Florida Criminal Court Records by County
Florida criminal court records are maintained at the county level by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in each of the 67 counties. These records include felony cases, misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and other criminal proceedings filed within the county's jurisdiction. Each county operates under Florida's 20 judicial circuits, with Circuit Courts handling felonies and County Courts managing less serious offenses. Below is a complete directory of all Florida counties where you can access criminal court records, find contact information for Clerk offices, and learn about online search options available in your area.
How Florida Criminal Court Records Work at the County Level
Florida's court system is organized into 20 judicial circuits that serve the state's 67 counties. Each county has a Clerk of the Circuit Court who serves as the official record keeper for all criminal cases filed in that jurisdiction. The Clerk's office maintains files for felony cases, misdemeanors, traffic citations, and municipal ordinance violations. These records include arrest information, charging documents, court appearances, motions filed by attorneys, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and final judgments.
Circuit Courts in Florida have general jurisdiction over criminal matters and handle all felony cases, which are crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. County Courts, which operate within each county, handle misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses. When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, the case file is created at the Clerk's office in the county where the alleged offense occurred. This file becomes part of the permanent public record unless the case is sealed or expunged by court order.
Most Florida counties now offer online access to criminal court records through their Clerk's websites. These online portals allow you to search by defendant name, case number, or date range. Some counties provide document images for download, while others require in-person visits to view case files. Access to certain records may be restricted under Florida's public records laws, particularly for cases involving juveniles, victims of certain crimes, or sealed proceedings.
Ways to Access County Criminal Records
There are three primary methods for obtaining criminal court records from Florida counties. Online searches are the most convenient option and are available through most Clerk of Court websites. These systems typically allow you to search by party name or case number and view basic case information. Some counties charge fees for detailed reports or document downloads, while others offer free public access to basic case dockets.
In-person visits to the Clerk's office remain the most comprehensive way to access criminal records. When you visit in person, you can review physical case files, request certified copies of documents, and speak with staff who can help locate specific records. Most Clerk offices have public access computers where you can search records at no charge. Courthouses are typically open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though hours may vary by county.
Mail requests are accepted by all Florida Clerk offices for obtaining copies of criminal records. To request records by mail, you will need to provide the defendant's full name, approximate date of the incident or filing, case number if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment for copy fees, which typically range from $1 to $5 per page depending on the county. Certified copies cost extra and are required for official purposes such as background checks or legal proceedings.
Costs for Criminal Court Records by County
Fees for criminal court records vary across Florida counties but generally follow similar structures. Most counties charge $1 to $2 per page for standard copies of court documents. Certified copies, which include an official seal and verification, typically cost $5 to $10 per document. Some counties offer electronic certified copies that are delivered by email at a reduced cost compared to physical copies.
Online search fees also differ by county. Many counties provide basic case searches at no charge but charge for detailed reports or document access. For example, some counties charge $5 to $10 per case for comprehensive reports that include all filings and disposition information. Payment methods accepted vary by county, with most accepting cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person requests. Online payments typically require credit or debit cards.
All 67 Florida Counties - Criminal Court Records
Select your county below to access criminal court record resources and Clerk of Court contact information for that jurisdiction.
Major Florida Counties for Criminal Records
Some Florida counties handle significantly more criminal cases than others due to population density. Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Hillsborough County, and Orange County collectively process the majority of felony cases in the state. These larger counties typically have more sophisticated online record systems and dedicated criminal court divisions to handle the volume of cases.
In Miami-Dade County, the Clerk of Courts operates the Criminal Justice Online Information System, which provides comprehensive access to felony and misdemeanor records. Broward County offers a WebCourt system for searching criminal cases filed since 2014. Hillsborough County provides the HOVER system for online record access. These large counties also have multiple courthouse locations to serve different geographic areas within the county.
Smaller counties may have more limited online access but often provide more personalized service for record requests. Rural counties like Liberty, Franklin, and Lafayette have smaller caseloads and may require in-person visits for detailed record searches. Regardless of county size, all Florida Clerks of Court are required to maintain public access to criminal court records in accordance with Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
Public Access to Criminal Court Records
Florida law provides broad public access to criminal court records under the state's public records statutes. However, certain records are exempt from disclosure to protect privacy and safety. Juvenile criminal records are confidential and not available for public inspection. Records related to victims of certain crimes may have identifying information redacted under Marsy's Law. Cases that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available to the public.
The Florida Supreme Court has established an Access Security Matrix that outlines 14 different levels of access to online court records. The level of access granted depends on the user's role and the type of record being requested. Members of the general public can access most non-confidential criminal case information, while attorneys, law enforcement, and parties to the case may have access to additional details.