Wakulla County criminal records are public court documents created whenever a person faces criminal charges in Wakulla County, Florida. These files include felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic criminal offenses, and court filings from the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
The Clerk of Court keeps the official records. The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest logs and jail records. State agencies keep broader criminal history data. Anyone can search these records online or at the courthouse in Crawfordville.
How Wakulla County Criminal Records Are Created and Stored
Three main agencies build and store criminal records in Wakulla County. The state court system files the case. The Clerk of Court stores the legal documents. The Sheriff’s Office stores the arrest paperwork and jail data. Each piece of the case history lives in a different place. Together, they form a full criminal record.
Local Court Records
The Clerk of Court maintains the official case file for every criminal case filed in Wakulla County. This file holds the charging document, court orders, motions, plea paperwork, and final judgment. The Clerk stores these files in paper form and in a digital court database. The public can view most files unless a judge has sealed them.
Law Enforcement Records
The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office creates the arrest report when an officer takes someone into custody. Deputies also write incident reports for every crime they investigate. The Sheriff stores these reports in their own records system. They are separate from the court file but often reference each other.
Statewide Database Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a statewide criminal history database called CCHInet. Local agencies send arrest and disposition data to FDLE. This builds a state-level record that crosses county lines. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks people who go to state prison after a Wakulla County conviction.
Wakulla County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all court cases in Wakulla County. This agency handles felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic criminal cases, and ordinance violations handled in county court. The Clerk provides both online access and in-person service for record searches.
Official Address and Contact Details
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court is located at 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327. The office sits along the main highway just south of the county courthouse complex. Phone service is open during regular business hours at (850) 926-0901. The office can answer questions about record searches, fees, and office hours. The main office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
In-Person Record Requests
Walk-in visitors can request records at the Clerk’s office during business hours. Staff members help locate the right case file and pull the documents. Photo ID is not required to view public records in Florida. You do not need to explain why you want the records. You only need to pay the copy fee if you want paper copies. Visitors can pay with cash, check, or credit card. Arrive before 4:30 p.m. to give staff enough time to pull files before closing.
Online Court Records Search Portal
The Clerk offers a free online search tool on the official website at www.wakullaclerk.com. The portal runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users can search by name, case number, or date of birth. Results show case type, charge, filing date, judge, and current status. The portal covers both county court and circuit court criminal cases. Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox all work with the portal. Most mobile devices also load the search page without issues.
Records Available Through the Clerk
The Clerk provides access to many types of criminal records. These include charging documents, arraignment minutes, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and final dispositions. Bond records and warrant records also appear in the system. Probation-related filings show up for cases where the judge granted probation. Each record shows the date filed and the presiding judge.
Fees for Copies and Certified Documents
The Clerk charges set fees for paper copies and certified copies. These fees follow Florida state law. The table below shows the most common charges for record requests.
| Service Type | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 | Standard paper copy |
| Certified copy (per document) | $7.00 | Includes official seal and signature |
| Capias/warrant search | $2.00 | Per name searched |
| Written record request research | $5.00 | Per 30 minutes of staff time |
| Online portal access | Free | No fee to view basic case data |
Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Records
The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office handles law enforcement and jail operations across the county. The Sheriff creates arrest records and incident reports. The Sheriff also runs the county jail and tracks current inmates. Public records staff process requests for law enforcement documents.
Sheriff’s Office Location and Contact
The main Sheriff’s Office sits at 15 Oak Street, Crawfordville, FL 32327. This building also houses the county jail and 911 dispatch center. The public phone line for non-emergency calls is (850) 745-7100. For emergencies, always dial 911. The records office accepts walk-in requests during business hours. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Arrest and Incident Reports
The Sheriff writes an arrest report each time a deputy makes an arrest. The agency also writes incident reports for every crime they investigate. These reports cover the facts deputies learned at the scene. Reports become public once the case moves past the active investigation stage. You can request a copy of a report in person, by mail, or by email. A small fee applies for each copy.
Current Jail Inmate Search
The Sheriff runs the county jail and offers a free online inmate search tool. Users can visit the Sheriff’s website at www.wakullasheriff.com to view the current jail roster. The page shows the inmate’s name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. Photos appear when available. The roster updates several times each day. Recent releases also show up for a short period after release.
Public Records Requests to the Sheriff
Anyone can file a public records request with the Sheriff under Florida law. The request must be in writing and describe the records you want. Email requests work for many document types. In-person requests get faster service for files at the records window. The Sheriff must respond within a reasonable time under the law. Some investigative files stay sealed until the case closes.
Felony and Misdemeanor Case Search in Wakulla County
Wakulla County handles felony and misdemeanor cases in separate court divisions. Felony cases go to circuit court. Misdemeanor cases go to county court. The Clerk’s online portal covers both divisions. Each case shows the division on the search results page.
Understanding Felony vs Misdemeanor Cases
Felony charges are the most serious crimes under Florida law. They include offenses like drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, and robbery. Felony convictions can lead to state prison time. Misdemeanor charges are less serious. They include offenses like simple assault, petit theft, and first-time DUI. Misdemeanor convictions usually lead to county jail time, probation, or fines. The Clerk’s online portal shows which division handles each case.
How to Search for Felony Cases
To find a felony case in Wakulla County, open the Clerk’s online portal. Select “Circuit Criminal” as the case type. Enter the last name and first name of the person. Add a date of birth if you have it to narrow the results. Hit search and review the case list. Each felony case shows the case number, charge, and judge. Click the case number to view the full docket.
How to Search for Misdemeanor Cases
To find a misdemeanor case, open the same online portal. Select “County Criminal” as the case type. Enter the name and birth date if known. The system returns open and closed cases. Click any case to view the docket entry list. Each docket entry shows the date and the court action taken. Bond amounts also appear for active cases.
Wakulla County Criminal Docket and Case Status Search
The criminal docket is the running list of every court action in a case. It shows filings, hearings, orders, and final judgment. The Wakulla County docket entries are public. You can view them online or at the courthouse.
What the Criminal Docket Shows
The docket shows the complete history of a criminal case from filing to final judgment. Each entry lists the date, the type of action, and the judge or clerk who took the action. Bond hearings, arraignments, plea dates, and trial dates all appear on the docket. Sentencing orders appear at the end of the case. The public can use the docket to track the progress of any case.
Searching by Case Number
If you know the case number, you can pull the full docket in seconds. Each Wakulla County case number follows a standard format. The format starts with a two-letter prefix. The prefix shows the case type and division. The next four digits show the year filed. The last digits are the case sequence number. The Clerk’s portal accepts the full number in the case number search field.
Searching by Name
Name searches work well when you do not know the case number. Enter the full legal last name and first name. Add a middle name if you have it. The system returns all matching cases for people with that name. You can filter by year to narrow the results. Use the date of birth filter to find the right person when names are common.
Reading Case Status Codes
The Clerk’s portal uses short codes to show where each case stands. The table below explains the most common status codes you will see.
| Status Code | Meaning | What It Means for the Case |
|---|---|---|
| OPEN | Active case | Case is still moving through court |
| PENDING | Awaiting action | Waiting for a hearing or filing |
| CLOSED | Case finished | Final judgment entered |
| DISMISSED | Charges dropped | State dropped the case or judge dismissed it |
| SEALED | Hidden from public | Court order sealed the record |
| EXPUNGED | Destroyed from public view | Court order removed the record |
Statewide Criminal History Search for Wakulla County
State agencies also hold criminal records that touch Wakulla County. These records cover arrests and convictions across Florida. State searches work well when you need a full picture that crosses county lines.
FDLE Computerized Criminal History System
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. This system stores arrest and disposition data from every county in Florida. Wakulla County sends data to FDLE through the Florida Crime Information Center. The public can search the CCH through the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. A name-based search costs $24 plus a $1 convenience fee. You need the full name and date of birth to run a search. Results show arrests, charges, and dispositions from all Florida counties.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks state prison inmates from all counties. You can search their online database at offender.fdc.myflorida.com. The search is free. You can search by name or Department of Corrections number. Results show current inmates and offenders on community supervision. The database also shows release dates and facility locations. This tool helps you locate someone who went to state prison after a Wakulla County conviction.
Clerk of Courts Records from Other Counties
People who live in Wakulla County sometimes face charges in other counties. Each Florida county has its own Clerk of Court. Each Clerk runs its own online portal. You can search those portals to find cases filed in other counties. The Florida Clerks website at www.flclerks.com lists online record search links for all 67 counties. This is helpful for a full background check.
Sealing and Expunging Wakulla County Criminal Records
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged. A sealed record stays in the system but stays hidden from public view. An expunged record gets destroyed from public databases. Not every case qualifies for this relief.
Who Qualifies for Sealing or Expungement
You can apply to seal or expunge a record if you were not convicted, or if the court withheld adjudication. You cannot have any prior sealed or expunged records. You cannot have a record sealed or expunged for a serious offense like murder, sexual battery, or child abuse. Other disqualifiers include certain Trafficking offenses, violations of the Jessica Lunsford Act, and certain DWI offenses. The FDLE eligibility review makes the final call on each application.
Step-by-Step Process
The process to seal or expunge a Wakulla County record follows a set order. Each step must be completed before moving to the next.
- Get a full set of fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency or authorized vendor.
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE using Form 1-900 or the online portal.
- Pay the $75 non-refundable application fee to FDLE.
- Wait for FDLE to mail the Certificate of Eligibility. Processing takes about 12 weeks.
- File a petition with the Wakulla County Clerk of Court using the certified certificate.
- Pay the $42 filing fee to the Clerk unless you have a fee waiver.
- Attend the court hearing if the judge schedules one. The judge signs the final order.
- The signed order goes to FDLE and all agencies holding the record. They must seal or destroy the record as ordered.
Costs and Processing Times
The total cost to seal or expunge a Wakulla County record includes several fees. The table below lists each cost and the average time to complete that step.
| Step | Fee | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprinting | $10 to $50 | Same day |
| FDLE eligibility application | $75 | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Clerk filing fee | $42 | Same day |
| Court hearing (if scheduled) | No fee | 1 to 3 months |
| Final agency processing | No fee | 30 to 60 days |
Public Access Laws and Record Restrictions
Florida has strong public records laws. Section 119.07 of the Florida Statutes gives the public broad access to government records. Some criminal records still stay restricted for legal reasons.
Florida Public Records Act
The Florida Public Records Act says any person can inspect or copy public records. The law applies to all government agencies in the state. The Clerk of Court, the Sheriff, and the FDLE all fall under this law. Agencies must provide records promptly at a fair cost. They do not have to explain why you want the records. They do not have to require an ID. The agency only needs a written request for records that need special research.
Records Restricted From Public View
Some records stay restricted under Florida law. Active criminal intelligence files stay sealed until the case closes. Juvenile records have special protections for offenders under 18. Records sealed or expunged by court order stay hidden from public view. Victim information gets redacted in many cases. Some personal identifiers like Social Security Numbers also get redacted before release.
Who Can Access Sealed Records
Sealed records still exist in the system. Certain agencies can still see them. Law enforcement agencies can see sealed records for criminal justice purposes. The courts can see them for any related legal matter. The person who got the record sealed can see their own record. Certain employers in law enforcement, education, and healthcare can see sealed records under Florida law. A separate court order can also open a sealed record to a specific person.
Contact Information for Wakulla County Records
Before you visit, call the office to confirm hours and fees. Both offices close on state holidays. The main contacts for Wakulla County criminal records are listed below.
| Agency | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wakulla County Clerk of Court | 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327 | (850) 926-0901 | www.wakullaclerk.com |
| Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office | 15 Oak Street, Crawfordville, FL 32327 | (850) 745-7100 | www.wakullasheriff.com |
| 2nd Judicial Circuit Court | 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327 | (850) 926-0901 | www.wakullaclerk.com |
| FDLE CCHInet (Statewide) | PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302 | (850) 410-7000 | cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us |
| Florida Department of Corrections | 501 S Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | (850) 717-3000 | offender.fdc.myflorida.com |
Frequently Asked Questions About Wakulla County Criminal Records
These questions cover the most common concerns people have when searching for Wakulla County criminal records. Each answer gives clear facts based on current Florida law and Clerk of Court policy. The answers cover the search process, eligibility, and practical issues that come up often. If your question needs more help, call the Clerk of Court at (850) 926-0901 during regular business hours.
How do I look up a criminal case in Wakulla County for free?
You can search for Wakulla County criminal cases for free using the Clerk of Court’s online portal. Go to www.wakullaclerk.com and click the court records search link. The portal accepts searches by name, case number, or date of birth. The portal covers both felony circuit court cases and misdemeanor county court cases. You can view case status, charges, court dates, and the docket entry list at no cost. You only pay if you want certified copies or printed documents mailed to you.
Are Wakulla County arrest records the same as court records?
No. Arrest records and court records are two different types of records. The Sheriff’s Office creates arrest records when someone gets taken into custody. The Clerk of Court creates court records when the state files charges. An arrest does not always lead to charges. A charge does not always lead to a conviction. Both records show on a full background check, but they live in separate databases and serve different legal purposes.
Can I view sealed or expunged Wakulla County records?
No. Sealed and expunged records are not available to the public. The court order removes them from public databases. Only certain agencies can see sealed records for law enforcement or court purposes. The person who got the record sealed can see their own record through a court order. You cannot unseal a record without a new court order from a Wakulla County judge.
How long does a criminal record stay on file in Wakulla County?
Criminal records stay on file with the Clerk of Court and FDLE for life unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. The Clerk stores physical case files for many years. FDLE keeps arrest and disposition data permanently in the state criminal history database. Even old cases from decades ago still show up in a search, as long as the record was not sealed or expunged.
What do I need to get a certified copy of a Wakulla County criminal record?
To get a certified copy of a Wakulla County criminal record, you need to visit the Clerk’s office in person or send a written request by mail. Provide the full name, date of birth, and the case number if you have it. Pay the $7.00 certified copy fee per document. The clerk will pull the file, stamp it with the official seal, and sign the copy. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the exact fee.
Where do I check if someone is in the Wakulla County jail right now?
You can check who is in the Wakulla County jail by visiting the Sheriff’s Office online inmate search tool at www.wakullasheriff.com. The page shows the current jail roster with names, charges, and bond amounts. You can also call the Sheriff’s records office at (850) 745-7100 to ask about a specific inmate. The roster updates several times each day. The roster shows recently released inmates for a short time after release.
Office of the Clerk of Court, Wakulla County
3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327
Phone: (850) 926-0901
Website: www.wakullaclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time