Madison County criminal history records are official files that show arrests, charges, and court outcomes for people within Madison County, Florida. These records sit with the Madison County Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Anyone can request these records for personal review, employment screening, legal matters, or housing checks. This reference explains exactly how to get, read, and verify these records under current Florida law.
What Madison County Criminal History Records Contain
A Madison County criminal history record is a full file that tracks a person through the Florida justice system. It shows every arrest, every charge filed, and the final result in court. The file stays with the Clerk of Court for Madison County, which serves as part of the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Core Data Fields in Each Record
Each record carries specific pieces of data that make it unique. These fields help you confirm you are looking at the right person and the right case. The Clerk of Court stores these files in both paper and digital form.
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and race or ethnicity
- Fingerprint-based state identification number
- Date of arrest and the agency that made the arrest
- Specific criminal charges and Florida Statute citations
- Court case number from Madison County
- Final case outcome, including dismissal, conviction, or acquittal
- Sentence details, such as probation, fines, or jail time
Difference Between Madison County Records and FDLE Records
Madison County records only show cases handled inside the county. FDLE records pull from all sixty-seven Florida counties. If a person was arrested in Madison County but later moved, only the FDLE statewide search shows the full picture. The Clerk of Court cannot see cases from other counties, and the FDLE cannot provide the same level of detail found in original Madison court files.
What the Law Says About These Records
Florida law treats criminal history records as public files. Section 943.05 of the Florida Statutes created the state Computerized Criminal History system, known as CCH. Section 943.053 sets the rules for who can ask for records and what the agency must share. Madison County follows both statutes when responding to record requests.
How to Get Madison County Criminal History Records
There are three main ways to get criminal history records in Madison County. You can visit the Clerk of Court in person, search online through the Clerk website, or send a written request by mail. Each method gives the same basic data, but the speed and cost change based on the method you pick.
In-Person Requests at the Madison County Courthouse
Walking into the Madison County Clerk of Court office gives you the fastest service. Staff can help you find a case right away. They also can print certified copies of court documents on the spot if you pay the required fee.
- Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver license or state ID card
- Write down the full name and date of birth of the person you are researching
- Include any case number if you already have it
- Visit the office at 125 Southwest Range Avenue, Madison, FL 32340
- Pay the copy fee and any certification fee at the front counter
- Ask the clerk to run a name search across the public case index
Online Search Through the Clerk Website
The Madison County Clerk of Court runs a public records search portal. You can access it at madisonclerk.com from any computer or phone. The portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or hearing date without leaving your home.
Mail-In Record Requests
Mail requests work for people who live far from Madison or who want a paper trail. Send a written request with the subject’s full name, date of birth, and any known case number. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fee. Mail the request to the Madison County Clerk of Court at the courthouse address listed above.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the central criminal history database for the entire state. FDLE pulls arrest data from every Florida county, including Madison County. The database only includes arrests that the Florida Department of Corrections, judges, or other reporting agencies have forwarded to FDLE. Records that were never reported to FDLE will not show up in a statewide search.
CCHInet Online Public Search
CCHInet is FDLE’s public search tool for criminal history checks. You can run a name-based search at any time of day. The cost is twenty-four dollars per search, plus a small processing fee. Results appear on screen right away but are not certified for court use.
Certified Statewide Criminal History Request
For a certified record that courts and employers accept, you must use the official FDLE request form. You can fill out the form online, by mail, or in person at an FDLE livescan location. The fee is twenty-four dollars for a name-based certified search, or forty-eight dollars for a fingerprint-based certified search. Processing takes five to seven business days.
Required Information for an FDLE Search
FDLE needs accurate details to match the right person. Spelling errors in the name or wrong date of birth data can create no-match results. Always double-check the data before you submit the request.
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format
- Race and sex
- Social Security Number, if available
- Reason for the request
- Payment in the form of credit card, check, or money order
Criminal History Records in Surrounding Florida Counties
Many people who search Madison County records also need records from nearby counties. Each county runs its own Clerk of Court office. The state charges the same general rules, but each office uses a different website and fee schedule. Searches outside Madison County go through the Clerk of Court in the county where the arrest or court action happened.
Searching Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County keeps its criminal records through the Clerk of the Courts in downtown Miami. The county runs one of the largest court systems in Florida. Public searches are available at miamidadeclerk.gov. Certified copies cost more than standard copies and require in-person pickup or mail request.
Searching Orange County Florida Records
Orange County includes Orlando and the surrounding area. The Orange County Clerk of Courts hosts an online search tool at myorangeclerk.com. You can search by name, case number, or court date. Records cover both felony and misdemeanor cases from county and circuit court.
Searching Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County covers Tampa and nearby cities. The Clerk of Court runs a portal at hillsclerk.com. The portal covers civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. Some older records only exist on microfilm and require an in-person visit.
Searching Duval County Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville. The Duval County Clerk of Courts offers an online search at duvalclerk.com. The site shows criminal cases from circuit and county court, plus outstanding warrants on file with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Searching Broward County Records
Broward County covers Fort Lauderdale and surrounding cities. The Clerk of Courts runs a public search at browardclerk.org. The site allows searches by name, case number, and citation number. Records cover both criminal and traffic cases.
Searching Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County covers West Palm Beach and the eastern Florida coast. The Clerk of Court and Comptroller runs a public search at mypalmbeachclerk.com. You can look up criminal cases, civil cases, and traffic citations. Certified copies can be ordered online for an extra fee.
Cost and Fees for Criminal History Requests in 2026
Criminal history records cost different amounts based on the agency, the search type, and whether you need a certified copy. The fees listed below reflect the current 2026 fee schedule for Florida agencies. Always check the official website before sending payment, because fees can change.
| Request Type | Agency | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Public Search (non-certified) | Madison County Clerk of Court | $1.00 per page plus $2.00 per certified page | Same day |
| Online Name Search | FDLE CCHInet | $24.00 plus $1.75 processing fee | Instant |
| Certified Name-Based Search | FDLE (mail or online) | $24.00 | 5 to 7 business days |
| Certified Fingerprint-Based Search | FDLE Livescan | $48.00 | 5 to 7 business days |
| Federal Background Check (FBI) | FBI Channeler | $18.00 to $40.00 | 24 hours to several days |
| Expungement Processing Fee | FDLE | $75.00 | Several weeks |
Sealed and Expunged Criminal History Records
Not every criminal record stays public. Florida law allows people to ask the court to seal or expunge a record under specific conditions. A sealed record still exists but is hidden from public searches. An expunged record is physically destroyed by the Clerk of Court and FDLE. Neither type of record shows up in standard criminal history searches.
Eligibility for Sealing a Record
A person can ask the court to seal a record if they completed their sentence and stayed out of trouble for a set period. The waiting period depends on the type of case. Misdemeanors require a waiting period, while serious felonies often cannot be sealed at all. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides an eligibility form that you can fill out before you file a petition.
Eligibility for Expungement
Expungement removes a record from public view completely. The court can grant expungement when a person was arrested but never charged, when charges were dropped, or when a person completed a diversion program. Each case has its own rules under Section 943.0585 of the Florida Statutes. You must file a petition with the court in the county where the arrest happened.
How Sealing or Expungement Affects Background Checks
Once a record is sealed or expunged, the Clerk of Court removes it from public indexes. FDLE also updates its database. A standard criminal history search will not show the case. Some government agencies and certain employers can still see sealed records through fingerprint-based checks under Florida law.
Florida Criminal History for Employment and Housing
Employers and landlords often run criminal history checks before making a final offer. Florida law controls how this information can be used. Both employers and housing providers must follow the rules in the Florida Fair Credit Reporting Act and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.
What Employers Can and Cannot Do
Florida employers can ask about criminal history on an application or during an interview. They cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to a conviction. They also cannot reject an applicant based solely on an old arrest without giving the person a chance to explain. The rules differ for jobs that work with children, the elderly, or other sensitive groups.
Ban the Box and Local Ordinances
Some Florida cities and counties have local rules that delay criminal history questions until later in the hiring process. These rules often apply to government jobs. Private employers in most parts of Florida can still ask about convictions at the start of the process.
FCRA Compliance for Background Checks
When an employer uses a third-party background check company, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act applies. The applicant must give written permission before the check. If the employer plans to reject the applicant based on the record, they must send a copy of the report and a letter explaining the right to dispute the data.
Florida Criminal History Disclosure Rules
Florida does not have a general duty to disclose every past arrest. The law only requires disclosure in certain cases, such as when applying for a professional license, a government job, or a position that works with vulnerable groups. The law also requires disclosure when a court or official form asks a direct question about convictions.
When Disclosure Is Required
People applying for jobs in law enforcement, education, healthcare, and financial services often must disclose their full criminal history. The application form will state the disclosure requirement. Failing to disclose when the form requires it can lead to denial of the job or loss of a license.
When Disclosure Is Not Required
A private landlord, a private employer outside regulated fields, and most volunteer positions cannot force disclosure. A person can choose to share the record but is not legally required to do so. Sealed and expunged records do not have to be disclosed at all.
Florida Criminal History Statutes and Legal Framework
Florida’s criminal history system rests on a small set of state statutes. These laws set the rules for collecting, sharing, sealing, and expunging records. Anyone who needs criminal history data should know the basic framework.
Section 943.05 Florida Statutes
Section 943.05 created the statewide Computerized Criminal History system. The law tells FDLE how to gather data from clerks of court, law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Corrections. It also tells FDLE how long to keep each record and who can ask for the data.
Section 943.053 Florida Statutes
Section 943.053 sets the rules for releasing criminal history information to the public. The law lists who can ask for records, what data can be shared, and what data must stay private. The Clerk of Court in Madison County follows this statute for every public request.
Section 943.0585 and 943.059 Florida Statutes
These two sections cover expungement and sealing. Section 943.0585 lists the rules for expungement, and Section 943.059 covers sealing. Both statutes spell out who qualifies, how to file a petition, and what happens after the court grants the request.
Limitations of a Madison County Criminal History Search
A criminal history search in Madison County only shows what Florida agencies have reported. It will not show federal arrests, out-of-state convictions, or sealed records. Anyone who needs a full background picture should run more than one search.
Federal Records Not Included
Federal charges, such as drug trafficking, immigration offenses, and federal white-collar crimes, are not in the Florida database. The Federal Bureau of Investigation keeps those records at the national level. A full background check often combines an FBI check with a Florida state check.
Out-of-State Records Not Included
If a person lived in another state before moving to Florida, those prior arrests will not show up. The other state keeps those records. Many employers use private background check companies that search every state at once.
Sealed and Expunged Records Hidden
Sealed and expunged records do not appear in any public search. The Clerk of Court and FDLE both remove the records from public view. The only way to see those records is through a court order or a fingerprint-based check by an authorized agency.
How to Verify a Florida Criminal History Report
Verifying a criminal history report means checking the data against the source. The report should show the case number, the court that handled the case, and the date of the final action. Anyone can verify a Madison County record by going to the Clerk of Court and asking the clerk to confirm the data.
Checking the Case Number
Every criminal case in Florida has a unique case number. The format usually includes the year, the county code, and a sequence number. Madison County cases start with a Madison County code. You can use the case number to pull the full file from the Clerk of Court.
Confirming the Disposition
The disposition is the final outcome of a case. It can be guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or deferred. A report that lists a charge without a disposition is incomplete. The Clerk of Court can provide the final disposition for any case in Madison County.
Madison County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Madison County Clerk of Court handles all criminal history record requests for the county. The office sits inside the Madison County Courthouse in Madison, Florida. Staff can help with in-person requests, online searches, and mail-in record requests. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Madison County Clerk of Court |
| Address | 125 SW Range Ave, Madison, FL 32340 |
| Phone | (850) 973-1500 |
| Website | madisonclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET |
| Available through the contact form on madisonclerk.com | |
| FDLE Statewide Search | cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us |
Frequently Asked Questions About Madison County Criminal History
The questions below cover the most common issues people face when searching for criminal history in Madison County. Each answer is written to help you take the next step in your search without extra trips, calls, or wasted fees. Read through all of them before you file your request to avoid common errors.
How long does the Madison County Clerk keep criminal history records?
Madison County keeps criminal history records permanently unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. Paper files go into storage after a few years, but digital records stay active in the Clerk’s online system. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also keeps a copy of every reportable arrest at the state level. Sealed records still exist in a restricted file but cannot be seen by the public. Expunged records are physically destroyed by the Clerk and removed from the FDLE database under Section 943.0585. The retention period for each case type can vary based on the charge and the outcome.
Can I search Madison County criminal records for free?
Yes, basic case searches through the Madison County Clerk’s online portal are free. You can look up a name and see the case number, the charges, and the court date. You only pay when you request a printed or certified copy of the file. The free search also does not show sealed or expunged records. If you need a full certified history, you will need to pay the standard fee at the Clerk’s office or run a paid FDLE search.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history report?
A Florida criminal history report shows every arrest reported to FDLE, the charges filed, the final disposition, and the sentence. The report also shows the arrest date, the arresting agency, and the county where the case was heard. The report will not show sealed records, expunged records, federal arrests, or out-of-state convictions. A fingerprint-based search gives a more complete picture than a name-based search because it uses the unique state identification number tied to the fingerprints.
How do I fix a mistake on my Madison County criminal record?
If you find a mistake on your Madison County criminal record, you can ask FDLE to correct it under Section 943.056. The process requires a written request, supporting documents, and a small fee. FDLE will contact the Clerk of Court and the arresting agency to verify the data. If the record belongs to a sealed or expunged file, FDLE will not be able to share the original document. The correction process usually takes thirty to sixty days to complete.
Does a dismissed case still show on a Madison County record?
Yes, a dismissed case stays on the public record unless a court orders it sealed or expunged. The dismissal appears in the disposition field. Future employers and landlords can still see the arrest and the dismissal unless you take action to seal the file. A petition for sealing or expungement is the only way to remove a dismissed case from public view. The process takes several months from filing to final order.
Can I get a criminal history record for someone in another Florida county?
Yes, you can get records from any Florida county through that county’s Clerk of Court. You can also run a statewide search through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The FDLE search covers all sixty-seven counties in one request, while county searches must be run one county at a time. For most employment background checks, the FDLE statewide search is faster and more complete.
What is the difference between a certified and a non-certified criminal history record?
A certified record carries an official stamp or seal from the issuing agency. Courts, government agencies, and many employers require a certified copy. A non-certified record is a plain printout that shows the same data but lacks the legal stamp. Certified records cost more and take longer to produce. For personal use or preliminary research, a non-certified record is enough. For official use, always order a certified copy.