Sarasota County Court

County Resources

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There are multiple locations where judicial matters are heard in Sarasota County. The historic Sarasota County Courthouse was completed in 1927, but is now the Office of the Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Clerk and Comptroller.

The Sarasota County Judicial Center was constructed in 1998 and was renamed the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center in 2006. The Sarasota South County Courthouse opened in 2022.

Sarasota County Justice Center
2071 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7800

South County Courthouse
4004 S. Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
(941) 861-7800

Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
Sarasota County Judicial Center
2002 Ringling Blvd.,
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7800

United States District Court
Middle District of Florida
Tampa Division
Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse
801 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 301-5400

County Clerk of Circuit Court

The County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is an elected position in Florida, and the position comes with many duties. The Clerk has an important part in all things court-related. The clerk handles jury management, maintenance of all court records, and payments for court-ordered fees and fines. The Clerk attends all court hearings and trials.

The Clerk is also the source for Sarasota County records, marriage licenses, financial reports, real estate, and other records.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court also has the role of Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and is the official custodian of those county records. This office is also responsible for recording deeds and mortgages, along with issuing and recording marriage licenses.

The Clerk also functions as the Recorder of Deeds, the County Auditor, and the custodian of county funds.

Karen E. Rushing
Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court
and County Comptroller
Sarasota County Historic Courthouse
2000 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400

District Court

Sarasota County is part of the Middle District of Florida for the United States District Court. The Tampa division includes Hillsborough, Hardee, Pinellas, Hernando, Polk, Manatee, Pasco, and Sarasota counties.

Timothy J. Corrigan is the Chief United States District Judge of the Middle District of Florida. Elizabeth Warren is the Clerk of Court for the Middle District.

Circuit Court and County Court

Circuit Courts in Sarasota County fall under the jurisdiction of the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida. A trial court administrator handles the administration for the courts. The circuit courts function as trial courts with general jurisdiction. There are 20 judicial districts in Florida.

Circuit Courts hear cases that include felony criminal offenses, estates and probate, juvenile matters, guardianships, and civil cases that involve more than $50,000. They also hear family court cases.

County courts have limited jurisdiction in their own counties. There is at least one county court in each county in Florida. There are slightly different rules for the county courts, compared to the circuit courts. County courts have jurisdiction over civil cases involving less than $50,000 and misdemeanor criminal offenses,

Magistrate Court

Magistrates are allowed to hear certain cases in Sarasota County. Magistrates have been given the authority to conduct hearings, hear testimony, and evaluate evidence. In Florida, Magistrates must be licensed attorneys in good standing, with at least 5 years experience practicing law.

Civil Court

Civil courts hear cases that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two people. However, there are multiple courts that hear different kinds of civil cases.

Circuit Civil Court is the court that hears cases where the damages requested are more than $50,000. This includes things like foreclosures, contract disputes, and product liability.

County Civil Court and Small Claims are used for cases involving lesser dollar amounts. Small Claims Court is used for cases involving less than $8,000. County Civil Court hears cases that are more than $8,000 but less than $50,000. These cases may include tenant/landlord disputes, automobile negligence, and debt collections.

Veterans Court

The Veterans Treatment Court is a special program to assist veterans and active-duty who are charged with non-violent misdemeanors or felonies. Offenders must have a service-related mental illness, substance abuse disorder, or a traumatic brain injury. Most non-violent and non-traffic related 3rd-degree felony and misdemeanor cases are eligible for Veterans Court.

Participants must follow all court orders, be randomly screened for drugs and alcohol, meet with their mentors, and complete all assigned treatments. There’s no specific timeline, but most complete the program in 12-24 months. Upon successful completion of the program, the charges may be dismissed.

Drug Court

Adult Drug Court provides an opportunity for non-violent offenders. The program lasts approximately 12 months. Offenders with a current charge or prior history of selling or trafficking drugs are not eligible. Other 2nd and 3rd degree felonies may be eligible with the approval of the prosecutor’s office.

Upon successful completion of the program, the charges may be dismissed.

Criminal Court

Criminal Court handles most cases involving criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors. The Circuit Criminal Court hears felony criminal cases that may result in a person being sentenced to 1 year or more in prison. County Criminal Court is used for more minor misdemeanor crimes that carry less than a year in jail as the maximum sentence.

Probate Court

Probate Court is focused on wills and estates and determines how a deceased person’s estate may be distributed. This court also hears cases involving guardianship, such as when a minor child inherits money in the amount of more than $15,000.

Family Court

The Family Division hears cases regarding domestic relations. This includes things like name changes, divorce, custody, paternity, adoption and child/spousal support.

Juvenile Court

This court hears cases involving delinquency, dependency, and emancipation. Delinquency refers to criminal offenses. Dependency refers to truancy or cases where a child has been neglected or abused.

Unified Family Court

Unified Family Court is the umbrella name for all cases related to family court. This includes divorce, domestic violence, mental health, name changes, adoption, child support, and paternity cases.