Leon County criminal history records show arrest data, court filings, and final case outcomes for people charged with crimes in the Tallahassee area. These public files are stored by the Leon County Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Anyone can request a copy for employment, legal, or personal reasons. The records cover both misdemeanor and felony cases filed in the Second Judicial Circuit, which includes Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. Knowing what these records hold, how to request them, and what fees apply helps you get the right files without delay. This page explains every step, from local clerk searches to statewide FDLE checks, fingerprint-based requests, sealed record rules, and record challenges.
What Leon County Criminal History Records Contain
Leon County criminal history files hold the full record of a person’s run-ins with law enforcement in the county. Each entry lists the date of arrest, the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, and the final court decision. These files serve as the main source for anyone running a background check in the Tallahassee area.
Arrest and Charge Records
The arrest portion of a Leon County criminal history record shows the date a person was taken into custody, the police agency involved, and the exact charges filed by the State Attorney’s Office. The charges include the Florida Statute number, the charge level (misdemeanor or felony), and any related counts. For example, a single arrest may show multiple charges such as petty theft and resisting an officer.
Court Case Outcomes
The court portion of the record shows what happened after the arrest. It lists the case number, the judge assigned, the plea entered, the verdict, and the sentence. Court outcomes include dismissed cases, guilty pleas, not guilty verdicts, withholds of adjudication, and diversion programs. Each outcome affects how the record shows up in later background checks.
Misdemeanor and Felony Files
Leon County records cover both misdemeanor and felony cases. Misdemeanors include less serious crimes such as simple battery, petit theft, and driving on a suspended license. Felonies cover serious crimes such as burglary, drug trafficking, and aggravated assault. Traffic offenses that count as criminal charges also appear in the file. Civil infractions and parking tickets do not show up in a criminal history search.
The Leon County Clerk of Court Record System
The Leon County Clerk of Court serves as the main record holder for criminal cases in the county. The office stores paper files and digital records for all cases filed in the local court system. Staff at the clerk’s office help the public search for and copy these files during business hours.
Physical Records at the Courthouse
The main courthouse sits at 301 South Monroe Street in Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Paper files for older cases are stored in the clerk’s basement archive. Staff pull files by case number or party name during business hours, which run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some older paper files may take one business day to retrieve.
Online Court Records Portal
The Leon County Clerk runs an online portal at clerk.leon.fl.us where the public can search criminal cases by name, case number, or date range. The portal covers cases filed from 1986 to the present. Search results show case number, party name, charge, filing date, and disposition. Users can view basic case data for free. Printed copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies cost more.
Records Across the Second Judicial Circuit
The Leon County Clerk manages court records for the Second Judicial Circuit, which covers Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. People searching for cases in those counties can use the same online portal, or contact the clerk’s office in each county for in-person help. Some circuit-wide searches may need a written request to the main office in Tallahassee.
How to Get Leon County Criminal History Records
There are three main ways to get a Leon County criminal history record: visit the clerk’s office in person, send a mail request, or use the online portal. Each method has its own cost, wait time, and document needs. Pick the method that fits your timeline and budget.
In-Person Visits to the Clerk
Visit the clerk’s office at 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Bring a valid photo ID and the full legal name and date of birth of the person you are searching. Staff can help you search by name on the public terminals. Copies cost $1.00 per regular page and $2.00 per certified page. Payment is by cash, check, money order, or credit card. In-person requests are often finished the same day.
Mail Request Steps
Send a written request to the Leon County Clerk of Court, 301 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Include the full name, date of birth, and any known case number. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees. The office accepts mail requests during business hours. Mail requests take five to ten business days to process.
Online Public Search Tools
The Leon County Clerk’s online portal lets you search criminal cases from any computer with internet access. The search is free for basic case data. Users must create a free account to view detailed docket entries or print documents. The portal accepts credit card payments for copies and certified documents. Online searches are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Searches
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the central criminal history database for the entire state. FDLE records cover arrests and dispositions from all 67 Florida counties. Statewide searches are the right choice when you need data beyond Leon County, such as for statewide employment or licensing checks.
What FDLE Records Cover
FDLE records include arrests, charges, and dispositions for all Florida criminal cases reported by law enforcement agencies across the state. The database does not include federal arrests, out-of-state convictions, or sealed and expunged records. Records from local county courts feed into the FDLE database through the Computerized Criminal History system, also called CCH.
Certified and Non-Certified Reports
FDLE offers two report types. Non-certified reports cost $24.00 and are useful for personal review or preliminary checks. Certified reports cost $24.00 plus a processing fee and carry an official FDLE seal, which most employers and licensing boards require. Both report types are accepted by Florida courts and government agencies for most purposes.
Cost and Processing Time
Online FDLE checks through the CCHInet portal cost $24.00 and process instantly. Mail requests cost $24.00 per name and take 5 to 7 business days. Fingerprint-based checks through LiveScan vendors cost more but provide a higher level of accuracy. Payment for online searches is by credit card only. Mail requests need a check or money order.
How to Submit a Statewide Request
Go to the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us to start an online request. Enter the full name, date of birth, sex, and race of the person you are searching. Pay the $24.00 fee with a credit card. Download the report as a PDF. For mail requests, print the FDLE form from fdle.state.fl.us, fill it out, and mail it to the FDLE address on the form.
Florida Criminal History Fingerprint Checks
Fingerprint checks are the most accurate way to run a Florida criminal history search. LiveScan machines capture digital prints and send them straight to FDLE for matching. These checks are required for many jobs in education, healthcare, childcare, and government.
LiveScan Service Near Leon County
Several LiveScan vendors operate in the Tallahassee area. Common locations include the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, local UPS stores with fingerprint services, and private fingerprinting companies. Appointments are often needed. Call ahead to confirm hours, fees, and the documents you must bring. The vendor sends your prints to FDLE for processing.
Who Needs Fingerprint-Based Reports
Florida law requires fingerprint-based background checks for teachers, healthcare workers, child care staff, foster parents, and people applying for state licenses. Many private employers also ask for fingerprint-based reports. These checks are more accurate than name-based searches, which can mix up people with similar names.
What Fingerprint Results Show
Fingerprint results show every Florida arrest linked to the person’s fingerprints. The report lists the arrest date, charge, county, case number, and final disposition. The report covers sealed records only when the requester has a legal right to see them. Fingerprint checks also help FDLE link older arrests that may have been filed under a different name.
Local Records vs. Statewide FDLE Searches
A Leon County-only search covers cases filed in the local court system. A statewide FDLE search covers cases from all 67 Florida counties. The right choice depends on why you need the records and what the receiving party will accept.
Limits of a Leon County-Only Search
A local search will miss arrests and convictions in other Florida counties. A person who lived in Orlando before moving to Tallahassee will not show their Orange County record in a Leon County-only search. Local searches are best for people who have lived and worked only in Leon County their whole life.
Reasons to Use a Statewide Search
Statewide searches are the standard for Florida employers, licensing boards, and adoption agencies. They offer a full picture of a person’s Florida criminal record. Statewide searches are also required for immigration forms, firearm purchases through a Florida dealer, and certain professional license applications.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
Florida law allows some people to seal or expunge their criminal records. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from most public searches. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. Both types of records are not part of a standard public criminal history search.
How Record Sealing Works
A person who completes their sentence and meets other legal rules can ask a Florida court to seal their criminal record. The court holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the request. Once sealed, the record is not visible to employers, landlords, or the general public. Law enforcement and some government agencies can still view sealed records.
How Expungement Works
Expungement is the destruction of a criminal record by court order. Florida allows expungement only in specific cases, such as arrests that did not lead to a conviction or cases that were dismissed. A person can usually seal or expunge only one case in their lifetime. The court must approve the request before the record is destroyed.
Who Can Still View Sealed Files
Sealed records can be viewed by law enforcement agencies, the court, the State Attorney’s Office, and certain employers listed in Florida law. These include schools, child care facilities, health care providers, and government licensing boards. The person whose record was sealed can also view it through the clerk of court.
Challenging a Florida Criminal History Record
FDLE runs a formal process that lets a person challenge the accuracy of their criminal history record. The challenge process corrects mistakes, removes entries that belong to another person, and updates missing or wrong disposition data. Florida law gives every person the right to challenge the contents of their own criminal record.
Valid Reasons to File a Challenge
Common reasons to file a record challenge include wrong personal data, charges from another person mixed in with yours, missing case dispositions, and outdated records that should have been removed. People who were found not guilty or whose charges were dropped can ask FDLE to update the record to show the final outcome.
How to Submit a Challenge to FDLE
Download the Criminal History Record Challenge form from the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us. Fill out the form with your full name, date of birth, and the items you want corrected. Attach court documents that prove the correction. Mail the form and documents to the FDLE address listed on the form. FDLE reviews the challenge and responds in writing within 30 days.
Documents Needed for a Challenge
You will need a copy of your criminal history report, a photo ID, and certified court records that support your claim. Court records include case numbers, disposition orders, and certified dismissal papers. Missing documents will slow the review. Keep copies of everything you send to FDLE for your own records.
Costs and Wait Times for Criminal History Requests
Criminal history request costs depend on the type of search, the source, and the level of certification. Wait times range from a few minutes for online searches to 10 business days for mail requests. The table below shows common cost and timing data for Leon County and FDLE searches.
| Search Type | Cost | Wait Time | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leon County Clerk Online Search | Free for basic data, $1.00 per page for copies | Instant | Not certified |
| Leon County Clerk In-Person Copy | $1.00 per page, $2.00 per certified page | Same day | Optional |
| Leon County Clerk Mail Request | $1.00 per page plus postage | 5 to 10 business days | Optional |
| FDLE Non-Certified Online Search | $24.00 | Instant | Not certified |
| FDLE Certified Online Search | $24.00 plus processing fee | Instant to 24 hours | Certified |
| FDLE Mail Search | $24.00 | 5 to 7 business days | Optional |
| FDLE Fingerprint Check | $40.00 to $60.00 vendor fee plus FDLE fee | 3 to 5 business days | Certified |
Other Florida Counties and Their Record Systems
Each Florida county runs its own clerk of court record system. Some counties offer free online searches, and others charge for access. Knowing the main county record systems helps you run background checks across the state. The five largest Florida counties by population are listed below.
Miami-Dade County
The Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts runs an online portal at miamidadeclerk.gov. The portal covers criminal, civil, and traffic cases filed in Miami-Dade County. Users can search by name, case number, or party type. Certified copies can be ordered online for an extra fee. The main courthouse is at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130.
Hillsborough County
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court operates a public records portal at hillsclerk.com. The portal lets users search criminal cases by name, case number, or court date. Tampa is the county seat, and the main courthouse is at 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Public terminals are available in the lobby for walk-in searches.
Orange County
The Orange County Clerk of Courts runs an online search at myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com. The portal covers criminal and civil cases for the Orlando area. The main courthouse is at 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. The clerk’s office also processes fingerprint-based background checks for county employment.
Broward County
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs an online search at browardclerk.org. The portal covers criminal cases from county and circuit courts. The main courthouse is at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Public records searches are free, but copies and certified copies cost extra.
Palm Beach County
The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs an online portal at clerk.org. The portal covers criminal cases from the 15th Judicial Circuit. The main courthouse is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Online searches are free, and certified copies can be ordered through the portal.
Common Uses for Leon County Criminal History Records
People request Leon County criminal history records for many reasons. The three most common reasons are employment, housing, and personal research. Each use case has its own rules about what records are accepted and how recent the report must be.
Job Applications and Employers
Florida employers often ask for a criminal history check before making a job offer. Common industries that run these checks include healthcare, education, finance, and government. Most employers accept FDLE certified reports. Some employers run both a local and statewide search to cover all bases.
Housing and Tenant Screening
Landlords in Florida can run criminal history checks on rental applicants. State and federal fair housing rules apply, so landlords must use the records fairly. Most landlords accept statewide FDLE reports or county clerk searches. Sealed and expunged records must not be used in housing decisions.
Personal or Family Research
People often request their own criminal history records to check for errors. Family members may search for records to confirm a relative’s past. Personal researchers use the records for genealogy, journalism, or legal reasons. Self-checks are a common way to spot mistakes before they cause problems on a job application.
Leon County Clerk of Court Contact Details
Contact the Leon County Clerk of Court for help with local criminal history records, certified copies, and online searches. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on weekends and state holidays. The clerk’s office also runs the Second Judicial Circuit record system for Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties.
- Office: Leon County Clerk of Court
- Address: 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
- Phone: (850) 606-4000
- Website: clerk.leon.fl.us
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have about Leon County criminal history records, FDLE searches, sealed records, and record challenges. Each answer gives you the facts you need to make the right choice for your situation. These answers reflect the current rules under Florida law and the procedures used by the Leon County Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Read each answer carefully before you decide which search type fits your needs.
How long does it take to get a Leon County criminal history record?
In-person requests at the Leon County Clerk’s office are often finished the same day. Bring a valid photo ID and the full legal name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Staff at the public terminals can pull up the case and print copies for a small fee. Online searches through the clerk’s portal give instant results for basic case data from 1986 to the present. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the volume of requests at the office. FDLE online searches through the CCHInet portal are instant and run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. FDLE mail searches take 5 to 7 business days. Fingerprint-based checks through LiveScan vendors take 3 to 5 business days from the time the vendor sends the prints to FDLE. The exact wait time depends on the type of search, the agency, and the request method. Plan ahead for jobs and licenses that have a deadline, and request certified copies if the receiving party needs an official seal.
Can I see sealed or expunged records on a Leon County search?
No. Sealed and expunged records are hidden from public searches by court order. A standard Leon County Clerk search or an FDLE statewide search will not show sealed or expunged entries. The records stay in the system but are blocked from public view. Law enforcement agencies, courts, the State Attorney’s Office, and some licensing agencies can still view sealed records under Florida law. Expunged records are destroyed by court order and cannot be viewed by anyone, including the person whose record it was. The only way to confirm whether a record exists is through a court order or a government agency with the legal right to see the file. Florida law sets strict rules on who can see sealed records and how the records can be used. Anyone who uses a sealed or expunged record for housing, employment, or licensing decisions may face penalties under Florida Statute 943.059. The safest step is to assume that a public search will not show a sealed or expunged record and to confirm that fact with the court that issued the order.
What is the difference between FDLE and Leon County records?
Leon County records cover cases filed in the Leon County court system. FDLE records cover cases from all 67 Florida counties. A Leon County record will not show arrests that happened in other Florida counties, such as Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, or Orange County. An FDLE record will show all Florida arrests that FDLE has on file in the Computerized Criminal History system. FDLE records also include data submitted by state agencies and law enforcement across Florida. For most jobs and licenses, an FDLE record is the right choice because it gives a full picture. Leon County records are useful for people who need to confirm a single case in Tallahassee or check a local court file. Many employers and licensing agencies require a certified FDLE report, which carries the official FDLE seal. For sensitive jobs in healthcare, education, and child care, fingerprint-based FDLE checks are the standard. People who want both local and statewide data can run a Leon County search first and then order an FDLE report to fill in any gaps.
How do I challenge wrong data on my FDLE record?
Download the Criminal History Record Challenge form from the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us. Fill out the form with your full name, date of birth, sex, and race. List the items you want corrected and explain the error. Attach certified court documents that prove the correction. Court records include case numbers, disposition orders, certified dismissal papers, and certified sentencing orders. Missing documents will slow the review. Mail the form and documents to the FDLE address listed on the form. FDLE reviews the challenge and sends a written response within 30 days under Florida law. If FDLE denies the challenge, you can ask for a formal hearing under Florida Statute 943.056. A successful challenge can correct wrong personal data, remove entries that belong to another person, update missing dispositions, and remove outdated records. Keep copies of everything you send to FDLE for your own records. People who spot errors on their record should file a challenge right away to avoid problems on future job or license applications.
Do employers in Florida prefer FDLE or county searches?
Most Florida employers prefer FDLE statewide searches because they give a full picture of a person’s Florida criminal history. A Leon County-only search misses arrests that happened in other Florida counties. Many Florida employers require a certified FDLE report, which carries the official FDLE seal. Local county searches are useful for some jobs in education, law enforcement, and government, but statewide searches are the standard for most private employers. For sensitive jobs in healthcare, education, and child care, fingerprint-based FDLE checks are required by state law. The FDLE record includes arrests, charges, and final dispositions from all 67 Florida counties. The report also shows charges that were dropped, dismissed, or sealed by court order. Some employers ask for both a local and statewide search to cover all bases. The cost difference between a local and statewide search is small, and a statewide search is often the better value. Check with the employer before you order a search to confirm which type they accept and which format they need.
How much does a Florida criminal history check cost?
Costs depend on the type of search, the source, and the level of certification. FDLE name-based online searches cost $24.00 each. FDLE fingerprint-based checks cost $40.00 to $60.00 at LiveScan vendors, plus the FDLE processing fee. The vendor fee covers the cost of the LiveScan service and the staff time needed to capture the prints. Leon County Clerk online searches are free for basic case data. Clerk copies cost $1.00 per regular page and $2.00 per certified page. Mail requests add the cost of postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Certified FDLE reports cost $24.00 plus a small processing fee. Some third-party background check companies charge more but offer faster service and extra features. The cost of a criminal history check is usually paid by the person requesting the check, but some employers pay the fee for job applicants. Plan ahead for jobs and licenses that have a deadline, and ask the receiving party which type of report they accept before you pay.
Can I run a criminal history check on someone else in Leon County?
Yes. Florida law makes criminal history records public. You can search for a person’s Leon County criminal records through the clerk’s online portal, in person at the courthouse, or by mail. You can also run an FDLE statewide search through the CCHInet portal for $24.00. You will need the person’s full name, date of birth, and any known case number. Some employers, landlords, and licensing agencies have a legal right to require this check. Personal users should follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act rules for background checks, which require written consent from the person being searched in many cases. The FCRA also limits how the records can be used. Landlords and employers who run background checks must follow state and federal fair housing and employment laws. People who want to run a check on themselves can do so without any consent. Self-checks are a common way to spot mistakes on a record before they cause problems on a job application or license.