Alphabetical order of counties: more than 100,000 inhabitants.
Alachua CountyBay CountyBrevard CountyBroward CountyCharlotte CountyCitrus CountyClay CountyCollier CountyDuval CountyEscambia CountyHernando CountyHillsborough CountyIndian River CountyLake CountyLee CountyLeon CountyManatee CountyMartin CountyDandaMiami County of OkaloosaOrange CountyOsceola CountyPalm Beach CountyPasco CountyPinellas CountyPolk CountySemino CountySt. Lucie CountyVolusia County
Accessing a Person’s Criminal Record
If you have a criminal record here in Florida, a private citizen can visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website to obtain information about your criminal record. FDLE’s Division of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) “…is the single source for criminal history information,” explains the FDLE website. Currently, the fee for a public filing is only $24.00. More information on how someone can obtain their criminal record can be found here.
I’m sure the thought of someone having access to your criminal record, even for just one arrest, can be unsettling. If you are interested in having your criminal record sealed or erased, please contact my criminal defense firm in Miami. Your free case assessment allows us to explore the options available to you.
Are they public or private?
Unfortunately, arrest records are generally public in the state of Florida. However, unlike criminal records, which can be searched on third-party websites, arrest records must generally be obtained through a visit to the arresting agency, such as the police department or sheriff’s office. Sometimes when the arrest crosses jurisdictions and involves multiple agencies, the applicant must go to the agency that has custody of the arrested person.
Yes, most arresting agencies allow applicants to receive arrest records online via email or even a phone call. However, the arresting authorities advise a personal visit to the applicant in order to obtain the arrest documents. It is usually a fee associated with obtaining a person’s arrest record. This can be waived by the applicant submitting an application for fee waiver.
The Myth of Seven Years
There is a myth that criminal records magically disappear after seven years. The origins of this belief are unclear, but it should be known that this belief is false. A criminal record is not like your credit report and is not reset after seven years.
If you’re convicted of a felony in Florida, it stays on your criminal record for the rest of your life (unless you’re pardoned by the president or governor).
Where can I find Florida criminal records?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains state criminal records.
You are visiting the Florida Criminal Background Check website.