Pinellas County Florida background check records let the public search criminal history, court cases, and arrest data for people who live or have lived in this coastal Florida county. These records come from the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and other state agencies.
Anyone can request these records because Florida follows a strong public records law under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The state gives you a legal right to see most court and arrest files held by county and state offices.
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller runs the main record system for the county. Ken Burke holds this office and oversees all court files, public records, and official documents. The clerk office stores criminal cases, civil cases, family cases, probate records, and real estate filings. It also handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and election records for the county.
Clerk Office Location and Hours
The main Pinellas County Clerk office sits at 315 Court Street, Room 400, in Clearwater, Florida 33756. The building opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closes on weekends and state holidays. You can reach the office by phone at (727) 464-3341. Branch locations exist in St. Petersburg, Largo, and other parts of the county for people who cannot travel to Clearwater.
| Office Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Ken Burke |
| Main Address | 315 Court St, Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Phone Number | (727) 464-3341 |
| Office Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | mypinellasclerk.gov |
Online Court Records Search Tool
The Pinellas County Clerk website at mypinellasclerk.gov offers a free online case search tool. You can search by full name, case number, or filing date. The system covers criminal, civil, family, traffic, and probate cases filed in Pinellas County courts. Results show case type, charges, hearing dates, party names, and current case status. You do not need an account or fee to use the basic search tool.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the state criminal history system. This database stores arrest records, conviction records, and disposition data from every county in Florida. FDLE offers two main search tools: CCHInet for the public and the Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS) for qualified groups. Both tools pull data from the same central repository maintained by FDLE.
FDLE CCHInet Name-Based Search
CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us is the main public search tool for Florida criminal history records. You submit a name, date of birth, and Social Security number (optional but helpful). FDLE checks its database for matching records across all 67 Florida counties. Results include arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentence data. The fee is $24 per search as of 2026. Results return by email within 24 to 48 hours.
This image shows the FDLE portal that people use to run criminal background checks for Pinellas County residents. The same system covers all Florida counties.
VECHS Program for Volunteers and Employees
The Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS) runs under Florida Statute Chapter 943. VECHS serves organizations that work with children, seniors, or people with disabilities. Schools, daycares, hospitals, and youth groups qualify for this program. Approved organizations can request Level 2 background checks on staff and volunteers. Results include both Florida and FBI records. Fees and turnaround times depend on the requesting organization.
Florida Background Check Types and Levels
Florida law defines three main background check levels. Each level serves a different purpose and pulls data from different sources. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right check for your needs.
Level 1 Name-Based Check
A Level 1 check uses only a person’s name and runs through the FDLE state database. This check pulls arrests, charges, and dispositions from all Florida counties. It costs $24 through CCHInet and returns results in about one business day. Landlords, small employers, and people doing personal research often use this level.
Level 2 Fingerprint Check
A Level 2 check requires fingerprints and searches both the FDLE and FBI databases. Florida law requires Level 2 checks for jobs in education, healthcare, childcare, law enforcement, and government. You must visit a LiveScan fingerprint provider to complete this check. LiveScan providers in Pinellas County include sheriff office locations and private screening companies. Results return in three to five business days through the requesting agency.
Level 2 for Employment and Licensing
Many Florida employers must run Level 2 checks under Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes. Healthcare workers, teachers, and financial service employees fall under this rule. The check covers state and national criminal records. Some industries also require checks against the Florida sex offender registry and the abuse registry maintained by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
How to Get a Background Check in Pinellas County
You can get a background check in Pinellas County through several official channels. The method depends on what kind of records you need and why you need them. Below are the most common paths people use.
Online Florida Public Records Search
The easiest path starts online. Visit mypinellasclerk.gov to search Pinellas County court records for free. Visit cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us to run a statewide criminal history search for $24. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search at dc.state.fl.us lets you check current incarceration status. The Florida Sex Offender Registry at offenders.fdle.state.fl.us provides free public lookups by name or address.
In Person at the Clearwater Courthouse
Visit the Pinellas County Clerk office at 315 Court Street in Clearwater during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and the full legal name of the person you are researching. Staff at the public counter can pull case files and make copies. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card.
By Mail Request to the Clerk
You can mail a record request to the Pinellas County Clerk office. Write a letter that includes the full name of the person, date of birth, and the specific records you need. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail the request to 315 Court St, Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756. Mail requests take five to ten business days to process.
Florida Criminal Records and Court Records
Florida criminal records and court records are two different things. Knowing the difference helps you search the right system and avoid missing key data.
Criminal History Record Information
Criminal history record information includes arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences. FDLE stores this data in the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. Police agencies, courts, and correctional facilities send data to FDLE after each arrest, court hearing, and prison release. The data covers every Florida county, including Pinellas County. CCH records stay on file unless a court orders expungement or sealing.
Court Case Files and Disposition Records
Court case files include complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and sentencing documents. Each Florida county clerk maintains these files for cases filed in that county. Disposition records show the final outcome of each case, such as guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or deferred adjudication. Pinellas County court records go back many decades and remain available online through the clerk search tool.
Florida Background Check Laws and Compliance
Florida background check laws set rules for how employers and landlords can use criminal records. These laws protect job applicants and tenants from unfair treatment based on old or irrelevant records.
FCRA Compliance for Florida Employers
Florida employers who run background checks through third-party screening companies must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA requires written consent from the applicant before the check. The employer must give the applicant a copy of the report and a written notice if they take adverse action based on the results. Florida law mirrors many FCRA rules and adds extra protections for job seekers.
Florida Disqualifying Offenses
Florida law lists disqualifying offenses for certain jobs. Chapter 435 covers disqualifying offenses for positions that work with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Murder, sexual battery, kidnapping, and certain felony drug offenses appear on the list. A disqualifying offense can bar someone from working in specific fields even after sentence completion. Some people can seek an exemption from disqualification through the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
Florida allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records under Florida Statute Section 943.059. Sealed records remain in the FDLE system but stay hidden from the public. Expunged records are destroyed from public systems. A person can usually seal or expunge a record once they complete their sentence and meet waiting period rules. The Pinellas County Clerk and FDLE both remove eligible records from public search results.
Costs and Processing Times for Pinellas County Background Checks
The cost and speed of a Pinellas County background check depends on the type of check and the source. Here is a breakdown of the most common options.
| Check Type | Source | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Name-Based | FDLE CCHInet | $24.00 | 1-2 business days |
| Level 2 Fingerprint | FDLE LiveScan | Varies by provider | 3-5 business days |
| Court Case Search | Pinellas Clerk Online | Free | Instant |
| Certified Court Copy | Pinellas Clerk Office | $1.00 per page | Same day in person |
| Plain Court Copy | Pinellas Clerk Office | $0.15 per page | Same day in person |
| Sex Offender Search | FDLE Registry | Free | Instant |
| Warrant Search | Pinellas Sheriff | Free | Instant |
Florida Warrant Search in Pinellas County
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office maintains an active warrant database. You can search for free at pcsoweb.com. Enter a name to check for outstanding warrants issued in the county. The database updates daily. Active warrants mean the person may be arrested at any time. Anyone with an active warrant should contact a criminal defense attorney right away.
Common Uses for Background Checks in Pinellas County
Background checks serve many practical purposes in Pinellas County. The most common uses include employment screening, tenant screening, volunteer work, and personal research.
Background Check for Florida Employment
Florida employers run background checks to screen job applicants. Retail, healthcare, finance, education, and government jobs all use background screening. Florida law requires written consent before running a check. The FCRA sets federal rules for how employers use reports. Many employers use third-party screening companies like Checkr, Sterling, or HireRight for this process.
Tenant Background Check in Florida
Landlords in Pinellas County often run tenant background checks before signing a lease. Florida law allows landlords to check criminal history, credit reports, eviction history, and rental history. The Florida Residential Tenancies Act sets rules for how landlords use this data. Landlords cannot reject applicants based solely on arrests that did not lead to conviction.
Volunteer Background Checks
Schools, youth sports leagues, and nonprofit groups in Pinellas County run volunteer background checks. These checks protect children and other vulnerable people. The VECHS program through FDLE serves many of these groups. Some organizations use private screening companies for faster results.
Third-Party Background Check Services
Third-party background check companies pull records from many sources at once. These services search county, state, and federal databases in a single report. Common providers include TruthFinder, BeenVerified, Intelius, and Checkr. These services cost more than direct state searches but cover more ground.
Pros and Cons of Third-Party Checks
Third-party services offer fast results and a single report format. They cover multiple data sources, including social media and online profiles. The downside is cost and accuracy. Third-party databases often contain old or wrong data. FCRA-compliant checks cost more than basic searches. For employment or licensing purposes, FCRA-compliant providers are required by law.
Court Records from the Florida Justice Data Center
The Florida Justice Data Center at fdc.myflorida.com offers statewide court data. You can search for cases filed across all Florida counties. The data covers criminal, civil, traffic, and family court filings. This tool pulls data directly from county clerk systems, including Pinellas County. It serves as a backup when the county clerk system is offline.
Florida Criminal Records and the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets federal rules for consumer reports. Background check reports count as consumer reports under this law. Screening companies must follow strict accuracy and privacy rules. Job applicants and tenants have legal rights to dispute wrong data.
Applicant Rights Under the FCRA
Anyone who is the subject of a background check report has rights under the FCRA. They can request a copy of the report. They can dispute wrong data. Screening companies must investigate disputes within 30 days. If the data is wrong, the company must correct or remove it. Employers must give written notice before taking adverse action based on a report.
Florida Ban the Box Law
Florida does not have a statewide ban the box law. Some Florida cities and counties have local rules that delay criminal history questions until later in the hiring process. Pinellas County does not have a local ban the box rule as of 2026. Private employers in Florida can ask about criminal history at any stage of the hiring process.
How to Dispute Wrong Background Check Records
Wrong background check data can hurt job applicants, tenants, and others. Florida offers a process to fix errors in criminal records.
Disputing Records with the Pinellas County Clerk
Contact the Pinellas County Clerk at (727) 464-3341 to dispute wrong court records. Bring proof of the error, such as a court order or dismissal document. The clerk office will review the request and correct verified errors. Major changes require a court order.
Disputing Records with FDLE
Contact FDLE at (850) 410-7000 to dispute wrong criminal history data. Submit a written request with proof of the error. FDLE reviews disputes and corrects verified mistakes. Expunged or sealed records must be removed from public search results.
Contact Information for Pinellas County Background Check Records
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Address: 315 Court Street, Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-3341
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: mypinellasclerk.gov
FDLE Criminal History Records: fdle.state.fl.us/criminal-history-records
FDLE CCHInet Portal: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Florida Sex Offender Registry: offenders.fdle.state.fl.us
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about background checks in Pinellas County. The following answers cover the most common questions. Each answer gives clear, factual details based on current Florida law and FDLE rules as of 2026.
How long does a Pinellas County background check take?
A name-based Florida background check through FDLE CCHInet takes one to two business days. A Level 2 fingerprint check takes three to five business days. Court case searches through the Pinellas County Clerk website return instant results. Mail requests to the clerk office take five to ten business days. Same-day in-person requests are available at the Clearwater courthouse for court file copies. Turnaround time depends on the type of check and the search method you choose.
Can I run a background check on myself in Pinellas County?
Yes. You can run a self-background check in Pinellas County using the same public tools. Use the FDLE CCHInet portal to search your own criminal history for $24. Use the Pinellas County Clerk online case search to find court records under your name for free. Self-checks help you spot errors before employers or landlords see them. You can dispute wrong data before it causes problems.
What shows up on a Florida background check?
A Florida background check shows arrests, charges, court dispositions, convictions, sentences, and incarceration records. It may also show sex offender registry status and active warrants. The report covers data from all 67 Florida counties through the FDLE system. Records that have been sealed or expunged do not show up on standard public searches. Level 2 fingerprint checks also pull FBI national records.
Do sealed or expunged records show up on background checks?
No. Sealed and expunged records do not show up on standard public background checks. Sealed records stay in the FDLE system but stay hidden from public search tools. Expunged records get destroyed from public systems. Only certain law enforcement agencies can see sealed records. Private employers, landlords, and the general public cannot see them through normal search channels.
Can employers in Florida reject applicants based on arrests without conviction?
Florida law does not ban employers from considering arrest records. The FCRA and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) set rules for how employers use arrest data. Employers should consider the nature of the job, the type of offense, and the time elapsed. Arrests that did not lead to conviction should not be the sole reason for rejection. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects applicants from policies that cause racial disparity.
How do I check for active warrants in Pinellas County?
You can search for active warrants in Pinellas County for free through the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office website at pcsoweb.com. Enter a full name to see if any active warrants exist. The database updates daily. You can also call the sheriff office at (727) 582-6200 to ask about warrants. Anyone with an active warrant should contact a criminal defense attorney right away.
Is a Florida background check the same as a national background check?
No. A Florida background check only pulls records from Florida databases through FDLE. A national background check also pulls records from the FBI database and other state systems. Level 1 checks are Florida-only. Level 2 checks include FBI records. Third-party screening companies often offer multi-state and national searches for an extra fee. For most jobs and rentals, a Florida-only check works fine.