Tallahassee City criminal records are court files, arrest files, and jail files that cover every criminal case handled inside Leon County. The city of Tallahassee sits in Leon County, and the Leon County Clerk of Court keeps the official copy of all criminal court records.
The Florida Second Judicial Circuit Court hears every felony and misdemeanor case filed in the area. Anyone can look at these records because Florida law makes most criminal court records public. This page shows you where to look, how to search by name or case number, what fees to expect, and how to seal or expunge a record when allowed by law.
How the Tallahassee Court System Organizes Criminal Records
Every criminal case in Tallahassee goes through a court system that follows Florida state law. The system creates a clear paper trail from the moment police make an arrest to the final court outcome. Two main offices handle the records, and each one serves a different role in the process.
Leon County Clerk of Court as the Record Keeper
The Leon County Clerk of Court stores the official criminal court files for Tallahassee and all of Leon County. The clerk’s office holds case files, court orders, dockets, judgments, sentencing papers, and any motion filed by either side. The clerk also keeps a public index that lets people search for cases by name, case number, or court date. This index is the starting point for most people who need to look up a Tallahassee criminal case. The clerk’s office does not decide guilt or sentence people. The clerk only stores the paper work created by the judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers.
Florida Second Judicial Circuit Court Authority
The Florida Second Judicial Circuit Court covers Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties. The main courthouse for Tallahassee criminal cases sits in downtown Tallahassee. This court hears every felony case, more serious misdemeanor case, and all appeals from county court. Circuit judges in this court issue arrest warrants, set bond amounts, conduct trials, and impose sentences. The clerk’s office works directly with this court to maintain the records. When a felony case moves through the system, the Second Judicial Circuit Court creates the docket, court minutes, and final judgment that the clerk then stores.
Where to Search Tallahassee Criminal Court Records
You can search Tallahassee criminal court records through two main channels. The first channel is the online portal run by the Leon County Clerk of Court. The second channel is a visit to the courthouse in person. Both channels give you the same case data, but the online portal is faster and works from any computer or phone.
Online Access Through the Leon County Clerk Portal
The Leon County Clerk of Court runs a free public search on its website. The portal shows case data for every criminal case filed in Leon County, including every Tallahassee case. The search returns the case number, defendant name, charges filed, court division, judge name, court dates, and final case status. You do not need an account to run a basic search. The portal is open every day and every hour. Most people use this portal as the first step when checking on a Tallahassee criminal case.
In-Person Search at the Tallahassee Courthouse
You can also search criminal records in person at the Leon County Courthouse. Public terminals sit in the clerk’s office lobby and let you run the same search as the online portal. The clerk’s staff can help you find the right file when you have limited data on the person. The lobby opens during regular business hours on weekdays. In-person visits help when you need to view original paper files, request older case files that are not yet scanned, or get help from a clerk with your search.
How to Search Tallahassee Criminal Case Records Online
Searching Tallahassee criminal court records online takes only a few minutes when you know the right steps. The Leon County Clerk of Court offers three search methods, and each one works for a different situation.
Searching by Defendant Name
Name search is the most common way to look up a Tallahassee criminal case. Enter the person’s last name in the search box. Add the first name to narrow the list of results. The system will show every criminal case filed under that name in Leon County. Each result includes the case number, filing date, current status, and charges. You can click on a result to see the full docket, court minutes, and any orders filed in the case. The name search works best when you know the full legal name of the person. Common names may return many results, so adding a date of birth helps narrow the list when you have that data.
Searching by Case Number
Case number search gives you a direct hit on one file. Every Tallahassee criminal case has a unique case number that starts with a two-letter code showing the case type. For example, a felony case filed in 2024 would start with “CF-2024.” A misdemeanor case would start with “MM-2024.” A county criminal case would start with “CC-2024.” When you have a case number, type it into the search box using the same format shown on any court paper. The system pulls up only that single case. This search method works best when you already have court papers, a bond receipt, or a citation that lists the case number.
Searching by Court Date or Division
Court date search helps you find every case on a docket for a specific day. You can pick a date and see a full list of cases set for hearing on that day in each court division. This method works well for lawyers, bail agents, and people who want to know what cases a specific judge will hear on a given morning. You can also search by division name to see every active case in that division. The result list shows the defendant name, case number, charge, and time of the hearing.
Types of Tallahassee Criminal Records Available to the Public
Florida law divides criminal records into a few main types. Each type gives you different pieces of the case. Knowing the type of record you need helps you search the right database and request the right file from the right office.
Felony Case Files for Serious Charges
Felony case files cover serious criminal charges handled in the Florida Second Judicial Circuit Court. These cases include violent crimes, drug trafficking, burglary, fraud, weapons charges, and any other offense that can carry a prison sentence of more than one year. Felony case files contain the arrest affidavit, formal charges from the State Attorney, bond orders, discovery motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and final sentencing orders. You can search felony case files through the Leon County Clerk of Court online portal under the case type code “CF” for Circuit Felony.
Misdemeanor Case Files for Lesser Offenses
Misdemeanor case files cover less serious criminal charges handled in County Court. These cases include simple assault, petty theft, minor drug possession, disorderly conduct, and first-time DUI. Misdemeanor case files include the same type of documents as felony files but cover cases that carry a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail. You can search misdemeanor case files through the Leon County Clerk portal under case type codes “MM” for Misdemeanor or “CC” for County Criminal.
Criminal Court Dockets and Filings
Criminal court dockets list every event in a case from filing to closing. The docket shows each motion filed, each court appearance, each order signed by the judge, and the final case outcome. Court filings are the actual paper work submitted by the prosecutor and the defense lawyer. Dockets and filings are part of the public court file. You can view them through the online portal or in person at the clerk’s office. Older case files that are not yet scanned into the system require an in-person request to view the paper file.
Warrants, Bond Records, and Arrest Files
Active arrest warrants show when a judge has signed an order to take a person into custody. You can check active warrants through the Leon County Sheriff’s Office website or by calling the sheriff’s office. Bond records show the bond amount set by a judge, any conditions of release, and the status of the bond. Arrest files document the arrest itself and include the arrest report, booking photo, and charges at the time of arrest. The Tallahassee Police Department handles arrest files for crimes that happen inside city limits, while the Leon County Sheriff’s Office handles arrest files for crimes in unincorporated parts of the county.
Florida Statewide Criminal History Searches
Sometimes a person needs to know about criminal history beyond Leon County. Florida offers two statewide databases that cover every county in the state. These searches cost money but give a full picture of someone’s criminal record in Florida.
FDLE Criminal History Records Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History system, also called CCH. Anyone can request a Florida criminal history search on another person through the CCHInet service on the FDLE website. The search costs $25 per name and requires a user account. The results show every arrest and conviction in Florida for the person whose name you search. The results come back as a certified report that you can use for employment, licensing, or personal use. The search covers all 67 Florida counties, including Leon County and Tallahassee cases. The FDLE system does not include federal charges, out-of-state charges, or sealed and expunged records.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections runs a free inmate search on its website. The search shows people who are currently in a state prison, on state supervision, or who have been released from state prison. You can search by name or Department of Corrections number. The results show the current location, release date, and offense history. The inmate search covers people sentenced to state prison for felony convictions. It does not cover people held in the Leon County Jail, which is a county facility run by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
Costs, Fees, and Free Search Options for Tallahassee Criminal Records
Most basic searches of Tallahassee criminal court records are free. The cost comes in when you need a printed copy, a certified copy, or a statewide search. Knowing the fee structure ahead of time helps you plan your budget for the records you need.
Standard Copy Fees at the Clerk’s Office
The Leon County Clerk of Court charges a fee per page for regular printed copies of criminal case files. The fee is set by Florida state law and may change from year to year. You can pay the copy fee with cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s office. The online portal also lets you buy and download copies of filed documents for a small fee per page. Regular copies work for personal use, research, and general review. They do not work for official court filings or government agencies that require certified copies.
Certified Copy Fees for Legal Use
Certified copies cost more than regular copies because the clerk adds an official seal and signature that proves the copy is a true copy of the original court file. Many courts, government agencies, employers, and licensing boards require certified copies. The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law and includes both the per-page copy fee and a certification fee. You can request certified copies in person at the clerk’s office or by mail using a written request, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Certified copies of Tallahassee criminal court records carry the same weight as the original file.
Free Search Options and Public Terminals
Searching for Tallahassee criminal court records is free through the Leon County Clerk online portal. You can run as many name searches, case number searches, and date searches as you want without paying any fee. Viewing case data, court dates, charges, and final outcomes is also free. The public terminals in the clerk’s office lobby let you run the same searches in person at no cost. You only pay when you need a printed copy, a certified copy, or a statewide FDLE search.
Sealing and Expunging Tallahassee Criminal Records
Florida law allows some people to seal or expunge their criminal record under specific conditions. Sealing hides the record from most public searches. Expungement goes further by ordering law enforcement agencies to destroy the record. Both options can help people get jobs, housing, and licenses.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing or Expungement
Florida law sets strict rules on who can seal or expunge a criminal record. You cannot have any prior felony or misdemeanor convictions, other than minor traffic offenses. You cannot have a record sealed or expunged before. The case you want to seal must be closed with no pending issues. The original charge must be one that qualifies under Florida Statute 943.059. Charges like murder, most sex crimes, and other serious offenses do not qualify. You also cannot have been adjudicated guilty of the charge in most cases. A withhold of adjudication or a dismissal usually qualifies.
Steps in the Sealing and Expungement Process
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The application includes fingerprints, a sworn statement, and a fee. The FDLE reviews the application and either grants or denies the certificate. If granted, the next step is to file a petition with the Leon County Clerk of Court asking the court to seal or expunge the record. A judge reviews the petition at a hearing. If the judge signs the order, the clerk sends the order to every agency that has the record. Those agencies then seal or destroy the record as ordered. The whole process usually takes four to six months from start to finish.
Tallahassee Police Records and Leon County Sheriff Records
Criminal court records are not the only type of criminal record. Police reports and jail records also form part of the public record. These records show the early stage of a case before the court gets involved.
Tallahassee Police Department Reports
The Tallahassee Police Department keeps incident reports, accident reports, and arrest reports for crimes that happen inside Tallahassee city limits. You can request copies of these reports through the police department’s Records Division. Some reports are available online through the department’s website. Other reports require an in-person request or a written request by mail. The police department charges a small fee per report. Reports that are part of an active investigation may be exempt from public release until the case is closed.
Leon County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office runs the Leon County Jail and keeps records for crimes in unincorporated Leon County. The sheriff’s website has a current inmate search that shows people held in the county jail. The search shows the inmate’s name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. You can also request copies of incident reports and arrest reports through the sheriff’s Records Bureau. The sheriff’s office also maintains a list of active warrants issued by the court that have not yet been served.
Official Contact Details for Tallahassee Criminal Records
Below are the offices, addresses, phone numbers, websites, and hours for the main sources of Tallahassee criminal court records. You can contact these offices directly for questions, certified copy requests, and help with your search.
Leon County Clerk of Court
The Leon County Clerk of Court keeps the official criminal court files for Tallahassee. The main office sits on the first floor of the Leon County Courthouse in downtown Tallahassee. You can visit the clerk’s office during business hours to search public terminals, view paper files, and request certified copies. The clerk’s office also runs the online portal for remote searches.
Address: 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 577-4000
Website: leonclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Second Judicial Circuit Court
The Florida Second Judicial Circuit Court hears every felony case and serious misdemeanor case from Tallahassee and Leon County. The main courthouse sits in the same building as the Leon County Clerk of Court. Court hearings are open to the public, and you can sit in on any criminal hearing during business hours. The court does not handle records requests directly. All record requests go through the clerk’s office.
Address: 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 577-4000
Website: leonclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tallahassee Police Department
The Tallahassee Police Department serves the city of Tallahassee. The police department keeps incident reports, accident reports, and arrest reports for crimes inside city limits. You can request copies of police reports through the Records Division in person or by mail.
Address: 234 East 7th Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 891-4200
Website: talgov.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Leon County Sheriff’s Office
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office serves unincorporated Leon County and runs the Leon County Jail. The sheriff’s website has a current inmate search and a list of active warrants. You can contact the Records Bureau for copies of incident reports and arrest reports.
Address: 2825 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Phone: (850) 606-3300
Website: leoncountyfl.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The FDLE runs the statewide criminal history search and the seal and expunge process. You can create a CCHInet account on the FDLE website to run statewide criminal history searches. You can also apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for sealing or expungement through the FDLE.
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Tallahassee Criminal Court Records
Below are answers to common questions people ask about Tallahassee criminal court records. These questions cover search methods, fees, sealed records, statewide searches, and report requests. Each answer gives you the practical details you need to complete your search or request without delays.
How do I find out if someone has a criminal case in Tallahassee?
You can search the Leon County Clerk of Court online portal for free. Enter the person’s last name and first name in the case search tool. The portal will return every criminal case filed in Leon County under that name. Each result shows the case number, charges, court dates, and final case status. You can click on a result to see the full docket and all court filings in the case. The search works for felony and misdemeanor cases. If the person was only arrested and the case was never filed, the arrest will not appear in the clerk’s portal. You would need to check the Tallahassee Police Department or the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for arrest records.
Are Tallahassee criminal court records free to view?
Yes. Basic searches on the Leon County Clerk of Court online portal are free. You can look up cases by name, case number, or court date without paying any fee. You can view the docket, court dates, charges, and case status for free. You only pay when you need a printed copy, a certified copy, or a statewide criminal history search through the FDLE. Public terminals at the clerk’s office also let you search the same data for free in person.
What is the difference between a sealed record and an expunged record?
A sealed record stays in the court file but is hidden from public searches. Only certain government agencies and the person whose record was sealed can see the file. An expunged record is ordered to be destroyed by every agency that has a copy. The clerk, the police, the sheriff, and the FDLE all destroy their records when the court grants an expungement. Florida law only allows one expungement in a lifetime. Sealing has no lifetime limit, but you can only seal records that meet the legal requirements under Florida Statute 943.059.
Can I search Tallahassee criminal records by case number?
Yes. The Leon County Clerk of Court portal lets you search by case number. Every criminal case has a unique case number that starts with a two-letter code. The code shows the case type. “CF” means Circuit Felony. “MM” means Misdemeanor. “CC” means County Criminal. The next part of the case number is the year the case was filed. For example, case number CF-2024-001234 is a felony case filed in 2024. When you have a case number from a citation, bond receipt, or court paper, type the full number into the search box for a direct hit on that file.
How long does it take to get certified copies of Tallahassee criminal court records?
In-person requests for certified copies are usually filled the same day at the Leon County Clerk of Court office. You walk in, request the file, pay the fee, and get the certified copy. Mail requests take longer. The clerk’s office processes mail requests in the order received. You should allow seven to ten business days for a mail request to be returned. Certified copies requested through the online portal are processed within one to three business days. The clerk emails or mails the certified copy based on the option you pick at checkout.
Can I check if I have an active warrant in Tallahassee?
Yes. You can check for active warrants through the Leon County Sheriff’s Office website or by calling the sheriff’s office. The sheriff maintains a public list of active warrants for people who have not yet been arrested. You can also search the Tallahassee Police Department website for city warrants. Active warrants from other agencies, such as the Florida Highway Patrol, are not always listed. For a full check, you can run a statewide search through the FDLE criminal history system or contact the clerk’s office for any pending cases under your name.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history search from the FDLE?
The FDLE criminal history search shows every arrest in Florida that led to a fingerprint-based charge. The report includes the arrest date, charge, court outcome, and sentence for each case. The search covers all 67 Florida counties, including Leon County and Tallahassee. The report does not include sealed or expunged records. It also does not include federal charges, out-of-state charges, or charges that were dropped before fingerprinting. The certified report from the FDLE is accepted by most employers, licensing boards, and government agencies for background checks.