Leon County Background Records
Background check records in Leon County are held by the Clerk of Court in Tallahassee and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Leon County is home to the state capital and has close to 295,000 residents. The 2nd Judicial Circuit Court processes all criminal and civil case filings here. With FDLE headquarters right in Tallahassee, Leon County residents have direct access to both local court data and statewide criminal history files. The clerk's office keeps local case records while FDLE runs the state database, so using both gives you a full view of what is on file for a person in Leon County.
Leon County Quick Facts
Leon County Clerk of Court
The Leon County Clerk of Court is the main local office for court records and public filings. The office is in Tallahassee and handles all case records for the 2nd Judicial Circuit. You can call (850) 921-0808 to ask about records. Walk-ins are welcome on weekdays. Staff can help you search for criminal cases, civil filings, and other court records tied to a Leon County background check.
The clerk's website at leonclerk.com has an online case search system. You can look up cases by name or case number from any device. The portal shows case type, filing date, parties, and status. It is a good first step when you need to run a background check in Leon County. Since Tallahassee is the state capital, the Leon County court system handles a high volume of cases each year. That means the online search tool gets a lot of use and is kept up to date. For full copies of court documents, you may need to visit the office or submit a written request to the Leon County clerk.
The Leon County Clerk of Court website provides case search tools and records access.
Use this portal to look up court records and case status in Leon County.
| Address | Contact FCCC for details |
|---|---|
| Phone | (850) 921-0808 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | leonclerk.com |
| Circuit | 2nd Judicial Circuit |
Note: The Leon County clerk shares the 2nd Judicial Circuit with Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties.
How to Search Leon County Background Check Records
There are several ways to run a background check in Leon County. The clerk's online case search is the fastest local option. FDLE's statewide system gives you the broadest reach. Each pulls from different data. The clerk has local court records such as criminal filings, civil suits, and traffic cases. FDLE has arrest and conviction data from all 67 Florida counties. For a thorough Leon County background check, use both.
Start with the Leon County clerk's website at leonclerk.com. The case search lets you look up records by name or case number. Results show dates, case types, charges, and status. There is no fee to search online. You can also use the MyFloridaCounty portal to search official recorded documents like liens, judgments, and deeds from Leon County. These records add context to a background check by showing financial obligations and property issues. Under Florida Chapter 119, all public records are open for anyone to view without giving a reason.
For a state-level check, go to CCHInet and submit a name-based search. 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 FDLE has on file for that person across the state, not just Leon County. Since FDLE is based in Tallahassee, the agency processes these requests quickly.
Background Check Fees in Leon County
The cost of a background check in Leon County depends on what you need and where you get it. FDLE charges $24 for a Level 1 name-based criminal history check. This is the same fee in every Florida county. You pay online through the FDLE criminal history records page. A Level 2 fingerprint check costs more and the price varies by the requesting agency.
At the Leon County Clerk of Court, copy fees apply when you pull documents from case files. The rates are set by state law. If you need certified copies for legal use, the Leon County clerk can make them while you wait during office hours. There is no fee to search case records online through the clerk's website. That part is free 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
Types of Background Checks in Leon County
Florida law sets out two main levels for background checks. Both apply in Leon County. A Level 1 check is name-based. FDLE runs the name through their statewide criminal history database. It covers arrests, charges, and case outcomes. This type is fast. Most results arrive within a day. You submit the request at CCHInet and pay the $24 fee. Anyone can run a Level 1 check for Leon County or any other county in Florida.
A Level 2 check needs fingerprints. The data runs through both FDLE and the FBI national database. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes lists which roles require this deeper check. It pulls national records and can take a few business days. You must get printed at an approved site. Tallahassee has several LiveScan locations since it is the capital. Check the FDLE LiveScan vendor list to find one near you in Leon County.
The VECHS program through FDLE is another option. Under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes, approved groups can run criminal history checks for people who work with children, the elderly, or those with disabilities. This program is used across Leon County and the whole state.
Public Records Access in Leon County
Florida has some of the strongest public records laws in the country. Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, any person can ask to see public records in Leon County. You do not need to be a resident. You do not have to state a reason. The clerk must let you view the files. This covers court records, arrest reports, and most other government documents held by Leon County offices.
The Attorney General's Open Government page explains your rights under the Sunshine Law. If you have trouble getting records in Leon County, the AG's office can step in. They handle disputes when agencies deny access to public records. Since the AG office is also in Tallahassee, Leon County residents are close to this resource.
Getting Copies of Leon County Records
Visit the Leon County Clerk's office in Tallahassee to get copies of court records. Ask for the file by name or case number. Staff will pull it and print copies for you. Pay $0.15 per page for plain copies or $1.00 per page for certified copies. You can also check the Find a Clerk directory to confirm office details before you go.
For a mail request, send a letter to the clerk with the person's full name, date of birth if you know it, and the type of record you need. Include payment for the expected copy fees. The clerk will mail the documents back. This takes longer but works if you cannot visit Leon County in person. FDLE records can be ordered online at CCHInet for $24. Results come by email. If you want to review your own record, FDLE has a personal review option that lets you check what is on file.
Note: Certified copies from the Leon County Clerk are needed for most legal matters and court proceedings.
Cities in Leon County
Tallahassee is the only city in Leon County that meets the population threshold for a dedicated page. As the state capital, it is by far the largest city in the county. All court records for Leon County communities go through the clerk's office in Tallahassee.
Other communities in Leon County include Woodville, Chaires, Miccosukee, and Bradfordville. Background check records for all of them are kept at the Leon County Clerk of Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Leon County. If you need records from a nearby area, check the correct county clerk office for where the person lives.