An Orlando City criminal history record shows every arrest, charge, and court outcome linked to a person within Orlando and Orange County. These records are part of Florida’s larger public records system, and they are kept by both local police agencies and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Anyone can request a copy of these records for legal, personal, or employment reasons.
What an Orlando City Criminal History Record Includes
An Orlando City criminal history record is a written summary of a person’s contact with law enforcement. It covers arrests made by the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies operating within the city limits. The record also includes court actions taken in Orange County through the 9th Judicial Circuit Court.
Personal Identifying Details
Every criminal history record starts with basic facts that help confirm the person’s identity. These details make sure the record belongs to the right person when multiple matches appear in a search.
- Full legal name, including any aliases or prior names used
- Date of birth and approximate age at the time of arrest
- Race, sex, and physical descriptors on file
- Known addresses tied to arrests or court cases
- Fingerprint-based identifiers when available
Arrest and Charge Details
Each arrest creates a separate entry in the record. The entry lists the date of the arrest, the agency that made the arrest, and the specific charges filed. The record also notes whether the arrest led to a release, a bond, or a stay in jail before trial.
Court Outcomes and Dispositions
The record shows what happened after the arrest in court. This part is called the disposition. It tells whether the person was found guilty, not guilty, or had the case dismissed. Sentencing details, such as probation, fines, or prison time, are also listed when they apply.
How Orlando Records Connect to the Florida Statewide Database
Criminal history records in Orlando do not stay only in the city. They move up to a statewide system managed by the FDLE. This system, called the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database, stores arrest data from every law enforcement agency in Florida.
FDLE Computerized Criminal History System
The CCH system is Florida’s central criminal record database. It collects fingerprints, arrest reports, and court outcomes from all 67 counties. The FDLE updates this database on a regular basis as new arrests and court rulings happen. Searches run through the CCH system pull results from across the state, not just from one city or county.
How Local Arrests Enter the State System
When the Orlando Police Department makes an arrest, the booking officer collects fingerprints and personal details. These records are sent to the FDLE, which adds them to the CCH database. The same process applies to arrests by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and any other agency operating in Orlando.
Why Statewide Searches Matter
A search limited to Orlando may miss arrests that happened in other Florida cities. Someone who lived in Tampa before moving to Orlando could have an arrest record only in Hillsborough County. A statewide search through FDLE catches those out-of-state-to-Orlando transfers and gives a full picture of a person’s record.
Step-by-Step Process to Search Orlando Criminal History
Searching an Orlando criminal history is a simple process that anyone can complete online or by mail. The fastest method uses the FDLE CCHInet portal, but other options also work for different needs.
Step 1: Gather the Required Information
Before starting a search, collect the details needed to run a query. Having full information helps avoid wrong matches in the database.
- Full legal name of the person being searched
- Date of birth or approximate year of birth
- Race and sex for identity filtering
- Known aliases or prior last names
- Social Security number, if available, to narrow results
Step 2: Run a Search Through FDLE CCHInet
The CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us offers instant name-based searches. Users create an account, pay the search fee, and enter the person’s details. Results appear right away if a match exists. The system shows arrest history, charges, and disposition data pulled from the FDLE CCH database.
Step 3: Request a Certified Florida Criminal History Record
Some uses, such as immigration cases, name changes, or professional licensing, require a certified record. A certified record carries an official FDLE stamp and signature. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at FDLE headquarters in Tallahassee. Fingerprints are often required for a certified record to make sure the search returns the right person.
Requesting Police Reports From the Orlando Police Department
The Orlando Police Department keeps copies of incident reports, arrest affidavits, and booking records. These documents support the data shown in the FDLE database. People can request them for court, insurance, or personal use.
What Reports Can Be Requested
OPD releases several types of records to the public under Florida’s public records law. Each report type serves a different purpose, and some carry limits based on active investigations or victim privacy.
- Incident reports for accidents, thefts, and other calls for service
- Arrest affidavits showing the probable cause behind an arrest
- Booking photos and fingerprint cards tied to an arrest
- Traffic crash reports for vehicle incidents in Orlando
- Warrant records when an active warrant is on file
Fees, Forms, and Processing Times
OPD charges standard fees for copies of police reports. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. The table below shows the basic fees and timelines that apply to most public records requests at OPD.
| Record Type | Standard Fee | Certified Copy Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incident Report | $0.15 per page | $1.00 per page | 3 to 5 business days |
| Arrest Affidavit | $0.15 per page | $1.00 per page | 5 to 7 business days |
| Traffic Crash Report | $10.00 flat fee | $15.00 flat fee | 1 to 3 business days |
| Warrant Check | No fee | Not applicable | Same day |
Orange County Clerk of Court Records
The Orange County Clerk of the Court keeps the official court files for every criminal case in Orlando. These files include charging documents, plea agreements, trial outcomes, and sentencing orders. The Clerk’s office makes most of these records available to the public.
Online Case Search Tools
The Orange County Clerk’s website at myorangeclerk.com provides a free online case search. Users can search by party name, case number, or court date. The search returns case status, upcoming hearings, and a list of filed documents. This tool works for both criminal and civil cases in Orange County.
Getting Certified Court Documents
Certified court documents carry the Clerk’s official seal and are accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. The Clerk charges a fee for each certified page. Requests can be made in person at the courthouse in downtown Orlando or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Understanding Disposition Information
A disposition is the final outcome of a criminal case. It tells what the court decided after the case moved through the system. Without disposition data, a criminal history record only shows arrests, not actual convictions.
Common Disposition Outcomes
Florida courts use a set list of outcome codes for criminal cases. These codes appear in the FDLE CCH system and in the Clerk’s case files. Knowing how to read them helps avoid confusion when reviewing a record.
- Guilty: The person was convicted, either by plea or trial verdict
- Not Guilty: The person was found not guilty at trial
- Dismissed: The case was dropped before a verdict
- Nolle Prosequi: The State dropped the charges
- Adjudication Withheld: The person was found guilty but sentencing was withheld
- Deferred Adjudication: Probation was completed without a final judgment
Why Dispositions Matter for Background Checks
Many employers and licensing boards care more about convictions than arrests. A record that only shows an arrest without a disposition may need a follow-up search to find the final outcome. The FDLE record review process can be used to update missing disposition data when a court file does not match the state database.
Costs, Processing Times, and Search Options
Different search methods carry different costs and timelines. Picking the right option depends on the reason for the search and whether a certified record is needed.
| Search Method | Cost | Result Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDLE CCHInet Name Search | $25.00 | Unofficial, name-based | Instant online |
| FDLE Certified Record (Mail) | $24.00 plus fingerprint fee | Certified, fingerprint-based | 2 to 4 weeks |
| FDLE Certified Record (Live Scan) | $24.00 plus vendor fee | Certified, fingerprint-based | 3 to 5 business days |
| Orange County Clerk Online Search | Free | Court case status only | Instant online |
| Orange County Clerk Certified Document | $1.00 per page certified | Certified court document | 1 to 3 business days |
Instant Search vs Certified Search
An instant search through CCHInet is fast and low-cost. It works well for personal checks or preliminary employer screening. A certified search costs more and takes longer but produces a record that government agencies and courts will accept as legal proof of a person’s criminal history.
Accepted Payment Methods
FDLE accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic payments for online searches. Mail-in requests can be paid by check or money order. The Orange County Clerk’s office accepts cash, card, and check for in-person requests, and cards for online orders.
Expungement and Sealing Eligibility in Orlando
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records under specific conditions. Sealing hides the record from public view, while expungement allows a person to lawfully deny the arrest ever happened. The rules for both are set by Florida Statute 943.0585 and 943.059.
Who Qualifies for Expungement
Expungement is only available once in a person’s lifetime under Florida law. To qualify, the person must meet all of the following conditions before applying.
- The case was dismissed, dropped, or resulted in a not guilty verdict
- The person has never been convicted of any criminal offense
- The person has not previously received a sealing or expungement
- The charge is not on the list of disqualifying offenses
- A certificate of eligibility has been issued by the FDLE
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing
Sealing is available for cases that ended in a withhold of adjudication or a similar outcome. A person who was found guilty but had adjudication withheld may also qualify under certain conditions. Sealing hides the record from public view, but it can still be seen by courts, law enforcement, and some government agencies.
Where to Apply in Florida
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE. The form is filed online or by mail with the required fee. Once the certificate is issued, the person must file a petition with the court in the county where the arrest happened. For Orlando arrests, the petition goes to the Orange County Clerk of Court.
Correcting Errors in Your Criminal History Record
Mistakes do happen in criminal history records. Wrong dispositions, misidentified persons, and outdated arrest data are common errors. Florida law gives people the right to challenge and correct any wrong information in their record.
How to File a Record Challenge
Anyone who finds an error in their FDLE criminal history record can file a formal challenge. The challenge process is set by Florida Administrative Code and gives the FDLE a set time to review and respond.
- Get a copy of your current FDLE record through CCHInet or by mail
- Identify the specific error, such as a wrong charge or missing disposition
- Collect court documents that prove the correct information
- Submit a written challenge to the FDLE Records Section with proof
- Wait for FDLE to review and update the record or explain the denial
FDLE Record Review Process
The FDLE must respond to a record challenge within a set time period under state law. If the agency agrees an error exists, it updates the CCH database. If the challenge is denied, the person can request an administrative hearing to appeal the decision. Court documents, such as a dismissal order or a corrected disposition, are the strongest proof to bring to a hearing.
Official Contacts and Resources
Several agencies handle Orlando criminal history records. The right office depends on what type of record is needed and how it will be used.
Orlando Police Department
The Orlando Police Department manages local arrest and incident records for cases within city limits. Public records requests are handled by the Records Division during regular business hours. The main OPD office is located at 100 S. Hughey Avenue in downtown Orlando.
Orange County Clerk of Courts
The Orange County Clerk of Courts keeps all criminal court records for cases filed in the 9th Judicial Circuit. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and offers online tools 24 hours a day. The main courthouse sits at 425 N. Orange Avenue in Orlando.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The FDLE handles statewide criminal history searches and record challenges. The main office is in Tallahassee at 2331 Phillips Road. The agency can be reached by phone at (850) 410-8161 for general records questions and (850) 410-7870 for expungement and sealing help. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Frequently Asked Questions About Orlando City Criminal History
The questions below cover the most common concerns about searching, reading, and updating Orlando criminal history records. Each answer gives a clear, direct response based on current Florida law and FDLE practice.
How long does an arrest stay on an Orlando criminal history record?
An arrest stays on an Orlando criminal history record forever unless it is sealed or expungement through the proper court process. Florida does not automatically remove old arrests after a set number of years. Even arrests that were dropped or dismissed will still appear in the FDLE CCH database until a person applies for and receives a court order to seal or expunge the record. Some background check companies only look back seven years, but the official record itself never expires on its own.
Can employers run a criminal background check on Orlando residents?
Yes, employers in Florida can run criminal background checks on job applicants, but they must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Florida Fair Credit Reporting Act. Most employers use a third-party screening company that pulls data from the FDLE CCH database. The employer must get written permission from the applicant before running the check. If the employer decides not to hire someone based on the record, they must give the applicant a copy of the report and a chance to respond before making a final decision.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a conviction record?
An arrest record shows that a person was taken into custody by police on a specific charge. A conviction record shows that the person was found guilty or pleaded guilty in court. Many arrest records never lead to convictions because the charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a not guilty verdict. Background checks used for jobs and housing often focus on convictions rather than arrests, but both types of data appear in the FDLE CCH system unless the record has been sealed or expunged.
Can I see my own criminal history record for free?
The FDLE does not offer free criminal history checks, even for the person whose record is being searched. The standard CCHInet name search costs $25, and a certified fingerprint-based record costs $24 plus fingerprinting fees. The Orange County Clerk’s online case search is free, but it only shows court case status, not the full criminal history. Some local police departments may allow walk-in requests for a copy of a recent arrest report at a low cost, but the full statewide record always carries a fee.
Does a sealed record show up on a background check in Florida?
Once a record is sealed under Florida law, it is hidden from public view and will not show up on most background checks run by employers, landlords, or the general public. Sealed records can still be seen by law enforcement, courts, and some government agencies listed in the relevant statute. Expunged records go a step further and allow the person to deny the arrest ever happened, with a few narrow exceptions. Neither sealed nor expunged records appear in a standard FDLE CCHInet search once the court order has been processed.
How do I search for a specific court case in Orange County?
The Orange County Clerk of Courts offers a free online case search at myorangeclerk.com. Users can search by party name, case number, citation number, or court date. The search returns case status, scheduled hearings, filed documents, and final judgments. For older cases or certified copies, the Clerk’s office can be reached by phone at (407) 836-2000 during regular business hours. The office is located at 425 N. Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando.