Search Palm Coast Background Checks

Background check records for Palm Coast are managed by the Flagler County Clerk of Court in Bunnell. Palm Coast is the largest city in Flagler County with more than 106,000 residents. It has grown fast over the last two decades. The city does not operate its own court system, so all criminal and civil case records go through the county clerk. FDLE handles the statewide criminal history check. Between the county clerk and FDLE, you can put together a solid background check for anyone who lives or has lived in Palm Coast.

Flagler County Records for Palm Coast

Palm Coast is in Flagler County. Tom W. Bexley serves as the Clerk of Court. The clerk's office is in Bunnell, the county seat, about 10 miles west of Palm Coast. All court records for Palm Coast residents are filed and stored at this office. Criminal cases, civil suits, family matters, and traffic cases all go through the Flagler County Clerk.

The Flagler County Clerk website has an online case search tool. You can look up court cases by name or case number for free. The results show case type, filing date, parties, and status. This is the fastest way to find local court records for a Palm Coast background check without driving to Bunnell.

Note: Palm Coast is much larger than Bunnell, but Bunnell is the county seat where the courthouse is located.

Palm Coast City Government

The City of Palm Coast provides local services and has its own police department that handles law enforcement in the city.

Arrests made by the Palm Coast division of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office or city code enforcement go into the county system. The Palm Coast city website has contact information for local departments. The Flagler County Sheriff handles most law enforcement in the area. Arrest records from Palm Coast flow into both the county clerk's system and the FDLE statewide database.

Running a Background Check in Palm Coast

The best place to start is the FDLE statewide database. Go to CCHInet and submit a Level 1 name-based check for $24. This pulls arrest and conviction data from all 67 Florida counties. If the person has any criminal history in Palm Coast or anywhere else in the state, you will see it. Reports typically come back within a day by email.

For local court records, search the Flagler County Clerk's online case system at flaglerclerk.com. This is free. You type a name and get a list of all cases in the county. Criminal cases show charges and what happened with them. Civil cases show the parties and claim type. This adds local detail to your Palm Coast background check.

The MyFloridaCounty portal has official recorded documents for Flagler County. Search by name to find liens, judgments, and other recorded items. These records add a financial layer to a background check that court case searches alone do not cover.

You can also visit the clerk's office in Bunnell in person. Bring ID. Staff can search cases and make copies for you. The office is at 1769 E Moody Blvd in Bunnell.

Types of Background Checks for Palm Coast

Level 1 is the basic check. It is name-based and costs $24 through CCHInet. FDLE runs the name against its statewide database and sends results by email. This is the most common way to run a background check in Palm Coast. It is fast and affordable.

Level 2 checks use fingerprints. They pull from both the FDLE database and the FBI national database. Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes lists the situations that require a Level 2 check. You need to visit an approved LiveScan vendor. FDLE keeps a list of approved sites on the FDLE criminal history records page. The closest LiveScan sites to Palm Coast are in the Daytona Beach area and along I-95. Results take a few business days.

Under Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes, FDLE also runs the VECHS program for organizations that need ongoing access to criminal history records. Groups in Palm Coast that work with children or the elderly can register. Contact FDLE at (850) 410-8324 to learn more about VECHS.

Note: A Level 1 check only covers Florida. If you need national records, go with a Level 2 fingerprint check.

Public Records Access for Palm Coast

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes government records open to the public. This is a broad law. It covers court records, arrest reports, and most other documents held by government offices in Flagler County and Palm Coast. Anyone can ask for records. You do not have to be a resident. You do not have to give a reason.

Sealed records, expunged files, and juvenile cases are the main exceptions. Everything else is fair game. If a Flagler County office turns down your records request, the Attorney General's Open Government page outlines your rights and how to get help. The AG's office steps in when public records disputes arise anywhere in the state.

Background Check Costs in Palm Coast

The FDLE Level 1 check costs $24. You pay online at CCHInet. Searching the Flagler County Clerk's online system is free. Fees apply when you want copies of documents from a file.

• FDLE Level 1 check: $24.00
• Plain copy from clerk: $0.15 per page
• Certified copy: $1.00 per page
• Online case search: Free

Level 2 fingerprint check fees vary by vendor. The Florida Clerks website has full contact info for the Flagler County Clerk if you need to ask about specific fees or copy costs before you visit.

Flagler County Background Check Records

Palm Coast is in Flagler County. All court filings and criminal records for the city go through the Flagler County Clerk in Bunnell. For the full county guide with search tools, fees, and resources, see the county page.

View Flagler County Background Check Records

Nearby Cities

Palm Coast is on the northeast coast of Florida. These nearby cities may also be relevant if you are running a background check.