Dixie County felony records are official court documents that track serious criminal cases filed in Dixie County, Florida. These records show charges, court dates, plea deals, trial results, and sentences.
You can search most of these records for free through the Dixie County Clerk of Court. Florida law makes these records public under the Sunshine Law. This page explains how to find Dixie County felony records online, by phone, or in person at the courthouse.
What Are Dixie County Felony Records
Dixie County felony records are court files that hold every document from a felony criminal case. A felony is a serious crime that can lead to prison time of more than one year. These records start when police arrest someone or when a grand jury issues an indictment. They end when a judge signs a final judgment. Each case gets a unique number that stays with the file forever.
Definition and Legal Basis
Florida law defines felony crimes in several categories. Capital felonies can lead to death or life in prison. Life felonies carry a life sentence. First-degree felonies can mean up to 30 years. Second-degree felonies can mean up to 15 years. Third-degree felonies can mean up to 5 years. Dixie County felony records track all these case types under Florida Statute Section 775.082.
Types of Felonies in Florida
Florida lists felony crimes in Title XLVI of the Florida Statutes. Common felony charges include murder, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, and aggravated assault. White collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement are also felonies. Dixie County courts handle all these case types alongside traffic felonies and DUI third offense cases.
Who Creates These Records
The Dixie County Clerk of Court creates and stores these records. Police officers write arrest reports that go into the file. State attorneys file charging papers called Informations. Defense lawyers file motions. Judges sign orders. Court clerks log every step on the docket sheet. All these pieces become part of the official Dixie County felony records.
How Dixie County Court System Works
Dixie County sits inside Florida’s Third Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers six counties in north central Florida. The main courthouse handles all felony cases for the county. The State Attorney’s Office for the Third Circuit prosecutes felony cases here. Public defenders represent people who cannot pay for a lawyer.
The Third Judicial Circuit
The Third Judicial Circuit serves Dixie, Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, and Suwannee counties. Each county has a courthouse. The chief judge oversees the entire circuit. Circuit court judges rotate between counties to handle felony trials. County court judges handle less serious cases like misdemeanors and traffic offenses.
Dixie County Courthouse Location
The Dixie County Courthouse sits at 214 Northeast Highway 351 in Cross City, Florida 32628. Cross City is the county seat. The courthouse opened in 1962 and serves as the main hub for court business. The building holds courtrooms, clerk offices, and record storage areas. Parking is free in the public lot next to the building.
Clerk of Court Office Hours
The Dixie County Clerk of Court office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. You can visit in person during these hours to search records on public computers. Staff members are available to help you find case files. The office takes a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Online Search Methods for Dixie County Felony Records
You can search many Dixie County felony records online without leaving your home. The Dixie County Clerk of Court runs an official records search on their website. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also runs a statewide search. These tools let you look up cases by name, case number, or date.
Dixie County Official Court Records Portal
The official Dixie County Clerk website at www.dixieclerk.org hosts an online records search. Click on Court Records Search from the home page. You can search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. The system shows case status, charges, and court dates. Most records from 1990 forward are available online. Older records may require an in-person visit.
Florida Statewide Search Systems
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history database at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. This $24 per search tool checks all 67 Florida counties at once. You need the full legal name and date of birth. The system shows arrests, charges, and convictions statewide. The Florida Department of Corrections also runs an inmate search at dc.state.fl.us for people in state prison.
Searching by Name
Name searches work best when you know the full legal name. Include the first name, middle name, and last name. The Florida criminal history search accepts partial names but may return more results. For Dixie County felony records, use the clerk’s local search for better accuracy. Common names may bring up several results. Date of birth helps narrow down the right person.
Searching by Case Number
Case number searches return exact results. Dixie County felony cases use the format year followed by a sequence number. For example, case 2024-CF-000123 means a felony case filed in 2024. The CF stands for criminal felony. Older cases may use different formats. You can find the case number on any court document or letter from the court.
Searching by Date Range
Date range searches help when you know roughly when a case was filed. The Dixie County clerk system lets you pick a start date and end date. You can also limit by case type. This method works well for journalists, researchers, and background checks. Court records go back to the early 1900s on paper in storage areas.
In-Person Records Requests
Some Dixie County felony records are only available at the courthouse. You can visit the clerk’s office to search records on public computers. You can also request paper copies of documents. Staff members can pull files from storage for you. Some requests need a written form.
What to Bring
Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. You do not need a reason to search public records. Bring paper and a pen to take notes. You can bring your phone to take photos of public terminals. Cash or check works for paying copy fees. The clerk’s office accepts credit cards for online searches.
Request Forms and Fees
The Dixie County Clerk’s office has request forms at the front counter. Fill out the form with the defendant name and case number if you have it. Staff will pull the file for you. The fee is $1 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $2 per page. A certification stamp adds $1 per document.
Copying and Certification Fees
Standard copies cost $1 each. Certified copies cost $2 each plus a $2 certification fee. Exemplified copies that work in other states cost $7 each. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. The clerk’s office provides receipts for all payments. Bulk copy requests may qualify for a discount.
Information Found in Felony Case Files
A Dixie County felony case file contains many documents. These documents show what happened from arrest to final resolution. Each document serves a specific purpose. The clerk’s office keeps all these papers in order. You can see the full story of a case by reading the file from start to finish.
Charging Documents
The Information or Indictment starts the felony case. This court paper lists each charge against the defendant. It cites the Florida Statute number for each crime. The State Attorney signs this document. The information shows the maximum penalty for each charge. Some charging documents include special allegations that increase penalties.
Court Dockets and Schedules
The docket sheet lists every court action in a case. It shows filing dates, hearing dates, and ruling dates. Each entry has a short description of what happened. The docket shows names of lawyers, judges, and witnesses. You can see when the case was assigned for trial. The final entry shows the case closure date.
Final Judgments and Sentences
The final judgment ends the case. It shows whether the defendant was found guilty, pleaded guilty, or had charges dropped. For guilty cases, the sentence section lists prison time, probation, and fines. Restitution orders show money owed to victims. The judgment bears the judge’s signature and the court seal.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some Dixie County felony records are sealed or expunged. Sealed records still exist but are hidden from public view. Expunged records are physically destroyed. Florida law allows these actions for certain cases. Not all felonies qualify for sealing or expungement.
Florida Seal and Expunge Process
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement handles seal and expunge requests. You must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility first. This certificate proves you qualify. Then you file a petition with the court that handled your case. A judge must approve the petition. The clerk’s office then seals or destroys the records.
Who Qualifies
You qualify for seal or expunge if your case ended without a conviction. Acquittals and dismissed charges count. You cannot have a prior seal or expunge on your record. Certain crimes never qualify. These include sexual offenses, violent felonies, and child abuse. Governor or court-ordered expungements work differently.
How to Check If Records Are Sealed
Sealed records do not show up in public searches. The clerk’s office will not release them without a court order. The FDLE criminal history search also excludes sealed records. You cannot tell from the outside whether a record exists. Only law enforcement and certain agencies can see sealed records.
Cost and Fee Structure
Searching Dixie County felony records costs different amounts based on the method. Online searches through the clerk’s site are free for basic lookups. Paper copies and certified copies have set fees. The FDLE statewide search costs $24 per name. Budget for fees when doing serious research.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular paper copies from the clerk’s office cost $1 per page. This rate matches Florida’s statewide public records fee guideline. Double-sided pages count as one page each. The clerk’s office provides change for cash payments. You can also pay by check for copy services.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies prove a document is true and accurate. The court charges $2 per page for certified copies. The certification stamp costs an extra $2 per document. These higher costs cover the clerk’s time and the official court seal. You need certified copies for legal filings, immigration requests, and background checks.
Online Search Fees
The Dixie County clerk’s online search is free. The FDLE statewide criminal history search costs $24 per name lookup. This fee covers the cost of running the background check statewide. You pay by credit or debit card. The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Legal Framework and Public Access Rights
Florida has strong laws that protect public access to court records. These laws apply to Dixie County felony records just like other counties. You have the right to see most records without giving a reason. Government agencies must follow these rules or face legal consequences.
Florida Sunshine Law
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is known as the Sunshine Law. It says all government records are open to the public. This includes court records, arrest records, and jail records. The law applies to every county in Florida. Agencies can only deny access for specific reasons listed in the law.
Federal Freedom of Information Act
The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) covers federal records. It does not apply to state court records like Dixie County felony records. FOIA covers FBI files, federal agency records, and federal court cases. For Dixie County records, you rely on Florida’s Sunshine Law instead.
Reasons Records May Be Restricted
Some records are restricted from public view. Sealed records are the most common restriction. Juvenile records are confidential. Mental health commitment records are sealed. Records that contain social security numbers or financial account numbers are redacted. Witness protection cases have restricted access.
Contact Information and Office Details
You can reach the Dixie County Clerk of Court and related offices through several channels. Phone, email, fax, and in-person visits are all options. Each office has specific hours and rules for handling requests. Use the table below to find the right contact for your needs.
Dixie County Clerk of Court
The main clerk’s office handles all felony records for the county. You can call them at (352) 498-1200 to ask about records. The office sits at 214 Northeast Highway 351, Cross City, FL 32628. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The website is www.dixieclerk.org.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE handles statewide criminal history searches. The main office sits at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The general phone number is (850) 410-7000. The criminal history search portal runs at web.fdle.state.fl.us. You can also order searches by mail using form CHRS-1.
Third Judicial Circuit Court
The Third Judicial Circuit covers Dixie County and five other counties. The main office sits at 173 Northeast Hernando Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055. The circuit phone number is (386) 758-0406. The State Attorney’s Office for the circuit handles felony prosecutions. Their number is (386) 758-1192.
| Office | Phone Number | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dixie County Clerk of Court | (352) 498-1200 | 214 NE Highway 351, Cross City, FL 32628 | Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM |
| FDLE Headquarters | (850) 410-7000 | 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM |
| Third Judicial Circuit | (386) 758-0406 | 173 NE Hernando Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055 | Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM |
| Florida Department of Corrections | (850) 488-5021 | 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions About Dixie County Felony Records
Many people have questions about how to get felony records in Dixie County. These questions cover search methods, fees, and what the records include. The answers below address common issues and edge cases. They reflect the latest Florida public records law as of 2026.
Are all Dixie County felony records online?
Most Dixie County felony records from 1990 forward are online through the clerk’s website. The system shows case numbers, charges, and court dates. Older records from before 1990 may be on paper only. You can request older records at the clerk’s office in person. Some cases may be sealed and never appear online. The FDLE statewide system includes older records too.
How long does it take to get felony records?
Online searches return results right away. In-person requests for files in storage take one to three business days. Mail requests can take one to two weeks. Certified copies add processing time. The clerk’s office can expedite requests for an extra fee. Plan ahead for time-sensitive needs.
Can I remove my Dixie County felony record?
You may qualify to seal or expunge your Dixie County felony record under Florida law. The case must have ended without a conviction. You cannot have a prior seal or expunge. Certain crimes like murder and sexual assault never qualify. The process takes several months and costs money for attorney fees and court costs.
What if I find wrong information in my record?
You can challenge wrong information in your Dixie County felony record. Contact the clerk’s office in writing. Explain what is wrong and provide proof. The clerk will review your challenge and fix errors. You can also file a petition with the court to correct the record. Background check companies have separate correction processes.
Do employers use Dixie County felony records for background checks?
Yes, many employers check Dixie County felony records as part of hiring. Florida law limits how employers can use criminal records. They cannot automatically reject you based on a record. They must consider the nature of the crime and how it relates to the job. Some jobs require background checks by law.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A felony is a serious crime that can lead to more than one year in prison. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime with shorter jail time. Dixie County felony records track serious cases. The clerk also handles misdemeanor records. The same search tools work for both types.
Can I see records from other counties through the Dixie County system?
No, the Dixie County clerk’s system only shows Dixie County cases. For other counties, you must check each county’s clerk website. The FDLE statewide search covers all 67 Florida counties at once. Out-of-state records need different searches. Federal cases appear in the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.