Clearwater City probate court records are the official case files kept by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. These records cover every estate, will, and guardianship case filed in the city.
People search them to check on a relative’s estate, locate a lost will, settle debts, or do family research. The Pinellas County Clerk handles all probate filings for Clearwater and the rest of the county. This page covers how to search these records, the types of cases you will see, the fees involved, and where to get legal help in the area.
Clearwater Probate Court System Overview
Clearwater does not run its own probate court. The city falls under the Pinellas County court system. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all probate records. These records sit at the main courthouse in downtown Clearwater. The same office runs branch locations in other parts of the county. All Clearwater residents use the same court for probate matters. Every estate, will, and guardianship case in the city starts and ends at this one location.
The Pinellas County Clerk Role
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the record keeper for the 6th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk’s office files every probate petition, stores every will deposit, and issues letters of administration. The current Clerk of Court is Ken Burke. His office runs the public records portal, the paper files, and the microfilm archives. You can call the Clerk’s office with questions about case numbers, filing dates, or document copies. The office staff can help you identify the right case if you only have a name and an approximate date of death. The Clerk’s office also handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and other public records for the county.
The 6th Judicial Circuit Explained
Clearwater sits in Florida’s 6th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers two counties: Pinellas and Pasco. The 6th Circuit probate division handles estates, wills, guardianships, and trusts. Judges rotate through the probate division on a regular schedule. When a case opens, the court assigns it to a specific division and a specific judge. The Clerk’s office can tell you which judge is assigned to a case and when hearings are scheduled. Court hearings for Clearwater probate cases take place at the main courthouse in downtown Clearwater.
Courthouse Location and Hours
The main Pinellas County courthouse sits in downtown Clearwater. The address is 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. The building is close to the County Government Center and the old County Courthouse. The courthouse has public terminals for record searches. Free parking is available in the nearby parking garages. The Clerk’s office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing if you need certified copies the same day.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Address | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Phone Number | (727) 464-7000 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.pinellasclerk.org |
| Judicial Circuit | 6th Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco) |
| Branch Offices | St. Petersburg and other Pinellas locations |
How to Search Clearwater City Probate Court Records
The Pinellas County Clerk gives you three ways to search Clearwater City probate court records. You can use the online portal, visit the courthouse in person, or contact the records department by phone or mail. The online portal is the fastest option for most people. It runs 24 hours a day and shows case data from the past several decades. Older records may require an in-person visit to the courthouse archives. Each method has its own fees and turnaround time.
The Online Records Portal
The Pinellas County Clerk runs an online portal at www.pinellasclerk.org. The portal lets you search probate cases by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. You do not need an account or login. The search is free for basic case data. Results show the case type, the parties listed, the filing date, and the case status. You can see a list of documents filed in the case. Some documents are restricted and will not show up in the public search. The portal works on mobile devices and desktop computers.
Search Methods
You can run a search on the Pinellas County Clerk portal in a few different ways. Each method works better for certain types of lookups. The portal accepts partial names. It does not search by date of death or address. The main search options are listed below.
- Search by Name: Type the full legal name of the deceased person. Use last name first for best results. Add a first name to narrow the results.
- Search by Case Number: Type the unique case number, such as 24-CP-001234. You can get the case number from the Clerk’s office if you do not have it.
- Search by Attorney Bar Number: Type the Florida Bar number of the attorney handling the case. This works for attorney-led searches.
- Search by Date Range: Set a date range to limit results to a specific period. This helps when you know the year of death.
In-Person Record Requests
An in-person visit is the most reliable way to get full access to Clearwater City probate court records. You can use the public terminals at the Clerk’s office. The staff can help you locate the right case. You can request certified copies on the spot. Bring a valid photo ID. Bring the case number if you have it. Bring the date of death or the full legal name of the deceased. The records counter is on the first floor of the courthouse at 315 Court Street. The staff can also pull older microfilm records from the on-site archives during business hours.
Phone and Mail Options
You can call the Pinellas County Clerk records department at (727) 464-7000. Staff can confirm a case number, check the status, and quote fees. You can also request documents by mail. Send a written request to the Clerk’s office with the case number, the documents needed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment by check or money order. Mail requests can take two to three weeks to process. Make checks payable to the Pinellas County Clerk of Court.
Types of Probate Cases Filed in Clearwater
Florida law creates three main paths for settling an estate. Each path produces a different type of case file. The path used depends on the value of the estate and the time since the person died. The Pinellas County Clerk files all three types. The Clerk files separate will deposit cases and guardianship cases. Knowing the case type helps you search the right records. Each type has its own fee, timeline, and document list.
Formal Administration
Formal administration is the full probate process. It applies to estates worth more than $75,000 in non-exempt assets. A judge appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. The personal representative gathers assets, notifies creditors, files accountings, and distributes what remains. Formal administration cases include detailed filings like the petition, the will, the inventory, the accountings, and the final discharge. Most formal administration cases take six months to over a year to close. Florida law requires an attorney for formal administration in most cases.
Summary Administration
Summary administration is a shorter path. It applies to estates worth $75,000 or less. It applies when the person has been dead for more than two years. The court does not appoint a personal representative. A petitioner files a single petition asking the court to order the distribution. Summary administration cases have fewer filings. They often close in a few weeks or months. Many small Clearwater estates use this path. A surviving spouse can use summary administration for many smaller estates.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest path. It applies when the only assets are enough to pay funeral costs and final medical bills. The estate cannot include real property. A person files a petition with the Clerk. The Clerk issues an authorization letter. No judge reviews the case. This path is common when a small bank account is the only asset. It is the fastest option available. Many funeral homes help families file this petition after a service.
Will Deposit Cases
Florida law requires a will custodian to file the will with the Clerk within 10 days of the testator’s death. The will deposit creates a separate case file. Filing the will does not open a probate case. It just places the document in court custody. Any interested party can later petition the court to admit the will to probate. The Clerk stores the original will in a secure vault. You can request a copy of a deposited will through the records department. The fee is set by state law.
Guardianship Records
Guardianship cases fall under the probate division. A guardian may be appointed for an adult who cannot manage their own affairs. The court appoints a guardian and oversees the guardianship. Guardians must file annual reports and accountings. These records sit with the probate division. The same online portal and courthouse procedures apply to guardianship searches. Some guardianship records are sealed by court order and may not be viewable. Minor children and incapacitated adults are the most common subjects of these cases.
Probate Filing Fees in Pinellas County
The fees for filing probate cases in Pinellas County follow the Florida state fee schedule. The fee to open a formal administration case depends on the estate value. Small estates pay less. Large estates pay more. The Clerk’s office quotes the exact fee before you file. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. There are fees for copies, certifications, and other services. The fee schedule is set by the Florida Legislature and updates each year.
Court Filing Costs
The court filing fee for a formal administration in Pinellas County starts at around $235 for estates under $1,000. The fee rises with the estate value. The exact fee depends on the total value of the probate estate. Summary administration fees are similar but slightly lower. Disposition without administration has a smaller fee. Guardianship filings have their own fee schedule. Call the Clerk’s office at (727) 464-7000 to get the current fee for your specific case. Fees must be paid at the time of filing.
| Case Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal Administration (under $1,000 estate) | About $235 |
| Formal Administration (over $1,000 estate) | Fees scale up with estate value |
| Summary Administration | Lower than formal administration |
| Disposition Without Administration | Smallest fee of the three |
| Will Deposit | Modest filing fee |
| Guardianship | Set by separate fee schedule |
| Annual Guardianship Report | Set by state law |
Copy and Certification Fees
Certified copies of probate documents cost $1.00 per page. The certification seal costs $2.00 per document. Exemplified copies cost more. Exemplified copies include both the court seal and the Clerk’s signature. They are often required for out-of-state property transfers. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Mailing fees apply if you need the documents shipped to you. The Clerk’s office accepts credit cards for an extra processing fee.
Fee Waiver Options
You can apply for a fee waiver if you cannot afford the filing costs. The application is called a Determination of Civil Indigent Status. You file it with the Clerk’s office. A judge reviews the application. The judge can waive or defer the fees. The application is a separate form. It does not delay the main case. Income limits apply for the waiver. You can pick up the waiver form at the Clerk’s office or download it from the Florida Courts website.
The Clearwater Probate Process
The probate process in Clearwater follows Florida law. Florida Statutes Chapters 731 through 735 set the rules. The exact steps depend on the case type. Most formal administration cases follow the same basic pattern. Summary administration cases have fewer steps. Disposition without administration is a single filing. The Clerk’s office can give you a checklist of forms for your specific case type.
Steps in Formal Administration
Formal administration starts with a petition filed at the Clerk’s office. The court reviews the petition. The court admits the will to probate if one exists. The court appoints a personal representative. The personal representative gets letters of administration. The personal representative then gathers assets, notifies creditors, files an inventory, pays debts, and files accountings. The court holds hearings. The personal representative files a final accounting. The judge signs a final discharge. The case closes. The main steps in order are listed below.
- File the probate petition with the Clerk’s office.
- Get the court order admitting the will and appointing the personal representative.
- Notify all known creditors and publish a notice in a local newspaper.
- Wait for the 90-day creditor claim period to end.
- File the inventory of estate assets with the court.
- Pay valid debts and taxes in the order set by Florida law.
- File accountings with the court as required.
- Distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.
- File the final accounting and petition for discharge.
- Get the court order closing the case.
Steps in Summary Administration
Summary administration is simpler. A petitioner files a single petition. The petition lists all known assets and heirs. The court reviews the petition. The court enters an order distributing the estate. No personal representative gets appointed. No creditor notice is required. The case closes after the court signs the order. Most summary administration cases finish in a few weeks to a few months. Many small estate filers handle this without a lawyer.
Ancillary Probate for Out-of-State Estates
Ancillary probate applies when someone who lived in another state owned property in Florida. The main estate gets handled in the home state. The Florida property needs a Florida court order. A separate probate case opens in Pinellas County. The case transfers or sells the Florida property. Ancillary probate has its own filing fees. The same court procedures apply. The Clerk’s office can help you start an ancillary case. Many snowbirds and seasonal residents need this process.
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources
Clearwater and Pinellas County have several options for people who need legal help with probate. Some services are free. Others charge reduced fees. The Florida court system offers self-help tools. You can use these resources to handle a simple estate without an attorney. For complex cases, hire a licensed Florida probate attorney. Look for attorneys who are members of the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law section.
Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Services is a non-profit law firm. The firm provides free civil legal aid to low-income residents in the Tampa Bay area. Pinellas County residents qualify. Bay Area Legal Services handles probate, guardianship, and elder law cases. Income limits apply. You can reach the firm at www.bals.org. The firm has offices in Tampa and other locations. Call the firm to confirm eligibility before your visit. The firm serves clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and other nearby counties.
Pinellas County Bar Association
The Pinellas County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. The service connects you with a local probate attorney. The first consultation is reduced cost. You can use the Florida Bar Attorney Search at www.floridabar.org. Filter for Pinellas County and estate or probate law. The tool lists licensed attorneys who practice in the area. You can read attorney profiles and check their credentials. Many attorneys offer a free 30-minute first meeting.
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts Self-Help Center offers free forms and guides. The resources are approved by the Florida Supreme Court. You can locate them at www.flcourts.gov. The center has forms for summary administration, disposition without administration, and other common probate cases. The same forms are used by attorneys. The guides explain how to fill out each form. The guides also explain where to file each document. The forms are available in English and Spanish.
Clearwater Courthouse Contact Details
You can contact the Pinellas County Clerk’s office using the details below. The office handles all probate matters for Clearwater residents. You can visit the office in person, call, or use the online portal for most needs. The courthouse is in downtown Clearwater near the County Government Center. Parking is free at the attached garage. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Public Wi-Fi is available in the lobby for records research.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Street Address | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 4175, Clearwater, Florida 33758 |
| Main Phone | (727) 464-7000 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.pinellasclerk.org |
| Records Email | Available on the Clerk’s website contact page |
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section covers the most common questions about Clearwater City probate court records. The answers are based on Florida law, Pinellas County procedures, and current Clerk’s office policies. The information reflects public record rules as of 2026. The Clerk’s office can confirm the most up-to-date rules and fees. You can also call the records department at (727) 464-7000 for help with your specific question.
How can I check if a probate case was filed?
You can check the Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal at www.pinellasclerk.org. Search by the deceased person’s full legal name. You can search by case number if you have it. The portal shows the case type, the filing date, and the current status. The portal covers most cases filed in the past 30 years. For older cases, call the Clerk’s records department at (727) 464-7000. The staff can search the paper index cards and microfilm files for cases that predate the digital system. You can also visit the courthouse in person to use the public terminals and ask staff for help locating older cases.
Are Clearwater probate court records public?
Most Clearwater probate court records are public. The case file, the petition, the will, the inventory, and the final order are open to the public. Some documents are restricted. Inventories and accountings are confidential under Florida law. The public can see that these documents exist. The public cannot see the contents without legal standing. Sealed records require a court order to open. You can ask the Clerk’s office to confirm which documents are restricted before requesting copies.
How long does probate take in Pinellas County?
The timeline depends on the case type. Disposition without administration finishes in a few weeks. Summary administration finishes in one to three months. Formal administration takes six months to over a year. Complex cases with disputes, tax issues, or out-of-state property take longer. The creditor claim period alone is at least 90 days for formal administration. You can check the case status on the Clerk’s online portal to track progress and see upcoming hearing dates.
Can I view probate records online for free?
Yes. The Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal is free to search. You can view basic case data at no cost. Downloading and printing documents may carry a per-page fee. The portal works on desktop and mobile browsers. You do not need an account. You do not need to install any software. The portal is available 24 hours a day. You can view the case docket, party list, and filing history without paying any fee.
What happens if a will was never filed?
Florida law requires the will custodian to file the will with the Clerk within 10 days of the testator’s death. Failing to file the will can create legal liability. The Clerk can accept late filings. The Clerk can accept a will from a beneficiary or other interested party. A will that was never filed cannot be admitted to probate. The estate passes under Florida’s intestacy laws. The Clerk can charge a penalty for late filing under Florida Statute 732.901.
Who can access sealed probate records?
Only parties with legal standing can access sealed or restricted records. This includes the personal representative, named beneficiaries, and attorneys of record. Creditors with valid claims can request access. The court can grant access to other parties for good cause. The Clerk’s office cannot release restricted records without a court order. You must file a written motion with the probate division. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to unseal the records.
How do I get a death certificate from probate court?
The probate court does not issue death certificates. Death certificates come from the Florida Department of Health. The Pinellas County Clerk can give you a certified copy of the death certificate filed with the probate petition. This copy works for most legal purposes. You can request it through the Clerk’s office. The fee is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. You can also order official death certificates from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.