Monroe County Florida background check records give the public a way to search court cases, arrests, and criminal history for anyone in the Florida Keys. These records come from the Monroe County Clerk of Court in Key West and from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tallahassee.
Anyone can search these records under Florida’s open records law. This page explains how to get Monroe County Florida background check records through online tools, mail requests, or in-person visits. The information below covers clerk office hours, fees, search portals, sealed records, and contact details for both offices.
Monroe County Clerk of Court Office
The Monroe County Clerk of Court keeps all court files for the county. The clerk office sits at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West, Florida 33040. The current clerk is Kevin Madok. You can call (305) 292-3550 for questions about court records, office hours, and fees. The office stays open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A branch office also serves Marathon for residents in the Middle Keys. Both offices fall under the same clerk and the same set of public records.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main office at 500 Whitehead Street handles every court record request in Monroe County. Staff pull files by name or case number. The clerk office accepts cash, check, and credit card payments for copies and certified documents. The Marathon branch office handles the same kinds of records for the Middle Keys area. You can reach the Marathon office through the main clerk phone line. Both offices close on state and federal holidays.
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Kevin Madok |
| Address | 500 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 |
| Phone | (305) 292-3550 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | monroeclerk.com |
Online Court Records Search Portal
The clerk office runs an online records search portal on its website at monroeclerk.com. This portal shows criminal cases, civil suits, traffic matters, family law filings, and small claims. You can search by name or by case number. The search costs nothing. You do not need a login or account to use it. Case status, hearing dates, and final outcomes all show up in the search results.
Use this portal to pull Monroe County Florida background check records for any case filed in the Keys. The clerk office updates this portal on a regular basis. Older case files from before 1990 may need a trip to the clerk office in person or a written mail request. The portal works best for cases filed in the last 25 years.
What You Can Find on the Clerk Portal
The clerk portal pulls from the court’s case management system. You will see felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic infractions, civil suits, and small claims. The portal also shows marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and recorded documents. For a Monroe County Florida background check, the criminal case data is the most useful section. You can see the charge, the plea, the sentence, and the current status of every case. Probate, small claims, and county civil data also show up in the same search.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records Portal
The MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com shows official recorded documents for Monroe County. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and other recorded items. The portal adds extra context to a Monroe County Florida background check by showing civil court judgments and tax liens tied to a person’s name. The portal stays free for basic searches. You only pay when you download or print a document. The system covers all 67 Florida counties, so you can check recorded documents in Monroe County and across the state from the same portal.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Check
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s criminal history database. This database covers every county in Florida, including Monroe County. The FDLE system shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, and incarceration data. You can order a statewide check online through the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. This check costs $24 and results come back by email within 24 hours. The CCHInet portal runs the search based on name and date of birth. It does not need fingerprints for a Level 1 check.
How to Use the CCHInet Portal
Go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us to start an FDLE criminal history request. Create a free account or log in as a visitor. Type in the person’s full name, date of birth, and gender. Pay the $24 fee by Visa, Mastercard, or electronic check. FDLE runs the name through the state database. You get a PDF report by email showing any Florida criminal record. The report covers every county, so Monroe County Florida background check records show up alongside data from any other county in the state.
FDLE Approved Fingerprint Vendors
Level 2 checks need fingerprints, not just names. You must go to an FDLE approved vendor for a LiveScan fingerprint scan. FDLE lists every approved vendor by zip code at flhealthsource.gov. Monroe County has approved vendors in Key West and Marathon. The vendor scans your fingers, sends the prints to FDLE and the FBI, and you get a full federal and state criminal record report. Most vendors give results within 3 to 7 business days.
Types of Background Checks Available
Florida law sets two main levels of background checks. Level 1 uses a name search. Level 2 uses fingerprints. Each level serves a different purpose. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards pick the level they need based on Florida law and their own policy. The VECHS program adds a third option for registered groups that screen many workers each year.
Level 1 Name-Based Search
Level 1 is the most common type. The search uses the FDLE state criminal history database. It runs the person’s name and date of birth to pull arrests, dispositions, and convictions. This is the type you order at CCHInet for $24. Most employers and landlords accept a Level 1 check for basic screening. A Level 1 check works well for anyone who needs Monroe County Florida background check records for a job, lease, or volunteer role. The check shows data from every Florida county, not just Monroe.
Level 2 Fingerprint Screening
Level 2 covers both state and federal records. It needs LiveScan fingerprints at an FDLE approved vendor. The check runs through the FBI database and the FDLE database. Florida law requires a Level 2 check for teachers, healthcare workers, child care staff, and people who work with the elderly or disabled. The Florida Statutes Chapter 435 lists every job that requires a Level 2 check. The cost varies by vendor. Most vendors charge between $50 and $100 for the full Level 2 service. The fee covers the state check, the FBI check, and the vendor’s service charge.
VECHS Program for Care Providers
FDLE runs the Volunteer and Employee Criminal History Service (VECHS) program. This program lets approved groups run Level 2 checks on staff and volunteers. The groups must register with FDLE under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes. Schools, nursing homes, and youth groups use VECHS the most. VECHS cuts down on the cost of repeat fingerprint checks for groups that screen many workers each year. Registered groups get a discount on each check. Monroe County schools and care providers can register for VECHS through the FDLE website.
Background Check Fees in Monroe
Background check fees in Monroe County match the fees across Florida. The clerk office charges per page for copies. FDLE charges a flat fee for the state criminal history check. The fee structure stays the same no matter which county you live in or where you submit the request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| FDLE Level 1 (CCHInet) | $24.00 |
| Plain copy from clerk | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copy from clerk | $1.00 per page |
| Online case search | Free |
| Level 2 fingerprint check | Varies by vendor |
FDLE keeps the CCHInet fee at $24 per check. Level 2 fees change based on the vendor and the type of screening. Always call the vendor before your visit to confirm the fee and the payment method. Some vendors add a service fee for in-person fingerprinting. The clerk portal stays free for basic case lookups. Most employers pay the $24 fee for their job applicants and pass the cost along at the time of hire.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has one of the broadest public records laws in the country. The state constitution and Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes give every person the right to see government records. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The clerk office, the sheriff’s office, and every other government agency must follow the same law. This rule makes Monroe County Florida background check records open to anyone who asks.
Chapter 119 Open Records Rule
Chapter 119 says any person can inspect or copy public records. The Monroe County clerk office follows this rule for all court files and docket data. The sheriff’s office follows it for arrest logs and incident reports. If a government agency denies your request, the Florida Attorney General’s Open Government page explains how to file a complaint. Most denials get reversed after a short review. The law covers written records, electronic records, and recorded audio or video held by a government agency.
Sealed and Expunged Record Rules
Sealed and expunged records stay closed to the public. Florida law lets a person ask the court to seal or expunge certain arrests and convictions. Once a court grants the seal or expungement, the records come off the public search portals. Only the FDLE and the courts can see sealed records. Monroe County Florida background check records will not show sealed or expunged cases on the clerk portal or on CCHInet. The court order must specifically grant the seal or expungement for the records to come off the public file.
How to Get Certified Record Copies
You have three ways to get copies of court records from Monroe County. You can visit the clerk office, mail a written request, or use the online portal for basic case data. Certified copies need an in-person visit or a mail request with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. The clerk office stamps certified copies with the court seal so other agencies accept them as proof.
Visiting the Clerk Office in Person
Walk into the Monroe County Clerk office at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West. Tell the front desk staff the name of the person or the case number. Pay for the copies at the counter. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. The office accepts cash, check, and credit card. You leave the office with the records the same day. Bring a photo ID so staff can confirm your identity for sealed file requests.
Mailing a Written Records Request
Mail a written request to the Monroe County Clerk of Court at 500 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040. Include the person’s full name, date of birth, and any known case details. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk office can mail the documents to you. The clerk office replies within 7 to 14 business days for most requests. Mail requests work best for plain copies. Certified copies through mail can take longer because staff must stamp each page with the court seal.
Personal Criminal History Review
You have the right to review your own criminal history. FDLE lets you request a personal review through their official site. The review shows what the state database has on file for your record. If you spot errors, you can file a correction request with FDLE. The clerk office also lets you review your own court file in person with a photo ID. Personal reviews help you spot errors before an employer or landlord pulls your record.
Cities Served by Monroe Clerk
Monroe County covers the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West. Every court record in the Keys goes through the Monroe County Clerk of Court in Key West. The clerk office handles cases from every city, town, and unincorporated area in the county. No city in Monroe County runs its own court.
- Key West
- Key Largo
- Marathon
- Islamorada
- Big Pine Key
- Tavernier
- Sugarloaf Key
- Cudjoe Key
- Summerland Key
- Big Coppitt Key
Monroe County Florida background check records pull from the same clerk database for all of these cities. The clerk portal covers all of them under one search tool. If you cannot find a record online, contact the clerk office by phone to ask about older files. The clerk office also keeps records for unincorporated parts of the county, including remote parts of US Route 1 and the Overseas Highway.
Sheriff’s Office and Arrest Records
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and makes arrests across the Keys. The sheriff’s office keeps arrest logs and incident reports. You can ask the sheriff’s office for arrest records through a public records request under Chapter 119. Current arrests show up on the FDLE database once the court process moves forward. Recent arrest logs may not show up on CCHInet yet because the case has not reached a final disposition.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Contact
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office sits at 5525 College Road, Stock Island, Key West, FL 33040. You can call (305) 292-7000 for non-emergency calls. Public records requests go through the sheriff’s records division. You can also visit the sheriff’s office in person during weekdays. Arrest records from the sheriff’s office add context to Monroe County Florida background check records pulled from the clerk portal. The sheriff’s office also runs the county jail lookup tool on its website.
Sex Offender Registry Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Florida Sex Offender Registry. You can search the registry for free at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The registry covers every county in Florida, including Monroe. Search by name, address, or zip code. The registry shows the offender’s photo, address, charge, and registration status. Sex offender checks often go alongside a standard Monroe County Florida background check for housing or employment. Landlords and employers commonly check this registry before signing leases or job contracts.
Warrant Searches in Monroe County
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office lists active warrants on its website. You can search the warrant list by name. Active warrants show the charge, the warrant date, and the bond amount. A warrant search helps landlords and employers see if the person has an active case that has not reached the court yet. The warrant list updates daily. The clerk portal shows pending cases that already reached the court stage. Together, both tools give a full picture of any open criminal matter in the Keys.
Official Contact Details
The Monroe County Clerk of Court and the FDLE are the two main offices for background checks in the Keys. The clerk office handles local court files. The FDLE handles statewide criminal history. Use both offices for a complete picture of a person’s record.
Monroe County Clerk of Court
500 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3550
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: monroeclerk.com
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE Headquarters, Tallahassee, FL
CCHInet Portal: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions people ask about Monroe County Florida background check records. These answers cover fees, search tools, sealed records, and what to do when records show errors. Each answer gives direct steps you can take right now.
How long does an FDLE background check take?
Most FDLE Level 1 checks through CCHInet come back within 24 hours by email. Some checks take up to 5 business days if the system has a heavy queue. Fingerprint-based Level 2 checks take 3 to 7 business days after the vendor sends the prints. You can check the status of your CCHInet order by logging back into your account. The portal also sends email alerts when your report is ready. Rush service is not offered for Level 1 checks.
Can I run a background check on myself in Monroe?
Yes. You have the right to review your own criminal history in Florida. You can order a personal FDLE check through CCHInet for $24. You can also visit the Monroe County Clerk office in Key West with a photo ID to see your own court file. Personal reviews help you spot errors before an employer or landlord runs a check on you. FDLE also offers a free annual review for Florida residents who register on the FDLE website.
What shows up on a Monroe County background check?
A standard Monroe County Florida background check shows arrests, charges, dispositions, convictions, and sentencing data. It also shows case status for pending matters. Traffic cases, misdemeanor cases, and felony cases all appear on the clerk portal. Sealed and expunged records do not appear. Out-of-state convictions only appear if the person was later arrested in Florida on the same case.
How do I fix an error on my Monroe County record?
You can file a correction request with FDLE for state criminal history errors. You can also file a motion with the Monroe County Clerk of Court to correct court file errors. Bring proof of the correct data, such as a court order or dismissal paperwork. The clerk office can guide you through the correction process. Most corrections take 30 to 60 days to process.
Do I need a reason to ask for Monroe County records?
No. Florida law lets you ask for public records without giving a reason. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to say why you want the records. The clerk office and FDLE must release the records under Chapter 119, except for sealed or expunged files. The law does not let agencies charge extra fees for public record requests beyond the copy costs listed above.
Can employers see expunged records in Florida?
No. Once a court grants an expungement, the records come off the public search portals. FDLE does not release expunged records to employers or landlords. Only the courts and FDLE keep copies of sealed records. Standard Monroe County Florida background check records will not show expunged cases. A person with an expungement can legally say they have no criminal record on most job applications.
What is the cost of a Monroe County background check?
FDLE charges $24 for a Level 1 name-based check through CCHInet. The Monroe County Clerk charges $0.15 per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies. Level 2 fingerprint checks cost between $50 and $100 based on the vendor. The clerk portal is free for basic online searches. Most employers pay the $24 fee for their job applicants.