Okaloosa County criminal history records contain arrest data, court filings, and final case outcomes for every person charged with a crime inside county lines. The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court in Crestview keeps these files as the official record keeper.
Florida state law (Statute 943.053) requires the Clerk to keep criminal history data open to the public. This page explains how to search these records, how to request a certified copy, what the FDLE statewide check covers, and what fees apply in 2026.
What Is an Okaloosa County Criminal History Record
A criminal history record in Okaloosa County is a written log of a person’s contact with the local criminal justice system. It shows the arrest, the charges filed, the court actions, and the final outcome. These records cover both misdemeanor and felony cases handled by the First Judicial Circuit Court. The Clerk of Court stores them in paper and electronic form at the main courthouse in Crestview.
What Each Record Contains
Each file holds six core data points that anyone can request. Knowing these points helps you read the record and verify the details.
- The arrest date and the agency that made the arrest
- The charges filed by the State Attorney
- The case number assigned by the Clerk
- Court hearings, motions, and trial dates
- The final disposition (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or deferred)
- Any sentence handed down, including fines, probation, or jail time
Who Maintains These Records
The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court acts as the main custodian for local criminal records. The Clerk works with the Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and the local courts to update each file. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also keeps a statewide copy of every arrest and disposition through its Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system.
How to Search Okaloosa County Criminal Records Online
The fastest way to look up a record is through the Clerk’s online portal. The portal is open 24 hours a day and is free to search. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The site is run by the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court at okaloosaclerk.com.
Step-by-Step Search Process
Follow these steps to run a search from your computer or phone. Each step takes less than a minute to complete.
- Go to the official Clerk website at okaloosaclerk.com
- Click the “Court Records” or “Public Records Search” link on the main page
- Type the full legal name of the person, including first, middle, and last name
- Add a date of birth if you know it to narrow the results
- Press “Search” and review the list of matching cases
- Click on a case to see charges, hearings, and final outcomes
What the Online Search Shows
The online search shows basic case data for free. You can see the charges, court dates, and final disposition. Printed copies of the online summary cost one dollar per page. A certified copy with the Clerk’s seal costs more and is required for legal or employment use.
How to Request a Certified Criminal History in Okaloosa County
A certified record carries the Clerk’s official seal and is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. You can request one in person, by mail, or online. Processing time ranges from the same day for in-person visits to five business days for mail requests.
In-Person Request at the Clerk’s Office
Visit the main courthouse at 101 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, FL 32536. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bring a photo ID and the full name and date of birth of the person on the record. Staff will pull the file and print a certified copy while you wait.
Mail Request Procedure
Send a written request to the Clerk’s office with the person’s full name, date of birth, and the specific case number if you have it. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee. Mail it to: Okaloosa County Clerk of Court, 101 East James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536. Allow five to seven business days for delivery.
Certified Copy Fees in 2026
The Clerk charges set fees under Florida law. These fees apply to each certified copy you request and do not change based on the case type.
| Service Type | Fee Amount | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard certified copy | $1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee | Same day (in person), 5 days (mail) |
| Exemplified copy (court-authenticated) | $7.50 plus per-page charges | 7 to 10 business days |
| Online record search (non-certified) | Free to view; $1.00 per printed page | Instant |
| FDLE statewide check (non-certified) | $24.00 plus processing fee | Instant online |
| FDLE certified check | $24.00 plus processing fee | 5 to 7 business days |
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search for Florida
The FDLE statewide check pulls data from all 67 Florida counties in one search. This option works well when you need records beyond Okaloosa County, such as for a job that requires a full Florida history. The check uses FDLE’s CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us.
How the Statewide Search Works
The FDLE system matches your search data against arrest records, court dispositions, and corrections data from across the state. It returns every Florida arrest and outcome linked to the person’s name and date of birth. Federal arrests and out-of-state convictions do not appear in this check.
Non-Certified vs. Certified Statewide Results
You can pick between two result types. The non-certified result is faster and cheaper. The certified result is the one to use for legal, immigration, or licensing purposes.
- Non-certified search: Costs $24.00 plus a small processing fee. Results show up on screen right away. Good for personal review or quick screening.
- Certified search: Same base price of $24.00 plus processing. FDLE mails a printed and sealed copy in five to seven business days. Needed for formal background checks.
What FDLE Records Include
Each FDLE record carries the OCA (Originating Agency Case) number. This number links the arrest to the local agency that handled it. Other data points include the Florida statute violated, the county of arrest, the booking date, and the final court outcome. Expunged or sealed records will not show up in any search.
Florida Criminal Background Check Methods Compared
Florida offers several ways to run a background check. Each method has a different purpose, cost, and turnaround time. Picking the right one saves time and money.
Name-Based Check
A name-based check uses only a person’s name and date of birth. It is the fastest and cheapest option, but it can return false matches if the name is common. FDLE and the Clerk both offer this type of search. It works best when you have enough personal data to confirm the identity.
Fingerprint-Based Check
A fingerprint check uses the person’s actual fingerprints for a match. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement processes these checks through approved LiveScan vendors. Fingerprint checks cost more (usually $40 to $60) but give the most accurate result. Many state licensing boards require a LiveScan fingerprint check for jobs in healthcare, education, and finance.
County Court Records vs. Statewide FDLE Check
The county check pulls data only from the local Clerk’s files. The statewide check pulls data from every Florida county through FDLE. Use the county check for local legal cases. Use the statewide check for employment, licensing, or any cross-county need.
| Check Type | Source | Best For | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okaloosa Clerk search | Local courthouse records | Local court cases, civil filings | Free to $5.00 |
| FDLE name-based | Statewide CCH database | Employment, licenses, general review | $24.00 plus fees |
| FDLE LiveScan (fingerprints) | Statewide CCH database | Licensing, federal jobs, high-trust roles | $40.00 to $60.00 |
| Federal background check (FBI) | National Crime Information Center | Federal employment, immigration | $18.00 to $45.00 |
Sealed and Expunged Criminal Records in Florida
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records. Sealed records stay on file with the Clerk but are hidden from public search. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. Both types do not appear on FDLE or Clerk background checks.
Who Qualifies for a Seal or Expungement
You can apply if you were never convicted of the charge, the case was dismissed, you completed a diversion program, or you were found not guilty. You cannot seal or expunge a record if you were convicted of certain violent or sexual offenses listed in Florida Statute 943.059. You can only seal or expunge one case in your lifetime, with limited exceptions.
How to Apply for a Seal or Expungement
The process has three main steps. Plan for a four to six month total timeline from start to finish.
- Get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. This costs $75.00 and takes several weeks to process.
- File a petition with the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court where the case was handled.
- Attend a short court hearing where a judge signs the final order to seal or expunge the file.
Florida Criminal History Forms and Where to Get Them
All official forms for criminal record requests in Florida come from FDLE or the Clerk of Court. You can download them for free from each agency’s website. The FDLE forms cover statewide checks, and the Clerk forms cover local requests.
Common FDLE Forms
FDLE uses a set of standard forms for each type of request. Make sure you use the current 2026 version before you submit anything.
- Form CHRS001: Request for a non-certified criminal history check
- Form CHRS002: Request for a certified criminal history check
- Form CS-SE-01: Application for Certificate of Eligibility to Seal or Expunge
Okaloosa County Clerk Forms
The Clerk’s office provides forms for certified copies, mail requests, and record review petitions. You can pick them up at the front counter in Crestview or print them from the Clerk’s website at okaloosaclerk.com.
What Shows Up on a Florida Criminal History Report
A criminal history report lists every arrest, charge, and final outcome in one document. The report format follows FDLE standards so it stays consistent across all 67 counties. Reading the report is easier once you know each section.
Key Sections of the Report
Each report has five main sections. Knowing the order helps you scan it quickly when you need a specific data point.
- Personal identification: Full name, date of birth, race, sex, and Social Security number (if on file)
- Arrest history: Date, agency, charges, and OCA number for each arrest
- Disposition data: Court outcome for each charge (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Sentence information: Jail time, probation, fines, or other penalties
- Status flags: Active warrants, sealed records, or expungement notes
How to Correct Errors on a Criminal History Report
If you spot a wrong charge, a missing disposition, or a name spelling error, you can file a challenge with FDLE. FDLE will contact the local Clerk to verify the data. The review takes 30 to 60 days. You can also file a review petition directly with the Okaloosa County Clerk if the error is only in the local file.
Other Florida County Criminal Record Resources
Okaloosa County is one of 67 counties in Florida. Each county has its own Clerk of Court with separate record systems. Knowing how to contact other county Clerks helps when you need records outside Okaloosa County.
Major Florida County Clerk Contact Points
The following counties carry the largest court caseloads in Florida. Each Clerk’s office runs its own search portal with similar search methods and fee structures.
| County | Main City | Clerk Website |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | Miami | miami-dadeclerk.gov |
| Orange County | Orlando | ocfl.net/clerk |
| Hillsborough County | Tampa | hcclerk.info |
| Broward County | Fort Lauderdale | browardclerk.org |
| Palm Beach County | West Palm Beach | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Duval County | Jacksonville | duvalclerk.com |
Office Location, Contact, and Map for Okaloosa County Clerk of Court
The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court handles all local criminal record requests in person, by phone, or by mail. The office sits in the heart of Crestview, the county seat, and serves residents across the Florida Panhandle, including Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Destin. Use the contact details below for the most current phone numbers, address, and visiting hours before you travel to the office.
Address: 101 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 689-5000
Website: https://www.okaloosaclerk.com
Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time)
Frequently Asked Questions About Okaloosa County Criminal History Records
The questions below cover the most common concerns about criminal history records in Okaloosa County and across Florida. Each answer gives you the exact steps, fees, and timelines that apply in 2026. Read through all of them to make sure you pick the right type of request for your needs.
How long does it take to get a criminal history record in Okaloosa County?
Online searches through the Clerk’s portal are instant and free to view. Printed copies take a few minutes at the front counter. A certified copy by mail takes five to seven business days. An FDLE statewide certified search by mail takes five to seven business days from the date FDLE receives the request. LiveScan fingerprint checks at an approved vendor return results in 24 to 72 hours for most state purposes.
Can I access someone else’s criminal record in Florida?
Yes, under Florida Statute 943.053, most criminal history records are public records. Anyone can view them online, in person, or by mail. The only limits apply to sealed or expunged records, juvenile records (unless the juvenile was tried as an adult), and certain personal data such as Social Security numbers and home addresses. You do not need the person’s consent to view a public criminal record.
What is the OCA number on a Florida criminal record?
The OCA (Originating Agency Case) number is the unique identifier the arresting agency gives to a case. It links a record back to the specific police department or sheriff’s office that handled the arrest. The OCA number helps FDLE and the Clerk match charges with the right case file. You will see it on every FDLE criminal history report.
How much does an FDLE criminal history check cost in 2026?
FDLE charges $24.00 for both non-certified and certified statewide checks. A small processing fee of about $1.50 is added for online payments. The non-certified result is instant, and the certified mailed copy arrives in five to seven business days. Fingerprint-based LiveScan checks through approved vendors cost $40.00 to $60.00 total, which includes the vendor fee and the FDLE fee.
Will a dismissed charge show up on my Florida criminal record?
Yes, the arrest and the dismissal will both show up unless the record has been sealed or expunged. A dismissed charge means the case ended without a conviction, but the arrest data stays on the record. Employers and licensing agencies can see the arrest and the dismissal. Filing a petition to seal or expunge the record will remove it from public view after a judge signs the order.
Can I run a free criminal background check in Florida?
Yes, you can run a free search through the Okaloosa County Clerk’s online portal for local cases and through FDLE’s public records search for some basic data. For certified or fingerprint-based checks, you must pay the required fees. Free searches are useful for personal review but are not accepted for legal, employment, or licensing purposes.
How do I seal or expunge a criminal record in Okaloosa County?
Start by applying to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. The application costs $75.00 and is available on the FDLE website. Once you have the certificate, file a petition with the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court. A judge will review the petition and sign a final order if you qualify. The whole process takes four to six months and the Clerk charges a $42.00 filing fee for the petition.