Walton County criminal history records show arrests, charges, court hearings, and final case outcomes for people processed through the First Judicial Circuit. The Walton County Clerk of Court keeps these records at 571 US Highway 90 East in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Anyone can search these records for legal, employment, housing, or personal reasons. This page explains how to get records, what each record contains, fees, processing times, and statewide search options through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
What Walton County Criminal History Records Contain
A Walton County criminal history record is a written summary of a person’s contact with the criminal justice system in Walton County. Each record holds the arrest report, the charges filed by the State Attorney, court motions, hearing minutes, plea deals, trial results, and the final judgment. The clerk keeps these files for many years, sometimes decades, in both paper and digital form.
Core Data Fields in Each Record
Every criminal history file includes the full legal name of the person, date of birth, race, gender, and any known aliases. The record also lists the date of arrest, the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, and the booking number. Charge descriptions show the statute violated, the degree of the charge (misdemeanor or felony), and the final outcome. Outcomes include acquitted, dismissed, convicted, adjudication withheld, or sealed.
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Booking number and case number
- Statute number and charge description
- Court name and hearing dates
- Final disposition and sentence details
Court Disposition and Final Judgment Details
The disposition section of a Walton County criminal history record tells you what the court decided at the end of the case. Common disposition codes include “adjudication withheld,” which means the person completed probation without a formal conviction. Other codes include “guilty,” “not guilty,” “nolle prosequi” (case dropped by the State), and “dismissed.” Sentences can include jail time, probation, fines, community service, or mandatory treatment programs.
How the Walton County Clerk of Court Stores Records
The Walton County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for the First Judicial Circuit, which includes Walton, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. The clerk’s office stores all criminal case files from these four counties. Older records may be stored on microfilm or in physical archives, while newer cases are kept in digital databases that anyone can search online.
Paper Files vs. Digital Records
Cases filed before 2000 often exist only in paper form or on microfilm. The clerk’s office maintains these older files in a secure archive room. Cases filed after 2000 are stored in the clerk’s computer system and can be searched from any public terminal at the courthouse or through the official website at waltonclerk.com. Digital records include scanned court documents, audio recordings of hearings, and typed judgment forms.
Retention Schedule for Old Records
Florida law sets retention rules for criminal records. Felony cases are kept permanently. Misdemeanor cases are kept for at least 5 years after the final judgment. Traffic criminal cases are kept for 5 years. Sealed records are removed from public view but kept in a separate restricted file. Expunged records are physically destroyed or sealed under court order, with only the clerk and FDLE retaining a hidden copy.
Step-by-Step Search Methods for Walton County Records
You can search Walton County criminal history records in three ways: online, in person, or by mail. Each method has different fees, processing times, and types of results. The online method is fastest for basic checks. The in-person method is best for certified copies. The mail method works for people who cannot visit the courthouse.
Online Search Tools
The Walton County Clerk of Court website offers a free public search tool at waltonclerk.com. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The search returns case type, filing date, parties involved, and hearing schedule. Basic case information is free to view. Printed copies and certified copies cost extra and require a small fee paid by credit card or electronic check.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
You can visit the Walton County Clerk of Court at 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have. Staff at the public counter can help you search for records, pull files, and print certified copies. The phone number is (850) 892-8115.
Mail-In Record Requests
Mail requests work for people who live outside Walton County or cannot visit in person. Send a written letter that includes the full name of the person, date of birth, last known address, and the type of records you need. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail your request to the clerk’s office at the address listed above. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Statewide Checks
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the state’s central criminal history database. This database covers all 67 Florida counties, including Walton County. FDLE records show arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by every law enforcement agency in Florida. You can order a statewide check through FDLE’s online portal called CCHInet or through mail-in forms.
FDLE Name-Based Search
The FDLE name-based search costs $24 plus a small processing fee. This search uses the person’s full name and date of birth to find matching records. Results are returned instantly online. The search only shows Florida records. It does not include federal arrests, out-of-state crimes, or sealed records. This option works for basic background checks and personal review.
FDLE Certified Records Request
Certified Florida criminal history record checks cost $24 and include a state seal and signature for legal use. You can order certified records through the FDLE Civil Workflow system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The standard turnaround time is 5 to 7 business days. Certified records are accepted by employers, licensing boards, immigration offices, and courts.
FDLE Fingerprint-Based Checks
Fingerprint checks are the most accurate way to get a Florida criminal history record. FDLE uses LiveScan fingerprint machines at locations across the state. The national FBI also accepts Florida fingerprints for federal background checks. Fingerprint checks cost $40 to $50 depending on the provider. Results are returned in 3 to 5 business days.
| Search Type | Cost | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDLE Name Search (Non-Certified) | $24 + fees | Instant | Personal review |
| FDLE Certified Record | $24 + fees | 5-7 business days | Employment, licensing |
| FDLE Fingerprint Check | $40-$50 | 3-5 business days | Federal background jobs |
| Walton County Clerk Online | Free to view; copies $1-$10 | Instant | Local case lookup |
| Walton County Clerk In-Person | $1-$25 per document | Same day | Certified copies |
Types of Criminal Records Available in Walton County
Walton County offers several types of criminal records, each with a specific purpose. Arrest records show the initial police contact. Court records show every hearing and ruling. Sealed records exist but are hidden from public view. Expunged records are deleted from public databases. Knowing the difference helps you request the right document.
Arrest Records
Arrest records are created when a law enforcement officer takes a person into custody. In Walton County, arrests are made by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, DeFuniak Springs Police Department, Freeport Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol. Each arrest record includes the arrest date, location, charges, arresting officer, and booking photo. Arrest records are public unless sealed by court order.
Court Disposition Records
Court disposition records show every action taken by a judge in a criminal case. The Walton County Courthouse handles cases at 571 US Highway 90 East. Each case file includes the initial arraignment, pretrial hearings, motion filings, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation reports. You can request a full court file or just the final disposition summary.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Sealed records are hidden from public search but still exist in the clerk’s files. Only the person named in the record, their attorney, and certain government agencies can view sealed records. Expunged records are physically destroyed or sealed under Florida Statute 943.0585. The clerk removes the record from public access, but law enforcement keeps a hidden copy for future criminal justice use.
Required Information for a Criminal History Search
To run a successful Walton County criminal history search, you need specific details about the person. The more details you provide, the faster and more accurate your results will be. Searches done with minimal details may return multiple possible matches or no results at all.
Personal Identifying Details
The search system uses the full legal name, date of birth, and race or gender to match records. A driver’s license number or Florida ID number helps narrow down single individuals. The last known address is also useful. Common names like “John Smith” often return multiple records, so extra details help identify the correct person.
Case Number or Booking Number
If you know the case number or booking number, the search is instant. Case numbers follow the format of year, court code, and sequence number (for example, 2026-CF-001234). Booking numbers are assigned by the Walton County Jail at the time of booking. These numbers appear on arrest reports and court summons.
Fees and Payment Methods for Walton County Records
The Walton County Clerk of Court charges fees for copies, certifications, and searches. Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $7 certification fee. A full record search costs $5. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s office. Online payments are accepted through the clerk’s website.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular printed copies of court documents cost $1 per page. Color copies cost $2 per page. Audio recordings of court hearings cost $5 per CD. Certified copies of judgments, orders, and other court documents cost $2 per page plus the $7 certification fee. The clerk’s office does not charge for viewing public records in person.
Certified Copy Charges
Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk’s signature. These are legal documents accepted by courts, immigration offices, and government agencies. The cost is $7 per certification plus $2 per page. For example, a 5-page certified order costs $17. Certified mail delivery is available for an extra $5 postage fee.
Walton County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Walton County Clerk of Court is the main point of contact for all criminal history records in Walton County. The office serves the public, attorneys, law enforcement, and government agencies. You can contact the clerk by phone, email, mail, or in person during business hours.
Address: 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Phone: (850) 892-8115
Website: waltonclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time
Florida Statewide Criminal History Database
The Florida statewide criminal history database is maintained by FDLE under Florida Statute 943.053. This database contains arrest records, fingerprints, and disposition data for every person who has been arrested in Florida. The database is updated daily by county clerks, sheriffs, and police departments across the state.
Who Can Access the Statewide Database
The public can run a name-based search for a $24 fee. Law enforcement agencies have full access at no cost. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards can request certified searches. The person named in the record can request a personal review under the Florida Self-Check program for $24. Access is denied for records that have been sealed or expunged by court order.
Self-Check Program for Personal Review
The FDLE Self-Check program lets you see what is in your own Florida criminal history record. This is useful before applying for jobs, professional licenses, or immigration benefits. The cost is $24 per search. You can order a self-check at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us using your own name and date of birth. Results are returned as a printable PDF.
Common Uses for Walton County Criminal History Records
People request Walton County criminal history records for many reasons. Employers use them to screen job applicants. Landlords use them to screen tenants. Licensing boards use them for professional applications. Parents use them to check caregivers. Individuals use them for personal safety or to correct mistakes in their own record.
Employment Background Checks
Florida law allows employers to run criminal background checks on job applicants. Most employers use a statewide FDLE search or a national FBI check. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires employer consent before pulling a background check. Certain jobs require fingerprint-based checks, including education, healthcare, childcare, and law enforcement positions.
Tenant Screening and Housing
Landlords in Florida can check the criminal history of rental applicants. The check must comply with the Fair Housing Act, which bans discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Landlords should have a clear written policy on how they use criminal records in rental decisions.
Personal Safety and Family Checks
Many people search criminal records to check on new romantic partners, caregivers, neighbors, or family members. Public records searches are legal for personal use. You can run a name-based search through FDLE or the Walton County Clerk for $24 or less. Results are returned instantly online.
Legal Limits and Privacy Rules
Florida law protects certain criminal records from public view. Sealed records, expunged records, juvenile records, and certain victim information are not available to the public. Misusing criminal history records can lead to civil lawsuits under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
What Records Are Not Public
Records that are not public include sealed cases under Florida Statute 943.059, expunged cases under Florida Statute 943.0585, juvenile delinquency records, and records involving sexual assault victims. Personal information like social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and medical information is also redacted from public records.
Penalties for Record Misuse
Using criminal records to harass, stalk, or discriminate against someone can result in civil lawsuits. The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets rules for how background checks can be used in employment. Violations can lead to fines and damages. You should only use criminal history records for lawful purposes such as employment, housing, licensing, or personal review.
Florida Public Criminal Records Search Summary
Walton County criminal history records are public under Florida law. The Walton County Clerk of Court keeps local records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps statewide records. Both systems can be searched online, by mail, or in person. Costs range from free for basic online searches to $50 for certified fingerprint checks. Most searches return results within 5 to 7 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walton County Criminal History
The questions below cover the most common topics people ask about Walton County criminal history records, Florida criminal history searches, FDLE procedures, and related background check topics. Each answer gives clear, direct facts based on Florida law and current clerk practices.
How long does it take to get a Walton County criminal history record?
Online searches at waltonclerk.com return results instantly. In-person requests for certified copies are processed the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. FDLE statewide searches take 5 to 7 business days for certified records and instant for non-certified name searches. Fingerprint checks through LiveScan take 3 to 5 business days.
Can I check my own criminal record in Walton County?
Yes. You can visit the Walton County Clerk of Court in person with a valid photo ID and request a search of your own name. You can also order a statewide self-check through the FDLE CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us for $24. The self-check gives you a copy of your full Florida criminal history record.
Are sealed records visible in a Walton County search?
No. Sealed records are removed from public search results. Only the person named in the record, their attorney, and certain government agencies can view sealed records. Expunged records are destroyed or sealed under court order. The Walton County Clerk’s online search does not return sealed or expunged cases.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records still exist in the clerk’s files but are hidden from public view. Only the person, their lawyer, and specific agencies can see them. Expunged records are physically destroyed or sealed, and the clerk’s office keeps a hidden copy only for criminal justice use. Both types of records are removed from public databases and FDLE’s public search results.
How much does an FDLE criminal history check cost in Florida?
An FDLE name-based search costs $24 plus a small processing fee. A certified FDLE record costs $24 plus fees. Fingerprint checks through LiveScan cost $40 to $50 depending on the provider. The Florida Self-Check program costs $24 per search. These fees are set by Florida law and apply to all 67 counties.
Can employers use Walton County criminal history for hiring?
Yes. Florida employers can request criminal background checks with the applicant’s written consent. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires employer compliance. The check must be job-related and consistent with business necessity. Ban-the-box laws may limit when in the hiring process an employer can ask about criminal history.
What information do I need to run a criminal history search?
You need the full legal name of the person, their date of birth, and their race or gender. A case number or booking number makes the search instant. A driver’s license number or Florida ID number helps narrow down the results. The more details you provide, the more accurate the search will be.