Seminole County criminal records are official court files that show every criminal case handled by judges in Seminole County, Florida. These records cover felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic criminal cases, and court filings from cities like Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Oviedo, and Winter Springs.
Anyone can look up these records through the Seminole County Clerk of Court, the 18th Judicial Circuit Court system, or statewide databases run by Florida state agencies. This page explains exactly where to search, what each record contains, and how to get certified copies when you need them for legal or personal reasons.
What You Can Find in Seminole County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Seminole County cover every case processed through the local court system. The records are stored by the Clerk of Court and updated each time a judge takes action on a case. These files are public under Florida law, which means you can view most of them without paying a fee or giving a reason for your search.
Felony Case Files
Felony case files contain records of serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, assault with a weapon, fraud, and homicide. Felony cases in Seminole County are heard by judges in the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, which also covers Brevard County. A felony record shows the charges, court dates, plea deals, trial results, sentencing information, and any appeals filed after the verdict. Each felony file also lists the assigned judge, the prosecutor, and the defense attorney of record.
Misdemeanor Case Files
Misdemeanor case files cover less serious crimes like petty theft, simple battery, disorderly conduct, minor drug possession, and first-time DUI charges. These cases are handled in Seminole County Court, which is part of the same circuit but handles lower-level offenses. A misdemeanor record includes the same basic fields as a felony file, such as charges filed, court appearances, outcomes, fines, and probation terms. Many misdemeanor cases end with a sentence of probation, community service, or a fine instead of jail time.
Traffic Criminal Records
Traffic criminal records are separate from regular traffic tickets. They include offenses like driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of a crash, racing on a highway, or DUI causing injury. These cases appear in Seminole County criminal court records when the driver is charged with a criminal traffic offense. You can search traffic criminal cases using the same online tools used for other criminal cases.
How to Search Seminole County Criminal Court Records Online
The fastest way to find criminal court records in Seminole County is through the official online portal run by the Clerk of Court. The portal runs 24 hours a day and lets you search from any computer or phone with internet access. You do not need to register or create an account to use the basic search tools.
Official Clerk of Court Search Portal
The Seminole County Clerk of Court operates a public records search portal at www.seminoleclerk.org. The portal gives you access to criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic court records filed in the county. You can search criminal cases by party name, case number, citation number, or filing date range. Basic case information is free to view and includes the charges, court events, and final outcome. The portal is updated daily with new filings and judge actions.
Searching by Name
Name-based searches work best when you have the full legal name of the person involved in the case. Type the last name first, then the first name in the search box. The system pulls up every criminal case where that person appears as a defendant. Results include both felony and misdemeanor cases filed in Seminole County. If the name is common, narrow the search by adding a middle name or a date of birth if you have it.
Searching by Case Number
Case number searches give the fastest and most precise results. Every criminal case filed in Seminole County receives a unique case number that includes the year, case type, and sequence number. The format looks like 2024-CF-001234 for a felony or 2024-MM-005678 for a misdemeanor. Enter the full case number to pull up the complete docket, filings, and court orders for that specific case.
Searching by Date Range
Date range searches help when you need to find all cases filed during a specific month, quarter, or year. Pick a start date and end date in the portal to filter results by filing date. This works well for legal research, background checks, or locating old case files you may need for court. Date searches also help attorneys track recent filings in the local court system.
18th Judicial Circuit Court Criminal Records
Seminole County is part of the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit includes Seminole and Brevard counties and handles felony cases, serious criminal matters, and appeals from county court. Circuit court criminal records are maintained by the Seminole County Clerk of Court for cases filed within the county.
Circuit Court vs County Court
The 18th Judicial Circuit Court handles all felony cases and criminal appeals. Seminole County Court, which is part of the same circuit, handles misdemeanor cases, county criminal traffic offenses, and less serious criminal matters. The two courts share a clerk’s office but have separate case numbering systems. Felony cases use a CF prefix, while county criminal cases use an MM prefix.
Felony Case Records in Circuit Court
Felony records in the 18th Judicial Circuit show every step in the prosecution process. The file starts with the arrest affidavit and formal charges filed by the State Attorney. It includes bond hearings, arraignments, motion filings, plea negotiations, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and any post-conviction motions. You can view the full docket online or request printed copies from the Clerk’s office.
Misdemeanor Case Records in County Court
Misdemeanor case records follow a similar pattern but involve shorter timelines and lower stakes. The file shows the criminal complaint, arraignment, pre-trial conferences, plea, trial, and sentencing. Many misdemeanor cases resolve quickly through plea agreements or diversion programs. Records reflect whether the defendant completed diversion, probation, or paid the required fines.
Visiting the Seminole County Courthouse in Person
Some searches require an in-person visit, especially when you need certified copies or want to view original documents. The Seminole County Clerk of Court runs several courthouse locations in the county, with the main office located in Sanford.
Main Courthouse in Sanford
The main Seminole County Courthouse is located at 301 N. Park Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771. This is the central location for criminal, civil, family, and probate records. You can reach the Clerk’s office by phone at (407) 665-4226. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Public terminals inside the office let you search records for free and print documents for a small per-page fee.
Casselberry Branch Office
Seminole County also operates a branch office in Casselberry that handles some court services. The Casselberry office is located at 1001 Esplanade Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707. You can contact the branch at (407) 665-4226 during business hours. Branch offices help reduce travel time for residents in the southern part of the county.
Records Request and Copy Fees
The Clerk’s office charges set fees for copies and certified records. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document. Authentication or apostille services carry additional fees set by the Florida Department of State. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card at most locations.
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Arrest and Inmate Records
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, inmate rosters, and incident reports separate from court records. These files help you find out who is currently in jail, who was recently booked, and how to request a copy of a police report.
Inmate Search Tool
The Sheriff’s Office operates an online inmate search at www.seminolesheriff.org. The tool shows current inmates at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility and recent releases from the past several months. Each entry includes the booking photo, full name, charges, bond amount, and next court date. The database updates every few hours so you get near-real-time booking information.
Recent Arrests and Booking Reports
Recent arrests in Seminole County appear in the inmate roster within hours of booking. The roster shows charges at the time of arrest, which may differ from the formal charges filed later by the State Attorney. For a complete picture of the case, combine inmate search results with a Clerk of Court case number search after the formal charges are filed.
Requesting Police Reports and Incident Records
You can request a copy of a police report from the Sheriff’s Office Records Division. Reports are public under Florida law unless they are part of an active investigation or involve juvenile records. Submit a request in person, by mail, or through the Sheriff’s Office online portal. A small processing fee applies for each report.
Statewide Criminal History Records for Seminole County
State agencies provide criminal history records that cover every county in Florida. These tools are useful when you need a complete background check or want to confirm a record that spans multiple jurisdictions.
FDLE Criminal History Background Check
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History system, also called CCH. You can search the system online through the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Each name-based search costs $25, which covers a $24 fee plus a $1 credit card processing charge. You need the person’s full name and date of birth to run a search. Results include arrests, dispositions, and convictions from every Florida county, including Seminole County.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks every inmate currently in state prison or under community supervision. You can search the inmate database at www.dc.myflorida.com for free. The tool shows inmates sentenced to state prison from Seminole County, their custody status, release date, and facility location. County jail inmates do not appear in this database; only state prison inmates appear here.
Federal Court Records and Out-of-State Searches
Federal criminal cases involving Seminole County residents appear in the federal court system, not the county clerk’s office. You can search federal records through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system, also called PACER, at www.pacer.gov. Out-of-state convictions do not appear in Florida criminal history searches. For nationwide background checks, use the FBI’s Identity History Summary Check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System or an authorized channeler.
Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records in Seminole County
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. The process removes the records from public view so the person can move forward without a public criminal history.
Eligibility for Seal or Expunge
You may qualify to seal or expunge a Seminole County criminal record if you were never convicted of the charge, you have no prior sealed or expunged records, and the charge is not on the list of disqualifying offenses. Disqualifying offenses include murder, sexual offenses, arson, and certain violent felonies. Diversion program completions, dismissed charges, and not-guilty verdicts often qualify for relief.
Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The application costs $75 and takes about 12 weeks to process. You must submit fingerprints and a completed application form to FDLE. The certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Filing the Court Petition
After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, file a petition with the Seminole County Clerk of Court asking the judge to seal or expunge the record. Include the certificate, a sworn statement, and the proposed court order. A judge reviews the petition and either grants or denies the request. If granted, the order is sent to every agency that holds the record, and they must comply within a set time frame.
Costs and Fees for Seminole County Criminal Records
Most online searches through the Clerk’s portal are free. You only pay when you need printed copies, certified copies, or special services.
Online Search Fees
Searching the Clerk of Court online portal costs nothing. You can run unlimited name, case number, and date searches without paying a fee. The portal only charges when you click to view or print a document image.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies of criminal court documents cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document. Many legal filings, name changes, and immigration applications require certified copies rather than regular photocopies.
Additional Service Fees
Other charges include $2.00 per document for exemplified copies, $10.00 for an apostille from the Florida Department of State, and fees for record restoration or correction. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Some locations do not accept credit cards for small fees, so call ahead to confirm payment options.
Florida Public Records Laws and Access Rights
Florida has strong public records laws that give you broad access to government documents, including criminal court records. The Florida Public Records Act, found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, requires government agencies to make records open for inspection and copying.
Who Can View Criminal Court Records
Any member of the public can view Seminole County criminal court records. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, a Florida resident, or a party to the case. You also do not need to give your name or explain why you want the records. Government agencies must provide access promptly during regular business hours.
Records That Are Restricted
Some records are exempt from public disclosure. Sealed and expunged records are not available to the public. Records involving active criminal investigations are confidential until the case is closed. Juvenile criminal records have extra protections and are not open to the general public. Information that would identify a victim of a sexual offense or child abuse is redacted from public files.
How to Challenge Incorrect Records
If you find incorrect or outdated information in your criminal record, you can file a motion to correct or expunge the error. Contact the Seminole County Clerk of Court or the State Attorney’s Office to start the process. For errors in FDLE records, file a challenge through the FDLE record review process. Always keep copies of any supporting documents that show the correct information.
Contact Details for Seminole County Clerk of Court
You can reach the Seminole County Clerk of Court through the following channels for criminal record searches, certified copies, and case questions.
Official Website: www.seminoleclerk.org
Phone: (407) 665-4226
Main Office Address: 301 N. Park Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on weekends and federal holidays)
Frequently Asked Questions About Seminole County Criminal Records
The following questions cover the most common issues people face when searching criminal court records in Seminole County. Each answer points to a specific resource, fee, or process so you can move forward with confidence.
How Do I Find Out if Someone Has Criminal Charges in Seminole County?
You can search by name through the Seminole County Clerk of Court online portal at www.seminoleclerk.org. The portal returns every felony, misdemeanor, and criminal traffic case filed under that person’s name. For statewide coverage, run a name-based search through the FDLE CCHInet system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us for a $25 fee. The Clerk’s portal is free for basic case lookups and shows current charges, court dates, and bond information. Results appear within seconds and include the case number, judge assigned, and next scheduled hearing.
Can I View Seminole County Criminal Records for Free?
Yes, basic case searches through the Seminole County Clerk of Court portal are free. You can view party names, charges, court events, and case dispositions without paying anything. Fees only apply when you print copies, request certified documents, or pull official record images. Statewide searches through FDLE cost $25 per name search because that system compiles records from every Florida county and charges a small access fee.
What Is the Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Records in Seminole County?
Felony records cover serious crimes punishable by more than one year in state prison, such as burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and homicide. These cases go through the 18th Judicial Circuit Court and carry a CF case number prefix. Misdemeanor records cover less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail, such as petty theft, simple battery, and minor drug possession. These cases go through Seminole County Court and carry an MM case number prefix. Both types of records are searchable through the same Clerk of Court portal.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Seminole County Criminal Case Document?
Visit the main Clerk’s office at 301 N. Park Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771, during business hours. Bring the case number and a valid photo ID. Pay the certified copy fee of $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document. You can also mail a request to the Clerk’s office with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the exact amount. Certified copies arrive within 5 to 10 business days when requested by mail.
Are Old Criminal Cases Still Available in Seminole County?
Yes, the Clerk of Court maintains criminal case files from the founding of Seminole County forward. Older paper records have been digitized and indexed in the online portal for cases going back several decades. Cases from the 1990s and earlier may require a manual search by staff at the Clerk’s office. Records that were sealed or expunged are removed from public access, but other old cases remain available for viewing and copying.
How Long Does It Take to Expunge a Record in Seminole County?
The full process usually takes between six months and one year. The FDLE certificate application takes about 12 weeks from the date of submission. After you receive the certificate, file your petition with the Seminole County Clerk of Court. A judge typically schedules a hearing within 60 to 90 days. Once the judge signs the order, every agency that holds the record must comply within a set period, after which the record is sealed or destroyed.
What Should I Do if I Find Incorrect Information in My Criminal Record?
File a written request to correct the record with the agency that holds the incorrect file. For court records, contact the Seminole County Clerk of Court Records Department. For arrest or booking records, contact the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Records Division. For statewide FDLE records, submit a Record Review Request through the FDLE website. Include supporting documents like court orders, certified dispositions, or identification papers that prove the correct information. The agency must investigate and respond within a set time frame under Florida law.