Pinellas County Recorder of Deeds: Official Records Search, Deed Copies, Recording Fees & Office Guide
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the County Recorder for Pinellas County, Florida. The Clerk records deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, military discharge papers and other documents authorized or required by law into the county’s Official Records.
Use this guide to search Pinellas County Official Records, locate a deed, understand recording fees and documentary stamp taxes, order certified deed copies, eRecord documents, sign up for property fraud alerts, and contact the correct Recording Services office in Clearwater or St. Petersburg.
What Is the Pinellas County Recorder of Deeds?
In Pinellas County, the “Recorder of Deeds” function is handled by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller through Recording Services and Official Records. This is the correct office for recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, releases, declarations of domicile, tax deeds, recording copies, certified deed copies and Official Records searches.
Use the Clerk for Recorded Documents
Start here when you need to search a deed, find a lien, locate a mortgage, order a certified deed copy, record a document, request Official Records redaction, or sign up for the Property Fraud Alert program.
Use the Property Appraiser for Parcel Values
If you need assessed value, parcel data, exemption status, ownership display, tax district, property card details or homestead exemption information, use the Pinellas County Property Appraiser rather than the Recorder.
Use Tax Collector for Tax Bills
If your question is about property-tax payments, balances, receipts, delinquent taxes or tax certificates, use the Pinellas County Tax Collector or tax-bill resources rather than Recording Services.
Recorder, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and Courts: Which Pinellas Office Handles What?
Pinellas County property tasks often involve several offices. Use this table before calling or visiting so you do not bring a deed search to the wrong office.
| Office / System | Use It For | Do Not Use It For | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk Recording Services / Official Records | Deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, recording services, Official Records search, certified deed copies, redaction, eRecording and fraud alerts. | Property values, exemption approval, tax-bill payment or legal document drafting. | Clearwater Recording Services is at 315 Court Street, Room 150; Official Records Department is Room 163. |
| Official Records Search | Search by simple search, party name, instrument number, document type, record date, consideration, book/page, case number or legal description. | Parcel assessment facts or complete title insurance searches. | The Clerk recommends searching spelling variations of proper names for best results. |
| Pinellas County Property Appraiser | Parcel records, assessed value, property cards, homestead exemption, ownership display, map details and appraisal questions. | Ordering certified deed copies or recording a new deed. | Use parcel information from the Property Appraiser to support, not replace, Official Records research. |
| Pinellas County Tax Collector | Property-tax bills, payments, receipts, tax certificates and payment status. | Recording deeds, searching Official Records or certifying copies. | After a deed records, tax-bill ownership updates may take additional time through county systems. |
| Clerk Court Records | Civil, family, probate, criminal and court records depending on case type and access rules. | Routine land-record searches unless the court document has been recorded into Official Records. | Some court-related documents are restricted from general online Official Records access under Florida law. |
How to Search Pinellas County Deeds and Official Records Online
Pinellas County Official Records can be searched online through the Clerk’s Official Records Search system. Search options include Simple Search, Name, Instrument Number, Doc Type, Record Date, Consideration, Book/Page, Case Number and Legal Description.
Open the Official Records Search
Use the Official Records Search link from the Pinellas Clerk site. If the portal displays a disclaimer, accept the conditions to continue. Some browsers may require pop-ups, cookies or PDF/TIFF viewer settings to view images properly.
Choose the Right Search Type
Use Simple Search for common tasks such as looking up a deed, lien or mortgage. Use Name search for grantor/grantee names, Instrument Number when you have the exact recording reference, and Book/Page when an older reference is available.
Search by Party Name and Variations
Search the homeowner, prior owner, trust, LLC, spouse, estate, lender, lien claimant or mortgage company. The Official Records portal advises users to search all possible spelling variations of proper names to maximize results.
Narrow by Document Type or Date Range
For a deed, use deed-related document type filters when available. For a mortgage or lien, use the matching document type. Add record-date ranges around the purchase, refinance, satisfaction, judgment or release.
Open the Correct Search Result
Check the indexed names, document type, recording date, instrument number, book/page, legal description and consideration. Do not confuse a mortgage, lien, satisfaction, release or judgment with the deed that transferred ownership.
Save the Recording Reference
Save the instrument number, book/page, record date, document type and party names. These details help when ordering certified copies, requesting redaction, verifying title documents or calling the Clerk.
What You May See in a Pinellas County Official Records Result
Official Records results can include many document types, not only deeds. Use the fields below to confirm that you found the right record.
| Field | What It Usually Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Number | The unique recording reference assigned to the document. | Best detail to save before ordering copies or contacting the Clerk. |
| Book/Page | Traditional Official Records reference used for many older and current records. | Helpful when a title company, attorney or older document cites only book/page. |
| Indexed Names | Names associated with the document, such as grantor, grantee, lender, lien claimant or party. | Names may be indexed differently from how the owner appears on tax or appraisal records. |
| Document Type | Examples include deed, mortgage, lien, judgment, satisfaction, release, declaration of domicile or notice. | Prevents confusing a mortgage, lien or release with a transfer deed. |
| Record Date | The date the document was recorded by the Clerk. | May differ from signing date, closing date, effective date or notarization date. |
| Consideration | Sale or transfer consideration when indexed for applicable conveyance records. | Can support deed searches, but tax/appraisal values may still differ. |
| Legal Description | Property description indexed from recorded documents. | Useful for locating records when names are common or multiple parcels are involved. |
| Case Number | A court case reference where a recorded document is tied to a court matter. | Some records may need both Official Records and court-record context. |
How to Record a Deed, Mortgage, Lien or Other Document in Pinellas County
Recording is document-specific. The Clerk is authorized to record only instruments expressly entitled to recordation under Florida law. The Clerk may reject documents that are not authorized to be recorded, and once a document is recorded, it generally cannot be removed without a court order.
Prepare the Correct Recordable Instrument
Identify whether the filing is a deed, mortgage, lien, judgment, release, satisfaction, declaration of domicile, notice of commencement, power of attorney, military discharge, plat-related filing or another recordable document.
Check Names, Legal Description and Return Address
Make sure the document is complete, signed and notarized where required, includes the correct names, legal description, parcel or property details where needed, and contains return instructions. If you are mailing documents, include a self-addressed stamped envelope of sufficient size and postage.
Calculate Recording Fees and Taxes
The Clerk’s fee schedule lists recording at $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page for instruments not more than 14 inches by 8 1/2 inches. It also lists documentary stamps on deeds at $0.70 per $100 or fraction thereof, and intangible tax at 2 mills when applicable.
Use the Fee Calculator for Estimates
Pinellas provides a Recording Fee Calculator. Use it before submitting documents, especially when the document has multiple pages, additional names, mortgage debt, documentary stamps or intangible tax.
Choose In-Person, Mail, Drop Box or eRecording
Recording can be handled in person at full-service recording locations, by mail, by drop box routing, or electronically through listed eRecording vendors. For time-sensitive documents, the Clerk recommends in-person recording at Clearwater Recording Services during normal business hours.
Use Approved eRecording Vendors When Eligible
The Clerk lists EPN, CSC, Hopdox and Simplifile as volume eRecording vendors, and also lists specialty eRecording services for lower-volume customers. Vendor costs and county recording fees are separate issues.
Save the Recorded Reference
After recording, the document is assigned recording details in Official Records. Save the instrument number, book/page, record date and document type for future deed copies, title work, mortgage releases or fraud-alert follow-up.
Pinellas County Recording Fees, Copy Fees and Documentary Stamp Tax Basics
Fees can vary by document type, number of pages, number of names, taxes and payment method. Use the Clerk’s current fee schedule and calculator before submitting a deed or mortgage for recording.
| Fee / Tax Item | Clerk Schedule or Guidance Says | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Recording first page | $10.00 for recording, indexing and filing an instrument not more than 14 inches by 8 1/2 inches. | Use the fee schedule for the current final amount before submitting. |
| Each additional page | $8.50 for each additional page. | Count exhibits, attachments and extra pages before payment. |
| Additional indexed names | $1.00 for each additional name when instruments contain more than four names. | Long party lists can change the recording total. |
| Documentary stamps on deeds | $0.70 per $100 or fraction thereof. | Use the calculator or professional help for consideration, exemptions or complex transfers. |
| Intangible tax | 2 mills per dollar when applicable. | Commonly relevant to mortgage/debt instruments, but document-specific review is needed. |
| Certified copies | Certification fee is listed as $2.00; copies are generally $1.00 per page for instruments in court or official records. | The Clerk separately notes a certified copy of a 1-page deed costs $3.00. |
| Credit card processor fee | The Clerk notes a 3.5% credit-card processor fee for records requested by credit card. | This fee is charged by the processor, not shared with the Clerk. |
How to Order Pinellas County Deed Copies or Certified Copies
Pinellas County deed copies can be found through Official Records, ordered through the Clerk’s Online Copy Request and Payment Center, purchased in person, requested by mail, or ordered through a deposit account for certain users. Certified copies are different from ordinary image copies.
Online or Email Copy Route
Search the deed in Official Records first. If you need an uncertified copy, online or email/fax/mail options may be available depending on the request path. Certified copies require Clerk certification and are handled through approved copy channels.
- Search the deed by homeowner name.
- Use the deed document-type filter when available.
- Save instrument number or book/page.
- Use Online Copy Request and Payment Center when needed.
In-Person or Mail Copy Route
Copies can be purchased in person at Clerk office locations, and written requests can be mailed to the Downtown Clearwater Courthouse. The Clerk says checks should be payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court and a self-addressed envelope should be included.
- Use exact instrument number or book/page when possible.
- State whether certification is needed.
- Include correct payment.
- Include a self-addressed envelope for mail requests.
Property Fraud Alert, Redaction and Protected Official Records
Pinellas County offers tools to monitor recorded documents and request certain redactions. These tools help users respond faster, but they do not prevent all fraud and do not replace legal help if a suspicious document appears.
Property Fraud Alert
The Clerk’s Property Fraud Alert program sends free alerts when a document with your name is recorded in Official Records. The Clerk’s information card lists the signup phone number as 1-800-728-3858.
Redaction Requests
Social Security, bank account, credit-card and certain exempt personal information may be redacted through official request processes. Some requests must be notarized and identify the statutory basis.
Restricted Online Access
Some Official Records categories are not available through general online public access, including military discharge, death certificates and certain family, juvenile and probate-related court records.
Which Pinellas County Property Office Should You Contact?
Choose your task below to find the best starting point.
Pinellas County Recorder Office Address, Phone, Hours and Map
Recording and Official Records services are handled through the Clerk. Clearwater is the main Recording Services / Official Records location. St. Petersburg also provides office access, while North County is listed as a drop-off-only location for recording documents.
Clearwater Recording Services
Office: Pinellas County Clerk Recording Services Department
Address:
315 Court Street, Room 150
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-464-7000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Use for: full-service recording, time-sensitive recordings, marriage-related recording services and Recording Services support.
Open Clearwater Map ↗Official Records Department
Address:
315 Court Street, Room 163
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-464-7000
Fax: 727-453-3451
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Use for: Official Records copies, redaction requests and public terminals.
St. Petersburg Branch
Address:
545 1st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-464-7000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Use for: office services, copies and branch access as listed by the Clerk.
North County Drop-Off
Address:
3165 McMullen Booth Rd, Fessler Center Bldg B
Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: 727-464-7000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Important: The Clerk describes this as drop-off only for recording; documents are sent by courier to 315 Court Street for processing.
What to Try If You Cannot Find or Record a Pinellas County Deed
Common Problems
- Searching only by street address instead of party names, instrument number or book/page.
- Using Property Appraiser data as if it were a certified deed copy.
- Confusing a mortgage, lien, judgment, release or satisfaction with a deed.
- Forgetting documentary stamp tax or intangible tax where applicable.
- Mailing documents without a self-addressed stamped return envelope.
- Assuming mail, drop-box or eRecording will be same-day processing.
- Trying to remove a recorded document without a court order.
- Sending confidential redaction requests without the required form or notarized basis.
Better Pinellas Workflow
- Search all possible name spelling variations.
- Use instrument number or book/page when available.
- Filter by deed document type for deed copies.
- Use the current fee schedule and Recording Fee Calculator.
- Record urgent documents in person at Clearwater Recording Services.
- Sign up for Property Fraud Alert for name-based monitoring.
- Use certified copies when an agency requires official proof.
- Use a title company or attorney for legal-title questions.
Official Pinellas County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening
Use these official resources for live searches, current fees, recording instructions, certified copies, eRecording, fraud alerts and redaction. Each link includes a short action guide.
Pinellas Clerk — Recording Services
Official page for County Recorder role, recordable documents, recording locations, Official Records, copy ordering, certified deeds, eRecording and redaction.
- Read the Recording Services section first.
- Check the Official Records and Land Records section for search and copy links.
- Review the recording location and drop-off notes before visiting.
- Use eRecording only through listed vendors when your document is eligible.
Pinellas Official Records Search
Official public search for deed, mortgage, lien, book/page, instrument number, record date, case number and legal-description searches.
- Accept the disclaimer if prompted.
- Start with Simple Search or Name search.
- Use document type, record date, instrument number or book/page to narrow results.
- Click the result to view images when available.
Pinellas Clerk Fee Schedule
Official Clerk fee schedule for recording, copying, certifying, documentary stamps, intangible tax and related service charges.
- Scroll to Recording Department Filing Fees.
- Check first-page, additional-page and additional-name fees.
- Review documentary stamp and intangible tax entries.
- Use the Recording Fee Calculator link when preparing a filing.
Pinellas Recording Fee Calculator
Official calculator linked by the Clerk for estimating recording charges.
- Open the Fee Schedule page.
- Use the Recording Fee Calculator link under recording fees.
- Enter pages, names, document details and taxes where applicable.
- Verify the final amount before mailing or eRecording.
Online Copy Request and Payment Center
Official portal for ordering copies of Official Records and other Clerk records when available.
- Choose the correct records request category.
- Enter instrument number or book/page when available.
- State whether a certified copy is needed.
- Review payment and delivery options before submitting.
Pinellas Property Fraud Alert
Free alert service for recorded documents that include your monitored name in Official Records.
- Select Pinellas County if prompted.
- Register the person or business name to monitor.
- Use an email or phone number you check regularly.
- If you receive an alert, search the instrument number and request a copy if needed.
Official Records Redaction
Official Clerk resources for redacting certain confidential or exempt information from public display.
- Scroll to Redacting Official Records.
- Choose the form matching the type of information involved.
- Identify the affected document and statutory exemption where required.
- Submit by the method listed by the Clerk.
Florida Statutes — Clerk and Official Records
State law context for Florida clerk and county-recorder duties, Official Records, redaction and online retrieval rules.
- Review Chapter 28 for clerk-related statutory background.
- Use the Pinellas Clerk page for county-specific filing instructions.
- Do not rely on statutes alone for final recording payment or submission method.
Common Pinellas County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Waste Time
- Searching the Property Appraiser site when you need a certified deed copy.
- Searching Official Records by address only instead of name, instrument number or book/page.
- Not checking deed images separately from court records.
- Forgetting documentary stamp tax or intangible tax on recordable instruments.
- Mailing recording documents without a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Assuming drop-off documents are recorded at the drop-off location.
- Using a paid deed-copy advertisement before checking the Clerk’s official copy options.
- Expecting property fraud alerts to block fraudulent filings automatically.
Better Pinellas Workflow
- Start at the Clerk’s Recording Services page.
- Search all name spelling variations in Official Records.
- Save instrument number and book/page before ordering copies.
- Use the fee schedule and calculator before recording.
- Use in-person Clearwater recording for urgent filings.
- Use the Online Copy Request and Payment Center for copies.
- Sign up for free Property Fraud Alert.
- Use a Florida attorney or title company for legal-title issues.
Next Steps Based on Your Pinellas County Deed or Recording Problem
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need a copy of your deed. | Search Official Records by name or instrument number, then order online, in person or by written request. | Official Records Search + Copy Request Center |
| You need a certified deed copy. | Find the deed reference first, then request a certified copy through Clerk-approved copy channels. | Official Records Department / Copy Center |
| You need to record a new deed. | Prepare a complete, signed and notarized document, calculate fees and taxes, then record in person, by mail or by eRecording. | Recording Services |
| You are worried about deed fraud. | Sign up for Property Fraud Alert and search any unfamiliar recording immediately. | Property Fraud Alert + Official Records Search |
| You need to redact sensitive information. | Use the Clerk’s Official Records redaction forms and identify the specific document and exemption. | Official Records Redaction |
| You need parcel value or homestead information. | Use the Pinellas County Property Appraiser, not Recording Services. | Property Appraiser |
| You need to pay property taxes. | Use the Pinellas County Tax Collector or tax payment resources. | Tax Collector |
Pinellas County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Who is the Recorder of Deeds for Pinellas County?
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the County Recorder. The Clerk records recordable documents into Pinellas County Official Records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments and other authorized instruments.
How do I search Pinellas County deeds online?
Use the Clerk’s Official Records Search. You can search by simple search, name, instrument number, document type, record date, consideration, book/page, case number or legal description. For deeds, begin with the homeowner name and use the deed document-type filter when available.
How far back do Pinellas County Official Records go?
The Clerk states that Pinellas County Official Records are maintained from 1912 to the present. The Clerk’s certified deed guidance says deed images are available online from 1957 through the present.
How much is a certified copy of a Pinellas County deed?
The Clerk’s certified deed guidance says a certified copy of a 1-page deed costs $3.00. If the deed has more pages or you need other recorded documents, check the current fee schedule before ordering.
Can I get Pinellas County deed copies online?
Yes. The Clerk provides online Official Records search and an Online Copy Request and Payment Center. Uncertified copies may be available through several delivery methods, while certified copies must be provided through Clerk-approved certification channels.
Where do I record a deed in Pinellas County?
Full-service recording is available at the Clerk’s Recording Services Department, 315 Court Street, Room 150, Clearwater, FL 33756. The Clerk also lists St. Petersburg branch services and a North County drop-off-only location where documents are routed to Clearwater for processing.
Can I eRecord documents in Pinellas County?
Yes. Pinellas lists eRecording vendors including eRecording Partners Network, CSC, Hopdox and Simplifile, plus specialty eRecording services. Vendor fees and Clerk recording fees are separate, and the Clerk does not guarantee same-day or next-day recording for eRecorded documents.
What are the basic Pinellas County recording fees?
The Clerk’s fee schedule lists $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page for recording, indexing and filing an instrument not more than 14 inches by 8 1/2 inches. Additional-name fees, documentary stamps, intangible tax and other charges may also apply.
Does Pinellas County offer property fraud alerts?
Yes. The Pinellas Clerk offers a free Property Fraud Alert program that notifies users when a document with their name is recorded in Official Records. The alert helps with monitoring but does not block or remove a recording.
Is County-Appraisal-District.org the official Pinellas County Recorder website?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Pinellas County Government, the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector or the Official Records portal. Always verify current fees, recording requirements and office instructions with the official Clerk before acting.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational resource. It is not affiliated with the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Pinellas County Government, the Pinellas County Property Appraiser, the Pinellas County Tax Collector, Florida Courts, the Florida Legislature, or any official public-records portal.
Recording acceptance, document eligibility, redaction rules, access restrictions, fees, documentary stamp tax, intangible tax, eRecording vendor participation, copy charges, office hours and online search features can change. Verify current instructions directly with the Pinellas County Clerk before recording a document, ordering a certified copy, paying fees or relying on Official Records search results.
Public property and recorded-document information should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.