Liberty County Background Check
Background check records in Liberty County are available through the Clerk of Court in Bristol and through FDLE at the state level. Liberty County is one of the smallest counties in Florida with a population of around 9,000 people. The 2nd Judicial Circuit covers this county. Despite its small size, Liberty County keeps the same types of court records as every other Florida county. Criminal cases, civil filings, and traffic cases all go through the clerk's office. For a full background check in Liberty County, you will want to search both the local court records and the FDLE statewide criminal history database.
Liberty County Quick Facts
Liberty County Clerk of Court
The Liberty County Clerk of Court handles all court records and public filings for the county. The office is in Bristol. You can call (850) 921-0808 for questions about records. Since Liberty County is very small, the clerk's office handles a low volume of cases compared to metro areas. That can make it easier to find what you need. Staff can help you search criminal cases, civil filings, and other records for a Liberty County background check.
Liberty County does not have its own standalone clerk website like some larger counties do. For information about the clerk and contact details, the Florida Clerks and Comptrollers directory is the best resource. You can find the current clerk name, address, and phone number there. Some case records may be searchable through the court system's online tools, but Liberty County has more limited online access than bigger counties. An in-person visit to the courthouse in Bristol is often the most direct way to search background check records in Liberty County.
The Florida Clerks and Comptrollers directory provides contact info for the Liberty County clerk office.
Use this directory to find the latest contact details for the Liberty County Clerk of Court.
| Address | Contact FCCC for details |
|---|---|
| Phone | (850) 921-0808 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | FCCC Directory |
| Circuit | 2nd Judicial Circuit |
How to Search Liberty County Background Check Records
Running a background check in Liberty County takes a slightly different approach than in a larger county. Online options are more limited here. The best local option is to visit the clerk's office in Bristol. Bring a valid ID and tell the staff whose records you need. They can search the system and pull case files for you. The courthouse is small, so wait times are usually short. This is the most reliable way to get local court records for a Liberty County background check.
You can also use the MyFloridaCounty portal to search official recorded documents from Liberty County. This free tool covers liens, deeds, judgments, and other recorded papers. It works for all Florida counties. These documents add to a background check by showing if a person has outstanding judgments or property issues in Liberty County. Under Florida Chapter 119, public records are open for anyone to view. No reason is required.
For statewide criminal history, go to CCHInet and submit a name-based request. The fee is $24. Results come back in about 24 hours. This is often the most important piece of a Liberty County background check because it pulls data from all 67 Florida counties, not just this one.
Note: Liberty County's small population means fewer cases in the local system, but FDLE will catch anything from other counties.
Background Check Fees in Liberty County
The cost to run a background check in Liberty County is in line with every other Florida county for state-level services. FDLE charges $24 for a name-based criminal history check. You pay online through the FDLE criminal history records page. This fee does not change based on county. A Level 2 fingerprint check costs more and varies by agency.
At the Liberty County Clerk of Court, copy fees apply for court documents. Plain copies are $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Since Liberty County is small, you are less likely to deal with large file volumes, but the per-page rates are the same as other counties. There is no charge to view case information at the counter. You only pay for copies.
- FDLE state check (Level 1): $24.00
- Plain copy from clerk: $0.15 per page
- Certified copy from clerk: $1.00 per page
- In-person case viewing: Free
Types of Background Checks in Liberty County
Florida has two standard levels for background checks, and both apply in Liberty County. A Level 1 check is name-based. FDLE runs the name through their statewide criminal history database. It pulls arrests, charges, and case results from all 67 counties. Most results come back within a day. You submit the request at CCHInet and pay $24. Anyone can run a Level 1 check.
A Level 2 check uses fingerprints. The data goes through both FDLE and the FBI. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes lists the roles that require this deeper check. It covers national records and takes a few business days. You need to get fingerprinted at an approved LiveScan site. Liberty County may not have a local LiveScan provider because of its small size. The closest ones might be in Tallahassee or other nearby areas. Check the FDLE LiveScan vendor list for the nearest location.
The VECHS program through FDLE is also available. Under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes, approved organizations can run criminal history checks for people who work with children, the elderly, or those with disabilities. This applies in Liberty County just as it does everywhere else in Florida.
Public Records Access in Liberty County
Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, public records in Liberty County are open for inspection by any person. You do not need to be a resident. You do not need to explain why. The clerk must let you view the files. This covers court records, arrest reports, and most other government documents. Sealed and expunged records are the exception. Those are not available through a standard request.
The Attorney General's Open Government page has more info on your rights. If you have trouble getting records from any Liberty County office, the AG can help sort it out. Small counties sometimes have fewer staff, which can slow things down, but the legal right to access records is the same regardless of county size.
Note: In a small county like Liberty, the clerk may need extra time to locate older case files that are stored off-site.
Getting Copies of Liberty County Records
Visit the Liberty County Clerk's office in Bristol to get copies of court records. Ask for the file by name or case number. Staff will pull the case and print copies for you. Pay $0.15 per page for plain copies or $1.00 per page for certified. You can also check the Find a Clerk directory to confirm office details before you make the trip.
For a mail request, write to the clerk with the full name of the person, date of birth if known, and the type of record you need. Include payment for the copy fees. The clerk will send the documents back by mail. 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 page where you can check what is on file.
Cities in Liberty County
Liberty County is one of the least populated counties in Florida. Bristol is the county seat and the main town. No cities in Liberty County meet the population threshold for a separate background check page. All court records for the area go through the Liberty County Clerk of Court in Bristol. Other small communities in Liberty County include Hosford, Sumatra, and Telogia.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Liberty County. If you need records from a nearby area, check the correct county clerk office.