Orlando City felony records are public court files that document serious criminal charges filed in Orange County, Florida. These records cover arrests, charges filed by prosecutors, court hearings, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentencing orders for felony-level offenses committed within Orlando city limits.
Anyone can search these records through the Orange County Clerk of Court, the Orlando Police Department, the Ninth Judicial Circuit, or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Most felony records stay open to the public under Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law. Some records become sealed or expunged by court order. This page explains what these records hold, where to locate them, and how to request copies from official sources in 2026.
What Orlando City Felony Records Contain
Orlando felony records hold the full paperwork trail of a serious criminal case from arrest to final outcome. Each document inside the file shows a step in the legal process. Officers write arrest reports at the scene. Prosecutors file formal charges. Defense lawyers file motions. Judges issue rulings on those motions. All of this becomes part of the public file. The full court record can include hundreds of pages for a single felony case.
Types of Felony Charges Documented
Felony charges in Orlando fall into five main categories under Florida law. Capital felonies carry a possible death penalty or life sentence. Life felonies carry life in prison. First-degree felonies carry up to thirty years. Second-degree felonies carry up to fifteen years. Third-degree felonies carry up to five years. Each type appears in the court file with its specific statute number. Knowing the statute helps you read the docket faster.
- Drug trafficking and drug sale charges
- Aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and homicide
- Burglary, robbery, and theft over $750
- Fraud, forgery, and identity theft
- DUI causing death or serious bodily injury
- Weapon and firearm offenses
- Sexual battery and lewd or lascivious acts
Who Files and Maintains These Records
Three main agencies create and store Orlando felony records. The Orlando Police Department writes the first report after an arrest. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office handles areas outside city limits. The State Attorney’s Office files formal charges through a document called an Information or a Grand Jury Indictment. The Orange County Clerk of Court holds the full court file. Each agency keeps its own version of the case for audit and review purposes.
Florida Sunshine Law and Public Access
Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) makes most criminal court records public. The law says anyone can view or copy these records. You do not need to explain why you want them. You do not need to live in Florida. You only need to pay any required copy fees. Some records stay closed even under this law. Active investigation files, juvenile records, sealed cases, and expunged cases are not open to the public.
Where to Search Orlando City Felony Records
You have four main official sources for Orlando felony records. Each source holds a different part of the case. The clerk’s office has court files. The police department has arrest reports. FDLE has statewide criminal history. The Ninth Judicial Circuit covers trial court records. Use these sources together for a complete view of the case.
Orange County Clerk of Court Records
The Orange County Clerk of Court is the main records keeper for felony cases in Orlando. The office stores all court filings, dockets, judgments, and sentencing orders. Their online portal at myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com lets you search by name, case number, or attorney. The search covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and civil cases. Basic search is free of charge. Certified copies and full document downloads carry a fee.
- Website: myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com
- Phone: (407) 836-2000
- Address: 425 N Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Orlando Police Department Records
The Orlando Police Department keeps arrest reports and incident reports for crimes that happen in Orlando. Call (407) 254-7000 to ask about a specific report. Visit the Records Division at 100 S Hughey Avenue. Bring a photo ID and the report number if you have one. Some reports stay closed until the case ends. Officers can tell you what you can see during your visit.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Database
The FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database. This database shows arrests and dispositions across all 67 Florida counties. The search costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee per name. Results appear on screen right away. You can print or save the report as a PDF. Use this source for a full Florida background check on any resident.
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Records
The Ninth Judicial Circuit covers Orange and Osceola counties. Trial court felony records go through this circuit. The Clerk of Court acts as the records custodian for the Ninth Circuit in Orange County. You can also visit the Orange County Courthouse at 425 N Orange Avenue to view case files in person during business hours. Self-service public terminals line the lobby for walk-in searches.
How to Search by Name or Case Number
The fastest way to locate Orlando felony records depends on what you know about the case. A case number gives the exact file. A full legal name gives a list of matches. Date of birth narrows the list. You can use the clerk’s online portal for all three search types. The portal works on phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Searching by Full Legal Name
Type the person’s full legal name into the clerk’s search box. Use first name, middle name, and last name. Watch for common spelling variations. Try maiden names and aliases if you know them. Add a date of birth if you have it. The system shows all cases linked to that name. Click any case number to open the full docket and see every filing.
Using Case Numbers for Faster Lookups
Case numbers in Orange County follow a fixed format. The year comes first (e.g., 2026). Then the case type code (CF for felony, MM for misdemeanor). Then a sequence number. Example: 2026-CF-001234-A. Type this full number into the search box for instant access to one specific case. Court summons, arrest paperwork, and attorney documents list this number.
Date of Birth and Other Identifiers
Date of birth cuts down wrong matches. Many people share common names. A date of birth removes those duplicate matches. Race and gender filters also help narrow results. The clerk’s portal asks for these fields as optional filters. The FDLE search asks for date of birth as a required field. Both systems use this data to return the right person.
Understanding Felony Case Status
Each felony case has a current status that shows where the case sits in the court process. Status updates appear on the clerk’s docket. The status changes as the case moves from arrest to arraignment to pretrial hearings to trial to sentencing. Knowing the status helps you read the docket.
Open vs Closed Cases
Open cases are still moving through court. Hearings have not finished. A jury trial has not happened. Sentencing has not occurred. Closed cases have a final outcome. The outcome could be a guilty plea, a not guilty verdict, a dismissal, or a sentence. Closed case files stay public unless sealed by a judge. The docket marks each case with its current status.
Sealed and Expunged Records
A sealed record hides from public view. A judge orders the seal after a motion. Law enforcement can still see it. The person named in the record cannot see it. An expunged record is destroyed. The clerk’s office removes the file from public search. FDLE removes it from the state database. Expungement needs a court order under Florida Statute 943.0585 and requires a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE first.
Disposed Cases and Outcomes
Disposed means the case has a final outcome. Common outcomes appear on the docket as follows:
- Guilty plea or no contest plea
- Not guilty verdict after jury trial
- Dismissed by the prosecutor (nolle prosequi)
- Dismissed by the judge
- Deferred adjudication or withhold of adjudication
- Adjudication withheld
- Transfer to another court or jurisdiction
Fees, Copies, and Certified Documents
Basic record searches are free at the Orange County Clerk. You pay for copies. You pay more for certified copies. You pay more still for authenticated or apostilled copies for use outside the United States. Fees follow Florida Statute 28.24 and the clerk’s published fee schedule.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular copies cost $1.00 per page for most documents. Court dockets printed from the public terminal cost $2.00 per page. A printed case history costs $2.00 per page. Some electronic records you can download yourself at no charge. Staff can print documents for you at the rates listed above. Cash, check, money order, and credit card are accepted in person.
Certified Copy Requests
Certified copies carry the court seal and a clerk’s signature. Courts and government agencies require certified copies. The fee is $2.00 per document plus the regular copy fee. Most certified copies are ready the same day. Mail requests add postage and handling time. Bring photo ID when picking up certified copies in person.
Mail-In Requests
Send a written request to the Orange County Clerk at 425 N Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Include the full name, date of birth, and case number. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment by check or money order. Write your phone number on the request. The office mails copies back in 5 to 10 business days.
Felony Record Request Process in Orlando
You can request Orlando felony records three ways. Visit the clerk’s office in person. Use the online portal. Call or email the records team. Each method works for different needs. Online works for quick lookups. In person works for full file reviews. Mail works for certified copies sent to your home address.
In-Person Visits
Go to the Orange County Courthouse at 425 N Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Enter through the main entrance on Orange Avenue. Take the elevator or stairs to the Records Division. Public terminals line the Records lobby. Type a name or case number into the terminal. Print what you need from the same terminal. Ask staff for help at the counter if you cannot locate a file.
Online Portal Walkthrough
Open myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com in your web browser. Click “Search Court Records” on the home page. Pick a search type: name, case number, or business. Fill in the fields. Hit “Search” to see results. Click any case number to open the docket. Each docket entry shows the date, document type, and a link to the file. Some files need a fee to view or download.
Phone and Email Requests
Call the clerk’s customer service line at (407) 836-2000 during business hours. Staff answer questions about case status and document types. They cannot read full files over the phone. Email requests go through the contact form on the clerk’s website. Most email replies arrive within two business days. Use email for simple questions, not full file copies.
Common Felony Case Types in Orlando
Orlando felony dockets show patterns in case types from year to year. Drug charges lead the docket most years. Violent crime follows close behind. Property crime and fraud round out the list. Knowing these patterns helps you search smarter and prepare for what you might find on the docket.
Drug Trafficking and Sale Cases
Florida Statute 893 sets drug felony penalties. Trafficking 28 grams or more of cocaine carries a minimum three-year prison sentence. Trafficking 25 pounds or more of cannabis carries a minimum three-year sentence. Sale of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school doubles the penalty. Each case carries a CF case number in the docket with the specific drug listed.
Violent Crime Felonies
Violent crimes make up a large share of Orange County felony filings each year. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a third-degree felony. Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony. Second-degree murder is a first-degree felony. First-degree murder carries a possible death sentence. Each charge carries its own docket code and statute reference.
Property and Fraud Felonies
Property crimes over $750 become felonies in Florida. Burglary of a dwelling is a second-degree felony. Grand theft over $20,000 is a second-degree felony. Organized fraud over $20,000 is a first-degree felony. Identity theft is a third-degree felony for each count. Insurance fraud follows the same dollar scale and statute path.
Official Contact Information and Locations
Use these official contacts for the fastest and most accurate answers about Orlando felony records. Each agency handles a different part of the file. Calling the right agency cuts your wait time. Visiting the right office saves you trips across town. Save these phone numbers and addresses before you start your search.
Orange County Clerk of Court
The Clerk’s office is the main public records source for Orlando felony cases. Staff help with searches, copies, and certified documents. Public terminals stay open during business hours. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Walk-in customers can use the lobby terminals at no cost.
- Website: myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com
- Phone: (407) 836-2000
- Address: 425 N Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Orlando Police Department
OPD holds arrest reports and incident reports for city crimes. Call the non-emergency line to ask about a report. Visit the Records Division for in-person help. Bring a valid photo ID for any in-person request. Some reports stay sealed until the case ends.
- Phone: (407) 254-7000
- Address: 100 S Hughey Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
- Hours: Records Division open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history search. The online portal works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fee is $24 per search plus a $1 processing charge. Credit card payment only. Results show arrests, charges, and dispositions statewide.
- Website: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Phone: (850) 410-7000
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common concerns about Orlando felony records. Each answer gives clear, current details based on Florida law as of July 2026. Use these answers as a starting point for your own searches. Always confirm fee amounts and hours by calling the clerk’s office before you visit. Sealing and expungement rules change from time to time, so check the latest statutes before you file.
Can I view felony records for free in Orlando?
Yes. Basic online searches through the Orange County Clerk’s portal are free. You can also view public terminals at the courthouse for free. You pay only for printed copies, certified copies, or full document downloads. FDLE charges a $25 fee for its statewide criminal history search because it covers all 67 Florida counties in one report. The clerk’s portal charges nothing for the basic name search or case number lookup.
What felony records stay sealed from the public?
Records sealed by court order stay hidden from public view. Juvenile felony cases stay sealed unless the youth is charged as an adult. Expunged records are destroyed under Florida Statute 943.0585. Active investigation records held by the police stay closed until the case closes. Sealed records cannot be viewed even with a written request. Only the named person, their attorney, and law enforcement can see sealed files.
How long does the clerk’s office keep felony records?
The Orange County Clerk keeps felony records permanently for cases that end in conviction. Dismissed cases stay on file for at least 20 years. Closed cases with no conviction can be eligible for expungement after 10 years. FDLE keeps criminal history records for the life of the subject. Older paper files are scanned into the digital system as staff digitize them. Old microfiche rolls cover cases from before 1990.
Can I search felony records by case number online?
Yes. The Orange County Clerk’s online portal accepts full case numbers. Format examples include 2026-CF-001234-A for felony, 2025-MM-005678 for misdemeanor. Type the full number with dashes into the search box. The portal shows the docket, charges, hearings, and final outcome in one screen. You can print the docket page for free or pay for certified copies.
Do out-of-state residents have access to Orlando felony records?
Yes. Florida’s Sunshine Law gives access to anyone who asks. You do not need a Florida address. You do not need to show ID at the public terminals. You only need to pay any required copy fees. Online searches work from any computer or phone in the world. Mail requests work from any U.S. address with proper postage and payment.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a felony conviction record?
An arrest record shows the police took someone into custody. A felony conviction record shows a court found the person guilty or the person pleaded guilty. Many arrest records never become conviction records. Charges get dropped or dismissed. Pleading to a lesser misdemeanor charge is not a felony conviction. FDLE records show both arrests and convictions on the same report, with a status field for each entry.
Can employers in Orlando use these felony records for background checks?
Yes. Florida employers can use public felony records for hiring decisions under the Florida Fair Credit Reporting Act. Some industries require background checks by law. Banks, schools, and healthcare providers run felony checks as part of the hiring process. Sealed or expunged records cannot be used against a job applicant. Asking about sealed records during an interview can lead to legal trouble for the employer.