Hernando County criminal records cover all court cases filed in the county’s criminal court system. These records include felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic criminal offenses, and other charges handled by the Circuit Court in Brooksville, Florida.
Anyone can look at these records because Florida law supports open public access to court files. You can search by name, case number, or court date through the Clerk of Court’s online portal or by visiting the courthouse in person. This page explains exactly where to look, how the search process works, and what types of records are available to the public in 2026.
Hernando County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Hernando County Clerk of Court serves as the main record keeper for all criminal cases in the county. The office keeps files for every felony, misdemeanor, and criminal traffic case processed through the local court system. These files contain charging documents, plea agreements, court orders, sentences, and final dispositions. The Clerk’s office updates these records each time a judge takes action on a case. People use these records for background checks, legal research, personal knowledge, court filings, and many other needs.
Location and Contact Details
The Hernando County Clerk of Court sits in the county seat of Brooksville, Florida. The main office is easy to reach by car or public transit. You can call the office during business hours to ask about specific cases, fees, or how to request records. Many people call ahead before visiting to save time at the counter.
- Address: 20 North Main Street, Room 131, Brooksville, FL 34601
- Phone: (352) 754-4201
- Website: www.hernandoclerk.com
- Main Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Recording Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Office Hours and Public Access
The Clerk’s office opens its doors to the public on weekdays during posted hours. Public terminal computers sit in the lobby for anyone who wants to search records without an appointment. Staff members are available at the front counter to help locate files, answer basic questions, and process copy requests. Most visitors complete their search within thirty minutes when they have a name or case number ready.
Services Offered by the Clerk’s Office
The Clerk’s office handles several record-related services for the public. These services go beyond criminal cases and include civil, family, probate, and traffic court records. For criminal records, the office provides certified copies, regular copies, online portal access, and in-person file searches. Certified copies come with an official court seal and cost more than regular printed copies. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards.
How to Search Hernando County Criminal Court Records Online
The fastest way to find Hernando County criminal court records is through the online portal hosted by the Clerk of Court. The portal runs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You can use it from any computer, tablet, or phone with internet service. The system holds records for active and closed criminal cases filed in the county. Searches are free to run, but copies of documents carry a fee.
Using the Online Court Records Portal
To start a search, go to the Clerk’s website and click on the public records or court search link. The portal will ask you to pick a case type, such as criminal, civil, or traffic. Choose “criminal” to narrow your results. The next screen lets you type in a last name, first name, and middle initial. You can also enter a full case number if you have one. After you submit the form, the system shows a list of matching cases with basic details like filing date, charges, and judge name.
Searching by Name
Name searches work best when you know the full legal name of the person. Common names may return many results, so try adding a date of birth or middle name to narrow the list. The system shows case numbers for each match, which you can click to see the full case file. Each file shows charges, court dates, plea deals, sentences, fines, and the final outcome of the case.
Searching by Case Number
Case numbers give you the most direct path to a specific file. Hernando County case numbers follow a clear pattern, including the year, case type code, and sequence number. For example, a 2024 felony case might appear as “CF2024-001234.” Enter the full number into the search bar to pull up that exact case. This method saves time when you already know the case you want.
Searching by Date Range
If you need to see all cases filed in a certain time window, use the date search option. Pick a start date and end date, and the system shows every criminal case filed in that range. Date searches help legal researchers, journalists, and people tracking court activity patterns. You can combine date filters with name searches for even more precise results.
Hernando County Felony Case Records
Felony cases make up a large share of the criminal docket in Hernando County. Felonies are the most serious criminal charges under Florida law. These records stay on file permanently, even after a sentence is served. The Clerk’s office maintains the official copies of every felony case, including the charging paperwork, witness lists, motions, and final judgment.
What Counts as a Felony in Florida
Florida divides felonies into five main categories based on the severity of the crime. Capital felonies can lead to the death penalty. Life felonies may result in life in prison without parole. First-degree felonies carry up to thirty years in prison. Second-degree felonies carry up to fifteen years. Third-degree felonies carry up to five years. Common felony charges in Hernando County include drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, and certain types of fraud.
Where Felony Records Are Filed
All felony cases in Hernando County are filed in the Circuit Court because Florida law requires Circuit Courts to handle felony trials. The Circuit Court sits in the Hernando County Courthouse in Brooksville. Felony records stay with the Clerk of Court from the moment of filing through the final appeal, if any. After the case closes, the file remains at the Clerk’s office for public viewing unless a judge orders it sealed or expunged.
How to Request Felony Case Files
You can request felony case files online, by mail, or in person. Online requests through the portal work well for basic case summaries. Mail requests work for certified copies and need a written request, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. In-person requests at the counter give you same-day access to most files. Some older felony files may be stored off-site, so ask the Clerk’s office to pull the file in advance to avoid a wait.
Hernando County Misdemeanor Court Records
Misdemeanor cases are less serious than felonies but still create permanent court records. Hernando County processes thousands of misdemeanor cases each year. These cases include petty theft, simple battery, DUI first offense, disorderly conduct, and many other charges. The Clerk of Court keeps all misdemeanor records in the same system as felony records.
Types of Misdemeanors
Florida law splits misdemeanors into two main groups. First-degree misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Second-degree misdemeanors carry up to sixty days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Common misdemeanor charges in Hernando County include driving under the influence, simple assault, trespass, possession of small amounts of marijuana, and retail theft under $750.
Misdemeanor Case Lookup Process
The lookup process for misdemeanors works the same as for felonies. Start with the Clerk’s online portal and select “criminal” case type. Type the person’s name or case number into the search bar. Results show the charge, plea, sentence, and final status. If the person was found guilty, the record shows the fine amount, probation terms, and any jail time ordered. If the person was found not guilty or had the case dismissed, the record shows that outcome as well.
Brooksville FL Circuit Court Criminal Docket Search
The Brooksville Circuit Court handles all felony cases and the more serious misdemeanor cases filed in Hernando County. The court also hears appeals from county court decisions. The court’s docket is a running list of every case scheduled for a hearing, motion, or trial on a given day. Anyone can look at the docket to see what cases are coming up in court.
Circuit Court Jurisdiction
The Circuit Court has authority over cases that carry penalties of more than one year in prison. This includes all felony cases, criminal appeals, and certain writs like habeas corpus. The court also handles juvenile delinquency cases, but those records have stricter privacy rules. For adult criminal cases, the Circuit Court is the main venue where trials take place and where final sentences are handed down.
How Docket Searches Work
The Clerk’s office posts daily court dockets online the evening before each court date. You can view dockets by judge name, court division, or case type. Each docket entry shows the case number, defendant name, charge, attorney name, and the type of hearing scheduled. This information helps lawyers prepare for court, helps family members check on loved ones, and helps the public stay aware of court activity.
Hernando County Criminal Case Number Lookup
Case numbers are unique codes that identify each case in the court system. Hernando County assigns case numbers based on the type of case and the year of filing. Knowing how to read a case number helps you search faster and understand what kind of case you are looking at.
Where to Find Case Numbers
Case numbers appear on every court document, including the arrest report, charging document, and bond paperwork. If you do not have these papers, you can look up the case number through the online portal by searching the defendant’s name. Police blotter reports in local newspapers also list case numbers. Lawyers, bondsmen, and probation officers also have case numbers for the people they work with.
What Case Numbers Reveal
A Hernando County criminal case number reveals several pieces of information. The first part shows the year the case was filed. The second part shows the case type using a court code. “CF” means Circuit Felony, “MM” means County Misdemeanor, and “TC” means Traffic Criminal. The last part is a sequence number that identifies the specific case in that year and type. For example, “CF-2025-004567” is a 2025 felony case, the 4,567th Circuit Felony filed that year.
| Case Code | Meaning | Court Level |
|---|---|---|
| CF | Circuit Felony | Circuit Court |
| MM | County Misdemeanor | County Court |
| TC | Traffic Criminal | County Court |
| CT | Criminal Traffic | Circuit Court |
Statewide Criminal History Search for Hernando County
Sometimes you need to see criminal records beyond just Hernando County. A statewide search covers every county in Florida. This type of search helps when you need a full picture of someone’s criminal history across the state. Florida offers two main statewide resources for criminal background checks.
FDLE CCHInet System
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the CCHInet system, which holds criminal history records for the whole state. You can search the system online at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The search costs $25 per name, which includes a $24 search fee and a $1 credit card processing fee. You need the person’s full name and date of birth to run a search. Results show arrests, charges, and dispositions from every Florida county, including Hernando County. The system updates regularly with new records from county clerks and law enforcement agencies.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks every inmate in state prison. You can search the inmate database at www.dc.state.fl.us. The search is free and shows current inmates, release dates, and facility locations. This database helps you find out if someone is serving a state prison sentence that started with a Hernando County conviction. It also shows people on probation or community supervision after prison release.
Sealing and Expunging Hernando County Records
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge their criminal records. A sealed record stays in the system but is hidden from most public searches. An expunged record is physically destroyed or marked as deleted, though some agencies keep a limited copy for law enforcement use. The process starts with FDLE and ends with a court order.
Eligibility Requirements
Not everyone qualifies to seal or expunge a record. You must meet all of the following rules. First, you must have never been found guilty of another criminal offense, other than a few minor exceptions. Second, you must not have already sealed or expunged another record. Third, the charge you want to seal must be on the list of eligible offenses. Serious crimes like murder, sexual battery, and kidnapping cannot be sealed or expunged.
The Application Process
Start by applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application costs $75 and takes about twelve weeks to process. You can apply online through the FDLE website or by mail. The certificate is valid for twelve months from the date of issue. During that time, you must file your petition with the Hernando County court or the certificate will expire.
Court Petition Steps
After you receive the certificate, file a petition with the Hernando County Clerk of Court. The petition asks the court to seal or expunge your record. A judge reviews the petition and holds a hearing in some cases. If the judge grants the petition, the court sends an order to every agency that has a copy of the record. Those agencies must then seal or destroy their copy as the court order requires.
Public Access Laws for Hernando County Criminal Records
Florida has strong public records laws that favor open access. The Florida Public Records Act, found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, gives every person the right to see and copy government records. This right covers criminal court records, with only a few narrow exceptions. The law treats public access as the default, not the exception.
Florida Public Records Act
Under the Florida Public Records Act, you do not need to give your name or explain why you want records. You do not need to show identification in most cases. The government must provide access promptly during business hours. If the agency charges a fee, the fee must be reasonable and based on the actual cost of copying. Special service charges only apply when the request takes a lot of staff time.
Records Exempt from Public View
Some criminal records are exempt from public view. Sealed and expunged records are hidden from public searches. Active grand jury proceedings stay confidential until the grand jury finishes its work. Juvenile criminal records have stronger privacy rules. Records that would reveal the identity of a sexual assault victim may be redacted. Information about confidential informants and undercover officers is also protected.
Fees for Copies and Certified Documents
The Clerk’s office charges fees for copies and certified documents. Regular copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page, plus an extra $2 certification fee per document. These fees are set by Florida law and apply statewide. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Some online services also accept electronic payments for document requests.
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office maintains law enforcement records separate from court records. The Sheriff’s Office handles arrests, incident reports, and jail operations. These records can provide context about what happened before a case reached the court system.
Arrest Records and Police Reports
Arrest records show when and why someone was taken into custody. Police reports describe the events that led to an arrest, including witness statements and officer observations. You can request these records from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office by visiting their office, calling, or submitting a written request. Some reports may be exempt from public view while an active investigation is underway.
Jail and Inmate Information
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and maintains current inmate information. You can search for inmates online through the Sheriff’s website or call the jail directly. Inmate search results show booking date, charges, bond amount, and projected release date. The jail roster updates regularly, but information changes quickly as inmates are released or transferred to state prison.
Contact Details for Hernando County Clerk of Court
Before you visit the courthouse, gather the contact details you need for the Hernando County Clerk of Court. Calling ahead saves time and helps you confirm office hours, fees, and document availability.
- Address: 20 North Main Street, Room 131, Brooksville, FL 34601
- Phone: (352) 754-4201
- Website: www.hernandoclerk.com
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Online Portal Access: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover the most common concerns people have when searching Hernando County criminal records. These answers give you a quick reference for the most frequent search situations and legal questions about public records in Hernando County, Florida.
How do I search Hernando County criminal records for free?
You can search Hernando County criminal records for free through the Clerk of Court’s online portal. Go to www.hernandoclerk.com and click on the public records search link. Choose the criminal case type and enter the name, case number, or date range. The system shows basic case summaries at no cost. You only pay when you want printed copies, certified copies, or full document images. The free search works for both felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the county.
Can I view sealed or expunged Hernando County records?
No, sealed and expunged records are not available to the general public. Once a court orders a record sealed, the Clerk of Court removes it from public search results. Expunged records are destroyed or marked as deleted in the public system. Only certain government agencies, like law enforcement and the courts, can see sealed or expunged records. The person whose record was sealed or expunged can also access their own file for limited purposes.
What information do I need to look up a Hernando County criminal case?
At a minimum, you need the full legal name of the person whose record you want to see. A date of birth helps narrow the results and avoids confusion with other people who share the same name. A case number gives you the most accurate results and saves time. If you only have a name, the search will still work but may return several matches, especially for common names like John Smith or Maria Garcia.
Does a dismissed case show up in Hernando County criminal records?
Yes, dismissed cases stay in the court record system. The disposition will show that the case was dismissed, and the reason for the dismissal will appear in the file. People often search dismissed cases to confirm that a charge did not result in a conviction. Dismissed cases can sometimes be sealed or expunged through the proper legal process, depending on the reason for dismissal.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Hernando County criminal record?
In-person requests for certified copies are often processed the same day. Mail requests take about five to ten business days, depending on mail delivery times. Online requests through the Clerk’s portal can be processed in one to three business days. Older records stored off-site may take longer because staff need to retrieve the physical file. You can call ahead to check the status of your request.
Are juvenile criminal records available in Hernando County?
Juvenile criminal records have stronger privacy protections than adult records. In most cases, juvenile records are confidential and not available for public search. Only certain people, like the juvenile, the parents, the lawyers, and the judge, can see these records. Some juvenile records may become public if the juvenile is charged as an adult for a serious crime. Expunged juvenile records are completely removed from public view.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Hernando County?
A felony is a serious crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that carries a maximum of one year in county jail. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court, while misdemeanor cases are heard in County Court. Both types of cases create permanent records with the Clerk of Court. The classification of the crime affects the sentence, the court process, and the long-term consequences for the person charged.