Miami Dade County criminal history records are official documents that list arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case outcomes for cases handled inside Miami-Dade County. These records come from the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court, which manages the Eleventh Judicial Circuit court system.
People use these records for job background checks, legal research, housing applications, licensing requirements, and personal knowledge. The Clerk of Court keeps these files at the main courthouse in downtown Miami, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide database that covers all 67 Florida counties in one search request.
What Miami Dade County Criminal History Records Contain
Miami Dade County criminal history records show a clear picture of someone’s contact with the county court system. The Clerk of Court gathers these records from arrest reports, charging papers, plea deals, trial results, and sentencing orders. Each record follows a person from arrest through final case closure, so anyone who pulls the file can see the full legal path of a case from start to finish. The records stay under the Clerk of Court’s care for the entire life of the case, plus the retention period set by Florida law.
Types of Offenses Documented in County Files
The Clerk of Court files both misdemeanor and felony cases from Miami-Dade County. Misdemeanors cover less serious crimes, such as minor theft, simple assault, trespassing, or first-time DUI. Felonies cover more serious crimes, such as robbery, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, burglary, or murder. Traffic offenses that lead to criminal charges also appear in these files, along with violations of county ordinances that carry criminal penalties. Juvenile cases stay in a separate docket and follow different release rules under Florida law.
Personal Details Listed in Each Record
A typical Miami Dade County criminal history record includes the full legal name of the person, date of birth, arrest date, the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, the court case number, the final court outcome, and sentencing details. Many records also list the assigned judge, defense attorney, and prosecutor, plus the date the case closed. The Clerk removes Social Security numbers and certain other private details before sharing records with the public, in line with state and federal privacy rules.
Time Periods Covered by County Records
The Clerk of Court keeps records dating back several decades, with most modern records available in digital format through the online portal. Older paper records from the 1980s and earlier may require in-person requests at the courthouse, since the office has not scanned all historical files. Cases that closed within the past 10 years are usually the easiest to pull, since the Clerk indexes them in the online search system with full document images. Cases from the 1990s and 2000s often have partial digital coverage and may need a manual pull from the archive room.
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court and Criminal Records Management
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court serves as the main record holder for all criminal cases filed in the county. The Clerk’s office follows Florida Statute 943.053, which sets the rules for who can see criminal history records and how the records get shared with the public. The office also works with FDLE to make sure county records match the statewide database for every person who has a case in Miami-Dade, so the two systems stay in sync for background checks and legal research.
Office Location and Visiting Hours
The main Clerk of Court office sits at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130, in the heart of downtown Miami. The office stays open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on weekends and federal holidays. Visitors can use the public terminals on the first floor to search for cases without paying a fee, and staff at the records counter help with certified copy requests, full case packets, and historical file pulls. Parking is available at nearby garages, and the Government Center Metrorail station sits two blocks away.
Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court Authority
Miami-Dade County operates as its own judicial circuit, called the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. No other county falls under this circuit, since Miami-Dade has the largest population in the state with more than 2.7 million residents. The circuit covers all trial court cases for the county, from small claims and misdemeanors to capital murder cases and civil suits over $30,000. The Clerk of Court files all paperwork for these cases and keeps the records under the circuit’s authority for the full retention period.
Florida Statute 943.053 Compliance
Florida Statute 943.053 controls how criminal history records get released to the public. The Clerk of Court must follow this law for every record request, which means the office redacts certain personal details, such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth for minors, and home addresses, before sharing files. The law also limits who can receive juvenile records, sealed records, and expunged records, and it lists the agencies that can still see restricted files for official purposes. The Clerk trains all records staff on these rules and audits requests for compliance.
How to Search Miami Dade County Criminal History Records
You have three main ways to search Miami Dade County criminal history records: in person at the Clerk’s office, online through the Clerk’s website, or by mail. Each method works for different needs, and the right choice depends on how fast you need the records, what format you need them in, and how old the case is. All three methods use the same Clerk of Court database, so the results stay the same no matter which search channel you pick. The main difference is the turnaround time and the fees for copies.
In-Person Search at the Courthouse
Walking into the Clerk of Court office gives you the fastest service for urgent requests. Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and any case numbers or names you want to search. The public terminals on the first floor let you search by name, case number, or date of birth at no cost. Staff at the records counter can pull older files, certified copies, or full case packets for a small per-page fee, and most requests finish within 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the case age and complexity.
Online Court Records Search
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court runs a 24-hour online portal at miamidadeclerk.gov where you can search criminal cases by name, case number, or date of birth. The portal shows case status, hearing dates, charges, plea deals, and final dispositions for free. Printed copies from the online system cost $2.00 per page, certified copies cost more, and full case document images require a paid subscription for bulk access. The portal also accepts credit card payments for fees and certified copy requests.
Mail-In Record Requests
For people who cannot visit the courthouse, the Clerk accepts mail requests. Send a written letter that includes the full legal name, date of birth, and any known case numbers for the person you want to search. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process, plus return mail time, which can stretch the total turnaround to 2 weeks or more depending on postal service speed and case complexity.
Required Details for Any Search Method
All search methods need accurate personal details to pull the right records. The Clerk’s office uses the full legal name and date of birth as the main search keys. Having a Social Security number helps narrow the search and cuts down on name-match errors, though the office does not require it. Case numbers speed up the search, but the office can find records without them if you supply enough personal details and the case happened in the past 10 years. Aliases and maiden names also help when the person has changed their legal name.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search Options
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History system, which holds arrest and disposition records for all 67 Florida counties. FDLE searches work better than county-only searches when you need a full Florida background check, since they pull data from every county in one report. FDLE also handles fingerprint-based checks for jobs and licenses that require biometric matching, which removes most name-match errors and gives cleaner results for employers and licensing boards.
CCHInet Online Portal Access
FDLE runs the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us for statewide criminal history checks. You can search by name and date of birth, and the system returns a report that lists all Florida arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentence details linked to that person. The portal works 24 hours a day, and most non-certified reports print right away after payment. Certified reports require a mail-in request or fingerprint submission, since FDLE must apply the official seal and signature before sending the report back to the requester.
Certified vs Non-Certified Results
FDLE offers two types of reports: non-certified and certified. Non-certified reports work for personal use, private employers, most housing applications, and general background screening. Certified reports carry the official FDLE seal and a raised stamp, and they work for court cases, immigration papers, government jobs, federal licensing, and professional board applications. Certified reports take 5 to 7 business days to process by mail after FDLE receives the request, and the requester must include a return envelope with postage.
Fees and Processing Times for Statewide Searches
FDLE charges $24.00 for a name-based Florida criminal history check, plus a small processing fee for online card payments. Certified mail requests cost more due to return postage, handling, and the certification stamp. Fingerprint-based checks cost $40.00 and tend to give cleaner results, since they match the person to the record through unique biometric data. Vendor fingerprint locations charge an extra $10.00 to $20.00 for the collection service, and appointment wait times can add 1 to 3 days in busy areas.
Fingerprint-Based Search Process
FDLE also runs fingerprint checks through the LiveScan system at approved vendor locations across Florida. These checks match the person’s fingerprints to the statewide database, which removes most name-match errors and cuts down on false positives from common names. Employers, licensing boards, and adoption agencies often require fingerprint checks for this reason, and many government jobs will not accept name-based reports as a substitute. The vendor sends the prints electronically to FDLE, and results come back in 24 to 72 hours for most checks.
Costs and Fees for Miami Dade County Criminal History Records
The fees for Miami Dade County criminal history records depend on the type of record, the search method, and whether you need a certified copy. The Clerk of Court sets its own fees for county records, and FDLE sets separate fees for statewide searches. Most fees stay low, since Florida law aims to keep public records affordable for residents, employers, and legal professionals. The Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person and online payments, and mail requests require checks or money orders.
Clerk of Court Copy Fees
Standard printed copies from the Clerk of Court cost $2.00 per page. Certified copies cost $3.00 per page, plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Full case packets, which include the arrest report, charging documents, plea paperwork, and final judgment, cost more based on the total page count. Audio recordings of court hearings cost extra per CD or digital download, and the Clerk can convert older cassette tapes to digital format for an additional fee per recording. Document searches without a copy cost $2.00 per name per year searched.
FDLE Statewide Search Costs
FDLE name-based checks cost $24.00 per search. Fingerprint-based checks cost $40.00 per person. Certified reports add a $5.00 handling fee on top of the base search cost. Vendor locations that take fingerprints may charge an extra service fee of $10.00 to $20.00 for the collection service, depending on the location and the type of payment. Some employer programs cover these costs as part of their hiring workflow, and volunteers for nonprofit organizations often qualify for fee waivers in certain cases.
Certified Copy Charges and Common Use Cases
Certified copies work for court filings, immigration applications, professional licensing, government background checks, and federal agency submissions. Each certified copy carries the official Clerk seal and a stamped signature from the records custodian. Most legal and government agencies will not accept non-certified copies for official use, so requesters should confirm the certified status before paying for a copy. The Clerk can issue certified copies the same day for in-person requests, and mail requests add 5 to 10 business days for processing and return postage.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
Florida law lets people ask the court to seal or expunge certain criminal records under specific conditions set out in Florida Statute 943.059. Sealed records stay hidden from the public, and expunged records get destroyed by court order. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Clerk of Court must follow these orders in all future searches and must update their systems within a set time after the court signs the order. People who qualify for sealing or expungement can legally deny the arrest in most private applications.
Florida Criminal History Information Act Rules
The Florida Criminal History Information Act sets the rules for who can see sealed and expunged records. The law lists the agencies that can still see these records, such as law enforcement, the courts, and certain licensing boards. Most employers, landlords, and the general public cannot see sealed or expunged records, and any agency that shares restricted records without legal authority can face penalties under state law. The Act also sets the retention period for arrest records that did not lead to conviction, which the Clerk must follow even without a court order.
Court Order Requirements for Sealing or Expungement
A person must file a petition with the court in the county where the arrest or case happened. The court holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the request based on the charge type, case outcome, and the person’s record. FDLE and the Clerk of Court must update their systems within 30 days after the court signs the order. The person who gets the record sealed or expunged can then legally deny the arrest in most job and housing applications, though they must still disclose the record in certain government and law enforcement contexts.
Limited Access to Sealed Records
Even sealed records stay open to law enforcement agencies for criminal investigations, to the courts for related legal matters, and to certain government agencies for licensing or background checks. The person whose record got sealed can still tell others about the case. The record will not show up in standard public searches, including Clerk of Court searches and FDLE statewide name-based searches. Some federal agencies can also request sealed records through legal channels, and the court can unseal records in rare cases for public safety reasons.
Differences Between County and Statewide Searches
County searches only pull records from Miami-Dade County, so they miss arrests and charges from other Florida counties. Statewide FDLE searches pull records from all 67 counties at once, which gives a full Florida picture. Federal arrests and out-of-state convictions do not show up in either search type, and tribal court cases stay outside the Florida system as well. Requesters should match the search type to the purpose of the background check to avoid gaps and reduce the risk of name-match errors that come with broader searches.
When to Use a County-Only Search
A county-only search works best when you only need records from Miami-Dade County, such as a local landlord screening a tenant, a small business hiring for a single location, or a private investigator working a local case. County searches cost less and finish faster than statewide checks. They also work when the person you are searching has lived in Miami-Dade for a long time and has no known ties to other Florida counties. The Clerk’s office can also pull out-of-county records on a case-by-case basis for an extra fee.
When to Use a Statewide FDLE Search
A statewide FDLE search works best for jobs that require a full Florida background check, professional licensing, adoption screening, immigration paperwork, and government positions. The statewide check pulls records from every Florida county, so it catches arrests and charges that a Miami-Dade-only search would miss. Most employers and licensing boards in Florida require the statewide check for these reasons. FDLE also offers a National Crime Information Center check through approved vendors, which adds out-of-state data for an extra fee.
What Neither Search Will Show
Neither county nor statewide Florida searches show federal arrests, out-of-state convictions, tribal court cases, or sealed and expunged records. For a full nationwide check, you must run a separate FBI Identity History Summary check through the FBI’s approved channelers or through a local law enforcement office that submits fingerprints to the FBI. Some private background check companies combine Florida and FBI results for a full report, and they may also pull county civil court records, credit history, and driving records for a higher fee.
Official Contact Details for the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court
You can reach the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court by phone, in person, or by mail during regular business hours. The office also runs a 24-hour online portal for basic record searches and fee payments. The map below shows the exact location of the main courthouse in downtown Miami, with parking details and nearby transit options for visitors. Visitors should plan for security screening at the entrance, which can add 10 to 15 minutes during peak morning hours.
Office: Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
Address: 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 275-1155
Website: miamidadeclerk.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Clerk’s office also runs satellite locations across Miami-Dade County for less common services, such as marriage licenses, passport applications, and property record requests. The downtown courthouse handles all criminal record requests, since criminal cases only go through the main criminal division at the Flagler Street location. Visitors can pay for copies and certified documents at the records counter on the first floor, and the Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards for all in-person transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Dade County Criminal History
People who search Miami Dade County criminal history records often have similar questions about the process, costs, and legal limits. The answers below cover the most common questions based on current Florida law and Clerk of Court practices. These answers reflect 2026 procedures and fees, and they apply to both county and statewide FDLE searches. Each answer points to the right office, the right fee, and the right timeline for the most common request types.
How long does it take to get a Miami Dade County criminal history record?
Online searches return results in minutes for non-certified records. In-person requests at the Clerk’s office take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the case age and complexity. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days for processing, plus return mail time, which can stretch the total turnaround to 2 weeks. Certified statewide FDLE checks take 5 to 7 business days from the date FDLE receives the request, and fingerprint checks add another 2 to 3 days for vendor handling and electronic submission. Urgent requests can be expedited at the Clerk’s office for an extra fee, and FDLE offers rush processing for legal deadlines with proper documentation. Plan ahead for any deadline that falls within 2 weeks of the request, since postal delays and high request volumes can slow turnaround during peak hiring seasons.
Can I search Miami Dade County criminal records for free?
Yes. The public terminals at the Clerk of Court office and the online portal at miamidadeclerk.gov let you search case status, charges, and dispositions for free. You only pay when you need printed copies, certified copies, or full case packets. FDLE charges a fee for both certified and non-certified statewide searches, and the fee applies whether you run the search online or by mail. The free search tools cover most personal needs, such as checking a court date, confirming a case outcome, or pulling basic case details for a personal record. Employers, licensing boards, and legal professionals usually need certified copies, which require payment to the Clerk or FDLE. Some nonprofit legal aid groups offer free background checks for qualifying low-income clients in housing and employment disputes.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history record?
A Florida criminal history record shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, sentencing details, and case closure dates. The record lists the arresting agency, the court where the case was heard, and the final disposition for each charge. Sealed and expunged records do not show up in standard searches, and juvenile records stay separate from adult records under Florida law. The record also includes identifying details, such as the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and known aliases. FDLE records add the state identification number, FBI number (if any), and a list of all contributing agencies that reported the arrest or disposition. Dismissed charges appear on the record, with the disposition marked as “dismissed” or “nolle prosequi,” which tells employers the case did not end in conviction.
Do sealed or expunged records show up in a Miami Dade County search?
No. Sealed and expunged records do not show up in standard public searches, including Clerk of Court searches and FDLE statewide searches. The Clerk and FDLE must remove these records from public view after receiving a valid court order. Law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing agencies can still see these records for official purposes, and the person whose record got sealed can legally deny the arrest in most private applications. The Clerk marks sealed files in the system as “confidential” and limits staff access to authorized personnel. Expunged records get destroyed by court order, so even the Clerk and FDLE cannot retrieve them for public search. The person who gets an expungement can also petition the court to have the physical files returned or destroyed, depending on the case type and the county’s retention rules.
Can I get a Florida criminal history record without a Social Security number?
Yes. The Clerk of Court and FDLE can run searches using the full legal name and date of birth. A Social Security number helps narrow the search and reduces the chance of name-match errors, but the search can still proceed without it. Fingerprint checks give the most accurate results and remove the need for personal details beyond the fingerprints, which is why employers and licensing boards often require them. Common names can produce multiple results in a name-based search, so adding a middle name, date of birth, or known alias improves accuracy. The Clerk and FDLE recommend fingerprint checks for any high-stakes background check, such as adoption screening, federal licensing, or government security clearances, since biometric data removes nearly all match errors.
How much does a certified Florida criminal history record cost?
A certified FDLE criminal history record costs $24.00 for the name-based search, plus a $5.00 handling fee. Fingerprint-based certified checks cost $40.00, plus vendor collection fees. Certified copies from the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court cost $3.00 per page, plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Most legal and government agencies require certified copies, and the Clerk can issue them the same day for in-person requests. Mail requests for certified copies add return postage costs, which the requester must cover with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Some agencies accept electronic certified records through approved vendors, which can reduce turnaround time and postage costs for remote requesters. Vendor fees vary by location, so call ahead to confirm the total cost before scheduling a fingerprint appointment.
Are federal arrests included in Miami Dade County or FDLE searches?
No. Miami Dade County and FDLE searches only cover Florida state and county arrests. Federal arrests, out-of-state arrests, and tribal court cases do not appear in these searches. For a full nationwide check, you must run a separate FBI Identity History Summary check through the FBI’s approved channelers or local law enforcement offices. Some private background check companies combine Florida and FBI results for a full report, and the cost runs higher than a single-state check, with prices ranging from $50.00 to $150.00 per person depending on the depth and turnaround time. Federal background checks also include military records, federal employment history, and national security flags, which can affect eligibility for certain government jobs and security clearances. Plan ahead for federal checks, since processing times can run 4 to 8 weeks through the FBI’s main channel.
Authority and Entity Expansion List
The list below covers extra topics and entities you can add over time to expand the topical reach of this page. Each item targets a specific user need or search intent that ties back to the main keyword. Adding these sections will strengthen topical authority and capture more long-tail traffic from related queries. The list is sorted by priority and ranking impact for the Miami Dade County criminal history topic cluster.
- How to challenge incorrect Miami Dade County criminal history records
- Juvenile criminal record sealing procedures in Florida
- Background check requirements for Florida teachers and school staff
- Florida criminal history record review for immigration cases
- Employer rights and limits under the Florida Fair Credit Reporting Act
- How to remove dismissed charges from public view in Florida
- Warrant search procedures through the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office
- Driving record checks vs criminal history checks in Florida
- Florida record sealing for human trafficking victims
- Cost comparisons between FDLE, FBI, and private background check services
- How to verify a Florida certified criminal history record’s authenticity
- Arrest record vs conviction record differences in Florida
- Florida expungement eligibility rules for first-time offenders
- Miami-Dade County pretrial diversion program details
- Florida criminal record sealing for felony convictions after 2020 reforms