Highlands County criminal records are public court files kept by the Highlands County Clerk of Court in Sebring, Florida. They hold every criminal case filed in Highlands County, from felony charges to misdemeanor charges and criminal traffic cases.
The clerk’s office stores these files and makes them open to the public under Florida’s public records law. People look up these records to check a case status, run a background check, confirm a conviction, or check for open warrants. This page lists every office, online tool, fee, and step you need to get Highlands County criminal records today.
What Are Highlands County Criminal Records
Highlands County criminal records are official court files that show what happened in a criminal case. Each record lists the defendant name, the charge, the case number, the court action, and the final outcome. These files come from court clerks, judges, the sheriff’s office, and the state prison system. They help the public, employers, landlords, lawyers, and even the people named in the case see what the court did. Most files stay open for life, unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged.
Who Files These Records
Three main offices create and keep these files. The Highlands County Clerk of Court enters every case into the court system. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office writes arrest reports and booking logs. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) collects state-level criminal history data. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks people sentenced to state prison. Each office has its own search tool, its own fees, and its own rules for public access.
What Each File Shows
A typical Highlands County criminal case file shows the defendant full name, date of birth, the booking date, the exact charge, the court case number, the judge name, the court date, the plea, the sentence, and the final disposition. You can also see the arresting agency, the bond amount, the defense attorney, and any court orders filed after the case closed. Sealed or expunged records do not show in public search tools.
Types of Criminal Records Filed in Highlands County
Highlands County courts handle four main types of criminal cases. The type of case you need to look up decides which office, fee, and search tool to use. Felonies go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanors go to County Court. Some traffic cases count as criminal when the charge is DUI, reckless driving with serious harm, or driving with a license that was suspended because of a crime. Warrants are separate files kept by the clerk and the sheriff.
Felony Case Files
Felony case files cover the most serious crimes in Florida. These include drug trafficking, burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, sexual battery, murder, and fraud cases over a set dollar amount. Felony cases in Highlands County are heard at the Highlands County Courthouse in Sebring before a Circuit Court judge. The case number starts with the year, the letters “CF,” and a sequence number, like 2024-CF-000123.
Misdemeanor Case Files
Misdemeanor case files cover less serious crimes. They include simple battery, petit theft, simple drug possession, disorderly conduct, and first-time DUI. Misdemeanor cases in Highlands County go to County Court. The case number starts with the year, the letters “MM,” and a sequence number, like 2024-MM-000456. Misdemeanors divide into first-degree and second-degree under Florida law.
Criminal Traffic and DUI Cases
Criminal traffic files cover charges like DUI, driving with a suspended license that came from a prior criminal case, leaving the scene of a crash, and reckless driving that causes serious injury. DUI is the most common criminal traffic case filed in Highlands County. These cases are heard in County Court. The case number starts with the year, the letters “CT,” and a sequence number.
Warrants, Bonds, and Bond Hearings
Warrant files show open arrest warrants issued by a Highlands County judge. The clerk keeps a copy of every active warrant in the court system. The sheriff’s office also tracks active warrants in their booking system. Bond records show the amount set for release, whether the defendant paid the bond, and the name of the bondsman. You can look up warrant status through the clerk’s online search tool.
Highlands County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Highlands County Clerk of Court is the main office for criminal case files in the county. The clerk’s office keeps every court file, every docket entry, every judgment, and every order for criminal cases. You can use the clerk’s online search tool, visit the office in person, or call the clerk to ask about a case. The clerk charges small fees for paper copies and certified copies.
Clerk Office Location and Contact
The Highlands County Clerk of Court sits at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870. The main phone line is (863) 402-6564. The clerk website is www.highlandsclerk.com. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Free parking sits next to the courthouse on Commerce Avenue.
Online Court Records Search Portal
The clerk runs a free online court records search tool on the clerk website. You can search by name, case number, citation number, or date range. The tool runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It shows case status, court dates, charges, pleas, sentences, and final dispositions. You do not need to make an account or pay a fee to use the basic search tool. You only pay when you need paper copies or certified documents.
How to Search by Name
To search by name, go to the clerk website and open the public records search page. Type the defendant last name first, then the first name. Add a date of birth if you know it. The tool will show every case filed under that name. Look at the case number to make sure you have the right person. Click the case number to see the full docket, the charge, the plea, and the sentence.
How to Search by Case Number
To search by case number, type the full case number into the case number search box on the clerk website. The number must match the format the clerk uses, like 2024-CF-000123 for a felony or 2024-MM-000456 for a misdemeanor. The tool will pull up only that exact case. This method works best when you already have the case number from a ticket, a court notice, or a lawyer.
In-Person Records Requests
You can visit the clerk’s office in Sebring during office hours to look up a case in person. Staff at the public counter will help you search the system and print documents. Bring a photo ID and any case details you have, like a name or case number. The clerk charges $1.00 per page for regular copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies. Most searches take less than 15 minutes at the counter.
Certified Copies and Document Fees
The clerk charges set fees for paper and certified copies of Highlands County criminal court records. The fee table below shows the current rates for the most common requests at the Sebring office.
| Document Type | Fee | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Regular paper copy | $1.00 per page | Cash, check, money order, credit card |
| Certified copy | $2.00 per page | Cash, check, money order, credit card |
| Certification stamp and signature | $1.00 per document | Cash, check, money order, credit card |
| Online search basic use | Free | No payment needed |
| Mail-in request handling | Copy fees plus postage | Check or money order only |
Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk does not accept credit cards for mail-in requests. Court searches done at the public counter are free; you pay only for printed pages.
Records That Stay Sealed
Some records do not show in any public search. Sealed records were ordered hidden by a judge. Expunged records were ordered destroyed by a judge. Juvenile criminal records stay confidential. Records from an active criminal investigation stay sealed until the case ends. Records tied to a victim of a sex crime also stay sealed under Florida law. You need a court order to open any of these files.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office keeps law enforcement files separate from court files. The sheriff writes arrest reports, booking logs, incident reports, and jail records. These files show what deputies did, who they arrested, and who sits in the county jail right now. You can look up current inmates online, request copies of arrest reports in person, or call the records office for help.
Arrest Reports and Booking Logs
Arrest reports show the date, time, and place of an arrest, the arresting deputy, the charges, and any property taken. Booking logs show the defendant name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and current housing location. The clerk files the arrest report into the court case once the State Attorney files charges. You can request a copy of the arrest report from the sheriff’s records unit.
Current Jail Inmate Search
The sheriff runs a free online inmate search tool on the sheriff website. You can search by name to see who sits in the Highlands County Jail right now. The tool shows the booking photo, the charge, the bond amount, and the housing location. The tool updates every few hours. You can also see release dates for people about to leave jail. The sheriff website is www.highlandssheriff.org.
Requesting Sheriff Reports
To request a copy of a sheriff report, call the records unit at (863) 402-7200 during business hours. You can also visit the sheriff’s office at 400 South Eucalyptus Street, Sebring, Florida 33870. The sheriff charges a small fee per page for paper copies. Most reports take 3 to 5 business days to prepare. Active investigation reports stay sealed until the case ends.
Statewide Florida Criminal History Search
Sometimes you need a check that covers the whole state of Florida, not just Highlands County. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the state criminal history database. This database holds arrest and conviction records from every county in Florida, including Highlands County. The Florida Department of Corrections runs the state prison inmate search. Both tools work for statewide checks.
FDLE Public Criminal History Search
The FDLE Public Access System costs $24.00 per name search, plus a $1.00 processing fee, for a total of $25.00 per search. You need a name, a date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The tool is at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Results show Florida arrests, charges, and final dispositions from all 67 counties. Results come back in seconds after payment. You do not need an account.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks every person serving state prison time. Their search tool is free. You can search by name or DC number at www.dc.state.fl.us. The tool shows the inmate current location, the offense, the sentence length, and the release date. It covers people convicted in Highlands County and sentenced to state prison. County jail inmates do not show in this tool.
Sealing and Expunging Highlands County Criminal Records
Some people want to hide a past arrest or conviction from public view. Florida law lets eligible people seal or expunge a criminal record. Sealing hides the record from public search tools. Expungement destroys the record. Not every case qualifies. You must meet the rules set by Florida Statutes Section 943.059. The Highlands County court handles these petitions after FDLE approves eligibility.
Who Can Apply for Sealing or Expungement
You can apply if you were arrested but never charged, if your case was dropped, if you were found not guilty, or if you finished a first-time diversion program. You can also apply for some misdemeanor convictions after you complete your sentence and wait the set time. You cannot apply for serious crimes like murder, sexual battery, kidnapping, or crimes against children. You also cannot apply if you already have a sealed or expunged record in Florida.
FDLE Certificate of Eligibility
Step one is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application fee is $75.00. You can apply online at the FDLE website or by mail. FDLE reviews your Florida criminal history and tells you if you qualify. Processing takes about 12 weeks. The certificate is good for 12 months from the issue date. You cannot file a court petition without a valid certificate.
Filing a Court Petition
Step two is to file a petition in the Highlands County court where the case was closed. You must file the petition, the certificate, a sworn affidavit, and a proposed court order. The State Attorney has the right to object. A judge reviews the petition and holds a hearing. If the judge grants the petition, the clerk seals the case file, and FDLE updates the state database. The whole process takes 4 to 6 months from start to finish.
Highlands County Courthouse and Court System
Highlands County has one main courthouse in Sebring. The courthouse sits at 430 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870. The Circuit Court handles felonies, family cases, juvenile cases, and civil cases over $30,000. The County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic criminal cases, small civil cases, and landlord cases. The clerk’s office runs both courts.
Circuit Criminal Court for Felonies
The Circuit Court in Highlands County hears all felony criminal cases. This includes drug trafficking, burglary, robbery, sex crimes, homicide, and white-collar fraud. The State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit prosecutes these cases. Court sessions run Monday through Friday at the main courthouse. Jury trials happen on set docket days each month.
County Criminal Court for Misdemeanors
The County Court in Highlands County hears all misdemeanor criminal cases. This includes simple battery, petit theft, simple drug possession, disorderly conduct, and first-time DUI. County criminal cases move faster than felony cases. Most misdemeanor cases finish in 60 to 120 days from arraignment. Plea deals are common in misdemeanor court.
Highlands County Clerk of Court Contact and Office Hours
You can reach the Highlands County Clerk of Court by phone, by mail, or in person. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and on all state and federal holidays. You can pay fees with cash, check, money order, or credit card. The office does not take phone payments. Mail requests need a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order.
Clerk Office Address: Highlands County Clerk of Court, 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870
Clerk Phone Number: (863) 402-6564
Clerk Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Clerk Website: www.highlandsclerk.com
Sheriff’s Office Address: Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, 400 South Eucalyptus Street, Sebring, Florida 33870
Sheriff’s Office Phone: (863) 402-7200
Sheriff’s Office Website: www.highlandssheriff.org
FDLE Public Access: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Florida Department of Corrections: www.dc.state.fl.us
Common Questions About Highlands County Criminal Records
People have many questions about looking up criminal records in Highlands County. The questions below cover the most common topics users ask. Each answer gives clear steps, exact fees, and the right office to contact. The goal is to help you find what you need without delay or extra cost.
Are Highlands County criminal records free to view online?
Yes. The Highlands County Clerk of Court offers a free online search tool on the clerk website. The tool lets you look up criminal cases by name, case number, citation number, or date range. You do not need to make an account or pay a fee to view case status, court dates, charges, pleas, sentences, and final dispositions. You only pay when you want paper copies or certified copies mailed to you. The online tool runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can check records any time. This makes it the lowest-cost way to look up Highlands County criminal records for most users.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a criminal record?
In-person requests at the Sebring clerk office take about 15 to 30 minutes during business hours. You walk in, search the case, pay the fee, and leave with the certified copy the same day. Mail-in requests take 5 to 10 business days from the day the clerk receives your letter. You must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order. The clerk does not take credit card payments for mail requests. Online requests for certified copies through the clerk e-portal take 2 to 3 business days for processing. Plan ahead for any court deadline.
Can I look up someone else’s criminal record in Highlands County?
Yes. Florida’s public records law lets any person look up criminal court records for any case, even without the person’s permission. You do not need to tell the clerk why you want the records. You do not need to be a lawyer or a citizen. The clerk’s online search tool lets you view the records for free. You can also pay for certified copies. There are some limits. Sealed and expunged records stay hidden from public search. Juvenile records stay hidden too. Active investigation records stay hidden until the case ends.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records still exist, but the clerk hides them from public search tools. Only the defendant, the clerk, the State Attorney, the defense attorney, and the court can see a sealed file. Law enforcement agencies can still see the file for some purposes. Expunged records get destroyed in the clerk’s files and in the FDLE database. The defendant can legally say they have no record when asked by most employers. Both processes need a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The court must also grant the final petition. The two terms get used loosely, but the legal effect is very different.
Does a dismissed case show on a Highlands County criminal record?
A dismissed case still shows on the clerk’s public docket, but the final disposition reads “dismissed” or “nolle prosequi.” This means the case did not end in a conviction. You can still see the arrest, the charge, and the dismissal in the docket. A dismissed case is not the same as a sealed or expunged record. If you want the dismissed case hidden from public view, you must apply to seal or expunge the record through FDLE and the Highlands County court. Most employers treat a dismissed case as a non-conviction for background check purposes.
How do I find out if I have an active warrant in Highlands County?
You can search the clerk’s online docket for your name to see if any case has an active warrant. You can also call the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office records unit at (863) 402-7200 during business hours. The sheriff’s office can tell you over the phone if you have an active warrant, but they will not give you the warrant details until you come in. You can also check the jail inmate search tool on the sheriff website. If you find an active warrant, you need a lawyer to help you turn yourself in and post bond the right way.
How do I remove a Highlands County criminal record from public view?
You can seal or expunge the record through a two-step process. Step one: apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE online or by mail. The fee is $75.00, and processing takes about 12 weeks. Step two: file a petition in the Highlands County court that handled your case, with the certificate, a sworn affidavit, and a proposed court order. The State Attorney can object. A judge holds a hearing and grants or denies the petition. If granted, the clerk seals the case file and FDLE updates the state database. The whole process takes 4 to 6 months from start to finish.