Holmes County Felony Records
Holmes County felony records document serious crimes filed in the Florida Panhandle. The Clerk of Court maintains all court papers for cases heard at the Bonifay courthouse. Records include charges, trial dates, plea deals, and case outcomes. Under Florida law, most felony records remain open to public view. You can search these files online, by mail, or in person at the clerk's office.
Holmes County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Holmes County keeps all felony court records. The main office sits in the county seat of Bonifay. Staff there can help you find case files, court dates, and final rulings. You may call the office at (850) 547-1100 during business hours. Most in-person visits take less than an hour for simple record checks.
Records show the full path of each felony case from start to close. Files include the first police reports, formal charges filed by the state, and all court hearings. You will find bond amounts, names of lawyers, and names of judges who heard each case. The clerk's team adds new papers to files as cases move through the court system.
To request copies, visit the Holmes County Clerk website at www.holmesclerk.org. The site lists current fees for copies and certified records. Paper copies cost less than one dollar per page in most cases. Certified copies carry a higher fee due to the seal and stamp that make them legal proof.
| Office | Holmes County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Phone | (850) 547-1100 |
| Website | www.holmesclerk.org |
| County Seat | Bonifay |
When you visit in person, bring valid photo ID. The clerk may ask for the case number or the full name of the person you seek. Having a birth date or address helps narrow the search. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they will guide you to the right forms and records.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers a statewide search tool. This system covers all 67 counties, including Holmes County felony records. You can run a name-based search from any computer with web access. The search costs $25 and shows results right away after payment.
Under state rules, FDLE keeps the main list of all crimes in Florida. The database includes felonies, misdemeanors, and some traffic crimes that count as crimes. Results show arrests, charges filed, and how each case ended. You will see if a case was dropped, if the person was found not guilty, or if they pled guilty.
Records that are sealed or wiped clean by court order do not show up in this search. Juvenile records also stay hidden from public view. To start a search, go to the FDLE Criminal History Portal. Enter the full name, date of birth, and race of the person you seek. Results print or save to your device for your own files.
The FDLE homepage at www.fdle.state.fl.us explains all their public record services. You can read about how to seal your own record or fix errors in your file. The site lists local offices where you can get fingerprint cards for more detailed checks.
Court Records in Holmes County
Court records in Holmes County cover all felony cases filed in the local court system. These files track cases from the first court date through the final ruling. You can view dockets that list each hearing and what took place. The records stay at the clerk's office even after a case ends.
Each felony case file holds key papers that tell the story of the charge. The state files a formal paper that lists the exact crime charged. The person charged files answers to those charges. Judges sign orders that set trial dates, bond terms, and final sentences. All these papers become part of the public record.
Most Holmes County court records from recent years can be viewed online. The clerk's website offers a portal where you can search by name or case number. Older records may need an in-person visit to the Bonifay office. Some files from before the 1990s exist only on paper in storage.
State Resources for Criminal Records
Florida offers several state tools to help you find felony records. These resources work together to give a full view of criminal history across the state. You can use them to check one county or search all of Florida at once.
The Florida Department of Corrections runs an inmate search site. This free tool at www.dc.state.fl.us shows who is in state prison. It also lists people on parole or probation. You can see photos, crime details, and release dates. This helps if you need to know where someone is serving time.
Chapter 119 of Florida law gives you the right to view public records. You can read the full text at www.leg.state.fl.us. This law says all records are open unless a specific law says they are not. The Sunshine Law applies to all 67 counties in Florida.
Records may have fees. Most agencies charge for copies and for staff time spent on large requests. Fees must be fair and based on actual costs. You can ask for a cost estimate before the work starts.
Nearby Counties
Holmes County sits in the Florida Panhandle near several other counties. If your search covers a wider area, check these nearby clerk offices: