Union County Florida background check records include criminal court files, arrest logs, conviction data, and statewide criminal history reports. The Union County Clerk of Court in Lake Butler holds all local court records for this small North Florida county.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) handles statewide criminal history checks through its CCHInet system. Together these two sources give you full access to criminal, civil, and traffic records for any person in Union County.
Union County Clerk of Court Office
The Union County Clerk of Court is the main place for local court records in this county. The office files criminal cases, civil suits, family law matters, probate actions, and traffic citations. Every legal case that passes through the Union County courthouse leaves a paper trail stored at the clerk’s office. Local background check records start here for anyone doing a Union County Florida background check.
Clerk Office Location and Hours
The Union County Clerk of Court sits at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, Florida 32054. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The clerk closes for state and federal holidays. You can call the office at (386) 496-3711 to ask about record searches, copy fees, or to confirm office hours before you visit.
Current Clerk of Court
Kellie Hendricks Rhoades serves as the Union County Clerk of Court. Her office manages all court records, official documents, and public records requests for the county. The clerk’s official website at unionclerk.com lists basic office services and contact methods. The small staff handles record requests for criminal, civil, family, and probate cases on a walk-in basis.
Why Union County Records Matter
Union County is one of the smallest counties in Florida by population, with about 16,000 residents. Even small counties keep full court records. Criminal cases, civil judgments, and marriage licenses from Union County stay on file at the clerk’s office. A background check that only uses online databases may miss Union County cases if the records have not been digitized yet. Visiting the clerk or requesting files by mail ensures complete results.
How to Search Records in Union County
You can search Union County court records through three main channels: the clerk’s office in Lake Butler, the FDLE CCHInet portal, and the MyFloridaCounty official records site. Each channel covers a different type of record. A full Florida background check uses all three channels to get complete results. Below are the steps for each method.
Searching the Clerk of Court in Lake Butler
Walk into the Union County Courthouse at 55 West Main Street in Lake Butler. Bring a valid photo ID and the full legal name of the person you want to search. Tell the clerk’s staff which type of record you need, such as criminal case files, civil judgments, or marriage records. The clerk will search the local database and print the results on the spot. Most in-person searches finish within 15 to 30 minutes for simple name lookups.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
FDLE runs the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system for the whole state. The CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us lets you submit a name-based criminal history search for any Florida resident. The fee is $24 per search, paid by credit or debit card. Results come back by email, usually within one business day. This is a Level 1 background check under Florida law and covers arrests, charges, and court dispositions from every Florida county.
Official Records on MyFloridaCounty
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal at myfloridacounty.com hosts recorded documents from county recorders across Florida. Union County liens, deeds, mortgages, and judgments appear in this system. Search by name or document type. Most official records searches are free to view, but certified copies cost extra. Official recorded documents add depth to a Union County Florida background check by showing property liens and civil court rulings.
Florida Background Check Cost
Background check costs in Florida depend on the type of search. Statewide name-based checks through FDLE cost $24 per search. LiveScan fingerprint checks cost more because they include FBI national database fees and vendor charges. Local clerk copy fees are separate and vary by document type. Below is a full cost breakdown for Union County Florida background check records.
FDLE Name-Based Check Fees
FDLE charges $24 for a name-based criminal history search through CCHInet. The fee is the same in all 67 Florida counties. You get a statewide report covering arrests, charges, and dispositions from every Florida county. Payment is by credit or debit card. There is no refund for searches that return no results, so double-check the spelling of names before you submit.
Union County Copy and Certification Fees
The Union County Clerk charges standard Florida copy fees for paper records. Plain paper copies run $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per certification. These fees cover criminal, civil, family, and probate records. Bring cash, check, or money order when visiting the Lake Butler courthouse. Card acceptance varies, so check with the clerk ahead of time.
LiveScan Fingerprint Check Fees
LiveScan fingerprint checks for Level 2 background screening cost between $50 and $80, depending on the vendor. The fingerprint fee covers the state FDLE check and the FBI national check. Florida requires LiveScan for jobs in healthcare, child care, elderly care, and other positions of trust. The nearest LiveScan site to Union County is in Alachua or Columbia County, since Union County does not have a permanent fingerprinting office.
Florida Background Check Levels
Florida law splits background checks into two levels under Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes. Each level serves a different purpose and uses different data sources. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right check for your needs. Both levels are part of a complete Union County Florida background check for employment, volunteering, or personal reasons.
Level 1 Name-Based Background Check
A Level 1 background check is a name-based search of Florida criminal history records. FDLE runs the search through its CCHInet portal. The check covers arrests, charges, convictions, and case dispositions across all Florida counties. Level 1 checks cost $24 and return results within one business day. Most employers, landlords, and personal searches use Level 1 as the standard option.
Level 2 Fingerprint Background Check
A Level 2 background check requires live-scan fingerprinting. The fingerprints go to FDLE and the FBI for a national criminal history search. Level 2 checks cost $50 to $80 and take 3 to 5 business days. Florida requires Level 2 checks for jobs that involve children, the elderly, people with disabilities, or sensitive financial positions. Chapter 435 lists the exact job categories that require Level 2 screening.
Who Needs Each Background Check Level
Most private employers and landlords accept a Level 1 check. Schools, daycares, hospitals, nursing homes, and government agencies require Level 2 checks. Volunteer organizations that work with vulnerable groups may also require Level 2 screening under Florida law. Self-background checks and informal searches only need Level 1. A complete Union County Florida background check plan uses both levels based on the purpose of the search.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida’s Public Records Act, Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes, gives every person the right to access government records. The law applies to Union County and all 67 Florida counties. State and local government agencies must release public records upon request. The law covers criminal history records, court files, arrest logs, and many other government documents.
Who Can Request Public Records
Any person can request public records in Florida. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to give a reason for the request. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. The clerk’s office must release public records within a reasonable time. Florida law treats public records access as a basic right, not a privilege.
Records You Cannot Access
Some records are sealed or expunged by court order and are not available through public records requests. Juvenile criminal records are confidential in most cases. Active criminal intelligence files and certain victim information are also restricted. Medical records, Social Security numbers, and certain personal identifiers are redacted before records are released to protect privacy under Florida law.
Disputes Over Public Records
If a government agency refuses a records request, you can contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Open Government. The Attorney General mediates public records disputes and issues legal opinions on records access. You can also file a lawsuit in Florida circuit court to enforce your right to access public records. Attorney fees may be awarded to the requester who wins the case.
Volunteer and Employment Screening
Florida law requires background checks for many jobs and volunteer roles. Chapter 435 sets the screening standards for employment positions that involve trust. Chapter 943 creates the VECHS program for volunteer groups that work with vulnerable populations. Both chapters apply to Union County employers and volunteer organizations.
Employment Background Check Requirements
Florida employers in healthcare, child care, education, financial services, and government must screen new hires under Chapter 435. The screening must include a Level 2 fingerprint check and a review of criminal history. Employers cannot hire people who have certain disqualifying criminal convictions. The disqualifying offenses list is set by Florida law and covers crimes like murder, sexual assault, and major fraud.
Volunteer Background Check Programs
The VECHS program lets qualified organizations run background checks on volunteers who work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Schools, sports leagues, faith groups, and youth organizations often use VECHS. The program requires registration with FDLE. Volunteers must submit fingerprints and pay the screening fee. VECHS results return within 3 to 5 business days.
Florida Sex Offender Registry
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the state sex offender registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The registry lists all registered sex offenders in Florida, including those living in Union County. Searches are free and do not require an account. You can search by name, address, or zip code. The registry updates within three business days of any address change.
The sex offender registry is a public safety tool, not a full background check. It only lists people convicted of specific sex offenses. A registered sex offender may still have other criminal records not shown on the registry. For a complete Union County Florida background check, use the FDLE sex offender registry alongside the CCHInet criminal history search.
Florida Warrants Search
Active arrest warrants in Union County are filed with the Union County Clerk of Court and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. You can call the sheriff’s office at (386) 496-2999 to ask about active warrants. Warrants for other Florida counties appear in the FDLE warrant database. Warrants are public records in Florida unless sealed by court order.
A warrant search is different from a criminal history check. Warrants show open arrest orders. Criminal history shows past arrests, charges, and convictions. A full Union County Florida background check should include both. Local sheriff offices can confirm active warrants by name and date of birth over the phone.
Disposition Records in Union County
Criminal case dispositions show the final outcome of a criminal case. Dispositions include convictions, acquittals, dismissals, and deferred adjudications. Florida criminal history records from FDLE include disposition data when courts report it to the state. Union County court records at the clerk’s office also show dispositions for every case filed in the county.
Disposition records matter for employment background checks. Many employers need to know if a person was convicted, even if the charge was reduced. A dismissal without conviction looks different from a guilty plea in a background report. Florida law requires courts to submit case outcomes to FDLE within specific timeframes to keep the CCH database accurate.
Florida Expungement Records
Florida law allows certain criminal records to be expunged or sealed. Expunged records are physically destroyed. Sealed records remain on file but are not available to the public. People who qualify under Florida Statute Section 943.0585 can petition the court for expungement after completing their sentence and waiting period.
Expunged Union County records do not show up on a standard background check. FDLE removes expunged records from the CCH database. The clerk’s office seals the court records. Only certain government agencies can see expunged records for law enforcement or licensing purposes. A standard Union County Florida background check will not reveal expunged criminal history.
FDLE Civil Workflow
FDLE processes both criminal and civil background checks under Chapter 943. The civil workflow handles background checks for non-criminal justice purposes. Employment, volunteer screening, licensing, and immigration are common civil workflow requests. Civil checks run through CCHInet or LiveScan depending on the screening level required.
Civil workflow checks have longer turnaround times during peak periods. FDLE averages 1 to 3 business days for name-based civil checks and 3 to 5 business days for LiveScan civil checks. Union County employers and volunteer groups submit civil checks through the FDLE portal. Results return by email or through the requesting agency.
Florida Mugshots and Public Records
Florida mugshots are public records under Chapter 119. Arrest photos taken at the time of booking become public records once the case closes or the arrest becomes part of the public court file. Mugshots appear in arrest logs posted by local sheriff’s offices. Many third-party websites copy mugshots from public sources and post them online.
Mugshots alone do not prove guilt or conviction. A mugshot only shows that the person was arrested. The final court outcome may be dismissal, acquittal, or conviction. Use mugshots as one piece of a Union County Florida background check, not as the final answer. Court disposition records give the true legal outcome of any criminal case.
Certified Background Checks
A certified background check is an official document with a raised seal or stamp that proves the report is authentic. Courts, government agencies, and some employers require certified background checks for legal use. The Union County Clerk can certify criminal court records with the clerk’s official seal. FDLE can certify statewide criminal history reports for legal proceedings.
Certified copies from the Union County Clerk cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. FDLE certified reports cost extra and require a written request with proof of identity. Plan extra time for certified documents because they take longer to process. Certified background checks carry legal weight in court cases and government applications.
Free Florida Criminal Records Search
Free Florida criminal record searches are limited but available. The FDLE public sex offender registry is free. The MyFloridaCounty official records portal offers free searches of recorded documents. County clerk websites offer free case searches where the records have been digitized. Union County’s online case search options are limited due to the county’s small size.
Free searches do not replace official background checks for legal or employment use. Free sites often miss recent records, sealed cases, or out-of-state criminal records. Use free searches for personal lookups only. For official Union County Florida background check records needed for court or employment, use FDLE CCHInet or visit the Union County Clerk’s office.
Florida Background Check Forms
Florida background check forms are available from FDLE and individual employers. The FDLE background check consent form is required for employment-related criminal history requests. Volunteer organizations use the VECHS volunteer screening forms. LiveScan fingerprint cards come from approved LiveScan vendors.
Union County employers and volunteer groups provide the specific forms needed for each background check type. The forms ask for personal identification data, consent for the search, and fingerprint data for Level 2 checks. Submit incomplete forms cause delays. Always check the form requirements before sending a background check request to FDLE.
Union County Courthouse Contact
The Union County Clerk of Court office handles all local background check requests. Visit or contact the office using the details below for in-person and mail requests for criminal, civil, and official documents.
- Office: Union County Clerk of Court
- Address: 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054
- Phone: (386) 496-3711
- Website: unionclerk.com
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns about Union County Florida background check records. Each answer explains a key part of the process, the fees, and the legal rules. Use these answers to plan your background check request through the Union County Clerk or FDLE.
How long does a Union County background check take?
An FDLE name-based background check takes about 1 business day through CCHInet. A Union County clerk search at the Lake Butler office finishes in 15 to 30 minutes for walk-in requests. A Level 2 LiveScan fingerprint check takes 3 to 5 business days through FDLE and the FBI. Mailing a written request to the Union County Clerk adds 5 to 10 business days for delivery and processing.
Can I run a Florida background check on myself?
Yes, any person can request their own Florida criminal history record under Chapter 943. Use the CCHInet portal at FDLE for a name-based self-check at $24 per search. LiveScan fingerprint self-checks cost more and require a vendor visit. Self-checks help people review their records before applying for jobs or licenses.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history check?
A Florida criminal history check shows arrests, charges, court dispositions, sentences, and custody data reported to FDLE. The report covers every Florida county, including Union County. The check does not show expunged or sealed records. Out-of-state arrests do not appear unless reported to FDLE by another state’s criminal history system.
Are Florida mugshots public records?
Yes, Florida arrest mugshots are public under state public records law once the case reaches a public stage. Sheriff’s offices post recent arrest logs online. Union County arrest records are available through the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Third-party mugshot websites copy public records but do not always have complete or current photos.
Can employers in Florida use third-party background check services?
Yes, Florida employers use third-party background check companies that pull data from FDLE, courts, and other sources. Third-party checks often include credit reports, driving records, and education verification. The employer must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when using third-party background check services.
What disqualifies someone from employment under Florida law?
Florida law lists disqualifying offenses under Section 435.04 for jobs that require Level 2 screening. Murder, sexual offenses, kidnapping, arson, assault, major drug offenses, and fraud are common disqualifying crimes. The list depends on the job category. Union County employers must check the law before hiring for sensitive positions.
How do I seal or expunge a Florida criminal record?
Florida law allows sealing or expungement under Section 943.0585 for people who qualify. File a petition with the clerk of court in the county where the case was decided. Union County residents file sealing petitions at the Union County Clerk’s office in Lake Butler. A judge reviews the petition and decides based on the case facts and waiting period.