Florida Records Search connects users to over 30 million public documents through verified state and county portals. These records span criminal histories from 1975 to today, civil court cases, marriage and divorce certificates, birth and death records, property assessments, bankruptcy filings, and registered offender data. Each entry shows the filing date, issuing office, and often includes scanned copies of original documents. This lets lawyers, investigators, researchers, and everyday residents confirm facts without visiting multiple government buildings. Related sites like MyFloridaCounty.com and the State of Florida Public Records Directory organize local property rolls, building permits, and direct links to agency request forms.
What Types of Records Are Available in Florida?
Florida law requires most government documents to be open to the public under the Florida Public Records Act. The main categories include criminal history reports, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage, divorce), property deeds and tax rolls, court dockets, business filings, and sex offender registry details. Some records are restricted due to privacy laws—such as juvenile cases, sealed court orders, or medical information—but the vast majority can be accessed online or by mail. Each record type is managed by a specific state or county office, and knowing which agency holds your document saves time and avoids delays.
Criminal History Records
These include arrest logs, booking photos, conviction details, sentencing outcomes, and expungement status. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the central criminal database, which dates back to 1970. Users can request a background check through the FDLE CJIS portal using a valid ID and paying a small fee. Results show charges, court dispositions, and fingerprint verification status. Sealed or expunged records are not visible, as required by Florida Statute 943.0585.
Vital Statistics: Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce
Birth and death certificates are handled by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics under the Department of Health. Marriage licenses and divorce decrees are filed with county clerks but indexed statewide. Birth records older than 100 years and death records older than 50 years are public. Recent records require proof of identity or relationship. Certified copies carry an official seal and control number for legal use.
Property and Land Records
Deeds, mortgages, liens, tax assessments, and building permits are maintained at the county level. MyFloridaCounty.com provides searchable indexes for each county, including parcel values, ownership history, and zoning details. Users can view PDFs of recorded deeds and commission meeting minutes going back ten years. For certified copies, contact the county clerk directly.
How to Search Florida Records Online
Start by choosing the record type you need. Then identify the responsible agency. For example, criminal records go through FDLE, while birth certificates come from the Department of Health. Most searches begin on StateRecords.org, which aggregates links to official portals and explains requirements like ID proof, fees, and processing times. The site also flags restricted files so users know what’s available and what’s not.
Step 1: Choose Your Record Category
Common categories include criminal history, vital statistics, property deeds, court cases, and business filings. Each has its own search process and rules. Picking the right category ensures you reach the correct database quickly.
Step 2: Find the Right Agency or Portal
State-level records use portals like FDLE for crimes, Sunbiz for businesses, and the Department of Health for births and deaths. County records use MyFloridaCounty.com or individual clerk websites. StateRecords.org lists all major agencies with direct links and instructions.
Step 3: Submit Your Request
Online requests need a government-issued ID, completed form, and payment. Mail-in requests require the same plus a stamped self-addressed envelope. Processing takes 3–10 business days depending on volume. Some records are free; others cost $5–$25.
Official Florida Records Portals You Can Trust
Only use state-approved websites to avoid scams or outdated data. Below are the most reliable sources for Florida public records.
StateRecords.org – Central Hub for Florida Documents
This site organizes over 30 million records into one searchable system. It covers criminal files from 1975, civil lawsuits, inmate bookings, marriage licenses since 1900, divorce decrees, property taxes, bankruptcies, and offender listings. Every record shows the filing date, issuing office, and often a scanned copy. It’s ideal for attorneys and investigators who need fast verification without calling multiple offices.
https://florida.staterecords.org/
FDLE Criminal History Record Check
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the official criminal background check system. It holds arrest and conviction data since 1970. Authorized users can upload an ID, pay a fee, and get a detailed report with charge descriptions, court outcomes, and fingerprint results. Expunged or sealed records are hidden per state law.
https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records/Record-Check
Sunbiz – Florida Business Entity Search
The Division of Corporations manages Sunbiz, the state’s business filing database. Users can look up corporations, LLCs, and fictitious names active since 1945. Each entry shows file number, registration date, address, status (active/dissolved), and downloadable PDFs of original paperwork. Tax ID links are included when available.
https://www.dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/search/
MyFloridaCounty.com – County-Level Property and Court Records
This portal gives access to local deeds, tax rolls, building permits, and court opinions. Users can browse searchable indexes, view parcel values, and read commission minutes from the past decade. Automated scraping is blocked, but manual searches work well. For certified copies, contact the county clerk listed on the site.
https://www.myfloridacounty.com/official_records/index.html
FL State Courts Directory – Over 180 Million Court Records
This database includes criminal, civil, family, and probate cases from all Florida courts. Docket entries, judgments, and dispositions are digitized and searchable by case number, name, or date. Restricted files like sealed juvenile cases are marked clearly. PDF downloads are offered when courts allow electronic release.
https://www.statecourts.org/florida/
How to Get Certified Copies of Vital Records
Certified copies are needed for legal purposes like passports, school enrollment, or Social Security. Uncertified prints from websites aren’t valid. Only the issuing agency can provide official versions with seals and control numbers.
Birth Certificates in Florida
Request from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or a local health department. You’ll need a signed affidavit, photo ID, and proof of relationship if not the person named. Third-party vendors can process online orders after verifying eligibility. Mail or in-person submissions take 5–7 days.
https://florida.staterecords.org/birthrecords
Death Certificates in Florida
Provide the deceased’s full name, date of death, and county. If the date is unknown, give a year range and pay $2 extra per year searched. Submit by mail with ID and fee, or visit any Vital Statistics office. Certified copies include cause of death and burial location.
https://florida.staterecords.org/deathrecords
Public Records Requests for Sensitive Agencies
Some departments handle sensitive data and require formal requests under Florida Statute 119.011. These include child welfare, foster care, and social services records managed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Submitting a DCF Public Records Request
Use the online portal to pick a category like child protection files or program eligibility lists. Fill in your contact info, describe the records, and note any fees. DCF acknowledges receipt within two business days and gives an estimated timeline based on complexity.
https://www.myflfamilies.com/publicrecords/
Fees, Processing Times, and Legal Compliance
Most record searches are free online. Certified copies cost between $5 and $25. Processing ranges from instant (online PDFs) to 10 business days (mail requests). Agencies must respond within a reasonable time under the Sunshine Law. Exempt records—like ongoing investigations or personal medical data—are clearly marked.
| Record Type | Issuing Agency | Typical Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal History | FDLE | $24 | 3–5 days |
| Birth Certificate | Dept. of Health | $15 | 5–7 days |
| Death Certificate | Dept. of Health | $15 | 5–7 days |
| Business Filing | Sunbiz | Free | Instant |
| Property Deed | County Clerk | $5–$10 | 3–10 days |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unofficial sites that charge high fees for free records.
- Not providing proper ID or relationship proof for vital records.
- Assuming all records are online—some older files are only available by mail.
- Ignoring exemption notices—sealed or juvenile records won’t appear.
- Forgetting to check county portals for local property or court data.
Why Accuracy and Source Matter
Always verify information through official Florida government portals. Third-party sites may have outdated or incomplete data. StateRecords.org links directly to trusted sources and explains legal limits. This protects users from errors in background checks, real estate transactions, or legal filings.
Contact Information for Major Agencies
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Phone: (850) 410-7777
Website: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ET
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Phone: (850) 245-4440
Website: https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM ET
Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Phone: (850) 245-6058
Website: https://www.dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ET
MyFloridaCounty.com Support
Phone: Varies by county
Website: https://www.myfloridacounty.com/
Hours: Check individual county clerk sites
Related Search Terms and Common Queries
- Florida background check
- Florida court records online
- Free Florida public records
- Florida property tax search
- Florida sex offender registry
- How to get a copy of a Florida marriage license
- Florida business license lookup
- Florida inmate search
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about accessing Florida records. Below are clear answers based on current state laws and official procedures.
Can I get someone’s criminal record for free in Florida?
No. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges $24 for a criminal history record check. You must submit a valid government-issued ID and go through the FDLE CJIS portal. Some third-party sites claim to offer free searches, but they often provide incomplete or outdated data. Only FDLE gives verified, legally acceptable reports. Expunged or sealed records will not appear, as required by law. Processing takes 3–5 business days. If you need records for employment or licensing, always use the official state channel to ensure accuracy and compliance.
How long does it take to receive a certified birth certificate in Florida?
Certified birth certificates from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take 5–7 business days if requested by mail or in person. Online requests through authorized vendors may be faster, depending on verification speed. You must provide a signed affidavit, photo ID, and proof of relationship if you’re not the person named on the certificate. Rush services are not available for vital records. Mail your completed form, payment ($15), and documents to the Tallahassee office or visit any local health department. Delays can happen during high-volume periods like back-to-school season.
Are Florida divorce records public?
Yes, divorce decrees are public records in Florida and can be accessed through the county clerk where the divorce was finalized. Each county maintains its own database, but StateRecords.org and MyFloridaCounty.com link to all 67 clerks’ sites. You’ll need the names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Some counties charge a small fee ($5–$10) for certified copies. Sealed divorces—rare and usually involving minors or safety concerns—are not available to the public. Most divorce filings include case numbers, dates, and final judgment details.
Can I search Florida property records by address?
Yes. Use MyFloridaCounty.com to find property records by street address, parcel number, or owner name. Each county displays assessed value, tax history, deed recordings, and zoning information. PDF copies of deeds and liens are often available for download. For certified copies needed in court or real estate transactions, contact the county clerk directly. Note that some older records (pre-2000) may only be available in paper format at the clerk’s office. Always verify ownership through official sources before making financial decisions.
What happens if my public records request is denied in Florida?
If a Florida agency denies your public records request, they must cite a specific exemption under Florida Statute 119.07. Common reasons include ongoing investigations, personal privacy (like Social Security numbers), or sealed court orders. You can appeal the denial by contacting the agency’s custodian of records or filing a complaint with the Florida First Amendment Foundation. Most disputes are resolved quickly once the legal basis is clarified. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the denial seems unjustified, you may seek help from the Office of the Attorney General.
Is the Florida sex offender registry updated in real time?
The Florida sex offender registry is updated regularly but not instantly. Offenders must report changes within 48 hours, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement publishes updates weekly. The public site shows current addresses, photos, and offense details for registered individuals. However, minor delays can occur due to verification processes. Always cross-check with local law enforcement for the most recent information. The registry is searchable by name, location, or ZIP code on the FDLE website.
Do I need a lawyer to access Florida court records?
No. Anyone can access Florida court records without a lawyer. Use the FL State Courts Directory or visit the county clerk’s office. Most civil, criminal, family, and probate cases are digitized and available online. You’ll need a case number or party name to search. Some sensitive cases—like adoptions or juvenile delinquency—are sealed by law and not accessible. For certified copies used in legal proceedings, you may need to show ID and pay a fee. Attorneys often use these records for case prep, but public access is guaranteed under the Sunshine Law.