Clearwater Courthouse
Contact Information
CLWR
Clearwater Courthouse
Phone
(727) 464-3341
Address
315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm Except Holidays
About Clearwater Courthouse
Situated at 315 Court Street in downtown Clearwater, this contemporary courthouse was built between 1961 and 1963, reflecting the county’s mid‑20th century expansion and modernization efforts. Designed by Rader & Associates in a clean, modernist style, the six‑story concrete-and-glass structure features a functional, rectangular form with a recessed arcade on its ground level.
Its design marked a shift from traditional ornate architecture, embracing the era’s emphasis on light, transparency, and efficiency. The building originally housed both the Circuit and County courts of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, serving as Pinellas County’s primary judicial hub.
Between 1980 and 1981, a four-story buff‑brick, glass, and concrete addition was attached to the south side, designed by Patrick & Prindle Partners, further expanding courtroom capacity and operational spaces while remaining stylistically complementary.
Today, this courthouse remains a key government facility, blending modernist architectural principles with decades of judicial history. It continues to accommodate court functions and public services, standing as a symbol of Clearwater’s mid-century civic growth and evolving legal infrastructure.
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Parking Information
Limited parking is available near the Clearwater Courthouse, with additional public parking options in the surrounding downtown Clearwater area. Accessible parking spaces are available nearby. Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time for parking.
Public Transportation
The courthouse is accessible via Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), with multiple routes serving downtown Clearwater. Please check the PSTA website for up-to-date route and schedule information.
Security Information
Prohibited Items
The following items are not permitted in the courthouse:
- Weapons of any kind (including firearms, knives, pepper spray, etc.)
- Tools that could be used as weapons
- Handcuff keys
- Recording devices (without prior authorization)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Any item deemed dangerous by security personnel
Electronic Devices
Cell phones and electronic devices are permitted but must be silenced in courtrooms. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are prohibited in courtrooms without prior judicial approval.
Dress Code
Appropriate attire is required. The following are not permitted: clothing with offensive language or images, tank tops, halter tops, clothing that exposes the midriff, shorts that are shorter than mid-thigh, and hats (except for religious or medical purposes). Call us at (727) 847-8128 for any additional questions.
Accessibility Information
Americans with Disabilities Act Assistance (ADA)
The Sixth Judicial Circuit provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities to enable their full participation in court proceedings. These accommodations are determined after discussion with the person requiring accommodation regarding his or her specific needs. The Administrative Office of the Courts coordinates an average of 35-40 such requests each month, including provisions for deaf interpreters, assistive listening systems, wheelchairs, real-time reporting, enlarged print, readers, closed captioning, etc.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.
ADA Accommodation Request Form in Pinellas County
Click on the link below to access the Electronic ADA Accommodation Request form. Questions about completing this form? Please call 727-464-4062 Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 9:30am to 4:00pm.
Please submit this completed form as far in advance as possible; but, preferably at least seven (7) business days before your scheduled court appearance, or other court activity. Transportation is not an ADA request.
The court does not provide transportation.
Spoken Language Court Interpreter Request Form in Pinellas County
Click on the link below to access the Spoken Language Court Interpreter Request Form and request for interpreter if you are a defendant, litigant/party, witness, juror, victim or attorney. Please call 727-464-4062 Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 9:30am to 4:00pm if you have any questions.
Please submit this completed form as far in advance as possible; but, preferably at least seven (7) business days before your scheduled court appearance, or other court activity. Requests not made prior to seven (7) business days before the scheduled court appearance cannot be guaranteed.
Service Animals
Service Animals in Courthouses
The Sixth Judicial Circuit is committed to providing equal access to the courts. This includes clear rules for bringing animals into a courthouse or during court proceedings.
Service Animals Allowed
Service animals are limited to dogs and miniature horses that are trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability. These animals are permitted in all court facilities, proceedings, and programs. If you plan to bring a service animal, advance notice is encouraged by submitting an ADA accommodation request.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals provide comfort but are not trained to perform tasks. They are not automatically permitted in court facilities. To bring an emotional support animal, you must submit a written request at least seven (7) days in advance. The request will be reviewed by a judge or the Chief Judge, and only with a signed order may the animal enter the courthouse.