Lake County Background Check Search

Background check records in Lake County are available through the Clerk of Court in Tavares and through FDLE's statewide system. Lake County is in central Florida with a population of about 400,000. It is one of the faster-growing counties in the state. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles all court cases here. The clerk's office stores criminal, civil, family, and traffic case files at the courthouse. If you need to run a background check in Lake County, you have strong online tools and in-person options at your disposal. FDLE handles the state-level criminal history database that covers all 67 Florida counties, and the Lake County Clerk has its own online case search.

Lake County Clerk of Court

The Lake County Clerk of Court handles all court records and public filings for the county. The main office is at the Lake County courthouse in Tavares. This is where criminal, civil, family, and traffic case files are stored. You can contact the Florida Clerks directory at (850) 921-0808 to get current contact details for the Lake County clerk. Staff handle case look-ups, copies, and filing questions during regular business hours on weekdays. Walk-in visits work well for in-person background check searches in Lake County.

The Lake County Clerk website at lakeclerk.org 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 current status for criminal and civil matters. This search is free to use. If you need printed copies or certified documents, fees apply. The online portal is a strong first step for any Lake County background check because it gives you fast access to local case data without needing to visit Tavares.

The Lake County Clerk of Court website provides access to case search tools and public records information.

Use this portal to search criminal and civil case records filed in Lake County courts.

Note: Lake County has branch offices in Clermont and other locations. Check the clerk's website for the closest office to you.

How to Search Lake County Background Check Records

You have several ways to search background check records in Lake County. The clerk's online case search is the fastest local option. Go to lakeclerk.org 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, and traffic matters in Lake County. No fee to search online.

In person, visit the Lake County clerk in Tavares. Bring your ID. Tell the staff the name you want 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 is another tool. It covers official recorded documents for Lake County, including liens, deeds, and court judgments. This is a separate database from the case search but adds to 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, not just Lake County. The fee is $24 and results come back within about 24 hours. For national records, a Level 2 fingerprint check runs through both FDLE and the FBI.

Lake County Background Check Fees

Background check costs in Lake County depend on the type of search. 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 through CCHInet. Level 2 fingerprint checks cost more and the fee varies by agency and LiveScan vendor.

At the Lake County Clerk office, copy fees follow state standards. Plain copies are $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. If you need certified copies for court proceedings or legal use, the clerk can stamp and sign them during your visit. Viewing a record at the counter has no charge. The online case search on the clerk's website is 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

Public Records Law in Lake County

Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes makes nearly all government records open to the public. This applies in Lake County the same way it does everywhere else in the state. Anyone can request records from the clerk, the sheriff, or any other Lake County government office. You do not need to be a Lake County resident to ask. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The law requires these records to be available.

Some records are exempt from public access in Lake County. Sealed cases, expunged records, and certain juvenile files cannot be viewed through a standard request. Active investigations may also be restricted. But the large majority of court records, arrest records, and official documents are open. If a Lake County office denies your request, the Attorney General's Open Government office can help you understand your rights under Florida law.

Note: Florida's Sunshine Law is one of the broadest public records laws in the country, and it applies fully in Lake County.

Background Check Types for Lake County

Two main levels of background checks exist under Florida law. Both are used in Lake County. A Level 1 check is name-based. FDLE runs the name through the statewide criminal history database. It pulls arrests, charges, and case outcomes from every county in the state. This is the most common type for a quick Lake County background check. Order one through CCHInet for $24. Results come back by email in about 24 hours.

Level 2 checks are fingerprint-based and go through both FDLE and the FBI. Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes covers how FDLE manages criminal history data at both levels. For Level 2 checks, you go to an approved LiveScan provider. Lake County has LiveScan vendors in the Tavares, Leesburg, and Clermont areas. Results take a few business days because the FBI portion adds processing time. This check returns national records, not just Florida data, and gives a more complete picture.

The VECHS program is a third option. FDLE runs it for approved organizations. Only registered groups that serve children, the elderly, or people with disabilities can use VECHS in Lake County.

Getting Record Copies in Lake County

Visit the Lake County Clerk in Tavares to get copies of court records. Staff can look up files by name or case number. You pay per page for copies. Certified copies carry the clerk's stamp and signature. These are what you need if the records are for court or legal use. Lake County also has branch offices for convenience. The Find a Clerk directory has the full listing of all Florida clerk offices, including Lake County locations.

Mail requests are an option too. Send a letter to the Lake County Clerk with the full name of the person, any case info you have, and a check for the expected fees. The clerk processes the request and mails copies back. For FDLE records, submit your request online through CCHInet. Results come by email. You can also check your own criminal history through the FDLE personal review page. This lets you see what is in your state file from Lake County or any other Florida county.

Cities in Lake County

Lake County includes Tavares, Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis, Mount Dora, Lady Lake, Minneola, Groveland, Mascotte, and Montverde. All court records for these communities are kept by the Lake County Clerk of Court. No cities in Lake County have a population over 100,000. Background check searches for residents in any Lake County city go through the same clerk office system.

Nearby Counties

Lake County borders several other central Florida counties. If you need to search records for someone who may have lived in a nearby area, check these counties.