OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Florida Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Florida. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 67 counties across 20 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 3 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Middle, Southern)
  • Background checks: FDLE — Criminal History Record Check
  • Records law: Florida Sunshine Law / Public Records Act (Chapter 119)
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through FDLE
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Florida has 67 counties across 20 judicial circuits. Trial court records are maintained by each county's Clerk of Court. There is no single statewide search for trial court records — visit your county clerk's website to search cases online. For appellate courts, use the Appellate Case Information System (ACIS).

County-level court records include circuit courts and county courts handling civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Availability varies by county — most clerks offer free online case searches.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Florida are handled by three U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City, Gainesville
  • Middle District — Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Ocala
  • Southern District — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Key West, Fort Pierce

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Florida Courts — Official State Courts Website 🏛️ Appellate Case Information System (ACIS)

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Florida are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly. Most agencies accept requests in writing, by email, or through a public records portal.

For statewide criminal history, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) operates the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. You can perform a self-service search online through CCHInet. There is a fee for the search.

🔍 FDLE — CCHInet Criminal History Self-Service Search 📋 FDLE — Criminal History Records Overview

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Florida operates under the Florida Sunshine Law and Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). Any person can request government records. Florida has some of the broadest public records access laws in the country — requests can be made orally, in writing, or electronically. Agencies must respond promptly.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Florida

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's Clerk of Court. Criminal history is centralized through FDLE. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Florida

Florida has 67 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Florida state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Florida for free?
Visit your county Clerk of Court's website — most offer free online case search. There is no single statewide trial court portal. For appellate cases, use ACIS (Appellate Case Information System).
Are arrest records public in Florida?
Yes. Florida has broad public records access laws. Arrest records are public under the Florida Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Florida?
FDLE offers a self-service criminal history search through CCHInet. The search covers the statewide Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database. There is a fee for the search.
What is the Florida Sunshine Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records and attend government meetings. Records requests can be made orally, in writing, or electronically. The Florida Attorney General's office oversees compliance. More info at myfloridalegal.com.
How many court systems does Florida have?
Florida has a multi-level court system organized into 20 judicial circuits: county courts, circuit courts, five District Courts of Appeal, and the Florida Supreme Court. Each county's Clerk of Court maintains records at the local level.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026