Indian River County criminal records are official court documents that show criminal cases filed in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, and other cities within the county. These records include felony charges, misdemeanor charges, traffic criminal offenses, and case dispositions.
The Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps these records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also keeps statewide criminal history data. Anyone can search these records online or in person. This page explains how to find Indian River County criminal court records, what types of records exist, and who can access them.
Indian River County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the main record keeper for all criminal cases in the county. This office handles thousands of criminal filings each year. The Clerk maintains files for both felony and misdemeanor cases. Records cover charges filed in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court and county court. You can search these records online through the Clerk’s website. You can also visit the office in person during business hours.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Indian River County Clerk of Court main office sits in downtown Vero Beach. The office handles all court records, official documents, and record requests for the county. You can contact the Clerk by phone, mail, or in person. Staff can answer questions about record searches, fees, and certified copies.
- Address: 2000 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960
- Phone: (772) 226-3100
- Website: www.clerk.indian-river.org
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Main services: Court records, marriage licenses, official records, passport services
Online Court Records Search Portal
The Clerk runs an online records search system that works 24 hours a day. You can access the portal from any computer or mobile device with internet. The system lets you search by name, case number, or date range. It shows both pending and closed criminal cases. Basic case details are free to view. You must pay a small fee for printed or certified copies.
The online portal covers all criminal case types in the county. This includes felonies, misdemeanors, DUI cases, drug charges, theft cases, and traffic criminal offenses. Each case record shows the defendant name, charge description, court date, judge name, and final disposition. You can view the full docket history for any case through the portal.
In-Person Records Requests
You can visit the Clerk’s office to search records in person. Staff members help you use public access terminals at the courthouse. These terminals connect to the same database as the online portal. In-person visits work well for older records that may not be online. You can also request certified copies of documents while at the office.
Bring a valid photo ID when you visit the courthouse. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Florida law gives you the right to view public records without giving a reason. Staff will guide you to the correct terminal or department. Most searches take only a few minutes to complete.
Types of Criminal Records Available
The Clerk maintains several types of criminal records. Each type shows different details about a case. You can choose the record type based on what you need.
| Record Type | What It Shows | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Case Files | Full case documents, motions, orders, judgments | Online portal or in-person request |
| Court Dockets | List of filings and hearings in a case | Online portal |
| Case Disposition Records | Final outcome of a case (guilty, not guilty, dismissed) | Online portal or Clerk’s office |
| Certified Copies | Official stamped copies for legal use | In-person or mail request with fee |
| Warrant Records | Active arrest warrants issued by the court | Online portal or Sheriff’s Office |
Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records and police reports. This is different from court records kept by the Clerk. The Sheriff’s Office records show what deputies did during an arrest or investigation. Court records show what happened after charges were filed. You may need both types for a full background picture.
Arrest Records and Police Reports
The Sheriff’s Office creates arrest records every time someone is taken into custody. These records include the arrest date, location, charges, and arresting deputy. Police reports cover incidents deputies responded to, even when no arrest happened. You can request copies of these reports for a fee. Some reports remain confidential during active investigations.
To request an arrest record or police report, contact the Sheriff’s Office Records Division. You can call ahead to check if the report is ready. Reports take time to finalize after an incident. Most records become public once the investigation ends.
Jail and Inmate Information
The Indian River County Jail houses people arrested in the county. You can search current inmates online through the Sheriff’s website. The search shows the inmate name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. This helps families locate someone who was just arrested. Bond information updates as cases move through court.
The jail roster updates every few hours. You can search by full legal name for best results. Common names may show several results. The roster only shows people currently in custody. People who posted bond or were released will not appear on the list.
Contacting the Sheriff’s Office
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office main building sits on 41st Avenue in Vero Beach. You can visit the lobby during business hours for in-person help. Phone lines stay open 24 hours a day for emergencies and non-emergency calls.
- Address: 4055 41st Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960
- Phone: (772) 569-6700
- Website: www.ircsheriff.org
- Emergency: Dial 911
- Records Division Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Statewide Criminal History Searches
Statewide searches cover criminal records from all Florida counties. These searches pull data from FDLE and the Department of Corrections. Use statewide searches when you need records from outside Indian River County. Employers and licensing agencies often require statewide checks.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a public criminal history search system called CCHInet. This system covers arrests, charges, and convictions from every Florida county. You need the person’s full name and date of birth to search. Results show up right after you pay the fee.
FDLE charges $24 for each name search. There is also a $1 credit card processing fee. The total cost is $25 per search. You can pay by credit card or debit card. Results include Florida arrests only. Federal charges and out-of-state arrests do not show in this database.
- Search system: CCHInet
- Website: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
- Cost: $25 per name search
- Required: Full legal name and date of birth
- Results: Instant online delivery
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks every inmate in state prison. This search shows people sentenced to state prison time. County jail inmates do not appear in this database. You can search for current inmates and people on probation or community supervision.
This search is free for all users. You can search by name or DC number. Results show the inmate’s current location, release date, and offense history. Use this search to check if someone was sentenced to state prison from Indian River County.
Clerk of Courts Statewide Portal
Florida offers a statewide court records search through the Clerk’s portal. This tool covers many counties at once. It works well for checking cases across multiple Florida jurisdictions. Indian River County cases appear in this portal along with other counties.
The statewide portal lets you search by party name, case number, or citation number. You can view case summaries, hearing dates, and dispositions. Some counties charge fees for detailed docket access. The basic search function is free.
19th Judicial Circuit Court System
Indian River County belongs to the 19th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. The circuit court handles serious criminal cases. The county court handles less serious criminal cases. Both courts file records with the Indian River County Clerk.
Circuit Court Coverage
The 19th Judicial Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases. Felonies are serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. This includes violent crimes, major drug trafficking, burglary, and fraud cases. All felony cases filed in Indian River County go to the circuit court. The main courthouse for circuit cases is in Vero Beach.
Felony and Misdemeanor Case Types
Criminal cases in Indian River County split into two main groups. Each group follows a different court process. Knowing the difference helps you understand what you are searching for.
| Case Type | Court | Examples | Possible Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felony | 19th Judicial Circuit | Burglary, aggravated assault, drug trafficking | More than 1 year in prison |
| Misdemeanor | County Court | Simple assault, petty theft, DUI first offense | Up to 1 year in county jail |
| Traffic Criminal | County Court | Reckless driving, driving with suspended license | Fines and possible jail |
| Warrant Cases | Both courts | Failure to appear, probation violation | Varies by case |
Court Locations in Indian River County
Most court hearings in Indian River County happen at the main courthouse in Vero Beach. This building houses both the circuit court and county court. Satellite court locations may exist for specific hearings. Check the Clerk’s website for the latest address and hearing room details.
The Indian River County Courthouse sits in the same complex as the Clerk’s office. This makes it easy to search records and attend hearings in one trip. Parking is available near the building. Plan to arrive early for court hearings due to security screening.
Sealing and Expungement in Indian River County
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge their criminal records. Sealing hides records from public view. Expungement destroys records so they no longer exist. Both options require a court order. Not every case qualifies for this relief.
Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify to seal or expunge a record if you meet certain conditions. You cannot have any prior sealed or expunged records. The case must have ended in a specific way. Common qualifying outcomes include a dismissal, acquittal, or completion of a diversion program. Serious charges like murder, sexual offenses, and certain violent crimes never qualify.
You must also have no other pending criminal charges. If you have a case still open in court, you must wait until it ends. The waiting period depends on the case outcome. Some cases require a waiting period of several years after case closure.
Application Process
The first step is applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. This certificate proves you qualify to seal or expunge a record. The application fee is $75 and is not refundable. Processing takes about 12 weeks from the date FDLE receives your complete application.
You must submit fingerprints as part of the application. FDLE uses fingerprints to check your criminal history. The certificate stays valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If you do not file your court case within 12 months, you must apply again.
Court Filing and Costs
After getting your Certificate of Eligibility, you file a petition with the Indian River County court. A judge reviews your petition and decides whether to grant your request. Court filing fees apply on top of the FDLE fee. The total cost includes the $75 FDLE fee plus court costs.
If the judge grants your petition, the court sends the order to every agency that has your record. Those agencies must seal or destroy your records as ordered. After this, the records do not show up in public searches. Law enforcement agencies can still access sealed records for some purposes.
Public Access Laws and Fees
Florida has strong public records laws. Section 119.07 of Florida Statutes gives citizens the right to view and copy public records. Indian River County criminal court records fall under this law. The Clerk must let you inspect records during business hours.
Florida Public Records Act
The Florida Public Records Act covers all government records unless a specific law makes them private. Criminal court records are public by default. This includes case files, dockets, and dispositions. The law helps keep the justice system open and accountable.
You do not need to be a lawyer or have a legal reason to request records. You do not need to show ID in most cases. The government must provide access during regular business hours. They must respond to record requests in a reasonable time.
Copy and Certification Fees
Standard copies of court records cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost more because they include an official court seal. The Clerk charges $2 per page for certification in most cases. Some documents have flat fees set by Florida law.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Card payments may have an extra processing fee. Call the Clerk’s office at (772) 226-3100 to check current fee amounts before your visit.
Restricted and Sealed Records
Some criminal records are not open to the public. Sealed and expunged records stay hidden from public search. Juvenile records have special protections under Florida law. Active investigation records may stay confidential until the case ends. Victim information is often redacted to protect privacy.
You cannot view sealed records without a court order. Even law enforcement officers must follow rules when accessing sealed records. If you find a record that should be sealed, contact the Clerk’s office to report the issue.
Official Contact Resources
Use the contact details below to reach the right office for your record search. Save these numbers and websites before you need them. The Clerk handles court records. The Sheriff handles arrest and jail records. FDLE handles statewide background checks.
Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court 2000 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 Phone: (772) 226-3100 Website: www.clerk.indian-river.org Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Indian River County Sheriff’s Office 4055 41st Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 Phone: (772) 569-6700 Website: www.ircsheriff.org Records Division: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Website: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us Statewide Search Cost: $25 per name
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns people have when searching Indian River County criminal records. Each answer gives direct facts about how the system works. Use this section to clarify any details not covered above. The answers reflect current Florida law and Clerk office policy as of 2026.
How Do I Search Indian River County Criminal Records by Name for Free?
You can search by name for free through the Indian River County Clerk’s online portal. Visit www.clerk.indian-river.org and click on the court records search link. Type the person’s full legal name into the search box. Results show case numbers, charges, and hearing dates. You can view basic case details at no cost. The free search does not include downloadable documents. You must pay a fee if you need printed or certified copies. The portal works 24 hours a day from any device with internet access. Older cases from before 1990 may not appear online. For those records, visit the Clerk’s office in person.
What Is the Difference Between a Felony and Misdemeanor Case in Indian River County?
A felony is a serious crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. Felonies go through the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in Vero Beach. Examples include burglary, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime punishable by up to one year in county jail. Misdemeanors go through the Indian River County Court. Examples include simple battery, petty theft, and first-time DUI. Both types of cases show up in the same online portal. The court system routes cases based on the charge level at filing. You can tell the difference by looking at the charge description in the case record.
Can I Remove My Criminal Record from the Indian River County Website?
You can only remove a record through the legal sealing or expungement process. The Clerk does not remove records based on personal requests. To start the process, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application fee is $75. After FDLE approves your application, file a petition with the Indian River County court. A judge makes the final decision. If the judge grants your petition, the court orders all agencies to seal or destroy the record. The process takes several months from start to finish. Not all cases qualify. Serious crimes like murder and sex offenses can never be sealed or expunged in Florida.
How Long Does the Indian River County Clerk Keep Criminal Records?
The Clerk keeps criminal records permanently unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. Even old cases from decades ago stay in the system. Most older records have been scanned into the digital database. Paper records from before 1990 may need an in-person visit. The Clerk does not delete records based on age. Florida law requires the Clerk to maintain all court records for public access. This means a 30-year-old conviction still appears in a search today. Expungement is the only way to remove a record from the system.
Are Juvenile Criminal Records Available in Indian River County?
Juvenile criminal records are not open to the public in Florida. These records stay confidential under state law. Only the juvenile, their parents or guardians, and authorized agencies can view them. Juvenile cases do not appear in the public online portal. If a juvenile case was transferred to adult court, it becomes a public record. Sealed juvenile records can sometimes be expunged after the person turns 21. The process requires a court order. Contact the Indian River County Clerk’s office for details on juvenile record procedures.
How Much Does a Certified Copy of a Criminal Record Cost in Indian River County?
Certified copies cost $2 per page in Indian River County. This fee is set by Florida law and applies to all counties. A standard non-certified copy costs $1 per page. You must request certification in person or by mail. The Clerk stamps the document with an official court seal. This seal proves the document is a true copy of the original record. Certified copies are often required for legal proceedings, job applications, and immigration cases. The Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Call (772) 226-3100 for the most current fee schedule before you visit.
Can I Search for Active Warrants in Indian River County?
Yes, you can search for active warrants through the Indian River County Clerk’s online portal. Warrants show up as part of the case record. You can also contact the Sheriff’s Office at (772) 569-6700 to check for warrants. The Sheriff’s Office runs a warrant check service. Some warrants may not show in online searches. If you think you may have a warrant, contact a criminal defense attorney for help. A lawyer can check court records and represent you. Do not try to resolve an active warrant on your own without legal advice.