Tallahassee city felony records are official court files that show felony cases filed in Leon County, Florida. These records include charges, court dates, motions, hearings, plea deals, trial results, and sentencing orders.
Anyone can look at most of these files because Florida law makes them public. The Leon County Clerk of Court keeps all felony case files. The Tallahassee Police Department keeps arrest reports. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide search system. This page explains how each system works and what details you can get from each one.
What Felony Records Include in Tallahassee
A felony record in Tallahassee holds a full history of a serious criminal case. Felonies are crimes that can lead to more than one year in state prison. They include robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and fraud. Each felony case creates a file that starts with an arrest and ends with a sentence or dismissal. The file holds the charging document, the plea, the verdict, and the sentence.
Types of Felony Charges Filed in Leon County
Leon County sees many types of felony charges each year. Common felonies include possession of controlled substances with intent to sell, burglary of a dwelling, aggravated battery, grand theft, fraud, and weapons offenses. Drug cases make up a large share of felony filings. Violent crimes like robbery and aggravated assault are also common. The 2nd Judicial Circuit Court handles every felony case in Leon County.
Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Records
A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors carry up to one year in county jail. Felonies can lead to state prison time and longer probation. The records for each are kept in the same clerk system, but they sit in different case categories. The clerk’s online portal lets you filter by case type so you only see felony cases. This filter saves time when you search by name.
Where to Find Tallahassee City Felony Records
Three main sources hold felony records for Tallahassee. Each one gives you a different piece of the case. The police report shows what happened at the time of arrest. The court file shows the legal process. The state database shows a full criminal history across Florida.
Tallahassee Police Department Reports
The Tallahassee Police Department creates the first document in a felony case. Officers write a report when they make an arrest or respond to a serious crime. The report has the date, time, location, names of those involved, and a summary of what the officer saw. This file becomes part of the public record once the case is closed or moves to court.
You can request a police report by calling (850) 891-4200. Some reports are open right away. Others stay sealed while the case is active. You need the case number or full name and date of the incident. The records desk can tell you what is open and what is still sealed. A small copy fee may apply for printed pages.
Leon County Clerk of Court Felony Files
The Leon County Clerk of Court is the main source for felony case files. The clerk holds the charging document, the docket sheet, the motions, the court orders, and the final judgment. This office is located at 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The main phone line is (850) 577-4000.
The clerk runs an online portal where you can search by name, case number, or date. Basic searches are free. Certified copies cost more. The portal shows the case type, the charges, the next hearing date, and the final outcome. You can also view scanned court documents on the site once a case is open to the public.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide database. This database includes every felony case in Tallahassee and across all 67 Florida counties. The search costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee. You pay with a credit or debit card. Results show up right after you finish the search.
The FDLE search is the best tool for a full background check. It shows arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences from every Florida county. You can search from any computer or phone. The system runs 24 hours a day. You need a full name and date of birth. A gender filter helps when names are common.
How to Search Leon County Florida Felony Records
A proper search takes a few steps. Start with what you know. The more details you have, the faster the search goes. A full legal name and date of birth almost always finds the right file. A case number works even better if you have it.
Step One: Gather Case Details
Write down the full name, date of birth, and the year of the case. If you know the city where the arrest happened, that helps too. Tallahassee cases sit in Leon County court files. Check that you are looking in the right county before you start. Wrong county searches waste time and may show the wrong person.
Step Two: Use the Clerk Online Portal
Go to the Leon County Clerk of Court website. Click on the court records search link. Pick the criminal case search. Type the last name first, then the first name. Add a date of birth if you have it. The portal will pull up every case that matches. Look for the felony code or the word “felony” in the case type. Misdemeanor cases will also show up, so read the case header to pick the felony ones.
Step Three: Read the Docket Sheet
Each case has a docket sheet. This sheet lists every event in the case in date order. It shows the arraignment, pre-trial motions, plea hearings, trial, and sentencing. The docket also lists the lawyer for the state and the defense lawyer. It shows the judge assigned to the case. The sheet is a short summary of the full case.
Step Four: Request Full Court Documents
The clerk’s office holds the full file. You can view most documents in person at the clerk’s office. Some files are also on the online portal. Older paper files can be pulled from the clerk’s storage room for a small fee. Certified copies of judgments and sentences can be ordered online or in person.
Leon County Court Felony Docket Search Details
The docket search is the most useful tool for felony case research. It shows the full timeline of a case from start to finish. Each entry has a date, a short note, and the name of the judge or clerk who filed it.
What the Docket Tells You
A docket sheet shows if the person was released on bond, what bond amount was set, and whether the person made bond. It shows if a plea was entered. It shows if a trial was held. It shows the verdict if there was a trial. The final entry is usually the sentence. The sentence may include prison time, probation, fines, or a mix of all three.
How Long Felony Records Stay in the System
Felony records in Leon County stay in the clerk’s system forever unless a court orders them sealed or destroyed. Sealed records are hidden from public search. Expunged records are destroyed. Most felony records remain public for life. This is true even after the person has served their sentence. The clerk does not delete old files.
Florida Felony Court Records in the 2nd Judicial Circuit
The 2nd Judicial Circuit covers six counties: Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Jefferson, and Wakulla. Tallahassee sits in Leon County, which is the main courthouse for the circuit. All felony trials in the circuit are held at the Leon County Courthouse unless a change of venue is granted.
Circuit Court Felony Division
The circuit court felony division hears all felony cases. The division has several judges who rotate through felony dockets. Each judge handles cases from arraignment through sentencing. The clerk assigns cases to judges based on a rotation system. You can see the assigned judge on the docket sheet.
Major Felony Court Locations
The main felony courthouse in Tallahassee is the Leon County Courthouse at 301 South Monroe Street. Some felony hearings also take place at the John A. Hinson Judicial Center nearby. Jury trials for felonies are held in the main courthouse. Bond hearings and arraignments are held in the courthouse or the jail, depending on the case.
Tallahassee Florida Felony Case Lookup by Name
Searching by name is the most common way to find a felony case. The clerk portal accepts full and partial name searches. A full name with date of birth gives the best results. If you only have a name, you may see several people. Read the date of birth and address to pick the right one.
Common Name Search Tips
Try different spellings. Names are sometimes spelled wrong in court files. Try the first and last name in different order. Use middle names if you know them. Use a wider date range if the year of the case is unclear. If the search shows no results, check other counties in the 2nd Circuit, since some cases may have been moved.
Searching Without a Date of Birth
You can still search without a date of birth, but the results may include people with the same name. Look at the case number, the charges, and the year to make sure you have the right person. The clerk can help you at the front desk if you need help matching names to cases.
Leon County Felony Conviction Records
Conviction records are the final outcome of a felony case. They show the charges the person was found guilty of, or the charges they pleaded guilty to. They show the sentence. They show credit for time served. They show probation terms if any were given.
What a Conviction Record Includes
A conviction record in Leon County includes the judgment of guilt or plea. It lists the statute number the person was convicted under. It shows the sentence for each count. The record may also show fines, court costs, restitution, and probation. Some cases have multiple counts with different sentences on each count.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Conviction
You can order a certified copy from the clerk’s office. The cost is set by Florida law. You can order in person, by mail, or online through the clerk’s portal. A certified copy has a raised seal and a clerk signature. Most employers and government agencies need a certified copy for background checks.
Florida Public Felony Records Search Rules
Florida law makes most felony records public. This is part of the Florida Public Records Act, also called the Sunshine Law. The law gives the public the right to see and copy records made by government agencies. Court records, police reports, and arrest records all fall under this rule.
Records That Stay Sealed
Some felony records are sealed by a court order. Sealed records cannot be seen by the public. Only the person named in the record, their lawyer, and certain government agencies can see them. Cases that end in a withhold of adjudication or a successful completion of a diversion program may be sealed or expunged.
Expunged Felony Records
Expunged records are destroyed by court order. They are not available to the public, and in many cases, the person can say they were never charged. Only a few people can see an expunged record, such as the person themselves or a law enforcement agency for a specific reason. Expungement is rare for felony cases and is set by Florida Statutes.
Leon County Clerk Felony Records Access
The Leon County Clerk’s office gives the public many ways to see felony records. The main methods are the online portal, the public terminals in the clerk’s office, and direct requests by mail or in person.
Online Portal Access
The clerk’s online portal works on a computer, tablet, or phone. You can search by name, case number, or date. The portal is free for basic searches. You can see the docket sheet and most public documents. The portal is updated daily so new filings show up quickly.
In-Person Access at the Clerk’s Office
The clerk’s office has public terminals you can use for free. The terminals let you search and print documents. Staff at the front desk can help you find the right case. Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to request certified copies. Payment by cash, check, money order, or card is accepted.
Tallahassee Felony Case Number Search
Every felony case has a unique case number. The number follows a set pattern, such as a year, a court code, and a sequence number. The case number is the fastest way to find a file because it points to one case only.
Where to Find the Case Number
You can find the case number on any court document. It is on the charging document, the bond papers, and the docket sheet. If you do not have any of these, you can search by name and date of birth in the clerk portal. The case number will show up next to the matching person.
Using the Case Number in the Portal
Type the full case number in the portal search bar. Include the year and sequence number. The system will pull up the case file right away. This is faster than a name search when you have many cases to look up.
Florida Official Felony Records Portal
Florida runs a statewide portal through the Florida Courts E-Filing system. This system is mainly for lawyers, but the public can view filed documents. The portal shows the full case file, including motions, orders, and judgments.
How the Statewide Portal Works
The portal lets you look at cases from all 67 counties. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Many felony filings include a public view option, so you can read the documents without logging in. The portal is free to use for public viewing.
Limits of the Statewide Portal
The statewide portal does not always show every document. Some filings are restricted by the judge. Sealed cases are not visible. Some older cases are not on the portal and only exist on paper at the clerk’s office. For older felony cases, you may need to visit the Leon County Clerk in person.
Leon County Felony Case Status Online
The Leon County portal updates case status in real time. Status changes include new filings, bond changes, plea entries, trial dates, and sentencing. You can check the status of a case any time without setting up an account.
What Status Updates Mean
An “active” status means the case is still moving through court. A “closed” status means the case is over. A “pending” status means the case is waiting for the next hearing. The status field also shows the next court date. Check the status often if you are tracking a case.
Setting Up Case Alerts
Some third-party legal sites offer case alerts by email. These alerts tell you when a new document is filed or a hearing is set. The clerk does not offer alerts directly, so a third-party tool is the best option. These tools charge a fee but save time for lawyers and people tracking many cases.
Leon County Felony Case Files Request
You can request felony case files by mail, online, or in person. The clerk accepts written requests that include the case number, the names of the parties, and the records you want. The clerk will pull the file and send copies or notify you when they are ready for pickup.
Requesting by Mail
Send a written request to the Leon County Clerk of Court at 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Include the case number, the full name of the person in the case, and the year. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fee. Allow two to four weeks for a mailed response.
Requesting in Person
Visit the clerk’s office during business hours. Bring the case number and the name of the person. Staff will pull the file and make copies for you. You can also use the public terminals to find the case yourself. Same-day service is normal for files that are already on the system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tallahassee City Felony Records
These questions cover the most common issues people face when looking for felony records in Tallahassee. Each answer points to the right office, the right search tool, and the right way to handle a request. The answers reflect current Florida law and clerk policy as of 2026.
Can I see felony records for free in Tallahassee?
Yes, basic searches on the Leon County Clerk of Court online portal are free. You can see the docket sheet, the charges, the next hearing date, and the case outcome. Certified copies and printed pages cost a fee set by Florida law. The FDLE statewide search costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee. Free searches are good for most casual background checks. Certified copies are needed for legal filings and most employer background checks.
How long does a felony case take in Leon County?
Most felony cases take between six months and two years from arrest to sentencing. Simple drug cases may close in a few months if the person pleads guilty early. Cases that go to trial can take 18 months or longer. The exact time depends on how busy the docket is, whether the person is in custody, and how complex the case is. The clerk portal shows the next hearing so you can track the timeline.
What felonies can be expunged in Florida?
Florida law allows some felony charges to be expunged if the case was dismissed, the person was found not guilty, or the case was resolved through a diversion program. A person can usually only expunge one felony charge in a lifetime. Certain serious felonies like murder, sexual battery, and child abuse cannot be expunged. You must file a petition with the court and get a judge’s order to expunge a record.
Can I see if someone is in jail in Tallahassee?
Yes, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office runs an inmate search on its website. The search shows people in the Leon County Detention Facility. You can search by name. The site shows the booking date, the charges, and the bond amount if set. This search is separate from the court records search. A person can be in jail without a felony case yet, or they can be serving a sentence after a felony case has closed.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records still exist but cannot be seen by the public. Only the person, their lawyer, and certain agencies can see them. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. With an expungement, the person can often say they were never charged. Both require a court order. A felony record cannot be sealed or expunged while the case is open. You must wait until the case is closed before you can file a petition.
How do I find out if a felony case is open or closed?
The Leon County Clerk of Court online portal shows the case status. An “active” or “open” status means the case is still going through court. A “closed” or “disposed” status means the case is over. The docket sheet also has the final entry, which shows the outcome. If you are not sure, call the clerk at (850) 577-4000 during business hours and ask staff to check the case status for you.
Can I run a federal felony search in Leon County?
No, federal felony cases are not in the Leon County Clerk system. Federal cases in the Tallahassee area are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. You can search federal court records through the PACER system. The PACER system charges a small fee per page. Federal felony cases include drug trafficking across state lines, federal weapons charges, and federal fraud cases.