Santa Rosa County felony records are public court files that track serious criminal cases filed in the Florida Panhandle county where Milton serves as the county seat. These records contain charges, court hearings, plea deals, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, and probation terms for felony-level crimes.
Anyone can search these records online through the Clerk of Court portal, in person at the Milton courthouse, or statewide through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This page explains how the system works, where to search, what details appear in each file, what fees apply, and what rules control access to felony records in Santa Rosa County, Florida.
How the Santa Rosa County Court System Handles Felony Cases
Santa Rosa County sits inside Florida’s First Judicial Circuit, the same circuit that includes Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, and Jackson Counties. Felony cases filed in Santa Rosa County move through the Circuit Court Criminal Division, which sits in Milton. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all felony charges, meaning every felony case starts at this court level before it can move up on appeal.
The First Judicial Circuit and Felony Jurisdiction
The First Judicial Circuit Court hears every felony case in Santa Rosa County. Judges assigned to the criminal division handle arraignments, pretrial motions, plea hearings, bench trials, jury trials, sentencing, and post-conviction motions. The State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit prosecutes felony charges in Santa Rosa County from offices in Milton and Pensacola. Public defenders represent defendants who cannot afford private counsel. All filings, dockets, and orders produced by these actions become part of the official court file held by the Clerk of Court.
What Counts as a Felony in Florida
Florida law divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies include any crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. Common felony categories in Santa Rosa County include violent crimes such as aggravated assault, battery with a deadly weapon, robbery, and homicide. Property crimes such as burglary, grand theft, fraud, and arson also qualify as felonies. Drug crimes involving controlled substances, sexual offenses, weapons offenses, and certain traffic offenses such as DUI causing serious injury or death also fall under felony jurisdiction.
How Felony Cases Move Through the Court Process
A felony case in Santa Rosa County begins with an arrest or a warrant. The State Attorney files a formal charging document called an Information, or a Grand Jury returns an Indictment. The defendant appears for an arraignment, where the court reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. Pretrial hearings address motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery. Many cases resolve through plea agreements. Cases that proceed go to trial, where a judge or jury reaches a verdict. Sentencing follows conviction. The entire process leaves a paper trail at every stage, and each step creates a public record unless a court orders it sealed.
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court and Felony Records
The Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of every court record filed in Santa Rosa County. The current Clerk of Court and Comptroller is Ernie Lee Magaha. The Clerk’s office stores, indexes, and provides access to felony case files from arrest through final disposition. Staff process new filings daily and scan paper documents into the digital case management system. The office also issues certified copies of records for use in other courts, background checks, and personal needs.
Office Location, Hours, and Phone Number
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court main office sits at 6865 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida 32570. The Courthouse Annex address is 4000 U.S. Highway 90, Milton, Florida 32571. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main phone line for the Clerk’s office is (850) 983-1987. The criminal records phone line is (850) 983-1960. Staff answer questions about case status, filing procedures, certified copy requests, and payment options.
Online Felony Case Search Portal
The Clerk of Court runs a free online portal that lets anyone search felony case records from any computer or phone. The portal is available at the official Clerk of Court website, www.santarosa.fl.gov/clerk-of-court. Users can search by defendant name, case number, citation number, or filing date range. Results show case number, party names, charges, court division, judge assignment, hearing dates, and the current status of each case. Search results display documents filed in each case, including the charging document, motions, orders, and judgments. Basic searches cost nothing. Printable copies and certified copies require a fee.
In-Person Felony Records Access
Visitors to the Clerk’s office in Milton can use public terminals located in the lobby. These terminals connect to the same database used by the online portal. Staff at the front desk help with searches, printing, and certified copy requests. Bring a photo ID. Security screening takes place at the courthouse entrance, so allow extra time. Public parking is free at the Milton location.
Requesting Certified Copies of Felony Records
Certified copies of felony records carry the Clerk’s seal and signature. They serve as legal proof of case outcomes for use in other states, immigration cases, employer background checks, and personal record reviews. The fee for a certified copy in Santa Rosa County is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Payment by cash, check, money order, or card works at the counter. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and exact payment. Turnaround for mail requests runs 5 to 10 business days, depending on volume.
Searching Felony Records by Name, Case Number, and Date
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court portal accepts four main search methods. Each method works best for a specific situation. Knowing which method to use saves time and produces more accurate results.
Searching by Defendant Name
A name search looks up felony cases by the last name and first name of the defendant. Adding a date of birth narrows results when common names return multiple matches. The search returns all cases where the person appeared as a defendant, including open cases, closed cases, sealed cases flagged as restricted, and cases transferred to other jurisdictions.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search produces the fastest, most precise result when the user knows the exact case number. Case numbers in Santa Rosa County follow a format that includes the year, court code, case type, and sequence number. For example, a 2024 felony case may appear as 2024-CF-000123. Entering the full number pulls up the complete docket, all filings, and the full party list.
Searching by Filing Date or Hearing Date
A date range search lets users scan cases filed within a specific window. This method works well for researchers, journalists, attorneys tracking court activity, and members of the public who want to see what cases were filed in a particular month or year. Date searches can combine with name filters to narrow down results further.
Search Limits and What Records Are Public
The Clerk’s portal displays all public felony records. Sealed records, expunged records, juvenile records, and certain confidential records (such as those involving victims of sexual offenses, certain mental health proceedings, and some Family Court matters) do not appear. Active cases show only the documents filed to date. Closed cases show the full document history, including the final judgment and sentence. Records involving identity theft or mistaken identity may be redacted to protect the wrongfully named individual.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement operates the state’s central criminal history database. This database includes every felony arrest and disposition reported by county clerks, sheriff’s offices, and police departments across Florida, including Santa Rosa County. The FDLE search covers arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentence outcomes for felony and misdemeanor offenses reported by Florida agencies.
How the FDLE Search Works for Santa Rosa County
The FDLE online criminal history search runs at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. Users enter a full legal name, date of birth, and gender. Optional fields include race, Social Security Number, and additional name aliases. The system searches across all 67 Florida counties in a single query, returning Santa Rosa County cases along with any other Florida cases for the same individual. Results display arrest date, arresting agency, charges, case number, county of record, court of record, and final disposition.
Fees and Payment for FDLE Records
The FDLE charges $24.00 for each criminal history search, plus a $1.00 convenience fee, for a total of $25.00 per search. Payment runs through a secure online portal by credit card or debit card. Results appear immediately after payment clears. Mail-in requests cost the same $24.00 fee and take 5 to 7 business days to process. Florida residents may request one free personal review of their own criminal history per year under Florida law.
Sealed, Expunged, and Juvenile Records
Sealed records do not appear in FDLE search results. Expunged records do not appear either. Juvenile records remain confidential unless the juvenile was charged as an adult. Cases that ended in a full acquittal show up with the acquittal listed as the disposition. Cases that ended in pretrial diversion or deferred prosecution show the diversion outcome. Cases still pending show the current charge but no final outcome.
Santa Rosa County Felony Case Types and Charges
Santa Rosa County felony records cover every type of felony charge filed in the county. Felony severity in Florida runs from third-degree felonies to capital felonies. The most common felony categories include violent crimes, property crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, and weapon crimes.
Violent Felonies
Violent felony records in Santa Rosa County include aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, home invasion robbery, attempted homicide, manslaughter, and murder. These cases often involve extensive evidence files, including forensic reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. Sentences can range from prison terms to life imprisonment without parole.
Property and Drug Felonies
Property felony records cover burglary, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, fraud, forgery, identity theft, arson, and criminal mischief above the felony threshold. Drug felony records cover trafficking in controlled substances, possession with intent to sell, manufacture of controlled substances, and prescription drug fraud. These cases often involve lengthy investigations and complex evidence files.
Sex Offender Registration Cases
Felony sex offense records in Santa Rosa County include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious offenses, child pornography, and certain internet sex crimes. Convictions trigger mandatory sex offender registration under Florida law. The FDLE maintains a public sex offender registry that shows registrants living in Santa Rosa County.
Felony Court Records and Florida’s Public Records Law
Florida’s broad public records law makes most government records, including felony court records, open to public inspection. The law comes from Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
Chapter 119 Florida Sunshine Law
The Florida Public Records Act, sometimes called the Sunshine Law, requires every government agency to open its records for public inspection on request. The Clerk of Court must provide access to felony case files unless a specific statute exempts them. Common exemptions include active criminal intelligence data, confidential informant identities, victim information in sexual offense cases, juvenile records, and sealed or expunged records. The Clerk charges only the actual cost of duplication, with no markup.
Who Can Request Felony Records
Any member of the public can request felony records. No reason, no ID, no fee waiver is required for basic inspection. Employers, landlords, journalists, attorneys, family members, victims, and researchers all have the same access rights. Out-of-state requesters enjoy the same access as Florida residents.
Exempt and Restricted Records
Some felony records carry partial restrictions even when they remain public. These include personal identifiers removed for safety, addresses of victims, addresses of minors, social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain medical records. The Clerk redacts these fields before releasing copies but keeps the rest of the file open.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
When a Santa Rosa County felony case ends in a state prison sentence, the Florida Department of Corrections takes custody of the inmate. The Department of Corrections runs a public inmate search at the dc.state.fl.us website.
How to Search for Inmates from Santa Rosa County
The inmate search uses a DC number, Florida Department of Corrections assigned identification number, or a name search. Results show inmate photo, physical description, current facility, county of conviction, commitment date, sentence length, and projected release date. The system updates daily with new admissions, transfers, and releases.
Release Dates and Custody Status
Release dates on the inmate search include tentative release dates, mandatory release dates, and actual release dates once the inmate leaves custody. The search also shows parole eligibility, gain time earned, and any disciplinary holds. Inmates serving life sentences show their parole eligibility dates. Inmates on death row show their status through the Florida Department of Corrections capital case records.
Sealing and Expunging Felony Records in Santa Rosa County
Florida law allows certain felony records to be sealed or expunged. Sealing hides the record from public view but keeps it within the court system. Expungement destroys the physical record, leaving only a limited certificate of eligibility on file. Both options require a court order.
Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE
Before petitioning the Santa Rosa County Circuit Court, the applicant must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE. The application requires fingerprint cards, a completed FDLE form, and a $75.00 fee. Processing takes up to 12 weeks from the date FDLE receives a complete application packet. The certificate remains valid for 12 months from the date stamped on it. Only first-time applicants with no prior seal or expunge orders qualify.
Court Petition Process
After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, the applicant files a Petition to Seal or Expunge with the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court. The State Attorney reviews the petition and may object. A judge holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the order. Once granted, the Clerk seals the file, the FDLE updates its database, and the record becomes hidden from public searches.
Santa Rosa County Courthouse and Hearing Information
The Santa Rosa County Courthouse serves as the main venue for felony hearings. The courthouse hosts arraignments, pretrial conferences, plea hearings, trials, sentencing hearings, and post-conviction motions.
Courthouse Location and Security
The Santa Rosa County Courthouse stands at 6865 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida 32570. Visitors must pass through a security checkpoint that includes metal detection and bag screening. Bring a valid photo ID. Cell phones must be turned off inside the courtroom. Cameras and recording devices require prior judicial approval. Dress code requires business casual or better attire. Public seating is open in most courtrooms on a first-come basis.
Felony Arraignment and Hearing Schedules
Felony arraignments in Santa Rosa County typically occur within 30 days of the filing of charges. Pretrial hearings follow on a schedule set by the assigned judge. Trial calendars run on a rolling docket, with cases called for trial setting 60 to 90 days after arraignment. Sentencing hearings take place 30 to 60 days after a conviction or plea. All hearing dates appear in the online docket accessible through the Clerk’s portal.
Official Contact Details for Santa Rosa County Felony Records
For direct assistance with felony record searches, certified copies, or filing questions, contact the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court using the details below.
- Office: Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court and Comptroller
- Clerk: Ernie Lee Magaha
- Main Office Address: 6865 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida 32570
- Courthouse Annex Address: 4000 U.S. Highway 90, Milton, Florida 32571
- Main Phone: (850) 983-1987
- Criminal Records Phone: (850) 983-1960
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Official Website: www.santarosa.fl.gov/clerk-of-court
- FDLE Criminal History Search: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Florida DOC Inmate Search: www.dc.state.fl.us
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Rosa County Felony Records
Below are answers to the most common questions people ask about searching felony records in Santa Rosa County. These answers cover searches, fees, eligibility, sealed records, certified copies, and statewide criminal history checks. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Clerk of Court procedures as of 2026.
How do I search felony records in Santa Rosa County for free?
Free felony record searches in Santa Rosa County run through the Clerk of Court’s online portal at www.santarosa.fl.gov/clerk-of-court. Use the public search tool to look up cases by defendant name, case number, citation number, or filing date. Basic online searches cost nothing. Print or download results for free. Certified copies carry a separate fee. In-person searches at the Clerk’s office public terminals cost nothing for inspection. Printing on-site costs a small per-page fee. The FDLE also offers one free personal criminal history review per year to Florida residents who want to check their own record.
Are all Santa Rosa County felony records public?
Most felony records in Santa Rosa County are public under Florida’s Public Records Act, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Sealed records, expunged records, juvenile records, certain sexual offense victim information, and active criminal intelligence data stay hidden from public view. Adult felony convictions, dismissals, acquittals, plea deals, and pending charges all appear in public searches. The Clerk of Court can confirm whether a specific case qualifies as public or restricted based on its current status and any active court orders.
What does the FDLE criminal history search show for Santa Rosa County cases?
The FDLE search returns every arrest, charge, and disposition reported to the state by any Florida law enforcement agency, including the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Milton Police Department, Gulf Breeze Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol. Results include arrest date, arresting agency, charge description, case number, county of record, court of record, and final disposition (conviction, acquittal, dismissal, or diversion). Sealed and expunged records do not appear in the search. The FDLE updates the database as new dispositions arrive from the clerks of court across Florida.
Can I get a certified copy of a Santa Rosa County felony record online?
Certified copies of felony records are not available through the Clerk’s online portal. They require an in-person visit or a mail request to the Clerk’s office at 6865 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida 32570. The fee for a certified copy is $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Bring a photo ID for in-person requests. Mail requests must include payment by check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Turnaround for mail requests is 5 to 10 business days, depending on workload.
How long do felony records stay on file in Santa Rosa County?
Felony records stay on file at the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court permanently unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. Sealed records remain in the court’s internal storage but stay hidden from public searches. Expunged records get destroyed, leaving only a Certificate of Eligibility on file. The FDLE updates its criminal history database as it receives sealing and expungement orders from the clerks of court. Convictions that were never sealed or expunged remain visible forever, even decades after the case closed.
Can I seal or expunge a felony conviction in Santa Rosa County?
Florida law allows sealing or expungement only for specific case types and only for first-time applicants. Qualifying cases include acquittals, dismissals, certain withholds of adjudication, and some completed diversion programs. Most felony convictions do not qualify for sealing or expungement. The process starts with a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE, which costs $75.00 and takes up to 12 weeks to process. With the certificate in hand, file a Petition to Seal or Expunge with the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court, pay the filing fee, and attend a court hearing. A judge makes the final decision.
What if I find incorrect felony records under my name in Santa Rosa County?
Errors in felony records can result from identity theft, mistaken identity, clerical mistakes, or outdated dispositions. The first step is to contact the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court at (850) 983-1987 to report the error. The Clerk can correct obvious clerical mistakes. For substantive errors, file a motion with the Circuit Court asking the judge to amend the record. For identity theft cases, file a police report and provide it to both the Clerk and the FDLE. The FDLE can flag the record and require fingerprint confirmation for any future use.