Florida Criminal Records at a Glance
Florida criminal records are maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). FDLE operates the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system accessible through CCHInet for self-service searches. Background checks are available for both state and national levels. Individuals can request personal review of their Florida criminal history under Florida Statute 943.056.
1Florida Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Florida is one of the few states where any member of the public can search the statewide criminal history repository. FDLE’s Computerized Criminal History (CCH) files are searchable online through CCHInet. This level of access is a direct result of Florida’s broad public records law.
- FDLE, Obtaining Criminal History Informationwww.fdle.state.fl.usFDLE portal for criminal history record information. Contact Missing Persons and Offender Registration at 1-888-357-7332 for accuracy concerns.
- CCHInet, Florida Criminal History Self-Service Searchcchinet.fdle.state.fl.usSelf-service search of FDLE Computerized Criminal History (CCH) files covering state of Florida criminal history information.
- FDLE, Florida Criminal History Record Checkwww.fdle.state.fl.usConduct a state criminal history record search. Requires a valid ORI. Cost varies by statute and agency.
- FDLE, State and National Criminal History Checkwww.fdle.state.fl.usState and national criminal history information available to governmental agencies for licensing and employment as authorized under Florida law.
- FDLE, Personal Review of Criminal Historywww.fdle.state.fl.usFlorida Statute 943.056 affords individuals the right to request a copy of their Florida criminal history record for personal review.
- Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS)acis.flcourts.govSearch court dockets and available case documents in all of Florida appellate courts including the Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal.
- Florida Courts Homewww.flcourts.govOfficial Florida courts portal. Supreme Court, District Courts of Appeal, circuit courts, county courts, and court locations by city or county.
- FDLE Sexual Offender and Predator Searchoffender.fdle.state.fl.usSearch persons classified as sexual offenders and sexual predators under Florida law. Search by name, county, neighborhood, or university.
- Florida DOC, Offender Searchwww.dc.state.fl.usSearch for offenders in the custody or supervision of the Florida Department of Corrections by name, DC number, or other criteria.
- FDLE, Criminal History Reports Dashboardwww.fdle.state.fl.usDashboards presenting key information on arrest and judicial outcomes in Florida based on criminal history data.
- FDLE Homewww.fdle.state.fl.usOfficial FDLE portal. Criminal history, sex offender registry, missing persons, forensic services, and law enforcement support.
- Florida VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in Florida custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Florida's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Florida state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Florida Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.