Complete Florida Records Access for 2026
A Union County criminal history record is a file that shows arrests, charges, and court outcomes for people in Union County, Florida. This file is kept by the Union County Clerk of Court in Lake Butler. The Clerk office works under the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court. The same circuit covers Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Marion counties. People who need these records include employers, landlords, immigration officers, and the public. The State of Florida keeps all statewide records through the Florida Department of Law (FDLE). You can ask for records from the local Clerk or from FDLE. Each office has its own fees, forms, and wait times. This page explains every step you need to follow in 2026.
Florida law makes most criminal records open to the public. The main law that controls this is Florida Statute 943.053. The law balances public access with the right to privacy. The Clerk keeps local court records. FDLE keeps the full statewide database. The system lets you check arrests, charges, sentences, and final outcomes. The system also lets you fix errors on your own record.
What Is a Union County Criminal History Record
A Union County criminal history record is a written and digital list of arrests and court cases. The record shows what happened, where it happened, and what the court decided. Each record links to arrest reports, court dockets, and final judgments. The record covers felonies, misdemeanors, traffic crimes, and local ordinance violations. You can ask for a copy of these records for legal, personal, or job reasons. The records are open to the public under Florida law.
Who Keeps the Records
The Union County Clerk of Court keeps local records. The Clerk works under the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court. The Clerk office stores case files from Union County courts. The FDLE keeps statewide records. FDLE collects arrest data from every county in Florida. FDLE also collects data from courts, state attorneys, and the Florida Department of Corrections. The Clerk handles records for cases heard in Union County courts. FDLE handles records for all cases across Florida.
What the Records Include
Union County criminal records include several types of data. Each case file holds the arrest report, the charging paperwork, court minutes, motions filed by lawyers, the final judgment, and the sentence. The record lists the case number, the names of the people involved, and the dates of every court action. The record covers many decades of criminal court activity. Older records from before 1990 may be stored on paper or microfilm. Newer records are stored in digital court databases.
- Arrest reports from the Union County Sheriff’s Office
- Charging documents filed by the State Attorney
- Court minutes from every hearing
- Motions and pleadings filed by lawyers
- Final judgments and sentences
- Case numbers and party names
How to Request Union County Criminal History Records
You can ask for Union County criminal history records in four ways. You can go online, visit the Clerk office in person, send a mail request, or call the office. Each way has a different cost and a different wait time. The right way depends on why you need the record and how fast you need it. The record you get is the same no matter which way you use.
Online Request Method
The Union County Clerk of Court runs an online records search on its website. You can search by name or by case number. The search shows basic case data at no charge. You can see the charges, court dates, and final judgment. To print a copy or get a certified copy, you need to pay a fee. The online portal accepts credit cards and debit cards. The system works twenty-four hours a day. You need a stable internet connection to use the portal.
In-Person Request Method
You can visit the Union County Clerk of Court office at 55 W Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bring a valid photo ID. Bring the full legal name and date of birth for the person on the record. Bring any case number you have. Staff can help you search the system. You can pay for copies and certified copies at the office. Cash, checks, money orders, and cards are accepted.
Mail-In Request Method
You can send a written request by mail to the Clerk office. Include the full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail. Include a check or money order for the search fee. Mail requests take five to seven business days to process. The Clerk will mail the record back to you. Certified copies cost more than regular copies.
Phone Request Method
You can call the Clerk office at (386) 496-3711. Staff can answer general questions about how to request records. Staff can tell you the fees. Staff cannot give you full case data over the phone. You must come in person, send mail, or use the online portal to get the record itself.
Florida Department of Law (FDLE) Statewide Checks
FDLE runs the Florida Computer Criminal History system, called CCH. This system holds arrest data from all sixty-seven Florida counties. FDLE checks cover more than local court records. FDLE checks show arrests, charges, and outcomes from across the state. You can get an FDLE check for employment, immigration, licensing, or personal use. FDLE checks are the most common way to get a full Florida criminal history.
FDLE Name-Based Search
The FDLE name-based search uses a person’s name and date of birth. The search costs $24 plus a processing fee. You pay the fee online through the FDLE website. The search runs right away. You get the result in minutes. The result shows arrests and outcomes in Florida. It does not show federal arrests or out-of-state arrests. The result is not a certified copy. You can use it for personal checks or hiring checks.
FDLE Certified Records Through CCHInet
For a certified copy, use the CCHInet portal on the FDLE website. CCHInet stands for Computerized Criminal History Information Network. The certified search costs $24 plus fees. The result comes back in five to seven business days. The certified record has a stamp and a signature from FDLE. You can use it for court cases, immigration, adoption, and licensing.
FDLE Fingerprint-Based Check
Some jobs require a fingerprint check. Livescan is the digital system FDLE uses. You go to a Livescan location. The technician takes your fingerprints with a digital scanner. Fees vary by location. The result is sent to FDLE. FDLE sends the result to the agency that asked for it. Fingerprint checks are more accurate than name checks. They can match the right person when two people have the same name.
Costs and Payment Methods
The cost of a criminal history record depends on where you request it. The Clerk office sets its own fees. FDLE sets its own fees. The fees can change each year. The fees below are the current fees as of 2026. Always check the official website before you pay. Some offices accept cash, checks, money orders, and cards. Other offices only accept cards.
| Service Type | Office | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Copy (per page) | Union County Clerk | $1 | Same day |
| Certified Copy (per page) | Union County Clerk | $2 | Same day |
| Name Search | Union County Clerk | $5 | Same day |
| Official Seal | Union County Clerk | $2 | Same day |
| FDLE Name-Based Search | FDLE | $24 | A few minutes |
| FDLE Certified Record (CCHInet) | FDLE | $24 | 5-7 business days |
| FDLE Fingerprint Check (Livescan) | FDLE | $40-$50 | 3-5 business days |
Local Clerk Fees
The Union County Clerk of Court charges different fees for different services. A regular copy of a court record costs $1 per page. A certified copy costs $2 per page. A name search costs $5. An official seal costs $2. You can pay in cash, by check, by money order, or by card. Card payments add a small processing fee. The fees cover the cost of staff time and copying.
FDLE Fees
FDLE charges $24 for a name-based search. FDLE charges $24 for a certified record through CCHInet. FDLE charges $40 to $50 for a fingerprint-based check through Livescan. The exact cost depends on the Livescan vendor. You pay FDLE fees online through the FDLE portal. The portal accepts cards and electronic checks. The fees are set by Florida law.
Documents You Need to Provide
You need to bring certain documents when you request a criminal history record. The documents prove who you are. They help the Clerk or FDLE find the right person. The right documents depend on the type of request. You cannot get a record without the right documents.
For Personal Requests
Bring a valid photo ID. A driver license, state ID, or passport works. Bring your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Bring any case numbers you have. If you ask for someone else’s record, bring a written consent form signed by that person. Without consent, the Clerk may not give you the record.
- Valid photo ID (driver license, state ID, or passport)
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Any known case numbers
- Written consent form for someone else’s record
For Employment or Licensing Requests
Bring a letter from the employer or licensing agency. The letter must state why you need the record. Bring your photo ID. Bring the FDLE request form if you use FDLE. The form is on the FDLE website. Fill it out fully before you send it. The form asks for your name, date of birth, and reason for the request.
Processing Times and Result Delivery
Processing times vary by request way. Online searches are the fastest. Mail requests are the slowest. Certified records always take longer than regular records. Plan ahead if you need the record by a certain date. The wait times below are the current wait times as of 2026.
Local Clerk Turnaround
Online records show up right away. In-person requests give you the record the same day. Mail requests take five to seven business days. Phone requests cannot give you a record. Email requests are not accepted by the Union County Clerk at this time. Holidays and weekends do not count as business days.
FDLE Turnaround
FDLE name-based searches take a few minutes. CCHInet certified records take five to seven business days. Fingerprint checks take three to five business days. The clock starts when FDLE gets your request and your payment. Holidays and weekends do not count as business days.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain records. Sealed records are hidden from the public. Expunged records are destroyed by the court. The rules are in Florida Statute 943.0585 and 943.059. Not everyone can seal or expunge a record. You cannot have more than one felony conviction. You cannot have any other convictions during the past five years.
What Sealing Means
Sealing a record means the record is still on file. The record is hidden from the public. Sealed records are available to the person on the record. Sealed records are available to police, courts, and certain agencies. Sealed records are not available to employers or landlords. The court orders the seal after a hearing.
What Expungement Means
Expungement means the record is destroyed. The arrest and all related data are removed from public access. FDLE keeps the record for a short time. The record is only available to the person named and to police. Most people who qualify for sealing also qualify for expungement.
Who Can See Sealed Records
Sealed records are available to police officers. Sealed records are available to the court. Sealed records are available to the person on the record. Sealed records are available to the State Attorney. Sealed records are available to certain state agencies. Sealed records are not available to private employers, landlords, or the general public.
How to Correct Errors on Your Criminal History
Errors can appear on criminal history records. Common errors include wrong names, wrong dates, and wrong case numbers. Errors can cause problems with jobs and licenses. Florida law lets you fix errors through a review path. The review is free in most cases.
Reviewing Your Record
You can review your record through the FDLE portal. You can run a name search on yourself. The cost is $24. You can also check with the Union County Clerk for local records. Look for any data that is wrong. Write down the exact error. Note the case number and the date of the record. The review takes a few minutes.
Filing a Challenge
You can file a challenge with FDLE if you find an error. Use the FDLE Record Review form. The form is on the FDLE website. Send the form with the fee. FDLE will review the record. FDLE will fix the error if the challenge is valid. The review takes thirty to sixty days. You can also file a challenge with the Clerk office for local records.
Union County Compared to Other Florida Counties
Florida has sixty-seven counties. Each county Clerk runs its own records system. The FDLE system covers all counties. The fees and wait times differ by county. Below is a comparison of Union County with three large Florida counties. The comparison shows how local records differ from each other.
Miami-Dade County Criminal Records
Miami-Dade County is the largest county in Florida. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts handles local records. The office is in downtown Miami. Miami-Dade offers online records, in-person records, and mail records. The fees are similar to other counties. The wait time is longer because of the high volume of cases. The wait time is about seven to ten business days for certified copies.
Orange County Criminal Records
Orange County includes Orlando. The Orange County Clerk of Courts handles local records. The office is in Orlando. Orange County offers online records through a separate portal. The online portal is open twenty-four hours a day. The fees are similar to Union County. The wait time for certified copies is about seven business days.
Hillsborough County Criminal Records
Hillsborough County includes Tampa. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court handles local records. The office is in Tampa. Hillsborough offers online records, in-person records, and mail records. The fees are similar to other counties. The wait time for certified copies is about five business days.
Common Uses for Union County Criminal History Records
People ask for criminal history records for many reasons. Employers use the records for hiring. Landlords use the records for screening tenants. Government agencies use the records for licensing. People use the records for personal checks. Each use has its own rules. The rules are set by Florida law and federal law.
Employment Screening
Florida employers use criminal history records for hiring. State law allows employers to ask about convictions. State law limits how employers can use arrest data. Employers cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to conviction. Employers cannot ask about sealed or expunged records. The Florida Fair Credit Reporting Act controls this. The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also has rules.
Housing and Rental Applications
Landlords ask for criminal history records for tenants. Landlords must follow the Fair Housing Act. Landlords cannot reject tenants based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Landlords can reject tenants based on certain criminal convictions. Landlords must apply the same rules to every applicant.
Immigration Paperwork
Immigration uses criminal history records for visa, green card, and citizenship applications. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, called USCIS, asks for FDLE certified records. The certified record is part of the immigration file. The record must be recent. The record must be a certified copy from FDLE.
Personal Background Check
People ask for their own criminal history record for personal reasons. Some people want to check what is on file. Some people need the record for travel. Some people need the record for volunteer work. The FDLE name-based search works for personal checks. The result shows up in minutes.
Contact Information for Union County Clerk of Court
The Union County Clerk of Court is the main office for local records. The office is in Lake Butler, Florida. You can visit, call, or send mail. The office is open during regular business hours. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Office: Union County Clerk of Court
Address: 55 W Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: (386) 496-3711
Website: www.unionclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Email: clerk@unionclerk.com
The Clerk office is located inside the Union County Courthouse. Parking is free at the courthouse. The office is on the first floor. The building is accessible to people with disabilities. Public restrooms are available inside the building. The office staff can answer questions about records, fees, and request status in English.
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/55+W+Main+St+Lake+Butler+FL+32054
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common questions about Union County criminal history records. These answers help you avoid mistakes and get the right record. Read each answer carefully before you request a record. The answers are based on Florida law and Clerk office rules as of 2026.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Union County Criminal History Record?
Online records show up right away. In-person records take the same day. Mail records take five to seven business days. Certified copies take longer than regular copies. FDLE records take five to seven business days for certified copies. Name-based FDLE searches take a few minutes. Fingerprint checks take three to five business days. The exact time depends on the volume of requests. Plan ahead if you need the record by a deadline. Add extra time for mailing if you use the mail request way. Holiday closures can add extra days to the wait time. The Clerk office is closed on weekends and state holidays. FDLE follows the same holiday schedule. Rush service is not available for either office. You can track the status of your FDLE request online through the CCHInet portal. The Clerk office does not offer online tracking for mail requests. Call the Clerk office if you have not received your mail request after ten business days. Faster processing is not available for a higher fee. The wait times are set by law and cannot be shortened.
Can I Get a Criminal Record for Free?
You can see basic case data on the Clerk website for free. The basic data shows charges, court dates, and outcomes. You must pay for a printed copy. You must pay for a certified copy. FDLE charges $24 for a name-based search. FDLE charges $24 for a certified copy. There are no free certified records. A free record is not valid for court, immigration, or licensing. The fee pays for staff time and copying. Some websites offer free criminal record searches. These websites are not official. The data on these websites may be old or wrong. The official sources are the Clerk office and FDLE. You should always use the official sources for legal, employment, or immigration purposes. The Clerk office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and cards. FDLE accepts cards and electronic checks. The fees are set by Florida law. The fees can change each year. Check the official website for the current fees before you pay. The small fee is worth the legal validity of the certified record.
What Shows Up on a Florida Criminal History Record?
A Florida criminal history record shows arrests, charges, and outcomes. The record shows the date of arrest. The record shows the law the person was charged under. The record shows the court where the case was heard. The record shows the final judgment. The record shows the sentence. The record does not show federal arrests. The record does not show out-of-state arrests. The record does not show sealed or expunged records. The record shows the case number for every charge. The record shows the arresting agency. The record shows the booking photo if one was taken. The record shows fingerprints if they were collected. The record shows the person’s full legal name and date of birth. The record shows any aliases the person used. The record shows the date of the final disposition. The record shows whether the case ended in a conviction, dismissal, or other outcome. The record shows the sentence length and type. The record does not show DNA samples. The record shows DNA results only if the case went to trial.
Can an Employer in Florida Ask About Arrests That Did Not Lead to Conviction?
Florida law limits what employers can ask. Employers can ask about convictions. Employers cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to conviction. Employers cannot ask about charges that were dropped. Employers cannot ask about dismissed cases. Employers cannot ask about sealed or expunged records. The law is Florida Statute 943.053. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also has rules on this topic. The EEOC rules apply to employers with fifteen or more employees. The rules cover hiring, firing, and promotion. The rules cover background checks. The rules cover criminal history questions on job applications. The rules require employers to show the job is linked to the criminal history. The rules give the applicant a chance to explain the record. Job applicants have the right to ask for the records used in the hiring decision. Job applicants have the right to dispute wrong records. Florida employers must follow the federal rules and the state rules.
How Do I Seal or Expunge a Florida Criminal Record?
You can seal or expunge a record through the Florida courts. File a petition with the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was heard. The petition must list all your prior cases. The petition must include a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. Get the certificate from FDLE first. The certificate costs $75. The Clerk charges a filing fee. The court will hold a hearing. The judge will decide whether to seal or expunge the record. The judge looks at the type of crime. The judge looks at your prior criminal record. The judge looks at the time since the case ended. The judge looks at your behavior since the case ended. You cannot seal or expunge a record if you have other convictions. You cannot seal or expunge a record if the case ended in a guilty verdict for certain crimes. Certain crimes can never be sealed or expunged. These crimes include murder, sexual assault, and child abuse. The process takes three to six months. The result is a court order. The court order tells FDLE to seal or expunge the record. FDLE will update the statewide database. The local Clerk will update the local database.
Does a Florida Criminal Record Show Out-of-State Convictions?
Florida records only show Florida arrests and convictions. The FDLE system does not collect data from other states. The FBI system does collect data from all states. A federal FBI check costs more than a Florida check. An FBI check is called an Identity History Summary. The FBI check costs $18. The FBI check is available through the FBI website. You can also get an FBI check through a Livescan location. The FBI check takes three to five business days. The FBI check is needed for some federal jobs. The FBI check is needed for some immigration cases. The FBI check is needed for adoption cases. The FBI check shows arrests, charges, and outcomes from all fifty states. The FBI check shows federal arrests. The FBI check shows arrests in U.S. territories. The FBI check does not show arrests in other countries. A Florida-only record is enough for many state jobs. A Florida-only record is enough for many state licenses. A Florida-only record is enough for most rental applications.
What If My Record Has the Wrong Information?
You can file a challenge with FDLE if your record has errors. Download the Record Review form from the FDLE website. Fill out the form. Pay the review fee. Send the form to FDLE. FDLE will check the record with the original agency. FDLE will fix the error if the challenge is valid. You can also challenge local records with the Union County Clerk. The review takes thirty to sixty days. You can send proof of the error with the form. Court records, arrest reports, and dismissal papers work as proof. FDLE will send you a letter with the result. FDLE will tell you if the error was fixed. FDLE will tell you if the error was kept. You can appeal the decision if your challenge is denied. You can take the case to court if FDLE will not fix the error. The court can order FDLE to change the record. The court can order the Clerk to change the record. The court can order the arrest to be removed from your record. The court can order the charges to be removed from your record. The court can order the record to be sealed.