Search Florida criminal records through official state databases, county clerk offices, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Florida makes most criminal history data public under state law.
You can look up arrest records, court cases, inmate files, and warrant data. The search uses a person’s name, date of birth, or case number. Results show charges, court dates, and final case outcomes. This page covers every official method to find criminal records in Florida’s 67 counties.
What Are Florida Criminal Records
Florida criminal records are official files that document a person’s run-ins with the law. These files include arrests, charges, court cases, convictions, and sentences. State agencies, county courts, and police departments all create these files. Each record shows specific facts about a criminal case in Florida.
Types of Records You Can Find
Florida keeps several kinds of criminal records. Arrest records show when police took someone into custody. Court records show the full legal process. Inmate records track people in prison. Warrant records list people wanted by police. Probation records show offenders under community supervision.
- Arrest records with dates and charges
- Court case files and dockets
- State prison inmate records
- Active warrant listings
- Probation and parole supervision files
- Background check reports
Agencies That Maintain These Records
Three main agencies control Florida criminal records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps the central criminal history database. The Department of Corrections manages inmate files. County clerks of court store all local case files. Sheriff offices track local arrests and jail bookings.
Why These Records Are Public
Florida law treats criminal records as public data. The state believes open records keep government accountable. Anyone can search these files without giving a reason. The law protects both public safety and the right to know.
How to Search Florida Criminal Records Step by Step
Florida offers four main ways to search criminal records. Each method works for different needs. Pick the one that matches what you want to find.
Using the FDLE Criminal History Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the main criminal history search. The online portal works from any computer. You need a full legal name and date of birth to start. Adding a middle name or Social Security Number helps with accuracy. The system gives instant results after you pay the fee.
The search pulls data from all 67 Florida counties. It shows felony and misdemeanor arrests. Results include charges, dispositions, and case outcomes. Sealed and expunged records do not show up. Federal crimes and out-of-state arrests also stay hidden.
Visit the FDLE online search system to begin your criminal records search in Florida.
The CCHInet portal stays open 24 hours a day. Local police must send arrest data within 24 hours. This keeps the database current. Most name searches finish in seconds.
Searching Department of Corrections Records
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks state prison inmates. Their search tool covers felony offenders only. You can search by name or DC number. The system shows current inmates, released prisoners, and people on supervision.
The database has five search types. The Inmate Population search finds current prisoners. The Inmate Release search lists people released since 1990. The Escape search shows inmates who fled. The Absconder search lists wanted offenders. The Supervised Population search covers probation and parole cases.
Access the DOC Offender Search database to look up Florida inmate records.
Records show crimes, sentence length, and release dates. Most data updates weekly. Release dates update nightly. The tool includes mugshots and case details.
Accessing County Court Records
Each Florida county stores its own court records. The clerk of court manages these files. Many counties offer online search portals. Some charge fees for detailed case data. Others give free basic searches.
Court records show the full case history. You can see charges filed, court dates, and final outcomes. These records include motions, hearing notes, and sentencing orders. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.
You can explore the Florida Courts homepage for more data on accessing court records.
Florida has 20 circuit courts that handle felony cases. County courts deal with misdemeanors. Each circuit court covers multiple counties. The state appeals courts handle appeals.
Checking Sheriff Inmate Databases
Most Florida sheriff offices run online inmate searches. These show people held in county jails. You can search by name to find recent arrests. Records include booking photos, charges, and bail amounts.
Sheriff databases update several times each day. They show current detainees only. Released inmates leave the system quickly. These records help families find loved ones after arrest.
Florida Felony and Misdemeanor Court Records
Florida splits criminal cases into two main types. Felonies are serious crimes. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes. Each type follows different court procedures.
What Counts as a Felony in Florida
Florida defines felonies as crimes punishable by more than one year in state prison. Common felonies include murder, robbery, burglary, and drug trafficking. Felony case files go to circuit courts. The Department of Corrections handles the sentences.
Felony records stay on file for life. Even dismissed cases remain in the system. Only expungement can remove them. Background checks always show felony convictions.
What Counts as a Misdemeanor in Florida
Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail. Common misdemeanors include petty theft, simple assault, and minor drug possession. County courts handle these cases. Most first-time offenders get probation or fines.
Misdemeanor records also stay on file. They appear on background checks. Some misdemeanors qualify for sealing after a waiting period.
How Felony and Misdemeanor Records Differ
The two record types differ in where they are stored. Felony cases go to circuit court clerks. Misdemeanor cases stay with county court clerks. Both are searchable online through the same county systems.
| Record Type | Court Level | Penalty | Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court | Over 1 year in prison | Yes |
| Misdemeanor | County Court | Up to 1 year in jail | Yes |
| Federal Crime | Federal Court | Varies | Federal databases only |
Searching Florida Criminal Records by Different Methods
You can search criminal records in Florida using three main methods. Each method works best for different situations. Choose the one that fits your search needs.
Name-Based Criminal Searches
Name searches work for most public lookups. The FDLE system needs a full name and date of birth. County clerk systems need just a last name. Sheriff databases accept partial names.
Name searches can return multiple matches. Common names may show many results. Adding a middle name or birth date narrows the list. A Social Security Number gives the most accurate match.
Case Number Lookups
Case numbers give exact results. Each Florida criminal case has a unique number. The format includes the year and court code. You can find case numbers on old court papers or through a name search.
Case number searches skip the matching process. They go straight to the right file. This method works best when you already know the case exists.
Defendant Search Methods
Defendant searches focus on one person. They work across all record types. You can search arrest records, court cases, and inmate files at once. The FDLE database combines all three.
Defendant searches help with background checks. They show the full criminal history. Employers use this method for job screening. Landlords use it for tenant checks.
Costs and Fees for Florida Criminal Records
Search costs vary by record type. Some searches are free. Others charge a small fee. State-level searches cost the most.
State Database Search Costs
The FDLE charges $24 plus a $1 processing fee for each criminal history search. You pay by credit card. Results show right after payment. The fee covers the search and a copy of the report.
The Department of Corrections inmate search is free. You can run unlimited searches at no cost. Records include photos and case details.
County Clerk Search Fees
County clerk fees differ by location. Many charge $1 to $2 per page for copies. Certified copies cost $5 to $10 each. Some clerks charge for online searches too.
Basic case data is often free. Document images usually cost money. Contact the local clerk for exact fees.
Free Search Options in Florida
Several search methods cost nothing. The DOC inmate search is free. Many county clerk searches give free basic data. Sheriff websites offer free inmate lookups.
- Florida DOC inmate database
- County court case search portals
- Sheriff inmate search tools
- Statewide warrant databases
- FDLE public sex offender registry
Florida Criminal Court Records and Dockets
Court dockets track every event in a criminal case. They show hearing dates, motions, and rulings. Dockets help lawyers and families follow cases.
What Court Dockets Show
Court dockets list all case activities in order. They show when charges were filed. They list each court date and what happened. They note motions filed by lawyers. They record judge rulings and final sentences.
Florida dockets stay open to the public. You can view them online or at the courthouse. Most counties post daily docket updates.
How to Find Case Files in Florida
Case files include all court papers. They have charging documents, motions, and orders. You can request files from the clerk of court. Some counties offer online file viewing.
Files prove what happened in a case. They show evidence and witness lists. Lawyers use them for appeals. Background check companies use them for reports.
Circuit Court vs County Court Records
Florida circuit courts handle felony cases and major civil cases. County courts handle misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small civil matters. Each level keeps separate records.
Records for both court levels are public. You search them through the same county clerk website. The clerk system separates cases by court type.
Sealing and Expunging Florida Criminal Records
Florida law lets some people hide or remove criminal records. The process needs a court order. Not all records qualify.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing
People who completed diversion programs can seal their records. Those found not guilty also qualify. People whose charges were dropped may seal records. First-time offenders with no convictions have the best chance.
You cannot seal records for serious crimes. Forcible felonies stay on file forever. Sex crimes cannot be sealed. Multiple convictions also block sealing.
The Application Process
Start by getting a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The certificate costs $75. Processing takes about 12 weeks. The certificate stays valid for 12 months.
File the certificate with the court in the county where the case happened. The court holds a hearing. A judge decides whether to grant the petition. Sealed records stay hidden from public view. Expunged records get destroyed.
Learn more about the FDLE seal and expunge process to clear your Florida criminal record.
There are seven types of record relief in Florida. Each type has its own rules and forms.
Timeline and Costs for Sealing Records
The whole process takes 4 to 6 months. The FDLE certificate costs $75. Court filing fees range from $50 to $400. Attorney fees add $500 to $2,000 more.
Automatic sealing started in October 2019. Some records seal without a court petition. The rule applies only to cases after that date.
Florida Laws on Criminal Records
Florida has clear laws about who can see criminal records. These laws balance public access with privacy rights.
The Florida Public Records Law
Section 119.07 of Florida law is called the Sunshine Law. It says all government records are open to the public. Criminal records fall under this law. You can request records without giving a reason.
Agencies can charge for copies. They can charge for staff time on large requests. They must let you view records for free in person.
Criminal History Records Act
Section 943.053 controls criminal history data. It says these records stay open during business hours. FDLE runs the central system. Active investigations stay private. Sealed records stay private too.
The law protects victim names and juvenile data. Some criminal intelligence files stay sealed for safety reasons.
Automatic Record Sealing Rules
Section 943.0595 created automatic sealing in 2019. FDLE seals some records without a court order. The rule covers dropped charges and not guilty verdicts. It skips forcible felonies and sex crimes.
Automatic sealing is not retroactive. It only helps cases after October 1, 2019. Older cases still need a court petition.
Official Contact Information for Florida Criminal Records
Use these official contacts to request criminal records or ask questions. Each agency handles different types of records.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Contact
The FDLE handles statewide criminal history searches. The main phone number is (850) 410-8161. The Applicant Services Unit helps with background checks at (850) 410-7000. The seal and expunge section answers questions at (850) 410-7870.
FDLE headquarters is located at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The online portal stays open 24 hours a day.
Florida Department of Corrections Contact
The DOC handles inmate and offender records. The Custodian of Public Records is James Upchurch. His office is at 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The phone number is 850-717-9774. The fax number is 850-488-4534.
Public records requests go through the DOC website. Most inmate data is free to search online. The main phone line connects you to records staff during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Criminal Records
Many people have questions about searching criminal records in Florida. These answers cover the most common concerns about arrest records, court cases, and background checks.
Are Florida criminal records public for anyone to see?
Yes, most criminal records in Florida are public. State law requires government agencies to release these records. You can search arrest records, court files, and inmate data without giving a reason. You do not need to live in Florida. Some records stay private, including juvenile files, sealed cases, and active police investigations. Victim names are also protected by law.
How long do criminal records stay on file in Florida?
Criminal records stay on file permanently in Florida. Arrest records remain even if charges get dropped. Court records stay forever. Only expungement removes records from the system completely. Sealing hides records from public view but the files still exist. Background check companies can still see sealed records in some cases.
Can I search Florida criminal records for free online?
Yes, several searches are free in Florida. The Department of Corrections inmate search costs nothing. Many county clerk websites offer free basic case searches. Sheriff offices provide free inmate lookups. The FDLE statewide search costs $25. Free searches may miss some details. Paid searches give complete official reports.
What appears on a Florida criminal background check?
A Florida background check shows arrest records and convictions. It includes court cases from all Florida counties. Pending charges may also appear. The check covers felonies and misdemeanors. Sealed or expunged records do not show on standard background checks. Federal crimes and out-of-state arrests need separate searches.
How do I get a certified copy of my Florida criminal record?
Request your own record from the FDLE for certified copies. You need to provide fingerprints and pay a fee. You can also get court records from the clerk of court in counties where you had cases. Inmate records come from the DOC if you served state prison time. Certified copies have an official seal for legal use.
Do Florida arrest records prove someone is guilty?
No, arrest records only show that police made an arrest. They do not prove guilt or conviction. Many arrests end with dropped charges or not guilty verdicts. Court records show the final outcome of a case. Always check both arrest records and court results to get the full picture of a criminal case in Florida.
What is the difference between sealing and expunging a Florida record?
Sealing hides a record from public view but the file still exists. Government agencies and some employers can still see sealed records. Expungement destroys the record completely. After expungement, you can legally say the arrest never happened. Expungement is harder to get than sealing. Both processes need a court order in Florida.