Highlands County criminal history records document arrests, court cases, and final outcomes for people processed through the county’s legal system. These records are kept by the Highlands County Clerk of Courts in Sebring and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Anyone can look up these records for background checks, legal research, personal review, or employment screening. This page covers how to get Florida Department of Law Enforcement criminal history records, run a Florida criminal background check, and search Florida criminal records by name through official channels in 2026.
Highlands County Clerk of Courts and Record Custody
The Clerk of Courts in Sebring is the main office that holds criminal case files for Highlands County. The office stores arrest reports, charging papers, court motions, plea deals, trial records, sentencing orders, and probation files. The Clerk’s office gives the public a way to view records and order certified copies of case documents through in-person visits, mail requests, and the online portal.
Role of the Clerk’s Office
The Clerk receives new criminal cases from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office. Staff members log each case, assign a case number, and file the paperwork in the court’s record system. The office responds to record requests in person, by mail, and through the clerk’s online portal. Records stay with the Clerk even after a case ends. Sealed or expunged records are removed from public view by court order.
Records held by the Clerk cover misdemeanor and felony cases from county court and circuit court divisions. Juvenile records are kept separately and protected under Florida law. Adult criminal records can be viewed by any member of the public who follows the request steps set by the office. Record retention follows Florida public records law and the state retention schedule.
Office Location, Phone, and Website
The Highlands County Clerk of Courts office sits on South Commerce Avenue in Sebring. The office accepts walk-in record requests during normal business hours on weekdays. Phone calls go to the main clerk line for questions about record searches, certified copies, and case status. The clerk’s official website lists current fees, forms, and online search portals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Highlands County Clerk of Courts |
| Address | 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870 |
| Phone | (863) 402-6565 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.highlandsclerkfl.gov |
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s central criminal history system. This system collects arrest data, court dispositions, and custody updates from every county in Florida. FDLE records carry an official state identifier called the OCA number, which links each arrest to the agency that filed the report. FDLE records are the standard source for statewide background checks used by employers, licensing boards, and government agencies.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Database
The FDLE database covers all Florida arrests reported by county sheriffs, municipal police departments, and state law enforcement officers. Each entry shows the person’s name, date of birth, race, sex, fingerprint-based identification number, arrest date, charge description, and final court outcome. The database updates daily as clerks of court send disposition reports to FDLE. This system is the most complete source for Florida statewide criminal history data.
Public users can search the FDLE public access system to view non-sealed, non-expunged records. Employers and volunteer organizations can request a Florida criminal background check through approved vendor channels. The system supports personal review requests, which let people see their own FDLE record before applying for jobs or licenses. Vendors that pull this data must meet FCRA accuracy and security rules.
Florida Criminal History Fingerprint Check
A fingerprint check produces the most accurate FDLE record. Fingerprints link directly to a person’s biometric file, which removes name match errors. FDLE partners with Livescan vendors across the state, including locations in Highlands County, to collect digital fingerprints. A Livescan fingerprint check returns Florida arrest data and FBI national data. The fingerprint match reduces name-based errors caused by common names or changed last names.
Applicants for state jobs, teaching certificates, healthcare licenses, and financial industry positions often need a Livescan fingerprint check. The FDLE assigns each Livescan submission a unique transaction control number (TCN) that tracks the request through the system. The TCN appears on the final report and serves as proof of a completed check.
Florida Criminal History Records Fees
FDLE charges set fees for each type of record request. Personal review requests, certified record copies, and name-based searches each have a separate fee. Livescan vendors add a small processing fee on top of the FDLE fee. The clerk’s office charges additional fees for certified copies of local court records. Fee amounts are updated each year by FDLE rule and posted on the FDLE website.
Typical 2026 fees include a name-based search fee for public record requests, a certified record copy fee, and a personal review fee. The clerk’s office fees for local certified copies are listed on the Highlands County Clerk’s fee schedule. Forms of payment vary by request type and vendor. Most offices accept cash, money order, and credit cards for in-person requests.
Types of Criminal Records Maintained in Highlands County
Highlands County criminal history includes several record types that track a case from arrest through final sentencing. Each record type serves a different purpose for police, courts, and the public. The Clerk’s office and FDLE both store these records in linked systems. Understanding each record type helps requesters pick the right search method.
Florida Arrest Records Search
Arrest records show the date, time, location, and arresting agency for each arrest in Highlands County. These records list the charges filed at booking, the booking photo, and the person’s identifying details. Arrest records are public unless sealed by court order. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office creates the original arrest report, which then flows to the Clerk’s office and FDLE for permanent storage.
Florida Court Disposition Records
Disposition records show the final outcome of each criminal charge. Outcomes range from guilty verdicts, not guilty verdicts, dismissals, dropped charges, deferred adjudications, and withholds of adjudication. The Clerk of Courts enters disposition data into the official court system. FDLE receives disposition data electronically from the Clerk and updates the state criminal history file.
Disposition data matters for background checks. A charge without disposition data may show as pending, which can affect job and license applications. Florida law requires clerks of court to send disposition data to FDLE within specific time limits. Late or missing data can create gaps that look like open cases on a background check.
Florida Probation and Parole Records
Probation and parole records document supervision terms, compliance reports, violations, and completion dates. The Florida Department of Corrections manages most felony probation and parole. Misdemeanor probation is often handled at the county level through private probation companies. These records stay in the FDLE system and can appear on background checks. Probation violations can lead to new charges or revoked sentences.
How to Request Florida Criminal History Records
People can request criminal history records in three main ways: through FDLE, through the Highlands County Clerk, or through approved background check vendors. Each method returns a slightly different report. The right method depends on the reason for the request, the state of the record, and the level of detail required. Most requesters pick a method based on cost, turnaround time, and certification needs.
Certified Florida Criminal History Record Requests
A certified record carries an official FDLE or Clerk stamp and signature. Certified records are needed for court filings, immigration cases, professional license applications, and name change petitions. The FDLE issues certified records through its certified copy process. The Highlands County Clerk issues certified copies of local court documents such as dispositions, judgments, and sentencing orders.
To order a certified FDLE record, the requester fills out the FDLE certified record request form, pays the fee, and submits the form by mail or online. The turnaround is several business days. The certified record arrives by mail or through a secure download link. The certification stamp and signature must be visible on the copy for it to count as certified.
Florida Criminal History Record Request Form
The official FDLE record request form collects the requester’s name, date of birth, race, sex, Social Security number (optional), and signature. The form states the purpose of the request. Inaccurate or missing data delays the search. Forms are available on the FDLE website and at the Highlands County Clerk’s office. Walk-in requesters can fill out the form at the clerk’s front desk.
Florida OCA Number for Record Lookups
The OCA number is the Originating Agency Case number assigned by the agency that made the arrest. Each OCA number points to one specific arrest event. FDLE staff use the OCA number to find records quickly when a requester knows it. Including the OCA number on a request form cuts search time and reduces the chance of a name match error. OCA numbers show on arrest reports and court paperwork.
Florida Criminal History Search Online
Online search portals let users check Florida public criminal records without visiting an office. The FDLE public access system shows non-sealed records for a small fee. The Highlands County Clerk’s online portal shows case progress, hearing dates, and basic case data. Third-party background check vendors also run Florida criminal history searches through FDLE-approved channels.
Online searches work best for recent records. Older records, sealed records, and expunged records do not appear in public search portals. For full record review, a personal review request or fingerprint-based check gives the complete picture. Online portals also let users print unofficial copies for personal use.
Florida Background Check Laws and Employment Screening
Florida law controls how employers, landlords, and licensing agencies can use criminal history data. The Florida statutes set limits on how old record data can be for certain job applications. Federal rules under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also apply to background check use. Knowing these rules helps requesters and record holders stay within the law and avoid legal exposure.
Florida Criminal History Information Act
The Florida Criminal History Information Act sets the rules for collecting, storing, sharing, and using criminal record data in the state. The Act requires FDLE to keep records accurate and current. It gives people the right to challenge wrong data and request corrections. Vendors that run background checks must be FCRA-compliant and follow FDLE operating rules. The Act also sets penalties for misuse of criminal record data.
Florida Criminal Record Review Process
A personal review request lets a person see their own FDLE record. The review shows every arrest entry, charge description, and disposition on file. The requester can flag errors and ask FDLE to correct the record. FDLE sends correction requests back to the originating court or agency for verification. Corrections appear in the system after the agency confirms the change. The review report is the best way to spot wrong data before a job application.
FDLE Criminal History Record Challenge
Anyone who sees wrong data in their FDLE record can file a formal challenge. The challenge must show what data is wrong, what the correct data is, and any proof that supports the correction. FDLE staff review the challenge and contact the source agency. The source agency confirms the correction. FDLE updates the record. A successful challenge removes the wrong data from future background checks and protects the record holder from further harm.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
Florida law lets people ask the court to seal or expunge certain criminal records. Sealed records stay in the system but become private. Expunged records are destroyed by court order, with limited exceptions. The Clerk’s office and FDLE both remove sealed or expunged records from public search portals after receiving a valid court order. The sealing and expungement process requires a full petition through the court.
Florida Sealed Criminal Records
Sealing hides a record from public view. Police, courts, and certain government agencies can still see a sealed record for specific police purposes. Most private employers, landlords, and licensing boards cannot see sealed records. A person who seals a record can legally say they have no criminal record in most private settings. Sealed records stay in the FDLE system for law enforcement access only.
Sealing requires a court petition, a certificate of eligibility from FDLE, and a hearing before a judge. The judge reviews the petition and grants or denies the request. Approved sealing orders go to the Clerk and FDLE for record updates. The Clerk removes the case from public docket searches once the order is entered.
Florida Expunged Criminal Records
Expungement goes further than sealing. An expunged record is physically destroyed or returned to the petitioner under Florida Statute Section 943.0585. Limited FDLE and police records may still exist for specific criminal justice purposes. Most public and private entities cannot see an expunged record. Expunged records carry the strongest level of privacy protection under Florida law.
Only certain cases qualify for expungement. A person can expunge one arrest event in a lifetime if all charges ended in a qualifying outcome. A second expungement is not allowed under Florida law. Each new arrest resets the eligibility clock for future expungement requests.
Florida Criminal History Record Retention Policy
Florida law sets retention rules for criminal history data. Non-sealed, non-expunged arrest data stays in the FDLE system permanently. Sealed records are removed from public access but kept in a secure file. Expunged records are destroyed under the court order. FDLE keeps only a confidential pointer record to track the case. The pointer record helps agencies confirm an expungement without revealing the underlying data.
Florida Criminal History Vendor Services and Lookup Tools
Approved background check vendors act as middlemen between requesters and FDLE. Vendors run name-based searches, fingerprint-based checks, and statewide criminal record pulls. Vendors must follow FCRA rules, FDLE operating rules, and data security standards. Results are delivered as PDF reports, API data feeds, or secure web access. Large employers use vendor integrations to screen applicants at scale.
Florida Criminal Record Lookup by Name
Name-based lookups are the fastest and cheapest way to run a criminal history check. The search returns arrests that match the name and date of birth. False positives happen when common names match multiple people. A name search works well for quick screening. A name search does not work for FBI national checks or fingerprint-based checks. Requesters should review the report for accuracy before any decision.
Florida Statewide Criminal Records Search
A statewide search pulls records from all 67 Florida counties plus FDLE’s central file. This is the most complete Florida-only check. Statewide searches return misdemeanor, felony, sealed-flag alerts (if applicable), and disposition data. Employers who need full Florida coverage typically order a statewide search for each candidate. The statewide search covers records from county courts, circuit courts, and FDLE’s central file.
Highlands County Contact, Hours, and Location
The Highlands County Clerk of Courts handles in-person and mail record requests for local cases. FDLE handles statewide and certified record requests. Both offices update their fee schedules and form lists on their official websites each year. Call the office before visiting to confirm current hours and document requirements. The Clerk’s office is in downtown Sebring, with public parking available on Commerce Avenue.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands County Clerk of Courts | 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870 | (863) 402-6565 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| FDLE Headquarters | 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | (850) 410-7641 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
Highlands County Clerk of Courts, 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: (863) 402-6565. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Official site: www.highlandsclerkfl.gov. FDLE headquarters: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Phone: (850) 410-7641.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Highlands County criminal history, FDLE record requests, and Florida background check rules in 2026. The answers cover fees, timelines, sealed records, and personal review rights. Each answer gives a clear next step for the most common record requests. The FAQ also points to the right office for follow-up questions.
How long does an FDLE criminal history request take in 2026?
FDLE name-based searches finish in 3 to 5 business days. Fingerprint-based Livescan checks finish in 24 to 72 hours. Certified record requests by mail can take 2 to 4 weeks. Online requests through the FDLE portal are faster than mailed paper forms. Peak hiring seasons in spring and summer add a few days to the standard timeline. Requesters can check status on the FDLE public access portal.
Can I see my own Florida criminal history record for free?
Florida offers one free personal review request per person per year. The request goes through the FDLE public access system. The review shows every arrest entry on file and the current disposition. People who need a second review in the same year pay the standard fee. Local court records from the Highlands County Clerk may carry a separate fee for viewing or printing. The free review is the cheapest way to confirm a record’s accuracy.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records in Florida?
Sealed records stay in the FDLE system but are hidden from public view. Police agencies and courts can still see sealed records. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. Only FDLE keeps a small pointer file for tracking. A person with a sealed or expunged record can legally state they have no record in most private settings. The two options offer different levels of privacy protection.
Will a Florida arrest without conviction show on a background check?
Arrests without final disposition data often show on background checks. Charges dropped or dismissed still appear unless the court sealed or expunged the record. Many employers and licensing boards look at the final outcome, not just the arrest. A personal review request helps job seekers see what an employer will see before they apply. Some employers skip records without convictions, but many do not.
How do I challenge wrong data in my Highlands County criminal record?
File a record challenge with FDLE using the official challenge form. Include the wrong data, the correct data, and any court records or disposition papers that support the correction. FDLE sends the challenge to the source agency for verification. The agency confirms the change. FDLE updates the record. Successful challenges remove the wrong data from future searches and protect the record holder from further harm.
Can employers in Florida see sealed or expunged records?
Most private employers cannot see sealed or expunged records under Florida law. Certain jobs in police, education, childcare, healthcare, and government can see sealed records. Expunged records are hidden from nearly all private employers. State licensing boards and federal agencies have separate rules that may allow access to sealed records in specific cases. Job applicants should check the role before assuming privacy.
Where do I get a Florida criminal history record for immigration purposes?
Immigration cases need a certified FDLE record and a certified FBI record. Order the FDLE record through the FDLE certified record request process. Order the FBI record through the FBI’s Identity History Summary process. Both records must be recent (within 6 months) when submitted to immigration authorities. A local Clerk disposition record can also support an immigration filing. Apostille and translation may be needed for use outside the United States.