Leon County Criminal Records
What Is Leon County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Leon County, Florida encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.011(3)(c), which defines public records to include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency."
Criminal records in Leon County typically differentiate between several categories:
- Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a court has found an individual guilty of a criminal offense.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year in jail.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Florida Statute § 985.04.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Leon County:
Leon County Sheriff's Office
2825 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304
(850) 606-3300
Leon County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Leon County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
301 South Monroe Street, Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4000
Leon County Clerk of Court
The Clerk's Office maintains court case records, dispositions, and final judgments.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE maintains the statewide criminal history database that includes Leon County records.
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Leon County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Leon County
Criminal records in Leon County are generally public records accessible to citizens under Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the Sunshine Law. This law, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, establishes that most government records, including criminal records, are available for public inspection and copying.
According to Florida Statute § 119.01(1), "it is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."
The following criminal record categories are typically public in Leon County:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Probation and parole information
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records are exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access:
- Active criminal investigations
- Records sealed or expunged pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585 and § 943.059
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Victim information in certain cases
- Information that would reveal confidential informants
- Records related to ongoing prosecutions that could impede fair trials
The Florida's 2nd Judicial Circuit, which includes Leon County, maintains public access terminals at the courthouse where members of the public may search court records. Additionally, many records are available through online portals maintained by the Leon County Clerk of Court.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of these records for certain purposes, such as employment or housing decisions, may be regulated by state and federal laws including the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Leon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to look up criminal records in Leon County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, both in-person and through digital platforms.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Leon County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
301 South Monroe Street, Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4000
Leon County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
To request criminal records in person:
- Complete a public records request form available at the Clerk's office
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, case number, date range)
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for non-certified)
- Allow processing time, which varies based on request complexity
For written requests, individuals may submit a detailed letter including:
- Full name of the subject (including aliases or maiden names)
- Date of birth and/or approximate age
- Case number (if known)
- Time period to be searched
- Specific information requested
- Contact information for response
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Mail written requests to:
Public Records Request
Leon County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
301 South Monroe Street, Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32301
For email requests, individuals may contact the Public Records Request Coordinator with the same information required for written requests.
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may also contact:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Criminal History Services
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 410-8109
FDLE Criminal History Information
The FDLE provides statewide criminal history information for a fee of $24 per record search. Requestors must submit fingerprints and a completed Applicant Fingerprint Form.
How To Find Criminal Records in Leon County Online?
Leon County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records digitally. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are available to the public pursuant to Florida's commitment to government transparency.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Leon County include:
-
Leon County Clerk of Court Online Records Search
The Leon County Clerk's Office Online Services provides access to court records including criminal cases. Users can search by:- Name (last, first, middle)
- Case number
- Citation number
- Date range
This system contains records for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases. Users should note that some older records may not be available electronically and certain confidential information is redacted from online records.
-
Leon County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate database showing:- Current inmates in custody
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court dates
This database is updated regularly but does not include historical incarceration records.
-
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
For individuals sentenced to state prison or under state supervision, the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search provides:- Current custody status
- Supervision information
- Release dates
- Facility location
- Offense history for current sentence
-
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sexual Offender/Predator Search
The FDLE maintains a searchable database of registered sexual offenders and predators, including those in Leon County. This database includes:- Offender photographs
- Registered addresses
- Offense information
- Compliance status
-
Florida's 2nd Judicial Circuit Case Search
The 2nd Judicial Circuit provides case information for Leon County criminal proceedings, including:- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
- Court documents
- Judge assignments
When using these online systems, users should be aware that:
- Registration may be required for some databases
- Certain sensitive information is redacted from public view
- Not all criminal records are available online
- The most comprehensive searches may still require in-person requests
- Information should be verified through official sources for legal purposes
Can You Search Leon County Criminal Records for Free?
Leon County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. The statute establishes that while agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records, inspection of records must generally be permitted without charge.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:
Leon County Courthouse
301 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Leon County Public Library - Main Branch
200 West Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 606-2665
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Several free online resources are also available to the public:
-
Leon County Clerk of Court Public Records Search
The Clerk's online portal provides free access to:- Criminal court case information
- Case status and updates
- Court calendars
- Party information
While viewing basic case information is free, downloading documents may incur fees.
-
Leon County Sheriff's Office Jail Population Search
The Sheriff's Office maintains a free inmate lookup tool that provides:- Current inmate roster
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond information
-
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
The state corrections database offers free searches for:- Current inmates
- Released offenders
- Supervised population
- Basic offense information
-
Florida Sexual Offender and Predator Public Registry
The FDLE sex offender registry provides free access to:- Registered offenders in Leon County
- Address information
- Offense details
- Compliance status
While these resources are available at no cost, certain limitations apply:
- Records that have been sealed or expunged are not accessible
- Some detailed information may require formal requests and fees
- Certified copies always incur statutory fees
- Extensive research assistance may involve service charges
- Commercial use of free records may be restricted
According to Florida Statute § 119.07(4), agencies may charge up to $0.15 per one-sided copy for standard-sized documents and up to $1.00 per certified copy. Special service charges may apply for extensive use of agency resources.
What's Included in a Leon County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Leon County agencies typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to provide a complete profile of criminal history and case progression.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or County)
- Judge assigned
- Charging documents
- Statute violations cited
- Classification of charges (felony/misdemeanor)
- Attorney information (prosecution and defense)
- Plea entered
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict or outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status
- Completion of sentence
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges
- Probation violations
- Participation in specialty courts (Drug Court, Veterans Court)
The Leon County Property Appraiser may also maintain records related to property ownership that can be cross-referenced with criminal records in cases involving property crimes, forfeitures, or liens resulting from criminal judgments.
Criminal records in Leon County are maintained in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules, which specify how long different types of records must be preserved. The comprehensiveness of any individual record depends on the nature of the case, its disposition, and the agencies involved.
How Long Does Leon County Keep Criminal Records?
Leon County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statute § 257.36. These schedules dictate the minimum time periods for which different types of criminal records must be preserved.
The retention periods for various criminal records in Leon County are as follows:
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports and booking information: 100 years
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years after creation
- Mugshot photographs: 75 years after creation
- Arrest warrants (executed): Retained with case file
- Arrest warrants (unexecuted): Until death of subject or 100 years
Court Records:
- Felony case files: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic case files: 5 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases and judgments: Permanent retention
- Court minutes and dockets: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 5 years after termination of probation
Correctional Records:
- Inmate files (county jail): 7 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
- Jail visitor logs: 3 years
- Inmate work assignments: 3 years after release
Investigative Records:
- Criminal investigative records (unsolved): 100 years
- Criminal investigative records (solved): Retained with case file
- Evidence tracking records: 3 years after final disposition of evidence
- Crime scene photographs: 5 years after case closure for misdemeanors; permanent for felonies
Juvenile Records:
- Juvenile case files: Until subject reaches age 24 if no adult charges
- Juvenile records with serious offenses: May be retained as adult records
It is important to note that while these are the minimum retention periods, many records are kept longer or permanently, particularly in significant cases. Additionally, even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, information may remain in electronic databases maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other state agencies.
Criminal records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are handled according to special procedures outlined in Florida Statute § 943.0585 and are not subject to standard retention schedules. These records are removed from public access but may be retained for limited official use.
The Leon County Clerk of Court maintains court records according to these schedules, while the Leon County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies follow the same state-mandated retention requirements for their respective records.
Lookup Criminal Records in Leon County
Florida's 2nd Judicial Circuit