What's New!

Worried about mortgage foreclosure on your home? A Statewide effort called Florida Attorneys Saving Homes has launched a toll-free hot line (866-607-2187) and will take calls from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers who fear that they soon won't be able to make their mortgage payments or who have already missed payments but are not yet in foreclosure are urged to call. Hot line callers will answer a few initial questions to ensure accurate placement with pro bono attorneys, who will then negotiate with lenders on behalf of homeowners. The hope is to create a relationship in which the lender and the homeowner can together create a loan that allows the homeowner to remain in the home and avoid foreclosure – a win-win situation for all involved.
Read the press release issued by the Florida Bar Association for more information, here.

New Fee Increases Effective July 1, 2008:
You will notice on our website that effective July 1, 2008, there are substantial new fees which will go into effect. These increased fees are the result of the Florida Legislature’s efforts to increase funding to help fund the court system. The fees are statutorily mandated and as Clerk, I do not have discretion to waive any fee. As a constitutionally elected officer, I have a duty and an obligation to follow the law and collect all fees authorized by the Florida Legislature. We have received some complaints with regard to the new fees. I will be happy to discuss your concerns, but please know that by directing your concerns to your legislative representatives, you may receive more direct answers than what I can provide. In these difficult budget times that we are all facing, the challenge of ensuring that we have a good effective court system and at the same time a system that provides access to all, can be difficult. Please know that we are all working together in the system to streamline processes and create efficiencies to better serve you.
Ken Burke, Clerk of Court, Pinellas County

CHECK-CASHING SCAM ALERT: If you receive a check that appears to be issued by the Pinellas County Clerk’s Office, DO NOT WIRE MONEY to the sender. These are bogus checks. Please contact Anne Lawler, Manager, Financial Accounting, at 727-464-8311 or by Email for more information.

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Attention Recording Services Customers:

Effective June 1, 2008, Florida Statute Ch 201.022 has been repealed - A DR219 form will no longer be required upon the recordation of any deed transferring an interest in real property.

Please continue to include either of the following pieces of information with your recordable deed:

1. Sale/Transfer Price or the
2. Amount of Documentary Stamp Tax

Thank you for your cooperation regarding this matter. If you need further information, please contact our Recording Services Department at 727-464-4876.

Effective April 14, 2008, the Pinellas County Clerk's Office will require customers to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope of sufficient size with proper postage with all documents submitted to be recorded. All recorded documents will be returned to the customer in the self-addressed, stamped envelope provided by the customer.

REDACTION:

NEW ADVISORY BULLETIN: HERE!

Remove your "Private Information" from public records:
        CLICK HERE.

TAX DEED SALES - Online Listing
New system improves search capabilities and provides easier navigation.

Clerk's Valentine's Day group wedding ceremony photo video here.

Purchase a certified copy of your Deed for under $4 (four dollars). click here.

Passport Information

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Need a speaker for your next event? The Clerk's Office has a variety of useful topics which the Clerk, Ken Burke, or a representative of his office, would enjoy presenting to your organization.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO SCHEDULE A SPEAKER FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE.

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The Self Help Center offers affordable legal assistance to Pinellas County citizens. Customers may schedule attorney appointments by telephone with credit card payment.

A Spanish interpreter is available on Friday mornings at our Clearwater Self Help Center. Click here for more information or call Clearwater Center 464-5150 ~ St. Petersburg Center 582-7941.

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We now sell driver's license transcripts. Customers will be required to show proper identification to purchase their transcripts. Click here for the news release with locations and prices.

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Public notary services are available at the Pinellas County Clerk's Offices. The notary fee is $5.00.

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Effective October 1, 2006, speed in excess of 30 mph over the posted speed limit requires a mandatory court appearance. The fine is doubled for a second or subsequent conviction within 12 months when speed exceeds the limit by 30 mph or more. A person may not elect to attend a defensive driving course in lieu of a court appearance.

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"How to File a Small Claims - Part II - Pre-trial & Mediation Case" video

"How to File a Small Claims Case" video

You will need Real Player to watch the videos. Download Real Player, HERE. The free version that supports playlists is called "RealPlayer 10 Basic."

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A/P Vendor Inquiry
    Clerk's Annual Report

    Pinellas County PAFR
    Pinellas County CAFR

ATTENTION JURORS: We now have WIFI. Same-day, cash payment service for eligible jurors. More info here.

Click here to view the Order on Review of Court Files.