Court Dockets

The Pinellas County Court docket system provides access to daily and upcoming court schedules, offering clear insight into hearings, case activities, and courtroom assignments. This information is useful for parties involved in a case, legal professionals, researchers, and the general public seeking awareness of the court’s operations. Each docket typically includes case numbers, names of parties, scheduled times, hearing types, and assigned judges or courtrooms.

This resource is intended solely for personal informational purposes. It is not designed for decision-making in areas such as hiring, housing, lending, or insurance. Users seeking details about Pinellas County Court matters are encouraged to review official court resources for the most accurate and current data. Any use of the information must comply with applicable rules regarding responsible access, data accuracy, and truthful representation.

What Is a Court Docket?

A court docket is an official record maintained by a court that outlines the procedural steps and filings within a legal case. It functions as a structured timeline, displaying important details such as hearing dates, motions filed, judgments, and other case updates. These records are created to provide transparency and help users understand the status and progression of legal proceedings. Dockets are typically part of the public record and can be accessed through court clerks or online platforms, depending on the court’s policies and the type of case involved. While they offer valuable insight into the legal system, dockets should be reviewed responsibly and for appropriate informational purposes only.

Definition and Purpose

A court docket is an official schedule or log maintained by a court to track all events, filings, and actions associated with a legal case. Whether the case involves civil disputes, criminal charges, probate matters, or family law issues, the docket records the entire case timeline from filing to resolution.

This record serves as an organized, date-stamped summary that helps all parties follow what has happened—and what will happen next—in the case. It can include motion filings, court orders, hearing dates, judgments, and more. Dockets are maintained by the court clerk and made available through authorized public portals or local court offices, depending on jurisdictional rules.

Importantly, court dockets are not the same as complete case files or full background reports. They should only be used in ways that are legally permitted and aligned with public access rights.

What Information Is Included?

A typical court docket contains:

• Case Number – A unique code assigned by the court to identify the case.
• Filing Date – When the case was officially entered into court records.
• Parties Involved – This includes names of plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, and judges.
• Case Type – Such as criminal, civil, traffic, probate, or small claims.
• Event History – A timeline of scheduled hearings, motions filed, and court rulings.
• Case Status – Open, closed, dismissed, pending, or under appeal.
• Court Location – The court branch or division handling the matter.

It’s important to recognize that court dockets are limited to procedural data. They do not contain confidential or private background evaluations, nor should they be used to make personal, housing, or financial decisions about someone else.

Some local courts may offer docket access through searchable online systems. Others may require in-person or written requests. Data availability may vary depending on county and state transparency laws.

Who Uses Court Dockets?

Court dockets are used by a variety of audiences for informational and lawful purposes. These include:

• Concerned Parties or Case Participants – People with a direct connection to a case may want to monitor developments, check upcoming hearing dates, or review actions already taken.
• Legal Professionals – Attorneys and paralegals use dockets to plan filings, track opposing party motions, and prepare for court appearances.
• News Outlets and Journalists – Reporters and editors use court dockets to confirm facts and timelines before publishing case-related stories.
• Academic or Legal Researchers – Professors, students, and data analysts review docket patterns to better understand legal systems and trends.

However, it is not appropriate to use docket information to evaluate others in contexts like hiring, renting property, insurance eligibility, or similar screening situations. Court dockets are public tools intended for transparency—not for assessments or decisions about a person’s suitability for any form of transaction or approval.

Types of Court Dockets Available in Pinellas County

Pinellas County offers a wide range of court dockets to help individuals understand and access public court records for informational and personal reference. Below are the main types of court dockets typically available through the county’s judicial and clerk systems. These dockets reflect records that are public by nature and maintained by government entities such as the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Civil Dockets (Family, Small Claims, etc.)

Civil dockets in Pinellas County include a broad category of non-criminal legal proceedings. These are maintained by the civil division of the Circuit Court and typically include:

• Family Court Cases: Includes divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and adoption-related dockets. These records may be partially restricted depending on privacy rules (especially in cases involving minors).
• Small Claims: Disputes involving limited financial amounts (under a certain threshold, often $8,000 in Florida). These cases may involve landlord-tenant disagreements, business claims, or personal loans.
• Contract Disputes & Property Claims: Cases involving contract enforcement, property boundary issues, and civil damages.

Each docket may contain information such as case number, filing date, parties involved, type of claim, and case status. These documents are accessible for personal research and public record transparency, not for evaluating individuals for commercial or legal decision-making.

Criminal Dockets

Criminal court dockets involve proceedings where the State of Florida brings charges against individuals for violating criminal statutes. These dockets include:

• Felony Charges: More serious crimes like burglary, drug offenses, or assault.
• Misdemeanor Charges: Lesser criminal infractions such as petty theft, minor drug possession, or public disturbances.

Criminal dockets typically include:

• Names of the defendant and plaintiff (State of Florida)
• Charges filed
• Court hearings and results
• Plea entries and sentencing information

While these dockets are public records, their use must not include any prohibited purposes such as employment background checks or housing applications. Always refer to the official Pinellas County Clerk of Court for direct record access.

Traffic and Misdemeanor Dockets

Traffic and misdemeanor dockets cover cases that are often considered minor but still processed through the court system. These include:

• Traffic Infractions: Speeding, reckless driving, or driving without a valid license.
• Non-Traffic Misdemeanors: Disorderly conduct, public intoxication, or trespassing.

These dockets allow residents to:

• Look up citations
• Check hearing dates
• Monitor case resolutions (such as fines, license suspension, or mandatory classes)

Please note: While traffic violations may appear on a public record, not all traffic tickets are classified as criminal records. It’s important not to misrepresent traffic dockets as criminal charges unless legally defined.

Probate and Juvenile Dockets

Probate dockets cover estate matters such as wills, asset distribution, and guardianships after an individual’s death. These are often accessed for personal or family legal reference. Juvenile dockets involve cases related to minors, including delinquency or dependency matters. Due to privacy laws, juvenile records are typically confidential. Both docket types are strictly for personal, non-commercial use.

Probate Dockets

These court records involve matters related to the management and distribution of a deceased person’s estate, guardianships, and conservatorships. A probate docket might include:

• Last wills and testaments
• Estate administration details
• Appointment of executors or trustees
• Notices to creditors

Probate records are especially useful for genealogical research or verifying estate-related filings. However, sensitive records (e.g., mental health guardianships) may have access limitations for privacy protection.

Juvenile Dockets

Juvenile court cases pertain to individuals under the age of 18 and include both dependency (abuse/neglect cases) and delinquency (youth crime) dockets.

Key considerations:

• Most juvenile court dockets are confidential to protect minors.
• Some non-identifiable case summaries may be available, depending on the case type and court rules.

Under Florida state law, these records are not generally available for public commercial use and are intended solely for personal insight or family-related matters.

How to Search Pinellas County Court Dockets

Accessing court dockets in Pinellas County is now easier and more transparent for residents, legal professionals, and researchers alike. Whether you’re looking for information on a specific civil, criminal, or traffic case, understanding the process of accessing these public records is key. Below is a breakdown of how you can efficiently and legally search court dockets through approved methods, all while respecting the terms of use and legal limitations around public data.

Online Docket Search Tool (Step-by-Step Process)

The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller provides an online public search platform for accessing court dockets. This is the most direct and legal way to access docket records for informational or personal reference purposes.

Steps:

1. Visit the Official Clerk Website: Go to mypinellasclerk.org.
2. Navigate to Court Records: From the homepage, click on “Court Records” or “Online Services.”
3. Choose Case Type: Select the appropriate court division — civil, criminal, probate, family law, etc.
4. Input Search Criteria: Enter the required details like case number, party name, or filing date.
5. View Results: Click “Search” to see matching records. You’ll be able to view limited docket information depending on case privacy rules.

Search by Case Number

If you already know the case number, this is the fastest method:

• Go to the docket search tool.
• Choose Search by Case Number.
• Input the full case number exactly as listed (e.g., 21-CT-001234).
• View docket entries and case status.

Search by Defendant or Plaintiff Name

Searching by party name is helpful when the case number is unknown:

• Select the Search by Name option.
• Input the first and last name of the defendant or plaintiff.
• You may filter results by date range or case type.
• Review the list and select the appropriate case.

Schedule & Timing: When Are Dockets Updated?

Staying informed about court schedules and updates is essential for anyone following legal proceedings, whether for personal knowledge, monitoring public legal activities, or staying up to date with county-level records. Our goal is to provide timely and accurate public information in a way that’s clear, responsible, and respectful of applicable legal boundaries.

Daily Updates

Docket information is generally updated on a daily basis by the official court systems. These updates include newly scheduled hearings, changes to case statuses, continuances, and occasionally judge or courtroom reassignments. It is important to understand that these updates are entirely dependent on the official court’s systems and protocols, not this website. While our platform displays publicly available information in a user-friendly manner, we do not control how or when new docket entries are posted by the courts.

We recommend checking the docket listings once per day, particularly if you’re tracking an upcoming hearing or awaiting changes to a particular case. Please note that any use of this website should be strictly for personal informational purposes only. Our tools are not suitable for business, employment, or legal decision-making contexts.

Holiday and Weekend Limitations

Like most government-operated services, court docket systems typically pause updates during weekends and public holidays. If you are monitoring a case that is expected to update during one of these periods, anticipate a delay in the appearance of that information online.

In some instances, dockets scheduled right before or after holidays may also be delayed in posting. This is an expected operational limitation within government services and applies universally across countries. For the most accurate and up-to-date results, we encourage checking back on the next working day after a holiday or weekend.

Last-Minute Hearing Changes

Court schedules are often subject to change without prior notice, even at the last minute. Hearings may be postponed, rescheduled, or reassigned due to a variety of reasons such as judicial availability, weather disruptions, attorney requests, or administrative adjustments.

While public docket data may reflect such changes shortly after they occur, there is no guarantee that every update will be immediately reflected online, especially if the change happens on the day of the hearing. Always confirm time-sensitive or critical case information directly with the appropriate court clerk’s office if necessary.

The Court Schedule Format

Navigating court dockets and schedules can feel overwhelming for first-time users. Whether you’re researching a past or upcoming case for personal knowledge or looking to stay informed about local legal proceedings, understanding how court schedules are organized is essential. This section breaks down key elements commonly found in court dockets, allowing you to interpret them confidently and responsibly.

Case Number Explanation

Every legal case in the court system is assigned a unique case number, serving as its digital fingerprint. Here’s how to read and understand them:

• Format Example: 2023-CR-010234
• Breakdown:
  • 2023: Year the case was filed
  • CR: Case type (e.g., Criminal, Civil, Family, etc.)
  • 010234: Sequential number identifying the case in the filing year

Case numbers allow court staff, attorneys, and the public to track case progress efficiently. They’re used for searching records, locating dockets, and referencing court documents.

Division Assignment (Criminal, Family, etc.)

When a case is filed, it’s assigned to a specific division based on its type. Understanding these divisions helps you interpret what kind of legal matter you’re reviewing:

• Criminal Division: Handles felonies, misdemeanors, arraignments, and sentencing.
• Family Division: Covers divorce, custody, child support, and protection orders.
• Civil Division: Manages lawsuits over contracts, property disputes, and personal injury.
• Juvenile Division: Focuses on offenses or issues involving minors.
• Probate Division: Involves wills, estates, and guardianships.
• Traffic or Municipal: For violations like speeding or DUIs under city or county jurisdiction.

Each division follows its own court rules and scheduling practices. Cases may also be reassigned between divisions if needed.

Judge & Courtroom Details

Court dockets generally specify the assigned judge and courtroom number. These details are crucial when preparing to attend a hearing or follow a case.

• Judge Name: Indicates the judicial officer presiding over the case.
• Courtroom Number: Identifies where proceedings will take place, particularly helpful in larger courthouses.

Knowing the judge’s name may allow you to find their courtroom policies or recent decisions. However, this site is for informational use only, and we do not offer commentary or analysis on individual judges.

Status Codes in Dockets

Court dockets often include status codes or shorthand to describe the stage or condition of a case. Here are some of the most commonly used codes and their meanings:

In-Person vs. Online Docket Viewing

How and where to view court dockets can help users make informed decisions when managing personal legal research or monitoring public case activity. Whether you’re choosing to access court dockets in person at the clerk’s office or via online tools, each method has distinct benefits and limitations. Below is a comparison to help you decide which option best fits your personal needs.

Pros and Cons of Each

The differences between in-person and online docket viewing are essential for individuals seeking convenient, accurate, and lawful access to court information. Each method has unique advantages and drawbacks depending on your needs, access to technology, and proximity to a courthouse. While online portals offer speed and convenience, in-person visits may provide more detailed or up-to-date records with the help of staff guidance. The section below outlines the benefits and limitations of both options, helping you make the right choice for your research, always within legal and fair-use boundaries.

In-Person Docket Viewing

Pros:

• Official source: Access dockets directly through county clerks, ensuring authenticity and completeness.
• Assistance available: Clerks or public access staff may help guide users through records or systems.
• Full access: Some sensitive case details, which might be redacted or omitted online, may be available in person.

Cons:

• Limited hours: Most clerk’s offices are open only during weekday business hours.
• Travel required: Users must visit in person, which may be inconvenient depending on location and transportation options.
• Wait times: Physical access may involve wait times, especially in busy counties.

Online Docket Viewing

Pros:

• 24/7 accessibility: Many online portals allow users to view dockets anytime from anywhere with internet access.
• Quick navigation: Keyword and case number searches save time when reviewing multiple dockets.
• Environment-friendly: Digital access reduces the need for paper copies and physical handling.

Cons:

• Data limitations: Some counties may restrict certain records or delay posting recent updates online.
• Registration required: Access may require creating an account or verifying identity for security purposes.
• Personal-use only: Publicly available court docket tools should only be used for personal legal research or informational purposes, never for commercial, tenant, employment, or credit-screening uses as restricted by the

COVID-19 Remote Access Adjustments

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many counties expanded remote access to court dockets in an effort to reduce foot traffic and improve safety. While some temporary measures have since been lifted, many courts have retained improved digital access features due to ongoing demand.

Key Adjustments:

• Remote viewing portals: Many court websites now offer secure online access to dockets and filings.
• Virtual clerk assistance: Some jurisdictions implemented live chat or appointment-based Zoom consultations for help accessing records.
• Health precautions for in-person visits: Masks, social distancing, and health screenings may still be encouraged or required in certain areas.

Legal Use and Restrictions on Docket Access

Accessing docket information can provide helpful insight into legal proceedings, but this access comes with important limitations. These rules exist to safeguard privacy, maintain ethical use, and ensure that sensitive data is not misused or redistributed in unauthorized ways. Understanding what you can and cannot do with public court dockets is essential before conducting any kind of search or sharing that information.

Public vs. Sealed Cases

Not all court records are accessible in the same way. Dockets fall into two primary categories—public and restricted.

• Public Dockets: These include many civil, traffic, and criminal proceedings. Most of these can be reviewed through official court systems or online portals. Examples may include minor offenses, civil lawsuits, and other standard case filings.
• Sealed or Confidential Dockets: These records are not publicly accessible. They may involve:
  • Juvenile proceedings
  • Sensitive family law disputes
  • Protective orders
  • Cases that have been sealed or expunged by judicial order

Rules on Sharing Docket Information

Even when court records are public, how that information is used and distributed matters greatly. Using or promoting these records in improper contexts, such as for making personal or professional judgments about someone, is not permitted.

Permitted Use Scenarios:

• Reviewing your own court case history
• Performing academic or legal research
• Checking case schedules for attendance or monitoring
• Understanding how public systems handle specific types of legal matters

Not Permitted:

• Screening someone’s background for hiring or rental purposes
• Evaluating a person’s eligibility for financial or legal agreements
• Reselling, collecting, or sharing data for promotional purposes
• Publishing or advertising specific dockets in a misleading or invasive manner

Legal Disclaimers: Privacy, Data Use, and Ad Rules

The use of court docket information comes with legal responsibilities. Users must follow all applicable guidelines regarding how data is accessed, displayed, and shared—especially when referencing third-party services or creating related content. This includes adhering to privacy standards, avoiding misleading promotional language, and properly handling public record data. Misuse, whether intentional or accidental, can result in service restrictions, legal disputes, or violations of platform terms. The following rules are in place to ensure responsible usage, prevent data abuse, and protect the integrity of public record systems.

Data Usage Principles

Public record platforms are not authorized to provide assessments used in legal decision-making about others. This includes—but is not limited to—jobs, leases, credit, or licensing. The data shown in docket searches must be used for informational reference only and not for eligibility assessments.

If you’re unsure whether your intended use complies with the platform’s policies, it is advised to consult legal counsel or review the terms of service from the provider.

Guidelines for Content and Promotion

The following advertising and content creation practices are expected:

• Do not claim to offer confidential, secret, or locked information—public dockets are already accessible through government channels.
• Avoid using terms like “free” unless the product or access genuinely involves no payment or commitment.
• Be clear that information may not be complete or up to date; courts regularly seal, expunge, or modify records.
• When referencing reports or record details, use disclaimers to clarify that sample images or summaries may differ from real-world results.

Brand, Copyright, and Trademark Use

When using names of record providers (such as TruthFinder®, US Search®, or Instant Checkmate®):

• Display trademark symbols properly (® or ™) and do not modify logo fonts, colors, or sizes.
• Do not use brand names in plural or possessive form (e.g., avoid “TruthFinder’s data”).
• Include a brand disclaimer on every page or ad where a name is mentioned:

Pinellas County Court Contact Information

Whether you’re researching court records, filing legal documents, or planning an in-person visit, having accurate contact information is essential. Below is a comprehensive guide to the official Clerk’s Office details, direct phone numbers by court division, and the courthouse’s physical location, tailored to help you access public record information for personal use only, in line with federal and platform compliance guidelines.

Clerk’s Office Info

The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller oversees public court records, legal filings, and administrative functions across various divisions. For personal inquiries such as accessing case documents, filing forms, or resolving fines, the Clerk’s Office is your first point of contact.

Contact Information:

• Office Name: Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
• Phone: (727) 464-7000
• Fax: (727) 464-4717
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Website: www.mypinellasclerk.org

Please contact the Clerk’s Office directly or check their official website for urgent updates, office closures, or procedural changes.

Court Division Phone Numbers

Each court division in Pinellas County handles different legal matters. To ensure efficient service, reach out to the correct department using the numbers below:

Pro Tip: Before calling, have your case number (if applicable) ready to expedite assistance.

Physical Address and Location Details

If you prefer or are required to appear in person, below is the primary courthouse address for most matters handled within the county court system.

Main Courthouse Address:
Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762

This central facility is near Ulmerton Road and offers free and paid parking options. Public transit access is also available via local bus routes. ADA-compliant entrances and service accommodations are provided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re new to navigating Pinellas County court records or looking for clarification about court schedules and access, this section is here to help. Below are answers to some of the most common questions users have when searching for dockets, court dates, and basic case details through the official Clerk of Court systems.

How do I find my court date?

To find a court date in Pinellas County, you can search through the official Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s online portal. By entering your name, case number, or citation number, you can access basic details about your case. It is recommended to double-check your court date directly with the court to ensure no recent changes have been made.

Are Pinellas County dockets public?

Yes, court dockets in Pinellas County are considered public records and are accessible to anyone who wishes to review general case activity. These may include the names of involved parties, case status, scheduled hearings, and procedural updates. Dockets can be viewed online through official court systems.

Can I get case details from the docket?

Docket entries usually include a timeline of court activity, such as motions filed, hearing results, and upcoming proceedings. If you need more detailed information—such as copies of documents or full case transcripts—these must be requested from the Clerk’s office. All searches should be performed only for personal interest or general research.

How far in advance are dockets posted?

Court dockets in Pinellas County are generally posted several days or sometimes weeks in advance, depending on the court’s schedule. These entries are updated as new actions are taken or schedules shift. Even though this information is available online for convenience, it is always best to confirm directly with the court.

Can I access older case dockets or only recent ones?

Yes, older case dockets are often available through the Pinellas County Clerk of Court’s official database. Depending on the case type and how far back the records go, you may be able to search for previous civil, criminal, traffic, or family court cases. Some historical dockets may be archived and require a formal records request.