Santa Rosa County criminal records are public court files that show the case history of felony, misdemeanor, and traffic criminal charges filed in Santa Rosa County, Florida. These records are kept by the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court, which serves as the official record keeper for the 1st Judicial Circuit.
People search these records for many reasons, including background checks, legal research, personal knowledge, or court case verification. The records contain the defendant’s name, case number, charges, court dates, plea details, sentencing data, and the final outcome of each case filed in county court or circuit court.
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court keeps the official criminal case files for all adult criminal cases filed in the county. This office serves as the main hub for anyone who needs to view, print, or request a certified copy of a criminal court record. The Clerk is part of the Florida 1st Judicial Circuit, which also covers Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. Criminal cases in Santa Rosa County are filed either in county court for less serious offenses or in circuit court for felony charges.
Clerk Office Location and Contact
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court main office is located at 6495 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida 32570. The office phone number is (850) 983-1973. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. Visitors can walk in during business hours to request criminal records at the public terminal. Staff members at the front desk can help with basic case searches and direct visitors to the right department for certified copies or older archived files.
Online Court Records Search System
The Clerk runs a free online case search tool that allows anyone with internet access to look up criminal cases from home. The system is called the Official Records Search and Court Records Search portal, available at the Clerk’s official website. Users can search by last name, first name, case number, or filing date range. The portal shows active and closed cases, along with party details, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and final dispositions. The online system is updated daily with new filings and court actions.
In-Person Records Request
People who want original documents or certified copies can visit the Clerk’s office in person. The public research terminals inside the lobby allow visitors to run free name searches and print copies for a small fee. Staff can help locate files from the archives vault if the case is older than ten years. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID and any case details they already know, such as a name, case number, or filing year. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for payment.
Records Available by Mail
Those who cannot visit the office in person can mail a written request to the Clerk’s office. The request must include the full name of the person on the case, the case number if known, the year the case was filed, and the specific documents needed. A self-addressed stamped envelope must be enclosed along with a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail requests take five to ten business days to process. The mailing address is the same as the office street address listed above.
Types of Criminal Records in Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County criminal records cover all adult criminal charges handled by the county court and circuit court. The records are split into three main categories based on the type of offense. Each category has its own case number prefix and division within the Clerk’s case management system. Knowing the type of case helps users pick the right search field on the online portal and locate the correct case file faster.
Felony Case Records
Felony case records cover serious crimes such as burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide. These cases are filed in circuit court under the 1st Judicial Circuit. The case number starts with the year, followed by “CF” and a sequence number, for example 2025-CF-000123. Felony cases carry a potential sentence of more than one year in state prison. All felony court documents, motions, plea agreements, and sentencing orders are part of the public court file.
Misdemeanor Case Records
Misdemeanor case records cover less serious offenses such as simple battery, petit theft, driving under the influence first offense, and disorderly conduct. These cases are filed in county court. The case number starts with the year followed by “MM” or “MO” depending on the offense type. Misdemeanor sentences are limited to one year in the county jail and fines. The full court file, including the charging affidavit, plea, and judgment, is open to the public.
Traffic Criminal Offense Records
Traffic criminal offense records cover criminal traffic charges such as driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and DUI with property damage. These cases are filed in county traffic court. The case number starts with the year followed by “CT” and a sequence number. The Clerk’s portal allows users to search criminal traffic cases in the same database as other misdemeanor cases.
Juvenile Criminal Records
Juvenile criminal records are kept separate from adult records and have strict access limits under Florida law. The Santa Rosa County Clerk’s office holds juvenile files but only allows access to the minor’s parents, legal guardian, attorney, or court order holders. Juvenile records are not searchable through the public online portal. Sealed juvenile records remain sealed and cannot be viewed by the public without a court order.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is the main law enforcement agency for the county. The agency keeps arrest reports, incident logs, booking photos, and inmate records. While the Clerk of Court keeps court case files, the Sheriff’s Office keeps the law enforcement side of the criminal process. Many public record searches start at the Sheriff’s Office for arrest details and then move to the Clerk for court outcome data.
Arrest Reports and Inmate Search
The Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate search tool on its official website. Users can search current inmates by last name or first name. The search shows the booking date, current charges, bond amount, and housing location. Recent releases from the past 72 hours also appear in the system. The inmate search is updated every few hours and shows mugshots when available. The Sheriff’s Office main address is 5755 East Milton Road, Milton, Florida 32583, and the phone number is (850) 983-1100.
Sheriff Records Request
People who need a copy of a police report or arrest affidavit can file a public records request with the Sheriff’s Office. The request can be made in person, by mail, or through the agency’s online records portal. Each request must include the case number, date of incident, and names of the people involved. A small processing fee applies for printed reports. The agency must respond within a reasonable time under Florida’s public records law.
Warrants and Active Warrants
The Sheriff’s Office maintains a list of active arrest warrants for the county. Warrant records are public and can be requested by phone or in person. The warrant list shows the person’s name, the warrant type, and the issuing court. People who want to confirm whether a warrant exists in their name can call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line or visit the Records Bureau. Anyone with an active warrant is advised to contact a defense attorney before turning themselves in.
Statewide Criminal History Search
For people who need a broader check that covers multiple Florida counties, statewide criminal history searches are available through state agencies. These searches are useful for employers, landlords, gun buyers, and adoption agencies. Statewide searches pull data from all 67 Florida counties and federal agencies that report to the state database.
FDLE Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History system, also called CCH. The public can search this system through the CCHInet portal at the FDLE website. Each name-based search costs $24 plus a small processing fee. Users need the person’s full name and date of birth to run a search. Results include arrests, charges, and final dispositions from every Florida county. The CCH database is the most complete state-level criminal record resource for Florida residents.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections keeps the official list of state prison inmates and supervised offenders. The public inmate search is free and runs on the FDC website. Users can search by name, DC number, or alias. The search shows the current facility, release date, and offense history. People who were convicted in Santa Rosa County and sentenced to state prison will appear in this database once the offender enters the custody of the Department of Corrections.
Sealing and Expungement Process
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged. A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in the system. An expunged record is physically destroyed and removed from public databases. Not all cases qualify for relief. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and other disqualifying crimes cannot be sealed or expunged. The process requires an application to FDLE followed by a court petition in the county where the case was filed.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for sealing or expungement, the person must have never been adjudicated guilty of a felony or any of certain disqualifying offenses. The case must have been dismissed, dropped, or resolved with a withhold of adjudication. The person cannot have any prior sealed or expunged records in any Florida county. A full list of disqualifying crimes is listed in Florida Statute 943.0585. People with prior convictions should speak with an attorney before applying.
Application Procedure
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application is filed online through the FDLE website. The fee is $75 and is non-refundable. Processing time is around 12 weeks. Once approved, the certificate is valid for 12 months. The applicant must then file a petition with the Santa Rosa County court that handled the original case. The petition asks the judge to order the official sealing or destruction of the record.
Court Petition Process
After receiving the certificate, the applicant files the petition with the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court. A copy of the petition must be served on the State Attorney’s Office. The judge reviews the petition and any objections before issuing a final order. If granted, the Clerk seals or destroys the court file, and the FDLE updates the state database. Law enforcement agencies that hold arrest records must also comply with the court order.
Public Access Laws and Fees
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Section 119.07 of Florida Statutes gives the public the right to inspect and copy government records. Criminal case files are public unless a law or court order seals them. The Clerk’s office must provide access during regular business hours. Some records carry copy fees, and certified copies cost more than regular copies.
Florida Public Records Act
The Florida Public Records Act applies to all government agencies, including the courts, the Sheriff’s Office, the Clerk, and the State Attorney’s Office. A person does not need to give a reason to view or copy a record. A person does not need to show ID to inspect records at the courthouse. The only exception is when a law or court order specifically exempts a record. Agencies must respond to public records requests in a reasonable time without delay.
Copy Fees and Certification Costs
Standard copies of court documents cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Some documents, such as death certificates or marriage licenses, have set fees under state law. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card for in-person payments. Online payments are accepted through the Clerk’s portal for selected record types. All fees are set by Florida Statute and are the same in every Florida county.
Record Restrictions and Exemptions
Some records are exempt from public access under Florida law. Active criminal intelligence records are exempt until the investigation is closed. Juvenile records are restricted. Records that have been sealed or expunged are not available. Victim information may be redacted in some documents. The Clerk’s office can explain which records are open and which ones require a court order to view.
Search Tips and Common Information
People who search Santa Rosa County criminal records for the first time can save time by following a few simple tips. Knowing what details to enter into the search field makes a big difference. Spelling variations, date ranges, and middle initials all help narrow down the results. Users should also know what data the public record contains before starting the search.
Required Search Details
At a minimum, the search requires the person’s last name. Adding the first name and date of birth reduces false matches. Users who know the case number can use the case number search field for the fastest results. The system also allows searches by attorney name, which is useful for people who want to find all cases handled by a specific defense lawyer or prosecutor. Wider date ranges return more results, while narrow date ranges return fewer results.
Information Found in Case Records
Each criminal case record includes the defendant’s full name, date of birth, and address. The record shows the arresting agency, the date of arrest, and the booking number. The charges list shows the Florida Statute number, charge description, and degree of the offense. Court events include arraignment dates, plea dates, trial dates, and sentencing orders. The final disposition shows whether the case ended in conviction, dismissal, or a deferred sentence.
Record Update Frequency
The Clerk’s online portal is updated daily with new filings and court actions. New case numbers appear the same day they are filed. Court minutes and orders appear within 24 to 48 hours of the hearing. Older records that have been digitized appear in the system right away. Records that still exist only in paper form must be pulled from the archives vault and may take a few extra days to view online or in person.
Official Contact Information
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court main office handles all criminal record requests for the county. Visitors can use the public terminals in the lobby for free name searches. Phone calls are answered during business hours. Mail requests must include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Clerk’s office is the primary point of contact for case files, certified copies, and expungement petitions.
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
6495 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 983-1973
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Website: www.santarosaclerk.com
Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
5755 East Milton Road
Milton, FL 32583
Phone: (850) 983-1100
Office Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have when searching criminal court records in Santa Rosa County, Florida. Each answer gives clear, direct details based on current Florida law and current Clerk of Court procedures. People who need legal advice for a specific case should still speak with a licensed defense attorney in the 1st Judicial Circuit.
How do I check if someone has a criminal record in Santa Rosa County?
You can run a free name search on the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court online portal from any computer or phone. The portal lets you search by name, case number, or attorney. Results show current charges, court dates, and final case outcomes. For a wider check that covers the whole state of Florida, the FDLE CCHInet system searches all 67 counties for a $24 fee per name. The Sheriff’s inmate search shows people currently held in the Santa Rosa County jail.
Are Santa Rosa County criminal records free to view?
Yes. Basic case information is free to view on the Clerk’s online portal. The public terminals in the Clerk’s lobby are also free to use. You only pay when you need printed copies, certified copies, or documents mailed to you. The FDLE statewide search costs $24 per name, and the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is free. The Sheriff’s Office charges a small processing fee for printed police reports.
Can I view sealed or expunged records in Santa Rosa County?
No. Sealed and expunged records are not available to the public. Only the person named on the record, their attorney, and certain government agencies can view them. A court order is required to open a sealed record. The Clerk cannot release sealed records even with a written request. Anyone who needs access to a sealed record must file a motion with the court that issued the original sealing order.
What is the difference between felony and misdemeanor records?
Felony records cover serious crimes with a possible sentence of more than one year in state prison. These cases are filed in circuit court under case numbers that start with “CF.” Misdemeanor records cover less serious crimes with a maximum sentence of one year in county jail. These cases are filed in county court under case numbers that start with “MM” or “MO.” Both record types are public and searchable through the Clerk’s portal.
How long does it take to expunge a record in Santa Rosa County?
The full process takes about four to six months from start to finish. The FDLE application alone takes up to 12 weeks to process. After the certificate is issued, the court petition adds another 30 to 60 days before a judge signs the final order. Once the order is signed, the Clerk, FDLE, and arresting agency all update their files within 30 days. People who want a faster timeline should work with a local attorney.
Can I get a copy of a criminal record by mail?
Yes. Mail a written request to the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court at 6495 Caroline Street, Milton, FL 32570. Include the full name, date of birth, case number if known, and the year of the case. Enclose a check or money order for the copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow 5 to 10 business days for processing. The Clerk mails the records back to the requester once payment clears.
What if I cannot find a case on the online portal?
Some older cases may not be in the online system. If the case is missing, contact the Clerk’s office by phone at (850) 983-1973 or visit the office in person. Staff can pull older files from the paper archives vault. You can also check the FDLE statewide database for a broader search. Court cases that were filed in the past 10 years are most likely in the online system, while older cases may require an in-person visit.