Court records for Sarasota County, Florida, are maintained and serviced by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. To search for public information on court cases, use SarasotaCourt.us — a resource that helps navigate public court data for this county. Official records are also available through the ClerkNet portal, directly at the clerk's office, and on the Florida Courts portal. Below is a practical overview of the court system, types of cases, and ways to access records.
Sarasota Court System Overview
Sarasota County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which also includes Manatee and DeSoto counties. The Chief Judge of the circuit is appointed by the Florida Supreme Court and coordinates the work of all courts in these three counties. The court system includes two levels: Circuit Court (general jurisdiction) and County Court (limited jurisdiction). Both levels operate in the courthouse in downtown Sarasota.
Additional information about court structure and resources for self-represented individuals can be found on the Florida Courts website.
Courts Serving Sarasota
Residents of the county are served by several courts of different jurisdictional levels:
State Courts
Federal Courts
There are no municipal courts in Sarasota County — all local-level criminal and civil cases are handled by the County Court.
What Types of Cases Sarasota Courts Hear
Sarasota County courts hear a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Traffic violations and DUI
- Civil lawsuits, including small claims
- Family law: divorce, custody, alimony
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Juvenile cases — offenses and child protection
- Adoption
Details on each category are covered in the following sections.
District Court Cases in Sarasota
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction in Florida. It is here that serious criminal cases (felonies) are heard after a preliminary hearing in County Court. Civil lawsuits over $50,000 also fall here. Additionally, the Circuit Court hears appeals from County Court decisions, probate cases, guardianship, and family disputes.
Cases are assigned to judges according to the internal administrative order of the 12th Judicial Circuit. Criminal cases are filed after the State Attorney submits information or a grand jury issues an indictment. Civil cases are filed after a complaint is submitted to the clerk's office.
Magistrate Court Cases in Sarasota
The County Court handles cases of limited jurisdiction. Misdemeanors, minor offenses, and traffic violations are the daily flow of this court.
- Civil lawsuits up to $50,000 (according to Florida Statute §34.01)
- Small claims up to $8,000
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- DUI cases: from initial arrest to sentencing
- Violations of municipal ordinances
Due to the significant volume of cases, certain County Court judges specialize in traffic cases or criminal misdemeanors. The hearing schedule is published on the clerk's portal.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Sarasota
Family Law
Divorce, child custody, alimony, protective orders against domestic violence, and paternity establishment are handled by the Family Law Division of the Circuit Court. Divorce certificates can be obtained through the Office of Vital Records at the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County at 2200 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237. State-level certificates are also available for records from 1927.
Probate and Guardianship
The Probate Division of the Circuit Court handles inheritance, trusts, and the appointment of guardians for incapacitated individuals. Document submission is done through the clerk's office.
Juvenile Cases
The Juvenile Division handles juvenile offenses and child protection cases (Child Protective Act). Records of these cases are confidential under Florida law and are not publicly accessible without court permission.
How Cases Move Through the Sarasota Court System
- Filing a Case. A criminal case begins with an arrest or the filing of an indictment. A civil case starts with the filing of a complaint or petition with the clerk's office through ClerkNet or in person.
- Assignment of a Judge. The case is assigned to judges according to the category and internal schedule of the 12th Judicial Circuit.
- Initial Hearing. In criminal cases — arraignment, where the charges are read to the defendant. In civil cases — scheduling conference to determine timelines.
- Pre-trial Phase. Parties file motions, conduct discovery. In criminal cases, plea negotiations may occur.
- Trial or Resolution. The case concludes with a trial, settlement, plea agreement, or default judgment.
- Post-judgment. Criminal cases move to the sentencing phase. Either party may file an appeal. Civil judgments are enforced through the court.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Sarasota
The administrative management of the courts of the 12th Judicial Circuit is carried out by the Chief Judge with the support of the Trial Court Administrator. Local court rules are published on the 12th Judicial Circuit website and regulate the filing of documents, timelines, and hearings.
According to the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most court records are open to the public. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed or expunged records, and certain family cases. Copies can be obtained through official records via ClerkNet, where document certification is also available.
Hearings are open to the public unless the judge decides otherwise. Some sessions are held remotely via Zoom or another platform — check the format of a specific hearing with the office or on the court portal.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Sarasota
- Search for Court Cases and Official Records. The ClerkNet portal allows you to search cases, order certified copies, and view official records, including marriage certificates.
- Arrests and Inmate Information. The Sheriff's Office provides arrest and inmate search online. You can check who is currently in jail through the Who's in Jail page.
- Booking and Visitation Procedures. Information on the booking process and visitation rules is published by the Sheriff's Office Corrections Division.
- Wanted Persons and Warrants. The FDLE Wanted Persons Search database contains information on arrest warrants throughout Florida.
- Sex Offender Registry. The FDLE maintains a registry of registered sex offenders and predators in the state.
- Property Records. The Sarasota County Property Appraiser provides online property search, and the Tax Collector offers property tax information.
- Voter Records. The Supervisor of Elections provides access to public voter records for the county.
- Vital Records. The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County processes requests for birth, death, and divorce certificates.
- Forms and Self-Representation Resources. The Florida Courts portal contains forms, instructions, and guides for individuals representing themselves in court.
For general searches of Sarasota County court records, also refer to SarasotaCourt.us.