Sarasota County Public Records /Sarasota County Court Records

Sarasota County Court Records

What Is Sarasota County Court Records

Court records in Sarasota County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.13, which mandates the proper keeping of all papers filed in the clerk's office.

Sarasota County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing history
Court orders and judicial decisions
Judgments and final dispositions
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Marriage and divorce records
Probate and estate documentation

Court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, though all fall under Florida's broad public records laws. The Florida Constitution establishes the public's right to access government records, including court documents.

The following courts maintain records within Sarasota County:

12th Judicial Circuit Court (felony criminal, civil cases over $30,000, probate, family law)
Sarasota County Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, traffic, small claims)
Sarasota County Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
Sarasota County Family Court (divorce, custody, child support)
Sarasota County Small Claims Court (civil disputes under $8,000)

These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, providing an official account of judicial activities throughout the county.

Are Court Records Public In Sarasota County

Court records in Sarasota County are presumptively public under Florida's robust open government laws. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24 explicitly guarantees public access to records of all three branches of government, including the judiciary. Additionally, Florida's Public Records Law § 119.01 establishes that all records made or received in connection with official business are public records available for inspection.

The following court records are generally accessible to the public:

Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
Criminal case files (post-charging documents, sentencing information)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Hearing schedules and calendars
Marriage and divorce records
Probate and estate records

However, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure or subject to redaction under Florida Statutes § 119.071, which details specific exemptions. These typically include:

Records containing social security numbers, bank account information, or other personal identifiers
Juvenile records (with certain exceptions)
Records sealed or expunged by court order
Certain family court records involving minors
Records related to ongoing investigations
Documents containing trade secrets or confidential business information

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, particularly Rule 2.420, further governs access to court records and establishes procedures for requesting confidentiality of certain information.

Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which includes Sarasota County, are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.

How To Find Court Records in Sarasota County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Sarasota County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate various research needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400
Sarasota County Clerk of Court

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The process for obtaining court records involves:

Determining the specific case information needed (case number, party names, filing date)
Completing a records request form, available at the clerk's office or downloadable from the clerk's website
Submitting the request in person, by mail, or through the online portal
Paying applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Receiving records via the requested delivery method (in-person pickup, mail, or electronic delivery)

For remote access, requestors may:

Use the Sarasota County Clerk's online records portal
Submit requests via email to records@sarasotaclerk.com
Mail written requests to the clerk's office address listed above

Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain confidential information may be redacted from records provided. Requestors seeking certified copies must provide proper identification and may need to pay additional certification fees.

For records from specific courts, direct inquiries to:

12th Judicial Circuit Court Administration
2002 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7800
12th Judicial Circuit

How To Look Up Court Records in Sarasota County Online?

Sarasota County provides comprehensive digital access to court records through several online portals. These systems allow remote research of case information without visiting the courthouse.

The primary online resources include:

Sarasota Clerk of Court Records Search
- Access via ClerkNet 3.0
- Contains civil, criminal, traffic, and probate cases
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View docket entries, party information, and scheduled events
- Download non-confidential documents (requires account registration)
12th Judicial Circuit Court Records
- Access via 12th Circuit Case Search
- Includes circuit civil, felony, family, and probate cases
- Search by case number or party name
- View case status, upcoming hearings, and disposition information
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Access via Florida Courts E-Filing
- Registered users can view documents filed in their cases
- Attorneys and registered pro se litigants can file documents electronically

To conduct an online search:

Navigate to the appropriate portal based on the case type
Select the search criteria (case number, name, date range)
Enter the known information and initiate the search
Review the results list for matching cases
Select specific cases to view detailed information
Access available documents (may require account registration or fees)

The Florida Supreme Court Standards for Electronic Access to the Courts governs online access to court records, ensuring consistent availability while protecting confidential information.

Certain limitations apply to online searches:

Some older cases may not be fully digitized
Confidential information is redacted pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.0714
Document downloads may incur fees
Some specialized case types may require in-person requests

How To Search Sarasota County Court Records for Free?

Florida law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.24(2)(e), viewing public records at the courthouse is available at no cost, though fees apply for copies or certified documents.

Free access options in Sarasota County include:

In-person inspection at the Clerk's Office public terminals:

Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400
Sarasota County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Basic online case search through the Sarasota County Clerk's website, which provides:
- Case number and filing date information
- Party names and case type
- Docket entries and case status
- Hearing dates and times
12th Judicial Circuit public access via the circuit court website, offering:
- Basic case information search
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Judge assignments and case status
Public law library access at:

Sarasota County Law Library
2002 Ringling Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7850
Sarasota County Law Library

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

While basic search functions are free, the following services typically incur fees:

Document downloads and printed copies ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
Research assistance from clerk staff ($9.00 per name search)
Bulk data requests or specialized reports

The Florida Courts Technology Commission continues to expand free online access to court records while balancing privacy concerns and funding requirements.

What's Included in a Sarasota County Court Record?

Sarasota County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints or petitions in civil cases
Information or indictments in criminal cases
Petitions for dissolution of marriage in family cases
Petitions for probate in estate matters
Small claims statements of claim

Procedural Documents:

Summonses and service of process documentation
Answers and responses to complaints
Motions filed by parties
Notices of hearings and appearances
Discovery-related filings (when filed with the court)
Witness and exhibit lists

Court-Generated Documents:

Orders and rulings issued by judges
Hearing and trial minutes
Judgments and final dispositions
Sentencing information in criminal cases
Child support and custody determinations
Probate inventories and accountings

Case Management Information:

Docket sheets listing all filings and events
Party and attorney contact information
Judge assignments and recusals
Hearing dates and courtroom locations
Case status indicators

Supplemental Materials:

Transcripts of proceedings (when ordered)
Admitted evidence and exhibits
Financial affidavits in family cases
Guardian ad litem reports
Pre-sentence investigation reports (with redactions)
Expert witness reports and testimony

Post-Judgment Documents:

Satisfaction of judgments
Appeals documentation
Probation and compliance reports
Modification requests
Enforcement actions

The content and organization of court records are governed by the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, particularly Rules 2.420 and 2.425, which establish standards for record-keeping and confidentiality.

How Long Does Sarasota County Keep Court Records?

Sarasota County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These schedules, authorized under Florida Statutes § 257.36, mandate minimum retention periods for various document types.

Key retention periods include:

Criminal Cases:

Felony cases: Permanently maintained
Capital felonies: Permanently maintained
Misdemeanor cases: Retained for 5 years after final disposition
Traffic infractions: Retained for 3 years after final disposition

Civil Cases:

Circuit civil cases: Retained for 10 years after final judgment
County civil cases: Retained for 5 years after final judgment
Small claims cases: Retained for 5 years after final judgment
Eviction proceedings: Retained for 5 years after final judgment

Family Law Cases:

Dissolution of marriage: Permanently maintained
Child support enforcement: Retained until the child reaches majority plus 5 years
Domestic violence injunctions: Retained for 5 years after expiration of injunction
Paternity cases: Permanently maintained

Probate Cases:

Estates: Retained for 10 years after closing
Guardianships: Retained for 10 years after termination of guardianship
Mental health proceedings: Retained for 5 years after final judgment

Special Case Types:

Juvenile dependency: Retained until the child reaches majority plus 5 years
Juvenile delinquency: Retained until the child reaches 24 years of age
Adoption proceedings: Permanently maintained

The complete Records Retention Schedule for Florida Clerks of Court provides detailed information on specific document types. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved beyond the minimum retention periods at the discretion of the clerk or by court order.

Digital preservation initiatives have expanded the county's ability to maintain records beyond minimum requirements, though physical space limitations may affect the retention of paper records. The Florida Courts Technology Commission continues to develop standards for long-term digital preservation of court records.

Types of Courts In Sarasota County

Sarasota County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific case types as defined by Florida law.

12th Judicial Circuit Court
2002 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7800
12th Judicial Circuit
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Circuit Court is Florida's highest trial court with jurisdiction over:

Felony criminal cases
Civil disputes exceeding $30,000
Probate and guardianship matters
Family law cases (divorce, custody, support)
Juvenile dependency and delinquency
Appeals from County Court decisions

Sarasota County Court
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400
Sarasota County Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The County Court handles:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Civil disputes up to $30,000
Small claims (up to $8,000)
Traffic infractions
Landlord/tenant disputes
Ordinance violations

Sarasota County Probate Court (Division of Circuit Court)
2002 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7800
Sarasota Probate Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sarasota County Family Court (Division of Circuit Court)
2002 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7800
Sarasota Family Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

South County Courthouse (Satellite location)
4000 South Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
(941) 861-7800
South County Courthouse
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Florida court hierarchy proceeds from County Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the District Court of Appeal (Second District for Sarasota County), and finally to the Florida Supreme Court. This structure is established by Article V of the Florida Constitution.

What Types of Cases Do Sarasota County Courts Hear?

Sarasota County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to jurisdictional boundaries established by Florida law. Case assignments are determined by case type, monetary value, and severity of charges.

Circuit Court Cases:

The 12th Judicial Circuit Court handles:

Felony criminal prosecutions (punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
Civil lawsuits with damages exceeding $30,000
Real property and title disputes
Domestic relations matters:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Child custody and visitation
- Alimony and child support
- Paternity determinations
- Name changes
Probate and estate administration
Guardianship proceedings
Juvenile dependency (child welfare)
Juvenile delinquency
Mental health commitments
Appeals from County Court decisions

County Court Cases:

Sarasota County Court presides over:

Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by less than one year imprisonment)
Criminal traffic violations (DUI, driving with suspended license)
Civil disputes with damages up to $30,000
Small claims actions (up to $8,000)
Civil traffic infractions
Landlord/tenant evictions
County and municipal ordinance violations
Domestic violence injunctions
Animal control violations

The jurisdictional boundaries between courts are established by Florida Statutes § 26.012 for Circuit Courts and Florida Statutes § 34.01 for County Courts.

Specialized divisions within these courts may handle specific case types:

Drug Court (treatment-based approach for substance abuse cases)
Veterans Treatment Court
Mental Health Court
Family Court (domestic relations matters)
Probate Court (estates, guardianships)
Civil Court (monetary disputes)
Criminal Court (prosecutions)

The Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator provides oversight and administrative support to ensure efficient case processing throughout the state court system.

How To Find a Court Docket In Sarasota County

Court dockets in Sarasota County provide chronological listings of all filings, hearings, and actions in a case. These records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the requestor's needs and the case type.

Online Docket Access:

Sarasota Clerk of Court Records Search
- Visit the Clerk's online records portal
- Select "Court Records" from the available options
- Search by case number, party name, or date range
- View docket entries showing filing dates, document titles, and actions taken
12th Judicial Circuit Case Search
- Access the circuit court's case search function
- Enter case number or party information
- Review chronological listing of case events and scheduled hearings
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
- Registered users can access dockets through the e-filing system
- Provides docket information for cases in which the user is a party or attorney

In-Person Docket Access:

Individuals may view dockets at public access terminals located at:

Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400
Sarasota County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

South County Courthouse
4000 South Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
(941) 861-7800
South County Courthouse
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Telephone Docket Information:

Basic docket information may be obtained by calling:

Circuit Court Administration: (941) 861-7800
Clerk of Court: (941) 861-7400

When requesting docket information, be prepared to provide:

Case number (preferred) or party names
Case type or filing year
Specific information needed (hearing dates, document filings)

Court dockets are maintained pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which establishes standards for record-keeping and public access.

Which Courts in Sarasota County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Florida's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court whose proceedings are permanently documented, with the capability to fine or imprison for contempt, and from which appeals are taken directly to a higher court. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 34.01(5), all county courts in Florida are designated as courts of record.

Currently, Sarasota County does not have any courts that are not courts of record. All judicial bodies operating within the county maintain official records of their proceedings, including:

12th Judicial Circuit Court
Sarasota County Court
All specialized divisions (Family, Probate, etc.)

Historically, certain lower courts such as Justice of the Peace courts and Municipal Courts were not courts of record in Florida. However, these were abolished through judicial reorganization under Article V of the Florida Constitution in 1973.

While all Sarasota County courts are courts of record, it is important to note that certain administrative hearings conducted by county or municipal agencies may not constitute formal court proceedings. These include:

Code enforcement hearings
Local planning and zoning boards
Special magistrate proceedings
Value Adjustment Board hearings

These administrative proceedings, while documented, do not fall under the judicial branch and are not considered courts. Appeals from these administrative bodies typically proceed to the Circuit Court through certiorari review rather than direct appeal.

The Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator oversees the state's unified court system, ensuring all courts of record maintain proper documentation and follow established procedures for record-keeping.

Lookup Court Records in Sarasota County

Access Sarasota County court records through ClerkNet 3.0

Search and view official records in Sarasota County