Lake County criminal history records show arrests, charges, and court outcomes for people in this Central Florida county. The Lake County Clerk of Court keeps these records at the courthouse in Tavares, Florida.
You can search for these records online, by mail, or in person. Florida law makes most criminal history records open to the public. This page explains how to find Lake County criminal history records, what they include, and how much they cost.
What Lake County Criminal History Records Show
Lake County criminal history records are files that track someone’s run-ins with the police and courts. These files come from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and the Clerk of Court. Each file lists arrests, charges, court dates, and final outcomes.
Types of Records in the System
Criminal history records in Lake County include three main types of files. Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody and why. Court records show charges filed, hearings held, and verdicts reached. Disposition records show the final outcome, like guilty, not guilty, or dismissed.
- Arrest records: Date, location, and reason for the arrest
- Charging documents: Specific crimes someone faces
- Court outcomes: Verdicts, sentences, or dismissals
- Probation records: Terms and end dates of supervised release
Who Keeps These Records
Three main agencies manage Lake County criminal history records. The Lake County Clerk of Court stores court files and case outcomes. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest reports and incident logs. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the statewide database that connects all 67 counties.
Florida Laws That Control Record Access
Florida Statute 943.053 sets the rules for sharing criminal history information. This law says most records are public, but some personal details stay private. Sealed and expunged records do not show up in any search. Anyone who breaks these rules can face fines or jail time.
How to Search Lake County Criminal History Online
The fastest way to search Lake County criminal history is through the Clerk of Court website. This online portal runs 24 hours a day and lets you search from home. You need a name and date of birth to start a search.
Step-by-Step Online Search Process
Go to the Lake County Clerk of Court website and click on the court records search link. Type the person’s full legal name into the search box. Add a date of birth if you know it, as this narrows the results. Review the list of matching cases that appears. Click on each case number to see the full file.
- Visit lakecountyclerk.org
- Click on “Court Records” or “Search Records”
- Enter the full name and date of birth
- Choose a search type: criminal, civil, or traffic
- Review the list of cases that match
- Pay any fees for copies or detailed reports
What the Online Portal Shows
The online portal shows case numbers, filing dates, charge descriptions, and current status. It also shows hearing dates and judge names. Older records from before 1990 may not be online. For those files, you need to visit the courthouse in person or send a mail request.
Searching Records at the Tavares Courthouse
Some searches work better when done in person at the Lake County Courthouse. The main courthouse sits at 550 West Main Street in Tavares. Staff at the records desk can help you find files that are hard to locate online.
What to Bring for an In-Person Search
Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Write down the full name and date of birth of the person you are searching for. Case numbers help a lot, but they are not required. Bring cash or a check, as some offices do not take credit cards.
Courthouse Hours and Location
The Lake County Clerk of Court records office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. The courthouse has free parking and is wheelchair accessible. You can ask staff for help at the main records window on the first floor.
Getting Certified Copies in Person
Certified copies of criminal history records cost more than regular copies. Each certified page has an official stamp and signature. Most employers and government agencies need certified copies, not regular printouts. You can get certified copies the same day if you visit in person.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
When you need records from across Florida, the FDLE statewide search is the best option. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. This system holds records from all 67 Florida counties, including Lake County.
Using the CCHInet Portal
The CCHInet portal is FDLE’s online search tool for criminal history records. You can search by name and date of birth. The system charges $24 for each name search, plus a small processing fee. Results appear right away for most searches.
To use CCHInet, create an account on the FDLE website. Enter the person’s full name, date of birth, and sex. Pay the fee with a credit card or electronic check. Download or print the results once the search finishes. Keep in mind that name-based searches may miss records if the name was spelled differently when the arrest happened.
Certified vs. Non-Certified FDLE Results
FDLE offers two types of search results. Non-certified results are good for personal use and cost less. Certified results come with an official FDLE seal and are accepted for legal and employment purposes. Certified searches take 5 to 7 business days to process.
| Search Type | Cost | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Search (Non-Certified) | $24 plus fees | Instant | Personal review |
| Name Search (Certified) | $24 plus fees | 5-7 business days | Employment, legal use |
| Fingerprint Search | $40-50 plus fees | 3-5 business days | High-accuracy needs |
| Vendor Channeler Search | Varies | 1-3 business days | Bulk employment checks |
Fingerprint-Based Searches
Fingerprint searches give the most accurate results because they match physical prints, not just names. FDLE requires fingerprint cards or electronic scans from approved vendors. You can get fingerprinted at local police stations or private fingerprinting companies. The results take 3 to 5 business days and cost more than name searches.
Lake County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Lake County Clerk of Court is the main place to start any local criminal history search. The office handles court records, marriage licenses, property records, and traffic tickets. Their staff answers questions about the search process and helps with record requests.
Office Location and Address
The Lake County Clerk of Court main office is at 550 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778. The office is in the Lake County Courthouse near downtown Tavares. Free public parking is available behind the building. The office is easy to reach from Highway 441 and State Road 19.
Phone, Website, and Email
Call the Clerk’s office at (352) 742-4100 during business hours. The official website is lakecountyclerk.org. You can send mail requests to the same street address. Some records questions can also be sent through the contact form on the website.
Visiting Hours and Service Times
The records department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Lunch hours do not affect service, as the office stays open. Arrive early in the morning to avoid long wait times.
Costs and Fees for Lake County Criminal Records
Fees for criminal history records in Lake County depend on where you search and what type of record you need. The Clerk of Court charges per page for copies. FDLE charges a flat fee for statewide searches. Some searches are free if you do them yourself online.
Clerk of Court Copy Fees
Regular copies of court records cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page. A full case file can range from $5 to $50 depending on the number of pages. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card for in-person requests.
FDLE Search Costs
FDLE charges $24 for a name-based criminal history search. Fingerprint-based searches cost between $40 and $50, depending on the vendor. Certified copies add an extra $5 to $10 fee. Rush processing is not available for most FDLE searches.
Free Search Options
Some basic court information is free through the Clerk’s online portal. You can view case numbers, hearing dates, and charge descriptions without paying. Public access terminals in the courthouse let you search records at no cost. These are good for quick checks but do not provide certified copies.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Lake County
Some Lake County criminal history records are sealed or expunged by court order. Sealed records stay on file but cannot be seen by the public. Expunged records are destroyed or hidden from most searches. Florida has strict rules about who can get these records cleared.
Florida Expungement Law Basics
Florida Statute 943.0585 controls expungements. To get an expungement, you must meet certain conditions. You cannot have been convicted of the crime. You must not have used expungement before in Florida. The crime must qualify under state law, and you must file a petition with the court.
How Sealed Records Work
Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public searches. Only certain agencies can see sealed records, like law enforcement and the courts. Employers cannot see sealed records during background checks. The person whose record is sealed can say they have no criminal record in most cases.
Challenging Wrong Information
If you find wrong information in your criminal history record, you can challenge it. Send a written challenge to FDLE or the Clerk of Court. Include proof that the data is wrong, like court documents. FDLE must review the challenge and fix any errors within 30 days.
Using Records for Employment and Background Checks
Most employers in Lake County run criminal background checks before hiring. These checks often include Lake County criminal history records. The type of job decides what level of search is needed.
Background Checks for Florida Jobs
Florida law does not ban employers from running criminal background checks. Some jobs require background checks by law, like teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement. Other jobs use background checks at the employer’s choice. Employers must follow federal rules from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Immigration Record Checks
U.S. immigration uses criminal history records as part of visa and green card applications. FDLE results are accepted for most immigration filings. Certified copies are required for immigration paperwork. Out-of-state and federal records may also be needed for immigration cases.
Self-Check Options for Individuals
Anyone can run a self-check on their own criminal history. This is a good idea before applying for jobs or housing. FDLE lets you request your own record through CCHInet. The Lake County Clerk also lets you view your own case files for free at the courthouse.
Criminal History Records in Other Florida Counties
Lake County is part of Florida’s 67-county system. Each county keeps its own court records. FDLE combines all county records into one statewide database. You may need to check other counties if you have lived or worked outside Lake County.
Orange County Criminal Records
Orange County keeps criminal records through the Orange County Clerk of Courts in Orlando. The county includes Orlando and the major tourist areas. Records can be searched at myorangeclerk.com. FDLE searches include Orange County records automatically.
Miami-Dade County Criminal Records
Miami-Dade County records are kept by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. The county is the largest in Florida by population. Records can be searched at miami-dadeclerk.com. Most searches in Miami-Dade require a name and date of birth.
Broward, Hillsborough, and Duval County Records
Broward County records are at browardclerk.org. Hillsborough County records, including Tampa, are at hillsclerk.com. Duval County records, including Jacksonville, are at duvalclerk.com. All these counties share data with FDLE for statewide searches.
Florida Criminal History Record Retention Rules
Florida keeps criminal history records for different time periods based on the crime. Felony records stay on file forever. Misdemeanor records stay on file for at least 20 years after the case ends. Arrests that did not lead to charges can be expunged after a waiting period.
FDLE follows strict rules for how long records stay in the system. The Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) policy controls all record retention. Records that are expunged are removed from public access but kept in a sealed file. This file can only be opened by court order.
Vendor Channelers and Approved Third Parties
Many employers use third-party vendors to run background checks. FDLE calls these companies “approved channelers.” These vendors can search the FDLE database faster than the public. Common vendors include Sterling, Checkr, and Accurate Background. Vendors charge their own fees, which are usually paid by the employer.
Approved channelers must follow FDLE rules for record access. They must use fingerprint or name-based searches as required. Vendors cannot share criminal history data with anyone not allowed to see it. If a vendor breaks these rules, they can lose their approved status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake County Criminal History
This section answers common questions about Lake County criminal history records, FDLE searches, and Florida public records law. These answers come from Florida statutes, FDLE policy, and Clerk of Court procedures. The information below reflects current rules as of 2026.
How long does an FDLE criminal history search take in Florida?
An FDLE name-based search through the CCHInet portal gives instant results for most requests. Certified search results take 5 to 7 business days to process and mail back. Fingerprint-based searches through approved vendors take 3 to 5 business days. Rush processing is not offered for name-based searches. Mail delays or missing data can add extra time. Plan ahead for employment or legal deadlines. You can check the status of your request through your CCHInet account. The OCA number on your receipt lets you track certified results.
Can I see sealed or expunged records in Lake County?
No, sealed and expunged records are not shown in public Lake County criminal history searches. Only certain agencies can see these records, like law enforcement, courts, and some government offices. The person whose record is sealed or expunged can confirm the order through their attorney. FDLE does not include these records in name-based or fingerprint searches. Employers, landlords, and the general public cannot view sealed or expunged records. Breaking the law by sharing sealed records can lead to fines or criminal charges.
What is the OCA number on a Florida criminal record?
The OCA number stands for “Originating Agency Case Number.” It is a unique ID given to each criminal case by the agency that made the arrest. Lake County cases start with specific OCA prefixes based on the arresting agency. The OCA number helps FDLE and the Clerk track cases across systems. You will need the OCA number to request certified copies from FDLE. The number appears on arrest reports, court filings, and FDLE results. If you do not have the OCA number, you can search by full name and date of birth instead.
Are Florida criminal history records free to search?
Basic court case information is free through the Lake County Clerk online portal. You can view case numbers, hearing dates, and charge descriptions without paying. FDLE charges $24 per name search, which is not free. Certified copies from the Clerk cost $2.00 per page. Fingerprint-based searches cost $40 to $50 plus vendor fees. Public access terminals at the courthouse let you search records at no cost. Free searches do not include certified copies, which most employers require.
How do I fix wrong information in my Lake County criminal record?
Send a written challenge to FDLE or the Lake County Clerk of Court if you find wrong data. Include copies of court documents that prove the error. FDLE has 30 days to review and fix confirmed errors. The Clerk of Court handles mistakes in court records directly. You can also contact the arresting agency for errors in arrest reports. Keep copies of all your challenge paperwork. If the agency does not fix the error, you can file a petition with the court to correct the record.
Do Florida criminal records show out-of-state arrests?
No, FDLE records only show arrests and convictions that happened in Florida. Out-of-state crimes do not appear in Florida criminal history searches. The FBI maintains a national database called the Interstate Identification Index (III) for nationwide checks. Employers who need full nationwide history must run both an FDLE check and an FBI check. Some private vendors offer combined searches that pull from both databases. Immigration cases often require records from every state where the person has lived.
Can I request someone else’s criminal history in Lake County?
Yes, Florida law makes most criminal history records public. You can search for anyone using their full name and date of birth. You do not need to tell the person you are searching. Some records stay private, like juvenile records and sealed cases. Employers and landlords often run these searches as part of their application process. Landlords must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act when using criminal records for housing decisions. Personal use searches have no legal limits, but you cannot use the data to stalk, harass, or discriminate.