Obtain Criminal History Records in Santa Rosa County

Santa Rosa County criminal history records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Milton, serving as the official repository for all court documents within the First Judicial Circuit. These comprehensive files contain detailed arrest data, court rulings, case disposition results, and final judgments representing many years of judicial proceedings. The Clerk's office provides public access through both online platforms and in-person services, ensuring governmental transparency while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards. Whether you need to verify employment candidates, conduct tenant screening, research legal matters, or obtain certified copies for official purposes, understanding the available resources will help you locate the information you need efficiently.

About Santa Rosa County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Santa Rosa County provide official documentation of arrests, charges filed, and court outcomes processed through the First Judicial Circuit. The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court operates from the main office at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton, serving Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties within the circuit jurisdiction. Each case file maintained by the Clerk contains the original arrest report, formal charging documents, motions and pleadings submitted by attorneys, detailed court minutes from proceedings, and the final judgment or disposition. These records span many years of criminal justice history and remain accessible to the public under Florida's open records laws.

Public access to these records is governed by Florida Statute 943.053, which establishes the legal framework for sharing criminal history information while protecting sensitive personal details from unauthorized disclosure. You can review the complete text of this statute at the Florida Legislature website to understand your rights and any limitations.

How to Search Local Records in Santa Rosa County

The Santa Rosa County Clerk offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records, each designed to accommodate different preferences. In-person visits provide comprehensive access with staff available to assist in locating specific cases, explaining file contents, and providing certified copies when needed. Bring valid photo identification and any information you have such as case numbers or defendant names, as the office operates during regular weekday business hours.

For remote convenience, online search tools on the Clerk's website enable you to look up cases by name or case number from any location with internet access. While basic case information is typically available without charge, obtaining copies or certified records requires payment of statutory fees. Mail-in requests remain an option—send a detailed letter with the subject's full name, date of birth, and a self-addressed stamped envelope, though processing takes several days.

FDLE Statewide Search Options

When your search needs extend beyond Santa Rosa County, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides comprehensive statewide criminal history checks through their centralized database. FDLE maintains Florida's central repository, aggregating data from law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities throughout all 67 counties.

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

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

What Records Are Available in Santa Rosa County

The Santa Rosa County Clerk maintains various criminal case files including arrest records, charging documents, court minutes from hearings, and final judgments showing how cases ended. The repository includes both current and historical records spanning many decades, though older files may be stored on microfilm or in archives.

You can also find traffic cases and civil suits. Family court records are maintained in a different section. Ask the Clerk if you need help finding the right file type.

Contact Information for Santa Rosa County

Contact the Santa Rosa 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 website offering tools for public access.