St Lucie County criminal history records are official files that show arrests, charges, court actions, and final outcomes for people processed through the local court system. These records come from the St Lucie County Clerk of Court, which serves as the official record holder for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.
Anyone can look up criminal history in St Lucie County for employment, housing, legal, or personal reasons. This page explains what these records contain, how to get them, and what other Florida counties offer for criminal history searches in 2026.
What St Lucie County Criminal History Records Contain
Criminal history records in St Lucie County hold a full picture of a person’s run-ins with the local justice system. The files start with the first arrest and go all the way to the final court decision. Each file is stored at the Clerk of Court office and is open to the public under Florida law. Below are the main parts of a St Lucie County criminal history record.
Arrest Records and Booking Data
Arrest records show when, where, and why a person was taken into custody by police. Booking data includes the person’s name, date of birth, physical description, fingerprints, and the charges filed at the time of arrest. The St Lucie County Sheriff’s Office creates these records and sends them to the Clerk of Court. These files help employers, landlords, and licensing boards check on someone’s past.
Court Case Files and Disposition Details
Court case files hold every paper tied to a criminal case. This includes charging papers from the State Attorney, motions filed by lawyers, court minutes from hearings, witness lists, and the final ruling. Disposition details tell what happened to the case, such as guilty plea, not guilty verdict, dismissed, or dropped. St Lucie County court records public access lets anyone see how a case ended.
Sentencing and Final Judgments
Sentencing records list the punishment a judge gave after a guilty verdict or plea. This can include jail time, probation, fines, community service, or other court orders. Final judgments close the case and mark it as done. These records matter for parole hearings, sentencing appeals, and other future court actions.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some criminal records in St Lucie County are sealed or expunged. A sealed record is hidden from the public but still exists in the system. An expunged record is destroyed for most legal purposes. Florida criminal record sealing and Florida criminal record expungement both require a court order. Once a record is sealed or expunged, it should not show up in most background checks.
How to Request St Lucie County Criminal History Records
There are three main ways to get criminal history records in St Lucie County. You can search online, visit the Clerk of Court in person, or send a request by mail. Each method has its own steps, fees, and wait times. Pick the one that fits your needs best.
Online Search Through the Clerk of Court
The St Lucie County Clerk of Court runs a free online search tool on its website. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date. The tool shows basic case info like charges, court dates, and final outcomes. For a printed or certified copy, you must pay a fee. The site is open 24 hours a day and works on phones and computers.
In-Person Requests at the Fort Pierce Office
You can visit the Clerk of Court office at 201 South Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce, Florida. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except court holidays. Staff can help you find a case, look through files, and get certified copies on the spot. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you already have.
Mail-In Record Requests
If you cannot visit in person, you can send a written request by mail. Include the person’s full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail your request to the St Lucie County Clerk of Court at the Fort Pierce address. Most mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process.
Certified Copies for Legal Use
Certified copies carry an official court seal and are accepted by courts, government agencies, and employers. You can order certified copies online, in person, or by mail. The fee is set by Florida law and the Clerk’s fee schedule. Certified criminal history records Florida requests are often needed for immigration, adoption, and professional licensing.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Check
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide database that covers all 67 counties. This is called the Florida criminal history database FDLE. It holds arrest records, court outcomes, and corrections data from every Florida law enforcement agency. A statewide check is a good choice when you need records that go beyond one county.
Name-Based Search Process
FDLE offers a name-based search through its public website. The search costs $24 plus a small processing fee. You enter the person’s full name, date of birth, and sex. Results show up right away if the person has a record in the system. This is a fast way to do a Florida criminal history search by name.
Certified Record Request
For a certified criminal history record certificate Florida, you must use the CCHInet portal on the FDLE website. The cost is higher than the instant search. Results arrive by mail or email in about 5 to 7 business days. Certified results are accepted by courts, licensing boards, and federal agencies.
Fingerprint-Based Background Checks
Some jobs and licenses require a fingerprint-based check. FDLE runs these through its live scan system at approved locations. Your fingerprints are matched against the state database and, in some cases, the FBI database. This method is more accurate than name searches because it uses unique prints, not just a name and date of birth.
Fees and Processing Times
FDLE background check fees change from time to time. As of 2026, the instant name-based search is $24, the certified search is $24 plus extra fees, and fingerprint checks cost $42 to $55 depending on the vendor. Processing times range from instant for name searches to 7 to 10 business days for certified and fingerprint checks.
Florida Criminal History Record Challenge and Accuracy Review
Sometimes a criminal record has wrong or missing facts. Florida law gives you the right to ask for a fix. The process is called a Florida criminal history record challenge. FDLE and the Clerk of Court both have steps for this. A successful review can lead to a corrected record that shows the right facts.
How to Challenge Incorrect Records
To challenge a record, you must fill out the right form and send it to FDLE or the Clerk of Court. You can also send a letter that explains what is wrong and what the correct facts are. Include any court papers or police reports that back up your claim. FDLE has 30 days to review the request and make a change if needed.
Required Documents for Review
You will need a valid photo ID, the wrong record or report, and proof of the correct facts. Proof can be a court order, a signed disposition form, or a letter from the arresting agency. Make sure all copies are clear and easy to read. Missing or unclear documents slow down the review.
Sealing and Expungement Eligibility
Not everyone can seal or expunge a record. You must meet Florida rules, such as never being convicted of the charge, completing a diversion program, or having the case dismissed. Some crimes, like sex offenses and violent felonies, can never be sealed or expunged. A lawyer can help you figure out if you qualify.
Retention and Removal Policies
Florida keeps criminal records based on the Florida criminal history retention policy. Non-conviction records can be removed after a set time. Conviction records stay in the system unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. Juvenile records often have shorter retention times than adult records.
Other Florida County Criminal History Resources
Florida has 67 counties, and each one keeps its own court records. If your search covers more than St Lucie County, you can also check nearby and large county systems. Below are some of the most requested county record sites in Florida.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade criminal history records are held by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. You can search online through the Clerk’s portal or visit one of their branch offices. Miami-Dade is the largest county in Florida and has a high volume of criminal cases.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County criminal records search is run by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. The online search tool covers Tampa and other cities in the county. You can look up cases by name, case number, or citation number.
Orange County Florida Criminal History
Orange County Florida criminal history records are held by the Orange County Clerk of Courts in Orlando. The Clerk’s online system lets you search criminal, civil, and traffic cases. You can also order certified copies through the same portal.
Broward, Duval, Palm Beach, and Pinellas Records
Broward County criminal background check, Duval County Florida criminal records, Palm Beach County criminal history, and Pinellas County criminal records are all open to the public. Each county has its own Clerk of Court website with a search tool. The steps and fees are similar to St Lucie County but may differ in small ways.
St Lucie County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The St Lucie County Clerk of Court is the main office for criminal history records in the county. Below is the contact info, address, and hours you need to reach the office in 2026.
Office Location and Mailing Address
St Lucie County Clerk of Court, 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. This is the main office for criminal, civil, family, and traffic court records.
Phone Number and Website
Call the Clerk’s office at (772) 462-6900 for general help. Visit the official website at stlucieclerk.com for online search tools, forms, and fee schedules. The site also has links to FDLE and other Florida court systems.
Office Hours and Holidays
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on weekends and major holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Check the website for any special closures in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about St Lucie County criminal history records, FDLE searches, and related topics. These cover the most asked points by users across Florida in 2026.
How long does it take to get a criminal history record in St Lucie County?
Online searches give you instant results for basic case info. Certified copies ordered online or in person are ready the same day in most cases. Mail-in requests take 5 to 10 business days. FDLE statewide checks take 5 to 7 business days for certified results and are instant for name-based searches.
Can I get Florida criminal records for free?
Yes, the St Lucie County Clerk’s online search tool is free for basic case info. FDLE also lets you do a free public check of the criminal history record challenge process. Certified copies and statewide checks always have a fee, as set by Florida law.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
A sealed record is hidden from the public but still exists in court and law enforcement files. An expunged record is destroyed for most legal purposes, as if it never happened. Both require a court order, and certain crimes cannot be sealed or expunged under Florida law.
Do employers in Florida need a certified criminal history record?
Many Florida employers, especially those in healthcare, education, childcare, and government, require a certified FDLE background check. FDLE background check for employment is one of the most common reasons for statewide searches. Some volunteer roles also need a Florida volunteer criminal history screening.
Can I search Florida criminal records by date of birth?
Yes, FDLE and most county Clerks let you search by name and date of birth. A Florida criminal history search by date of birth is more accurate than a name-only search, especially for people with common names. Fingerprint checks are the most accurate method overall.
What happens if a criminal record is wrong?
You can file a Florida criminal history record accuracy review with FDLE or the Clerk of Court. You must provide proof of the correct facts, such as a court order or police report. FDLE has 30 days to review and fix the record if your proof is accepted.
Are Florida criminal records public?
Yes, most Florida criminal records are public under Florida Statute 943.053. Florida court records public access lets anyone search for cases. Sealed, expunged, juvenile, and certain sensitive records are not open to the public.