Leon County Florida background check records show arrests, convictions, court cases, and other criminal history for people in Tallahassee and the surrounding area. The Leon County Clerk of Court holds local case files for the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) holds statewide criminal history data through the FCIC system. Both offices work together to give the public full records for any Florida county. This page explains how to search, what each system holds, fees, types of checks, and who can request them.
Leon County Clerk of Court Records
The Leon County Clerk of Court sits in Tallahassee and keeps all local case files for the 2nd Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. The clerk’s office stores criminal cases, civil suits, traffic tickets, and family court records. Anyone can view these files under Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119. The office handles thousands of new filings each year.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk’s office is at 313 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on state holidays. You can call (850) 921-0808 to ask about records before you visit. Free parking is available near the building for visitors doing record searches.
Online Case Search Tools
The clerk runs a free online case search at leonclerk.com. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. The search shows charge type, court date, party names, and case outcome. The system updates daily with new filings. You do not need an account to use the search. The portal works on phones and computers.
Records Available at the Clerk
The clerk holds felony case files, misdemeanor case files, traffic records, and civil court records. You can find marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and probate files. Each record type has its own section on the clerk’s website. Public users can view most records without stating a reason. Some juvenile and sealed records stay hidden from public view.
Criminal vs Civil Case Files
Leon County court records fall into two main types: criminal and civil. Criminal cases involve charges brought by the state, like DUI, theft, or assault. Civil cases involve disputes between people or businesses, like contracts or property issues. Both types show up on a background check. Criminal records often matter more for jobs and housing.
How to Get Certified Copies
You can get certified copies of court records at the clerk’s office for $1 per page. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Bring a photo ID and the case number when you visit. The clerk can also mail certified copies for an extra fee. Mail requests take 5 to 7 business days to arrive.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
FDLE runs the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. This database holds arrest records, conviction records, and disposition records from every Florida county. FDLE also connects to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for federal checks through the FBI. The agency sits in Tallahassee at 2331 Phillips Road, which makes Leon County home to the state’s top criminal record office.
CCHInet Name-Based Check
CCHInet is the public name-based search tool at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You can request a Level 1 background check for $24. The search shows arrests, charges, and case outcomes from all 67 Florida counties. Results arrive by email within 24 hours. You need the full name and date of birth for the most accurate results. The system covers cases from 1970 to today.
Level 1 vs Level 2 Background Checks
Florida law sets two main background check levels. A Level 1 check is name-based and runs through CCHInet. A Level 2 check uses fingerprints and runs through FDLE and the FBI. Level 2 checks cost more and take longer. Jobs that work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities usually need Level 2. Both checks include statewide and national data.
LiveScan Fingerprint Locations in Leon County
Tallahassee has several LiveScan fingerprint sites because the state capital is here. LiveScan uses digital fingerprint readers that send prints to FDLE and the FBI. You can find a vendor list at flhealthsource.gov. Common locations include UPS Stores, sheriff’s offices, and private screening companies. Most sites charge between $40 and $75 per check.
FCIC and CCH System Differences
The FCIC system holds current criminal data like active warrants and recent arrests. The CCH system holds full criminal history records, including old cases and dispositions. FDLE uses both systems to build complete background checks. CCHInet pulls from both systems for Level 1 checks. LiveScan pulls from both plus FBI data for Level 2 checks.
Types of Background Checks in Leon County
Different jobs and situations need different types of checks. Florida law says which roles need which level of screening. Below are the most common checks for Leon County residents, employers, and landlords.
Employment Background Check
Florida employers often ask for a Level 1 or Level 2 check based on the job. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes lists jobs that need fingerprint screening. These include teachers, healthcare workers, and childcare staff. The employer pays the fee and runs the check through an approved vendor. Results help employers make safe hiring choices.
Landlord Tenant Background Check
Landlords in Leon County can run a criminal background check on renters. They often use CCHInet or a third-party service. A rental background check usually looks at the last seven years of criminal history. Landlords must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when running these checks. They need written permission from the applicant first.
Concealed Carry Permit Check
Florida requires a background check for concealed weapon license applications. The check runs through FDLE and the FBI. Applicants must complete a firearm training course first. The Florida Department of Agriculture runs the licensing program. The application fee is $97 plus the cost of fingerprinting at a LiveScan site.
Volunteer Screening (VECHS)
The Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS) helps nonprofits run checks on volunteers. Schools, churches, and youth groups often use this program. The cost is lower than a standard Level 2 check. VECHS checks run through FDLE and the FBI. The program protects children and vulnerable people across Florida. Tallahassee schools use VECHS for parent volunteers.
Third-Party Background Check Services
Many companies offer background check services in Leon County. These include national firms and local screening companies. Third-party services pull data from FDLE, court records, and other databases. They charge a fee for each check. Common providers include Checkr, Sterling, and local Tallahassee firms. These services speed up the hiring process and often include credit and driving reports too.
How to Request a Florida Criminal Background Check
You can request a check online, by mail, or in person. The method depends on the type of check you need. Below are the steps for the most common requests in Leon County and across Florida.
CCHInet Request Steps
To run a CCHInet check, go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us and create an account. Enter the full name, date of birth, and gender of the person you are checking. Pay the $24 fee by credit card or debit card. Results come back by email within one business day. The account keeps a record of your search history for future use.
Required Information
You need the person’s full legal name, date of birth, race, and gender for a name-based check. A Social Security Number helps narrow the search but is not required. For fingerprint checks, the person must appear in person at a LiveScan site. The LiveScan site will collect prints and send them to FDLE for processing.
Processing Times and Fees
CCHInet name-based checks take about 24 hours. LiveScan Level 2 checks take 3 to 5 business days. The name-based fee is $24. Level 2 fees range from $40 to $75 based on the vendor. Some employers cover the fee. Rush services may be available at an extra cost for urgent cases.
How to Read Your Results
CCHInet results show a list of arrests with date, charge, and county. Each arrest has a case number and outcome (conviction, acquittal, dismissal). Level 2 results look similar but include FBI data. If you see errors, you can file a challenge with FDLE. The challenge process takes about 30 days.
Other Public Records in Leon County
Criminal background checks are only one type of public record. Leon County residents and businesses may also need arrest records, warrant searches, and other lookups. These records help with safety checks and legal matters.
Florida Arrest Records
FDLE holds arrest records from all Florida counties. You can search arrests through CCHInet or request a personal record review. Local arrest reports are kept by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office posts recent arrests on its website. Most arrest records stay on file unless sealed by court order.
Florida Warrant Search
You can search active warrants through the Leon County Sheriff’s Office website. Statewide warrant searches go through FDLE or local law enforcement. Active warrants show the person’s name, charge, and issuing court. You should not take action yourself if you find a warrant. Contact the sheriff’s office instead.
Florida Sex Offender Registry
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a public sex offender registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. You can search by name, address, or ZIP code. Leon County residents can search for registered offenders in their neighborhood. The registry updates daily with new addresses and status changes.
Florida Court Records
Court records in Leon County are open to the public under Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes. You can view case files at the clerk’s office or through the online search tool. Certified copies cost $1 per page. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Some case files may be sealed by a judge and not viewable.
Florida Disposition Records
Disposition records show the final outcome of a court case. They tell you if charges were dropped, dismissed, or led to a conviction. FDLE collects disposition data from every Florida court. A full background check always includes disposition records. Without them, an arrest record alone may give a wrong picture of a person’s history.
Sealing or Expunging Criminal Records in Florida
Some criminal records can be sealed or expunged in Florida. Sealed records are hidden from the public but still exist. Expunged records are destroyed. Both options make it easier to get jobs and housing.
Florida Clean Slate Act 2024
The Florida Clean Slate Act took effect in July 2024. This law automatically seals certain criminal records without a court filing. The law applies to people who completed their sentence and stayed crime-free for a set time. FDLE handles the automatic sealing process. Eligible records disappear from public searches.
Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for sealing or expungement if you were not convicted, or if your case was dropped. You cannot seal a felony that led to a conviction. Some sex crimes and violent offenses do not qualify. You need a certificate of eligibility from FDLE before filing. The application costs $75.
How to Apply
To apply, request a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. Fill out the application and pay the $75 fee. Once you get the certificate, file a petition with the Leon County Clerk of Court. A judge will review your case and grant or deny the request. The full process takes 4 to 6 months.
Leon County Contact and Location Details
Below is the main contact info for background check records in Leon County, Florida.
Leon County Clerk of Court
Address: 313 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 921-0808
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: leonclerk.com
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7649
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Leon County background checks. These answers cover Florida law, FDLE procedures, and local court rules. Use the contact info above if you need more help.
How long does a Leon County background check take?
A name-based check through CCHInet takes about 24 hours. A fingerprint check through LiveScan takes 3 to 5 business days. Court record searches through the clerk’s online portal are instant. The time depends on the type of check and how busy FDLE is when you submit your request. Mail requests take longer because of postal delivery times. Some vendors offer rush services for an extra fee.
Can I run a background check on myself in Leon County?
Yes. FDLE has a personal review program that lets you see your own criminal record. You can request your record through CCHInet or by mail. The personal review helps you check for errors before employers or landlords run a check. You can challenge any wrong information through FDLE’s review process. The review request costs $24, the same as a standard name-based check.
Are juvenile records on a Florida background check?
Most juvenile records are sealed under Florida law. They do not show on a standard CCHInet check. Some serious juvenile offenses can show up on a Level 2 fingerprint check. Sealed juvenile records can only be opened by court order. Each case depends on the type of charge and outcome. Juvenile sealing rules changed with the 2024 Clean Slate Act for some offenses.
What shows up on a Level 2 background check?
A Level 2 check shows arrests, convictions, and pending charges from FDLE and the FBI. It covers every Florida county and federal records. Level 2 checks are required for jobs that work with vulnerable people. The results include the full case history, not just the latest charge. Out-of-state convictions also appear on a Level 2 check.
How much does a Florida background check cost?
The FDLE name-based check costs $24. A LiveScan fingerprint check costs between $40 and $75 based on the vendor. Court copies cost $0.15 per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies. Personal record reviews cost $24. Some employers pay the fees for job applicants as part of the hiring process.
Do sealed records show on a Florida background check?
No. Sealed and expunged records are removed from public searches. They do not show on a CCHInet check or a court record search. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see sealed records for specific jobs. Sealed records may still show up on FBI federal checks in some cases. The Clean Slate Act of 2024 increased the number of records that get sealed.
What is the difference between an arrest and conviction?
An arrest record shows that law enforcement took someone into custody. A conviction record shows that a court found the person guilty. Many arrests do not lead to convictions. A background check shows both unless the record was sealed. The difference matters for jobs and housing applications. An arrest without conviction is not proof of guilt in Florida.
How do I dispute a wrong record in Leon County?
You can file a dispute with FDLE through the personal review program. FDLE will check the data and fix errors within 30 days. You can also contact the Leon County Clerk of Court to fix court record errors. Court corrections need a court order in some cases. Keep copies of all dispute paperwork for your records.