The early morning hours at the Pinellas County Clerk’s office were slow – very slow. Only one couple had registered for the county’s new domestic partnership registry on April 15 – the day the ordinance became active – after the office had been open more than two hours. That surprised some county workers, who told multiple media outlets that couples had inquired about the county-wide registry for weeks.
The office even scheduled extra workers in the morning to help with the expected rush that never materialized.
The countywide registry granting a handful of rights to couples – gay and straight – who are not married opened exactly three months after the county voted 6-1 to approve it on Jan. 15. Several cities within the county – St. Petersburg, Gulfport and Clearwater – approved registries last year. Those heavily LGBT-populated areas saw a surge in registrants when they first offered them. Those who have already registered within their respective cities can also register with the county, for a reduced fee.
Couples taking advantage of the Pinellas County DPR can do so at a number of locations – the Clearwater Courthouse, both the North County and St. Petersburg branch offices, and the Tyrone Branch office.
Both parties must be present at the time of registration and a fee of $50 is due at the time of registration. Those who have previously registered in one of the cities within Pinellas County may pay a reduced fee. It is recommended that previously-registered applicants bring their certificate from the appropriate city.
The only commissioner to not support the registry in January was Norm Roche.
The new ordinance will not protect couples who are in counties that do not recognize domestic partnerships, but it will cover all of Pinellas County. A statewide registry, which advanced out of committee in Tallahassee, is needed in order to protect partners across the Sunshine State.
