Tallahassee City Florida background check records give you access to criminal court files, arrest data, and statewide criminal history stored by Florida agencies. As the state capital, Tallahassee sits next to FDLE headquarters and houses the Leon County Courthouse, where all local court records are filed.
Residents, employers, landlords, and legal professionals use these records to screen job applicants, tenants, caregivers, and volunteers. State law keeps most of these records open to the public, which makes the search process simple for anyone with a name or case number.
Who Handles Background Check Records in Tallahassee
Two main agencies control background check records for Tallahassee. The Leon County Clerk of Court keeps all local court files, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide criminal database. Both agencies work from Tallahassee, which gives city residents direct access to state and county record systems.
Leon County Clerk of Court Duties
The Leon County Clerk of Court files every case that moves through the 2nd Judicial Circuit. This includes criminal charges, civil suits, traffic tickets, family law cases, and small claims. When the Tallampa Police Department or the Leon County Sheriff makes an arrest, the case file ends up at the clerk’s office once it enters the court process. The clerk stores the file, tracks the hearing dates, and keeps the final outcome. Members of the public can search these files online or request paper copies from the downtown courthouse.
FDLE Headquarters Connection
FDLE runs its main office in Tallahassee. The agency maintains the Computer Criminal History system, which pulls arrest and disposition data from every county in Florida. Because FDLE sits within city limits, Tallahassee residents can mail requests to the state office or use the online portal at CCHInet. The statewide database covers arrests made anywhere in Florida, so a Tallahassee user can check for records in Miami, Orlando, or Pensacola using the same system.
Types of Florida Background Checks Available
Florida offers three main background check types. Each check serves a different purpose and pulls from different data sources. The type you need depends on why you are running the search and what level of detail the requester requires.
Level 1 Name-Based Check
A Level 1 check searches the FDLE statewide database using a person’s name and date of birth. This check costs $24 and returns any Florida arrest record tied to that name. Results arrive by email within 1 to 5 business days. Level 1 checks work for general employment screening, volunteer work, and personal record reviews. The check does not include FBI data, so out-of-state records will not appear in the report.
Level 2 Fingerprint Check
A Level 2 check requires fingerprint scans and searches both the FDLE database and the FBI national database. This check covers Florida records and federal arrests from any U.S. state. Level 2 checks are required for teachers, healthcare workers, childcare providers, law enforcement officers, and anyone working with vulnerable populations. You must visit a LiveScan location to have your prints captured digitally. The provider sends the prints to FDLE and the FBI for processing.
VECHS Check for Caregivers
The Volunteer and Employee Criminal History Services program, called VECHS, runs background checks for people working with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. VECHS checks pull from FDLE and FBI records and include sex offender registry data. Childcare centers, nursing homes, and youth organizations in Tallahassee use VECHS checks as part of their hiring process. The fee is set by the requesting organization, and results come back through a secure online portal.
How to Request Tallahassee Court Records
Tallahassee court records stay open to the public under Florida law. You can pull records three ways: online, in person, or by mail. Each method returns the same case data, but the format and turnaround time differ.
Online Case Search
The Leon County Clerk website at leonclerk.com hosts a free case search tool. Enter a last name, first name, and date of birth to find court cases. The search returns the case number, filing date, charges, hearing schedule, and case status. Click into any case to see the full docket, including motions filed and judgments entered. The tool covers all case types, from felony criminal charges to traffic infractions. No login or fee is required to view the basic case data.
In-Person Records Requests
Visit the Leon County Courthouse at 301 S. Monroe St. to request certified copies of court files in person. Bring the case number or the full legal name of the person on the case. Staff will pull the file and produce copies at the counter. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page and carry a raised seal that courts and government agencies accept as proof of the document. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards.
Mail Request Process
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the courthouse. Send a written request to the Leon County Clerk of Court at 301 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301. Include the full name of the person on the case, the case type, and the approximate year the case was filed. Add a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk will mail the copies back to you, usually within 7 to 10 business days of receiving the request.
Florida Public Records and Sunshine Laws
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the United States. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, known as the Sunshine Law, requires government agencies to open their records to public inspection. The law covers criminal history files, arrest reports, incident logs, and court documents held by local and state agencies.
Chapter 119 Public Records Statute
Chapter 119 says any person can request public records from a Florida government agency. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The agency must produce the records unless a specific statute seals the file. Common exemptions include active criminal intelligence data, juvenile court records, and records sealed by a court order. The agency can charge only the actual cost of producing the copies.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records under specific conditions. A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in the system. An expunged record is physically destroyed, leaving only a skeletal entry that shows the case was expunged. FDLE will not report sealed or expunged records on a Level 1 background check. To seal or expunge a record, you must file a petition with the Leon County Clerk and get a judge to sign the order. Eligibility rules require that you have never been convicted of a felony, never sealed or expunged another record, and completed all sentence terms for the case you want to clear.
Juvenile Record Restrictions
Juvenile court records in Leon County have extra privacy protections. Most juvenile files are not public, even when the same offense would be public for an adult. Only the juvenile, the parents or guardians, the defense attorney, and a limited set of agencies can access juvenile case files. Records of juveniles who are tried as adults move into the regular court system and become public like any other criminal case.
FDLE Criminal History Search Process
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the central criminal history database for the entire state. FDLE collects arrest data, court dispositions, and corrections records from all 67 Florida counties. Anyone can request a copy of their own record or pay to check another person’s record through the official system.
CCHInet Online System
CCHInet is the public-facing portal for FDLE criminal history requests. The website at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us accepts name-based searches for $24 per request. You create an account, fill in the subject’s name, date of birth, and sex, then submit payment. FDLE runs the search against the statewide database and emails the results within 1 to 5 business days. Results show arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by Florida law enforcement agencies and courts.
Personal Record Review
Anyone can request a personal review of their own criminal history under FDLE rules. This lets you see exactly what appears on your record before an employer or landlord runs a check. Go to the FDLE website and download the personal review form. Mail the completed form with a $24 fee to the FDLE office in Tallahassee. You can also challenge any wrong entries through the same process.
Record Challenge Process
If you find an error on your FDLE record, you can file a challenge to correct it. The challenge must include proof that the data is wrong, such as a court order showing the case was dismissed or a certificate showing the record was expunged. FDLE has 30 days to review the challenge and update the record. You can check the status of your challenge online through the FDLE record challenge portal. If FDLE denies your challenge, you can appeal to the Florida Commission on Offender Review.
LiveScan and Fingerprint Locations in Tallahassee
Level 2 background checks and VECHS screenings require fingerprint scans. Florida uses LiveScan, a digital fingerprint system that sends prints electronically to FDLE and the FBI. Several approved providers operate in the Tallahassee area.
Approved LiveScan Providers
The Florida Department of Health keeps a list of approved LiveScan providers at flhealthsource.gov. In Tallahassee, you can find providers at UPS Store locations, private fingerprinting companies, law enforcement offices, and some staffing agencies. Each provider sets its own service fee, which typically runs from $10 to $30 on top of the FDLE processing fee. Bring a valid government photo ID and your employer or screening agency code when you visit.
What to Bring for Fingerprinting
Bring a current government-issued photo ID, such as a Florida driver license or a U.S. passport. If your employer or agency requires the check, bring the registration form or OCA number they gave you. Wear clean, lotion-free hands, as dirt and oils can cause fingerprint rejections. The process takes about 10 minutes. The provider gives you a receipt with a tracking number you can use to check your results online.
Common Uses for Background Checks in Tallahassee
Tallahassee employers, landlords, and volunteer groups use background checks for several standard purposes. Knowing which check fits each use case helps you avoid paying for more screening than you need.
Pre-Employment Screening
Most Tallahassee employers run some form of background check before making a hiring decision. State agencies, local government offices, private companies, and schools all use background checks as part of their hiring process. Florida law does not require a background check for every job, but many employers have internal policies that mandate screening. Level 1 checks work for general office roles, while Level 2 checks apply to positions that work with children, the elderly, or sensitive data.
Tenant Screening
Landlords in Tallahassee often screen rental applicants before signing a lease. A tenant background check pulls credit history, eviction records, and criminal history. Florida law allows landlords to run criminal checks on applicants, but they must follow the federal Fair Housing Act and the Florida Fair Credit Reporting Act. A landlord cannot reject an applicant based solely on an arrest that did not lead to a conviction. They can reject based on convictions that relate to safety or property concerns.
Caregiver and Childcare Checks
Florida requires Level 2 background checks for anyone working in licensed childcare facilities, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. The screening covers state criminal records, FBI records, and sex offender registry data. Childcare workers in Tallahassee must complete the screening before starting work and repeat it every five years. The screening agency keeps the results and shares them with the employer.
Ban-the-Box Ordinance in Tallahassee
Tallahassee adopted a ban-the-box ordinance that affects how city government agencies ask about criminal history during hiring. The rule does not change what records are public, but it limits when certain public employers can ask about past convictions.
What the Ordinance Covers
The Tallahassee ban-the-box ordinance applies to city government jobs and some city contractors. The rule delays the criminal history question until after the first interview or after a conditional job offer. This gives people with past convictions a fair chance to show their skills before their record becomes part of the hiring decision. The city cannot reject an applicant based on a criminal record alone. Each rejection must be tied to a specific job duty and consider the nature of the offense and how much time has passed.
What the Ordinance Does Not Change
The ban-the-box rule applies only to city hiring decisions. Private employers in Tallahassee can still ask about criminal history at any point in the hiring process. The ordinance also does not seal or hide criminal records. Court files, arrest records, and FDLE checks remain public under Chapter 119. The rule only affects when city government employers can use that public data in their hiring workflow.
FCRA Compliance for Florida Background Checks
The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets federal rules for how background checks work in employment, housing, and credit decisions. Florida employers who use third-party screening companies must follow FCRA rules for every check.
Employer Requirements
Employers must get written permission from the applicant before running a background check. The permission form must stand alone and cannot be part of the job application. Before taking adverse action based on a background check, the employer must send the applicant a pre-adverse action notice that includes a copy of the report and a written description of their rights. If the employer still decides to reject the applicant, they must send a final adverse action notice with the contact details of the screening company.
Consumer Rights Under FCRA
Anyone who is the subject of a background check has the right to a free copy of the report if they request it within 60 days. They can also dispute any wrong information in the report. The screening company must investigate the dispute within 30 days and correct or remove any data that cannot be verified. Failing to follow FCRA rules can expose employers to lawsuits and statutory damages.
Tallahassee Sex Offender and Warrant Searches
Florida keeps separate databases for sex offender registrations and active warrants. Both databases are public, and both can be searched online for free.
Florida Sex Offender Registry
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the sex offender registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. Search by name, city, county, or zip code. The registry shows registered sex offenders living in Tallahassee, Leon County, and across the state. Each entry includes a photo, address, offense details, and current status. The registry updates within 48 hours of any address change or status update.
Leon County Warrant Search
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office hosts a warrant search at leoncountyso.com. Enter a name to see active warrants issued by the county. The search covers bench warrants, arrest warrants, and capias warrants. Results show the charge, bond amount, and warrant status. For warrants from the City of Tallahassee, contact the Tallampa Police Department records division directly.
Fees and Processing Times for Records
Costs and turnaround times vary based on the type of record and the agency that holds it. The table below shows the current fee structure for the most common record requests in Tallahassee.
| Record Type | Agency | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court Case Search | Leon County Clerk | Free | Instant online |
| Plain Copy of Court File | Leon County Clerk | $0.15 per page | Same day in person |
| Certified Court Copy | Leon County Clerk | $1.00 per page | 1 to 3 business days |
| FDLE Level 1 Check | FDLE | $24 | 1 to 5 business days |
| LiveScan Fingerprint | FDLE Provider | $10 to $30 service fee plus state fee | 3 to 7 business days |
| Personal Record Review | FDLE | $24 | 7 to 14 business days |
| Sex Offender Search | FDLE | Free | Instant online |
| Warrant Search | Leon County Sheriff | Free | Instant online |
Leon County Courthouse Contact Details
The Leon County Courthouse is the central location for all court records in Tallahassee. Below are the official contact details for in-person and mail requests.
Leon County Clerk of Court
301 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 606-4000
Website: https://www.leonclerk.com/
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Website: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/
CCHInet: https://cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us/
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Leon County Sheriff’s Office
2825 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Phone: (850) 606-3300
Website: https://www.leoncountyso.com/
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency records
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Tallahassee City Florida background check records. These answers cover the rules, costs, and procedures most users ask about when running a check through Leon County or FDLE.
How long does an FDLE background check take?
An FDLE Level 1 background check usually takes 1 to 5 business days after the request is submitted through CCHInet. The email arrives with the report attached as a PDF. If the system finds a possible match, FDLE may take up to 14 business days to verify the record before sending the final report. Level 2 checks that include FBI data take longer, often 7 to 10 business days from the date your fingerprints were captured.
Can I run a free background check in Tallahassee?
You can search Leon County court cases for free at leonclerk.com using a person’s name and date of birth. You can also search the Florida sex offender registry and the Leon County warrant database at no cost. FDLE Level 1 checks cost $24, and Level 2 checks cost more because they require LiveScan fingerprinting and FBI processing. Free online tools that claim to run full background checks usually only show partial court data.
What shows up on a Florida background check?
A Florida background check shows arrests, charges, and case outcomes reported by law enforcement agencies and courts. The report includes the arrest date, the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, the plea or verdict, and the sentence. Sealed and expunged records do not show up. Juvenile records do not show up unless the juvenile was tried as an adult. Traffic infractions and municipal ordinance violations may also appear depending on the case.
How do I challenge wrong information on my record?
You can challenge wrong information by filing a record challenge with FDLE. Download the challenge form from the FDLE website, fill in the wrong entry, and attach proof that the data is incorrect. Send the package to the FDLE Criminal History Services office in Tallahassee. FDLE has 30 days to review the challenge. If the agency confirms the data is wrong, FDLE updates the record and sends you a corrected copy.
Does a Tallahassee arrest show up on a national background check?
A Tallahassee arrest shows up on a national background check only if the search includes FBI data. Level 2 checks pull from both the FDLE and FBI databases, so they catch Florida arrests and arrests from other states. Level 1 checks only search the FDLE database, which covers Florida arrests. If you were arrested in Tallahassee and want the record removed from a Level 2 report, you must seal or expunge the record under Florida law.
Can an employer in Tallahassee reject me for an old conviction?
Florida employers can reject applicants based on convictions that relate to the job duties, but they must consider the nature of the offense and how much time has passed. State law does not set a specific time limit. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says employers should not use a blanket policy that excludes all applicants with criminal records. Each decision must be tied to the specific job and the specific applicant. The Tallahassee ban-the-box ordinance adds extra protections for city government jobs.
Where do I get fingerprints taken in Tallahassee for a Level 2 check?
You can get fingerprints taken at any FDLE-approved LiveScan provider in the Tallahassee area. The Florida Department of Health keeps a directory of approved providers at flhealthsource.gov. Common locations include UPS Stores, private fingerprinting services, and local law enforcement offices. Bring a valid photo ID and any registration forms your employer gave you. The provider sends the prints to FDLE electronically, and the results go back to the requesting agency.