Florida Background Check Records
Florida background check records are public documents. You can search them through state and county agencies across Florida. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the main criminal history database for the whole state. It tracks arrests and court results from all 67 counties. You can run a background check online, by mail, or in person at a local office. Both name-based and fingerprint-based checks are available in Florida. County clerks hold court files, arrest records, and other public documents going back many years. This guide covers the tools and offices that help you search for background check records in Florida.
Florida Background Check Quick Facts
Running a Florida Background Check
The FDLE handles background checks in Florida. It is the main state agency for criminal history records. The FDLE keeps data on arrests and court outcomes from every county in the state. Over a million background checks go through this office each year. You can start a check by going to the FDLE website to see all your options for a Florida background check.
The FDLE site lists each type of check and the forms you need. Name-based checks use the state database only. They cost $24 and come back fast. Fingerprint checks pull from both state and national records through the FBI. The kind of check you need depends on the situation. Most people in Florida start with the name-based option since it is quicker and costs less than the fingerprint route.
For criminal history records in Florida, the FDLE runs a central database that logs every arrest and court result from all 67 counties. You can find forms, fee info, and step-by-step guides on the FDLE criminal history records page. Under Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes, the fee for a state criminal history check is set at $24 per record. This law gives FDLE the power to run the state's background check system and set the rules for how checks are done in Florida.
This page shows all check types and has links to each form. It is the best place to start any Florida background check.
Florida Background Check Types
Florida uses two main levels for background checks. A Level 1 check is name-based. It searches the state database only and takes about one day to come back. A Level 2 check uses fingerprints. It searches both the state and national databases, including FBI records. Level 2 checks take several business days to process. Both types are run through the FDLE in Florida.
You can submit a background check through the CCHInet portal. This is the online system that the FDLE uses to process checks in Florida. Visit the Florida Checks CCHInet portal to start a check or view past results.
The CCHInet system handles both Level 1 and Level 2 checks online. It is the fastest way to submit a background check in Florida.
If you want to check your own record, the FDLE has a personal review option. This lets anyone in Florida see what shows up on their own criminal history. You can request a personal review through the FDLE personal review page. The process requires a set of fingerprints and a small fee. You get a full copy of your state criminal history record back from FDLE. If you find errors, you can ask to have them fixed under Florida law.
The personal review page walks you through each step. It is a good tool for anyone who wants to see their own Florida background check record before someone else does.
Note: Level 2 checks in Florida include both state and FBI fingerprint searches and take longer to process than Level 1 checks.
Background Screening in Florida
The FDLE runs several background screening programs in Florida. The VECHS program lets certain groups access state and national criminal history records. It covers checks for people who work with children, the elderly, or those with disabilities in Florida. You can learn more about this program at the FDLE VECHS page. The program has its own rules and fees. Contact the VECHS office at (850) 410-8324 for details about background screening through this Florida program.
The VECHS page explains who can use the program and how to sign up. It is one of several ways to run a background check in Florida.
Fingerprint-based background checks in Florida need to be done at an approved Livescan location. These are offices that have the right equipment to scan your prints and send them to the FDLE. You can find one near you through the Livescan providers directory. Many county sheriff offices also offer Livescan services for Florida background checks. The cost for fingerprinting varies by location but ink prints start at $5 per set.
The directory lists every approved provider in the state. Use it to find a Livescan office near you in Florida.
Florida Background Check Laws
Several Florida statutes govern how background checks work. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the public records law. It says that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. This means most criminal history and court records in Florida are available to the public. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The law applies to background check records held by courts and agencies in Florida.
Chapter 119 is the foundation of public records access in Florida. It protects your right to see government records, including background check data.
Chapter 435 sets the standards for background screening in Florida. It defines what Level 1 and Level 2 checks must include. It lists which offenses can keep a person from certain positions of trust. The law also covers the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, which stores results so people do not have to get checked more than once in Florida. Section 435.04 spells out what a Level 2 check must cover, including state and national fingerprint searches.
This statute page shows all the rules for background screening levels in Florida. It is the main law that sets check requirements.
Chapter 943 gives the FDLE its power to run background checks in Florida. Section 943.053 sets the $24 fee for state criminal history checks. Section 943.056 covers how to fix errors in your record. This chapter also covers the sex offender registry and other FDLE duties related to criminal history in Florida.
Chapter 943 is the law that created the FDLE background check system. It covers fees, record corrections, and database rules for Florida.
Florida Public Records Access
The Florida Attorney General oversees public records laws in the state. The AG office handles questions about what records are open and how to get them. You can learn about your rights at the Attorney General open government page. The office is at 107 West Gaines Street, Suite 128, Tallahassee, FL 32399. You can also call (850) 414-3300 or email PublicRecordsRequest@myfloridalegal.com to ask about public records in Florida.
The AG site covers all aspects of public records law in Florida. It is a key resource for anyone seeking background check records or other public documents.
The AG office has a detailed FAQ page that answers common questions about public records in Florida. It covers topics like who can make a request, what fees apply, and what records are exempt. Visit the open government FAQ for answers. One key fact: you do not need to put your request in writing. You can ask in person, by phone, or by mail. The reason for your request does not matter under Florida law.
The FAQ page is helpful for first-time users. It clears up the most common questions about getting background check records in Florida.
The Florida Sunshine Manual is the full guide to public records and open meetings laws. The Sunshine Manual covers every detail of how public records work in Florida. It explains which records are open, which have exemptions, and how agencies must respond to requests. Copy fees are capped at 15 cents per page for standard copies and $1 for certified copies under Florida law.
The Sunshine Manual is the most complete guide to public records law in Florida. Use it when you need to know your rights.
Note: Florida law does not require you to state a reason when you ask for public records, including background check data.
County Records in Florida
Each of Florida's 67 counties has a Clerk of Court who keeps court records. These records include criminal cases, civil filings, and other public documents that may show up in a background check. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers association connects all 67 clerks. Visit the FCCC website to learn more about county court records in Florida. The association is at 3544 Maclay Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32312, and you can reach them at (850) 921-0808.
The FCCC site has tools and links for every county clerk in Florida. It is a good starting point when you need local court records for a background check.
The Find a Clerk tool lets you look up contact info for any county clerk in Florida. It shows the clerk's name, address, phone number, and website. Use it at flclerks.com/page/findaclerk to find the right office for your Florida background check needs.
This directory covers all 67 county clerks. Pick your county to get the contact details you need for court records in Florida.
MyFloridaCounty is another state tool for accessing county records. The official records search lets you look up recorded documents across many Florida counties. These records include deeds, liens, judgments, and other filings that may come up during a background check in Florida. The system is free to search in most counties, though fees may apply for copies.
The official records search covers many counties in Florida. It is useful when you need to check for judgments or liens tied to a background check.
The MyFloridaCounty system also handles traffic citations and other county records. You can access these at the traffic citations page. While not part of a formal background check, traffic records are public in Florida and can show up in certain searches.
This page lets you search traffic records by county. All court records in Florida are public under Chapter 119.
Florida Background Check Fees
Background check fees in Florida vary by type and source. The FDLE charges $24 for a state criminal history record check. This fee is set by law under Section 943.053 of the Florida Statutes. Fingerprint-based checks cost more because they include both state and national searches. The exact cost depends on the agency that requests the check. Most Level 2 checks in Florida run between $50 and $100 total.
County clerk offices in Florida charge their own fees for court record copies. Standard copies cost up to 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1 each. Some clerks charge a service fee for searches that take extra time. These fees are set by Florida law and apply at every county clerk office in the state. If you need records from more than one county in Florida, you may pay fees at each office.
Other fees for Florida background checks include:
- Ink fingerprinting: $5 per set
- Concealed weapon prints: $36.25 per set
- Name change prints: $45.25 per set
- FDLE state check: $24 per record
- Certified copy at clerk: $1 per copy
Note: Fees for background checks in Florida can change, so contact the FDLE or your county clerk to confirm current costs.
Florida Background Checks by County
Each county in Florida has a Clerk of Court who keeps criminal case files and other court records. Pick a county below to find local contact info and resources for background checks in that area.
Background Checks in Florida Cities
Residents in major Florida cities file background check requests through their county clerk or the FDLE. Pick a city below to find local resources.