Escambia County felony records are public court files that show felony criminal cases handled in Pensacola, Florida. These records list charges, court dates, pleas, verdicts, and sentences for each case.
The Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller keeps and updates these files. Florida’s Sunshine Law lets any person view most of these records for free or a small fee. You can look up cases online, by phone, or in person at the clerk’s office.
What Are Escambia County Felony Records
Escambia County felony records are legal documents created when a person is charged with a felony crime in the county. A felony is a serious crime that can lead to prison time of more than one year. These records track the full life of a felony case from arrest to final sentencing. They help the public, attorneys, employers, and law enforcement check someone’s criminal past in Escambia County.
Definition of Felony Records
A felony record in Escambia County is a permanent file held by the local court system. Each file begins when the State Attorney files formal charges against a person. The file grows as the case moves through arraignment, hearings, plea deals, trial, and sentencing. All paper and digital filings for that case get stored together under one case number. The clerk’s office makes sure these files stay open to the public under Florida law.
Types of Felony Cases Filed in Escambia County
Escambia County handles many kinds of felony cases each year. The most common include drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, fraud, DUI with injury, weapons charges, and homicide. Sex offense cases and white-collar crimes like identity theft also appear often. Federal crimes charged in federal court are not part of these county records. Only crimes charged under Florida state law in Escambia County go into this system.
Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Records
Felony and misdemeanor records are kept in two separate court tracks. Felonies are more serious crimes with possible prison time over one year. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes with a maximum sentence of one year in county jail. The two have different case file systems and different divisions within the clerk’s office. Felony files are kept longer because the stakes and sentences are higher.
How to Search Escambia County Felony Records Online
The fastest way to find felony records in Escambia County is to use the online portal on the clerk’s website. The portal works 24 hours a day from any device with internet. You do not need an account to run a basic search. Most cases from the past 20 years are already scanned and posted online.
Using the Escambia County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The online portal is at the official Escambia County Clerk website. Once you reach the site, click on the public records or court records search link. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The system shows a list of matching cases with basic details like filing date, charge type, and current status. You can then click on a case to see the full docket and document list.
Search by Name
Searching by name is the most common method for the public. Enter the last name first, then the first name. Add a middle name or initial if you know it to narrow the results. The system will return every felony case linked to that person in the county. You will see a short summary of each case with the case number, charges, and current status.
Search by Case Number
If you already have a case number, the search is direct and exact. Case numbers in Escambia County follow a set format that includes the year and a sequence of letters and numbers. Type the full number into the case number search box. The system will pull up the exact file without showing other cases. This method is best when you only need one specific file.
Search by Defendant
The defendant search works the same as a name search but covers all matching felony cases. It is useful when checking the full criminal history of one person. You can view prior convictions, pending charges, and dismissed cases. Each entry links to a full docket sheet with court dates and filings.
Escambia County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the main office that stores felony records. The office is in downtown Pensacola, the county seat. Staff process new filings, scan paper records, and answer public questions. They also help visitors use the public computer terminals inside the lobby.
Physical Address and Location
The main clerk’s office sits at 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, Florida 32502. The building is in the heart of downtown Pensacola near the county courthouse. Free public parking is available in nearby garages and street spots. The office is easy to reach by bus or by walking from many downtown hotels and restaurants.
Office Hours and Phone Number
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. You can call the public records line at (850) 595-4310 during office hours. Staff answer questions about searches, fees, and the status of pending cases. You can also email the office through the contact form on the official website.
Fees for Copies and Certified Documents
Regular copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more because they carry the court seal and an extra certification fee. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. You pay at the cashier window before the clerk releases the copies. Mailing requests need a self-addressed stamped envelope along with the payment.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a statewide criminal history search. This search covers felony records from Escambia County and all other 66 Florida counties. It is the most complete background check you can run through a state agency. Many employers and landlords use this service before making decisions.
How the FDLE Search Works
You can run an FDLE search through the official FDLE website. You need the full legal name and date of birth of the person you are searching. The system checks records across the entire state database. Results come back within minutes after payment clears. You can print the report or save it as a PDF file for your records.
Cost of an FDLE Search
Each name-based FDLE search costs $24.00 as of 2026. The fee applies even if the search finds no records. Payment is by credit or debit card through the secure portal. There is no bulk discount. Some employers pay for this search on behalf of job applicants during the hiring process.
What Information the Report Includes
The report lists all felony arrests and dispositions in Florida. It shows charge type, case number, court of record, and final outcome. It also includes misdemeanor convictions if the person was found guilty. The report does not include sealed or expunged records, juvenile records, or out-of-state charges.
Information Available in Felony Court Files
Felony case files in Escambia County contain many types of legal paperwork. Each file shows the full story of one felony case from start to finish. You can see who was charged, what they were charged with, and what happened in court. The files are open to the public unless a judge orders them sealed.
Charging Documents
The charging document is the paper that starts a felony case. It is called an information or indictment depending on how the case moved forward. The document lists the name of the defendant, the charges, and the law that was broken. It also names the State Attorney who filed the case against the defendant.
Court Dates and Hearing Outcomes
Each felony file has a docket sheet that lists every court date. The sheet shows the type of hearing, the judge who presided, and the result. Common entries include arraignment, pretrial conference, plea hearing, trial, and sentencing. You can trace the path of the case through these entries without reading each individual motion.
Sentencing and Probation Records
After a conviction, the judge signs a sentencing order. The order lists prison or jail time, fines, and other penalties. If the judge grants probation, the order shows the probation terms, length, and reporting officer. Later filings may show violations of probation or early termination of the sentence. These records stay in the file for many years.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some felony records can be sealed or expunged by court order. A sealed record is hidden from most public searches but still exists in the system. An expunged record is destroyed for most purposes. The FDLE seal and expunge process lets eligible people clear certain convictions after a waiting period. Not every felony qualifies, and violent crimes usually cannot be cleared.
Florida Public Records Law and Access Rights
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. The law gives every person the right to see most government records, including felony court files. The clerk’s office must follow the law and release the records on request. The only limits are records the legislature has chosen to keep private.
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the state’s main public records law. It says that any person can ask to see or copy public records held by government offices. The clerk’s office must respond to requests in a reasonable time. The law also says that public records do not belong to the agency. They belong to the people of Florida.
Who Can Access These Records
Any member of the public can access felony records in Escambia County. You do not need to be a lawyer, a citizen, or live in Florida. The law applies to journalists, researchers, employers, landlords, and private citizens. You only need to provide a name or case number to start a search.
Records Exempt from Public View
Some records are exempt from public view by law. These include active criminal investigation files, juvenile criminal records, and certain personal information. Records sealed by court order or expunged by the FDLE are also hidden from public search. The clerk’s office will explain the reason if a record is not open to view.
Adjacent County Resources
Criminal cases sometimes cross county lines in Northwest Florida. If you cannot find a record in Escambia County, the case may sit in a nearby county. The following counties share a border with Escambia County and run their own court systems. Each clerk’s office keeps separate felony records under Florida law.
Santa Rosa County Felony Records
Santa Rosa County sits just east of Escambia County across the Escambia River. The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court keeps felony records for cases filed in Milton and other Santa Rosa cities. You can search their records online or visit the office in Milton. Many defendants have cases in both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties because the area is closely linked.
Okaloosa County Felony Records
Okaloosa County is east of Santa Rosa County and also borders Escambia County on the east side. The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court keeps felony records for Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Destin. Their online portal uses a similar system to Escambia County. Cases filed at Eglin Air Force Base or Hurlburt Field are federal and not in the county system.
Baldwin County Alabama Records
Baldwin County, Alabama sits west of Escambia County across state lines. Felony cases in Alabama go through Alabama state courts, not Florida courts. The Baldwin County District Court and Circuit Court keep their own felony files. You can search Alabama court records through the Alabama Judicial System website or by visiting the courthouse in Bay Minette.
Contact and Office Information
Below is the most current contact information for the Escambia County Clerk of Court office. You can use this to call ahead, plan an in-person visit, or mail a records request. The office is in the heart of downtown Pensacola and easy to reach by car, bus, or on foot.
Official website: https://www.escambiaclerk.com/
Phone number: (850) 595-4310
Address: 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on state holidays)
Frequently Asked Questions About Escambia County Felony Records
Below are answers to the most common questions people ask about Escambia County felony records. These answers cover search methods, fees, sealed records, and what to do if a record is wrong. The goal is to give you clear, simple facts so you know what to expect before you start a search.
How Long Does It Take to Get Felony Records in Escambia County?
Online searches give you results right away through the clerk’s portal. In-person requests at the counter usually take 10 to 30 minutes per case. Mail requests can take 5 to 10 business days to arrive. Certified copies ordered by mail may take 2 to 3 weeks if the clerk needs to pull the file from offsite storage. Plan ahead if you have a deadline.
Are Juvenile Felony Records Open to the Public in Escambia County?
No, juvenile felony records are not open to the general public in Florida. These records stay confidential under state law. Only the juvenile, the parents or guardians, the judge, and certain agencies can see the full file. Some juvenile records can be expunged once the person turns 24 years old under specific rules.
Can I Remove a Felony Record From the Escambia County Public Search?
You can ask to seal or expunge a felony record if you meet the legal rules. The process starts by getting a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE. You then file a petition with the court that handled your case. A judge will decide whether to grant the request based on the charge, your record, and the time that has passed. Most violent felonies cannot be sealed or expunged.
What Is the Difference Between a Felony Charge and a Felony Conviction in Escambia Records?
A felony charge means the state has filed a formal accusation against a person. A felony conviction means the person was found guilty by plea or trial. The clerk’s records show both types, along with dismissals and dropped charges. Background checks usually focus on convictions, not dropped charges. Always check the disposition line to see the final outcome.
Can I Use Escambia County Felony Records for Employment Screening?
Yes, employers in Florida can use public felony records for hiring decisions. The records help check if a job candidate has a relevant criminal past. The employer must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act if a third party runs the check. Some jobs, like those with children or vulnerable adults, require a full FDLE search by law.
Does the Escambia County Clerk Charge for Online Felony Record Searches?
Basic online searches on the clerk’s portal are free to use. You can view the docket and most documents at no cost. The portal charges a small fee to print or download documents through the certified copy system. The fee depends on the number of pages and whether you want a court seal stamp. FDLE searches cost $24.00 per name.
What Should I Do If I Find an Error in My Escambia County Felony Record?
If you find an error in your record, contact the clerk’s office right away by phone or in person. Bring proof of the error, such as a court order or dismissal paper. The clerk will review the file and correct the mistake if it is real. For arrests that did not lead to charges, you may need to file a motion with the court to clear the entry from public view.