Bradford County criminal history records document arrests, court cases, and final outcomes for people processed through the criminal justice system in this north central Florida county. The Clerk of Court in Starke serves as the official keeper of these records under Florida law, preserving each step of every case from booking through final disposition.
People search these records for many reasons: employment screening, housing applications, personal records review, family history research, and legal matters that require official proof of past court actions. Knowing what records exist, who can request them, and which search method fits a specific need saves time and prevents wasted fees on the wrong request type.
What Bradford County Criminal History Records Contain
Criminal history records in Bradford County follow a strict format set by Florida law. Each record contains a defined set of data points that allow agencies, employers, and individuals to verify past interactions with the county court system. Knowing what appears in a record helps requesters understand what they will receive and what information stays outside the public search system.
Types of Offenses Documented
Bradford County records include misdemeanors, felonies, ordinance violations, traffic offenses classified as criminal, and juvenile cases that were not sealed. Minor infractions like parking tickets stay in a different records system and do not appear on a criminal history report. Each entry shows the date of arrest, the arresting agency, the charges filed, the court case number, the final plea or verdict, the sentence imposed, and the date the case closed.
Difference Between Arrest Records and Conviction Records
An arrest record shows that law enforcement took a person into custody on a specific date for a specific charge. A conviction record adds the court outcome: guilty plea, guilty verdict after trial, no contest plea, or dismissal. Not every arrest leads to a conviction, and the distinction matters for background checks, licensing applications, and immigration matters. A record showing only an arrest without a conviction reflects an arrest outcome but no court finding of guilt.
Records Excluded from Public Search
Florida law removes certain cases from public criminal history databases. Sealed records under court order, expunged records that were legally erased, cases involving minors that received juvenile diversion, and records granted confidentiality through statutory programs do not appear in standard searches. Federal arrests, military court-martial outcomes, and convictions from other states also stay outside the Florida criminal history system, requiring separate checks through those agencies.
Florida Statutes Governing Criminal History Access
Florida law creates a detailed framework for who can request criminal history information, what they can receive, and how the records must be handled. The state legislature updated these statutes several times in recent years, and the 2024 revisions expanded eligibility for record sealing and expungement. Bradford County follows the same state-level rules that govern all 67 Florida counties.
Florida Statute 943.053 Explained
Florida Statute 943.053 is the primary law controlling access to Criminal History Record Information, known as CHRI. The statute defines CHRI as any documented information about a person that describes an arrest, detention, indictment, information, or other formal criminal charge leading to a disposition. The statute limits who can receive CHRI, sets retention rules, and establishes the role of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as the central state repository. Anyone handling these records must follow strict security and disposal rules outlined in the statute.
Who Can Request Records
Florida classifies requesters into two main groups: the subject of the record and other authorized requesters. The subject of the record can always request their own criminal history. Other authorized requesters include employers for certain positions, licensing agencies, courts, law enforcement agencies, attorneys representing clients, and adoption agencies under specific conditions. General public access exists for basic court records but not for the full CHRI report through FDLE without qualifying under state law.
Sealed and Expunged Records
A sealed record stays in the system but is hidden from public view. An expunged record is physically destroyed by the court and the arresting agency, leaving only a minimal entry noting that a record once existed. Florida expanded eligibility for sealing and expungement in recent years through legislation that increased waiting periods and removed some prior disqualifiers. Bradford County residents seeking to seal or expunge a record must file a petition with the Clerk of Court and pay the required filing fee, then attend a court hearing where a judge decides the outcome.
How to Search Bradford County Criminal History
Four main search methods exist for Bradford County criminal history: in-person at the Starke courthouse, online through the Clerk portal, by mail using a written request, and through the FDLE statewide system. The right method depends on the request type, the urgency, and whether a certified copy is required for legal or employment use.
In-Person Requests at the Starke Courthouse
The Bradford County Courthouse sits at 945 N Temple Avenue in Starke, Florida 32091. The Clerk of Court office accepts walk-in requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for court holidays. Requesters should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the case: full legal name, date of birth, approximate arrest date, or case number if available. Staff can pull the case file, provide copies, and certify documents on the spot for a small fee per page and per certification.
Online Access Through the Clerk Portal
The Bradford County Clerk website at bradfordclerk.com provides a public records search tool that displays basic case information for criminal and civil cases filed in the county. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. The portal shows current case status, upcoming court dates, charge descriptions, and final dispositions for closed cases. This free tool works well for preliminary checks but does not provide certified copies or complete case file documents, which still require contact with the Clerk office.
Written Requests by Mail
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the courthouse in person. Send a written request to the Bradford County Clerk of Court at the courthouse address, including the full name and date of birth of the person whose records are being requested, the relationship of the requester to the subject, the purpose of the request, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery. Include a check or money order for the copying and certification fees. Allow two to three weeks for mail processing, plus return delivery time.
FDLE Statewide Name Search
For searches covering more than Bradford County, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement operates the Computerized Criminal History, or CCH, system. This database holds arrest and disposition records from all 67 Florida counties and is available through the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Users submit the subject’s full name, date of birth, race, and sex to receive a statewide report. The system requires accurate matching data to avoid false hits, particularly for common names that may match multiple people in the database.
Fees, Processing Times, and Certified Copies
Criminal history fees vary based on the search type, the agency providing the record, and whether the requester needs a certified copy. Standard search fees cover basic lookup costs, while certified copies carry an additional fee per page and per certification stamp. Knowing the fee structure prevents requesters from paying for the wrong service or facing delays from incomplete payment.
FDLE Criminal History Fees
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges $24 for an instant criminal history search through the online CCHInet system, plus a credit card processing fee charged by the payment vendor. Certified searches through FDLE Applicant Services cost $24 as well but take five to seven business days to process and return by mail. Fingerprint-based checks run higher, typically $50 to $60 depending on the channel used and whether the requester pays a LiveScan vendor fee.
Clerk of Court Copy and Certification Fees
Bradford County Clerk of Court charges $1 per page for regular copies of court documents and $2 per page for certified copies, with an additional $2 certification fee per document. Fees are set by Florida statute and remain consistent across the state. Requesters paying by mail should include a check or money order made out to the Bradford County Clerk of Court, while in-person payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card depending on office policy.
Instant Versus Certified Results
Instant search results from the FDLE online system arrive within minutes and work well for preliminary screening. These results are not certified and cannot be used in court proceedings or for official licensing applications that require authentication. Certified results carry the official FDLE or court seal, include a signature from the records custodian, and meet the legal standard for use in court filings, immigration petitions, professional licensing, and adoption proceedings.
Other Florida County Criminal Record Resources
People with multi-county histories, employment screening needs, or family members across the state often need criminal records from counties beyond Bradford. Each Florida county operates its own Clerk of Court system with similar procedures but different websites, fee schedules, and office hours. Below are the major Florida counties with the largest populations and the highest request volumes.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court maintains one of the largest criminal case databases in Florida. The office handles hundreds of thousands of criminal filings each year. Online searches run through the Clerk’s Odyssey portal, which displays case status, charges, and dispositions for cases filed after 2007. In-person requests go to the courthouse in downtown Miami. Certified copies follow the same $1 per page copy fee and $2 certification fee used across the state.
Broward County
Broward County Clerk of Court in Fort Lauderdale provides online access through the Broward County Records search tool, covering criminal, civil, and family cases. The county’s high request volume means most staff are familiar with common search patterns and can assist quickly with name and date-of-birth lookups. Broward also supports electronic certified copies for some case types, reducing the need for in-person courthouse visits.
Orange and Hillsborough Counties
Orange County, home to Orlando, and Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, both operate full-service Clerk offices with online search portals. Orange County records are available through the Orange County Clerk’s website, while Hillsborough County uses a separate system with similar search functions. Both counties process thousands of criminal background requests each year from local employers, landlords, and licensing agencies in central Florida.
Duval and Palm Beach Counties
Duval County in Jacksonville and Palm Beach County in West Palm Beach round out the list of high-volume Florida counties. Duval County Clerk of Court provides both online case search and in-person records access at the downtown Jacksonville courthouse. Palm Beach County operates a similar system with the additional option of electronic certified copies for many case types, which speeds up delivery for requesters who cannot visit the courthouse in person.
Common Uses for Criminal History Records
Criminal history records serve many practical purposes across employment, government, immigration, and family law contexts. Understanding the intended use helps requesters select the correct search type and certification level, avoiding wasted time on requests that do not meet the specific need.
Employment Background Screening
Florida law requires background checks for positions working with vulnerable populations, including teachers, healthcare workers, childcare providers, and law enforcement candidates. The state also mandates background screening for certain licensed professions such as nurses, real estate agents, and security officers. Employers use criminal history searches to verify candidate disclosures, assess risk for the position, and meet legal compliance requirements set by state and federal regulators.
Immigration and Visa Applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires certified criminal history reports from every country where an applicant has lived. For Florida residents, this means submitting an FDLE certified search along with any FBI check for federal offenses. The certified report must be recent, typically issued within six months of the application date, to meet immigration filing standards.
Adoption and Foster Care
Adoption agencies, foster care providers, and courts handling custody disputes require full criminal history checks for prospective parents, household members, and anyone with regular contact with the child. The screening covers all counties of residence over a multi-year period, often reaching back 10 years or more. Adoptive parents typically need both a state-level FDLE check and a federal FBI check through the fingerprint-based channel.
Disputing Inaccurate Criminal History Information
Errors in criminal history records create serious problems for the people whose files contain them. A wrong charge, a case listed as open when it closed years ago, or an arrest record that should have been sealed can block employment, housing, and licensing opportunities. Florida provides a formal process for reviewing and correcting these errors through FDLE and the originating court.
Review and Challenge Process
The subject of a criminal history record can request a record review through FDLE Applicant Services by submitting a written challenge that identifies the disputed information and provides supporting documents. Common supporting documents include certified court orders showing dismissal, sealing orders, certificates of disposition, and arrest affidavits proving mistaken identity. FDLE reviews the challenge, contacts the originating agency if needed, and either corrects the record or denies the challenge with a written explanation.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Contact
FDLE Applicant Services handles all record challenges, retention questions, and CHRI policy issues. The office can be reached by phone at (850) 410-8161 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Written correspondence goes to FDLE Applicant Services, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Email contact is available through the FDLE website for general questions, though formal challenges must be submitted in writing with original signatures and supporting documentation.
Bradford County Clerk of Court Contact Details
Direct contact with the Clerk of Court remains the fastest path for local Bradford County record requests. Staff can confirm whether a record exists, estimate fees, schedule a record review, and process certified copy requests on the spot during office hours.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Bradford County Clerk of Court |
| Street Address | 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 |
| Phone Number | (904) 966-6280 |
| Official Website | bradfordclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| FDLE Applicant Services | (850) 410-8161 |
| FDLE CCHInet Portal | cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us |
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover the most common concerns people raise when searching Bradford County criminal history records. Each answer reflects current Florida law as of 2026, including the recent legislative updates that expanded sealing and expungement eligibility. These answers provide a quick reference for requesters who need fast, accurate guidance before submitting their search.
How long does Bradford County keep criminal history records?
Florida retains adult criminal history records indefinitely unless a court orders the record sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public searches, while expunged records are physically destroyed by the court and the arresting agency, leaving only a notation that the record once existed. Juvenile records follow a different retention schedule and are generally eligible for sealing after the person turns 21, with certain serious offenses extending that waiting period. Records involving capital felonies and life felonies remain in the system permanently regardless of the outcome.
Can I view someone else’s criminal history in Bradford County without their permission?
Florida law limits full CHRI access to the subject of the record and specific authorized requesters like employers in regulated industries, courts, and law enforcement agencies. Public users can view basic court case information through the Clerk’s online portal, including charges, court dates, and final dispositions. Sensitive identifiers such as Social Security numbers stay suppressed in all public outputs. Attempting to obtain CHRI through misrepresentation or fraudulent request carries criminal penalties under Florida Statute 943.053.
What is the difference between a name-based search and a fingerprint search?
A name-based search uses identifying information such as full name and date of birth to match records in the FDLE database. This method is fast and inexpensive but can produce false hits when common names match multiple people in the system. A fingerprint search uses biometric data that matches a single individual with certainty, producing the most accurate result. Fingerprint searches cost more and require either a LiveScan provider visit or a traditional ink card submission, but they remain the standard for federal background checks, immigration applications, and high-security employment positions.
Does a dismissed charge still show up on a Bradford County criminal history search?
Dismissed charges remain visible on the court record and may appear in criminal history searches unless the record was sealed or expunged. The disposition field will show the dismissal rather than a conviction, but the underlying charge and arrest stay in the file. Many employers and licensing agencies treat dismissals differently from convictions, but the arrest itself can still trigger follow-up questions during background screening. People seeking to hide a dismissed charge must pursue formal sealing or expungement through the Bradford County court system.
How do I correct an error on my Bradford County criminal history record?
Start by requesting a certified copy of the record from the Clerk of Court to see exactly what appears in the file. If the record contains an error, gather supporting documents such as court orders, dismissal paperwork, or identity verification materials. Submit a written challenge to FDLE Applicant Services with the documents and a clear explanation of the error. FDLE reviews the challenge, contacts the originating agency if needed, and either corrects the record or denies the challenge with a written explanation within 30 days.
Are out-of-state convictions visible on a Florida criminal history search?
Florida’s criminal history system only contains arrests and convictions that occurred within Florida’s 67 counties. Out-of-state convictions stay in the originating state’s database and require a separate search through that state’s repository. Federal convictions, including those from federal courts in Florida, also stay outside the state system and require an FBI background check through the fingerprint-based channel. People with multi-state histories need to request searches from every state where they have lived to get a complete record.
Can employers in Bradford County run background checks on job applicants?
Florida employers in regulated industries like healthcare, education, finance, and childcare can request criminal history searches for applicants under specific state and federal laws. Non-regulated employers may request criminal history with the applicant’s written consent, but they must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules for background screening companies. Florida also limits how far back employers can look into criminal records, generally seven years for most positions, with exceptions for jobs paying above a certain salary threshold and positions involving vulnerable populations.