Madison County Records Search

Background check records in Madison County are available from the Clerk of Court in the city of Madison and from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Madison County is a rural area in north Florida with about 18,000 residents. The 3rd Judicial Circuit handles all case filings here. Court records, criminal filings, and civil cases all go through the clerk's office at the courthouse. Running a background check in Madison County means checking both the local court records and the FDLE statewide database. Together, these two sources give you the most complete look at what is on file for a person in Madison County.

Madison County Clerk of Court

The Madison County Clerk of Court is the local keeper of court records and public filings. The office is in the city of Madison. You can call (850) 921-0808 for questions about records. Staff can help you search criminal cases, civil filings, and other court records that make up a Madison County background check. Walk-ins are welcome on weekdays during regular hours.

The clerk's website at madisonclerk.com provides some online tools for searching case records. You can look up cases by name or case number. The site shows case type, filing date, and status. Madison County is small, so the case volume is lower than in bigger counties. That often makes it easier to find what you need. For full copies of court documents in Madison County, you may need to visit the office or send a request by mail. The online search is a good starting point for any background check in Madison County.

Here is a view of the Madison County Clerk of Court website.

Use the Madison County clerk portal to search case records and view filing details.

Note: The 3rd Judicial Circuit also covers Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Taylor counties.

How to Search Madison County Background Check Records

Two main paths exist for running a background check in Madison County. The first is the clerk's case search tools. The second is FDLE's statewide criminal history database. The clerk has local court records. FDLE has state-level arrest and conviction data. Each source covers different ground. For a solid Madison County background check, use both.

To search at the Madison County courthouse, visit the clerk's office in the city of Madison. Bring your ID. Ask the staff to look up the person by name. They can pull case files and print copies for you. You can also use the MyFloridaCounty portal to search official records from Madison County and all other Florida counties. This free tool covers recorded documents like liens, deeds, and judgments. These records round out a background check by showing financial obligations. Under Florida Chapter 119, all public records are open for anyone to view without stating a reason.

For a statewide check, use CCHInet to submit a name-based request to FDLE. The fee is $24. Results typically arrive within 24 hours. This Level 1 check pulls all criminal history on file for that person across every Florida county. If the person has any record in Madison County or elsewhere, it will show up.

Background Check Costs in Madison County

FDLE charges $24 for a name-based state criminal history check. This is the same in every Florida county. Pay online at the FDLE criminal history records page. A Level 2 fingerprint check costs more and varies depending on the requesting agency. Both types of checks work for Madison County residents and anyone else who needs them.

At the Madison County Clerk of Court, copy fees apply when you pull documents from court files. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. There is no fee to view case information at the counter or to use the clerk's online search tools. You only pay when you need paper copies from Madison County court files.

• 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

Note: Confirm current fees with the Madison County clerk before submitting any requests, as rates can change.

Background Check Levels in Madison County

Florida law provides two standard levels for background checks. A Level 1 check is name-based. FDLE runs the name through their statewide criminal history system. It shows arrests, charges, and case outcomes from all 67 Florida counties. This is quick. Most results return in about a day. Submit the request at CCHInet and pay $24. Anyone can order one for Madison County.

A Level 2 check requires fingerprints. The prints go through both the FDLE state database and the FBI national database. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes lays out the specific roles that need this level of check. It covers national records and takes a few business days. You must go to an approved LiveScan site to get printed. Madison County may not have a local provider, so you might need to travel to a nearby area. The FDLE LiveScan vendor list can help you find the closest site.

FDLE also runs the VECHS program. Under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes, approved organizations can run checks for people who work with vulnerable populations. This is used across Madison County and the entire state of Florida.

Public Records Access in Madison County

Florida's public records laws are strong. Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, anyone can ask to see public records in Madison County. You do not have to be a resident. You do not have to give a reason. The clerk must let you view the files. This includes court records, police reports, and most other government documents. The default is open access. Sealed and expunged records are the main exceptions.

The Attorney General's Open Government page has details on your rights under the Sunshine Law. If any Madison County office gives you trouble with a records request, the AG's office can help. They handle public records disputes statewide.

Getting Copies of Madison County Records

Go to the Madison County Clerk's office in the city of Madison to pick up copies of court records. Ask for the file by name or case number. Staff will pull the case and print what you need. Pay $0.15 per page for plain copies or $1.00 for certified. You can check the Find a Clerk directory to confirm the address and hours before your visit.

Mail requests are another option for Madison County records. Send a letter to the clerk with the person's full name, date of birth if known, and the type of record you want. Include payment. The clerk will mail the copies back to you. FDLE records are ordered online at CCHInet for $24. Results arrive by email. If you want to check your own record, FDLE has a personal review option on their website.

Cities in Madison County

Madison County has a few small towns. The city of Madison is the county seat and the largest community. No cities in Madison County meet the population threshold for a separate background check page. All court records for the area go through the Madison County Clerk of Court. Other communities in Madison County include Lee, Greenville, and Cherry Lake.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Madison County. Each keeps its own court records with its own clerk. Make sure you search the right county for the person you are checking.