Indian River County Background Check

Background check records in Indian River County are available through the Clerk of Court in Vero Beach and through FDLE's statewide system. Indian River County is on Florida's Treasure Coast with a population of about 165,000. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles all court cases here. The clerk's office stores criminal, civil, family, and traffic case files. FDLE runs the state criminal history database that covers every Florida county. If you need to search background check records in Indian River County, these are your two main sources, and both have online tools that let you get started from home.

Indian River County Clerk of Court

Ryan L. Butler serves as the Indian River County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 2000 16th Ave in Vero Beach. This is where all court records for Indian River County are filed and stored. You can reach the office at (772) 226-3100 to ask about records, office hours, or how to make a request. Staff help with case look-ups, copies, and questions about filings. The office is open on weekdays and takes walk-in visits during business hours. For a background check in Indian River County, this is the local source for court case data.

The Indian River County Clerk website at indianriverclerk.com has online tools for searching court records. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date range. The site shows case types, filing dates, and status for criminal, civil, and traffic matters. This search is free. If you need printed copies or certified documents, fees apply. The online portal is a strong first step for any background check in Indian River County because it gives you fast access to local case data without a trip to Vero Beach.

The Indian River County Clerk of Court website provides access to court case searches and public records.

You can use this portal to search criminal and civil case records filed in Indian River County.

Note: Call the Indian River County Clerk before your visit to check for holiday closures or schedule changes.

How to Search Indian River County Background Check Records

You have several ways to search for background check records in Indian River County. The clerk's online case search is the fastest local option. Go to the Indian River County Clerk website and use the public records search tool. Type in a name and the system returns matching court cases. Results show case numbers, types, filing dates, and current status. This works for criminal cases, civil suits, family law filings, and traffic matters in Indian River County. There is no fee to search online.

In person, visit the clerk at 2000 16th Ave in Vero Beach. Bring a valid ID. Tell the staff the name you need to look up. They can search the system and pull court files for you to view at the counter. If you want copies, ask and pay the fee. The MyFloridaCounty portal adds to your search. It covers official recorded documents for Indian River County, including liens, deeds, and court judgments. This is a separate database from the clerk's case search but rounds out your background check results.

FDLE runs the statewide criminal history check. Use CCHInet to submit a Level 1 name-based request. This covers all 67 Florida counties. Pay $24 online and get results within about 24 hours. For national records, you would need a Level 2 fingerprint check, which is a different process that goes through both FDLE and the FBI.

Indian River County Background Check Fees

Background check costs in Indian River County depend on what you need. The FDLE charges $24 for a statewide name-based criminal history check. This fee is the same across all counties in Florida. You pay online when you submit the request. Level 2 fingerprint checks have a higher cost that varies based on the requesting agency and the LiveScan vendor.

At the Indian River County Clerk office, copy fees follow state standards. Plain copies are $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Some people need certified copies for court proceedings or official use. Viewing a record in person has no charge. The online case search on the clerk's website is also free.

• FDLE state criminal check: $24.00
• Plain copies from clerk: $0.15 per page
• Certified copies: $1.00 per page
• Online case search: Free

Note: Fees at the Indian River County Clerk office may change, so check with the clerk for the current rates before you visit.

Public Records Law in Indian River County

Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes makes nearly all government records open to the public. This applies in Indian River County the same as it does everywhere else in the state. Anyone can request records from the clerk, the sheriff, or any other Indian River County government office. You do not need to live in the county. You do not have to explain your reason. The law says these records must be made available for inspection.

Some records are exempt. Sealed cases, expunged records, and certain juvenile files are not open to the public in Indian River County. Active criminal investigations may also be shielded until they close. But the large majority of court records, arrest records, and official documents are open. If an agency denies your request, the Attorney General's Open Government office can help you understand your rights and options under Florida law.

Background Check Types for Indian River County

Two main levels of background checks exist under Florida law. Level 1 is name-based. FDLE runs the person's name through the statewide criminal history database. This pulls up arrests, charges, and outcomes. It is fast and costs $24. You can order one through CCHInet. Anyone in Indian River County or anywhere in Florida can request one. Results come by email in about a day.

Level 2 checks are fingerprint-based. They run through both FDLE and the FBI. Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes covers how FDLE manages criminal history data. Level 2 checks are required under Chapter 435 for positions that involve trust or care for vulnerable groups. You go to an approved LiveScan provider to get printed. Indian River County has LiveScan vendors in the Vero Beach area. Results take a few business days because the FBI part adds time. This check returns national records, not just Florida data.

The VECHS program is a third option. It stands for Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System. Only approved organizations can use it. It covers groups that serve children, the elderly, or people with disabilities in Indian River County and across the state.

Getting Record Copies in Indian River County

Visit the Indian River County Clerk at 2000 16th Ave in Vero Beach to get copies of court records. Staff can look up files by name or case number. You pay per page for copies. For certified copies, the clerk stamps and signs the document. This is what you need if the records are for court or legal use. The Find a Clerk page has the full directory of Florida clerk offices, including Indian River County.

Mail requests work too. Send a letter to the clerk with the full name, case details, and a check for the expected fees. The clerk will process the request and mail copies back to you. For FDLE records, submit your request online through CCHInet or mail it to FDLE in Tallahassee. Online requests are the fastest way to get background check results for Indian River County or any other Florida county.

Cities in Indian River County

Indian River County includes Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, and Indian River Shores. All court records for these communities are kept by the Indian River County Clerk of Court in Vero Beach. Background check searches for residents in any Indian River County city go through the same clerk office on 16th Avenue.

Nearby Counties

Indian River County borders several other counties along the Treasure Coast and central Florida. If you need to search records in a nearby area, check these counties.