SARASOTA
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12th Judicial Circuit • Sarasota
Sarasota County Court Guide
Complete guide to Sarasota County courts — courthouse locations in Sarasota and Venice, the 12th Judicial Circuit filing procedures, fees from the Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller, and self-help resources for all Sarasota County residents.
Clerk: Karen Rushing
Circuit: 12th Judicial Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto)
Phone: (941) 861-7400
Website: sarasotaclerk.com
450K population
12th Judicial Circuit
~$408 divorce filing fee
GFOA Award-winning financial reporting
$8,000 small claims limit
Courthouse Locations
Sarasota County Courthouses
Sarasota County operates a main courthouse in downtown Sarasota and a branch courthouse in Venice for the South County area. The main courthouse handles all family law matters including divorce, custody, and name changes.
Main Courthouse
Sarasota County Courthouse
2000 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400
Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Family Law, Civil, Probate, Criminal
All divisions served
South Branch
Venice Government Center
4004 S. Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
(941) 486-2009
Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
County Civil, Traffic; limited family law services
Filing Fees
Sarasota County Filing Fees
For additional information on fees, contact the Clerk’s office at (941) 861-7400. Current fee schedule available at sarasotaclerk.com.
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of Marriage (Petition) | ~$408 |
| Child Support (non-divorce) | ~$300 |
| Paternity | ~$300 |
| Domestic Violence Injunction | No fee |
| Name Change (Adult) | ~$400 |
| Small Claims (up to $8,000) | $55–$120 |
| County Civil ($8,001–$50,000) | $300–$400 |
| Eviction — Residential | ~$185–$235 |
| Probate | By estate value; see fee schedule |
| Tax Deed | Per fee schedule |
Self-Help Resources
Sarasota County Legal Self-Help
- Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller ↗
- 12th Judicial Circuit Court ↗
- Gulf Coast Legal Service (Legal Aid) ↗
- Sarasota County Bar Lawyer Referral ↗
- Florida Courts E-Filing Portal ↗
ⓘ Verify current fees at sarasotaclerk.com before filing. JusticeXpressFlorida.com is a document preparation service, not a law firm.
Sarasota County Package
Florida-specific forms for the 12th Judicial Circuit with Sarasota County court guidance.
From $149Get This Package
Quick Contacts
Clerk: Karen Rushing
Main: (941) 861-7400
Venice Branch: (941) 486-2009
Website: sarasotaclerk.com