Access Hernando County Records

Hernando County background check records are available from the Clerk of Court in Brooksville and through FDLE's statewide criminal history system. This growing county on Florida's Nature Coast has a population of about 200,000 people and sits in the 5th Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office handles all local court records, including criminal cases, civil matters, family law, and traffic filings. For a thorough background check in Hernando County, you can search the clerk's records for local court data and use FDLE for the state criminal history database. Together, these sources cover both the county-level and state-level sides of a background check search.

Hernando County Clerk of Court Office

Doug Chorvat Jr. is the Hernando County Clerk of Court. The main office sits at 20 N Main Street, Room 362, in Brooksville. The phone number is (352) 754-4201. This is the central office for all court records in Hernando County. Staff handle case searches, record copies, and filing questions. The office sees a high volume of requests given the county's growing population, so plan accordingly if you visit in person.

The Hernando County Clerk website at hernandoclerk.com has an online case search tool that lets you look up court records from home. You can search by name, case number, or date range. The results show case types, filing dates, charges, and status. This is a strong starting point for a Hernando County background check. The online system covers criminal, civil, family, and traffic filings. For official recorded documents like liens and judgments, the MyFloridaCounty portal also covers Hernando County.

The Hernando County Clerk website gives access to online case searches and court record tools.

Start your Hernando County background check search from this portal to view court cases and filing data.

How to Run a Hernando County Background Check

There are several ways to search for background check records in Hernando County. The clerk's online case search at hernandoclerk.com is the fastest local option. Type in a name and the system returns matching cases. You can filter by case type and date range. Criminal cases show charges and outcomes. Civil cases list the parties and the nature of the suit. This is free to use and available at any time.

FDLE's CCHInet portal handles statewide criminal history searches. Enter the person's name and pay $24. FDLE checks the entire state database, covering all 67 counties. If the person has criminal history in Hernando County and also in Pasco County or Citrus County, it all shows up in one report. Results come by email, typically within 24 hours. This is the Level 1 name-based background check that is open to anyone in Florida.

In person, go to the Hernando County Clerk's office at 20 N Main Street in Brooksville. Bring your ID. The staff can search the system, pull case files, and print copies. The MyFloridaCounty portal rounds things out with access to recorded documents like liens, mortgages, and judgments for Hernando County.

Note: Hernando County has seen significant population growth, which means more records are being filed each year.

Hernando County Background Check Costs

The FDLE charges $24 for a statewide name-based criminal history check. This fee is the same in Hernando County as it is everywhere else in Florida. You pay online when you submit through CCHInet. Level 2 fingerprint checks carry a higher cost that depends on the requesting agency and the specific type of check.

At the Hernando County Clerk's office in Brooksville, copy fees follow state standards. Plain copies run $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. The online case search is free. Viewing files at the counter during office hours is also free. You only pay when you request printed documents.

• FDLE state criminal check: $24.00
• Plain copies: $0.15 per page
• Certified copies: $1.00 per page
• Online case search: Free
• In-person viewing: Free

Public Records Access in Hernando County

Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes guarantees public access to government records. In Hernando County, this means you can request court records, arrest data, and official documents from the clerk or any other county agency. The law does not require residency. It does not require you to explain your purpose. Background check records maintained by the Hernando County Clerk are public and open to inspection.

The exceptions are narrow. Sealed and expunged cases cannot be accessed. Juvenile records have protections. Some active investigation files may be held back. But the law's default is open access, and that applies strongly in Hernando County. If any county office refuses your request without a valid legal reason, the Attorney General's Open Government page has resources to help you challenge the denial and understand your rights under Florida law.

Background Check Levels for Hernando County

Level 1 background checks are name-based. FDLE runs the person's name against the state criminal history database. Arrests, charges, and case results come back. Cost is $24. You submit through CCHInet. Anyone can request one. This works for Hernando County records and for every other county in Florida at the same time.

Level 2 is fingerprint-based and much more thorough. FDLE checks the state database and the FBI national database. This catches out-of-state records that a Level 1 check would miss. Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes governs how FDLE processes and releases criminal history information. For Level 2, you must get fingerprinted at an approved LiveScan provider. Hernando County has several locations for this. Results take a few business days and give a more complete view because of the national coverage.

The VECHS program, also under FDLE, is for groups that care for vulnerable people. You have to register with FDLE before you can use it. It is not open to the general public for Hernando County or elsewhere.

Getting Copies of Hernando County Records

Walk into the Hernando County Clerk's office at 20 N Main Street in Brooksville. Give the staff a name or case number. They will pull the records and print copies. Certified copies come with the clerk's seal and are what you need for court filings or legal documents. The Find a Clerk page lists all Florida clerk offices, including the full details for Hernando County.

Mail requests are an option too. Send a letter to the clerk with the person's name, known case details, and a check for copy fees. The office will process the request and mail the copies back. For FDLE records, use CCHInet online. It is the quickest way to get statewide background check results. If you want to see your own record, FDLE offers a personal review option. This is available to all Florida residents, including those in Hernando County, and lets you check what shows up on your own background check file.

Note: The Hernando County Clerk's office can be busy during peak hours, so arriving early helps if you need copies.

Cities in Hernando County

Hernando County includes Brooksville, Spring Hill, and Weeki Wachee. Spring Hill is the largest community in the county by population, though it is an unincorporated area. All court records for Hernando County communities go through the clerk's office in Brooksville. No cities in Hernando County meet the population threshold for a separate page. Background check searches for anyone living in Hernando County are handled at the same clerk's office on Main Street.

Nearby Counties

Hernando County is on the Nature Coast of central Florida. If the person you are checking has ties to a neighboring county, search those clerk offices as well.