Clerks in the Sunshine

Florida's Sunshine Laws are among the strongest in the nation, protecting every citizen's right to know how their government operates. These laws provide our citizens with access to information necessary for their participation in the democratic process. Sunshine Laws also provide access to information, including public events, government meeting minutes, and court proceedings. Additionally, Sunshine Laws protect the privacy of our most vulnerable populations. Taken together, Sunshine Laws dictate the requirements of transparency and accountability in government.

FAQs - Sunshine Laws – Florida Office of the Attorney General

The Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office embraces transparency and accountability in county government and the court system through access to records and efficient reporting. It is the responsibility of our office to ensure citizens

• have access to public documents, such as court and official records, audits, and meeting minutes
• are provided with services that report on allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in county government
• can efficiently access public information through the use of technologies
• can inquire about and have access to county financial records, expenses, and contract

Sunshine Week is an annual event usually held in March. During this week, all Clerk of Court and Comptroller offices provide citizens with tips and resources to help them access or request public records more efficiently. This can include

• Instructions for online access to court, Official Records, and Financial Records
• Identifying the resources or contacts citizens need to use for public access to records
• Tips for how to put a public records request in writing to improve efficiency and accuracy

Florida’s Clerks of Court and Comptrollers provide many services that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Learn about the ways Clerks and Comptrollers help keep county government and public information in the sunshine.

Sunshine Week

Below are links to Public Records you can access from your computer. If you do not find the record you are looking for, you can either visit the Public Access Department in person to make a request or use our online form to make a Records Search Request. You can also email questions to PAGroup@sarasotaclerkandcomptroller.com.

Board Records including meetings and agendas of the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), the Value Adjustment Board, Planning Commission, and the current Sarasota County Charter.

Court Records
Search civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate, will, and guardianship records through ClerkNet, Inactive records may need to be obtained from through a records request.

County Financial Reports

Audit Reports of the Inspector General

Marriage Records

Official Records

Plat Records