Jefferson County criminal history records contain arrest data, court actions, and case outcomes for people who faced charges in this part of North Florida. These records sit at the Jefferson County Clerk of Court office in Monticello.
People use them for jobs, volunteer work, legal cases, or personal research. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also keeps a statewide record. This page covers how records work, how to ask for them, what they cost, and what the law says about who can see them.
What Is Jefferson County Criminal History
Jefferson County criminal history is a written record of arrests, charges, and court results for cases handled inside the county. The records cover both misdemeanors and felonies. They show what police did, what the court decided, and how the case ended. The Clerk of Court keeps these files as part of the public court record system. Each file includes the arrest report, the charging paper, the final judgment, and any sentence or release order.
Definition and Scope
A criminal history record is a timeline of police contact and court action. It starts with the arrest and ends with the final court decision. The record can show charges that were dropped, charges that led to a plea deal, and charges that went to trial. It does not include traffic tickets that did not lead to an arrest. It also does not include sealed or expunged cases. Those cases are removed by court order and will not show up in any search.
Who Maintains These Records
The Jefferson County Clerk of Court stores and shares these records. The Clerk is part of the Second Judicial Circuit, which also covers Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. FDLE runs the central computer system that holds arrest data from every county in Florida. Local police agencies send arrest reports to FDLE within a set time frame. Courts send case results to FDLE as well. Both sources combine to make the full criminal history.
Types of Crimes Recorded
Jefferson County records cover all adult criminal cases. This includes felonies like burglary, drug sales, and assault. It also includes misdemeanors like petty theft, simple battery, and DUI. Juvenile cases have separate rules and are not part of the adult criminal history file. Some minor offenses may be handled without a formal arrest. Those will not show up in the standard criminal history.
How to Request Jefferson County Criminal History Records
You can get Jefferson County criminal history records three ways. You can go to the Clerk of Court in person. You can search the Clerk website online. Or you can send a written request by mail. Each way has its own fee and wait time. Pick the way that fits your needs and timeline.
In-Person Request at the Clerk of Court
The fastest way to get a record is to visit the Clerk of Court in Monticello. Bring a photo ID and any case numbers you already have. Staff can help you search the public records. They can print copies and certify them on the spot. The office is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. You will pay a small fee for each copy. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.
Online Record Search
The Clerk of Court runs an online search tool on its website. You can look up cases by name, case number, or court date. The tool works 24 hours a day from any computer or phone. Some records are free to view. Printed copies and certified copies cost a fee. Online searches are good for basic checks. They may not include all details found in the full court file.
Mail-In Request Process
People who cannot visit the office can send a written request by mail. Include the full name of the person you are searching for and their date of birth. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the request to the Clerk of Court at the address listed on their website. Processing usually takes several business days. Mail requests are good for people who live far from Monticello.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Statewide Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the central criminal history database for the entire state. This database covers all 67 Florida counties, including Jefferson County. FDLE offers two main search options. One is an instant online search. The other is a mail-in request for a certified record. The statewide search is useful when you need to know about arrests in other Florida counties too.
FDLE Online Search Portal
FDLE runs a public search portal called CCHInet. You can search by name and date of birth. The search costs $24 plus a small processing fee. Results come back within minutes. The search shows arrests reported by Florida law enforcement agencies. It does not show federal arrests or out-of-state convictions. Some records may be sealed or expunged and will not appear.
Certified vs Non-Certified Records
A non-certified record is a printed copy of the database entry. It shows the arrest data but does not have an official stamp. A certified record has a raised seal or stamp. Courts, employers, and licensing boards often ask for the certified version. FDLE provides both through the mail-in process. The certified record takes five to seven business days. The non-certified search online is instant.
Fees and Processing Times
FDLE charges different fees based on the type of request. The online name search costs $24 plus a vendor fee. The certified mail-in record costs $24 as well. Fingerprint-based checks cost more and require you to visit an approved vendor. Most online searches finish in minutes. Mail-in certified records take five to seven business days. Rush services may be available for an extra fee.
Florida Criminal History Information Act and Statutes
Florida law sets clear rules about who can see criminal history records and how they are shared. The main law is Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes. This law created the Criminal History Information Act. It also created the Florida Crime Information Center and the Computerized Criminal History System. These systems allow law enforcement to share arrest data across the state.
Chapter 943 Florida Statutes
Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes is the main law that covers criminal history records. It says FDLE must keep the central repository. It also says police agencies must send arrest reports to FDLE within 48 hours. Courts must send case results to FDLE too. The law also lists who can get criminal history records and for what purpose. Employers, licensing agencies, and the general public all have different access levels.
Public Records Law
Florida has a strong public records law. Under Chapter 119, most government records are open to the public. This includes criminal court records held by the Clerk. The public can ask for copies and pay the fee. Some parts of a record may be removed to protect victims, witnesses, or juveniles. Sealed and expunged records are not open to the public at all.
Sealing and Expungement Rules
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge their criminal records. A sealed record is hidden from most public searches. An expunged record is destroyed in a legal sense. To qualify, the person must meet strict rules. They must have completed their sentence. They must not have other convictions. Certain crimes like sexual offenses and violent felonies cannot be sealed. The court makes the final decision.
Costs, Fees, and Turnaround Times
Costs vary based on where you request the record and what type you need. Local Clerk fees are lower than statewide FDLE fees. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Rush service costs extra. The table below shows the common fees and wait times you can expect.
Local Clerk Fees
The Jefferson County Clerk of Court charges $1 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $2 per page. A full certified criminal history file from the Clerk can run from $5 to $25 based on the number of pages. In-person requests are often ready the same day. Mail-in requests take three to five business days. Online searches are instant for viewing and same day for printing.
FDLE Statewide Fees
FDLE online name search costs $24 plus a vendor processing fee. The total is usually $25 to $30. Certified mail-in records cost $24 for the record plus $5 to $10 for shipping. Fingerprint-based checks cost $30 to $50 based on the vendor. Turnaround for mail-in certified records is five to seven business days. Online searches are instant.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies have a raised seal or stamp that proves they are real. They are required for court cases, immigration, and some job applications. The Clerk of Court certifies local records. FDLE certifies statewide records. The cost depends on the number of pages and the type of record. Always ask if you need a certified copy before you place your order.
| Request Type | Fee | Turnaround | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk Plain Copy | $1 per page | Same day | No |
| Clerk Certified Copy | $2 per page | Same day | Yes |
| FDLE Online Search | $24 plus fee | Instant | No |
| FDLE Certified Mail | $24 plus shipping | 5-7 business days | Yes |
| Fingerprint Check | $30 to $50 | 3-5 business days | Yes |
Jefferson County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Jefferson County Clerk of Court is the main source for local criminal history records. The office is in Monticello, the county seat. The staff can help you with search questions, fee amounts, and record types. You can call, visit, or check the website for more details.
Office Location and Hours
The Clerk of Court office sits at 1 Courthouse Circle in Monticello, Florida 32344. The building is in the heart of the historic town center. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on federal and state holidays. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for your request.
Phone and Website
The main phone number is (850) 342-0218. Staff can answer questions about records, fees, and search methods. The official website is jeffersonclerk.com. The website has a search portal, fee schedules, and downloadable forms. You can also email the office through the contact form on the website. Phone support is best for quick questions.
Services Beyond Criminal Records
The Clerk of Court also handles marriage licenses, property records, and court documents. You can pay traffic tickets and traffic school fees online. You can file small claims cases and review court calendars. The office also handles official records for the county commission and other government boards. Many of these services are available online through the Clerk website.
Common Uses for Criminal History Records
People ask for criminal history records for many reasons. Employers use them for hiring decisions. Volunteer groups use them to screen people who work with kids. Landlords use them to screen tenants. Lawyers use them for court cases. The general public can ask for personal use as well. Each use case may have different rules about certified copies and full reports.
Employment Background Checks
Florida law lets employers ask about criminal history for most jobs. Some jobs require fingerprint-based background checks. These include healthcare, education, and law enforcement. The check goes through FDLE and sometimes the FBI. The employer pays the fee in most cases. Job applicants have the right to challenge any wrong data in the report.
Volunteer Screening
Many volunteer groups need criminal history checks for people who work with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults. Schools, youth sports, and charities often ask for this check. The state provides a free check for registered volunteers in some cases. The request goes through FDLE using a specific volunteer form.
Legal Proceedings and Personal Research
Lawyers ask for criminal history records to build court cases. Family law cases may need them for custody or divorce hearings. Private investigators use them for client work. People also search their own records to make sure the data is correct. Errors in criminal history records can be fixed through a review process with FDLE.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about Jefferson County criminal history records. The answers below cover the most common questions. They cover costs, wait times, eligibility, and accuracy. These answers reflect Florida law and FDLE rules as of 2026.
How long does it take to get a Jefferson County criminal history record?
The wait time depends on how you ask. In-person requests at the Clerk of Court are often ready the same day. Online searches are instant. Mail-in requests take three to five business days. FDLE statewide certified records take five to seven business days. Rush service is available from FDLE for an extra fee. Plan ahead for time-sensitive needs.
Can I get a criminal history record for someone else?
Yes, most criminal history records in Florida are public. You can ask the Clerk of Court or FDLE for a record on any adult. You will need the person’s full name and date of birth. Some records may be sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. You will not be able to see those records without a court order.
What is the difference between an FDLE check and a Clerk of Court check?
The FDLE check covers arrests across all of Florida. The Clerk of Court check covers cases handled in Jefferson County only. FDLE pulls from a statewide computer system. The Clerk pulls from local court files. A full background check often needs both. FDLE will show arrests. The Clerk will show the court outcome for each case.
How much does a certified criminal history record cost in Florida?
The cost depends on the source. The Jefferson County Clerk of Court charges $2 per page for certified copies. FDLE charges $24 for a certified statewide record plus shipping. Fingerprint-based checks cost $30 to $50. The total cost can range from $5 to $60 based on what you need. Always check the latest fee before placing your order.
Can I seal or expunge a Jefferson County criminal record?
You may be able to seal or expunge your record if you meet Florida’s rules. You must complete your sentence. You must not have other convictions on your record. Certain crimes cannot be sealed. You file a petition with the court in the county where you were charged. The court holds a hearing and makes the final decision.
Are juvenile criminal records shown in the same search?
No, juvenile records are separate from adult records. They are not part of the public adult criminal history file. Juvenile records are handled by the juvenile court system. Access is limited to judges, law enforcement, and the juvenile’s parents or guardians. Adult criminal history searches will not show juvenile cases.
How do I correct wrong data in my criminal history record?
You can file a record review request with FDLE. FDLE will check the data with the original police agency or court. If the data is wrong, FDLE will fix it. If the data is right, you can file a court challenge. You should also contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was handled. The Clerk can fix local court records.
Office: Jefferson County Clerk of Court
Address: 1 Courthouse Circle, Monticello, FL 32344
Phone: (850) 342-0218
Website: jeffersonclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
FDLE Website: fdle.state.fl.us
FDLE Criminal History Portal: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Florida Legislature Statutes: leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/Chapter943