Highlands County Background Check

Highlands County background check records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Sebring and by state agencies such as FDLE. Located in south central Florida, Highlands County has a population near 108,000 and handles a steady flow of court filings each year. Getting a background check here means working with the local clerk or using statewide tools run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The clerk keeps all local case data, while FDLE pulls criminal history from across the state. Most people start with one and then check the other to get a full picture of Highlands County records.

Highlands County Clerk of Court

Jerome Kaszubowski serves as the Highlands County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 590 S Commerce Ave in Sebring. You can call at (863) 402-6564 to ask about records, office hours, or how to request a file. Walk-ins are handled during business hours on weekdays. Staff at the Highlands County clerk office can search for criminal cases, civil actions, and other court filings that make up a local background check.

The clerk website at highlandsclerkfl.gov offers online tools for case searches. You can look up court records by name or case number. The site shows the case type, filing date, and current status. It won't give you the full text of every document, but it does tell you what exists. For full copies of Highlands County court records, you may need to go in person or send a written request. The online search is free, which makes it a good first step for anyone running a background check in Highlands County.

Below is a look at the Highlands County Clerk of Court website and its records tools.

This portal lets you search for court case records and check filing status in Highlands County.

Note: Call the Highlands County clerk office before you visit to confirm hours and make sure they can help with your request that day.

How to Search Highlands County Background Check Records

There are two main ways to run a background check in Highlands County. The first is through the clerk's online case search. The second is through FDLE. Each gives you a different set of data. The clerk has local court case records. FDLE has statewide arrest and conviction data. For a thorough Highlands County background check, use both.

To search at the courthouse, go to 590 S Commerce Ave in Sebring. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell staff the name you want to search. They can pull up case records and print copies for you. You can also use the MyFloridaCounty portal to search official records from Highlands County or any other Florida county. This free tool covers recorded documents like liens, deeds, and judgments. Under Florida Chapter 119, all public records are open. You do not need to live in Highlands County. You do not need to give a reason.

For a statewide check, go to CCHInet and submit a name-based request through FDLE. The fee is $24. Results come back in about 24 hours. This is a Level 1 background check under Florida law. It covers all criminal history records FDLE has on file for that person statewide. If the person has records in Highlands County or elsewhere, those show up in the results.

Highlands County Background Check Fees

Fees for background checks in Highlands County depend on where you go and what you need. FDLE charges $24 for a name-based state criminal history check. That fee is the same in every county. You pay online through the FDLE criminal history records page. A fingerprint-based Level 2 check costs more and the exact price depends on the requesting agency.

At the Highlands County Clerk of Court, you will pay copy fees when you pull documents from court files. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies run $1.00 per page. If you need a certified copy for legal use, the clerk can handle that during office hours in Sebring. Searching the online case database is free. That part costs nothing for anyone.

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

Public Records Access in Highlands County

Florida's public records laws are among the strongest in the country. Under Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes, any person can ask to see public records. You do not need to be a Highlands County resident. You do not need to explain your reason. The clerk must let you see the files. This applies to court records, police reports, and most government documents held in Highlands County. Some records are sealed or exempt by law, but the default is open access.

The Attorney General's Open Government page has details about your rights under the Sunshine Law. If an office in Highlands County denies your records request, the AG's office can help. They handle disputes when agencies refuse access to public records. This is a useful resource if you are trying to get background check data from any county office in the state.

Note: Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available through a public records request in Highlands County.

Types of Background Checks in Highlands County

Florida law defines two main levels of background checks. Both are used in Highlands County. A Level 1 check is a name-based search. It pulls data from FDLE's statewide criminal history database. That includes arrests, charges, and case outcomes. Results come back fast. This is the most common type for people who need a quick background check in Highlands County.

A Level 2 check is more thorough. It requires fingerprints. The data runs through both FDLE and the FBI, so it covers national records. This type is required under Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes for certain positions that involve trust or care. You must get fingerprinted at an approved site. Several vendors in the Sebring area offer LiveScan printing. Check the LiveScan providers page to find one near you in Highlands County. Results take a few days to come back.

FDLE also runs the VECHS program. This stands for Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System. It lets approved groups check criminal history under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes. Not everyone qualifies. The program is set up for groups that work with vulnerable populations in Highlands County and statewide.

Getting Copies of Highlands County Records

You can get copies of court records from the Highlands County Clerk of Court. Walk into the office at 590 S Commerce Ave in Sebring and ask for the file you need. Staff will search the system and print copies. Bring cash or a check for the copy fee. You can also check the Find a Clerk directory to confirm office details before you make the trip.

For mail requests, send a letter to the clerk with the full name of the person, date of birth if you have it, and the type of record you want. Include payment for the expected copy fees. The clerk will mail back what they find. This takes longer but works if you cannot visit Highlands County in person. For FDLE records, submit your request at CCHInet and pay the $24 fee with a credit card. Results come by email, usually within a day.

Cities in Highlands County

Highlands County has several cities and towns. All court records for these areas are kept by the Highlands County Clerk of Court in Sebring. Background checks that involve court data go through the same clerk office no matter which city the person lives in.

Communities in Highlands County include Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid, and Venus. Court records for all of these go through the Highlands County clerk in Sebring.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Highlands County. If you are not sure where to search, check the person's address. Each county has its own clerk office and court records system.