Clearwater Historic Courthouse
Contact Information
OCH
Clearwater Historic Courthouse
Phone
Address
324 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
Hours
About Clearwater Historic Courthouse
Located at 324 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue in downtown Clearwater, this stately landmark stands as a testament to the city’s early 20th-century growth and civic pride. Following the formation of Pinellas County in 1912 and rapid population expansion, county officials secured a $160,000 bond in 1916 to finance a more permanent courthouse and jail. Designed by noted architect Francis J. Kennard, the Classical Revival–style building, with its grand columns and balanced symmetry, was completed in 1918 within budget 32.
The cornerstone ceremony was a major community event, drawing thousands and symbolizing unity across the newly established county 2. Inside, the first floor originally housed county records and commissioners’ offices, while the second featured a spacious courtroom alongside judges’ chambers and jury rooms.
A recognized jewel of Clearwater’s architectural heritage, the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1992 34. In 2015, it received local historic landmark status, and in 2017, a Florida heritage marker was installed to commemorate its importance.
Today, this iconic structure not only reflects the enduring legacy of early civic architecture in Florida, but also continues to serve as a meaningful reminder of Clearwater’s origin as the heart of Pinellas County’s government.
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Parking Information
Free parking is available in the courthouse parking lot. Additional parking can be found in the surrounding area. Handicap accessible parking spaces are located near the main entrance. Call us at (727) 847-8128 for any additional questions.
Public Transportation
The West Pasco Judicial Center is accessible via Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT). Bus routes 18 and 19 stop near the courthouse. For current schedules and route information, please visit the PCPT website.
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.