Sarasota County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Sarasota County, Florida, was created in 1921 from Manatee County and has a total land area of 575 square miles. As of 2022, 439,392 people lived in the county. Its largest city is North Port, and its government seat is Sarasota City. The court system in Sarasota County comprises Circuit and County Courts. These courts are integral to maintaining law and order in the county as they manage various legal affairs, including family, probate, and criminal and civil proceedings.

The Sarasota County Circuit Court is the principal court in the county, and it handles cases outside the jurisdiction of the County Courts through its specialized divisions. It is located in two cities: Sarasota and Venice. The Civil Division hears civil lawsuits involving claims of more than $50,000. The Criminal Division hears all felonies and crimes arising from the same conditions as felonies. The Family Division is in charge of handling domestic matters such as child support, custody, adoption, annulment, divorce, and emancipation. The Probate Division deals with everything related to probate, including guardianship, estates, trusts, and mental health. The Juvenile Division deals with all juvenile-related matters, including delinquency and dependency. The County Court of Sarasota County handles misdemeanors, small claims, traffic infractions, and civil cases with claims under $50,000. The County Court is also located in Sarasota and Venice.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office recorded 6,781 crimes in 2023, indicating a crime rate of 1,563 crimes per 100,000 persons. The Sarasota County Circuit Court handles an average of 3,000 felony cases, about 2,600 civil cases, 3,400 family court cases, and over 5,000 probate matters annually. Similarly, the County Court of Sarasota County hears over 3,000 misdemeanors, 7,500 civil cases, and 3,700 traffic offenses every year. The Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintain the records from both courts. Public records from Sarasota County Courts can be accessed via the portal provided by the Clerk or by visiting the Clerk's Office. Certain records are closed to the public in Sarasota County and can only be accessed by authorized persons or court orders. These records include personal identifying information, medical and mental health records, information about jurors and confidential informants, juvenile records, and adoption records.

In summary, Sarasota County's court system ensures the just and fair resolution of disputes to protect the liberties and rights of the county's residents. The Circuit and County Courts are critical to delivering justice for all persons in Sarasota County, regardless of their beliefs, race, or status. The public's confidence in the legal system is increased by the implementation of an efficient electronic system for the management of court records, which guarantees accessibility and transparency. Sarasota County is a model of efficient court administration in Florida and is still committed to fulfilling its legal obligations.