Suwannee County Background Check Records

Suwannee County background check records are held by the Clerk of Court in Live Oak and by FDLE at the state level. This is a rural county in north Florida with about 46,000 residents. The clerk's office is the go-to place for local court data, including criminal cases, civil filings, and traffic records. For a wider view, FDLE runs statewide criminal history checks that cover Suwannee County and every other county in the state. Knowing which office to contact is the first step in getting the records you need for a background check here.

Suwannee County Clerk of Court

Barry Baker is the Suwannee County Clerk of Court. The office is at 200 S Ohio Ave in Live Oak. All local court records for Suwannee County are filed and maintained here. Criminal cases, civil matters, small claims, and family law filings all pass through this office. You can reach the clerk at (386) 362-0500 to ask about records or check office hours.

The Suwannee County government website at suwgov.org has links to clerk services. Online search tools for Suwannee County court records may be limited compared to larger counties. In smaller counties like this one, an in-person visit to the courthouse is often the best way to get what you need. Staff can search the case management system and pull records while you wait. For a background check in Suwannee County, starting at the clerk's office gives you the most direct path to local data.

The Suwannee County Clerk website provides access to court services and local record information.

Use this portal to find court case data and filing information for Suwannee County.

How to Run a Background Check in Suwannee County

For local court records, visit the clerk's office in Live Oak. Bring a valid ID and the name of the person you want to look up. The staff will search the case system for you. You can ask for criminal, civil, or traffic case records. In a small county like Suwannee, the staff often knows the system well and can pull data fast.

For a statewide criminal history search, go through FDLE. The CCHInet portal lets you submit a name-based search online. It costs $24 and results come back within about a day. This check covers every county in Florida, not just Suwannee. If the person has arrests or convictions anywhere in the state, those will show up. This is a Level 1 background check under Florida law.

You can also use the MyFloridaCounty site to search official records. This tool covers documents like liens, judgments, and recorded instruments from Suwannee County and other counties. It adds more context to a background check. Under Florida Chapter 119, all of these are public records. You have the right to see them.

Note: Suwannee County is a smaller county, so online search options may be more limited than what you find in urban areas.

Fees for Suwannee County Background Checks

FDLE charges $24 for a Level 1 name-based criminal history check. You pay online at the FDLE criminal history records page. This fee is the same in every Florida county. Level 2 checks cost more and the price depends on the agency that asks for them.

At the Suwannee County Clerk's office, plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies run $1.00 per page. If you visit the courthouse in Live Oak and ask for copies of court documents, bring cash or a check. Some offices may take cards, but it is best to call ahead and ask. Online case searches, when available, are free to use in Suwannee County.

• FDLE state check (Level 1): $24.00
• Plain copy from clerk: $0.15 per page
• Certified copy: $1.00 per page
• Level 2 fingerprint check: Varies

Accessing Public Records in Suwannee County

Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes gives everyone the right to inspect public records. This means anyone can walk into the Suwannee County clerk's office and ask to see court files. You do not need a reason. You do not need to be from Suwannee County. The law says the records are open.

Some records are exempt. Sealed cases, expunged records, and certain juvenile files are not available to the public. But the vast majority of court records in Suwannee County are open. If a clerk denies your request and you believe the record should be public, contact the Attorney General's Open Government office. They can step in and help resolve the issue.

Background Check Types for Suwannee County

A Level 1 check is the most common. It is name-based and goes through FDLE. You get statewide criminal history results. Arrests, charges, and case outcomes all show up. Results come back within 24 hours or so. For most people who need a Suwannee County background check, this is the way to go.

Level 2 checks are more involved. They require fingerprints that get run through both FDLE and the FBI. This gives national results. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes spells out when a Level 2 check is required. Certain roles that involve working with children, the elderly, or disabled people need this level. Fingerprinting in the Suwannee County area can be done at approved LiveScan sites. Check the FDLE list for the closest location to Live Oak.

FDLE also runs the VECHS program under Chapter 943. This is for approved organizations that need to check the background of volunteers or staff in sensitive roles. It is not a public-facing tool. Only registered groups can use it in Suwannee County.

Note: In rural counties like Suwannee, the closest LiveScan site may be in a neighboring county, so plan your trip accordingly.

Getting Copies of Court Records in Suwannee County

Go to the Suwannee County Clerk's office at 200 S Ohio Ave in Live Oak. Bring your ID and tell the staff which records you need. They will search the system and print copies for you. Bring payment for the per-page fee. If you need certified copies, ask for them at the counter. These are valid for court use and legal filings.

You can also send a written request by mail. Include the person's full name, date of birth if known, case number if you have it, and what type of record you want. Mail the letter to the clerk's office with payment enclosed. They will process the request and send back copies. Use the Find a Clerk directory to confirm the mailing address. For statewide FDLE records, submit your request online at CCHInet and pay with a credit card.

Cities in Suwannee County

Suwannee County is mostly rural. All court records for cities and communities in the county go through the Suwannee County Clerk of Court in Live Oak. There are no large cities in Suwannee County with separate pages on this site.

Communities include Live Oak, Branford, and McAlpin. Background check records for all of these areas are held at the clerk's office in Live Oak.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Suwannee County. Each one has its own clerk office and its own set of court records.