Wakulla County felony records are court files that hold details about serious criminal cases filed in the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida. These records cover charges, court actions, pleas, verdicts, and sentences for felony-level crimes.
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court in Crawfordville keeps and maintains these records under Florida’s public records law. Anyone can look at them online, by mail, or in person. This page explains how the records work, what they contain, who keeps them, and how to get them.
What Are Wakulla County Felony Records
Wakulla County felony records are official court papers that track felony cases from the first charge to the final court decision. A felony is a serious crime that can lead to prison time of more than one year under Florida law. These cases are heard in the Circuit Court, not County Court. The records include the arrest, the formal charges, motions, hearings, plea deals, trial results, and the final sentence.
What Information the Records Contain
Each felony case file has a set of standard papers that show the full life of a case. These papers help the public follow what happened in court. The most common items in a Wakulla County felony case file are listed below.
- Name of the defendant and case number
- Date of arrest and the agency that made the arrest
- List of felony charges filed by the State Attorney
- Court motions, orders, and hearing dates
- Plea agreements or trial outcomes
- Final judgment, sentence, and probation terms
- Fines, court costs, and restitution orders
Who Can See These Records
Florida law treats felony court records as public papers. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says that any person can ask for and view most court records. Sealed records, expunged records, juvenile records, and some witness identities are kept private. Records that are part of an active investigation may also be limited for a time. For most other felony cases, the records are open for public review.
Wakulla County Clerk of Court and Felony Records
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court is the main office that stores and serves felony court records. The clerk’s office is the official record keeper for the Circuit Court in Wakulla County. All felony cases that go through the local court system pass through this office. The clerk also handles fees, certified copies, and online access to case files.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court sits on Crawfordville Highway in the county seat of Crawfordville, Florida. The office is open to the public during normal business hours on weekdays. You can call the clerk’s office during these hours to ask about case files, fees, or search help. The full contact details are listed below.
- Office: Wakulla County Clerk of Court
- Address: 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327
- Phone: (850) 926-0905
- Website: https://www.wakullaclerk.org/
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time
Role of the Clerk in Felony Cases
The clerk’s office starts a new file when a felony case enters the court system. Staff at the clerk’s office record every court order, motion, and judgment that the judge signs. They also handle paperwork sent from the State Attorney’s Office and the defense lawyer. The clerk sends court notices, schedules hearings, and tracks fines and costs. The clerk does not give legal advice or interpret the meaning of any court order.
How to Search Felony Case Records Online
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court runs an online search tool on the official website. This tool lets the public look up felony cases without visiting the office in person. The online system pulls from the same database that the clerk’s staff use at the counter. Most cases from the early 2000s to today are available in the online system.
Step-by-Step Online Search Process
The online search tool on the Wakulla County Clerk website works in a simple way. You enter a name or case number, and the system shows matching cases. Follow the steps below to run a search.
- Open the official site at https://www.wakullaclerk.org/.
- Click the public records or court records link on the home page.
- Type the last name and first name of the person in the search box.
- Add a date of birth if you have it to narrow the results.
- Click search to see the list of matching cases.
- Click on a case to see charges, court dates, and docket entries.
What You Can and Cannot See Online
The online search shows basic case data such as the names of the parties, charges, court dates, and docket entries. Many court papers like motions, orders, and judgments are also posted online as PDF files. Some sensitive papers may not be online. Sealed files, juvenile records, and certain exhibits are kept off the public portal. For full file access, you may need to visit the clerk’s office in person.
How to Look Up a Case by Number
If you know the case number, the search is much faster. A Wakulla County felony case number follows a standard format that includes the year and a sequence of digits. Type the full case number into the case number search box on the clerk’s website. The system will pull up that single case file. Case numbers are printed on every court paper, so you can find them on a citation, arrest report, or prior court order.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history database that includes felony records from Wakulla County. The FDLE database covers all 67 Florida counties and is the most complete criminal history search tool in the state. The system shows arrests, charges, convictions, and pending cases. You can run a search from any computer with internet access.
FDLE Search Cost and Process
The FDLE charges a fee for each criminal history search. The fee covers the cost of running the name through the statewide database. You need a full name, date of birth, and gender to run a search. Results are shown on screen right away after payment. The details of the FDLE search are listed below.
- Search cost: $24.00 per name (subject to change by FDLE)
- Required data: full legal name, date of birth, and gender
- Search link: https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Result time: instant online display
- Coverage: all 67 Florida counties including Wakulla County
What the FDLE Report Includes
The FDLE report shows the arrest history, the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, and the final outcome. It also shows sentence details for convictions and any pending charges. The report pulls from records sent by county clerks, sheriff’s offices, and the Department of Corrections. An FDLE report is a good way to see a person’s full criminal history across Florida, not just one county.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
If a felony case in Wakulla County ended with a state prison sentence, the person will show up in the Florida Department of Corrections inmate database. The DOC database is a free public search tool. It lists current Florida state prison inmates and some released offenders. You can search by name or DOC number.
How to Use the DOC Offender Search
The DOC offender search is free and open to the public. You do not need to pay or sign up for an account. The search will tell you if a person is in state prison, where they are housed, and their earliest release date. The DOC database also lists the county where the original sentence was given. The steps to use the tool are listed below.
- Go to http://www.dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx.
- Enter the last name and first name of the person.
- Add a date of birth or alias if you know it.
- Click search to see inmate records and photos.
- View the original county and the case details.
What the DOC Record Shows
The DOC offender record shows the inmate’s full name, DOC number, current facility, and the offense of conviction. It also shows the county where the court sentenced the person, the sentence length, and the release date. The record is updated as the inmate moves through the prison system. This is a strong tool for felony cases that ended with prison time.
Felony Court Records and Document Types
Felony case files in Wakulla County contain many different types of court papers. Each paper has a role in the case. Some papers show the start of the case. Other papers show what the court did during the case. The end of the case is shown in the final judgment and sentence order.
Key Papers in a Felony Case File
Court staff add new papers to a felony case file as the case moves through the system. The most common papers in a Wakulla County felony file are listed below.
- Arrest warrant or capias issued by the judge
- Formal information or indictment filed by the State Attorney
- Arraignment record showing the plea at first court appearance
- Discovery motions filed by the defense
- Pre-trial motion orders and hearing transcripts
- Plea agreement, if the defendant pleads guilty or no contest
- Verdict form from a jury or bench trial
- Sentencing order with prison or probation terms
How to Read a Felony Docket Sheet
A docket sheet is a short list of every event in a felony case. The docket shows the date of each event, a short note about what happened, and the name of the judge. It is a quick way to follow a case without reading every paper in the file. Most online court searches show the docket sheet on the first page of the case.
Fees, Copies, and Certified Records
The Wakulla County Clerk’s office charges set fees for copies and certified records. A standard copy is a plain photocopy of a court paper. A certified copy has the clerk’s seal and signature, and it is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. The fees are set by Florida law and are the same at every county clerk’s office in the state.
Fee Table for Felony Record Requests
The table below shows the standard fees for felony record copies and certified records at the Wakulla County Clerk of Court. The fees may change based on state law updates. Check with the clerk’s office for the latest fee schedule before you place a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard photocopy (per page) | $0.15 (15 cents) |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 |
| Authentication or apostille (per document) | Set by the Florida Department of State |
| FDLE statewide criminal history search | $24.00 per name |
| Online docket access | Free of charge |
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Some offices also accept credit and debit cards, but a small service fee may apply. Online payments are handled through the clerk’s official website. Make checks payable to the Wakulla County Clerk of Court. Do not send cash through the mail.
How to Request Wakulla County Felony Records
You can ask for felony records from the Wakulla County Clerk of Court in three ways. You can visit the office in person, send a mail request, or use the online search portal. Each method has its own steps and time frame. Pick the method that fits your needs based on speed, cost, and the type of record you want.
In-Person Felony Record Request
An in-person visit is the fastest way to get a felony record. You can walk into the clerk’s office during business hours and ask for the file. Staff at the front counter will help you search by name or case number. Most records can be copied or printed on the spot. You will pay the copy fee before you leave the office.
Mail Request for Felony Records
If you cannot visit in person, you can send a written request by mail. Your letter should include the full name of the person, the case number if you have it, the date of birth, and the records you want. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail your request to the clerk’s office address listed earlier on this page.
Online Record Request Through the Clerk Portal
For many felony records, you do not need to call or visit the office. The Wakulla County Clerk’s online portal lets you search and view case data at any time. You can print what you need from your own computer. For certified copies, the portal will guide you to the right request form and payment steps.
Record Retention and Access Policies
Florida law sets rules for how long court records are kept and where they are stored. The Wakulla County Clerk’s office follows the retention schedule from the Florida Department of State. Active felony cases stay in the main office files. Closed cases may move to a long-term storage area after a set period.
Retention Periods for Felony Records
Felony case records in Wakulla County are kept for long periods because of the serious nature of the crimes. The clerk maintains both paper and digital records based on the state retention schedule. The table below shows the general retention rules for felony court records in Florida.
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony case files (general) | Retained permanently in some form |
| Felony case files (sealed or expunged) | Retained according to court order |
| Felony docket sheets | Retained permanently |
| Digital court records (post-2000s) | Stored on the clerk’s electronic system |
| Older paper records (pre-1970s) | May be stored off-site or on microfilm |
Access to Old or Archived Records
If you need a felony record from many years ago, contact the clerk’s office before you visit. Old paper records may be stored off-site and need advance notice to pull. Some records from the 1970s or earlier may be on microfilm. The clerk’s staff can help you locate the right file. There may be a small fee for the time it takes to retrieve older records.
Felony Records and Florida Public Records Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public the right to see records made or kept by government agencies. Court records are covered by this law. The Wakulla County Clerk’s office follows Chapter 119 in serving felony records to the public.
Your Right to Ask for Records
Under Florida law, you have the right to ask for and copy public records. Agencies must answer your request in a reasonable time. The clerk’s office may charge only the actual cost of copying and sending the records. The law does not require the clerk to create new records, but they must let you see the records they already have. You can read the law in full at the official Florida Legislature site.
Records That Are Not Open to the Public
Some court records are not open to the public. Sealed records, expunged records, and certain juvenile files are kept private by court order. Records that identify sexual assault victims in some cases may also be limited. The clerk’s office will not release these records without a valid court order. Active investigation files held by law enforcement are also limited.
Common Questions About Wakulla County Felony Records
Many people want to know more about felony records in Wakulla County. Below are answers to the most common questions about how to find these records, who can see them, and what the records include. Each answer is based on current Florida law and the rules of the Wakulla County Clerk of Court.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Felony Record
The time to get a felony record from Wakulla County depends on the method you use. In-person requests at the clerk’s counter are often filled the same day for simple lookups. Mail requests take longer because of postal time and the time staff need to pull the file. Certified copies by mail may take one to two weeks. Online searches show basic case data right away. For very old records stored off-site, the clerk may need a few days to retrieve the file.
Are All Felony Records Public in Wakulla County
Most felony records in Wakulla County are public under Florida law. Records that have been sealed or expunged by a court order are not open to the public. Juvenile felony records and certain sensitive records may also be limited. Records that are part of an ongoing investigation may be held back for a time. For all other felony cases, the records are open for public review through the clerk’s office.
Can I Search Felony Records for Free
Yes, the Wakulla County Clerk’s online portal is free to use for basic docket searches. You can see case data, party names, charges, and court dates at no cost. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is also free. The FDLE statewide criminal history search costs $24 per name, which is set by state law. Certified copies and printed pages have a small fee per page.
What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor Record
Felony records cover serious crimes that can lead to prison time of more than one year. Misdemeanor records cover less serious crimes with shorter jail time. In Wakulla County, felony cases are heard in the Circuit Court, and misdemeanor cases are heard in the County Court. The clerk keeps separate files for each. The search process is similar, but the case numbers and court divisions are different.
Can I Remove a Felony Record From Public View
Florida law allows some people to seal or expunge a felony record under certain conditions. You must meet the rules set in Florida Statutes. A judge must sign a court order to seal or expunge the record. After the order, the clerk’s office will remove the record from public access. Not all felony cases qualify for sealing or expungement. A lawyer can help you check if you qualify.
How Do I Find Out if Someone Is in Prison for a Wakulla County Felony
To find out if someone is in state prison for a Wakulla County felony, use the Florida Department of Corrections offender search at http://www.dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx. The search is free and shows current inmates. Type the full name and date of birth. The result will show the original county of conviction, the sentence, and the prison location. For local jail inmates, contact the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office directly.
Can I Use a Felony Record Check for Employment or Housing
A standard online docket search is for public review only. For employment, licensing, or housing, most agencies ask for an official FDLE criminal history report or a certified copy from the clerk. These official reports carry the clerk’s seal and are accepted by employers and government agencies. The FDLE report is accepted statewide in Florida. A basic online search is not an official record.