About us – criminal history is the focus of our work every day. We help people in Florida learn about criminal history records, FDLE criminal history records, and how to request them.
Our team writes clear content about the Florida Department of Law Enforcement criminal history system, court files, arrest records, and disposition data. We started this site so anyone can spot the right office, the right form, and the right fee without getting lost online.
Who We Are
We are a small group of writers, researchers, and former public records staff. Each person on our team has worked with Florida criminal history search systems, clerk of court offices, and FDLE background check portals. We put our knowledge into one place so you do not have to read twenty government pages to get one answer.
Our Background
Our team has spent years inside county clerk offices, state agencies, and private record search firms. We have processed Florida criminal records search by name requests, pulled certified Florida criminal history record copies, and helped people fill out the Florida criminal history record form. We know the steps, the fees, and the small mistakes that cause delays.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make Florida criminal history records simple to read. We write each page in short sentences, with clear steps, and we point you to the office that holds the record. We do not store the records, and we do not sell your data. We just write the clearest path from your question to the right answer.
How We Help With Florida Criminal History Records
Florida keeps criminal history records in a statewide system run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This system is the Florida criminal history repository. It holds arrest records, disposition data from the courts, and updates from county sheriff offices. We help you see what the system has, what it does not have, and how to ask for a copy.
FDLE Criminal History Records
FDLE criminal history records are the most complete criminal record a person can get in Florida. They show arrests, charges, and the final court outcome for each case. A Florida criminal history record copy from FDLE can be used for jobs, licensing, immigration, adoption, and more. We explain the mail request, the online request, and the fingerprint check choices on our other pages.
Florida Criminal Background Check
A Florida criminal background check is the same data, but the phrase people use most often. Employers ask for it. Landlords ask for it. Licensing boards ask for it. We break down the Florida criminal history record fee, the Florida criminal history record form, and the Florida criminal history record mail request flow so you know what to expect before you pay.
Florida Arrest Records and Court Disposition
Florida arrest records and court disposition data are the two halves of a full criminal history. An arrest record shows who was taken into custody and why. Disposition data shows how the court resolved the case, such as guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or deferred. FDLE combines both halves. We explain how that works and what each line on a report means.
Why People Search Criminal History Records
People search criminal history records for many reasons. Some reasons are required by law. Some reasons are personal. We cover the most common ones so you can see where your need fits.
Employment and Licensing
Florida criminal record check for employment is the top reason people contact us. Schools, healthcare groups, banks, security firms, and government offices all need a clean record check. We list the exact form, fee, and turnaround time for each Florida criminal history record request tied to a job or license.
Personal Review and Self Check
Florida criminal history record self-check is the second most common reason. People want to see their own record before a job interview, a court date, or a new apartment application. FDLE lets you request your own record online or by mail. We walk through both choices one at a time on our site.
Adoption, Immigration, and Court Matters
Florida criminal history record for adoption and immigration asks often need a certified copy with a state seal. Court matters, sealing, and expungement filings also need a current record. We explain how to order a certified Florida criminal history record copy for each of these cases.
Our Standards
We hold our work to three clear standards. These standards guide every page we write and every update we make.
Plain Language
We write at a 5th grade reading level. We use short sentences, common words, and we explain legal terms the first time we use them. Anyone can read our pages and know what to do next.
Current Records
We check each FDLE fee, form, and phone number every few months. If the Florida Department of Law Enforcement changes a fee or a form name, we update our page fast. We post the date of our last review at the bottom of each page.
No Hidden Fees
Our site is free to read. We do not charge you to see a phone number or an address. Some links on our site lead to paid search sites run by other companies. We mark those links clearly so you know when you are leaving our free site.
What We Are Not
We want to be clear about what our site does not do. This protects you and keeps our work honest.
Not a Government Office
We are a private site. We are not part of FDLE, the Florida court system, or any county clerk office. We cannot pull a record for you, file a form for you, or seal a record for you. We can show you how to do each of these things on your own.
Not a Legal Advisor
We do not give legal advice. We are not a law firm. If you have a legal question about a charge, a sealing, or an expungement, talk to a licensed Florida attorney. We list legal aid groups on our site for people who need low cost help.
Not a Record Holder
We do not store Florida criminal history records, court files, or arrest data. We cannot email you a record. We can only point you to the office that holds the record and explain how to ask for it.
Records We Cover
Our site covers the main record types that people search for in Florida. The list below shows what we write about most often.
- FDLE criminal history records and the statewide database
- Florida criminal history search by name and date of birth
- Florida criminal history fingerprint check for licensing and adoption
- Florida arrest records and sheriff office reports
- Disposition data from Florida court records
- Florida criminal history record fee, form, and mail request steps
- Florida criminal history online request through the FDLE portal
- Florida criminal history expungement and sealing eligibility
How We Work
Our work flow is simple. We spot the question, spot the right office, and write the answer in plain words.
Spot the Question
We read what people type into search bars. We look at the questions on court sites, FDLE help pages, and county clerk pages. We pick the most common questions and write a page for each one.
Spot the Right Office
Florida has 67 counties. Each county has its own clerk of court, sheriff, and state attorney. We list the office, the address, the phone, and the hours for each record type. We also list the FDLE office in Tallahassee for statewide checks.
Write the Answer
We write the answer in short paragraphs, short sentences, and short lists. We add the form name, the fee, the payment method, and the mailing address. We add a note about turnaround time so you know how long to wait.
Who Uses Our Site
Our readers come from all over Florida and the rest of the United States. We serve job seekers, employers, landlords, parents, students, and attorneys. We also serve people who just want to check their own record.
Job Seekers
Job seekers use our site to learn how to run a self check before an interview. They want to know what an employer will see and how to fix errors on their record.
Employers and HR Teams
HR teams use our site to spot the right form, the right fee, and the right vendor for Florida background checks. We list FDLE approved channelers and private vendors side by side.
Attorneys and Legal Aid
Attorneys use our site to get current fee and form data for sealing, expungement, and immigration cases. Legal aid groups share our pages with clients who need a free starting point.
Contact Us
You can reach our team through the channels below. We read every message and try to reply within two business days.
Phone
Our team phone line is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. The number is 1-800-555-0123. Use this line for general questions about our site, a broken link, or a request to add a county page.
Our team email is support@example.com. We do not collect records through email. We cannot pull a record for you. We can answer questions about a page on our site or point you to the right office.
Mailing Address
You can mail written feedback to our team at 123 Main Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. We do not accept record requests by mail. All record requests must go to FDLE or the right county clerk.
Office Hours
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. We are closed on state and federal holidays. We do not accept walk in record requests at our office.
Other Sites and Official References
Our site links to official pages from FDLE, the Florida Courts, and county clerk offices. These are the offices that hold the records. We do not control their sites. If a link is broken, tell us and we will fix it.
Official Website: fdle.state.fl.us
FDLE Criminal History Phone: 850-410-8100
FDLE Mailing Address: Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal History Services, PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302
FDLE Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time
Our Promise
We promise three things on every page of our site. We promise to write in plain words. We promise to keep fees, forms, and phone numbers current. We promise to never sell your data or share it with third parties. If we miss any of these promises, tell us and we will fix it.
Updates and Changes
We update our pages when FDLE changes a fee, a form, or a flow. We post the date of the last update at the top of each page. If you see old data on any of our pages, send us a message through the contact form and we will correct it.
Privacy
We do not ask for your name, your date of birth, or your Social Security Number. We do not store search history. We do not run cookies that track you across other sites. The only data we collect is the message you send us through the contact form, and we delete that message after we reply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions our readers ask most often. Each answer points you to the right office, the right form, or the right page on our site. If your question is not here, send us a message and we will add it to this list. The questions cover FDLE records, the Florida criminal history repository, expungement rules, and how the statewide criminal history system works.
What is a Florida criminal history record?
A Florida criminal history record is a statewide report kept by FDLE. It shows every arrest in Florida, the charge, and the final court outcome. The record also shows whether the case was sealed or expunged. FDLE combines data from county sheriff offices, police departments, and the Florida court system. A full record is called a certified Florida criminal history record when it has the state seal. The record is used by employers, licensing boards, immigration officers, and adoption agencies. It is the same data that shows up on a Florida criminal background check. You can order a copy of your own record at any time. You can also order a copy of someone else’s record if you have a legal reason under Florida law. FDLE charges a small fee for each copy, and the fee is set by state rule. We list the current fee on our site, and we update the page each time FDLE posts a new fee schedule.
How do I order my own criminal history record in Florida?
You can order your own record in three ways. You can use the FDLE online portal, you can mail a Florida criminal history record form to FDLE, or you can schedule a Florida criminal history fingerprint check at an FDLE approved site. The online request is the fastest. The mail request takes about two to three weeks. The fingerprint check is needed for some licenses and adoption cases. You will need a valid photo ID for the online and mail requests. You will need a second form of ID for the fingerprint check. FDLE accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards on the online portal. FDLE does not accept cash by mail. We list each step with form names and mailing addresses on our ordering page. We also list the FDLE approved live scan sites for fingerprint checks by county.
How much does a Florida criminal history record cost?
The Florida criminal history record fee is set by FDLE. As of 2026, the fee is $24 for a name based check and $40 for a fingerprint based check. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card on the online portal. Some vendors charge extra for handling. FDLE does not charge extra for a certified copy with a seal. If you need the record the same day, some Florida sheriff offices offer walk in fingerprint checks for an extra fee. The fee can change each year when the Florida Legislature passes a new budget. We post the current fee at the top of our fee page. If FDLE changes the fee, we update our page within a week. We also list the fees for sealed record requests, expungement certificates, and federal FBI checks on the same page.
Can I seal or expunge a Florida criminal record?
You may seal or expunge a Florida criminal record if you meet the rules in Florida Statute 943.059. You must not have been convicted of the charge, or you must have had the case dismissed. You must apply to FDLE for a certificate of eligibility, then file a court order with the clerk of court in the county where the case was handled. The certificate of eligibility costs $75. The court filing fee is set by each county. We list the full steps, the forms, and the county filing fees on our sealing and expungement pages. You do not need a lawyer to seal or expunge a record. Many people file on their own. We also list legal aid groups that help with low cost sealing cases. Sealing hides the record from most public searches. Expungement destroys the record for most state purposes. Both options have strict waiting periods and eligibility tests.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal history record?
An arrest record is the report from the police or sheriff office. It shows who was arrested, when, where, and why. A criminal history record is the statewide summary kept by FDLE. It includes the arrest record and the final court outcome, called disposition data. A full Florida criminal history search pulls both halves from FDLE. Arrest records alone do not show if the case was dropped, dismissed, or sealed. Criminal history records do show that. Most employers ask for the criminal history record, not just the arrest record. We explain how to read each line on both reports on our site. We also explain the codes FDLE uses for dispositions, so you can read your own report with no help from a lawyer.
How long does FDLE take to handle a record request?
FDLE handles online name based requests in about one to two business days. FDLE handles mail requests in two to three weeks. Fingerprint checks take three to five business days after the prints are taken. Court record searches at the county clerk can take one to seven business days, depending on the county. We list each county turnaround time on our county pages. The FDLE statewide criminal history system updates most new arrests within 24 hours. Court updates can take longer because clerks send data to FDLE in batches. If your record is missing a recent update, wait two weeks and order again. Holiday weeks can add a few extra days to mail and fingerprint turnaround times. We post a holiday calendar on our site each year.
Do I need a lawyer to get a Florida criminal history record?
No. You do not need a lawyer to order your own record. FDLE sells records directly to the public through the online portal, by mail, and at live scan sites. You only need a lawyer if you plan to seal, expunge, or challenge a record. We list legal aid groups on our site for people who need low cost help with these cases. A lawyer can also help if your record shows a charge that was dropped or dismissed. We list the steps to fix an error on our corrections page. You can also file a dispute with FDLE directly if you see a mistake on your record. The dispute form is free, and FDLE has 30 days to reply. Most disputes are resolved within 60 days. We walk through the dispute form line by line on our site.