Miami Dade County felony records are public court files that show serious criminal cases filed in Florida’s most populated county. These records include charges, hearing dates, pleas, verdicts, and sentences.
Anyone can search them online through the Clerk of Courts or visit a courthouse in person. The system covers decades of case history from the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.
What Miami Dade County Felony Records Contain
Basic Definition and Purpose
Felony records are court documents that track serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. In Miami Dade, these records cover murder, robbery, drug trafficking, burglary, fraud, and other major offenses. The files show each step of a case from arrest through final sentencing. They also list plea deals, dropped charges, and acquittals.
Case Types Stored in the System
The clerk’s database stores all felony case types processed through Miami Dade courts. This includes first-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, and third-degree felonies. Each case has a unique case number that stays the same throughout the court process. You can use that number to pull up every document tied to the case.
Agencies Responsible for Felony Records
Three main agencies handle Miami Dade County felony records. The Clerk of Courts manages the physical and digital files. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court runs the trials and hearings. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps a statewide criminal history database that includes all county cases.
How to Search Miami Dade County Felony Records Online
Official Clerk of Courts Portal
The main tool for online searches is the Miami Dade Clerk of Courts website at miamidadeclerk.gov. The portal runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can search by name, case number, or party type. Basic case details show up free of charge. The portal covers cases from the late 1990s to the present day.
Information You Need to Start a Search
To get the best results, gather this data before searching:
- Full legal name of the person
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if you have it)
- Approximate year of the case
- Known aliases or previous names
More details lead to faster, more accurate results. Name-only searches can pull up many people with the same name.
Results Displayed in the Search Tool
After a search, the system shows a list of matching cases. Each entry includes the defendant’s name, case number, filing date, current status, and judge assigned. Click on a specific case to see charges, hearing dates, and documents filed. Some documents cost a small fee to view or print.
Fees for Online Document Access
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic case search | Free |
| View case summary | Free |
| Print document (per page) | $0.15 – $1.00 |
| Certified copy of document | $2.00 – $7.00 |
| Audio recording of hearing | $5.00 |
You can pay online with a credit or debit card. In-person payments also accept cash, check, or money order.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
Why Use the FDLE Database
The FDLE criminal history search covers all Florida counties, not just Miami Dade. This tool works well when you need a full criminal background across the state. It also helps when someone has cases in multiple counties. The FDLE pulls data from every Florida sheriff’s office and court clerk.
Search Steps and Requirements
To run an FDLE search, visit web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. You need the person’s full name, date of birth, and gender. A Social Security number is optional but helps narrow results. The system searches arrest records, charges, and dispositions across all Florida counties.
FDLE Fees and Processing
The FDLE charges $24 for a name-based criminal history check, plus a $1 processing fee. Total cost is $25 per search. Results appear instantly online after payment. You can save or print the report right away. Records show arrests from all 67 Florida counties, including Miami Dade.
Limitations of the Statewide Search
The FDLE database does not show sealed or expunged records. Juvenile cases are limited and may not appear. Active cases without final disposition may lack complete details. The system updates every few days, so very recent arrests might not show up right away.
In-Person Felony Records Access in Miami Dade
Main Criminal Courthouse Location
The main criminal courthouse in Miami Dade is the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building. The address is 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33136. This building hears most felony trials and major hearings. Security screening runs at every entrance. Plan extra time for the metal detectors and bag checks.
Branch Office Locations Across the County
Miami Dade Clerk of Courts runs several branch offices for easier public access. Main branch sits at 73 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Other branches serve North Miami Beach, Hialeah, Coral Gables, and Homestead. Each branch handles records, payments, and document requests for nearby residents.
What to Bring for an In-Person Visit
Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Have the case number or full name written down. Bring cash, check, or a credit card for copy fees. Wear simple clothing since you must pass through security. Leave weapons, large bags, and outside food in your car.
Using Public Terminals at the Courthouse
Free public terminals sit in the clerk’s lobby at the main courthouse. These terminals connect to the same database as the online portal. Staff members can help you start a search if you need guidance. You can print documents at a small cost per page. Some visitors bring laptops to save files to USB drives.
Felony Case Information Available to the Public
Case Number Lookups
Each felony case gets a unique number when first filed. That number stays the same for the entire case. You can search directly by case number on the clerk’s website for fast results. The number format in Miami Dade looks like F-2024-012345 or CF-2023-098765. The prefix shows the case type and year.
Docket Sheets and Court Filings
The docket sheet lists every action taken in a case. It shows filing dates, motions filed, orders issued, and hearing results. Lawyers file motions, and judges issue written orders. All these documents become public once filed. You can view them online or get copies from the clerk’s office.
Charges and Disposition Records
Each case lists the original charges filed by the state. As the case moves forward, you can see if charges changed. Plea deals, dropped charges, and amended charges all appear in the record. The final disposition shows the outcome, such as guilty, not guilty, or dismissed. Sentence details follow the disposition.
Sentencing and Conviction Details
After a conviction, the record shows the sentence imposed. This includes prison time, probation length, fines, and court costs. Restitution orders also appear in the file. If the defendant appealed, the appeal history is part of the record. Post-conviction motions show up too.
Florida Sunshine Law and Public Access
Chapter 119 Public Records Rules
Florida’s Sunshine Law, Chapter 119 of state law, gives the public right to view government records. Felony court records fall under this law. Any person can request access without stating a reason. Agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time. Most felony files are open and free to view.
Exceptions for Sealed and Confidential Records
Some records stay sealed by court order. Cases involving minors often have limits. Mental health commitments and certain family court files may be restricted. Witness protection details also stay sealed. Active investigations can hide some records until the case ends.
Expungement Process Overview
Expungement hides a criminal record from public view. Not all cases qualify. Florida law lists specific crimes and waiting periods. You must file a petition with the court where the case was handled. The FDLE reviews all petitions before a judge decides. Successful expungement removes the case from public databases.
Tracking Felony Case Status and Progress
How to Monitor an Active Case
Active felony cases update often on the clerk’s portal. You can check the status daily for new filings. The system adds new motions, orders, and hearing results as they happen. Anyone can monitor a case without permission. This helps victims, family members, and attorneys stay updated.
Finding Hearing Dates and Court Schedules
Court calendars show upcoming hearing dates for each case. The clerk’s website lists daily court dockets by judge. You can search by case number or defendant name. The schedule shows the time, courtroom number, and type of hearing. Arrive 30 minutes early to clear security.
Closed Case History and Final Outcomes
After a case closes, the record stays in the system permanently. Closed cases show the final judgment, sentence, and any appeals. You can pull complete case histories going back many decades. Some older cases require a trip to the archives office for paper files.
Requesting Certified Copies of Felony Records
Steps to Order Certified Documents
Certified copies carry the court seal and count as legal proof. To order one, fill out a records request form. The form is on the clerk’s website or available at the office. Include the case number, document name, and your contact details. Pay the fee when you submit the request.
Certified Copy Fees and Options
| Document Type | Certified Fee | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| Case disposition | $2.00 | Same day online |
| Court order | $2.00 | Same day online |
| Complete case file | $7.00 | 1-3 business days |
| Sentence document | $2.00 | Same day online |
| Arrest warrant | $2.00 | Same day online |
Online requests get the fastest service. Mail requests take 5-7 business days. In-person requests at the clerk’s office finish in 1-2 hours for most documents.
Official Contact Details for Miami Dade Felony Records
Use these official channels to reach the Miami Dade Clerk of Courts for felony record searches and certified copies. The main office handles all felony case files for the county. Phone lines stay open during business hours for direct help. Walk-in visitors can use public terminals at the downtown location.
Miami Dade Clerk of Courts
73 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 275-1155
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: miamidadeclerk.gov
Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building (Criminal Courthouse)
1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33136
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FDLE Criminal History Search
Website: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
Phone: (850) 410-8100
Cost: $25 per search
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Dade County Felony Records
These answers cover common questions about felony records in Miami Dade County. Each response gives clear, factual details based on current public records rules in Florida.
How long does it take to get felony records in Miami Dade?
Online case searches give instant results through the clerk’s portal. Basic case details show up right after you search. Viewing documents takes a few minutes to load. Certified copies ordered online finish the same business day. Mail requests for certified copies take 5-7 business days. In-person requests at the clerk’s office finish in 1-2 hours for most documents. Older cases from before 1998 may need an archives request, which takes 3-5 business days. The clerk charges no extra fee for the standard turnaround time on online requests.
Are Miami Dade felony records free to view?
Yes, basic case information is free to view on the clerk’s website. You can see the defendant name, charges, hearing dates, and case status at no cost. The free search covers all felony cases filed in the county. However, printing or downloading documents costs a small fee per page. Certified copies with the court seal cost more than regular copies. The FDLE statewide search costs $25 for a complete report. Local searches through the Miami Dade portal stay free for basic information.
Can I remove a felony record from public view in Miami Dade?
Florida law allows record sealing and expungement in some cases. You must meet specific rules to qualify. A waiting period applies based on the crime type. You file a petition in the county where the case was handled. The FDLE reviews the petition before a judge makes a decision. Successful expungement hides the record from public databases. Sealed records stay available only to law enforcement and certain agencies. Violent felonies and sex offenses usually do not qualify for sealing.
What information shows up in a Miami Dade felony case search?
A search shows the defendant name, case number, filing date, and current status. You also see the assigned judge, charges filed, and hearing history. The docket sheet lists every motion, order, and filing in the case. Final disposition details show the outcome and sentence. Court dates appear for past and future hearings. Some sensitive information stays hidden, such as Social Security numbers and victim details in certain cases.
Can I search felony records by case number only?
Yes, the clerk’s portal allows searches by case number for direct results. The case number format includes the year and a sequence of digits. Miami Dade felony case numbers start with F or CF followed by the year and number. Searching by case number gives exact results with no name confusion. This method works best when you already have the number from another source. The system pulls up the full case file in one click.
Do sealed felony records show up in background checks?
Sealed records do not appear in standard background checks used by employers. Expunged records are removed from public databases entirely. Law enforcement agencies can still see sealed records. Court orders can unseal records in special cases. Federal background checks may pull different data than state checks. Private background check companies must use official Florida databases. Sealed and expunged records stay hidden from public users under Florida law.
Where do I go to get older felony case files from decades past?
The Miami Dade Clerk archives office handles older felony case files. Files from before 1998 often exist only in paper or microfilm form. You can request archived records by mail or in person. The archives team pulls the file and makes digital copies on request. Turnaround time for archived files is 3-5 business days. Some very old cases may need special handling due to fragile document condition. The clerk charges standard copy fees for archived documents.