Flagler County felony records are court files that document serious criminal cases prosecuted in Bunnell, Florida. These public records cover charges, hearings, plea deals, trials, and final outcomes for felony-level crimes.
Anyone can view these records under Florida’s open records laws. Most searches happen online through the Clerk of Court’s website. Older cases may require an in-person visit to the courthouse. This page explains how the system works, where to search, and what records you can see.
How Flagler County Felony Records Are Created and Stored
Felony records in Flagler County begin when law enforcement agencies make an arrest or file formal charges. The State Attorney’s Office reviews each case before filing formal charges in court. Each case receives a unique case number that stays with it for life. All paperwork flows through the Clerk of Court’s office, which stores physical files and digital copies. The clerk’s office maintains these records under Florida law for decades. Sealed records are removed from public view by court order.
What Counts as a Felony in Florida
Florida law divides crimes into two main groups: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are the more serious category and carry potential prison time of one year or more. Common felonies include drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, fraud, and certain DUIs. Each felony charge carries its own statutory ranking under Florida Statute Section 775.082. Capital felonies can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. Life felonies carry mandatory life sentences. First-degree felonies can lead to 30 years in prison. Second and third-degree felonies carry shorter maximum sentences.
| Felony Class | Maximum Prison Time | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Felony | Death or Life Imprisonment | Capital murder, large-scale drug trafficking |
| Life Felony | Life Imprisonment | First-degree murder, sexual battery on minor under 12 |
| First-Degree Felony | 30 Years | Drug trafficking, aggravated assault with weapon |
| Second-Degree Felony | 15 Years | Burglary with assault, certain large fraud cases |
| Third-Degree Felony | 5 Years | Grand theft, possession of controlled substance |
The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court’s Role
Flagler County sits within Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit, which also covers Volusia, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. The circuit court handles all felony cases in the county. Judges in this circuit preside over arraignments, pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing. The clerk’s office works directly under the chief judge of the circuit. All felony case files get entered into the circuit’s case management system. This system links Flagler cases with records from neighboring counties when defendants face charges in multiple locations.
Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives citizens the right to inspect most government records. Court records fall under this law by default. The statute requires agencies to make records available for inspection and copying. Some exceptions exist for active investigations, juvenile cases, and sealed records. Government agencies cannot deny access without citing a specific legal exemption. Requesters do not need to explain why they want the records. Fees for copies must be reasonable and based on actual production costs.
Where to Find Flagler County Felony Records
Three main sources exist for Flagler County felony records. The Clerk of Court’s office maintains the official court file. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs statewide criminal history searches. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks inmate records. Each source serves a different purpose. Knowing which one fits your needs saves time and money.
Flagler County Clerk of Court Office
Clerk of Court Tom Bexley oversees all court records in Flagler County. The office sits in the county courthouse complex in Bunnell. Staff members process new filings, scan documents, and respond to public requests. They also issue certified copies for use in other legal proceedings. The office operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Walk-in visitors can use public access terminals to search for cases. Staff will help locate files when case numbers or names are available.
Online Public Records Portal
The Clerk of Court operates an online portal that covers most felony case records from recent years. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows case status, upcoming hearings, and document images. Search results display charge details, party names, and case events. Older cases from before the digital system may not appear in online searches. Users can print or save results for personal use. The portal is free to search, but downloading documents may carry small fees.
Visiting the Courthouse in Bunnell
The Flagler County Courthouse stands at 1769 East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell. Free parking is available around the building. Visitors enter through the main lobby and pass through security screening. Public access computers sit in the clerk’s office area. Staff will help with searches when needed. Visitors should bring photo ID and any case numbers they already have. Plan for wait times during busy periods, especially Monday mornings and the day after holidays.
How to Search Flagler County Felony Records
Three search methods work for felony records in Flagler County. Name searches work best when you know the defendant’s full legal name. Case number searches return exact matches instantly. Date searches help narrow results when you only know a rough timeframe. Combining methods produces better results.
Searching by Defendant Name
The online portal accepts last name and first name fields for searches. Middle names improve accuracy but are not required. Common names produce more results that need careful review. Date of birth helps filter results to the correct person. Search results show all matching cases with their current status. Click any case to view full details, charges, and hearing schedules.
Searching by Case Number
Case numbers in Flagler County follow a standard format. Each case number includes the year, a sequence number, and a court code. Felony cases use specific court codes that distinguish them from misdemeanors. Entering the full case number returns immediate results. This method works best when you already have paperwork from a related legal matter. Attorneys and parties to the case usually have case numbers on file.
Searching by Court Date or Hearing Schedule
The portal also offers a calendar search feature. Users can browse upcoming hearings by date or judge. Past hearings show final outcomes and orders. This method helps people planning to attend a hearing. It also helps journalists and researchers track cases. The calendar covers both criminal and civil dockets. Filtering by case type keeps results focused.
Types of Felony Records You Can View
Flagler County felony files contain many document types. Each serves a different purpose in the case lifecycle. Some documents become public immediately. Others remain sealed until specific court events occur.
Arrest Records and Charging Documents
Arrest affidavits describe what law enforcement officers observed. They explain probable cause for the arrest. The State Attorney’s Office files formal charges called Informations. Grand jury indictments replace Informations in some felony cases. These documents list every charge and its statutory citation. They name the defendant, the arresting agency, and the lead officer. All of these appear in the public file unless sealed by court order.
Court Dockets and Hearing Records
Court dockets list every event in a case from filing to closure. Each entry shows the date, type of hearing, and outcome. Dockets include arraignments, pretrial motions, plea hearings, and trials. Minute orders document what judges decided at each hearing. Some hearings produce transcripts when requested and paid for. Dockets remain public unless a judge orders them sealed.
Sentencing Orders and Probation Documents
Sentencing orders spell out penalties the judge imposed. They list prison time, fines, and court costs. Probation orders state the rules defendants must follow during supervision. Violation reports appear when probation officers file alleged violations. Restitution orders set amounts owed to victims. All sentencing documents become part of the permanent court record.
Felony Conviction Records
Final judgment documents mark the end of a criminal case. They show whether the defendant pleaded guilty, no contest, or was found guilty at trial. They state the conviction and sentence. These documents help with background checks and sentence calculations. They also support collateral legal actions like appeals or sentence reviews.
Fees and Certified Copies
The Clerk of Court charges fees for copies and certified records. Standard copies cost less than certified copies. Certified copies carry the court’s official seal and verify authenticity. Most agencies require certified copies for legal use.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Printed Copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified Copy (per page) | $2.00 plus certification fee |
| Document Authentication (per seal) | $2.00 |
| FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search | $24.00 |
| Online Portal Search Access | Free |
Standard Copy Costs
Regular printed copies cost a set amount per page. The clerk’s office lists current rates on its website. Self-service copy machines cost less than staff-assisted copies. Electronic copies downloaded from the portal cost less than printed copies. Payment happens at the time of request for in-person visits. Online payments process by credit card for portal downloads.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies cost more because they require official seals and signatures. Each certified page carries a separate fee. Requests must include the case number and document type. Processing takes several business days for walk-in requests. Mail requests need additional time for delivery both ways. The clerk’s office confirms receipt of payment before starting work.
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Online payments process through a secure payment portal. In-person transactions happen at the cashier’s window. Mail requests should include a check or money order to avoid delays. Some services require payment before records get released.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but become unavailable to the public. Expunged records get physically destroyed by court order. Both processes require a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE.
Eligibility Under Florida Law
Florida Statute Section 943.059 controls expungements. Section 943.0585 controls record sealing. Most people with one felony charge who were never convicted may qualify. People who received a full pardon may also qualify. Serious offenses like murder, sex crimes, and child abuse cannot be sealed. Multiple felony convictions disqualify applicants entirely.
The Seal and Expunge Application Process
Step one requires obtaining a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. Step two requires filing a petition with the court. Step three requires the judge to sign a final order. Each step takes time and requires specific forms. The process usually takes several months from start to finish. Applicants cannot have pending charges during the process.
What Records Get Sealed
The clerk’s office seals the entire court file when the judge signs the order. Law enforcement agencies also seal their arrest records. The FDLE updates its database to reflect sealed status. Sealed records remain accessible to specific agencies for law enforcement purposes. Private background check companies cannot see sealed records.
Statewide Felony Record Resources
Two statewide systems help with criminal background checks. The FDLE maintains a complete criminal history database. The Department of Corrections tracks people currently in prison or on supervision. Both systems include Flagler County cases.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a paid name-based search service. Searches cost a set fee per request. Users need the person’s full name and date of birth. Results show arrests, charges, and dispositions across all Florida counties. The service runs through a secure online portal. Results arrive within minutes for most requests.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
The DOC database tracks people in state prison or on community supervision. Searches run by name or inmate number. Results show current custody status and projected release dates. Photos and physical descriptions appear for current inmates. The database covers people sentenced to state prison. County jail inmates do not appear in this search.
Flagler County Clerk of Court Contact Details
Flagler County residents and researchers can contact the Clerk of Court directly for help with felony record searches. The office handles walk-in requests, phone questions, and written correspondence during posted business hours. The clerk’s office serves the public from its main location in Bunnell and supports online requests through the official portal.
Office Address: 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 989, Bunnell, FL 32110
Phone: (386) 313-4400
Official Website: https://www.flaglerclerk.com/
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on state holidays)
Google Maps Location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Flagler+County+Clerk+of+Courts/@29.4518,-81.2523,17z
Frequently Asked Questions About Flagler County Felony Records
These answers cover the most common questions about felony records in Flagler County. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Clerk of Court procedures. They cover record retention, correction processes, sealing options, and access rights. Users should verify any time-sensitive details with the clerk’s office before relying on them.
How Long Does Flagler County Keep Felony Records?
Florida law requires the clerk to maintain felony records permanently. Paper files from older cases sit in climate-controlled storage inside the courthouse basement. Digital records remain in the case management system indefinitely across decades. Sealed records stay in the system but become inaccessible to the public through standard search tools. Expunged records get physically destroyed after a mandatory waiting period. Records that lead to death penalty cases remain sealed indefinitely even after execution orders are carried out. Researchers can request access to historical records through the clerk’s archive department for academic or genealogical projects. The clerk’s archive department responds to written requests within thirty days. Older physical files sometimes require additional retrieval time due to their storage location. Court reporters’ notes and trial transcripts follow separate retention schedules set by the Florida Supreme Court. These records may be destroyed after a set number of years unless someone requests preservation. Digital backups run continuously and protect against accidental loss of recent records.
Can Someone Remove a Felony Conviction From Their Record in Flagler County?
Florida offers limited relief pathways for people with felony convictions on their records. A certificate of rehabilitation helps people who completed their full sentence and probation period. Executive pardons from the Governor’s office offer another path for eligible applicants. Florida’s newer sealing law allows some people to seal convictions after a waiting period of several years. Each option has strict eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. Most violent felonies never qualify for any form of relief under current law. People should consult attorneys who handle post-conviction cases for current options. The waiting period begins after sentence completion and all probation obligations end. Court costs, restitution, and fines must also be paid before eligibility starts. The application requires fingerprinting, background checks, and a formal petition to the court. The FDLE reviews each application before issuing a certificate of eligibility. Each step in the process takes weeks to complete. Successful applicants receive a court order that directs all agencies to seal their records.
Are Warrant Records Part of the Public File?
Active arrest warrants are not always listed in the public court file because of investigation concerns. Law enforcement agencies sometimes keep warrant status confidential to protect ongoing operations and witness safety. Bench warrants for failing to appear at scheduled court dates appear in court dockets. Capias warrants for probation violations show up in case records as standard case events. The Sheriff’s Office maintains its own warrant database separate from the court records system. People concerned about outstanding warrants should consult an attorney directly rather than searching public records. Some warrant data becomes public only after arrests occur. The clerk’s office can confirm whether a person has an active case but cannot always confirm warrant status. Out-of-state warrants may not appear in any Florida database at all. Federal warrants run through separate systems maintained by federal law enforcement agencies. Each agency follows its own rules about when warrant data becomes public record. Defendants with active warrants often learn about them when law enforcement contacts them for unrelated matters.
Do Felony Records Show on Basic Background Checks?
Most commercial background check companies pull data from court records and the FDLE criminal database. Dispositions appear once cases close through plea, dismissal, or trial verdict. Pending cases show as active matters until final resolution. Sealed and expunged records should not appear on consumer background reports by law. Companies that report sealed records face legal penalties under Florida and federal law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires background check companies to follow strict accuracy rules. Report errors must be disputed within thirty days of receiving the report. Background check companies must verify disputed records within the same timeframe. Most reports include case numbers and source court data for verification. People can request copies of their own criminal records from the FDLE to confirm accuracy. The FDLE provides one free personal background check per person each year. Self-checks help people spot errors before employers see them through background screenings.
Can Employers See Flagler County Felony Records?
Florida law restricts how employers can use criminal records in hiring decisions. The Ban the Box law delays most background checks until after the first job interview. Public sector employers can run checks earlier in the application process under specific rules. Employers must consider the nature of the offense and its relation to the job position. Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules limit use of old convictions in hiring decisions. Individual cases vary based on job type, industry, and the nature of the position. Some industries require full disclosure of all criminal history regardless of state rules. Healthcare, education, and financial services jobs often require background checks before offers. Applicants with felony records should review job applications carefully for disclosure questions. Many applications only ask about convictions, not arrests that did not lead to convictions. Expunged convictions should never appear on background checks under state and federal law.
What Happens If Felony Records Contain Errors?
The clerk’s office can correct clerical errors in case records upon written request. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong birth dates, and incorrect case numbers. Substantive changes require court orders based on formal motions to the judge. Petitioners must file motions asking the judge to correct substantive errors in court records. FDLE records require a separate correction process through the state agency. Identity theft cases may require special handling through both the clerk and FDLE. Each correction process takes weeks or months to complete depending on complexity. The clerk charges small fees for certified corrections to be issued. Both the clerk and FDLE send correction notices to other agencies that received the original records. Courts can also order records amended retroactively in some cases. Expungement of wrong records requires a full court hearing with notice to all parties. People who find errors should request corrections promptly to avoid downstream effects on background checks.
How Does Someone Request Records for a Family Member?
Florida public records laws do not restrict who can request court files based on relationships. Anyone can request records for any case that is not sealed under court order. Family members do not get special treatment under the law for standard record requests. Sealed records require a court order even for direct family members to access. Legal guardians can access records for minors through court-appointed guardianship documents. Power of attorney allows access for incapacitated adults who cannot request records themselves. Attorneys representing family members can access records as part of formal legal representation. Family members should bring their own identification when requesting records on behalf of relatives. Some records may require proof of relationship before release in certain sealed cases. Death certificates may be required to access records for deceased family members. The clerk’s office processes all requests without preference for family relationships. Standard fees and procedures apply regardless of the relationship between the requester and subject.