Court records of Sarasota County, Florida, are available through several channels. SarasotaCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official court online resources, including the ClerkNet portal, directly at the Clerk of the Circuit Court office, and at public terminals in court buildings.
Sarasota Court System & Jurisdictions
In Sarasota County, there are two main court branches — Circuit Court and County Court, both part of the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Circuit Court handles more serious categories of cases:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil claims over $50,000
- Family law — divorce, child custody, alimony
- Probate (estate and guardianship proceedings)
- Juvenile cases — delinquency and dependency
A divorce case, for example, falls under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court. Divorce certificates, after being registered in court, are also available through the Vital Records Department of Health.
County Court is where most residents personally encounter the system. It handles:
- Misdemeanors
- Traffic violations and fines
- Civil claims up to $50,000
- Small claims — up to $8,000
- Eviction cases
The Florida Courts portal can help you find the nearest court location and forms for self-representation.
Sarasota Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or during the week, use the ClerkNet 3.0 system — the online portal of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Sarasota County. Through this portal, you can view the court schedule by case number or party name.
Some practical tips:
- Go to ClerkNet and select the court case search section.
- Enter the case number or participant's last name.
- The case card will display scheduled hearing dates, the judge's name, and the courtroom.
If you need general information about the 12th Circuit court calendar, contact the court office directly by phone or in person. Public terminals in court buildings also provide access to the schedule.
How to Get a Copy of a Sarasota Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document in three ways — online, in person, or by mail. The type of copy determines both the price and the procedure.
Certified copies have the official seal of the court clerk and are accepted by other institutions as legally verified documents. Non-certified copies are regular printouts for informational purposes.
Online
Through the Official Records section in ClerkNet, you can order certified copies of official records and marriage certificates. Registration is required.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court office in the main courthouse. It is advisable to have the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date with you. The clerk will make a copy on the spot.
By Mail
Send a written request specifying:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of the parties
- Type of document
- Number of copies and type — certified or regular
- Return address and payment (check or money order payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court)
Some records have restricted access according to Florida law — including juvenile cases, sealed or expunged criminal records, and certain family cases. Check with the clerk before requesting to see if the document is public.
Sarasota Court Records Fees & Payment
The fee amounts are regulated by Florida Statutes (Chapter 28). Below are the main rates applied by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Sarasota County.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name, per year) | $2.00 per year of search |
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 for the first page; $0.15 for each additional page |
| Document certification | $2.00 per certificate |
| Exemplification (enhanced certification) | $5.00 |
| Court file copy | Depends on volume — same per-page rates apply |
Payment is accepted in cash, check, money order, and in some cases, credit or debit card. Payment through ClerkNet is made online. Check current fees directly with the clerk's office, as court administrative orders may adjust certain rates.
For inquiries related to property taxes, contact the Sarasota County Tax Collector. Property appraisal information can be found through the Property Appraiser search. These records are not court-related but are often needed concurrently.