View Criminal Court Files in Putnam County

Putnam County criminal history records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Palatka, serving as the official custodian of court documents for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. These comprehensive files contain arrest data, court rulings, case results, and disposition records representing many years of judicial proceedings. The Clerk's office provides public access through both online platforms and in-person services, ensuring transparency while maintaining appropriate privacy protections under Florida law. Whether you need to conduct background screening, verify records for employment, or research specific cases, this guide will help you navigate the Putnam County system efficiently.

About Putnam County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Putnam County provide official documentation of arrests, charges, and court outcomes processed through the Seventh Judicial Circuit. The Putnam County Clerk of Court operates from the main office at 410 St. Johns Avenue in Palatka, serving Putnam, Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia counties within the circuit. Each case file contains essential documentation including the arrest report, formal charging documents, motions and pleadings, court minutes from hearings, and the final judgment or disposition. These records span many years and remain accessible to the public under Florida's open records laws.

Public access derives from Florida Statute 943.053, which establishes the framework for sharing criminal history information while protecting certain private facts. You can review this statute at the Florida Legislature website.

How to Search Local Records in Putnam County

The Putnam County Clerk offers several methods for accessing criminal records. In-person visits provide the most comprehensive experience, with staff available to assist in locating cases and providing certified copies. Bring valid photo identification and any case information you have, as the office operates during regular weekday hours.

For remote access, online search tools on the Clerk's website allow you to look up cases by name or case number. While basic information is often available without charge, copies and certified records require payment of fees. Mail-in requests serve as an alternative—send a detailed request with the subject's full name, date of birth, and a self-addressed stamped envelope, allowing several days for processing.

FDLE Statewide Search Options

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers comprehensive statewide criminal history checks extending beyond Putnam County to all 67 Florida counties. FDLE maintains the central repository for criminal records, aggregating data from law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities throughout the state.

Visit FDLE's official page to explore search options. Instant name-based searches cost $24 plus fees and deliver immediate results. For certified results required for official purposes, the certified search processes through the CCHInet portal and typically takes five to seven business days.

Note that FDLE searches only show Florida records and will not include federal arrests or out-of-state crimes.

What Records Are Available in Putnam County

The Putnam County Clerk maintains various criminal case files including arrest records, charging documents, court minutes tracking hearings, and final judgments showing case outcomes. The repository includes both current and historical records spanning many decades, though older files may be stored on film or in archives.

Traffic cases, civil suits, and family court records are maintained in separate sections. Staff can assist you in finding the right file type and department.

Contact Information for Putnam County

Contact the Putnam County Clerk of Court for assistance with records. Staff can answer questions and guide you through the search process.

The Clerk's office also manages property records, marriage licenses, and court papers, with their site offering tools for public access.