, and St Petersburg sits in Pinellas County.
The courthouse where these records are kept is about 20 miles north of downtown St Petersburg, in the county seat of Clearwater. This page explains how to look up these records, what they cost, what types of probate cases exist, and how to get death certificates, which you often need at the same time.
Where St Petersburg Probate Records Are Filed
Every probate case for a St Petersburg resident opens at the Pinellas County Courthouse in Clearwater. The clerk there keeps the files, dockets, and certified copies. St Petersburg does not have its own probate court because Florida law puts all probate work at the county level. The Pinellas County Clerk of Courts runs this office under Florida Statutes, Chapters 731 through 735.
The 6th Judicial Circuit
Pinellas County sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This same circuit also covers Pasco County. Probate cases from St Petersburg go to the Clearwater courthouse. The clerk who runs Pinellas County is Ken Burke. His office handles all filings, searches, copies, and official records for probate matters across the county.
Clerk of Courts Contact Details
The Pinellas County Clerk of Courts office is the right place for probate filings, searches, and certified copies. Below are the key contact points for this office.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Ken Burke |
| Address | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Phone | (727) 464-7000 |
| Website | pinellasclerk.org |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search St Petersburg Probate Records
The Pinellas County Clerk runs a free online search tool at pinellasclerk.org. Anyone can use it to look up probate cases from St Petersburg without going to the courthouse. The search works by the name of the person who died, the case number, or the date the case was filed. Results show the case type, the parties named, and the current status.
Using the Pinellas County Clerk Portal
Go to pinellasclerk.org and click on the case search link. Type the last name of the person who died, then the first name. The system pulls up all matching cases, both open and closed. Each result shows the case number, the type of probate, the personal representative, and a list of docket entries. You can click on entries to see what was filed and when.
What You Can See Online
Many probate documents are public and show up in the online search. These include the petition to open the estate, the will (once admitted to the court), the letters of administration, and the final order closing the case. Some documents are sealed by law and never appear online. Florida law keeps inventories of estate assets and accountings private. You cannot see those records, even if the case itself is public.
City of St Petersburg Website
The City of St Petersburg does not handle probate directly. The city’s website at stpete.org lists county resources and helps residents find the right office. Probate cases always sit with the county clerk.
Copy Fees and Certified Records
Plain copies of probate documents cost $1.00 per page through the clerk’s office. Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each extra page. You can get copies in person at the Clearwater courthouse, by mail, or through the online portal. Mail requests need a check made out to the Pinellas County Clerk of Courts, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a clear list of the documents you need.
Three Types of Probate in Florida
Florida law sets out three paths for handling a dead person’s estate. The right one depends on the size of the estate and how long ago the person died. Each type has its own rules, fees, and timeline.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the full court process. It applies when the gross value of the estate is more than $75,000, or when the person died less than two years ago. A judge appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. The representative must notify creditors, file an inventory, pay debts, and distribute what is left to the heirs. In Pinellas County, this process often takes five to nine months when there are no problems. Cases with disputes, tax issues, or multiple properties can take much longer.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a shorter process. It applies when the estate is worth $75,000 or less, or when the person died more than two years ago. The court issues an order that says how assets pass. No personal representative is appointed. Cases often close in four to six weeks when the paperwork is correct and complete.
Disposition Without Administration
This is the simplest path. It works only when the estate has no real property and the only assets are funds to cover final medical bills and funeral costs, usually under $6,000. The clerk handles the paperwork without opening a full probate case. It is not the right choice if the dead person owned any real estate, no matter how small the estate.
Florida Death Certificates and Probate Cases
Most probate filings in St Petersburg need a certified copy of the death certificate. Banks, title companies, and investment firms will not release assets without one. The Florida Department of Health issues these certificates through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Why Death Certificates Matter in Probate
A certified death certificate proves the person died. Without it, the personal representative cannot close bank accounts, sell property, transfer vehicles, or file final tax returns. Most cases need several certified copies, since each institution asks for its own. It is smart to order at least five to ten certified copies when a probate case is complex.
Order a Certified Copy of a Florida Death Certificate
You can order a Florida death certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, which is the state’s main vital records office. You can also order through any county health department in Florida, or through an approved online service. The death certificate application form asks for the full name of the person who died, the date of death, the place of death, the parents’ names, and the applicant’s relationship to the deceased.
You will need the following to order a death certificate in Florida:
- A filled-out application form (DH 645)
- A valid photo ID of the person ordering
- Proof of relationship if you are a family member
- The correct fee for the type of copy you need
Florida Death Certificate Cost
The cost of a Florida death certificate depends on the type of copy. A certified copy costs $15.00 as of 2026. An additional copy ordered at the same time costs $10.00. Rush or expedited service costs more. Payment is accepted by check, money order, or credit card through the online system.
Florida Vital Statistics Office Contact
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the state office that holds death records for events in Florida. The main office is in Jacksonville. You can reach them by phone at (904) 359-6900. The mailing address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231. The website is floridahealth.gov and has the application form you can download.
Florida Death Records by Time Period
Where you look for a death record in Florida depends on when the person died. Florida keeps records at different offices for different time periods.
Florida Death Records Before 1977
Death records from before 1977 sit with the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. The Bureau of Vital Statistics only holds statewide death records starting in 1877, and full records from 1917 onward. Earlier records, including many from the 1900 to 1959 period, may be at the county level. The State Archives has microfilm and original documents for older deaths. You can search the State Archives catalog online before requesting copies.
Florida Death Records After 1977
Death records from 1977 to the present are kept by the Florida Department of Health. The Bureau of Vital Statistics holds the official file. You can order certified copies through the state office, any county health department, or the online portal. Most orders process in 5 to 10 business days. The state also offers a Florida death index that lets you confirm a death before ordering a full certificate.
Florida Death Records by County
County health departments can issue death certificates for deaths that happened in their county. For St Petersburg residents, the Pinellas County Health Department handles local death records. Each county has its own process, fees, and hours.
Pinellas County Health Department
The Pinellas County Health Department issues death certificates for deaths that happened in Pinellas County. The St Petersburg office is one option for residents who want to apply in person. You can also mail your application to the county office. The county office charges the same $15.00 fee for a certified copy as the state office.
Florida Funeral Home Records
Florida funeral homes keep their own records of the people they help bury or cremate. These records often include the death certificate number, the date and place of death, and the next of kin. Funeral home records are private and not open to the public, but the funeral home may share them with immediate family members who can prove their relationship.
Other Ways to Get Death Records in Florida
Beyond the state and county offices, other sources can help you find or confirm Florida death records. These are useful for genealogy, family history, and background checks.
Florida State Archives
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds historical death records. These include records from before 1977, county-level death registers, and many older local indexes. Researchers can visit the archives in person or order copies by mail. The State Archives also works with online genealogy sites to share indexed records.
Florida Obituary Records
Florida obituary records are not the same as death certificates, but they often confirm key details. Obituaries include the full name of the person who died, the date of death, the age, and surviving family members. Many Florida newspapers have online obituary archives, and genealogy sites pull these into searchable databases. The obituaries are free to view, but you still need a certified certificate for legal matters.
Genealogy Searches and the Free Death Index
Florida has a free death index that lets you confirm whether someone died in the state. The index covers deaths from 1917 to the present, with some gaps in the earliest years. You can search by name and view the year and county of death. Once you confirm the death, you can order a certified copy. Genealogy researchers use this tool to build family trees, but it is also useful for legal and financial reasons.
Probate Filing Fees in Pinellas County
Probate filing fees in Pinellas County follow the Florida statewide fee schedule. The cost depends on the type of probate and the size of the estate. Smaller estates cost less because there are fewer steps and fewer filings.
| Probate Type | Typical Court Fees |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration (small estate) | $300 to $400 at filing, more as case progresses |
| Formal Administration (large estate) | Higher based on estate value |
| Summary Administration | $200 to $350 |
| Disposition Without Administration | Under $50 |
Attorney and Personal Representative Fees
Attorney fees in Florida probate follow the schedule in Florida Statute section 733.6171. The fee is set as a percentage of the estate value and is paid from the estate itself, not by the heirs out of pocket. Personal representative compensation follows section 733.617. If you cannot afford the filing fees, the clerk can grant a fee waiver based on income. Ask the clerk’s office for the waiver form.
Help With St Petersburg Probate Cases
Not every probate case needs a lawyer. Summary administration for a small estate with clear heirs is something many people handle on their own. Formal administration is harder and often needs legal help, especially if there are disputes, real property, or tax issues.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts Self-Help Center has approved probate forms and step-by-step instructions at flcourts.gov. These forms work in every Florida county, including Pinellas. The site also has guides for people handling estates without a lawyer.
Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Services covers Pinellas County and provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. Their main number is (813) 232-1343. They help with some estate matters, with priority often given to surviving spouses and minor children.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral
The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a licensed probate attorney in Pinellas County. Call (800) 342-8011. Many attorneys offer a low-cost first meeting. The Florida Bar website has a directory of lawyers sorted by practice area and county.
Step-by-Step Probate Process for St Petersburg Estates
Formal administration for a St Petersburg estate follows a set path. Each step has a purpose and a deadline. The list below shows what happens in a typical case from start to finish.
- File a petition to open the estate and appoint a personal representative.
- Submit the death certificate and the original will (if one exists) with the petition.
- Wait for the court to issue Letters of Administration.
- Publish notice to creditors in a Pinellas County newspaper.
- Send direct notice to known creditors.
- File the inventory of estate assets with the clerk within 60 days of letters.
- Pay valid creditor claims after the three-month window closes.
- Sell or distribute property as the will or Florida law directs.
- File the final accounting and petition for discharge.
- Receive the court’s final order and close the estate.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Petersburg Probate Records
People who look up St Petersburg probate records often have similar questions. The answers below cover the most common points, including fees, time periods, certified copies, and where to apply. Each answer gives a clear, direct response based on Florida law and current Pinellas County practice.
How do I get a Florida death certificate replacement?
You can order a Florida death certificate replacement through the Bureau of Vital Statistics, any county health department, or an approved online vendor. Fill out form DH 645, show a valid photo ID, and pay the $15.00 fee for a certified copy. Each additional copy at the same time costs $10.00. Most replacements ship in 5 to 10 business days. You can also request expedited service for an extra fee if you need the certificate faster.
Where can I do a free Florida death records search?
The Florida Department of Health runs a free death index that covers deaths from 1917 to the present. You can search by name to confirm the year and county of death. The index does not include the full death certificate. For genealogy searches, free tools include FamilySearch, Find A Grave, and local newspaper obituary archives. The Florida State Archives also has free search tools for older death records.
Can I get Florida death records apostille?
Yes. If you need a Florida death certificate with an apostille for use in another country, you order the certified copy first, then send it to the Florida Department of State for the apostille. The Department of State charges a separate fee for the apostille service. The process is the same for any Florida vital record that needs to be used abroad.
What is the difference between a Florida death certificate and a death index entry?
A Florida death certificate is the full legal record with the cause of death, place of death, and personal details. It carries the official seal and is accepted by courts, banks, and government agencies. A death index entry is a short record with just the name, year, and county. Index entries help you confirm a death, but you cannot use them for legal work. You need a certified death certificate for probate, insurance, and property transfers.
Do Florida death records show the cause of death?
Certified death certificates in Florida do show the cause of death, but only certain people can get a copy that includes the cause. Florida law limits who can see the medical cause of death. Immediate family, legal representatives, and government agencies can order a copy that includes the cause. Other applicants can still get a copy, but the cause of death is usually redacted. The Pinellas County Clerk and the Bureau of Vital Statistics follow the same rules.
How long does probate take for a St Petersburg estate?
Formal administration in Pinellas County usually takes five to nine months when there are no disputes. Summary administration often closes in four to six weeks. Disposition without administration can wrap up in a few days. Cases with tax problems, contested wills, or multiple properties can take much longer. Creditor claims must run for three months from the first publication of notice, and that wait period alone often drives the timeline.
Can I verify a Florida death record online?
You can verify a Florida death record by searching the free death index on the Florida Department of Health website. The index shows the name, year, and county of death. For legal verification, you need a certified copy. Banks, insurance companies, and courts will not accept a printed index entry as proof. Use the index to confirm the death exists, then order a certified copy for any legal or financial matter.