Sarasota County criminal history records are public court files held by the Sarasota County Clerk of Court, which serves as the official records office for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. These records show arrests, charges, court actions, and final case results for people processed through the local court system.
People use these records for job background checks, tenant screening, legal research, and personal record reviews. The Clerk of Court in Sarasota keeps files for Sarasota, DeSoto, and Manatee counties. Records go back many years and stay open to the public under Florida law.
What Sarasota County Criminal History Records Contain
A Sarasota County criminal history file holds key facts about a person’s run-ins with the local court system. Each file has documents from the first arrest through the final court ruling. These files are kept at the main courthouse and on the Clerk’s online system.
Arrest Data and Charges
The arrest section of a Sarasota criminal record lists the date of arrest, the agency that made the arrest, and the exact charges filed. Local police, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and state law enforcement agencies all send arrest reports to the Clerk. Charges include the statute number, a short description of the offense, and whether the case is a felony, misdemeanor, or local ordinance violation. The original charging paperwork from the State Attorney’s Office also goes into the file.
Court Dispositions and Case Outcomes
Court dispositions show what happened to each charge after the court finished its work. A disposition might read “guilty,” “not guilty,” “dismissed,” “nolle prosequi,” or “adjudication withheld.” Each charge in a case gets its own disposition entry. The Clerk records minutes from every hearing, plea deals, motions, and trial notes. This section helps people see if a case ended in a conviction or was dropped before trial.
Sentencing and Final Judgments
When a case ends in a conviction, the sentencing paperwork becomes part of the record. The sentence section lists jail time, probation terms, fines, court costs, and any special conditions the judge ordered. Restitution orders, drug court participation, and treatment program requirements also appear here. The final judgment closes the case file and serves as the official court action on the matter.
The Sarasota County Clerk of Court Role
The Sarasota County Clerk of Court acts as the main keeper of criminal history records for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. The Clerk’s office stores millions of case files and makes them available to the public through in-person visits, online tools, and mail requests.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main Sarasota County Clerk of Court office sits at 2000 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237. The office phone number is (941) 861-7400. Regular business hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. The Clerk’s website at sarasotaclerk.com offers online search tools, fee schedules, and forms for record requests. Visitors can park in the public lot behind the courthouse for a small fee.
Records Custody Across the Twelfth Judicial Circuit
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit covers three counties: Sarasota, DeSoto, and Manatee. The Sarasota Clerk handles records for all three counties, but each county has its own courthouse location. Sarasota County cases are filed in Sarasota. DeSoto County cases go to the Arcadia courthouse. Manatee County records are stored in Bradenton. All three county systems share the same online search portal through the Clerk’s website.
Public Access Laws Under Florida Statute 943.053
Florida Statute 943.053 sets the rules for sharing criminal history information with the public. The law says most arrest and court records must be open for public review. Some records stay sealed, including those involving minors, sealed expungements, and certain protected cases. The statute also says the Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide Computerized Criminal History system, known as CCH.
How to Search Sarasota County Criminal History Records
There are three main ways to search for Sarasota County criminal history records. People can visit the courthouse in person, use the online search tool, or send a mail request. Each method has its own steps, fees, and wait times.
In-Person Records Requests
Going to the courthouse in person gives the most complete access to criminal history files. Visitors can look at physical case folders, get help from staff, and order certified copies on the spot. The public records desk sits on the first floor of the Sarasota County Courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have, such as a name, date of birth, or case number. Staff can pull files from the archive if the case is more than five years old.
Online Court Records Search Tools
The Sarasota Clerk’s website has a free online search tool that lets people look up cases by name or case number. The search results show party names, case type, filing dates, and current status. The system shows basic case events without charge. Printed copies and certified copies cost money and need a payment account. The online portal updates each night with new filings from that day.
Mail-In Record Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the courthouse. Send a written request with the full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail the request to the Sarasota County Clerk of Court, Attention: Criminal Records, 2000 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237. Standard requests take five to ten business days to process.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a statewide criminal history database that covers all 67 Florida counties. This system pulls data from local law enforcement, courts, and state prisons. People use the FDLE system when they need a full picture of someone’s Florida criminal record, not just one county.
Name-Based FDLE Checks
FDLE offers instant name-based criminal history checks for $24 plus a small processing fee. The search uses a person’s name and date of birth to scan the statewide database. Results show all arrests and dispositions reported to FDLE by county clerks, police agencies, and the Department of Corrections. The instant check is not a certified record and cannot be used for official government or court purposes. Most background check companies use this type of search for pre-employment screening.
Certified Criminal History Through CCHInet
For official purposes, people need a certified criminal history record from FDLE. The certified search goes through the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. A certified record costs $24 and includes a state seal and signature from an FDLE official. The turnaround time for certified searches is five to seven business days. Many employers, licensing boards, and immigration offices require the certified version.
What FDLE Records Include and Exclude
FDLE records show Florida arrests, charges, and dispositions reported to the state. The system includes felonies, misdemeanors, and some local ordinance violations. FDLE does not show federal arrests, out-of-state crimes, or sealed or expunged records. Traffic infractions that did not lead to an arrest usually do not appear. The database updates daily, but there can be a delay of several days between a court action and the state database update.
Florida Criminal History Fees and Processing Times
Fees and processing times vary based on the type of search and the agency involved. Local Clerk searches tend to cost less, while statewide FDLE searches give more coverage for a higher price.
Local Clerk Copy Fees
The Sarasota County Clerk charges $1 per page for regular copies of criminal records. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee per document. A standard criminal record packet with several pages often runs between $10 and $25. There is no fee for basic online case lookups, but printed downloads from the online system cost $2 per page. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card at the in-person desk.
Statewide Search Costs
FDLE name-based checks cost $24 plus a $1.50 vendor fee for online transactions. Certified statewide searches cost $24 with no extra vendor fee. FBI federal background checks through an approved channeler cost about $18 to $50, depending on the channeler. Some third-party background check sites charge higher prices but offer faster results and extra search features.
Expedited Service Options
For faster results, both the Sarasota Clerk and FDLE offer expedited services. The Clerk’s office can rush a same-day search for an extra $10 fee if the requester comes in person before 2:00 p.m. FDLE does not offer a true same-day certified search, but the online name-based check gives instant results. Mail requests from the Clerk do not have an official rush option, so in-person visits remain the fastest path for local records.
Types of Criminal Records Available in Sarasota County
The Sarasota County Clerk keeps many kinds of criminal records. Each type has its own filing system, search method, and public access rules. Knowing the type of record you need speeds up the search process.
Felony and Misdemeanor Cases
Felony and misdemeanor cases form the core of Sarasota’s criminal history files. Felonies are serious crimes that can lead to prison time, such as burglary, drug trafficking, and aggravated assault. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, like simple battery, petit theft, and disorderly conduct. Both felony and misdemeanor files are open to the public and can be searched by name, case number, or arrest date.
Traffic and DUI Offenses
Traffic criminal cases, including driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license, sit in a separate section of the Clerk’s system. DUI cases often include breathalyzer results, field sobriety test reports, and DMV-related paperwork. Some traffic offenses stay in the county court system, while others get transferred to the state attorney’s office. The Clerk’s online system flags DUI cases with a special case type code.
Archived and Historical Records
Older Sarasota County criminal records get stored in the Clerk’s archive system. Files more than ten years old may sit on microfilm or in off-site storage. The archive holds records going back to the 1920s for some case types. Accessing archived records takes longer, and staff may need one to two business days to pull files from storage. Some very old records have been digitized and show up in the online search tool.
Expungement and Sealed Records in Florida
Florida law lets people seal or expunge certain criminal records under specific conditions. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public view. Expunged records get destroyed in some ways, though some government agencies can still see them. The FDLE runs the application process through the Office of the Statewide Prosecutor or the local State Attorney’s Office.
Eligibility for Expungement
To qualify for expungement in Florida, a person must meet strict rules. The person cannot have been found guilty of any criminal offense, except for minor traffic tickets. The person must not have sealed or expunged another record before. The charge must have been dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a not guilty verdict. Certain offenses, including sexual crimes and child abuse, can never be expunged. Each applicant can only seal or expunge one record in a lifetime.
The Sealing Process
The sealing process starts with getting a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. Applicants must submit fingerprints, a completed application, and the required fee. FDLE reviews the request and issues a certificate if the person qualifies. The applicant then files a petition with the Sarasota County Clerk of Court asking a judge to order the record sealed. The judge holds a hearing and signs an order. After that, FDLE seals the record in the statewide system, and the Clerk seals the local court file.
Certificate of Eligibility Requirements
A Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE costs $75 for a sealed record and $75 for an expunged record. Applicants must include fingerprints taken by a local law enforcement agency or an approved LiveScan vendor. The application asks for the case number, the court where the case was heard, and the final disposition. Processing takes about 90 days from the date FDLE receives a complete application. Without a Certificate of Eligibility, no court can seal or expunge a record.
FDLE Fingerprint-Based Background Checks
Some employers and government agencies need fingerprint-based background checks instead of name-based searches. These checks use the FBI’s national database along with FDLE’s state system. Sarasota County has several LiveScan fingerprint locations that send prints electronically.
LiveScan Fingerprinting Locations in Sarasota
Several approved LiveScan vendors operate in Sarasota County. These include private fingerprinting companies, local UPS stores with LiveScan service, and some law enforcement offices. Each vendor charges its own fee, usually between $10 and $30 for the fingerprint capture. The fingerprint results go directly to FDLE or the requesting agency. Walk-in service is available at most locations, but appointments speed up the process.
When Fingerprint Checks Are Required
Florida law requires fingerprint-based checks for certain jobs. Teachers, healthcare workers, childcare employees, and law enforcement applicants must submit fingerprints. The FBI check shows arrests from all 50 states and federal agencies. Results typically take 24 to 72 hours for a Florida-only check and three to seven days for an FBI check. Employers can request the results directly from FDLE or the FBI.
Criminal History Verification for Employment and Housing
Criminal history verification plays a big role in job applications, rental agreements, and professional licensing. Sarasota County records often serve as the local piece of a larger background check. Landlords and employers have to follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when using criminal records for decisions.
FCRA Compliance for Background Checks
The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets rules for how employers and landlords can use criminal records. Before rejecting an applicant based on a record, the decision-maker must give the person a copy of the report and a written notice. The applicant has time to dispute the record if it has errors. Some states and cities have added extra rules, called ban-the-box laws, that limit when employers can ask about criminal history.
Disputing Errors in Sarasota Criminal Records
Errors in criminal records can cause problems for job seekers and renters. Common errors include wrong charges, incorrect dispositions, and duplicate entries. To fix an error, the person should file a written dispute with the Sarasota County Clerk of Court. The Clerk’s office reviews the claim and corrects the record if the dispute has merit. Serious errors may need a court order to fix. FDLE errors require a separate dispute process through the FDLE website.
Sarasota County Courthouse Visit Details
People who plan to visit the Sarasota County Courthouse in person should know the practical details. The building is large, and security is strict. Knowing what to bring and what to expect saves time.
Building Access and Security
All visitors must pass through a metal detector at the courthouse entrance. Bags get scanned by x-ray machines. No weapons, outside food, or large bags are allowed inside. Cell phones are permitted but must be turned off in courtrooms. The building is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators on every floor. Public restrooms sit on each floor near the main elevators.
Payment Methods for Records
The public records desk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Credit card transactions over a certain amount require a photo ID. There is an ATM in the lobby for cash withdrawals. Personal checks are accepted up to a set limit, and business checks require prior approval. Online payments through the Clerk’s website use a secure payment portal with a small convenience fee.
Sarasota County Clerk of Court
2000 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: (941) 861-7400
Website: https://www.sarasotaclerk.com
Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
FDLE Criminal History Information: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/criminal-history-records/florida-checks
CCHInet Certified Records: https://cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us/
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarasota County Criminal History
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have about Sarasota County criminal history records. Each answer gives clear facts about the process, the law, and the costs. These answers help job seekers, landlords, lawyers, and anyone else who needs accurate criminal record data.
How long does it take to get Sarasota County criminal history records?
Online searches through the Sarasota Clerk’s website show results right away for cases filed in the last ten years. In-person requests at the courthouse can be completed the same day if the file is on-site. Archived records pulled from off-site storage take one to two business days. Mail requests take five to ten business days. Certified copies add one extra day for the Clerk’s seal and signature. FDLE statewide searches take five to seven business days for certified results, while name-based checks come back instantly.
Can I check criminal records for free in Sarasota County?
Yes, basic case lookups on the Sarasota Clerk’s online portal are free. The portal shows party names, case types, filing dates, and current status at no cost. You can view case events and court minutes without paying. Printed copies, certified copies, and full document downloads cost money. FDLE does not offer free searches, but the $24 name-based check covers all Florida counties in one search. Some third-party sites offer limited free searches, but they show the same data as the Clerk’s site.
Are Sarasota County arrest records the same as criminal records?
No, arrest records and criminal records are not the same. An arrest record only shows that someone was taken into custody, not whether they were charged or convicted. A criminal record includes the arrest, the charges filed by the State Attorney, and the final court disposition. Someone can be arrested and never charged, which means the arrest shows up but no conviction follows. The Sarasota Clerk’s office keeps both arrest data and full criminal case files in the same system.
Can I remove a Sarasota County criminal record from public view?
Yes, in some cases. Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records through a formal court process. You must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE, then file a petition with the Sarasota County Clerk of Court. A judge holds a hearing and signs an order. Once sealed, the record stays in the system but is hidden from public searches. Expunged records get partially destroyed, though some government agencies can still see them.
Does a Sarasota County criminal record show out-of-state arrests?
No, Sarasota County records only show cases handled in Sarasota County courts. They do not show arrests from other Florida counties or other states. For a full picture of someone’s criminal history, run an FDLE statewide search, which covers all 67 Florida counties, and an FBI fingerprint-based check, which covers federal arrests and all 50 states. Many employers and licensing boards require both checks before making a final decision.
What information do I need to search for someone’s Sarasota County criminal record?
To search for a Sarasota County criminal record, you need the person’s full legal name. A date of birth helps narrow the results and avoid confusion with people who have the same name. A case number speeds up the search if you have it. The Clerk’s office cannot run a search using only a Social Security number or address. For certified copies, the requester must show a valid photo ID and state the purpose of the request.
Can employers in Sarasota County use criminal records to reject job applicants?
Yes, but they must follow federal and state laws. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires employers to give applicants a copy of any background report before rejecting them. Some Sarasota County employers follow ban-the-box rules, which delay criminal history questions until later in the hiring process. Employers can only reject an applicant if the criminal record relates to the job duties. Florida does not have a statewide ban-the-box law, but local rules may apply.