Palm Coast City criminal history records show arrests, charges, and case outcomes for people in Palm Coast, Florida. These records help employers, landlords, and residents check backgrounds.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps most records. Local police and the county court also keep their own files. You can get a record online, by mail, or in person. This page explains how to get criminal history records in Palm Coast, who keeps them, and what the law says about public access.
What Palm Coast City Criminal History Records Include
Criminal history records are written notes about arrests and court cases. They include the person’s name, date of birth, fingerprints, charges, court results, and time spent in jail. These records come from police reports, court filings, and state databases. In Palm Coast, the records cover events that happened inside city limits and cases heard in Flagler County courts.
Types of Records in the System
There are three main types of records. The first type is arrest records. They show when police took someone into custody and what the person was charged with. The second type is court records. They show what happened in court, like guilty pleas, dismissals, or verdicts. The third type is disposition records. They show the final outcome of a case, such as probation, fines, or prison time.
- Arrest records from the Palm Coast Police Department
- Court case files from the Flagler County Clerk
- Statewide criminal history from FDLE
- Warrant records for people wanted by police
- Mugshot photos taken at booking
- Booking logs with dates and times
Agencies That Keep These Records
Three agencies work together to keep criminal history records. The Palm Coast Police Department keeps local arrest reports. The Flagler County Clerk of Court keeps court case files. FDLE keeps the statewide database called the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. All Palm Coast arrests get sent to FDLE within a set time period. This makes the statewide database complete and current.
How to Request Palm Coast City Criminal History Records
You can request records three ways. You can visit the Palm Coast Police Department in person. You can use the FDLE online portal. You can also go through the Flagler County Clerk of Court. Each method works for different needs. Local requests work best for recent arrests. Statewide requests work best for full background checks.
Requesting Records from Palm Coast Police
The Palm Coast Police Department has a records unit. You can ask for a police report or arrest record. You need to write a request with the case number, date, and names. Bring a valid photo ID. The department charges a small fee for copies. Most simple requests take one to three business days. Active investigation records stay sealed by law.
The Palm Coast Police Department is located at 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32164. Their phone number is (386) 986-3700. The records window is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also email records requests through the city website at palmcoast.gov.
Requesting Records from Flagler County Court
Court records show what happened after an arrest. The Flagler County Clerk of Court keeps these files. The courthouse is in Bunnell, the county seat. You can search cases online at flaglerclerk.com. You can also visit the clerk’s office in person. Certified copies cost more but have a court seal for legal use.
The Flagler County Clerk of Court is at 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. Their phone number is (386) 313-4400. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Online case search is free and available 24 hours a day.
Requesting Statewide Records from FDLE
FDLE runs the state’s criminal history database. A statewide search shows arrests from every county in Florida. This works well for employers and licensing agencies. You can search by name and date of birth. Results come back right away for online searches. Mail requests take seven to ten business days.
FDLE Criminal History Services Explained
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs several criminal history services. The main one is called CCHInet. It stands for Computerized Criminal History Internet Network. This system holds over 18 million records. It gets updates from every county, including Palm Coast. Both the public and law enforcement use this system.
Online CCHInet Portal Access
The CCHInet portal lets you search criminal records online. You go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You create a free account. You enter the person’s name, date of birth, and race. The system shows results right away. Each search costs $25. You can pay with a credit card or electronic check.
- Visit cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
- Create a user account with your email
- Log in to the system
- Choose “Public Records Search”
- Enter the person’s full legal name and date of birth
- Pay the $25 fee online
- Download or print the results
Certified vs Standard Searches
FDLE offers two search types. A standard search gives you the basic record. A certified search has an official seal and signature. Employers and government agencies often need certified searches. Immigration cases also require certified copies. Both searches show the same data. The only difference is the official stamp.
| Feature | Standard Search | Certified Search |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25 | $25 |
| Delivery | Instant online | 7-10 business days by mail |
| Official Seal | No | Yes |
| Accepted by Courts | No | Yes |
| Best For | Personal checks | Employment, licensing, legal use |
Palm Coast Police Department Records Process
The Palm Coast Police Department follows Florida public records law. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes covers public records access. The department must release records unless a law blocks them. Active investigations, juvenile cases, and certain personal data stay private. All other records are open to the public.
Steps to Submit a Records Request
A proper request speeds up the process. The department needs enough details to find the record. Vague requests get denied or delayed. Include the date of the incident, location, and names of people involved. The case number helps even more if you have it.
- Write a clear request with date, time, and place
- Include full names of people in the report
- Add the case number if you know it
- Show valid photo ID when you submit
- Pay the copy fee at pickup
- Wait for staff to confirm they found the record
Required Identification and Payment
Photo ID protects people’s privacy. The department checks IDs to stop ID theft and fraud. Accepted forms include Florida driver’s licenses, state ID cards, passports, and military IDs. Cash, checks, and money orders work for payment. Some locations also take credit cards for an extra fee.
What Records Stay Sealed
Some records are not public. Active criminal investigations stay sealed until the case ends. Juvenile records are sealed by law. Records that identify crime victims of certain crimes stay sealed. Home addresses of police officers and judges stay private. Sealed expunged records cannot be released at all.
Chapter 943 Florida Statutes and Legal Rules
Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes sets the rules for criminal history records. This law creates the FDLE criminal history system. It defines who can see records and how they can be used. Section 943.053 covers the public records request process. Other sections cover sealing and expungement.
Public Access Rights Under Florida Law
Florida has strong public records laws. The Florida Sunshine Law gives the public the right to see government records. This includes criminal history records. Any person can request a record unless a law blocks it. The government cannot ask why you want the record.
You can find the full law at leg.state.fl.us. Look for Statute 943.053. This section explains how the public can request records. It also explains how agencies must respond. Most agencies must respond within a set time period.
Privacy Protections in the Law
The law also protects personal privacy. Social Security numbers do not show up in public searches. Certain victim information stays sealed. Records of people who received executive clemency stay sealed. The law balances public access with personal safety.
Criminal History Record Challenge and Correction
People can challenge records that are wrong. FDLE has a formal review process. If a record shows a mistake, the person can ask for a correction. The agency that sent the bad data must fix it. This protects innocent people from wrong criminal history reports.
How to Challenge Wrong Records
The challenge process takes several steps. You send a written request to FDLE. You include proof that the record is wrong. Court records or police reports work as proof. FDLE reviews the request and contacts the agency. If the agency agrees the record is wrong, they fix it. If not, the person can ask for a formal hearing.
- Get a copy of your criminal history from FDLE
- Find the wrong entry on the report
- Collect proof like court documents
- Write a challenge letter to FDLE
- Mail the letter with your proof
- Wait for FDLE to review the case
- Ask for a hearing if FDLE denies the challenge
Expungement and Sealing in Florida
Expungement destroys a record. Sealing hides a record from the public. Both options help people who qualify. Most people can apply if their case was dropped or they were found not guilty. Some people with completed sentences also qualify. The application goes through FDLE and the State Attorney’s Office.
For questions about expungement, call the FDLE Sealing Unit at (850) 410-7870. The process takes several months. You can only seal or expunge a record once in most cases. Certain serious crimes cannot be sealed or expunged.
Level 2 Background Check Florida
A Level 2 background check is the most complete check available. It includes a statewide criminal history search. It also includes a fingerprint check. Florida law requires this check for many jobs. Teachers, healthcare workers, and child care workers need Level 2 checks.
Who Needs a Level 2 Background Check
Florida law lists many jobs that need this check. The list includes people who work with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. It also covers some financial jobs and government positions. The Florida Statutes Section 435 list the full requirements.
- Teachers and school staff
- Healthcare workers and nurses
- Child care workers
- Elderly care providers
- Law enforcement officers
- Some financial industry workers
- Government employees with security duties
How to Get a Level 2 Check
You can get a Level 2 check two ways. You can go through an FDLE-approved vendor. You can also go to a local law enforcement office. The process needs your fingerprints. LiveScan machines take digital prints. Ink and card prints also work but take longer.
The vendor sends your prints to FDLE. FDLE checks the prints against the state database. They also check the FBI database. Results come back in 24 to 72 hours. The cost ranges from $40 to $75 depending on the vendor.
Fees and Payment for Records
All records cost money. Local police charge a per-page copy fee. Statewide FDLE searches cost $25 each. Court records cost a fee per page. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Some records are free if you ask in person for short review.
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Coast Police Report Copy | $0.15 per page | 1-3 business days |
| FDLE Online Search | $25 | Instant |
| FDLE Certified Search | $25 | 7-10 business days |
| Flagler Court Record Copy | $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Flagler Court Certified Copy | $2.00 per page | Same day |
| Level 2 Background Check | $40-$75 | 24-72 hours |
Important Contact Information
Use the right agency for your request. The Palm Coast Police Department handles local records. The Flagler County Clerk handles court records. FDLE handles statewide records. Each agency has its own rules and fees. Call ahead to confirm office hours and required documents.
Palm Coast Police Department: 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32164. Phone: (386) 986-3700. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: palmcoast.gov.
Flagler County Clerk of Court: 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. Phone: (386) 313-4400. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Website: flaglerclerk.com.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Phone: (850) 410-8161. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: fdle.state.fl.us. CCHInet Portal: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us.
FDLE Sealing and Expungement Unit: Phone: (850) 410-7870. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Coast City Criminal History
This section answers common questions about criminal history records in Palm Coast. These questions cover records access, fees, and legal rules. Read through to learn how the system works. If you have other questions, call the agencies listed above.
How long does it take to get a criminal history record from FDLE?
Online searches through CCHInet give instant results. You log in, pay $25, and see the record right away. Certified searches by mail take longer. FDLE needs 7 to 10 business days to process certified requests. You can pay extra for rush service in some cases. Palm Coast police reports take 1 to 3 business days. Court records from the Flagler County Clerk are often available the same day if you visit in person.
Can I get someone else’s criminal history record in Florida?
Yes, Florida law lets any person request criminal history records. You do not need to be the person named in the record. You do not need to say why you want the record. However, you cannot use the record for certain purposes. You cannot discriminate based on arrest records that did not lead to conviction. You also cannot share the record in ways that break other laws.
What is the difference between a criminal record and an arrest record?
An arrest record only shows the arrest itself. It shows the date, charges, and booking data. A criminal record includes more details. It shows court cases, outcomes, and sentencing. An arrest record does not mean the person was found guilty. Many arrest records end with dropped charges. A full criminal history shows the complete story from arrest to final court action.
How do I seal or expunge a criminal record in Florida?
You must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. This shows you qualify under Florida law. You apply online or by mail with a $75 fee. FDLE reviews your case and checks your eligibility. If approved, you take the certificate to the clerk of court. You file a petition with the court. A judge makes the final decision. The process takes 4 to 6 months total.
Are juvenile records public in Palm Coast?
No, juvenile records are sealed by law in Florida. Only certain people can see juvenile records. These include the juvenile, parents or guardians, lawyers, judges, and some law enforcement officers. Schools may see records for discipline cases. The public cannot see juvenile records under any circumstances. This protects young people from long-term public records.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history check?
A Florida criminal history check shows arrests, charges, and dispositions. It includes felonies, misdemeanors, and some local ordinance violations. It shows guilty pleas, no contest pleas, and verdicts. Dismissed charges may show up depending on the case. Sealed and expunged records do not show up. Traffic tickets that did not lead to arrest usually do not show up.
Can an employer in Palm Coast run a criminal background check?
Yes, employers can run criminal background checks in Florida. They must follow federal and state laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets rules for background checks. Florida law also limits how employers use arrest records. They cannot reject someone only based on an arrest that did not lead to conviction. They must give the person a chance to explain the record.