Sarasota Public Records
Public records in Sarasota, Florida cover court cases, property documents, police reports, city permits, and other government files that are open to any person by default under Florida law. Sarasota County offices and City of Sarasota departments operate within the 12th Judicial Circuit, and this page explains how to access each type of record.
Sarasota Quick Facts
Sarasota Records and Florida Law
Florida's public records law sets a clear standard: every record made or received by a government agency is open to the public unless a specific exemption applies. That rule comes from Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. It covers city offices in Sarasota, Sarasota County agencies, and state-level offices that hold records tied to this area.
You don't need to explain yourself. No name required. Agencies must respond without unnecessary delay. If a record is available right away, it should go out the same day. For larger or complex requests, the agency must give you a time estimate when you ask for one.
Exemptions are limited. Active criminal investigations, sealed court files, and some personal health data are restricted. Most Sarasota government records fall outside those categories and are fully accessible.
Sarasota County Clerk Court Records
The Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court holds all court records for Sarasota. The courthouse and clerk's office are at the Sarasota County Historic Courthouse, 2000 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34237. Phone is (941) 861-7400. The clerk, Karen E. Rushing, serves as Clerk and Comptroller for Sarasota County. The online portal at sarasotaclerk.com lets you search court cases by name, case number, or date at no cost.
Civil cases include small claims, circuit civil matters, and civil appeals. Criminal records cover both misdemeanor and felony charges. Family law cases hold divorce decrees, custody orders, domestic injunctions, and adoption records. Probate cases cover estate proceedings, guardianship filings, and will contests. All case divisions are searchable through the same clerk portal. The 12th Judicial Circuit covers Sarasota, DeSoto, and Manatee counties, but Sarasota city cases go through the Sarasota County side.
Standard copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies carry a higher fee. You can make requests online through the sarasotaclerk.com portal, in person at the courthouse on Main St, or by mail. Juvenile records and sealed court files are not publicly accessible.
Property and Official Records in Sarasota
Property records for Sarasota split between two county offices. The Sarasota County Property Appraiser holds ownership data, assessed values, and parcel details. Search free online by address or parcel number. The Sarasota County Clerk's official records system covers recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, marriage licenses, and other instruments. Every property transfer in Sarasota creates a deed record in this database.
Lenders, title companies, and real estate professionals use the official records system regularly. The clerk's official records go back decades and cover all recorded instruments in Sarasota County. Search by name, document type, or date range at sarasotaclerk.com. Copies of official recorded documents cost $1.00 per page.
Tax records and payment history are held by the Sarasota County Tax Collector. Most lookups are available online without an office visit.
Florida Attorney General Open Government
The Florida Attorney General's office provides guidance and enforcement for the state's public records law. The screenshot below is from the Florida Attorney General's open government page, which covers your rights when requesting records from Sarasota city and county agencies.
The page includes information on how to request records, what exemptions apply, and how to use the free mediation program if a request is denied.
City of Sarasota Records
Sarasota City Hall is at 1565 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236. City records include building permits, code enforcement files, business licenses, zoning decisions, and city commission meeting minutes. These records are separate from county court files and must be requested through city departments.
Building permits are among the most frequently requested city records. Every construction or renovation project in Sarasota has a permit file that shows what was approved, who did the work, and whether the project passed inspections. Real estate buyers, contractors, and lenders rely on these records when reviewing properties.
The Sarasota Police Department handles records for incidents within city limits. Incident reports and most arrest logs are public. Active investigation files may be temporarily withheld. Contact the department's records unit to submit a request. The city website lists current procedures for requesting records by email or in person.
How to Request Records in Sarasota
Florida law does not require a specific form for public records requests. Ask by phone, email, mail, or in person. Be clear about what you need. Include the record type, any dates, and names or addresses tied to the search.
Standard copies are $0.15 per page. The first 30 minutes of staff time is usually free. After that, agencies may charge based on the pay rate of the lowest-qualified employee who can handle the work. Certified copies cost more. Official recorded documents through the clerk's official records system are $1.00 per page.
If a request is denied without a valid reason, the Florida Attorney General offers free mediation at (850) 245-0140 or myfloridalegal.com. Most disputes are resolved through mediation faster than a court challenge and at no cost.
Vital Records for Sarasota
Birth and death records from Sarasota events go to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics through the Florida Department of Health. Marriage licenses are issued by the Sarasota County Clerk. Divorce records are part of the circuit court files and searchable at sarasotaclerk.com. Certified copies require a written request and fee. The county health office can sometimes help with local record access questions.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also have public records accessible through county clerks and city departments. Venice does not currently have a dedicated page on this site.
Sarasota County Records
Court records and official records for Sarasota are maintained by the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Sarasota County Historic Courthouse.