Annual Report of the Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller

Karen E. Rushing Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller - Sarasota, FL ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS JURY DUTY TRAFFIC COURTS What is the definition of a public record? Public records are defined by Florida law as all documents, papers, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance, or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. {Chapter 119, Florida Statutes}. What kind of records can I see and where can I see them? Public court records, official records, and marriage records are available and may be viewed on SarasotaClerk.com, or in either of our offices’ Public Access department. Access to court records is governed by Supreme Court of Florida Administrative Order 19-20 and Rule 2.420, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Depending on the level of secure access, records may be redacted, or may not be viewable without additional requirements. Official Records from 1990 to present day are available electronically. Official Records from 1921 through 1989 are available on microfilm. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS I need help getting a restraining order. What should I do? Petitions for a restraining order, also known as an Injunction for Protection, are made through the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at either the Sarasota, FL or Venice, FL business office locations. For details, resources, and forms, go to SarasotaClerk.com and select Court Services from the menu, then Restraining Orders. What about after hours filing? If a petitioner needs to file an injunction after normal business hours or on a holiday or weekend, contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 861-5800 or go to the Sarasota County Main Jail at 2020 Main Street, Sarasota, FL for assistance. How does jury selection work? Prospective jurors are randomly chosen from a Department of Motor Vehicles list of those with a driver’s license or ID card living in Sarasota County who are at least 18 years old. The list also includes citizens who have asked to be included in the juror pool. How long will I be expected to serve? If you receive a summons, your attendance is required. In Sarasota courts, required service is one day or one trial. Why are some people excused? State law determines juror eligibility. A potential juror may be automatically excused by law, or may be excused for hardship reasons, as authorized by the Court. Why was I summonsed but not chosen for a trial? Rules governing the selection process require a sufficient number of jurors be summonsed based on scheduled court events, with judges and attorneys determining jury needs. Since cases can be resolved right up to the last minute before starting a trial, the fact that jurors are waiting and available is important to the process. Whether you are selected for a trial or not, your service is valuable. I received a phone call demanding I pay a fine because I missed jury duty. I never received a summons. Is this legitimate? Jury duty scams come in many versions, with callers using deception, threats, and intimidation. If you receive such a call, just hang up, then report it to the Clerk or law enforcement. Clerk and Comptroller employees do not initiate phone calls requesting payments for missing jury service. Warnings and alerts are posted on our website, or you can subscribe to all Clerk and Comptroller messages by signing up for eNews through the SarasotaClerk.com website . How do I pay a ticket? Online at SarasotaClerk.com or in person at either office location. Sarasota Main Office: Historic Courthouse, 2000 Main Street, Sarasota, FL or Venice Full Service Branch: R. L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL.