Glades County criminal records are court files and case documents that show felony, misdemeanor, and traffic criminal charges filed in Glades County, Florida. These records are kept by the Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court, which is the main record keeper for the 20th Judicial Circuit.
Anyone can look at most of these records under Florida’s public records law. This page explains how to search Glades County criminal court records, what each record contains, who can see them, and how to use the clerk’s online search system for Glades County FL criminal case lookup needs.
What Are Glades County Criminal Records
Glades County criminal records are the official files of every criminal case handled by judges in the county. They include felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic criminal cases, ordinance violations, and violations of probation. Each file holds the charging document, the court docket, the plea, the sentence, and the final outcome. The clerk’s office in Moore Haven keeps the paper and digital copies. The clerk’s index is the tool most people use to find these Glades County criminal court records online.
Who Creates These Records
The State Attorney’s Office files the charges that start a criminal case. The Glades County Sheriff’s Office writes the arrest reports. The Clerk of Court files the case, assigns the case number, and stores the paperwork. The judge issues orders, sentences, and final judgments. All of these parts end up in the official Glades County criminal case files held by the clerk. The clerk then puts the same data into the public online index.
What Each Record Contains
A standard Glades County criminal case file contains the case number, the defendant name, the date of birth, the arresting agency, the charges, the statute numbers, the plea entered, the sentence, the probation terms, the court division, the judge name, and the final disposition. The docket sheet shows each hearing date, motion filed, and ruling. Bond information appears on the booking record kept by the sheriff.
What Records Are Not Public
Florida law seals some records. Expunged records are removed from public view. Sealed records exist but cannot be shown without a court order. Active grand jury matters are hidden. Juvenile criminal records are not on the public clerk index. Some victim information is redacted. Pre-trial diversion files for some minor offenses are not always on the public site.
Glades County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main office for Glades County criminal case lookup requests. The clerk runs the court system for the 20th Judicial Circuit in this county. The clerk’s office stores every criminal court filing from 1921 to today. The clerk’s public search portal lets users look up Glades County criminal docket records by name, case number, or date.
Office Address and Contact
The Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court is located at 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471. The main phone number is (863) 946-0301. The office email is clerk@gladescountyclerk.com. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except court holidays. The physical office is in the Glades County Courthouse in downtown Moore Haven, next to U.S. Route 27 and the Caloosahatchee River.
Official Website and Online Search Portal
The clerk’s official website is gladescountyclerk.com. From the home page, users can click the “Court Records” or “Public Records Search” link to open the online case search. The portal allows searches by name, case number, citation number, and date range. The portal covers both criminal and civil cases. Basic case details are free. Certified copies cost a fee per page set by Florida statute.
Records Available Through the Clerk
The clerk provides access to felony case files, misdemeanor case files, traffic criminal files, violation of probation files, bond files, sealed index entries with limited data, and historical archived files from the county archives. Users can also request a certified copy of a final judgment, an arrest warrant, or a sentencing order from the clerk’s office.
Fees and Copy Costs
The clerk charges a per-page fee for regular copies. Certified copies cost more because the clerk signs and seals the document. A search fee may apply if the clerk’s staff must look for an older file by hand. The clerk accepts cash, money order, and credit or debit cards for in-person orders. Online payments are handled through a secure portal. Fee amounts follow the rates set by Florida Statute 28.24.
| Service | Fee | How Ordered |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Copy (per page) | $1.00 | In-Person / Online |
| Certified Copy (per page) | $2.00 (first page) + $1.00 per additional page | In-Person / Mail / Online |
| Written Record Search | $2.00 per name per year | Written Request |
| Online Account Subscription | Monthly fee for bulk users | Clerk Portal |
How to Search Glades County Criminal Records
Users can search Glades County criminal court records in three main ways. The first is the clerk’s online portal, which is the fastest. The second is a visit to the clerk’s office in Moore Haven. The third is a mail request. Each method works for different needs. Most people who need a quick check on a single case use the online portal. People who need certified copies or older archived files often visit the office in person.
Search by Name
The online portal allows a name search. The user types the last name, then the first name. A date of birth filter narrows the results. The portal returns a list of cases with the defendant name, case number, file date, case type, and current status. The user clicks the case number to see the full docket, the charges, and the final outcome. The same method works for Glades County misdemeanor court records and felony court records.
Search by Case Number
A case number search works when the user already has the number. Glades County case numbers follow a pattern such as 20YY-CF-000123 for felonies and 20YY-MM-000456 for misdemeanors. The “20” prefix refers to the 20th Judicial Circuit. The year code shows the year the case was filed. The user types the number into the search box to pull up the full record directly.
Search by Date Range
A date range search helps users find every case filed in a specific period. The user picks a start date and an end date. The portal returns a list of all cases filed in that window. This method is useful for lawyers, employers, and journalists who need a batch view. It is also useful for background screening companies that search Glades County Florida criminal case files for clients.
In-Person Search at the Clerk’s Office
A user can visit the clerk’s office during business hours to search public terminals in the lobby. The lobby terminals give access to the same online portal. Court clerks at the public counter can help users who need help finding a file. The clerk can also pull older archived files that are not on the public portal. The user must show valid photo ID for in-person help with restricted data.
Mail and Email Requests
A user can mail a written request to the clerk’s office. The request must include the defendant name, the case number if known, the date of birth, and the records needed. The user must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fees. Email requests work for simple record checks but not for certified copies. The clerk’s office responds within five business days for most requests.
Glades County Felony Court Records
Glades County felony court records cover the most serious criminal cases filed in the county. Felonies include violent crimes, drug trafficking, burglary, grand theft, fraud, weapons charges, and any crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. These cases are heard in the Circuit Court division. The clerk’s office assigns a “CF” case number prefix to felony cases.
Felony Case Filing Process
A felony case starts when law enforcement makes an arrest. The sheriff’s office books the suspect. The State Attorney files a charging document called an Information, or a Grand Jury issues an Indictment. The clerk assigns a case number. The defendant appears before a judge for arraignment. Discovery happens. Plea talks or trial follow. The clerk files every motion and order in the docket.
Felony Case Records You Can See
The public can see the charging document, the arraignment date, the plea, motions, orders, sentencing transcripts, restitution orders, probation orders, and the final judgment. Some pretrial evidence files are sealed. Jury selection notes and private juror data are not public. Sentencing memoranda are public, but pre-sentence investigation reports are sealed by Florida law.
How Long Felony Records Are Kept
Florida law requires the clerk to keep felony records permanently. Older paper files are stored in the county archives. Digital records stay in the clerk’s database even after the case ends. Glades County felony court records from the 1920s are still on file in the courthouse vault. The clerk can retrieve them with a written request and a search fee.
Glades County Misdemeanor Court Records
Glades County misdemeanor court records cover less serious criminal cases punishable by up to one year in county jail. Misdemeanors include simple assault, petty theft, minor drug possession, disorderly conduct, trespass, and some driving under the influence cases. These cases are heard in the County Court division. The clerk uses an “MM” prefix for misdemeanor case numbers.
Misdemeanor Case Types
Florida law splits misdemeanors into two levels. First-degree misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Second-degree misdemeanors carry up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The clerk files every misdemeanor in the same database, but the case type field shows the level. Glades County misdemeanor case search results show the level on the docket.
Records Available in Misdemeanor Files
The public can see the citation or charging document, the plea, the sentence, the fine amount, the court costs, and the completion date. Probation files for misdemeanors are also public. Some driving under the influence (DUI) case files include the breath test results and the officer’s affidavit. The clerk’s online portal shows this data on the docket page.
Glades County Criminal Court System
Glades County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit includes Glades, Hendry, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Highlands, and Okeechobee counties. The chief judge sits in Fort Myers. The local administrative judge handles court business in Glades County. The courthouse at 500 Avenue J is the only physical courthouse in the county.
Criminal Court Divisions
The Glades County Courthouse has two criminal divisions. The Circuit Criminal division handles felonies. The County Criminal division handles misdemeanors. Each division has a judge and a court clerk. The State Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office both send staff to Glades County on certain court days. Drug court and mental health court are held by video with the main circuit court in Fort Myers.
Court Schedule and Hearings
Criminal court days in Glades County run on a set monthly calendar. Arraignments happen on the first Wednesday of each month. Pretrial conferences run on the second Wednesday. Jury trials happen as scheduled. Bond hearings are open every day the clerk’s office is open. The clerk posts the daily docket on the public portal the day before each session.
Role of the State Attorney
The State Attorney’s Office for the 20th Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in Glades County. The office decides whether to file charges, what charges to file, and what plea offers to make. The State Attorney’s Office is separate from the clerk’s office. The clerk files the documents the State Attorney produces. Public users can see the charging documents but cannot see the prosecutor’s private notes.
Glades County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests, serves warrants, and runs the county jail. The sheriff’s office keeps its own records of bookings, incident reports, and calls for service. These records are separate from the clerk’s court records. The sheriff’s office can provide arrest logs, booking photos for current inmates, and copies of incident reports for a fee.
Sheriff’s Office Contact
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office is located at 1297 East State Road 78, Moore Haven, FL 33471. The main phone number is (863) 946-1600. The non-emergency dispatch number is (863) 946-1600. The office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency calls. The records office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Booking and Inmate Records
The sheriff’s office posts current inmate information on its public website at gladescountysheriffsoffice.com. The site shows the inmate name, the booking date, the charges, and the bond amount. The site is updated every 24 hours. Past booking records are kept for several years and are available on request. Photos of current inmates are shown on the public site.
Warrant Search
Florida law requires the sheriff to publish a list of active warrants. The Glades County Sheriff’s Office posts its active warrant list on the public website. The list shows the person named in the warrant, the charge, and the date the warrant was issued. Users can search by name. The list is updated weekly. A person named on the warrant should contact a lawyer before going to the sheriff’s office.
Incident Reports and Arrest Records
The sheriff’s office writes an incident report for every call. The report is filed under a case number. Public users can request a copy of the report. Florida law sets the rules for what is open. The report shows the date, time, location, parties, and what happened. Active investigation sections can be redacted. The sheriff charges a per-page copy fee.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s central criminal history database. The database is called the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. The CCH holds arrest and conviction data from every Florida county, including Glades County. The FDLE offers a paid public search portal for users who need a state-level check that covers more than one county.
FDLE CCHInet Public Portal
FDLE’s public portal is cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. A user creates an account, accepts the terms, types the full name, and adds the date of birth. The system charges $24 per name search, plus a $1 credit card processing fee. Results show arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentence data from every Florida county that reported the record to FDLE. Most records appear within a few seconds.
What the State Search Shows
The state search shows arrests by Florida law enforcement, charges filed, final dispositions, and prison sentences. The search covers all 67 Florida counties. It also shows out-of-state convictions that were reported to Florida under the Interstate Identification Index. The search does not show federal charges, juvenile records, or expunged records.
Why Use the State Search
The state search is useful for employers running a Florida background check. It is also useful for landlords, gun sellers, adoption agencies, and immigration lawyers. The state search is the only way to see all Florida counties in one report. Glades County criminal court records appear in the state database after the clerk reports them to FDLE, which usually happens within a few weeks of case closure.
Glades County Public Criminal Court Records Access Rules
Florida’s Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) gives every person the right to see most government records. Glades County criminal court records are public unless a specific law says they are not. No reason is needed to search. No ID is required to use the public online portal. The clerk must provide access during normal business hours.
Who Can View the Records
Anyone can view Glades County public criminal court records. The user does not need to live in Florida. The user does not need to be a lawyer. The user does not need to be a U.S. citizen. The user does not need to pay a subscription to see basic case data. Only certified copies and bulk exports require payment.
Limits on Public Access
Some records are not public. Sealed records are off limits without a court order. Expunged records are removed. Juvenile criminal records are closed under Florida law. Active grand jury proceedings are private. Information that would identify a sexual assault victim is redacted. Information that would reveal a confidential informant is redacted. Information that would expose a law enforcement technique is private.
Penalties for Misuse
Florida law makes it illegal to use criminal records to harass, stalk, or discriminate. The law also bars employers from rejecting a job applicant based only on an arrest without a conviction. Users who misuse records can face civil lawsuits and criminal penalties. Users should check records for lawful purposes only.
Sealing and Expunging Glades County Criminal Records
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge a criminal record. A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists. An expunged record is destroyed by court order. The clerk’s office handles the filings. The State Attorney’s Office must agree. A judge must sign the final order. The process can take six months to one year.
Who Can Apply
Most people who were not convicted of the charge can apply. A person who was arrested but not charged can apply. A person whose case was dismissed can apply. A person who completed a diversion program can apply. A person who was found not guilty can apply. A person who was convicted of certain minor offenses can apply after a waiting period.
Who Cannot Apply
People convicted of serious felonies cannot apply. People convicted of sexual crimes cannot apply. People with prior sealed or expunged records cannot apply. People who are still on probation for the same case cannot apply. People with pending criminal charges in any Florida county cannot apply. A lawyer can tell a person whether they qualify before filing.
Steps to Seal or Expunge
The first step is to apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. The application fee is $75. FDLE processes the application in about 12 weeks. After the certificate is issued, the person files a petition with the Glades County Clerk of Court. The State Attorney reviews the petition. A judge signs the order if approved. The clerk then seals or destroys the records and notifies the sheriff and FDLE.
Common Questions About Glades County Criminal Records
Below are the most common questions people ask about Glades County criminal court records. Each answer gives the steps, fees, and offices involved. The information is current as of 2026. Users should still call the clerk’s office to confirm hours, fees, and any recent changes before visiting in person or filing a written request.
How Do I Find Out if Someone Has a Criminal Case in Glades County?
Go to gladescountyclerk.com and click the public records search link. Type the last name, first name, and date of birth. The portal shows every case filed in Glades County under that name. The portal also shows the current status. There is no charge for the basic search. A statewide search is available through FDLE for $25 per name.
Are Glades County Criminal Records Free to Search?
Yes, the basic online case search is free. The user does not need an account. The user does not need to pay. The clerk provides free access to docket sheets, case status, and hearing dates. The user pays only for printed copies, certified copies, or bulk data exports. The clerk’s office accepts credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Criminal Records?
Glades County keeps criminal records permanently. The clerk files every criminal case going back to 1921. Older paper files are in the county archives. Digital files are in the clerk’s database. A user can request a file from any year. The clerk can pull archived files within five business days. The user pays a search fee for the staff time.
Can I Get a Copy of an Arrest Record From the Sheriff?
Yes, the Glades County Sheriff’s Office provides copies of arrest reports. The user must make a written request. The user must show a valid photo ID. The sheriff charges a per-page copy fee. Reports involving active investigations may be redacted. Reports from the last 12 months are usually available the same day. Older reports are pulled from archives.
What If a Record Shows the Wrong Information?
The user should contact the clerk’s office in writing. The user should attach a copy of the record and explain the error. The clerk checks the file. If the error is in the clerk’s file, the clerk fixes it. If the error is in the sheriff’s arrest report, the sheriff fixes it. If the error is in the court order, a judge must sign a corrected order. The clerk can guide the user to the right office.
Can a Misdemeanor Be Expunged in Glades County?
Some misdemeanors can be sealed or expunged under Florida law. The person must qualify. A person can have only one sealing or expungement on the record. A person must not have been convicted of the charge in most cases. A person must apply to FDLE for a certificate first. A person must then file a petition with the clerk. A judge makes the final call.
How Can a Lawyer Get Copies of Court Files?
Lawyers in good standing with The Florida Bar can use the clerk’s online portal with a verified attorney account. Lawyers can download case files, motions, orders, and exhibits. Lawyers can also pull certified copies at the clerk’s counter. The clerk charges the same fees as for the public. Lawyers can request electronic copies of large files by written request.
Contact and Location for Glades County Criminal Records
Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court 500 Avenue J Moore Haven, FL 33471 Phone: (863) 946-0301 Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Website: gladescountyclerk.com Email: clerk@gladescountyclerk.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10, Moore Haven, FL 33471 Glades County Sheriff’s Office 1297 East State Road 78 Moore Haven, FL 33471 Phone: (863) 946-1600 Records Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Website: gladescountysheriffsoffice.com Emergency: Dial 911
Frequently Asked Questions About Glades County Criminal Records
Below are detailed answers to the most common questions people ask about Glades County criminal court records, the clerk’s office, the sheriff’s office, and Florida’s public records law. These answers reflect the rules and procedures in place as of 2026. Users should call the clerk at (863) 946-0301 to confirm any fee, form, or process that may have changed since this content was last updated.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Court Record?
An arrest record is created by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. It is held by the sheriff’s office or the police department. It shows the date of arrest, the booking data, the charges at the time of arrest, and the bond. A court record is created by the clerk of court. It shows the formal charges filed by the State Attorney, the court hearings, the motions, the plea, the sentence, and the final outcome. Both records together make up a full criminal history. The arrest record may list charges that were later dropped. The court record shows only the charges that the prosecutor filed. Users who run a background check should look at both records.
How Far Back Do Glades County Criminal Records Go?
Glades County criminal records go back to the founding of the county in 1921. Paper files from the 1920s through the 1990s are kept in the county archives. Digital files from 1990 to today are in the clerk’s computer system. The clerk can pull an archived file within five business days. The user pays a search fee and a copy fee. Files from before 1960 may be stored offsite at the state archives in Tallahassee. The clerk can still request them for a user with a written request.
Can I Use Glades County Criminal Records for a Background Check?
Yes, but only for a lawful purpose. Florida law allows employers, landlords, volunteer groups, and licensing boards to use criminal records for background checks. The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets the rules for paid background check companies. The user must get written consent from the person being checked. A user cannot share the records with anyone else. A user cannot use the records to discriminate based on race, sex, religion, age, or disability. The user must follow all federal and state laws when using the records.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Final Judgment?
The user must request the certified copy from the Glades County Clerk of Court. The request can be made in person, by mail, or online. The user must provide the case number or the defendant name and date of birth. The clerk charges a fee for each certified page. The clerk signs the document and applies the official court seal. The certified copy can be used in court, in a job application, or in any legal matter that needs proof of the final judgment.
What Happens if a Criminal Case Was Transferred Out of Glades County?
Some cases are transferred to other courts. A felony case may be moved to a different county if the venue changes. A misdemeanor may be moved to county court from circuit court. The clerk keeps a record of every transfer. The new court will create its own case file. The user should search the other county’s clerk portal for the new case number. The Glades County clerk’s record will show where the case was sent and the date of transfer. The user can also ask the clerk for a copy of the transfer order.
Can a Sealed Glades County Record Be Reopened?
Yes, but only by a court order. A person who needs to see a sealed record must file a motion with the court. A judge must sign an order allowing access. Law enforcement agencies can request access for an active investigation. A defendant in a new case can ask the court to see a sealed record as part of the new case. The clerk’s office cannot open a sealed record without a signed court order. The clerk can verify that a record exists and confirm the case number but cannot show the contents without the order.
Are Out-of-State Warrants Shown on the Glades County Site?
No. The Glades County Sheriff’s Office only shows warrants issued by Glades County judges. Out-of-state warrants are not on the local site. A user who needs to check for out-of-state warrants should contact the law enforcement agency in the other state. The FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database holds all federal and out-ofstate warrants, but it is not open to the public. A user with a lawful need can ask a lawyer or a licensed investigator to run a federal search.