Hamilton County criminal history records document arrests, charges, court actions, and final outcomes for cases handled within Hamilton County, Florida. These records are held by the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in Jasper and by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Tallahassee.
Anyone can request a copy of their own record or search public court files for a specific case. This page covers every official method, fee, timeline, and law you need to get a Hamilton County criminal history record in 2026.
What Is a Hamilton County Criminal History Record
A Hamilton County criminal history record is a written account of a person’s run-ins with the criminal justice system in this North Florida county. It lists arrests, formal charges filed by the State Attorney, court hearings, plea deals, trial results, sentencing orders, and probation terms. The record also shows whether charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a conviction. Each entry carries a date, a case number, and a short description of the action taken by the court.
These records are kept in two separate places. The Hamilton County Clerk of Courts holds the full court file for every criminal case opened in the county. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, known as FDLE, runs a statewide computer file that pulls arrest and disposition data from every Florida county, including Hamilton. The two systems work side by side. The clerk’s file holds every piece of paper in the case. The FDLE file holds a single summary line for each arrest and its outcome.
Florida law treats criminal history records as public documents. State law requires that any person can look at them. A few limits apply. Juvenile records are sealed by default. Sealed or expunged records are hidden from the public. Details about crime victims are also redacted in most cases. Outside of those limits, the records remain open to public view.
Types of Records Stored at the Clerk’s Office
The Hamilton County Clerk of Courts stores six main types of criminal records. Each type serves a different purpose in the court process.
- Arrest affidavits and booking sheets
- Formal charging documents and informations
- Court orders, motions, and hearing minutes
- Plea agreements and trial transcripts
- Sentencing judgments and commitment orders
- Probation and post-release supervision files
What the FDLE Statewide File Contains
The FDLE file in Tallahassee pulls data from all 67 Florida counties. It includes the date of arrest, the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, and the final disposition reported by the court. The file also carries FBI numbers when an arrest was fingerprinted. Sealed and expunged records are removed from the public version of the file but remain in a restricted audit database.
| Record Type | Held By | Public Access |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest reports | Hamilton County Clerk | Yes |
| Court case files | Hamilton County Clerk | Yes |
| Statewide criminal history | FDLE | Yes, with limits |
| Juvenile records | Clerk and FDLE | No, sealed |
| Sealed or expunged records | FDLE restricted file | No |
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Office Details
The Hamilton County Clerk of Courts sits in the county seat of Jasper. This office is the official record keeper for every criminal case opened in the county. Staff process new cases, store old files, and provide copies to the public, attorneys, and police agencies. They also accept payments for certified copies and process record-sealing petitions.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Hamilton County Clerk of Courts |
| Address | 207 NE First Street, Room 106, Jasper, FL 32052 |
| Phone | (386) 792-1288 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | hamiltonclerk.com |
How to Visit the Clerk’s Office in Person
Anyone can walk into the Jasper office during business hours to look at criminal case files. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk at the front desk the name of the person whose record you want to see, along with a date of birth if you have it. Staff will pull the file or direct you to a public computer terminal. Older files may take a few minutes to retrieve from the storage room.
You can also use the public access terminal at the clerk’s office to search by name, case number, or date range. There is no fee to view records on site. The clerk charges $1.00 per page for printed copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies. Payment is accepted in cash, check, money order, and most major debit or credit cards.
How to Request Records by Mail
Mail requests work for people who live outside the county or cannot visit during business hours. Send a written request to the clerk’s office that includes the full name of the person whose record you want, the date of birth, and the case number if you know it. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk will mail the copies back within 5 to 7 business days of receiving the request.
How to Search Hamilton County Criminal Records Online
The Hamilton County Clerk of Courts runs an online search tool through its website. The tool gives you free access to most public case files filed since 1987. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. The system shows the charges, court actions, and final disposition for each case. The site is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To start a search, go to hamiltonclerk.com and click on the public records search link. Type the last name of the person you are looking for into the search box. If the name is common, add a first name to narrow the results. The system will return a list of cases that match. Click on a case number to see the full file, including all court orders and the final judgment.
What You Can Find With a Name Search
A name search pulls every case linked to that person in Hamilton County. Results show the case number, the date filed, the charges, and the current status. Status codes include open, closed, disposed, sealed, and expunged. You can also see whether the person is on probation, has paid all court fees, or owes restitution.
The online system does not show juvenile records. It also does not show cases that have been sealed or expunged by court order. For a complete picture of a person’s criminal history in Florida, including records from other counties, you will need to run a statewide search through the FDLE.
Searching by Date of Birth and Case Number
If you have a date of birth, add it to the name search to filter out people with the same name. The system accepts dates in MM/DD/YYYY format. You can also search by case number alone if you know it. Case numbers follow a standard format, such as 2024-CF-000123. The first four digits show the year the case was filed.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search
The FDLE runs the Florida Crime Information Center, also called FCIC. This is the statewide computer system that holds criminal history data for every person arrested in Florida. All 67 county clerks, including Hamilton County, send arrest and disposition data to the FCIC. The FBI also pulls data from the FCIC for its national NCIC file.
FDLE criminal history records are called “rap sheets.” A rap sheet lists every arrest, the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, and the final outcome reported by the court. The record also shows whether the person has had a record sealed or expunged. Rap sheets do not include police reports, witness statements, or other case files. Those stay with the arresting agency and the clerk of court.
How to Request Your Own FDLE Criminal History Record
Florida law gives every person the right to see their own criminal history record. You can request a copy through the FDLE by mail, online, or in person. The process is called a Personal Review. You must be fingerprinted by a local police agency or an FDLE-approved LiveScan vendor before the record will be released to you.
To start a Personal Review, fill out Form FDLE 60-220, which is the official request form. Mail the form to FDLE at Post Office Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Include two sets of fingerprints on a standard FD-258 fingerprint card, a $24.00 processing fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The FDLE will mail your certified criminal history record back within 2 to 3 weeks.
How Employers and Landlords Request Records
Florida employers and landlords can request a criminal history record only with the written consent of the person being screened. The request must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FCRA sets rules on what an employer can do with the record and requires a copy of the report be sent to the person if they are turned down for a job or housing.
Many employers use FDLE-approved channelers to run background checks. A channeler is a private company that the FDLE has approved to send and receive criminal history data. Channelers charge their own fees on top of the FDLE fee. The FDLE keeps a public list of approved channelers on its website at fdle.state.fl.us.
Statewide Search vs. County Search
A county search only shows cases filed in Hamilton County. A statewide search shows cases from every Florida county. Statewide searches cost more and take longer, but they give a full picture. Most employers and licensing agencies require a statewide search. A person who has lived in multiple Florida counties will need a statewide check to confirm their full record.
| Search Type | What It Shows | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton County Clerk Online | Local case files only | Free to view, $1 per page to print |
| FDLE Name Search | Statewide arrests and dispositions | $24.00 per search |
| FDLE Fingerprint Search | Statewide arrests matched to fingerprints | $24.00 to $50.00 |
| FBI Federal Check | National arrest data | $18.00 federal fee |
Background Check Options in Hamilton County
People run background checks for many reasons. Employers screen job applicants. Landlords screen tenants. Volunteer groups screen workers who will be around children. Gun dealers screen buyers. Schools screen contractors. In every case, the rules come from a mix of Florida law and federal law.
Local Background Check Through the Clerk
A local background check is the fastest and cheapest way to see if a person has any criminal cases in Hamilton County. You can run one in person at the clerk’s office or through the online search tool. The clerk’s office charges $1.00 per page for printed copies of case files. There is no fee to view files on the public computer terminal.
Local checks only show Hamilton County cases. They do not show arrests in other Florida counties or out of state. For any role that requires a full criminal history review, you will need to run a statewide or federal check through the FDLE or FBI.
Statewide Background Check Through the FDLE
The FDLE runs the official statewide background check for Florida. You can request a record by name or by fingerprint. A name search costs $24.00 and is faster. A fingerprint search costs the same fee but gives a more accurate match. Most employers ask for a fingerprint search because it links the record to the right person, even when names are common.
Volunteer groups that work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities must use fingerprint-based checks under Florida Statute 943.0542. The screening must be repeated every 5 years for continuing volunteers. The screening process also requires a check of the Florida and national sex offender registries.
Fingerprint-Based Federal Check
Some jobs require a federal background check through the FBI. These include federal police roles, jobs with federal contractors, and some healthcare roles. The FBI check uses the Next Generation Identification system, also called NGI. The request goes through the FDLE as the state channeler, or through an FBI-approved third-party vendor.
The FBI charges $18.00 for a federal criminal history check. Add the FDLE fee of $24.00 for a state check, plus the LiveScan vendor’s fingerprinting fee, which ranges from $5.00 to $20.00. The full process takes 1 to 3 weeks for a state record and 3 to 6 weeks for a federal record.
Record Sealing and Expungement in Hamilton County
Florida law allows certain people to seal or expunge their criminal records. A sealed record is hidden from the public. An expunged record is destroyed by the FDLE, though a few agencies can still see it for police and licensing purposes. The process is handled through the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts and the FDLE.
To start the process, you must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE. The certificate confirms that you are legally allowed to seal or expunge the record. The FDLE reviews your application and your criminal history. If you meet the rules, the FDLE mails a certificate back to you. You then file the certificate with the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts along with a petition asking the court to seal or expunge the record.
Who Can Seal or Expunge a Record
Florida law lists who can seal or expunge a record and who cannot. A person is eligible if they were never convicted of the charge, if the charge was dropped or dismissed, or if they completed a pretrial diversion program. A person who was found guilty or pleaded guilty or no contest is generally not eligible, with a few narrow exceptions.
You can only seal or expunge one felony or two misdemeanors in your lifetime under current Florida law. The waiting period is at least one year from the date the case was closed. Certain serious crimes, including murder, sex offenses, and crimes against children, can never be sealed or expunged. The full list of ineligible offenses is in Florida Statute 943.0585.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
To apply, fill out Form FDLE 60-221, which is the application for a Certificate of Eligibility. Mail the form to FDLE at Post Office Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Include a $75.00 processing fee. The FDLE will check your record and mail the certificate back within 90 days if you qualify.
If your case is in Hamilton County, you will then file the certificate with the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. File a Petition to Seal or Expunge, the certificate, and a proposed court order. The State Attorney’s office will review the petition. If no one objects, the judge will sign the order. The clerk will then send a certified copy of the order to the FDLE, which will seal the record in the statewide file.
| Sealing Step | Action | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apply for Certificate | File Form FDLE 60-221 with FDLE | $75.00 |
| 2. File Petition | File petition with Hamilton County Clerk | $300.00 court fee |
| 3. Court Hearing | Judge reviews and signs order | No fee |
| 4. FDLE Sealing | FDLE seals the record statewide | No fee |
Florida Statutes That Control Criminal History Records
Florida’s criminal history system is controlled by state and federal laws. The main state law is Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes. This chapter sets the rules for the FCIC, the FDLE, and the storage and release of criminal history data. The federal law that also applies is the Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, which sets rules for background checks used in employment and housing decisions.
Florida Statute 943.05
Florida Statute 943.05 gives the FDLE the power to collect and store criminal history data. It also requires every police agency in Florida to report arrests to the FDLE within 24 hours. Court clerks must report case dispositions to the FDLE within 30 days of the final judgment. These reporting rules keep the statewide file current.
Florida Statute 943.0585
Florida Statute 943.0585 lists which criminal records can be expunged. It also lists which records can never be sealed or expunged. Crimes that can never be sealed include murder, manslaughter, sexual battery, kidnapping, child abuse, robbery, carjacking, aggravated stalking, and terrorism-related offenses. The statute was last updated in 2024 to add new restrictions on repeat offenders.
Florida Statute 119 and Public Records
Florida Statute 119 is the state’s public records law. It says that any record made or received by a government agency in the course of business is open to the public. The law lists a few exceptions, including sealed and expunged records, juvenile records, and active criminal intelligence data. The state Constitution also supports broad public access to government records.
Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
The FCRA is the federal law that controls how background check companies collect and share criminal history data. It requires that the person being screened give written consent before a check is run. It also requires the screening company to follow strict accuracy rules and to give the person a copy of the report if they are denied a job, housing, or credit based on the report.
Criminal Record Authentication and Apostille Service
Florida criminal history records are sometimes used in foreign countries. A foreign government or employer may ask for an apostille. An apostille is a certificate that proves the record is real and was issued by the proper Florida authority. The apostille is issued by the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee, not by the clerk of court or the FDLE.
To get an apostille, you must first get a certified copy of the criminal history record. Send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State, Apostille Section, at 2415 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Include a $10.00 fee, a cover letter with your contact details, and a self-addressed return envelope. The processing time is about 5 to 10 business days. The Department of State can also notarize the document for an extra fee.
Criminal History Records in Other Florida Counties
People who have lived in more than one Florida county will have records scattered across several clerk’s offices. Each county holds its own files. The FDLE statewide file pulls them together, but the full case files only exist at the local clerk. Below is a list of major Florida counties and their clerk of court contact details for criminal record requests.
| County | Seat | Clerk Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami | (305) 275-1155 |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | (954) 831-6565 |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | (813) 276-8100 |
| Orange | Orlando | (407) 836-2000 |
| Duval | Jacksonville | (904) 255-2000 |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | (561) 355-2996 |
| Pinellas | Clearwater | (727) 464-7000 |
The same online and in-person methods used in Hamilton County apply to these counties. Each county has its own clerk website and public search tool. For example, Miami-Dade uses miamidadeclerk.gov. Broward uses browardclerk.org. Hillsborough uses hillsclerk.com. Orange uses myorangeclerk.com. The same FDLE statewide search covers all of them at once.
Contact for Hamilton County and FDLE Records
Use the contact details below to request Hamilton County criminal records or statewide criminal history records. Both offices are open during regular business hours. Phone calls and emails are returned within 1 to 2 business days.
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts: 207 NE First Street, Room 106, Jasper, FL 32052. Phone: (386) 792-1288. Website: hamiltonclerk.com. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Post Office Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Phone: (850) 410-7000. Website: fdle.state.fl.us. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamilton County Criminal History
This section covers the most common questions people ask about Hamilton County criminal history records. Each answer is based on Florida law, FDLE rules, and Hamilton County Clerk of Courts procedures as of 2026. Read through these answers to learn more about how the system works, what you can access, and what to do if you find a mistake. The answers also cover sealing, expungement, employer rights, and self-search rules that apply across Florida.
How long does it take to get a Hamilton County criminal history record?
Online access through the Hamilton County Clerk’s website gives you instant results for most cases filed since 1987. In-person requests are handled the same day, though older files may take a few minutes to retrieve. Mail requests take 5 to 7 business days round trip. FDLE statewide requests by mail take 2 to 3 weeks. Fingerprint-based requests through the FDLE take 3 to 5 business days if you use a LiveScan vendor, or up to 3 weeks by mail. Federal FBI checks take 3 to 6 weeks. The exact time depends on the volume of requests at the time you apply, whether your fingerprints are clear, and whether the case has any sealed or restricted portions. Plan ahead when you need a record for a job offer, a court deadline, or a licensing application.
Can I get a free copy of my criminal history in Florida?
Florida law gives you the right to see your own criminal record, but every method carries a small fee. The Hamilton County Clerk charges $1.00 per page for regular copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies. The FDLE charges $24.00 for a name-based Personal Review. The FBI charges $18.00 for a federal check. There is no way to get a free certified copy. You can view your record for free at the clerk’s office or through the online search tool, but you must pay for any printed or certified version you need for a job, license, or court filing. Some legal aid groups and reentry programs pay the cost for low-income clients who need a record for a job or housing application.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history record?
A Florida criminal history record shows every arrest, the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, the court case number, and the final disposition. It also shows probation terms, outstanding warrants, and any seal or expungement order. The record does not show dropped charges, civil cases, or traffic infractions that did not lead to a criminal charge. Sealed and expunged records are removed from the public version of the file. Juvenile records are not included in the public adult file. The record also lists any out-of-state arrests that were reported to the FBI and shared with Florida through the National Crime Information Center, or NCIC, system.
How do I fix a mistake on my Hamilton County criminal record?
If you find a mistake on your Hamilton County criminal record, you have the right to challenge it under Florida Statute 943.056. Start by writing a letter to the FDLE Criminal History Section at Post Office Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Include your full name, date of birth, and a copy of the record that shows the error. The FDLE will contact the clerk of court and the arresting agency to verify the correct data. The agency has 30 days to fix the error or explain why no change is needed. You can also file a petition in Hamilton County Circuit Court to ask the judge to order the correction. Keep copies of every document you send. Mistakes are common and most get fixed within 60 to 90 days of the challenge.
Can an employer run a criminal background check without my permission in Florida?
No. Florida law and the federal FCRA require an employer to get your written consent before running a criminal background check. The consent form must be a separate document from the job application. The form must tell you what records will be checked. The employer must also give you a copy of the report if they decide not to hire you based on the report. An employer who breaks these rules can be sued for damages. The Florida Attorney General’s office can also fine the employer for breaking state public records law. You always have the right to see your own background check report, and you can dispute any errors through the screening company or the FDLE challenge process.
What is the difference between a sealed and expunged record in Florida?
A sealed record is closed to the public but still exists in the FDLE database. Government agencies can still see a sealed record for police and licensing purposes. An expunged record is destroyed in the public FDLE file, but a copy is kept in a separate audit file that only certain agencies can see. In both cases, you can legally say you do not have a criminal record in most situations. A sealed or expunged record can still be used against you if you are later charged with a new crime, or if you apply for a job in police work, a job with a licensing agency, or a job that requires a security clearance. The order also does not hide the record from a judge who is sentencing you for a new crime in Hamilton County or any other Florida court.
Can I run a criminal background check on myself in Hamilton County?
Yes. Florida law gives you the right to run a background check on yourself. You can use the Hamilton County Clerk’s online search tool to look up your own case files for free. You can also file a Personal Review with the FDLE to get a certified copy of your statewide record. The Personal Review process requires fingerprints and a $24.00 fee. The certified record you get back can be used to apply for jobs, housing, professional licenses, and immigration benefits. Many people run a self-check once a year to make sure the data is correct. The self-check is the best way to catch errors before an employer, landlord, or licensing board sees them.