Alachua County criminal history records are official files that list arrests, charges, court actions, and final outcomes for people involved in criminal cases in Gainesville and other cities within the county. These records are kept by the Alachua County Clerk of Court, which is part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Anyone can look at most of these records because Florida law says the public has the right to see them. People use these records for many reasons, such as background checks for jobs, legal research, personal knowledge, or court needs.
The Clerk of Court office in Gainesville keeps millions of files that go back many years. These files cover both small crimes called misdemeanors and serious crimes called felonies. Each file has the arrest report, the charges filed, court motions, judge orders, and the final sentence or release. The office also holds records for Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties because they all share the same judicial circuit.
What Alachua County Criminal Records Contain
Alachua County criminal records are full files that follow a case from the moment a person is arrested until the court makes a final decision. The records show every step in the legal process. They also show the outcome, such as a guilty plea, a not guilty verdict, a dropped case, or completion of a sentence.
Arrest and Booking Details
Each criminal file starts with the arrest report. This report has the date of arrest, the agency that made the arrest, the charges at the time of arrest, and the booking photo. It also lists personal details like full name, date of birth, and a physical description. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Gainesville Police Department send these reports to the Clerk of Court for filing.
Court Case Information
After the arrest, the case moves to court. Court records show the case number, the judge assigned, the charges filed by the state attorney, and the defense attorney of record. These files also have motions filed by both sides, court orders, hearing dates, and trial results. Anyone can see the full court file unless a judge has sealed part of it.
Final Disposition Records
The final part of a criminal file is the disposition. This is the official end of the case. It could be a conviction, an acquittal, a dismissal, a diversion program, or a sentence. Florida law requires that every arrest has a final disposition reported to the state. This step makes sure the record shows what really happened in the case.
How to Search Criminal Records in Alachua County
There are three main ways to search criminal records in Alachua County. You can go in person, search online, or send a mail request. Each method works for different needs and time frames.
In-Person Search at the Courthouse
Visiting the Alachua County Courthouse gives you the fastest access to criminal records. The courthouse is located at 201 East University Avenue in Gainesville. Public terminals are set up in the lobby so you can search by name, case number, or date. Staff members are there to help you use the system if you get stuck. Bring a valid photo ID and any details you already know about the person or case.
The Clerk’s office accepts cash, money orders, and most debit or credit cards for copy fees. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies cost $2.00 per page. If you need a full certified record for legal or job use, ask the clerk for the official certified version.
Online Search Through the Clerk Website
The Alachua County Clerk of Court runs a free online search tool on its website. You can search from your phone or computer any time of day. The search works by defendant name, case number, or date range. Most case files show the full docket, which is the list of every paper filed in the case.
Online records work well for quick checks. They do not always include scanned images of every document. If you need a scanned copy, you may need to visit the courthouse or pay for a remote copy request through the website.
Mail Request for Out-of-Town Searchers
People who live far from Gainesville can send a written request by mail. Your letter should include the full name of the person, date of birth, and any case numbers you know. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail your request to the Clerk of Court at the courthouse address listed in the contact section below.
Mail requests take five to ten business days to process. The wait time grows during busy court weeks or after major events that lead to many new arrests.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Statewide Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also called FDLE, runs the state’s central criminal database. This database is called the Florida Crime Information Center, or FCIC. It holds arrest records and court outcomes from all 67 Florida counties. A statewide search is best when you need records that go beyond Alachua County.
FDLE Name-Based Search
FDLE offers a name-based search for people who do not have fingerprints. You provide the full name, date of birth, and gender. The system checks the name against the FCIC database. Results come back as either a match, a possible match, or no record found.
A name-based search costs $24.00 per name for a non-certified record. Results are available right away when you use the online portal called CCHInet. A non-certified record is good for personal use but not for court or immigration cases.
FDLE Certified Record Request
When you need a record for official use, order a certified Florida criminal history record. This version has the FDLE seal and is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. You can order it online or by mail using Form DH-914.
The fee for a certified record is $24.00 plus a $1.00 processing charge. Processing takes five to seven business days. Fingerprints are not required for this service if you have enough personal details to confirm the identity.
FDLE Fingerprint-Based Check
Some jobs and government applications require a fingerprint check. FDLE uses LiveScan machines at approved locations across the state. Your fingerprints are scanned and checked against state and national databases. The results show Florida arrests and any federal records linked to your prints.
Fingerprint checks cost between $40.00 and $60.00, depending on the vendor. Results arrive in three to five business days for most applicants. Many employers set up accounts with FDLE so they can request checks for new hires in bulk.
Florida Criminal History Record Fees and Processing Times
Fees and wait times change based on the agency and the type of record. The table below shows the main options for getting a Florida criminal history record in 2026.
| Record Type | Source | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-certified statewide record | FDLE CCHInet | $24.00 | Instant |
| Certified statewide record | FDLE Form DH-914 | $25.00 | 5 to 7 business days |
| Fingerprint-based check | FDLE LiveScan vendor | $40.00 to $60.00 | 3 to 5 business days |
| Local case search | Alachua County Clerk website | Free online / $1.00 per page certified | Instant online / 1 day in person |
| Local case certified copy | Alachua County Clerk in person | $2.00 per page | Same day |
These fees are set by Florida law and Florida administrative rules. The Clerk of Court and FDLE review their fee schedules every year. Always check the official website before you pay, since prices may have changed since this page was written.
Who Can See Sealed or Expunged Records
Florida law lets people ask to seal or expunge their criminal records in certain cases. Sealed records still exist but are hidden from public search. Expunged records are destroyed by court order, though some government agencies can still see them for specific jobs.
Eligibility for Expungement
You can ask for expungement if your case was dropped, you were found not guilty, or you completed a diversion program. You can also ask if you received a withholding of adjudication. Florida Statute 943.0585 lists the rules. You cannot expunge a record if you were convicted of the charge, with a few small exceptions listed in the law.
To start the process, file a petition with the clerk of court in the county where the case was handled. The court will schedule a hearing. A judge will review your petition and decide based on the facts.
Who Can Still See Sealed Records
Even when a record is sealed, certain agencies can still see it. These include courts, law enforcement agencies, the state attorney, and some employers in jobs that work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Firearm purchases also trigger a check of sealed records under federal law.
Florida Criminal History Search Criteria
To get accurate results, you must use the right search details. A small spelling mistake can lead to a wrong match or no match at all.
Searching by Full Name and Date of Birth
The best way to search is to use the full legal name and date of birth. This combo cuts down on false matches. If the person has used other names, list each one in the search. Common names like John Smith often return many results, so extra details help.
Searching by Case Number
If you already have a case number, the search is fast. Case numbers in Alachua County start with the year, followed by a letter for the case type, and a number. For example, a 2024 felony case could be 2024-CF-001234. The Clerk’s office can help you read a case number if you are not sure what it means.
Fingerprints as a Final Option
Fingerprints give the most accurate match. They remove all doubt about identity. FDLE LiveScan vendors, local sheriff’s offices, and some private companies can capture your prints for a search.
Contact Information for Alachua County Clerk of Court
You can reach the Alachua County Clerk of Court using the details below for any question about criminal records in the county.
Office: Alachua County Clerk of Court
Address: 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3636
Website: https://www.alachuaclerk.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Criminal History Records in Other Florida Counties
People often need records from more than one Florida county. The state has 67 counties, each with its own clerk of court. The biggest counties have their own online search systems with more search options.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County keeps criminal records through the Clerk of Courts online portal. The system lets you search by name, case number, and citation number. Certified copies can be ordered online for an extra fee.
Orange County Records
Orange County, home to Orlando, runs a similar online system. The Orange County Clerk of Courts website lets you view dockets and order copies. You can also visit the courthouse in person at 425 North Orange Avenue.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, uses the Hillsborough County Clerk’s website for online records. The site covers both criminal and civil cases. Search options include name, case number, and date range.
Broward County Records
Broward County, located in Fort Lauderdale, has a public records search tool on the Clerk of Courts website. The system is updated daily with new court actions and filings.
Duval County Records
Duval County, home to Jacksonville, runs its criminal search through the Duval County Clerk of Courts. The site shows dockets and lets you print copies of case documents for a small fee.
What To Do If You Find a Mistake in Your Record
Errors do happen in criminal records. A wrong name, a missing disposition, or a mistaken charge can cause problems with jobs, housing, or loans. Florida has a formal review process to fix these issues.
Requesting a Record Review
You can ask FDLE for a review of your record by sending a letter or using the online form. Include copies of court papers that show the correct information. FDLE has 30 days to look into the issue and make a fix if needed.
Court Ordered Correction
If FDLE cannot fix the mistake, you can file a motion with the court that handled your case. A judge can order the Clerk of Court to correct the file. This is the strongest way to fix a record and make sure all agencies see the right information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alachua County Criminal History
These questions cover the most common things people ask about criminal history records in Alachua County and across Florida. The answers reflect the rules and fees in place as of July 2026. Always confirm details on the official FDLE and Clerk websites before you act.
How long does it take to get a Florida criminal history record from FDLE?
Non-certified FDLE records through CCHInet are instant. Certified records take five to seven business days by mail or online. Fingerprint-based checks take three to five business days. Mail delays can add extra days. Plan ahead if you have a deadline, and order at least two weeks early.
Can I get a criminal record for free in Florida?
The Alachua County Clerk website lets you search case dockets for free. You only pay when you want a printed or certified copy. FDLE does charge a fee for all its searches, even the basic non-certified name search. No fully free statewide criminal history check exists under Florida law.
Does a Florida criminal history record show arrests from other states?
No. Florida criminal records only show arrests and court actions that happened inside the state. Federal arrests, out-of-state convictions, and military records do not show up. You need a federal background check or searches in other states for those records.
Can I get someone else’s criminal record without their permission?
Yes, in most cases. Florida law makes criminal court records public. You do not need consent to look at case dockets, arrest reports, or final dispositions. Some sealed or expunged records are private, and you cannot see them without a court order.
How do I seal or expunge a record in Alachua County?
File a petition with the Alachua County Clerk of Court. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the request. A judge makes the final call at a court hearing. You may qualify if your case was dropped, you were found not guilty, or you completed a diversion program. The process can take six months to a year.
What does a Florida criminal history record look like?
The record lists the person’s full name, date of birth, race, gender, and a list of arrests. Each arrest entry has the date, the agency, the charges, and the final disposition. The record has the FDLE seal at the bottom for certified copies. It is printed on security paper to stop fake copies.
Can I use a Florida criminal history record in another state?
Yes, certified records are accepted in most other states for jobs, licensing, and court cases. The other state may ask for an apostille, which is an extra stamp from the Florida Secretary of State. Check with the agency that asked for the record to see if they need an apostille.