Glades County felony records are the official court files that list serious criminal cases handled in Moore Haven, Florida. These public records show charges, hearings, plea deals, and final outcomes for felony-level crimes.
The Glades County Clerk of Court keeps every file in the courthouse and in a digital system the public can search. Florida’s Sunshine Law gives every citizen the right to view these files. The only cases kept from the public are those sealed by a judge or cleared through the official expungement process.
What Are Glades County Felony Records
A felony record is the complete legal file from a serious criminal case. Glades County felony records include every paper filed by the State Attorney, every order signed by a judge, and every motion filed by defense lawyers. A felony is a crime that can be punished by more than one year in state prison. Common felonies include drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, fraud, and certain DUI charges. Each felony case in Glades County gets a unique case number the day the State Attorney files formal charges.
Who Creates Felony Records in Glades County
Three main groups create felony records. The State Attorney’s Office files the charging paperwork that starts the case. The Clerk of Court stamps and stores every paper that becomes part of the court file. The judge signs orders, judgments, and sentencing documents during the case. Law enforcement officers write arrest reports that are later added to the case file. All of these pieces together make up the full Glades County felony case file the public can request.
Why Felony Records Stay Public
Florida’s government believes the public has a right to know how the courts handle serious crimes. Open records help journalists, employers, landlords, and neighbors make informed choices. They also help victims track the outcome of their cases. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes requires the Clerk of Court to keep felony files open to the public. This rule is sometimes called the Florida Sunshine Law. A judge may close a file only when state law or a specific court order allows it.
The Clerk of Court and Its Role in Felony Records
The Glades County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for every felony case in the county. The Clerk is an elected office that runs independently from the court system. The office scans paper files into a digital system, assigns case numbers, and provides copies to the public. Staff members answer questions about how to search for cases. The Clerk also collects court fees, fines, and restitution payments ordered by the judge.
Office Location and Hours
The Glades County Clerk of Court sits inside the Glades County Courthouse in Moore Haven. The address is 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, Florida 33471. Regular business hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on all official state holidays. Walk-in visitors can ask for records at the public counter during these hours. For large or complex searches, calling ahead helps the staff pull files before the visitor arrives.
Phone and Contact Details
People can reach the Glades County Clerk of Court by phone at (863) 946-6010. The main fax line is (863) 946-0311. Emails for general record questions go to clerk@gladesclerk.org. The official website is gladesclerk.org. The website runs every day of the year, so users can search the public records portal any time, day or night, without needing to call the office.
How the Clerk Maintains Felony Files
When a new felony case opens, the Clerk creates a paper file and a digital version at the same time. Staff members scan every paper filed by lawyers and judges into the system. Searchable text is added so anyone using the online portal can type a name or case number and pull up the right file. Older paper files from before 2010 are kept in a climate-controlled storage room in the courthouse. These older files can still be requested for in-person review.
How to Search Glades County Felony Records Online
The fastest way to find Glades County felony records is through the official online portal. The portal is free to use and open to everyone. Searches work by typing in a name, case number, or date range. Results show the case caption, the charges, the next court date, and a list of every document filed in the case. The portal updates each night with new filings from that day.
Searching by Defendant Name
A name search is the most common way to pull up felony cases. Users type the last name first, then the first name. Adding a date of birth helps narrow the results when many people share the same name. The system lists every case linked to that person, open or closed. Each result shows the case number, the offense date, and a short description of the charge.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search is the most exact way to find a single file. Each Glades County felony case starts with the year, followed by “CF” for criminal felony, and a sequence number. For example, case number 2025-CF-000045 refers to the forty-fifth felony case filed in 2025. Users who know the case number can type it directly into the portal to skip name-based searches. This is the best method for lawyers, employers, and journalists who already know the file they need.
Searching by Date Range
Date range searches help users look at all felony filings in a given month, quarter, or year. This tool is useful for researchers, background check services, and news reporters. The user picks a start date and end date, and the system shows every felony case opened in that period. Each result still links to the full case file with names, charges, and outcomes.
Searching by Attorney or Judge
The portal also lets users search cases by the lawyer who filed them or the judge who handled them. This option helps law firms track their own cases and helps watchdog groups monitor specific judges. The drop-down menu lists every attorney and judge who has worked felony cases in the past ten years.
What Documents Are Included in Felony Case Files
A complete felony case file holds many different documents. Each paper tells part of the story of the case. Users can click each entry in the online portal to see a scanned image of the original file. Some files include dozens of pages, while complex cases can run into hundreds of pages.
Charging Documents and Indictments
The charging document is the paper that starts the case. It is called an Information when filed by the State Attorney or an Indictment when issued by a grand jury. The paper lists every charge against the defendant, the Florida statute the charge falls under, and the maximum penalty for each count. This document is the first thing any user will see when they open a felony case file.
Arrest Reports and Affidavits
Arrest reports are written by the law enforcement officers who made the arrest. The report describes what happened, who was involved, what evidence was found, and why the officer believed a crime had been committed. Sworn affidavits from witnesses and officers also become part of the file. These papers help users see the facts the police presented when the case started.
Plea Agreements and Plea Hearings
Many felony cases end with a plea deal instead of a trial. A plea agreement is a written contract between the State Attorney and the defendant. It lists what charges will be dropped, what charges the defendant will plead guilty to, and what sentence the State Attorney will ask the judge to give. A transcript from the plea hearing shows the judge asking the defendant questions to make sure the plea is voluntary.
Sentencing Orders and Probation Terms
After a guilty plea or a trial verdict, the judge signs a sentencing order. This order lists the prison time, probation period, fines, restitution to victims, and any other conditions the defendant must follow. If the judge gives probation instead of prison, the full probation terms are in the file. A violation of probation can lead to new charges, which create new entries in the same case file.
Statewide Criminal History Search Through FDLE
People who need a full Florida criminal background check can use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) criminal history search. This search covers felony records from Glades County and all other sixty-six counties in the state. It also includes arrests, dispositions, and current status of any criminal case in Florida. Many employers and licensing agencies require this search before they make a final decision.
What FDLE Reports Cover
An FDLE report shows every arrest in Florida, the charges filed, and the final outcome of each case. The report lists misdemeanor and felony cases going back many years. It also shows whether the person is currently on probation, in prison, or has completed their sentence. Sealed or expunged records do not show up on the report. The report is based on fingerprint matches and name-based searches.
Fees and Payment for FDLE Searches
Each FDLE name-based search costs $25. The fee is the same whether the system finds a record or not. Users pay by credit card or electronic check through the FDLE portal. The fee is non-refundable. A fingerprint-based search through an approved LiveScan vendor costs more but gives a more accurate match. Employers often pay for these searches as part of their hiring process.
How to Request an FDLE Search
Users can request a Florida criminal history search through the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us. They must create an account, enter the full legal name and date of birth of the person they want to search, and pay the fee. Results usually appear within minutes for online searches. The user can print or save the report as a PDF file.
Florida Public Records Law and Felony Records
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. The law requires every government office, including the courts, to make most records open to the public. The rule covers Glades County felony records in nearly every situation. A person who is denied a record can ask a judge to order the office to release it.
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for public records. The law says any record made or received by a government office in connection with official business is open to the public. The Clerk of Court must provide copies for a small fee. The only records kept closed are those that another law says must be confidential or those sealed by a court order.
Records That Stay Sealed
Some records are kept closed by law. Juvenile criminal records are not open to the public in the same way adult records are. Active police investigation files may be sealed until the investigation ends. Personal information like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and the names of sexual assault victims are redacted before files are released. Some records are sealed forever, while others are only sealed for a set number of years.
Sealing and Expungement Process
A person who meets certain rules can ask a judge to seal or expunge their felony record. Sealing means the file stays with the Clerk of Court but cannot be viewed by the public. Expungement means the file is destroyed, and only a few government agencies can see that it ever existed. Not every felony qualifies. Serious violent crimes, sex offenses, and certain drug trafficking charges cannot be sealed or expunged. The process takes several months and includes a background check, fingerprints, and a final court hearing.
Fees for Copies and Certified Documents
The Glades County Clerk of Court charges small fees for copies and certified documents. A regular copy of a single page costs $1. A certified copy of any document costs $2 per page, plus a $7.50 certification fee. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card. Users who order copies by mail must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the exact fee. Some credit card payments have an extra processing fee.
Standard Copy Fees
The standard fee schedule for public records copies in Glades County matches Florida state guidelines. The first two pages of a record may have a flat fee, with a lower per-page rate for the next several pages. The total cost depends on the size of the file. Users can ask for a written fee estimate before placing a large copy order. This helps avoid surprise charges when the order is ready.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies carry the official seal of the Clerk of Court and a signature. These copies are often required for background checks, immigration papers, and name changes. The fee covers the time needed to verify the document and attach the seal. Many users pay extra for next-day or same-day certified copy service when they need the paper quickly.
The 20th Judicial Circuit and Glades County
Glades County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers five counties: Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee, and Martin. All felony appeals from Glades County go to the circuit court in this group. The Chief Judge of the 20th Circuit assigns judges to handle felony cases in each county. The Clerk of Court in each county runs the local record system, but they all follow the same state rules.
Circuit-Wide Felony Appeals
When a defendant appeals a felony conviction, the case moves to the circuit appellate court. The clerk of the circuit court keeps the appeal records. Users who need appeal records must contact the 20th Judicial Circuit Clerk instead of the Glades County Clerk. The circuit clerk’s office is in Okeechobee, Florida. Appeal records include the trial transcript, the written arguments from both lawyers, and the appellate judge’s decision.
Shared Court Technology
The 20th Judicial Circuit uses a shared electronic filing system called e-Filing. Lawyers in any of the five counties can file felony papers through the same portal. The system stamps each paper with a date and time, and sends a copy to the local Clerk of Court. This shared system makes it easier for lawyers who practice in more than one county.
Neighboring Counties and Cross-County Searches
Glades County is a small rural county on the southwest shore of Lake Okeechobee. People who live in Glades County sometimes have cases in nearby counties. Crimes that happen near the county line can be filed in any county where part of the crime took place. Users who want a full background check should search every county where the person might have a case.
Highlands County Felony Records
Highlands County sits north of Glades County. The Highlands County Clerk of Court runs its own felony record system. The office is at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870. The phone number is (863) 402-6565. Users can search the Highlands County felony database through the county’s official website.
Hendry County Felony Records
Hendry County is just west of Glades County. The Hendry County Clerk of Court keeps felony records for that county. The office is at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, Florida 33935. The phone number is (863) 675-5217. The Hendry County felony search portal is available on the county’s official website.
Okeechobee County Felony Records
Okeechobee County borders Glades County to the north. The Okeechobee County Clerk of Court keeps felony files for that county. The office is at 312 North West Third Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972. The phone number is (863) 763-2131. Online searches are available through the official Okeechobee County website.
Martin County and Palm Beach County
Martin County and Palm Beach County are both close to Glades County. The Martin County Clerk of Court sits in Stuart, Florida, and the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court sits in West Palm Beach, Florida. Both counties run their own felony record systems. Users who need to search cases in these counties should contact the local clerk directly or use each county’s online portal.
Contact Information for Glades County Clerk of Court
Anyone who needs Glades County felony records can reach the Clerk of Court through several methods. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main phone number for record questions is (863) 946-6010. The office is closed on weekends and on all official Florida state holidays. Walk-in visitors can use the public counter to request files in person. The official website address is gladesclerk.org, and the online records portal is open every day, all day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glades County Felony Records
Below are the most common questions people ask about felony records in Glades County, Florida. Each answer gives the facts based on current Florida law and the local court rules in the 20th Judicial Circuit. These questions cover the most searched topics for users who need to find, read, or request felony case files in this part of South Central Florida.
How do I find out if someone has a felony record in Glades County?
The easiest way is to search the Glades County Clerk of Court online portal at gladesclerk.org. Type the person’s full legal name and date of birth into the search box. The portal shows every felony case linked to that person, including open cases, closed cases, and cases that ended in a conviction. A name-based FDLE search through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement also returns Glades County felony results, and the fee for that search is $25.
Are Glades County felony records free to view?
Yes, viewing felony records through the online portal is free. The Clerk of Court charges a small fee for printed copies and certified copies, but looking at the digital file at the courthouse or on the website costs nothing. Walk-in visitors can use the public computer terminals in the courthouse to read case files for free during business hours.
Can I get a felony case file from a closed case?
Yes, closed felony cases stay public under Florida law unless a judge has sealed or expunged the file. Users can search closed cases by name or case number in the online portal. Older paper files from before 2010 are kept in the courthouse storage room. The Clerk can pull these files for in-person review, though there may be a small retrieval fee for large or very old files.
What if a felony record is wrong on the Glades County website?
Anyone who sees an error in a felony record can ask the Clerk of Court to correct it. The request must be in writing and explain what the error is. The Clerk checks the original paper file, and if the online version does not match, the Clerk fixes the digital record. Serious errors that affect a person’s rights, like a wrong charge or a wrong conviction date, can also be challenged in court through a legal motion.
How long does Glades County keep felony records?
Florida law requires the Clerk of Court to keep felony records permanently. Paper files from older cases are stored in a climate-controlled room in the courthouse. Digital files are backed up on secure servers. Even cases that are sealed or expunged stay in the system but cannot be viewed by the public. The only records that are destroyed are those that a judge has ordered to be expunged under Florida law.
Can I see the actual court papers in a Glades County felony case?
Yes, the online portal lets users view scanned images of every paper filed in the case, including the charging document, motions, plea agreements, and sentencing order. Some files from the 1990s and earlier may not be scanned and would need an in-person visit. Walk-in visitors can use the courthouse terminals to read both digital and paper files for free during business hours.
Do I need a lawyer to request Glades County felony records?
No, a lawyer is not required to view or request public felony records in Glades County. Any member of the public can search, view, and request copies of felony case files. A lawyer is only required if the user wants to challenge a record, file an appeal, or ask a judge to seal or expunge a case. The Clerk staff can answer basic questions about the search process but cannot give legal advice to visitors.