Palm Beach County criminal history records are official files that show arrests, charges, court outcomes, and final rulings for people processed through the county’s court system. These records are kept by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Anyone can request a copy of these records for a small fee. This page explains how to get criminal history records in Palm Beach County, what each record contains, how much it costs, and how to search other Florida counties too.
What Are Palm Beach County Criminal History Records
Criminal history records in Palm Beach County are written files of every criminal case handled by courts in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Each file has the person’s full name, date of birth, the charges filed, the arresting agency, the court case number, the plea or verdict, and the final sentence or dismissal. These records cover felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and ordinance violations. They are public under Florida law, but some sensitive details are removed to protect privacy.
Information Included in a Record
A full criminal history record in Palm Beach County has the arrest date, booking number, charges, bond amount, court dates, plea entered, sentence given, and release date. It also lists any open warrants, probation status, and prior convictions in the state system. Court minutes and final judgments are part of the case file at the Clerk’s office. Older cases from the 1980s and earlier may be on microfilm and require a manual search.
Records Excluded from Public View
Some records are sealed or expunged by a court order. Juvenile records, pre-trial diversion programs, and cases that ended in a full pardon are not shown to the public. Records that fall under Florida Statute 943.0585 are not part of the public database. Sealed records can only be opened by a court order or by the person named in the record.
Who Maintains Criminal Records in Palm Beach County
Three main agencies keep criminal history records in Palm Beach County. Each one holds a different part of the file. Knowing which agency to contact saves time and fees.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court at 301 N Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach keeps all court case files. This office stores charging documents, court minutes, final judgments, and probation orders. The Clerk runs the online search portal at mypalmbeachclerk.com. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The phone number is (561) 355-2996. You can call ahead to confirm the fee for certified copies.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also called FDLE, runs the state’s central criminal history database. FDLE gathers arrest data from every county sheriff and police department. FDLE offers statewide name-based checks and certified fingerprint checks. Their main website is fdle.state.fl.us. The CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us is used for certified record requests. FDLE does not keep court records, only arrest and disposition data.
Local Police and Sheriff Offices
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and city police departments keep arrest reports and incident reports. These are different from court records. A police arrest report shows what officers did on the day of the arrest. A court record shows what the judge decided later. You can ask the Sheriff’s Office at 3228 Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach for a copy of a recent arrest report. Most arrest reports cost between $1 and $5 per page.
How to Search Palm Beach County Criminal Records
There are four ways to search criminal records in Palm Beach County. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the record, what type of record you need, and how much you can pay. Most people use the online portal for a fast name-based check.
Online Search Portal
The Clerk of Court runs a free public search at mypalmbeachclerk.com. You can search by full name, case number, citation number, or date range. The portal shows case type, filing date, current status, and final disposition. Basic case data is free to view. Printed copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page. A $2.50 service fee is added to every online order. Payments are by credit or debit card only.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the Clerk’s office at 301 N Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The main lobby is on the first floor. Bring a valid photo ID and any case numbers you have. Self-service kiosks are free to use. Staff help is free for the first 15 minutes, then $1 per minute after that. Most simple searches take under 10 minutes. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card.
Mail-In Requests
Send a written request to the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 4667, West Palm Beach, FL 33402. Include the full name, date of birth, the case number if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Add a check or money order for the copy fees. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. Mail requests are good for old cases that are not on the online portal yet.
Phone and Email Requests
You can call (561) 355-2996 to ask about a case status. Staff will read basic case data over the phone. Certified copies must be picked up in person or ordered online. Email requests are not accepted for certified records. Email is only for simple questions and case lookups. The office does not email case files because of privacy rules.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
FDLE offers two main types of criminal history checks. Each one has a different fee, wait time, and use case. Pick the right one based on why you need the record.
Name-Based Search
The FDLE name-based search costs $24 plus a small processing fee. The result is a Florida Computerized Criminal History record, called a CCH. The search is done by the person’s full name and date of birth. The result is usually instant online. The result is not certified, so it cannot be used for official purposes like immigration or government jobs. Use this search for personal background checks or tenant screening.
Fingerprint-Based Search
The fingerprint search costs $51.25 for a state check or $56.25 for a state and FBI check. You must schedule a fingerprint appointment with a Livescan vendor. There are Livescan locations across Palm Beach County. The result takes 5 to 7 business days. The result is a certified CCH record. Use this search for professional licensing, adoption, visas, and government jobs.
Certified Versus Non-Certified Results
A non-certified result is a printout or screen image. It shows the record data but has no raised seal or signature. A certified result has a stamp, seal, and signature from FDLE. Courts, employers, and licensing boards ask for certified results. A non-certified result is good for personal use, private business decisions, and informal checks. Always check which one the requester needs before you pay.
Types of Criminal Records Available
Palm Beach County has four main types of criminal records. Each type has a different search method and a different cost.
Arrest Records
Arrest records are kept by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Court. They show the date, time, and place of arrest. They also list the arresting officer, the charges at the time of arrest, and the booking photo. Arrest records do not show the final court outcome. The Sheriff’s Office charges $1 per page for a public arrest report. Most arrest reports are online within 24 to 48 hours.
Court Disposition Records
Disposition records show how a case ended. They list the final plea, sentence, fines, probation, and any court costs. These records are kept by the Clerk of Court. A full disposition record is the most requested type of criminal record. It is used for background checks, immigration forms, and expungement petitions. You can get a disposition record online for $1 per page.
Outstanding Warrants
Active warrants are public records in Florida. You can search for open warrants at the Sheriff’s website or by calling the warrant line at (561) 688-3000. The warrant search is free. A warrant list is updated every 24 hours. If a person has a warrant, the list shows the full name, the case number, and the charge. Do not use the warrant list for employment background checks because it only shows active warrants, not past cases.
Traffic and Misdemeanor Records
Traffic tickets and misdemeanor cases are kept in the County Court section. These include DUI, petty theft, simple battery, and traffic violations. The Clerk’s online portal shows these cases under the County Court tab. The fee is the same as for felony cases. A certified copy of a traffic record costs $3 per document, which includes the court seal and clerk signature.
Florida Expungement and Sealed Records
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge their criminal record. A sealed record is hidden from the public. An expunged record is destroyed by the court. Both stop the record from showing on a background check.
Eligibility for Expungement
You can apply for expungement if your case was dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty. You can also apply if you completed a pre-trial diversion program and stayed out of trouble. You cannot expunge a felony conviction or certain sex offenses. You can only have one expungement in your lifetime. Florida Statute 943.0585 lists all rules for expungement.
How to Seal a Record
File a petition with the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was handled. The petition form is called a Petition to Expunge or Seal. You must get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE first. The FDLE fee is $75. The Clerk’s filing fee is $42. A court hearing is set within 60 to 90 days. A judge makes the final call to seal or expunge the record.
Cost and Timeline
The total cost to seal or expunge a record is around $300 to $500. The fee covers the FDLE certificate, court filing fee, and attorney costs. The process takes 6 to 9 months from start to finish. After the order is signed, all agencies must remove the record from their public databases within 30 days. Law enforcement agencies can still see the record for criminal justice use.
Palm Beach County Court Records Lookup
Court records in Palm Beach County are split into two main courts. Each court handles different types of cases.
Circuit Court Records
The Circuit Court handles felonies, family law, probate, and civil cases over $50,000. The Clerk keeps these records in the main office at 205 N Dixie Highway. Online searches for circuit cases go through the mypalmbeachclerk.com portal under the Circuit Criminal tab. Most felony cases are searchable by name or case number. Records go back to the early 1980s in the online system.
County Court Records
The County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims, and civil cases under $50,000. The County Court office is on the third floor of the main courthouse. Online searches for county cases use the County Criminal tab on the Clerk’s website. Misdemeanor cases from 1990 forward are in the online system. Older cases need an in-person search request.
Fees and Processing Times
The table below shows the main fees and wait times for criminal records in Palm Beach County. Fees are set by Florida statute and the Clerk’s fee schedule.
| Record Type | Fee | Processing Time | Certified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online case search (basic) | Free | Instant | No |
| Printed page (online order) | $1 per page | 1 to 2 business days | No |
| Certified copy | $2 per page | 3 to 5 business days | Yes |
| FDLE name search | $24 | Instant | No |
| FDLE fingerprint check (state only) | $51.25 | 5 to 7 business days | Yes |
| FDLE fingerprint check (state and FBI) | $56.25 | 5 to 7 business days | Yes |
| Expungement petition filing | $42 | 60 to 90 days for hearing | Yes |
| FDLE Certificate of Eligibility | $75 | 6 to 12 weeks | Yes |
Criminal Records in Other Florida Counties
Many people who search Palm Beach County also need records from other Florida counties. Each county has its own Clerk of Court. The search methods are similar, but the fees and portals are different. Below are the main counties searched along with Palm Beach County.
Miami-Dade County Criminal History
Miami-Dade County records are kept by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts at 73 W Flagler Street in Miami. The online portal is at miamidadeclerk.gov. The fee for a printed page is $1. Certified copies cost $2.50 per page. The FDLE search works the same way for Miami-Dade because the data goes to the state system. Most felony cases from 1995 forward are online.
Broward County Criminal Records
Broward County records are at the Broward County Clerk of Courts, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale. The website is browardclerk.org. The basic online search is free. Printed copies cost 15 cents per page. Certified copies are $2 per page plus a $1 search fee. Broward has a separate traffic portal for traffic citations and a separate criminal portal for criminal cases.
Orange County Florida Criminal Records
Orange County records are at 425 N Orange Avenue, Orlando. The website is myorangeclerk.com. The online search is free. Printed pages are $1 each. Certified copies are $2 per page. The Orange County Clerk also handles marriage licenses, civil cases, and probate records. Orange County has the most criminal cases in Central Florida because of the Orlando area.
Hillsborough County Criminal History
Hillsborough County records are at the Clerk of Court, 419 Pierce Street, Tampa. The website is hillsclerk.com. The online portal shows both criminal and civil cases. Search fees are $1 per printed page. Certified copies cost $2 per page. Hillsborough County uses a separate portal for court dockets and another for official records. You need a free account to use the full search tool.
Duval County Criminal History
Duval County records cover Jacksonville and the surrounding area. The Clerk of Court is at 501 W Adams Street, Jacksonville. The website is duvalclerk.com. Online searches are free for case status. Printed copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2.50 per page. Duval County has the largest court system in northeast Florida.
Pinellas County Criminal Records
Pinellas County records cover St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The Clerk of Court is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater. The website is pinellasclerk.org. Online searches are free. Printed pages cost $1. Certified copies cost $2 per page. Pinellas County uses the same state database as other counties for FDLE checks. Local searches work for records back to 1985.
Contact Information for Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
The main office for criminal records in Palm Beach County is the Clerk of Court at 301 N Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The office phone number is (561) 355-2996. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The website is mypalmbeachclerk.com. The mailing address is P.O. Box 4667, West Palm Beach, FL 33402. Free parking is available at the courthouse garage off Olive Avenue. Bring a photo ID for all in-person visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Palm Beach County criminal history records. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and current Clerk of Court policies. The answers are updated for 2026 to match the latest fee schedule and search tools.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Criminal Record in Palm Beach County?
An online search shows case data right away. A printed page from the online portal takes 1 to 2 business days to be ready. A certified copy takes 3 to 5 business days. A mail request takes 7 to 10 business days. An FDLE fingerprint check takes 5 to 7 business days. An expungement order takes 6 to 9 months to complete. Court orders are mailed to the address on file. Rush service is not offered for criminal records. Plan ahead for jobs that need records by a certain date.
Are Sealed Records Shown on a Background Check?
Sealed records are not shown on a standard background check. The Clerk of Court removes them from the public portal. FDLE also removes them from the CCH database. Law enforcement agencies and the courts can still see sealed records for criminal justice use. A person named in a sealed record can see their own record by court order. A private employer running a name-based FDLE check will not see a sealed record. The record stays sealed unless a court opens it again.
Can I Get a Criminal Record Without a Date of Birth?
You can search by full name alone on the Clerk’s online portal. The search will return every case with that name. A date of birth narrows the search and avoids mix-ups with common names. FDLE requires a date of birth for any certified check. A police arrest report does not need a date of birth. Without a date of birth, you may get records for the wrong person with a similar name. Always check the full name, age, and address before you copy a record.
Is a Florida Criminal History Record Valid in Other States?
A Florida criminal record is valid for use in another state for most private purposes. A certified FDLE CCH is accepted for government jobs, licensing, and immigration. Some states ask for an FBI check along with the Florida check. The FBI check is done through Livescan with a separate form. A non-certified record is not accepted by most out-of-state agencies. Check with the out-of-state requester to see which type they need before you order.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Conviction Record?
An arrest record shows the police took someone into custody for a charge. A conviction record shows a judge or jury found the person guilty. A person can be arrested and still have the case dropped. The arrest record stays in the public file even if the case is dropped. A conviction record only exists if there is a guilty plea or verdict. Background check companies count both arrests and convictions, but employers usually focus on convictions.
Can I Remove an Arrest Record From the Public File?
You can remove an arrest record through expungement if the case was dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty. You cannot expunge a record that ended in a conviction. The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The fee is $75. The form is on the FDLE website. After FDLE approves the form, you file a petition with the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was handled. A judge makes the final call at a court hearing.
How Do I Check for Warrants in Palm Beach County?
Search the warrant list at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office website. The search is free. The list is updated daily. You can search by full name only. The result shows the warrant type, the charge, and the case number. You can also call the Sheriff’s warrant line at (561) 688-3000. A warrant search does not need a date of birth. Do not rely on the warrant list for official background checks because it only shows active warrants. Closed warrants and past cases need a full court record search.