Putnam County Florida background check records give you direct access to criminal court files, arrest data, and case outcomes filed in northeast Florida. These records come from the Putnam County Clerk of Court in Palatka and from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at the state level.
Anyone can request these records under Florida’s public records law. Most searches are free at the county level, and statewide checks cost $24 through FDLE. This page shows you how the system works, what each search covers, and how to get the records you need.
Putnam County Clerk of Court Records Office
The Putnam County Clerk of Court keeps all local court files for the county. This office stores criminal cases, civil cases, family law filings, traffic cases, and small claims. Matt Reynolds serves as the elected Clerk. The office sits in downtown Palatka and serves residents in every city and town across the county.
Office Location and Contact Details
The clerk office is in the main courthouse in Palatka. You can call, visit in person, or send a written request by mail. The address and phone number below are current as of 2026.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Matt Reynolds |
| Street Address | 410 St. Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177 |
| Phone Number | (386) 326-7600 |
| Official Website | putnamclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Clerk Office Hours and Walk-In Services
The clerk office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM on Monday through Friday. The office stays closed on weekends and state holidays. Walk-in visitors can ask staff to pull case files, print copies, or run a name search at the public terminals. Staff can answer questions about what records are open and which ones need extra steps.
Online Case Search Tool
The Putnam County Clerk runs an online case search at putnamclerk.com. You can look up cases by name or case number from any computer. The search shows case type, filing date, party names, and current status. Basic case data is free to view. Printed copies and certified copies cost extra. The portal covers criminal, civil, traffic, and family law cases filed in Putnam County.
How to Request Putnam County Florida Background Check Records
You can get Putnam County Florida background check records through four main steps. Each step has clear actions you can take. The whole process can take less than one hour online or several days if you mail a request.
Step 1: Gather the Full Legal Name
Start with the full legal name of the person you want to check. Add the date of birth if you have it. The date of birth helps the clerk match the right file and avoid mixed results for people with the same name. A driver’s license number or Social Security number makes the search faster but is not required for public record searches.
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Last known city or zip code in Florida
- Driver’s license or ID number (if available)
- Approximate age range
Step 2: Pick the Right Search Method
You have three main ways to search. Pick the one that matches your need. A county clerk search covers cases filed in Putnam County only. An FDLE search covers arrests and convictions across all Florida counties. A fingerprint-based search covers Florida and the FBI national database.
Step 3: Submit the Request
Online requests through the Putnam County Clerk portal or the FDLE CCHInet system process in minutes. Mail requests to the clerk take one to two weeks. In-person requests at the clerk office get processed the same day in most cases. Bring a valid photo ID if you visit the office in person.
Step 4: Review Your Results
Read each line of the report. Match the names, dates, and case numbers. If you spot a record that does not belong to the person, contact the clerk or FDLE right away. Records can include old charges that were dropped, sealed cases, or files that share a name with someone else.
FDLE Statewide Background Check System
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide criminal history database. FDLE gets arrest data, court outcomes, and corrections data from all 67 Florida counties. Putnam County sends its court disposition data to FDLE. This means an FDLE search will show Putnam County cases along with records from every other county in Florida.
What FDLE Records Include
FDLE criminal history reports show arrests, charges, court outcomes, sentencing, and corrections data. The report lists each event with the date, the county where it happened, the charge, and the final outcome. Some sealed or expunged records will not appear. Juvenile records are not part of the public FDLE database.
FDLE CCHInet Online Portal
The FDLE Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system runs at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You can search by name, pay by credit card, and get results in your email. Standard searches come back within 24 hours. The portal also offers an OCA number lookup so you can track your request after you submit it.
Level 1 vs Level 2 Background Checks
Florida uses two main levels of background checks. Level 1 checks are name-based and run through the FDLE database. Level 2 checks use fingerprints and run through both FDLE and the FBI. Employers and licensing boards decide which level you need based on Florida law.
| Feature | Level 1 Check | Level 2 Check |
|---|---|---|
| Search Type | Name-based | Fingerprint-based |
| Database Reach | Florida only (FDLE) | Florida + FBI national |
| Cost | $24 state fee | Varies by provider |
| Turnaround Time | Same day to 24 hours | 3 to 5 business days |
| Best For | Personal review, basic screening | Employment with vulnerable groups |
Background Check Fees and Processing Times
Fees depend on which channel you use. The Putnam County Clerk charges small copy fees. FDLE charges a flat $24 for a name-based state search. Fingerprint-based checks through LiveScan providers cost more and include a separate FBI fee.
Putnam County Clerk Copy Fees
The clerk charges $0.15 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page and carry the official court seal. Online case lookups are free. You only pay when you want printed or certified documents mailed to you.
FDLE Statewide Check Costs
FDLE charges $24 per name-based search. The fee is set and applies statewide. You pay by credit card on the CCHInet portal. There is no extra fee for rush processing on standard requests.
Fingerprint-Based Check Pricing
Fingerprint checks cost more than name searches. LiveScan vendors in Florida charge a service fee on top of the state fee. Total cost often runs between $40 and $85 depending on the provider. FBI federal fees add to the total when a national search is part of the request.
Types of Criminal Records Available in Putnam County
Putnam County keeps several types of criminal records. Each one shows a different part of a person’s history. Together they form the full picture used for a background check.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office or another agency took someone into custody. The record lists the date, the agency, the charges at arrest, and any bond set. These records sit in the clerk file once the case moves to court.
Court Disposition Records
Disposition records show the final outcome of each case. Outcomes include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, deferred adjudication, or transferred. These records are public once the case closes. Sealed records are removed from public view.
Warrant Records
Active warrants show up in court records and in sheriff office databases. You can check active warrants through the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office website or by calling the clerk. Old warrants that have been served also show in case files.
Sex Offender Registry Data
The Florida Sex Offender Registry is a separate database run by FDLE. You can search it for free at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. Putnam County residents who must register show up in this database with their photo, address, and current status.
Florida Public Records Laws and Access Rights
Florida has one of the most open public records laws in the country. The state law, called the Sunshine Law, lets anyone ask for records without giving a reason. Local clerks must follow the same rules.
Chapter 119 Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes sets the rules for public records. It requires that most government records be open to the public. Agencies can charge a small fee to cover copying costs but cannot block access without a clear legal reason.
Sealed vs Expunged Records
Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from most searches. Expunged records are physically destroyed or removed from public databases. Both types take a legal filing under Florida law. A standard background check will not show these records.
FCRA Compliance for Employers
Employers who run background checks must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. This law requires written consent from the person being screened. It also requires a copy of the report and a chance to dispute any wrong data before the employer takes action.
Background Checks for Employment and Housing
Florida law sets rules for background checks used in jobs, housing, and volunteer work. Some roles require a Level 2 fingerprint check. Other roles allow a name-based Level 1 check.
Employment Screening in Florida
Florida employers can run a Level 1 or Level 2 check based on the job. Schools, child care centers, and healthcare roles require Level 2 checks. Many other jobs allow Level 1 checks. Some cities and counties have extra rules for public jobs.
Volunteer and Caregiver Checks
Volunteers who work with children, the elderly, or disabled adults must pass a Level 2 check under Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes. Many nonprofits and care facilities use the FDLE VECHS program for these checks. The volunteer pays a small fee and submits fingerprints.
Third-Party Screening Companies
Private companies run background checks for a fee. They pull data from court records, FDLE, and other databases. Florida law lets these companies operate, but they must follow FCRA rules. They often charge between $25 and $100 per search.
Cities and Communities Served by the Putnam County Clerk
Putnam County covers a large area in northeast Florida. All court records for cities and towns in the county go through the Putnam County Clerk office in Palatka.
Palatka: The County Seat
Palatka is the county seat and the main population center. The courthouse sits in the heart of Palatka. Most Putnam County court cases are filed and heard here. The clerk office on St. Johns Ave handles every public record request for Palatka residents.
Surrounding Towns and Communities
Other cities and towns in Putnam County include Crescent City, Interlachen, Welaka, Pomona Park, East Palatka, and Georgetown. Each community sends its court business to the same Palatka clerk office. Background checks for any of these areas use the same Putnam County court records.
Challenging or Correcting Background Check Records
If you find wrong data in your background check, you have a right to fix it. Florida law gives you a clear path to challenge records you believe are false or unfair.
Record Review Request Process
You can file a record review with FDLE or the Putnam County Clerk. You will need proof that the record is wrong, such as a court order or a certificate of disposition. The agency must respond within a set time. If the agency does not fix the error, you can appeal.
Florida OCA Number Tracking
Each FDLE request gets an OCA (Originating Case Agency) number. You can use this number to track your request, ask follow-up questions, and follow up if you do not get a response. Keep the OCA number in your records for at least one year.
Contact Information and Office Location
You can reach the Putnam County Clerk of Court in person, by phone, or through the official website. Use the details below for all background check record requests filed in Putnam County.
- Office Name: Putnam County Clerk of Court
- Address: 410 St. Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177
- Phone: (386) 326-7600
- Website: putnamclerk.com
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Email: contact through the official website contact form
- Mail Requests: Allow 7 to 14 business days for processing
Frequently Asked Questions About Putnam County Background Checks
Below are the most common questions people ask about Putnam County Florida background check records. Each answer covers what the law allows, what the records show, and how to get the data you need. The answers are based on Florida Statutes Chapter 119, Chapter 435, and Chapter 943, plus current FDLE procedures as of 2026.
How Long Does a Putnam County Background Check Take?
An online case search through the Putnam County Clerk takes just minutes to run. Results show right after you enter a name. A mailed request for printed or certified copies takes 7 to 14 business days. An FDLE statewide check through CCHInet takes up to 24 hours. Fingerprint-based Level 2 checks take 3 to 5 business days once the LiveScan provider sends the prints to FDLE and the FBI. Rush services cost more and are not always available. Plan ahead for jobs or legal deadlines so you have time to fix any errors.
Can I Run a Background Check on Myself in Putnam County?
Yes. You can request your own criminal history in Putnam County at any time. FDLE lets you run a self-check through the CCHInet portal for $24. The Putnam County Clerk lets you look up your own court cases free through the online portal. You can also mail a written request to the clerk for printed or certified copies. Many people run self-checks before applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. Self-checks help you spot errors before an employer does.
Are Juvenile Records Public Free? in Putnam County?
No. Juvenile court records in Putnam County are not public. They are sealed under Florida law. The records do not appear in standard background checks. Only certain agencies and courts can see juvenile records. FDLE does not include juvenile arrests or charges in the public criminal history database. If you need a sealed juvenile record for a legal reason, you must file a motion with the court that handled the original case.
What Shows Up on a Level 2 Fingerprint Check?
A Level 2 check shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, and corrections data from across Florida. It also shows any matching records from the FBI national database. Level 2 checks include data that a Level 1 name search might miss, such as cases under a different name or alias. Sealed and expunged records still do not show up. The fingerprint match makes the search more accurate than a name search.
Can I Remove Old Charges from My Record?
Yes, in some cases. Florida law lets you seal or expunge eligible charges. You must file a petition with the court in the county where the case was handled. After the court grants the request, FDLE updates its database. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from most searches. Expunged records are destroyed or removed from public view. Not all cases qualify, so check with a Florida attorney or the FDLE website for the full list of rules.
Do Landlords in Putnam County Run Background Checks?
Yes. Most landlords in Putnam County run a basic background check on adult applicants. They look at eviction records, criminal history, and credit reports. Landlords must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act if they use a third-party screening company. They must get written consent and give you a chance to dispute wrong data. Some landlords run their own search through the clerk portal for free before bringing in a paid service.
How Far Back Do Background Checks Reach in Florida?
There is no time limit on what shows up in a Florida background check. All arrests and convictions appear in FDLE records unless they were sealed or expunged. Some employers follow the seven-year rule under FCRA for non-conviction data. Other employers follow their own internal rules. Florida law does not set a limit on how far back a background check can go for arrests that led to convictions.