Flagler County criminal history records are public files that show arrests, court cases, and case outcomes for people who faced criminal charges in Flagler County, Florida. These records help employers, landlords, attorneys, and residents check the background of others or review their own records for errors.
The Flagler County Clerk of Courts in Bunnell keeps these files. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also keeps a statewide database that includes Flagler County cases. This page explains how to search these records, what each record type contains, who can see them, and how to fix or seal records when needed.
What Is Flagler County Criminal History?
A Flagler County criminal history is a written record of every arrest, charge, and court outcome for a person whose case went through the Flagler County court system. It covers cases filed in the county seat of Bunnell, which serves as the main courthouse for the 7th Judicial Circuit. These records are public by Florida law, which means anyone can request a copy unless a judge has sealed or expunged the file.
Definition and Scope of Records
The scope of a criminal history file includes arrest reports, booking photos, charging documents, court motions, plea deals, trial results, sentencing orders, and probation status. Each file follows a person from the time police make an arrest until the court closes the case. Records may also show whether the person paid fines, served jail time, or completed probation.
Who Uses These Records
Many people search criminal history records for different reasons. Employers run background checks before hiring. Landlords screen tenants before signing leases. Parents check caregivers, coaches, or new romantic partners. Attorneys pull records to build a legal case. Some people search their own records to make sure no errors exist or to prepare for an expungement filing.
Flagler County Clerk of Courts Records Office
The Flagler County Clerk of Courts serves as the official record keeper for all criminal cases filed in the county. This office stores paper and electronic files, processes new case filings, and answers public requests for copies of records. Staff members help visitors use public search terminals and can pull older files from on-site storage when needed.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Clerk of Courts office sits at 1769 E Moody Boulevard, Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The main phone line is (386) 313-4400. The office website at flaglerclerk.com offers online case search tools, downloadable forms, and fee schedules for copies and certified records.
| Office Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Flagler County Clerk of Courts |
| Street Address | 1769 E Moody Blvd, Bldg 1 |
| City, State, ZIP | Bunnell, FL 32110 |
| Phone Number | (386) 313-4400 |
| Website | flaglerclerk.com |
| Public Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Records Maintained by the Clerk
The Clerk of Courts maintains arrest affidavits, charging documents, court orders, plea agreements, sentencing papers, and probation status updates. Files from older cases may exist only in paper form and require staff to retrieve them from the records archive. Newer cases filed after 2010 are usually available in the online portal the same day they are entered into the system.
Types of Criminal Records in Flagler County
Different record types serve different purposes in the criminal justice process. Knowing the difference between arrest records, court records, and disposition records helps users pull the right file for their needs.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when and why law enforcement took a person into custody. The file lists the arrest date, location, agency name, charges filed at booking, and the arresting officer. These records form the start of every criminal case and are public unless a judge orders them sealed.
Court Disposition Records
Court disposition records show the final outcome of a criminal case. Disposition means the court’s decision after a plea, trial, or dismissal. Common dispositions include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, deferred adjudication, or no contest. Each case in Flagler County has one final disposition, and that outcome stays on the public record permanently unless a sealing or expungement order removes it.
Probation and Parole Records
Probation records track people who serve their sentence in the community instead of in jail. These files show probation start and end dates, supervision officer contact, and any violations. Parole records apply to people released early from prison and include the same types of supervision details.
How to Search Flagler County Criminal Records
Three main search methods exist for Flagler County criminal history records. The right method depends on how old the case is, whether the user needs a certified copy, and whether they live near the courthouse.
Online Search Through the Clerk Portal
The Clerk of Courts website at flaglerclerk.com hosts a free public search tool. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows case status, charges, hearings, and final disposition for cases filed after 2010. Older cases may not appear online and require an in-person or mail request.
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse
Visitors can search records at the public terminals inside the Clerk of Courts office in Bunnell. Staff can show first-time users how to run a name search and pull file copies. In-person visits work best for older paper files, certified copies, and cases that need full document review. Bring a valid photo ID to enter the records area.
Written Mail Requests
People who live outside the area can mail a written request to the Clerk of Courts. The request should include the full legal name of the person, date of birth, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail requests take longer to process but produce the same certified results as in-person visits.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Background Checks
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide Criminal History Information (CHI) system. This database collects arrest and disposition data from all 67 Florida counties, including Flagler County. State and national employers, licensing boards, and government agencies use this system for official background checks.
What FDLE Records Cover
FDLE records cover arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by county clerks, sheriffs, and police departments across Florida. The system does not include sealed or expunged records, out-of-state arrests, or federal charges. FDLE updates the database as new cases close, so very recent arrests may not appear for several days or weeks after the court files the final disposition.
Name-Based vs Fingerprint Searches
Name-based searches cost less and return results within minutes through the FDLE Civil Workflow System (CWFS). Fingerprint searches cost more but produce more accurate results because they match the actual person rather than a name. Fingerprint checks are required for jobs working with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities under Florida law.
Fees and Processing Times
FDLE charges a fee per name-based search and a higher fee for fingerprint-based checks through Livescan vendors. Name checks return same-day results for most users. Fingerprint checks take 24 to 72 hours to process. The current fee schedule appears on the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us.
Record Sealing and Expungement in Flagler County
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records under Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes. Sealing hides the record from public view but keeps a copy with FDLE. Expungement destroys the physical file and leaves only a confidential FDLE reference. Both options help people move past old arrests or convictions that qualify under state law.
Eligibility Requirements for Sealing or Expungement
A person can apply to seal or expunge a record only if they have never been convicted of a felony, have no other pending charges, and completed all sentence terms for the case in question. The waiting period is one year from the date the case closed. Certain crimes cannot be sealed or expunged, including violent felonies, sexual offenses, and most DUIs.
| Record Action | Who Qualifies | Public View After Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing | First-time offenders with completed sentences | Not visible to public or employers |
| Expungement | Acquitted, dismissed, or no-file cases | Destroyed except for one FDLE copy |
| No Action | Convicted of ineligible offense | Remains public permanently |
The Sealing Process Step by Step
The sealing process starts with a Certificate of Eligibility application to FDLE. After FDLE issues the certificate, the applicant files a petition with the Flagler County Clerk of Courts. A judge reviews the petition and either grants or denies the request. If granted, the clerk sends a court order to all agencies that hold the record, and they must remove it from public databases.
The Expungement Process Step by Step
Expungement follows the same first two steps as sealing. After the judge signs the order, the clerk notifies every agency that stored the file. Each agency must physically destroy its records and remove the case from any searchable system. FDLE keeps one sealed file marked for law enforcement use only.
Costs and Timeline for Sealing or Expungement
FDLE charges a fee for the Certificate of Eligibility. The Clerk of Courts charges a filing fee for the petition. A private attorney may charge an extra fee to handle the full process. The full process takes three to six months from the first FDLE application to the final court order.
Certified Criminal History Records
A certified criminal history record carries the official court seal and is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies as proof of a person’s criminal background. Plain copies do not include the court seal and may not meet legal requirements for official use.
How to Request a Certified Copy
Applicants can request a certified copy at the Flagler County Clerk of Courts in person, by mail, or through the online portal. The request must include the full name, date of birth, and case number if known. The clerk stamps the record with the official seal and signs it for legal use.
When Certified Records Are Required
Certified records are required for immigration applications, professional license applications, firearms permits, adoption hearings, and some job offers. The court seal proves the record came from an official source and protects against tampering or fraud.
Flagler County Courthouse Public Access
Anyone can walk into the Flagler County Courthouse during business hours to view public criminal records. The courthouse has public terminals, a help desk, and a records window where staff answer questions and accept payments.
Visiting the Courthouse in Person
Visitors should bring a valid photo ID, the full name and date of birth of the person they are researching, and a method of payment for copy fees. The main courthouse entrance is on East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell. Free parking surrounds the building, and the records counter sits on the first floor.
Public Terminal Access Hours
Public terminals run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except court holidays. Terminals allow name searches, case number lookups, and printed document previews. Staff can help with searches but cannot give legal advice or interpret case outcomes for users.
Legal Resources for Flagler County Residents
People who need help with criminal record issues, expungement petitions, or background check disputes can use free or low-cost legal services in the area. These resources help low-income residents, self-represented filers, and people who cannot afford a private attorney.
Flagler County Legal Aid Office
Legal aid offices in the 7th Judicial Circuit offer free civil legal help to qualifying low-income residents. Staff can help with expungement paperwork, record correction requests, and background check disputes. Income limits apply, and clients must show proof of income at the first visit.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-561-9690 matches callers with private attorneys who practice in criminal record law, expungement, and background check issues. The service offers a 30-minute initial consultation at a reduced rate so people can learn their options before hiring a lawyer.
Self-Help Forms and Online Resources
The Florida Courts website at flcourts.org offers free expungement and sealing forms. The Flagler County Clerk of Courts website posts local instructions and filing checklists. Self-represented filers can use these tools without paying an attorney, though the court cannot give legal advice on whether a case qualifies for sealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have when searching, requesting, or correcting criminal history records in Flagler County. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Clerk of Courts procedures as of 2026. Readers with complex cases should still contact a licensed attorney for advice specific to their situation.
How long does FDLE take to process a Florida criminal history request?
FDLE processes name-based background checks through the online Civil Workflow System within minutes for most users. Fingerprint-based checks through Livescan vendors take 24 to 72 hours to process. Mail-in requests for personal record reviews can take two to three weeks from the day FDLE receives the fingerprint card and fee. Processing times may grow during busy hiring seasons, so applicants should plan ahead.
Can an employer in Florida reject me based on an arrest that did not lead to a conviction?
Florida law limits how employers can use arrest records that did not lead to a conviction. Under the Florida Statute Section 943.0585, an employer cannot ask about or use an arrest that did not result in a conviction unless the arrest is still open. An employer who violates this rule may face a civil claim from the job applicant, and the applicant can seek damages and lost wages.
What is the difference between a sealed record and an expunged record in Florida?
A sealed record stays out of public view but still exists in the system. Government agencies and some employers with legal access can still see sealed files. An expunged record gets physically destroyed by every agency that held it. Only FDLE keeps a single confidential file marked for law enforcement use. The two actions are similar in effect for most private employers, but expungement offers stronger long-term protection.
Can I check my own criminal history record in Flagler County for errors?
Yes. Any Florida resident can request a personal record review through FDLE by submitting fingerprints and a fee. The review shows every arrest and disposition reported under the person’s name. If the record shows an error, the person can file a challenge with FDLE and ask the original court to fix the file. Flagler County Clerk of Courts can also update its files when a court issues a correction order.
Are Flagler County juvenile records public or sealed?
Juvenile records in Flagler County are sealed automatically under Florida law. They do not appear in standard background checks and stay hidden from public view. The only people who can see juvenile records are the minor’s parents or guardians, the minor’s attorney, the judge, and certain government agencies. Some juvenile cases can be expunged after the person turns 21 if the case meets state requirements.
How much does it cost to seal or expunge a record in Flagler County?
The total cost includes an FDLE Certificate of Eligibility fee and a Flagler County court filing fee. The FDLE fee applies to every application. The Clerk of Courts filing fee covers the petition. Private attorney fees vary based on case complexity. Total out-of-pocket costs without an attorney are usually under $300 for the basic filing fees, plus any Livescan fingerprinting charges.