Search Florida Felony Records through three main sources: the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, county Clerk of Court offices, and the Florida Department of Corrections. Each source holds different parts of a felony case file.
Public access to these records is protected by Florida’s Sunshine Law. Florida residents and non-residents can view most felony records at no cost or for a small fee. This page shows you exactly how to search each database, what fees apply, and what records stay sealed.
Florida Felony Records System Overview
Florida felony records come from many agencies. No single database holds every document. You often need to check more than one source to build a full felony history. The three main sources are state-level, county-level, and corrections-level records.
What Florida Felony Records Contain
A typical Florida felony record shows the arrest date, the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, the court case number, the final outcome, and the sentence imposed. It may also list court dates, motions filed, witness names, and evidence rulings. Records from the Department of Corrections add facility placement, parole eligibility, and release dates.
Florida Felony Classifications and Penalties
Florida divides felonies into five categories. Capital felonies carry the death penalty or life imprisonment. Life felonies carry life terms. First-degree felonies carry up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Second-degree felonies carry up to 15 years and $10,000 in fines. Third-degree felonies carry up to 5 years and $5,000 in fines. Each level changes how long the record stays on file and how the public can access it.
State vs Federal Felony Records in Florida
Florida state felony records cover crimes under Florida state law. Federal felony records cover crimes under U.S. federal law. Federal cases are handled by U.S. District Courts in Florida, not state courts. You must search the federal court system (PACER) for federal felony records. State felony records do not appear in federal searches and vice versa. The FDLE database only covers state-level offenses.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the central criminal history database. This database covers arrests, charges, and outcomes from all 67 Florida counties. FDLE updates records as soon as clerks of court report dispositions.
How to Search by Name and Date of Birth
Go to the FDLE Criminal History Search Portal at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. Enter the full legal name, date of birth, and gender. Adding a Social Security Number improves accuracy. Results appear instantly after payment. Each search costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee. Results include felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and dismissed cases.
FDLE Search Fees and Processing Times
Online searches cost $24 plus $1 processing for a total of $25. Mail requests cost the same $24 fee. Online results appear in seconds. Mail requests take 5 to 7 business days. The FDLE accepts credit cards, checks, and money orders for mail requests. All fees are non-refundable even when no record is found.
How to Request Certified Copies
Certified copies prove the record is authentic for legal use. You can request certified copies through the FDLE mail process. Include a written request, the subject’s full name and date of birth, a copy of your ID, and a $24 check or money order. Mail the request to FDLE User Services, PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Certified copies arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
Personal Record Review Process
Under Section 943.056, Florida Statutes, anyone can request a free review of their own criminal history. This review helps you spot errors before applying for jobs or background checks. Submit a written request with your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and a copy of your photo ID. Mail it to FDLE at the address above. Review requests take 30 to 60 days to process.
Florida Circuit Court Felony Records
Florida circuit courts handle all felony cases. There are 20 judicial circuits in Florida. Each circuit covers one or more counties. Felony cases start in circuit court and stay there until final disposition. Circuit court records hold the most detailed case files.
Florida Circuit Court Structure
Florida has 20 judicial circuits. Circuit 1 covers Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. Circuit 11 covers Miami-Dade County. Circuit 13 covers Hillsborough County. Circuit 9 covers Orange and Osceola counties. Each circuit has its own clerk of court and online portal. Some circuits share databases across counties. Others keep separate systems per county.
Search by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to find a felony record. Florida case numbers follow a set format. The format uses the year, the court type code, the case type, and a sequence number. For example, “2024-CF-001234” means a 2024 criminal felony case. The case number appears on every document filed in the case. You can search by case number on most county clerk websites.
Search by Defendant Name
Name searches work on most county clerk portals. You need the full legal name to get accurate results. Add a date of birth or year of birth to narrow results. Common names may return many matches. You can filter results by case type, year, and court division. Always check the full case file to confirm you have the right person.
Common Court Documents Available
County clerk portals give access to many case documents. Common documents include arrest affidavits, criminal complaints, information filings, motions, orders, pleas, judgments, sentences, and appeals. Some documents stay sealed even when the case is public. These include juvenile records, witness protection files, and certain search warrants.
County Clerk of Court Felony Records
Each Florida county has one Clerk of Court office. The clerk keeps all court records for that county. The clerk runs the local court records database. Most clerks offer online search tools.
Major County Online Portals
Miami-Dade County uses the Miami-Dade Clerk Online System. Broward County uses the Broward County Court Records system. Palm Beach County uses the Palm Beach County Clerk’s website. Hillsborough County uses the Hillsborough County Clerk’s Case Search. Orange County uses the Orange County Clerk’s Court Records portal. Duval County uses the Duval County Clerk’s Court Records Search. Each system has its own search rules and document access policies.
In-Person Record Requests
Visit the clerk’s office in person for records not available online. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk the case number or the full name and date of birth. The clerk will pull the file for you. You can view records on-site or pay for copies. Most offices charge 15 cents per page for copies.
Fees for Clerk Records
Standard copies cost 15 cents per one-sided page. Certified copies cost $1 each. Some counties charge extra fees for online document access. Miami-Dade charges $2.50 per document image. Broward charges $1 per page for online access. Always check the county fee schedule before requesting large amounts of records.
Florida Department of Corrections Records
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks inmates and supervised offenders. DOC records cover state prison sentences only. County jail records fall under the local sheriff’s office.
Inmate Search Functions
Visit the DOC Offender Search at dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx. Enter the inmate’s DC number or full name. Results show the inmate’s current location, status, sentence details, and release date. The database includes a photo when one is on file. The search covers current inmates, released inmates, and absconders.
Supervised Offender Records
The DOC also tracks offenders on probation, parole, and community control. These records appear in the same search portal. The record shows the supervising officer, the supervision level, and any special conditions. You can search by name or DC number. Results show the supervision status and any outstanding warrants.
DOC Records vs FDLE Records
DOC records show only the prison portion of a felony case. FDLE records show the full arrest and court history. Use DOC records to verify current incarceration or supervision. Use FDLE records to get the full case history including charges and outcomes. The two databases often overlap but never replace each other.
Records Excluded from Public Access
Not all felony records are public. Florida law protects certain records from public view. Some records are sealed by court order. Others stay confidential by law.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public search. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see them. Expunged records are physically destroyed or deleted. Most agencies treat them as if they never happened. The FDLE database does not show sealed or expunged records.
Juvenile Felony Records
Juvenile felony records have extra protection under Florida law. Most juvenile records are not public. Only specific agencies can access them. Juvenile records can be expunged through the juvenile diversion program. Some serious juvenile offenses stay on file until age 24.
Active Investigation Restrictions
Records of active criminal investigations are not public. Law enforcement agencies can withhold information that would harm an investigation. Once the case closes, most records become public. Some details may stay sealed to protect witnesses or victims.
Sealing and Expunction Process
Florida law allows certain people to seal or expunge felony records. The process involves both FDLE and the court. Most people can seal or expunge only one record in their lifetime.
Eligibility Requirements
You must have no prior seal or expunge order. You must have no adjudication of guilt for the case you want to seal. You must complete all sentence terms including probation. You must wait a set period after completion. For felonies, the wait is 10 years for sealing and 10 years for expungement. Some offenses never qualify for seal or expunge.
Application Steps and Fees
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The fee is $75. Step 2: File a petition with the clerk of court in the county where the case was handled. Step 3: Pay the court filing fee, which varies by county. Step 4: Attend the court hearing if scheduled. Step 5: Receive a court order. Step 6: Send a certified copy of the order to FDLE. The total process takes 6 to 12 months.
Disqualifying Offenses
Florida law blocks certain offenses from seal or expunge. These include arson, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, child abuse, drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping, sexual battery, robbery, and terrorism. A full list appears in Section 943.0584, Florida Statutes. You can check eligibility through the FDLE Seal and Expunge page at fdle.state.fl.us/seal-and-expunge-process.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida’s public records law protects the right to access government records. The law is one of the strongest in the country. Most felony records fall under public access rules.
Sunshine Law Rights
Article I, Section 24(a) of the Florida Constitution gives every person the right to view public records. Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, also known as the Sunshine Law, sets the rules for access. You do not need to state a reason to view records. You do not need to show ID. Agencies must respond to requests in a reasonable time.
Fee Structure for Public Records
Standard copies cost 15 cents per one-sided page. Two-sided copies cost 20 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1 each. Agencies can charge a special service fee for large requests. The fee covers the actual cost of producing the records. Excessive fees are not allowed.
Exempt Records Categories
Some records stay exempt from public access. These include active criminal intelligence information, active investigative information, victim identity in sexual assault cases, child victim identity, and grand jury proceedings. Section 943.053 lists all criminal history exemptions. Each exemption has strict rules about when it applies.
Third-Party Record Search Services
Many websites offer Florida felony record searches. Some are free. Some charge fees. The data quality varies widely. Always compare third-party results with official sources.
Free vs Paid Services
Free services often pull data from old public records. The data may be months or years out of date. Paid services offer faster updates and more search tools. Costs range from $1 to $50 per search. Premium services offer monitoring and background checks. Always check the source of the data before trusting the results.
Limits of Third-Party Sites
Third-party sites cannot access sealed or expunged records. They cannot match official records in real time. They often miss recent court updates. The search results may include errors from old data. For legal or official use, always go to the source. Use FDLE, county clerks, or DOC for accurate records.
Florida Felony Records Quick Facts
| Record Source | What It Covers | Cost | Access Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDLE Criminal History | All state arrests and convictions | $24 + $1 fee | Instant online, 5-7 days mail |
| County Clerk of Court | Court case files and documents | $0.15 per page, $1 certified | Instant online, same day in person |
| DOC Offender Search | State prison inmates and supervision | Free | Instant online |
| Comprehensive Case Information System | Statewide court case data | Restricted to agencies | Not public |
| MyFloridaCounty Official Records | Recorded documents and liens | Varies by county | Instant online |
Contact Information for Florida Felony Records
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Email: SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us
Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
Address: PO Box 1567, Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: (850) 922-5090
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Website: www.flclerks.com
Florida Department of Corrections
Address: 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 717-3000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Website: www.dc.state.fl.us
Florida Department of Corrections Location Map
Search Florida Felony Records by County
Florida felony records are held at the county level. Select a county to search local court records.
- Miami-Dade County – miamidadeclerk.gov
- Broward County – browardclerk.org
- Palm Beach County – mypalmbeachclerk.com
- Hillsborough County – hillsclerk.com
- Orange County – myfloridacounty.com/orange
- Duval County – duvalclerk.com
- Pinellas County – pinellasclerk.org
- Lee County – leeclerk.org
- Polk County – polkcountyclerk.net
- Brevard County – brevardclerk.us
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Felony Records
Below are common questions about searching Florida felony records. The answers are based on current Florida law and agency policies as of 2026.
How do I search Florida felony records for free?
You can search Florida felony records for free through the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search portal. This database covers current inmates, released inmates, and supervised offenders. You can also search county clerk websites for free to view basic case details. The FDLE database costs $24 per search and requires payment. The DOC database has no fee. Always check the DOC first for current state prison inmates. For arrest and conviction history, the FDLE search gives the most complete results.
Can I search Florida felony records by name?
Yes, you can search Florida felony records by name through the FDLE Criminal History Search portal. The search requires the full legal name and date of birth. Gender is also required. Adding a Social Security Number improves accuracy. You can also search by name on county clerk websites. Most county clerk portals allow name searches with date of birth filters. The search results show all matching cases with case numbers, charges, and outcomes.
How do I find a Florida felony case number?
You can find a Florida felony case number by searching the county clerk portal where the case was filed. Use the defendant name search to locate the case. The case number follows a format like “2024-CF-001234” where CF means criminal felony. The year shows the filing year. The sequence number identifies the specific case. You can also call the clerk’s office with the defendant name and date of birth to get the case number.
Are Florida felony records public?
Yes, Florida felony records are public under the Florida Sunshine Law. Most arrest records, court case files, and conviction records are open to the public. You can search them online or in person. Some records are sealed or expunged by court order and are not public. Juvenile records and active investigation records are also not public. For most adult felony cases, the records are open for viewing and copying.
How long do Florida felony records stay on file?
Florida felony records stay on file permanently unless sealed or expunged. The FDLE database keeps records for life. There is no automatic deletion of felony records. Expunged records are physically destroyed or deleted. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public search. Some states limit how long records stay on file, but Florida does not. A felony conviction remains on file forever unless you go through the seal or expunge process.
What is the difference between Florida felony search and background check?
A Florida felony search looks at one state for felony records. A background check covers many states and may include federal records, credit history, employment history, and more. Background checks often use third-party services. A felony search pulls data directly from FDLE, county clerks, or DOC. Background checks are used for employment and housing. Felony searches are used for legal cases and personal record review.
Can I remove a Florida felony from public records?
Yes, you can remove a Florida felony from public records through the seal or expunge process. You must qualify under Florida law. Most people can seal or expunge only one record. The process starts with a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The fee is $75. You then file a petition with the court. The total cost ranges from $500 to $2,000 including attorney fees. The process takes 6 to 12 months. Serious felonies like murder, sexual battery, and drug trafficking cannot be sealed or expunged.
Final Sources for Florida Felony Records
Search Florida Felony Records through the official sources listed in this article. The FDLE, county clerks, and DOC provide the most accurate and current records. Always verify third-party data with these official sources. Florida felony records help with legal cases, employment screening, personal record review, and public safety research. The Sunshine Law gives you the right to access these records at a low cost. The process has been updated for 2026 with new digital access tools and same-day certified copy options at most county clerk offices.