Osceola County felony records are official court files that document serious criminal cases handled in Kissimmee, Florida, and surrounding areas. These records cover felony charges, court hearings, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentences for adults accused of serious crimes.
The Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps these files as part of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court system. Anyone can look up felony case records online through official government websites or in person at the courthouse. This page explains every legal method to search, view, and request felony records in Osceola County, including online portals, fees, sealed record rules, and direct contact details for the clerk’s office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
What Are Osceola County Felony Records
Felony records in Osceola County are court documents tied to serious criminal charges that carry potential prison time of more than one year. These cases are different from misdemeanors, which carry shorter sentences and stay in a separate records system. The felony records in Osceola County are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, who serves as the official record keeper for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Types of Felony Cases in Osceola County
Felony cases in Osceola County fall into different categories based on the charge. Capital felonies carry the most serious weight, followed by life felonies, first-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, and third-degree felonies. Common felony charges in Osceola County include drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, fraud, DUI causing serious injury, weapons offenses, and sex crimes. Each case type has its own set of records, including charging documents, motions, evidence filings, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and final judgments.
Who Maintains Felony Records in Osceola County
The Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all felony case records for cases heard in the county. The clerk’s office stores both paper files from older cases and digital records for newer cases. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also keeps a statewide criminal history database that pulls data from all Florida counties, including Osceola. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks felony offenders who are serving state prison time after conviction in Osceola County.
Florida Public Records Law and Access Rights
Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, gives the public the right to access most government records, including felony case files. Court records are presumed to be open and available for public viewing. Some limits apply to records that have been sealed, expunged, or placed under a court-ordered redaction. Juvenile felony records have stricter access rules and are not available through the standard search systems.
How to Search Osceola County Felony Records Online
Online searches for Osceola County felony records are free to perform and offer fast results. Three main government websites handle these searches: the Osceola County Clerk of Court portal, the FDLE criminal history system, and the Florida Department of Corrections inmate database. Each system has its own search method and data set.
Osceola County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The official Osceola County Clerk of Court website allows free searches for felony case records. The portal is located at osceolaclerk.com. Users can search by full name, business name, or case number. The system shows case type, filing date, current status, hearing dates, party names, judge assignment, and final disposition. Basic viewing is free. Printed copies and certified copies have separate fees. The portal runs on a 24-hour basis and updates daily with new filings.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement operates a paid criminal history search at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. This system pulls felony records from all 67 Florida counties, including Osceola. Users enter a full legal name and date of birth. Gender and race can help narrow results when names are common. Social Security number is optional but can improve accuracy. The cost is $24 plus a $1 processing fee. Results appear right after payment. The system shows arrests, charges, and final outcomes for felony and misdemeanor cases.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search at dc.state.fl.us allows free public lookups for offenders serving state prison time. Users search by Department of Corrections number or by first and last name. Results show current facility, release date, offense county, and sentence details. Felony convictions that result in state prison time will appear in this database. County jail inmates do not show up in this search.
Searching Felony Records by Name in Osceola County
Name-based searches are the most common way to look up felony records in Osceola County. These searches work best when the full legal name and date of birth are known. The Osceola County Clerk portal and the FDLE system both support name-based lookups.
Required Information for a Name Search
A name search needs the full legal first and last name. Middle names help narrow results when common names produce multiple matches. The date of birth is not always required but greatly improves accuracy. The FDLE system asks for a date of birth as a mandatory field. The Osceola County Clerk portal allows searches without a date of birth but shows more results that may not match the right person. Users who know the approximate age or city of residence can help filter the results further.
Tips for Successful Name Lookups
Users searching common names should add a date of birth or middle name to reduce wrong matches. Searching by last name only is not supported on most systems. Hyphenated last names need to be tried both ways. Married names may produce no results if the searcher uses the birth name on file. Alias searches are not possible on the basic Osceola County portal. The FDLE system only returns records that match the exact name entered. Users who hit a dead end should check spelling, try alternate name forms, and confirm date of birth details.
Searching by Case Number in Osceola County
Case number searches are the fastest way to pull up a specific felony file. Each felony case in Osceola County has a unique case number assigned at the time of filing. The case number format typically uses a two-digit year, a case type code, and a sequence number.
Where to Find a Case Number
Case numbers appear on court summons, arrest reports, charging documents, and attorney correspondence. Members of the public who do not have a case number can look it up through a name search first. The Osceola County Clerk portal returns the case number as part of the name search results. Once the case number is known, users can perform direct lookups that return full docket sheets and document lists.
Case Status and Disposition Details
Searching by case number shows the current case status, next hearing date, judge name, attorney of record, charge details, and final disposition. Dispositions include guilty plea, no contest plea, trial verdict, dismissed, dropped, deferred adjudication, or transferred. Users can also view filed motions, orders, sentencing documents, and appeal records. The docket sheet is a running log of every action taken in the case from filing to closure.
Visiting the Osceola County Courthouse in Person
Some felony records are easier to view in person at the courthouse. Older case files, large document collections, and certified copies often require an in-person visit. The Osceola County Courthouse sits in downtown Kissimmee, near the county government complex.
Courthouse Location and Visiting Hours
The Osceola County Courthouse is located at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, Florida 34741. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on federal and state holidays. Free public parking is available around the square. Visitors must pass through security screening at the entrance, which includes metal detection and bag checks.
What to Bring for an In-Person Search
Visitors should bring a government-issued photo ID, the full legal name being searched, a date of birth if known, and any case numbers on hand. Payment for copy fees can be cash, check, money order, or credit card. Cell phones are allowed but may be searched at security. Lockers are not always available. Visitors planning to make many copies should bring a USB drive if the court allows electronic saving.
Public Access Terminals and Staff Help
The Osceola County Courthouse has public access terminals in the clerk’s office lobby. These terminals connect to the same online portal available from home. Staff at the records counter can help visitors locate case files, pull paper records from archives, and process copy requests. Records that are stored off-site can take 24 to 72 hours to retrieve. Visitors should call ahead for older case files to confirm they are available on the day of the visit.
Costs and Fees for Osceola County Felony Records
Basic felony record searches are free. Fees apply for printed copies, certified copies, and statewide criminal history reports. The fee structure differs between the Osceola County Clerk and the FDLE.
Clerk of Court Copy and Certification Fees
The Osceola County Clerk charges a fee for each printed page of a court record. Standard copies cost a set rate per page, and certified copies carry a higher fee that includes the clerk’s seal. Certification confirms that the copy is a true and accurate version of the original court document. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and major credit cards. Fees must be paid before documents are released.
FDLE Search Cost Breakdown
The FDLE charges $24 for a statewide criminal history search plus a $1 processing fee, making the total $25. Payment is made by credit or debit card at the time of search. Results are available right after payment. The FDLE also offers a free personal review of your own criminal history record under Florida law. This free review is available once per year and shows what records the state has on file under your name.
Certified Copy Fees and Mail Requests
Certified copies of felony records can be requested by mail through the Osceola County Clerk’s office. Mail requests must include a signed written request, the case number or full name and date of birth, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the total fee. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process. Expedited processing is not a standard option for felony record mail requests.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Osceola County
Not all felony records are open to the public. Florida law allows certain offenders to seal or expunge their records under specific conditions. Sealed and expunged records do not show up in standard public searches, including the Osceola County Clerk portal and the FDLE criminal history database.
What Records Stay Hidden From Public View
Sealed records are closed to public view but still exist in the court system. Only certain government agencies can access sealed records. Expunged records are physically destroyed by the clerk’s office, and the FDLE removes them from public criminal history databases. Records that have been fully expunged will not show any history of arrest or charge. Juvenile felony records have separate sealing rules and are handled through the juvenile court system.
Eligibility for Record Sealing in Florida
Florida law limits who can seal or expunge a felony record. First-time offenders who have no prior seal or expunge order may qualify. The applicant must not have been found guilty of any other criminal offense. Some felony charges are not eligible, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes involving children. A Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE is required before the court can grant a sealing or expungement.
How to Petition for Sealing or Expungement
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE Seal and Expunge Section. The application packet must include fingerprints, a completed form, and the $75 certificate fee. Processing takes about 12 weeks from the date the FDLE receives a complete packet. The certificate is valid for 12 months from the issue date. After receiving the certificate, the applicant must file a petition with the Osceola County Clerk of Court. A judge reviews the petition and either grants or denies the request. The process can take several months from start to finish.
Felony Case Process in Osceola County
Felony cases in Osceola County move through a set of court stages. Each stage produces records that become part of the public file. Records from every stage are searchable through the clerk’s portal and the FDLE database.
From Arrest to Arraignment
A felony case starts with an arrest by local law enforcement or a warrant issued by a judge. After arrest, the suspect is booked into the Osceola County Jail or transferred to another facility. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the case and files formal charges. The first court appearance is the arraignment, where the defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The arraignment record is the first public document tied to the case.
Plea Deals, Motions, and Hearings
After the arraignment, both sides file motions, including motions to dismiss, suppress evidence, or compel discovery. Pretrial hearings resolve these motions. Many felony cases end in a plea deal, where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a shorter sentence. The plea agreement is filed in the public record. The court holds a sentencing hearing once a guilty plea or trial verdict is entered.
Trial, Verdict, and Sentencing
Cases that do not end in a plea deal go to trial. Trial records include witness lists, evidence filings, motions filed during trial, the trial transcript, and the jury verdict. Sentencing follows a guilty verdict. The judge imposes a sentence based on the offense, the defendant’s record, and Florida’s sentencing guidelines. The sentencing order becomes part of the public file. Appeals can extend the case timeline and add new records to the docket.
Official Contact Details for Osceola County Felony Records
Direct contact with the Osceola County Clerk and the FDLE is the best way to resolve specific record questions. Phone, email, and in-person channels are all open to the public during regular business hours.
Osceola County Clerk of Circuit Court
The main office sits at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, Florida 34741. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The general phone line is 407-742-3500. The clerk’s official website is osceolaclerk.com. Email contacts and department-specific phone numbers are listed on the website. Mail requests for felony records should be sent to the clerk’s office at the same address.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The FDLE headquarters is located at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. The general phone number is 850-410-7000. The criminal history search portal is at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. The main FDLE site is fdle.state.fl.us. Mail requests for certified criminal history records go to the FDLE at P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Mail processing takes 5 to 7 business days.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Florida Department of Corrections operates a free public inmate search at dc.state.fl.us. The search page allows name-based and DOC number-based lookups. Phone support for inmate records is available at 850-488-5021 during regular business hours. The main office sits at 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Frequently Asked Questions About Osceola County Felony Records
The following questions cover common points raised by users searching for felony records in Osceola County. Each answer reflects current Florida law and clerk office practices as of 2026. Records access rules and fee structures can change, so users should always confirm the latest procedures with the official sources listed on this page before submitting a formal record request.
Can I view Osceola County felony records for free?
Yes. The Osceola County Clerk of Court portal allows free online searches for felony case records. Users can view charges, hearing dates, case status, and final dispositions at no cost. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is also free. The only paid search is the FDLE statewide criminal history check, which costs $25 including processing. Free searches have limits, and certified copies always carry a fee regardless of the source.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of an Osceola County felony record?
In-person requests for certified copies at the Osceola County Clerk’s office are usually processed the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. The clerk does not offer a standard expedited service for felony record copies. Complex cases with many documents may take longer because each page must be certified separately. Users who need records for a legal deadline should plan to request copies well in advance.
Will a dismissed felony case show up on my record?
A dismissed felony case stays in the public court record unless it has been sealed or expunged through a court order. The Osceola County Clerk portal and the FDLE criminal history database both show dismissed cases along with active ones. A Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE is the first step toward sealing a dismissed case. Florida law treats dismissed cases as eligible for sealing in most situations if the defendant has no other disqualifying factors.
Can I find out if someone is in the Osceola County Jail right now?
The Osceola County Jail provides a current inmate roster at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office website. The roster shows inmates held at the county jail, including those charged with felony offenses. The roster is updated regularly and includes booking photos, charges, and bond amounts. State prison inmates do not show up in this roster and must be searched through the Florida Department of Corrections database instead.
What is the difference between a sealed record and an expunged record?
A sealed record still exists but is hidden from public view. Only the FDLE, the courts, and certain law enforcement agencies can access a sealed record. An expunged record is physically destroyed by the clerk’s office, and the FDLE removes the entry from the public database. Expungement is the strongest form of record clearing under Florida law. Both options require a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE and a final court order.
Are juvenile felony records available to the public in Osceola County?
No. Juvenile felony records in Osceola County are not available to the general public. Juvenile court records are kept separate from adult court files and are not part of the public clerk portal. Access to juvenile records is limited to the juvenile, the parents or legal guardians, the defense attorney, the state attorney, the judge, and law enforcement under specific court order. Adult records for charges that began in juvenile court are also not open to the public once the case is transferred to the adult system.
Can employers run a felony background check using public Osceola County records?
Yes. Employers and landlords commonly use the Osceola County Clerk portal and the FDLE criminal history database to screen applicants. The FDLE certified search is the most commonly used paid service for employment screening. Florida law requires employer background checks to follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules. Employers must get written consent from the applicant before running a background check. Some employers also use third-party screening companies that pull from the same official sources.