Florida background check records are public files that show a person’s criminal history in the state. These records come from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, county courts, sheriff offices, and clerk of court offices across all 67 counties.
Anyone can search these records by name, by fingerprint, or through court files. Florida runs over one million background checks each year. State law keeps most of these files open to the public. You can use them for jobs, housing, volunteer work, or personal safety. This page covers what these records include, where to find them, how much they cost, and how to fix mistakes.
What Florida Background Check Records Include
A Florida background check record can show many types of data. The record pulls from arrests, court cases, convictions, and state agency databases. Each part of the record comes from a different source.
Arrest Records vs Conviction Records
An arrest record shows when police took a person into custody. It lists the charge and the agency that made the arrest. A conviction record shows the final court result after a case ends. Many background checks show both. Florida law treats arrests without conviction differently from convictions. State agencies must follow rules set in Chapter 943 of Florida law when they report arrest data.
Disposition Records and Court Outcomes
Disposition records show the final result of a court case. The result could be guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or deferred. These records come from county clerks of court. They matter because they tell you if an arrest led to a conviction. Florida criminal record history reports must include disposition data when it exists.
Warrants and Active Cases
Florida warrant search files show if a person has an active warrant. Sheriff offices and FDLE track these warrants. Active warrants mean police can arrest the person at any time. Warrant records are public in most cases. You can search them through the FDLE website or through local sheriff databases.
Sex Offender Registry Entries
Florida sex offender registry search files list registered sex offenders in the state. The FDLE runs this registry under state law. It shows address, charge, and risk level. The registry is open to the public. You can search it free on the FDLE website.
State-Level Searches Through FDLE
The FDLE handles background checks in Florida. It is the main state agency for criminal history records. The FDLE keeps data on arrests and court outcomes from every county in the state. Over a million background checks go through this office each year.
How Name-Based Checks Work
A Florida name-based background check searches the FDLE state database only. It costs $24 per record. The fee is set by Section 943.053 of Florida Statutes. Results come back in about one to three business days. Most people start with this type of check since it costs less and works fast.
Fingerprint and Level 2 Checks
A Florida fingerprint background check uses Livescan or ink prints. It searches both state and FBI records. This is called a Level 2 check. It takes several business days to process. Many employers, schools, and care providers must use this type of check by law.
The CCHInet Online Portal
The CCHInet portal is the online system the FDLE uses to process checks. You can submit a background check through this portal. The system handles both Level 1 and Level 2 checks. It is the fastest way to submit a request in Florida.
Personal Review of Your Own Record
The FDLE has a personal review option. This lets anyone in Florida see what shows up on their own criminal history. You can request a personal review through the FDLE site. The process requires a set of fingerprints and a small fee. You get a full copy of your state criminal history record back. If you find errors, you can ask to have them fixed under Florida law.
Florida Background Check Laws and Compliance
Several Florida statutes govern how background checks work. These laws set the rules for who can run checks, what they can search, and how records must be handled.
FCRA Rules for Employers
A Florida FCRA compliant background check follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This federal law applies to employers who use third-party screening firms. It sets rules for consent, notice, and dispute rights. Employers must get written consent before running a check. They must also give a copy of the report if they plan to take action based on it.
Chapter 435 Employment Screening
Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes sets the standards for background screening. It defines what Level 1 and Level 2 checks must include. It lists which offenses can keep a person from certain positions of trust. The law also covers the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. This clearinghouse stores results so people do not have to get checked more than once. Section 435.04 spells out what a Level 2 check must cover, including state and national fingerprint searches.
Tenant Screening Standards
A Florida tenant background check follows both state and federal rules. Landlords can search criminal records, but they cannot use a blanket ban on all arrests. The federal Fair Housing Act limits how criminal records can be used. Florida law also bars housing discrimination based on sealed or expunged records.
Expunged and Sealed Records
A Florida expungement records lookup will not show sealed or expunged cases. When a court seals or expunges a record, it is removed from public search. The FDLE must update its database when this happens. Most employers and landlords will not see expunged records. Some government agencies can still see them under certain laws.
County Court Records and Local Searches
Each county in Florida has a Clerk of Court who keeps criminal case files and other court records. These records often have more detail than state records. They show charges, motions, and final rulings.
County Clerk of Court Records
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers association connects all 67 clerks. The FCCC site has tools and links for every county clerk in Florida. The Find a Clerk tool lets you look up contact info for any county clerk. It shows the clerk’s name, address, phone number, and website.
Miami-Dade County Records
A Miami-Dade County background check pulls from one of the largest court systems in Florida. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court keeps criminal case files going back many years. You can search these records online or visit the clerk office in person. The county also works with the FDLE for state-level checks.
Hillsborough County Records
A Hillsborough County criminal history search covers the Tampa area. The Hillsborough Clerk of Court runs an online search tool. You can search by name or case number. The clerk office also offers fingerprinting through the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Orange County Records
An Orange County Florida court records search covers the Orlando area. The Orange County Clerk of Courts holds criminal case files. You can search them online through the clerk’s website. Orange County also has Livescan locations for fingerprint checks.
Broward and Palm Beach Counties
A Broward County criminal records search covers Fort Lauderdale and nearby cities. A Palm Beach County background check covers West Palm Beach and the surrounding area. Both counties have online search tools through their clerk offices. Both also offer Livescan services for Level 2 checks.
Costs and Processing Times
Background check fees in Florida vary by type and source. The state sets some fees by law. Other fees come from private vendors or county offices.
State Fee Structure
The FDLE charges $24 for a state criminal history record check. This fee is set by Section 943.053 of Florida Statutes. It is the same fee across all 67 counties. The fee covers the search and a printed report.
Fingerprint and Livescan Costs
Fingerprint-based checks cost more because they include both state and national searches. Most Level 2 checks in Florida run between $50 and $100 total. Ink fingerprinting starts at $5 per set. Livescan fees vary by location but usually include a state fee plus a vendor fee.
County Copy and Search Fees
County clerk offices in Florida charge their own fees for court record copies. Standard copies cost up to 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1 each. Some clerks charge a service fee for searches that take extra time. These fees apply at every county clerk office in the state.
Rap Back Enrollment Fees
The Florida Rap Back program gives ongoing alerts when a person’s record changes. Employers can enroll workers in this program. It costs extra on top of the standard fingerprint fee. Rap Back saves time because workers do not need to get re-fingerprinted as long as they stay enrolled.
Common Uses for Florida Background Checks
People run background checks for many reasons. Each use case has its own rules and limits under Florida law.
Employment Screening
A Florida employment background check helps employers screen job applicants. Many Florida jobs require a Level 2 check by law. These include jobs in healthcare, education, childcare, and government. Employers must follow FCRA rules when using a third-party screener.
Rental and Tenant Checks
A Florida tenant background check helps landlords screen renters. It usually includes criminal history, eviction records, and credit data. Landlords must follow Fair Housing rules. They cannot reject all applicants with arrests. They must look at each case on its own facts.
Volunteer and VECHS Screening
The VECHS program lets certain groups access state and national criminal history records. It covers checks for people who work with children, the elderly, or those with disabilities. Schools, hospitals, and youth groups often use VECHS. The program has its own rules and fees.
Personal and Safety Reasons
People also run background checks for personal safety. This includes online dating, business partnerships, or hiring in-home help. Florida law lets you search public records without giving a reason. You can run a name-based check or search the sex offender registry.
Correcting Errors in Your Record
Records can have mistakes. Florida law gives you a way to fix them. The process depends on the type of error and where it lives.
FDLE Correction Process
You can ask FDLE to fix errors in your criminal history record. Under Section 943.056 of Florida Statutes, you have the right to challenge wrong data. You must submit a written request with proof. FDLE has 30 days to review and respond. If they refuse, you can appeal through Florida’s court system.
Court Record Corrections
You can also ask the county clerk to fix errors in court records. This includes wrong names, dates, or charges. You may need to file a motion with the court that handled the case. The judge must sign off on any change to a court record.
Expungement Eligibility
Some people can have records expunged or sealed. Florida law allows this for certain cases. You usually must wait a set time after the case ends. You also cannot have other recent convictions. A lawyer can help you file an expungement petition with the court.
Contact and Official Resources
Florida background check records are handled by several state and local agencies. The main contact points are listed below.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
The FDLE is the main state agency for criminal history records. The office is at 921 Headquarters Circle, Tallahassee, FL 32301. You can reach them by phone at (850) 410-7000. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The official website is fdle.state.fl.us.
Florida Attorney General Open Government
The Attorney General oversees public records laws in Florida. The office is at 107 West Gaines Street, Suite 128, Tallahassee, FL 32399. You can call (850) 414-3300 or email PublicRecordsRequest@myfloridalegal.com. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The website is myfloridalegal.com/open-government.
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
The FCCC connects all 67 county clerks. The office is at 3544 Maclay Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32312. You can reach them at (850) 921-0808. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The website is flclerks.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Florida background check records. These cover costs, timing, errors, and legal rights. Each answer gives direct facts based on current Florida law and FDLE rules.
How long does a Florida background check take to come back?
A Florida name-based background check usually takes one to three business days. Fingerprint-based Level 2 checks take three to seven business days. Mail requests take longer than online requests through the CCHInet portal. Court record searches at the county clerk can be instant online or take days by mail. Processing times can vary based on case volume at FDLE. You can check the status of your check through the FDLE website if you submitted it online.
Can an employer in Florida reject me based on an arrest without conviction?
Florida law does not ban employers from asking about arrests. But the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says employers cannot use arrests alone to reject people. They must look at the type of job and how recent the arrest was. A blanket policy that bans all applicants with any arrest can violate federal civil rights law. This applies to both public and private employers in Florida.
What shows up on a Florida criminal record history report?
A Florida criminal record history report shows arrests, charges, dispositions, convictions, and sentences from all 67 counties. It pulls from the FDLE state database. It does not show sealed records. It does not show expunged records. It does not show dismissed cases unless the court entered a final ruling. Out-of-state crimes only show up if the FBI database was searched as part of a Level 2 check.
How much does a Florida background check cost?
A Florida background check cost varies by type. Name-based state checks cost $24. Fingerprint Level 2 checks cost $50 to $100 total. County clerk copies cost up to 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1 each. Livescan fees include a state fee plus a vendor fee. Third-party screener fees are higher and depend on the search depth.
Can I check my own criminal record in Florida?
Yes. You can request a personal review of your FDLE criminal history. You must submit fingerprints and a small fee. You can also visit any county clerk office to see your court records. You have the right to see your own records under Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes. The clerk cannot charge you to look at your own files during a visit.
What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 check?
A Level 1 check is name-based and searches Florida state records only. A Level 2 check uses fingerprints and searches both state and FBI national records. Level 2 checks are required for jobs in healthcare, childcare, education, and other positions of trust. Level 1 checks cost $24 and take about one day. Level 2 checks cost more and take several days.
How do I fix errors on my Florida background check?
You can file a dispute with FDLE under Section 943.056 of Florida Statutes. You must submit proof that the record is wrong. FDLE has 30 days to respond. If they do not fix the error, you can file a court petition. You can also ask the county clerk to fix errors in court records. A lawyer can help you with the process if needed.