Leon County felony records cover all serious criminal cases filed in the Tallahassee area. These records sit with the Leon County Clerk of Court and the Second Judicial Circuit Court.
Florida law makes most of these files open to the public. You can check them online, by phone, or in person at the courthouse.
What Are Leon County Felony Records
Leon County felony records are the official court files for serious crimes filed under Florida state law. A felony is any crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. These records start when the State Attorney files formal charges. They end when the court closes the case through a plea, verdict, or dismissal. Each file contains court papers, hearing notes, and the final judgment in the case.
Types of Felony Cases in Leon County
Leon County handles many kinds of felony cases each year. The courts divide them by type and severity. The most common categories include violent crimes, property crimes, drug offenses, sex offenses, and white-collar crimes. Each type follows a different path through the court system. Some felonies carry minimum prison sentences under Florida law.
- Violent felonies like homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault
- Property felonies like burglary, grand theft, and arson
- Drug felonies like trafficking and sale of controlled substances
- Sex offenses like sexual battery and child exploitation
- White-collar felonies like fraud, embezzlement, and forgery
What Documents Are Included in a Felony File
A felony case file holds many separate documents. The file starts with the charging document called an Information or Indictment. It also contains the arrest report, bond orders, motions, plea agreements, and the final judgment. Sentencing records and probation orders are added at the end of the case. Many of these documents become public record once the case closes.
Who Files Felony Charges in Leon County
The State Attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit files felony charges in Leon County. This office reviews police reports and decides whether to charge someone. Defense lawyers file responses on behalf of the accused. Judges sign all major orders during the case. The clerk then files every paper with the court and adds it to the public record.
Leon County Clerk of Court Felony Search System
The Leon County Clerk of Court runs the main felony search system for the county. This office stores every court record filed in Tallahassee. The clerk also runs the online portal where most people search for case data. The office serves as the official record keeper under Florida law. The clerk charges small fees for copies and certified records.
How to Use the Online Court Records Portal
The clerk’s online portal lets you search for felony cases from any device. Go to the Leon County Clerk website at www.leonclerk.org. Click on the Court Records or Case Search link. Type the last name and first name of the person. Add a birth date if you know it to narrow the results. The portal runs all day, every day of the year.
Required Details for a Successful Case Lookup
A name alone may return too many results. A birth date helps the system show the right person. A case number gives the fastest match. Race and gender fields can also help when names are common. The system then shows a list of cases that match the search. You can click on each case for the full docket.
- Full legal name (last, first, middle)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Race and gender (for common names)
- Approximate year of the case
Fees for Certified and Standard Copies
Standard printed copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more because they carry the court seal. The clerk lists the current fee schedule on the website. You can pay by cash, card, or check at the office. Online orders take card payment only. Many simple lookups stay free on the online portal.
| Copy Type | Cost | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Printed Copy | $0.10 to $0.50 per page | Personal reference or review |
| Certified Copy | $1.00 to $5.00 per document | Court filings, immigration, jobs |
| Exemplified Copy | $10.00 or more | Use in foreign countries |
Office Location and Visiting Hours
The Leon County Clerk of Court sits in downtown Tallahassee. The main address is 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on state and federal holidays. You can reach the clerk by phone at (850) 577-4000.
Leon County Florida Felony Docket Search
A felony docket is the running list of every event in a court case. The docket shows each hearing date, motion, and court order. You can check the docket to see what happened last in a case. The clerk updates the docket after every hearing or filing. The docket stays on the public portal for as long as the case is open or in the public archive.
Understanding Court Dockets and Case Calendars
A docket lists past and future events in time order. A calendar lists only the events set for a specific day. The clerk posts daily calendars outside each courtroom. You can check the docket online for any open or closed felony case. The docket also shows the assigned judge, the defense lawyer, and the state attorney.
Searching by Case Number vs. Name
A case number is the fastest way to find one specific case. The number uses a two-digit year code and a unique case ID. A name search works for most people who do not know the case number. The online portal supports both search types. The case number search gives one result, while a name search may give several.
Reading a Felony Docket Entry
Each docket entry shows the date, the type of event, and the judge. The entry also lists the attorney names and the result of the event. You can click on a docket entry to see the full court order. Many orders are open to public view through the portal. Some entries may be marked as sealed or restricted.
Second Judicial Circuit Felony Court Records
Leon County sits within Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers six counties in the Big Bend region. The circuit court handles all felony cases in the region. It also hears appeals from county court cases. The main courthouse for the circuit sits in Tallahassee, the state capital.
Circuit Court Felony Divisions
The circuit court splits felony cases into divisions by type. Criminal division A and Criminal division B handle most adult felony cases. A juvenile division handles cases where the accused is under 18. Each division has its own judges and case managers. The clerk assigns each felony case to one division based on the charges.
County Court Felony Cases
County court handles only misdemeanor cases and preliminary felony hearings. A felony case starts in county court for the first appearance and bond hearing. The case then moves to circuit court for the rest of the process. The county court docket shows the early steps in every felony case filed in Leon County.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Records
A person convicted of a felony can ask for an appeal. The appeal goes to the Florida District Court of Appeal. The records from the appeal sit in Tallahassee at the appeals court clerk. Post-conviction motions stay with the original circuit court. The clerk can help you find both the appeal records and the post-conviction motions.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history database. This database covers arrests and dispositions in all 67 Florida counties. It includes both felony and misdemeanor records. The system runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can search by name, race, and birth date.
How the FDLE Database Works
Courts, police, and the Department of Corrections all send updates to FDLE. The agency stores arrest data, charge data, and court outcomes. You can search the database by name, race, and birth date. Results show all Florida arrests and dispositions for the person. The database covers every county, including Leon County.
Cost and Processing Times
A name-based search costs $25 per person. Results show up on screen right away. You can print the report or save it as a PDF. FDLE also offers fingerprint-based checks for $24 to $50. Fingerprint checks need a live scan at a local office. The processing time for fingerprint checks is 24 to 72 hours.
| Search Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Name-Based Search | $25.00 | Instant |
| Statewide Fingerprint Check | $24.00 to $50.00 | 1 to 3 business days |
| Federal Fingerprint Check (FBI) | $50.00+ | 3 to 5 business days |
Sealed and Expunged Records Rules
A sealed record is hidden from public view by court order. An expunged record is destroyed in the eyes of the law. Neither type shows up in a standard FDLE search. Only certain agencies can see sealed or expunged records for specific jobs. A person who had a record sealed must get a court order to open it.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections runs a free inmate search tool. This tool shows every person in state prison or on state supervision. It also shows people on parole or probation. The tool updates every night with new data. You can use the tool without paying any fee or creating an account.
Active Inmate Search Tool
Go to the Florida DOC website at www.dc.state.fl.us. Click on Offender Search. Type the last name and first name. You can also search by Department of Corrections number. Results show a photo, current location, and release date. The tool covers every state prison in Florida.
Released and Probation Records
The same tool shows people no longer in prison. You can see if a person is on probation or parole. You can also see the county where they serve their supervision. The tool lists current offenses and past felony convictions. You can check the supervision status of any former inmate at any time.
Leon County Public Felony Records and Florida Law
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives you the right to see most government records. Court records fall under this law. You can ask for any open felony case file at any time. The clerk must respond to your request within a reasonable time under the law.
Florida Public Records Act Chapter 119
Chapter 119 says all government records are open unless a law says they are closed. Court records are public by default. The law applies to state, county, and city agencies. Each agency must follow the same rules for public access. The clerk charges fees that cover only the cost of making copies.
What Records Remain Sealed
Some records stay closed to the public. Juvenile felony records are sealed by law. Records under a court seal cannot be opened without a judge. Active criminal intelligence records are also closed. Expunged records cannot be opened at all under Florida law. The clerk follows the court order for every sealed or expunged case.
Requesting Records by Mail or Email
You can request felony records by mail or email from the clerk. Mail a written request to the clerk’s office with the case details. Include a check for the copy fees. Email requests work for simple lookups. The clerk may ask for more ID for sealed record requests. The clerk will respond within a few business days.
Leon County Felony Case Status and Updates
You can check the current status of any felony case in Leon County. The clerk’s portal shows the latest hearing date and the next step. You can also sign up for case alerts on some case types. The portal updates within hours of new filings. You can check the status of an open case as many times as you want.
Tracking Active Felony Cases
Active cases show upcoming hearings and pending motions. The status field shows if the case is in plea talks, trial prep, or sentencing. You can click on the case number for the full docket. Some cases also have a court order PDF available. The portal lets you track the case from arrest to final disposition.
How to Get Hearing Notifications
The clerk’s office does not send automatic alerts. You can sign up for the Florida eDCA system for some appeals. For trial courts, you must check the docket yourself. Many lawyers use case tracking software to get alerts for their clients. The clerk can also tell you the next hearing date if you call the office.
Leon County Courthouse Contact and Location Details
The main Leon County Courthouse sits at 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. The Clerk of Court shares the same address for court records and case searches. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone number is (850) 577-4000. The official website is www.leonclerk.org.
For statewide criminal history checks, contact FDLE at (850) 410-7000. The FDLE Public Records Unit is at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The Florida Department of Corrections headquarters is at 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. You can reach DOC at (850) 717-3000.
The Second Judicial Circuit Court serves Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. The main courthouse phone line is (850) 577-4000. The circuit’s official site at www.leonclerk.org handles court records and case searches for all felony cases in the region. The courthouse has public parking nearby and is on the Tallahassee bus route.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leon County Felony Records
People who look for Leon County felony records often have the same questions about how the system works. The answers below cover the most common search topics, the laws that apply, and what to expect from each tool. Each answer uses plain language for fast reading. The questions cover online searches, fees, sealed records, and statewide databases. The answers also explain the role of the Second Judicial Circuit Court in felony cases.
How Do I Look Up a Felony Case in Leon County?
You can look up a felony case in Leon County through the clerk’s online portal at www.leonclerk.org. Open the Court Records search link on the main page. Type the full legal name of the person in the search box. Add a birth date if you know it to narrow the results. The system then shows all matching felony and misdemeanor cases filed in Leon County courts. The portal runs 24 hours a day from any device with internet access. You can also call the clerk at (850) 577-4000 during office hours for help with a search. For older paper files from before 1990, you may need to visit the courthouse in person. Bring a valid photo ID and the full name of the person. The clerk staff can pull the file for you at the public records counter. There is no charge to view the file in person. There may be a small fee per page for printed copies. For sealed or expunged records, the clerk cannot open the file without a court order.
Are Leon County Felony Records Free to View?
Yes, viewing the docket and basic case details is free on the clerk’s online portal. You do not need to pay to see the list of hearings, motions, or charges. You can read the case summary, the assigned judge, and the next court date at no cost. You do pay a fee if you want a printed copy or a certified copy. Standard printed copies cost a few cents per page. Certified copies cost more because they carry the court seal and the clerk’s signature. The clerk posts the current fee schedule on the website at www.leonclerk.org. You can pay by cash, credit card, debit card, or check at the office. Online orders take card payment only. The clerk also charges a small fee for special record searches that require extra staff time. You can ask for a fee estimate before you place a large request. Most simple name searches stay free for the public. The clerk never charges for viewing a file in person at the records counter.
Can I See Sealed Felony Records in Leon County?
No, you cannot see sealed felony records without a court order. The judge who sealed the file must sign a new order to open it for public view. Only certain people can ask for that order, such as the person who was charged, their defense lawyer, or a state agency. Law enforcement agencies can also see sealed records for some specific jobs, like working with children or elderly people. The clerk cannot show you a sealed file even if you show up in person. The clerk also cannot confirm or deny the existence of a sealed record in many cases. Expunged records cannot be opened at all under Florida law. The physical file gets destroyed and the case name gets removed from the public docket. A person whose record was sealed or expunged can ask the court for a certificate of eligibility. That certificate proves the record is no longer open to the public. The FDLE also marks sealed and expunged records so they do not show up in a standard criminal history search.
What Is the Difference Between Leon County Court Records and FDLE Records?
Leon County court records show what happened in one specific case filed in one county. The clerk’s portal covers the case docket, motions, hearings, and final judgments. You can see who the judge was, who the attorneys were, and what sentence the court gave. The FDLE database covers arrests, charges, and outcomes across all 67 Florida counties. The FDLE search shows every time a person was arrested in the state, even if the case happened in another county. For a full criminal history, you may need to check both systems. The court record tells you the details of one case. The FDLE record tells you the full picture across the state. The clerk’s portal is free, while the FDLE name search costs $25 per person. The FDLE search also shows misdemeanor and felony arrests, while the court search covers the full case file. Both systems update at different speeds. The clerk’s portal updates within hours of a new filing. The FDLE database may take a few days to show new arrests.
How Long Does Leon County Keep Felony Records?
Leon County keeps felony records forever for closed cases. The clerk stores paper files for many years at the courthouse and then moves them to the state archive. The online docket stays on the portal for all open and closed cases filed after 1990. Even old felony cases from the 1980s can show up in an online search if the clerk scanned the docket. Some very old cases only exist on microfilm or paper and need an in-person visit. The clerk charges a small fee to pull and copy those older files. Sealed or expunged cases are removed from the public system. The clerk destroys the public file and removes the docket entry. A person whose case was sealed or expunged must go through a court process to get the record back. The clerk can tell you the exact retention rules for different case types. Some case types, like juvenile felonies, have shorter retention rules under Florida law. The clerk can also help you find files that were transferred to the state archive in Tallahassee.
Can I Find Out if Someone Is in Jail in Leon County?
Yes, you can check the Leon County Jail roster online at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office website. The roster shows every person held at the main jail and the booking date. The roster updates every few hours with new bookings and releases. You can also use the Florida DOC inmate search for people in state prison. Go to www.dc.state.fl.us and click on Offender Search. Type the last name and first name. The tool also lets you search by the Department of Corrections number. Both tools are free to use for the public. You need the full name and birth date for the best results. The Leon County Sheriff’s roster covers people held before trial and people serving short county sentences. The Florida DOC tool covers people serving state prison sentences for felony convictions. You can also see people on parole or probation through the DOC tool. For people held in other Florida counties, you would need to check that county’s sheriff’s website. The VINELink system also tracks jail inmates across Florida with a statewide search at no cost.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get Leon County Felony Records?
No, you do not need a lawyer to get felony records in Leon County. The clerk’s office serves all members of the public, with or without legal training. You can search the online portal yourself without any help. The portal works the same for lawyers, private citizens, journalists, and employers. A lawyer is only needed for sealed record requests, expungement petitions, or appeals to a higher court. For simple case lookups, the portal is fast and easy to use on your own. The clerk staff at the public counter can also help you fill out a record request form. They can show you how to read a docket and what each entry means. They cannot give you legal advice, but they can direct you to the right office for your question. If you need a certified copy for a court case in another state, the clerk can issue it on the spot. You only need a lawyer if you want to challenge a record, seal your own record, or appeal a conviction. For background checks or personal research, you do not need a lawyer at all.