Franklin County criminal history records are official files that show arrests, charges, court actions, and final outcomes for people processed through the county court system. These records are kept by the Franklin County Clerk of Courts in Apalachicola and by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for statewide searches.
Anyone can look up these records for legal, personal, or professional reasons, and this page explains exactly how the system works in 2026.
What Franklin County Criminal History Records Include
A criminal history file in Franklin County holds several layers of data collected at each step of the justice process. The full record starts with an arrest and ends with the final court decision. Each layer carries its own facts and can be requested separately or together.
Arrest Records and Booking Data
Arrest records show the first official contact between a person and law enforcement. They list the arrest date, the agency that made the arrest, the location, and the exact charges filed at booking. Booking data also includes physical details like height, weight, and date of birth, plus a booking photo in many cases. These files are stored by the arresting agency and by the Clerk of Courts once the case enters the court system.
- Date and time of arrest
- Name of the arresting agency
- Specific charges listed at booking
- Booking number and facility
- Photograph and fingerprints taken at intake
Court Case Records and Filings
Court case records track every legal action after an arrest. They contain the charging documents filed by the state attorney, defense motions, hearing dates, plea deals, and trial transcripts. Each filing receives a unique case number that stays with the file forever. Franklin County court records also include any bench warrants, capias orders, or writs issued during the case.
Disposition and Sentencing Records
Disposition records show the final outcome of a case. This can be a conviction, a dismissal, a not guilty verdict, a deferred adjudication, or a nolle prosequi. Sentencing records add details on fines paid, jail or prison time, probation terms, and any court-ordered programs. These files matter most for background checks because they show the actual legal result, not just the original charge.
How to Request Franklin County Criminal History
Three main methods exist to get criminal history records in Franklin County. The best method depends on how fast you need the records, how old the case is, and whether you need a certified copy.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
Walk-in requests work well for people who need records the same day or want help from staff. The Clerk of Courts office sits at 33 Market Street, Suite 203, in Apalachicola. Public terminals inside the office let visitors search by name, case number, or date range. Staff can pull older paper files that have not been scanned into the digital system.
| Office Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Franklin County Clerk of Courts |
| Street Address | 33 Market Street, Suite 203 |
| City and Zip Code | Apalachicola, FL 32320 |
| Phone Number | (850) 653-8861 |
| Public Service Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | www.franklinclerk.com |
Online Search Methods
The Clerk of Courts website gives public access to many case files through a searchable portal. Users enter a last name and first name to pull up matching cases. The portal covers most records filed after 1990, including civil, criminal, traffic, and probate cases. A small subscription fee unlocks full document images and bulk search features for frequent users.
Florida criminal history records online searches also reach the FDLE public portal at fdle.state.fl.us, which covers all 67 counties in one search. FDLE results show arrest data from across the state, not just Franklin County. Many employers and licensing boards require an FDLE search for this broader coverage.
Written or Mail Requests
Mail requests work for people who live outside Franklin County or cannot visit in person. The request should include the full name of the person, date of birth, the specific records needed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment by check or money order covers the copy fees. Turnaround time for mail requests runs about 5 to 10 business days in 2026.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the central database that stores arrest and disposition data from every Florida county. The FDLE database powers most background checks done for employment, licensing, and immigration purposes across the state.
FDLE Online Background Checks
The FDLE offers a public background check service through its Civil Workflow System. Users create an account, enter the subject’s name and date of birth, and pay the search fee. Results arrive by email within minutes for most searches. Each search costs a set fee per name, and the results show arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by Florida law enforcement agencies.
Certified Criminal History Reports
FDLE certified criminal history reports carry an official seal and meet legal requirements for court submissions, immigration filings, and out-of-state background checks. Applicants must submit fingerprints to an approved Livescan vendor. The vendor sends the prints electronically to FDLE, which returns the certified report by mail or through a secure online portal.
Fingerprint-Based Checks
Florida criminal history fingerprint check submissions go through Livescan locations operated by local law enforcement or private vendors. The electronic prints reach FDLE in seconds and produce a more accurate match than name-based searches. Fingerprint checks reduce errors caused by common names and identity confusion, which makes them the standard for sensitive positions.
Florida Criminal History Record Challenge Process
Records sometimes contain errors. A wrong charge, an outdated disposition, or a duplicate entry can hurt a person’s job chances, housing applications, or professional licenses. Florida law gives every person the right to challenge incorrect entries on their own criminal history record.
Who Can Challenge a Record
Any person listed on a criminal history record can file a challenge. The person must have a direct interest in the record and must show that the entry is inaccurate or incomplete. A lawyer can file the challenge on behalf of a client with proper written authorization. Government agencies and employers cannot challenge someone else’s record.
Steps to File a Challenge
The challenge process starts with a written request to the agency that holds the record. For FDLE records, the request goes to the Criminal Justice Information Services office. For court records, the challenge goes to the Franklin County Clerk of Courts. The request should list the specific items in question and attach proof that supports the correction.
- Obtain a copy of the current record through FDLE or the Clerk
- Identify the specific entries that need correction
- Gather supporting documents like court orders or dismissal papers
- Submit a written challenge to the holding agency
- Wait for written confirmation of the review outcome
Timeline and Resolution
FDLE aims to complete a record review within 30 days of receiving a valid challenge. The Franklin County Clerk typically resolves simple corrections within 14 business days. If the agency denies the challenge, the person can appeal through the Florida Department of Legal Affairs or file a petition in circuit court for a final ruling.
Sealing and Expungement in Franklin County
Florida law allows certain people to seal or expunge their criminal records under specific conditions. Sealing hides a record from public view but keeps it in the system. Expungement destroys the record except for a single confidential copy kept by FDLE.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the final outcome, and the waiting period. Most people qualify if their case ended in a dismissal, an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a successful completion of a diversion program. People convicted of serious felonies, sex offenses, or crimes against children cannot seal or expunge their records under Florida Statute 943.0585 and 943.059.
The Application Process
The process starts with a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The applicant submits fingerprints and the application fee. FDLE reviews the request and either issues the certificate or sends a denial letter with the reason. With a certificate in hand, the applicant files a petition with the Franklin County Clerk of Courts and pays the court filing fee. A judge holds a hearing and signs a final order.
Differences Between Sealing and Expungement
Sealed records stay in the system but become invisible to the public, employers, and most background check companies. Expunged records are physically destroyed, leaving only one FDLE copy for use by criminal justice agencies. A person can only receive one expungement in a lifetime but can have multiple sealed records under Florida law.
Background Checks for Employment and Licensing
Florida employers, landlords, and licensing boards use criminal history data for many decisions. The rules around how this data can be used keep changing, and both the requester and the subject have clear legal rights.
Employer Use of Criminal History
Florida employers can request criminal history for most positions, but they must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Florida Civil Rights Act. Employers must give written notice before running a background check and must provide a copy of the report if they plan to take adverse action. The 2026 updates to Florida law require a waiting period before re-running checks on existing employees.
Fingerprint Checks for Vulnerable Populations
Florida Statute 943 requires fingerprint-based criminal history checks for people who work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. This includes teachers, healthcare workers, daycare staff, and nursing home employees. A Level 2 background check under Florida law includes both state and FBI records, which gives employers the most complete picture possible.
Fair Credit Reporting Act Compliance
Background check companies that sell reports to employers must follow the FCRA. The report must be accurate, current, and complete. Consumers have the right to dispute any errors in the report, and the reporting agency must investigate within 30 days. Failure to follow these rules opens the agency to lawsuits and federal fines.
Fees, Copies, and Certified Records
Costs vary based on the type of record, the method of request, and whether the copy needs certification. Knowing the fees ahead of time helps avoid surprises at the counter or in the mail.
Standard Copy Fees
Standard photocopies from the Franklin County Clerk cost a set fee per page. Printed search results from the public terminal cost less than certified copies. Online portal users pay a subscription fee that covers a set number of document views or downloads each month.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies cost more than standard copies because the Clerk adds an official seal and signature. A certified criminal history record from FDLE carries a higher fee because it requires fingerprint submission and a more detailed review. Courts, government agencies, and most employers require certified copies for official use.
Apostille and Authentication
Records used in another country may need an apostille from the Florida Secretary of State or authentication through the U.S. Department of State. An apostille confirms the signature and seal on the document are real. The process adds processing time, so plan ahead for international filings like immigration applications or foreign job placements.
Florida Criminal History Dissemination Policy
Florida’s Criminal History Dissemination Policy controls who can receive criminal history data and how that data can be used. The policy aims to balance public safety with the right of people with old or minor offenses to move forward with their lives.
Who Can Access Records
Criminal history records are open to the public under Florida Statute Chapter 119, with limits for sealed, expunged, and juvenile records. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain government offices get full access for official business. Private citizens, employers, and landlords can request records for legitimate purposes, but the records cannot be sold or shared with people who have no legal reason to see them.
Permissible Uses
Florida law lists acceptable reasons to request criminal history data. These include employment screening, licensing applications, housing decisions, volunteer work with vulnerable groups, and personal background checks. The requester must state the purpose of the search, and the holding agency can refuse a request that does not fit a lawful purpose.
Penalties for Misuse
Misusing criminal history data carries real penalties. A person who uses a record to harass, blackmail, or illegally discriminate against someone can face civil lawsuits and criminal charges. Background check companies that fail to protect personal data face fines under the FCRA and the Florida Information Protection Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
People searching for Franklin County criminal history often have the same core questions. The answers below cover the most common points raised by residents, employers, and legal professionals in 2026. Each answer pulls from current Florida law and current Clerk of Courts procedures.
How long does it take to get a Franklin County criminal history record?
In-person requests at the Clerk of Courts office produce same-day results for most names. FDLE online background checks return results by email within minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, while certified requests that need fingerprinting take 3 to 5 business days after the prints reach the FDLE processing center.
Can I see my own criminal history record for free?
Florida law lets any person review their own criminal history through the FDLE Personal Review process. The first review each year is free if the request comes through an approved Livescan location. Additional reviews in the same year carry a small fee. The review shows the same data an employer would see on a standard background check.
What shows up on a Florida criminal history search?
A standard Florida search shows arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies. Convictions, dismissals, deferred adjudications, and pending cases all appear. Sealed and expunged records do not appear, and juvenile records stay confidential unless the case was transferred to adult court.
How do I seal a misdemeanor charge in Franklin County?
Start by getting a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE after the case closes and any required waiting period passes. File the petition with the Franklin County Clerk of Courts, pay the filing fee, and attend the court hearing. A judge will decide whether to grant the sealing based on the facts of the case and your full record.
Are out-of-state convictions visible on a Florida background check?
Florida searches only show records reported to FDLE by Florida agencies. Out-of-state convictions will not appear unless the person was also arrested in Florida for the same conduct. A federal background check through the FBI shows convictions from other states, and many employers run both checks together for a full picture.
What is the difference between a criminal record and a criminal history record?
A criminal record refers to the court file in the county where the case was heard. A criminal history record refers to the statewide database that tracks arrests and dispositions across all counties. Employers usually run criminal history searches, while lawyers and courts work with the local criminal record files for case details.
Can I remove a dismissed charge from my record without expungement?
Dismissed charges still appear on a standard background check, but you can challenge the record for accuracy or apply for expungement. Some dismissed charges qualify for automatic sealing under the 2023 Florida clean slate law, and FDLE has been processing those automatic sealings since the law took full effect in 2024. Check the FDLE portal to see if your record was sealed automatically.