Monroe County criminal history records show arrests, charges, and court results for cases in the Florida Keys. The Monroe County Clerk of Court keeps these records in Key West.
People use these records for jobs, housing, gun permits, and legal cases. This page explains how to get Monroe County criminal history records, what they show, and what laws control them in Florida.
What Monroe County Criminal History Records Contain
Monroe County criminal history records are official files that track a person through the court system. They list arrests, charges, court dates, and the final result. The records come from the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court, which covers only Monroe County. Anyone can ask for these records, but some personal details stay private under Florida law.
Arrest Records and Booking Data
An arrest record shows when a person was taken into custody. It lists the date, location, and arresting agency. It also shows the charges at the time of arrest. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and local police write these reports. They then send them to the Clerk of Court for storage.
Court Disposition Information
Court disposition shows what happened in a case. It tells if charges were dropped, if a person was found guilty, or if a case was dismissed. It also shows sentences, fines, and probation. This data matters because an arrest without a conviction may still show up in a search.
Misdemeanor and Felony Case Files
Monroe County handles both misdemeanor and felony cases. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes with shorter sentences. Felonies are serious crimes that can lead to prison time. Both types of cases show up in criminal history records. Some traffic offenses also appear if they lead to criminal charges.
How to Request Monroe County Criminal History Records
You can get Monroe County criminal history records in three ways. You can go in person, search online, or send a mail request. Each method has its own steps and fees. The right method depends on how fast you need the records and what you plan to do with them.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
The Monroe County Clerk of Court sits at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West. You can visit the office Monday through Friday during business hours. Bring a photo ID and any case numbers you have. Staff can help you search by name and date of birth. You can get copies of records the same day for a small fee.
Online Records Search
The Clerk’s website lets you search court records any time of day. Go to monroe-clerk.com and click on the records search link. You can search by name, case number, or court date. Basic searches are free. Certified copies and full reports cost money. The site works on phones and computers.
Mail Request Process
You can also write a letter to the Clerk’s office. Include the full name, date of birth, and any other details you know. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee. Mail requests take about five to ten business days. This method works for people who do not live near Key West.
What to Include in Your Request
Every request needs certain facts to work well. Missing details can slow down the search or lead to wrong results. Always check your facts before you send a request to the Clerk.
- Full legal name of the person
- Date of birth
- Race and sex (if known)
- Case number (if you have one)
- Your contact details
- Payment for fees
Monroe County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Monroe County Clerk of Court is the main source for local criminal history records. You can call, visit, or go online to get help. The staff can answer questions about fees, search methods, and record types. They cannot give legal advice but can point you to the right forms.
Office Location and Hours
The main office sits at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on state and federal holidays. You can reach the office by phone at (305) 294-4641. You can also visit the official site at monroe-clerk.com for online services.
Fees for Records Requests
The Clerk charges small fees for copies and certified records. Standard copies cost about one dollar per page. Certified copies cost more because they carry a court seal. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card. The exact fees may change, so call ahead to confirm.
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Copy | About $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Certified Copy | About $3.00 to $5.00 per page | Same day |
| Online Search | Free for basic, fees for full reports | Instant |
| Mail Request | Copy fees plus postage | 5 to 10 business days |
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history database. FDLE keeps records from all 67 Florida counties, including Monroe County. A statewide search is useful when you need records from more than one county. The FDLE system covers all Florida arrests and court cases.
CCHInet Portal Access
The CCHInet portal is the main online tool for Florida criminal history checks. You can search by name, date of birth, and race. Results show arrests, charges, and dispositions from across Florida. The portal costs about twenty-four dollars per search, plus a small processing fee.
Certified vs Non-Certified Results
Non-certified results come back right away. They are fine for personal use. Certified results take five to seven business days. They carry a state seal and work for jobs, immigration, and court cases. You must pick the right option when you order your search.
Processing Times and Costs
FDLE offers three search types with different speeds and prices. The right option depends on how you plan to use the records. Here is a quick look at the main choices.
- Instant Search: 24 dollars, results in minutes, not certified
- Certified Mail Search: about 24 dollars, results in 5 to 7 days by mail
- Fingerprint Search: about 40 dollars, requires LiveScan, accepted for most jobs
Florida Criminal History Laws and Sealed Records
Florida law protects some criminal history records. Sealed and expunged records do not show up in public searches. Florida Statute 943.053 controls who can see these records and when. The law balances public safety with the right to a fresh start.
Sealed and Expunged Records
A sealed record still exists but is hidden from the public. Only certain agencies can see it. An expunged record is destroyed for most purposes. People can ask for sealing or expungement after they finish their sentence. Monroe County follows the same state rules for all cases.
Florida Statute 943.053
This law lists who can get criminal history records in Florida. It says the records belong to the public, but with limits. The FDLE runs the checks. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards can ask for records. People can also ask for their own records at any time.
Juvenile Records
Juvenile cases work differently than adult cases. Most juvenile records are not open to the public. They can be sealed or expunged when the person turns 18. Some serious crimes can still show up later. The Clerk can tell you how to ask for a juvenile record check.
Background Check for Employment Purposes
Many Florida jobs require a criminal history check. Schools, hospitals, and government agencies often run the strictest checks. Florida law says employers must follow fair credit reporting rules. They must tell you if they plan to reject you based on a record.
LiveScan Fingerprinting
LiveScan is a digital fingerprint system used in Florida. It sends prints to FDLE and the FBI right away. Many jobs require LiveScan, not just a name search. Monroe County has LiveScan sites in Key West and Marathon. You can book a time online or by phone.
Third-Party Background Check Vendors
Many employers use outside companies for background checks. These vendors pull data from courts, jails, and other sources. Common vendors include Sterling, Checkr, and AccurateNow. The results can include records from Monroe County and beyond.
What Employers Look For
Employers look at more than just convictions. They check the type of crime, the date, and the sentence. They also look at how the crime relates to the job. A shoplifting case may matter for a cashier job but not for a construction job. Each employer sets its own rules.
- Type of charge and how serious it was
- Date of the arrest and how long ago it was
- Final outcome, such as guilty or dismissed
- Sentence and whether the person finished it
- How the crime relates to the job duties
Florida Court Records and Disposition Details
Court records give the full story of a case. They show the charges, motions, hearings, and the final ruling. Monroe County court records go back many years. You can search them at the courthouse or through the Clerk’s online system.
Where Court Records Are Kept
Court records sit at the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West. Older records may be on microfilm. Newer records are digital. The Clerk keeps both criminal and civil case files. Some records may need a special request to view in person.
What Disposition Means
Disposition is the legal result of a case. Common dispositions include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, and dropped. The disposition tells you if someone was convicted. It also shows if the person paid a fine, did time, or served probation.
Arrest Records Without Conviction
An arrest does not always lead to a conviction. Many people are arrested but never charged. Others have charges dropped. These cases still show up in some searches. The FDLE record shows the arrest but lists the final disposition. This helps you see the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about Monroe County criminal history records. The answers cover common search methods, costs, and legal points. These questions come up often in searches and in calls to the Clerk’s office. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and Clerk policy.
How Do I Check My Own Criminal History in Monroe County?
You can check your own record by visiting the Monroe County Clerk of Court in Key West. Bring a photo ID and your date of birth. You can also order a statewide check from FDLE through the CCHInet portal. The state search costs about twenty-four dollars and shows records from all Florida counties. You can also get a copy of your FDLE record at any local law enforcement office. Your own record will show all arrests, charges, and court outcomes in Florida.
Are Monroe County Criminal Records Free to View?
Basic online searches at the Clerk’s website are free. You can see case numbers, names, and court dates. You have to pay for full reports and certified copies. The fee covers the cost of pulling the file, copying pages, and adding the court seal. Most people pay between one and ten dollars per record. Bulk requests may have lower rates per page.
What Is the Difference Between Sealed and Expunged Records?
Sealed records still exist but are hidden from the public. Only judges, police, and some agencies can see them. Expunged records are destroyed for most purposes. Florida law lets people ask for both after they finish their sentence. You must file a petition with the court. The State Attorney’s Office must sign off on the request. Most people who qualify can clear minor offenses from their record.
How Long Does It Take to Get Monroe County Criminal History Records?
In-person requests often finish the same day. Online searches give instant results. Mail requests take five to ten business days. FDLE statewide checks take minutes for non-certified and five to seven days for certified results. Fingerprint checks through LiveScan take one to three days. Processing times can change during busy times or after big events like hurricanes.
Can I Search Criminal Records by Date of Birth in Monroe County?
Yes, you can search by date of birth at the Clerk’s website and at the courthouse. A name search with a date of birth gives better results. It helps you find the right person when names are common. The FDLE system also uses date of birth to match records. Always include the date of birth in your search to get the best results.
Do Federal Crimes Show Up in a Monroe County Search?
No, federal crimes do not show up in a Monroe County search. The County only keeps Florida state cases. Federal crimes are in a different system run by the FBI. You can order an FBI check through the FDLE or a LiveScan site. Many employers ask for both state and federal checks. Federal checks take longer and cost more.
What Happens If a Record Has Wrong Information?
You can ask the Clerk to fix a wrong record. Bring proof of the error, such as court papers or a dismissal order. The Clerk will review your request and update the file. You can also ask FDLE to fix mistakes in the state database. The state has a form for record challenges. It can take several weeks to correct a file.
Monroe County Clerk of Court – Quick Contact
You can reach the Monroe County Clerk of Court for help with criminal history records during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (305) 294-4641 or visit 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The official site is monroe-clerk.com.