If you're going through probate in Pinellas County, you'll be dealing with the 6th Judicial Circuit Court. This guide provides everything you need to know about the court, from where to go and who you'll encounter to how the process works in practice.
The 6th Judicial Circuit: Overview
Probate cases in Pinellas County are handled by the Probate Division of the 6th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which serves both Pinellas and Pasco counties. Each county has its own judges and courthouses, so your case will be handled entirely within Pinellas County.
Jurisdiction
The Pinellas County Probate Division handles:
- Formal and Summary Administration of estates
- Determination of homestead property
- Guardianship proceedings
- Trust matters
- Will contests and estate disputes
- Ancillary administration (for out-of-state decedents with Florida property)
The Two Courthouses
Clearwater Courthouse (Main)
Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762
This is the primary courthouse for Pinellas County probate matters. Most hearings, filings, and in-person proceedings take place here. The Clerk's office for probate is located on the main floor.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Phone: (727) 464-3000
St. Petersburg Courthouse
Pinellas County Courthouse - St. Petersburg
545 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Some probate matters may be handled at the St. Petersburg location, though most are routed through Clearwater. Check with the Clerk's office to confirm where your case is assigned.
Probate Judges
As of 2026, Pinellas County's probate cases are primarily assigned to two judges:
Judge Chris Campbell
Judge Campbell handles a significant portion of Pinellas County's probate docket. Cases are assigned based on the decedent's last name or case number at the time of filing.
Judge Anthony Coleman
Judge Coleman shares the probate docket with Judge Campbell. Both judges handle the full range of probate matters, including contested cases.
Note: Judicial assignments can change. Verify the current assignment for your case through the Clerk's website or by calling the Probate Division.
Clerk of the Circuit Court: Ken Burke
The Clerk of the Circuit Court, Ken Burke, is the administrative backbone of probate in Pinellas County. The Clerk's office handles:
- Filing all probate petitions and documents
- Assigning case numbers
- Issuing Letters of Administration
- Maintaining the court file
- Scheduling hearings
- Processing certified copies
Clerk's Probate Website: mypinellasclerk.org
E-Filing: How to File Documents
Florida mandates electronic filing for all court documents. In Pinellas County, probate documents must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
How E-Filing Works
- Create an account at myflcourtaccess.com
- Select Pinellas County and the Probate division
- Upload your documents in PDF format
- Pay filing fees electronically
- Receive confirmation and the assigned case number
Practical Tips for E-Filing
- Documents must be in searchable PDF format (not scanned images when possible)
- Each document should be filed as a separate attachment with a clear description
- Filing deadlines are based on when the portal receives the document, not when you start uploading
- Keep your confirmation emails — they serve as proof of filing
- If you're represented by an attorney, they will handle e-filing on your behalf
Case Numbering Format
Pinellas County probate case numbers follow this format:
XX-XXXXXX-ES
- XX = Two-digit year (e.g., 26 for 2026)
- XXXXXX = Six-digit sequential number
- ES = Case type code for Estate/Probate
For example, 26-001234-ES would be the 1,234th estate case filed in 2026. You'll need this number to look up your case, file documents, and check hearing schedules.
Looking Up Your Case
You can search for your probate case online through the Clerk's online case search. Enter the case number or search by the decedent's name to find:
- All filed documents (accessible online)
- Scheduled hearings
- Assigned judge
- Case status
Hearing Procedures
Types of Probate Hearings
Non-Contested Hearings (Most Common):
- Petition for Administration
- Homestead determination
- Final accounting approval
- Discharge of Personal Representative
These are typically brief — 5-15 minutes — and are often handled on the judge's "motion calendar," which groups multiple short matters together.
Contested Hearings:
- Will contests
- Disputes over PR appointment
- Creditor claim objections
- Beneficiary disputes
Contested matters require more time and may be set for a separate hearing or evidentiary hearing.
Zoom / Remote Hearings
Since COVID-19, Pinellas County probate judges have offered remote hearing options via Zoom for many probate matters. This is particularly helpful for out-of-state heirs who don't need to fly to Florida for a routine hearing. Check with your attorney or the judge's judicial assistant about whether your hearing can be conducted remotely.
What to Expect at a Hearing
- Arrive (or log in) 15 minutes early
- Dress professionally — business casual minimum
- The judge will ask the attorney (or pro se party) to present the petition
- For uncontested matters, the judge will typically sign the order the same day
- Bring copies of all relevant documents, even if they've been e-filed
The Probate Process: Step by Step in Pinellas County
- File the Petition: The proposed Personal Representative (or their attorney) files a Petition for Administration with the Clerk, along with the original will (if one exists) and a death certificate.
- Appointment of PR: The court reviews the petition and, if everything is in order, issues an Order Appointing Personal Representative and Letters of Administration. Timeline: 2-6 weeks.
- Creditor Notice: The PR publishes a Notice to Creditors in a local newspaper and directly notifies known creditors. Creditors have 3 months (from first publication) or 30 days (from direct notice) to file claims.
- Inventory and Accounting: The PR inventories all estate assets and files an inventory with the court within 60 days of appointment.
- Homestead Determination: If the estate includes real property, a Petition to Determine Homestead is filed and heard. The court issues an order confirming (or denying) homestead status.
- Pay Debts and Distribute: After the creditor period closes, the PR pays valid claims, distributes remaining assets to beneficiaries, and files a final accounting.
- Discharge: The court reviews the final accounting and discharges the PR from further duty. The probate is officially closed.
Practical Tips for Navigating Pinellas County Probate
- Hire a local attorney: Pinellas County probate attorneys know the local judges' preferences and procedures. A Tampa or Orlando attorney may not be as familiar with the 6th Circuit's specific practices.
- File early: The sooner you open probate, the sooner the creditor clock starts running, and the sooner you can sell or distribute property.
- Keep beneficiaries informed: Communication prevents disputes. Regular updates — even brief emails — go a long way toward keeping everyone aligned.
- Understand carrying costs: While probate runs, someone is paying for the property. See our probate costs guide for detailed numbers.
- Know your sale options: You don't have to wait until probate closes to line up a buyer. A cash buyer can be ready to close the moment the court grants authority. Read about selling during probate.
Need Help with an Inherited Property?
If you're going through probate in Pinellas County and have inherited property you'd like to sell, Causeway Home Buyers can help. We work with probate attorneys, coordinate with the court timeline, and close as soon as legally possible — often saving heirs months of carrying costs.
Get a free cash offer or call (727) 947-1271.
For more resources, visit our inherited property guide or probate glossary.