: How to Find Official Florida Records
Polk County criminal history records show arrests, charges, court cases, and final outcomes for people processed through the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. These records are kept by the Polk County Clerk of Court in Bartow and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Anyone can look up criminal history in Polk County for personal, employment, legal, or rental screening reasons. This page explains exactly how the system works, what records exist, how to request them, and what laws control who can see what.
What Polk County Criminal History Records Include
A Polk County criminal history record is a full timeline of someone’s contact with the local justice system. It starts with an arrest and ends with a final court ruling or sentence. The record shows every step the law took against a person within Polk County limits.
Arrest Records and Booking Information
Arrest records list the date a person was taken into custody, the agency that made the arrest, and the crime they were charged with. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Haines City, and Lake Wales all submit arrest data to the county clerk. Each arrest record includes the booking number, fingerprints, and the formal charges filed by the State Attorney’s Office for the Tenth Judicial Circuit.
Court Case Files and Filings
Court case files contain every paper filed in a criminal case. You will find the charging document, motions from attorneys, hearing transcripts, evidence lists, plea agreements, and final judgments. The Polk County Clerk of Court stores these files in paper and digital formats. Older cases from before 1990 may sit on microfilm in the Bartow courthouse archive.
Final Dispositions and Sentences
A disposition is the official result of a criminal charge. Common dispositions include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, deferred, or adjudication withheld. Sentences may include jail time, probation, fines, or community service. The State Attorney’s Office and the court clerk both record these outcomes so they show up on any official record check.
Active Warrants and Bond Status
Active warrants are court orders for arrest that have not been served. Bond status shows whether a person has been released while waiting for trial. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office maintains a current warrant list. You can call (863) 534-4000 or check the sheriff’s online database to see active warrants in real time.
The Polk County Clerk of Court Records System
The Clerk of Court is the main record holder for every criminal case in Polk County. The clerk runs the Tenth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Hardee and Highlands counties. All court documents, judgments, and case files pass through this office before they become public record.
Office Location and Business Hours
The Polk County Clerk of Court main office sits at 255 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on state and federal holidays. The clerk’s office also runs satellite locations in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City for in-person filings and record requests. Free parking is available at the Bartow courthouse for anyone doing records research.
| Polk County Clerk Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Office Address | 255 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 |
| Main Phone | (863) 534-4000 |
| Official Website | polkcountyclerk.net |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Satellite Courthouses | Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City |
Online Public Records Portal
The clerk’s online portal lets you search court cases by name, case number, or citation number. You can view case summaries, hearing dates, and charge details for free. To get a printed copy of any document, you pay a fee per page through the portal with a credit or debit card. Certified copies cost extra and require a separate request.
In-Person Records Request
Walk-in requests are the fastest way to get same-day records. Bring a valid photo ID, the full legal name of the person you are researching, and a date of birth if you have it. Staff at the clerk’s public service window will pull the case file and let you view it on a computer terminal. You can print copies on the spot for a small fee per page.
Mail-In Request Process
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit Bartow in person. Send a written request with the subject’s full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process. The clerk mails the records back to you in the envelope you included.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Statewide Search
FDLE runs the central criminal history database for the entire state of Florida. This database pulls records from all 67 counties, including Polk County. It also includes data from Florida state prisons, county jails, and the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC). Statewide searches are the best choice for employers, licensing boards, and adoption agencies.
Name-Based Criminal History Check
A name-based check costs $24 plus a $1 Florida Instant Search fee through the FDLE online portal. Results arrive in seconds for most searches. The report shows every felony and misdemeanor conviction on file, including sealed records that law enforcement still sees. Juvenile records do not show up on a name-based check unless the person was tried as an adult.
Certified Criminal History Records
Certified records carry the official FDLE seal and are accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. You can order them through the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The fee is $24 for each check, and processing takes 5 to 7 business days. Electronic certified records are valid for most uses. Some agencies still require a paper copy with a raised seal.
Fingerprint-Based Background Check
Fingerprint checks are required for jobs working with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. You must visit a Florida Livescan location to have your prints taken electronically. FDLE sends the results to the requesting agency within 24 to 72 hours. The fee is $42.75 for a state and national check combined, paid at the Livescan site.
Livescan Locations in Polk County
Polk County has several Livescan fingerprinting sites in Bartow, Lakeland, and Winter Haven. You can book an appointment through the FDLE approved vendor list at fdle.state.fl.us. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations but may face a wait. Bring a valid photo ID and the ORI number from the agency that requested your background check.
Processing Times and Fees Summary
The table below shows the three main FDLE check types, their costs, and how long each one takes. Most users pay the name-based fee for simple record checks. Employers and government agencies usually require the certified or fingerprint version.
| Check Type | Fee | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Name Search | $24 + $1 fee | Same day | Personal review |
| Certified Record | $24 | 5 to 7 business days | Court and licensing use |
| Fingerprint Check | $42.75 | 1 to 3 business days | Vulnerable population jobs |
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida has strong public records laws. Most criminal history records are open to anyone who asks. Florida Statute Chapter 119 sets the main rules. Florida Statute 943.053 controls how criminal history information gets shared with the public.
Florida Statute 943.053 Explained
Section 943.053 gives FDLE the job of keeping the state’s criminal history database. It also says who can get copies and what gets redacted. The full text of the law lives on the Florida Legislature website at leg.state.fl.us. Anyone can read the statute to learn exactly what the state must disclose and what it must keep private.
What Information Is Public
The public can see arrest dates, charge descriptions, court rulings, sentences, and probation status. Civil traffic infractions are also public. Sex offender registration is public and searchable on the FDLE website. Conviction records stay public forever unless a court orders them sealed or expunged.
What Information Is Restricted
Some information stays private under Florida law. These include:
- Sealed or expunged records under Florida Statute 943.059
- Juvenile records, except for crimes charged as adult offenses
- Personal identifiers like Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers
- Mental health records tied to criminal cases
- Victim identity information in sex crime cases
Expunged and Sealed Records
Sealed records stay in the FDLE database but cannot be shown to the public. Law enforcement and courts can still see them. Expunged records are physically destroyed by FDLE, though a shadow file remains for limited law enforcement use. To get a record sealed or expunged, you must file a petition with the court in the county where the case ended. Polk County residents file in the Bartow courthouse.
How to Request Official Polk County Criminal History
A formal request gives you a stamped record you can use in court or for employment. The clerk and FDLE both offer formal request channels. Pick the one that matches your purpose.
Information Required for a Request
You must give identifying details so the clerk can pull the right file. The better the details, the faster the search. Required and helpful items include:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Race and sex (optional but speeds up search)
- Known case numbers
- Date range of suspected activity
- Last known address in Polk County
Identification Requirements
For in-person requests, you must show a valid photo ID. Florida driver’s license, state ID, passport, and military ID all work. Out-of-state requesters must show a government-issued photo ID plus a second form of identification. Mail requests need a photocopy of your ID attached to the request letter.
Request Form and Submission Steps
FDLE uses the form CHRS-1 for criminal history requests. You can download it from the FDLE website. Fill out all sections, sign the form, and choose your delivery method. Submit the form online through CCHInet for fastest service. Mail the printed form to FDLE in Tallahassee for paper delivery. The clerk’s office has its own request form for local records only.
Payment Methods and Current Fees
The Polk County Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person requests. Online portal payments run through a secure processor with a small convenience fee. FDLE charges $24 per name-based search and accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. All fees are non-refundable even if the search finds no record.
Limitations of Florida Criminal History Searches
No single criminal history search covers every case. Florida records have blind spots. You must know these limits before you rely on a record for legal or hiring decisions.
Out-of-State Records
FDLE records only show Florida activity. An arrest in Georgia or Texas will not appear on a Florida search. People who lived in multiple states need a national background check. The FBI runs the national Identity History Summary through its channeler network. Each state also runs its own FBI-routed checks for legal use.
Federal Criminal Records
Federal crimes prosecuted in U.S. District Court do not show up in FDLE records. These go straight to the FBI’s federal database. To see federal charges, you must request records from the federal court where the case sat. The Middle District of Florida in Tampa handles federal cases from Polk County.
Pending Cases and Recent Arrests
Records may lag behind real events. An arrest that happened last week may not yet appear in the FDLE database. Court cases with no final disposition also show as pending. The clerk’s portal shows real-time court data, but statewide databases may take 30 to 90 days to update after a final judgment.
Juvenile Records and Sealed Files
Juvenile records stay sealed unless the case was transferred to adult court. Sealed records cannot be released without a court order. If you are running a pre-employment check and the person has a sealed record, the FDLE check will show “no record found.” This is exactly what the law requires.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting Records
Many people lose time or money on record requests because they skip basic steps. Use these tips to avoid common errors.
Spelling and Name Variations
Names spelled differently across systems can hide records. Search every variation of the name you know, including maiden names, aliases, and nickname shortenings. The clerk’s portal searches partial matches, so look for any close result and verify the date of birth.
Using the Wrong Authority
Local clerk records cover only Polk County. Statewide checks go through FDLE. Federal cases go through the FBI. National background checks require a separate vendor. Pick the right agency for the record you need or you will get incomplete results.
Ignoring Disposition Records
An arrest is not a conviction. A good record search shows final dispositions. Someone may have been arrested and then acquitted. The full record shows both events. Always read the disposition line before drawing a conclusion.
Polk County Criminal History Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover what real users ask about Polk County criminal history records. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and current FDLE and Clerk of Court practice. Use this section to check your specific situation before you file a request.
How do I get my own criminal history record in Polk County?
You can request your own record through FDLE’s online portal or by mail. The name-based check costs $24 and runs instantly online. A certified record costs the same but takes 5 to 7 business days. You can also walk into the Polk County Clerk of Court at 255 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 and ask for a local records search. Bring a photo ID and your full legal name. Self-requests are common before applying for jobs that require background checks.
Are Polk County arrest records the same as convictions?
No. An arrest record shows the arrest event. A conviction record shows a court verdict of guilty. The State Attorney’s Office may drop charges, decline prosecution, or offer a diversion program. A full record shows both the arrest and the final outcome. Always check the disposition line before assuming a criminal record means a conviction.
Can I search for free in Polk County?
Yes. The Polk County Clerk’s online portal lets you view case summaries for free. You pay only for printed copies or certified records. FDLE charges $24 for the name-based search plus a $1 instant search fee. Local police agencies also post daily arrest logs on their websites at no cost.
How long does FDLE take to process a request?
Online name-based searches return results in seconds. Mail-in requests take 5 to 7 business days. Fingerprint checks at Livescan sites take 1 to 3 business days. Federal background checks routed through the FBI take 1 to 3 weeks. Plan ahead if you need a record for a job start date or court deadline.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history check?
A Florida check shows arrests, charges, dispositions, sentences, and probation status from any of Florida’s 67 counties. It will not show federal crimes, out-of-state crimes, sealed records, or expunged records. Juvenile offenses tried in adult court do show up. Juvenile offenses handled in juvenile court do not.
Can someone get my criminal record without telling me?
Yes. Florida is a public records state. Any member of the public can search your record by name. Employers, landlords, volunteer groups, and even neighbors can legally request your criminal history. There is no legal requirement to notify you before a search. You can only control access by sealing or expunging your record through the court.
How do I seal or expunge a Polk County criminal record?
File a petition with the Polk County Clerk of Court in Bartow. You must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The certificate confirms you qualify under Florida Statute 943.059. Once you have the certificate, your attorney files the petition with the court. The judge reviews the case and issues an order. FDLE then seals or expunges the record in the state database.
Do I need a lawyer to order a Florida criminal record?
No lawyer is required for a personal record request. You can order an FDLE check online in minutes. For court-ordered sealing or expungement, most people hire a lawyer because the process is technical. The clerk’s office cannot give legal advice but can help you fill out forms for accessing records.
Polk County, Florida residents and record seekers can contact the Polk County Clerk of Court at (863) 534-4000 or visit 255 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For statewide searches, call FDLE at (850) 410-7000 or use the online portal at fdle.state.fl.us. The CCHInet portal for certified records is at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us.