Monroe County Felony Records Lookup
Monroe County felony records cover cases from Key West through the Florida Keys. The Clerk of Court keeps all criminal files. These records show charges, hearings, and results. You can search online or call for help. Most files are open to the public under state law.
Monroe County Clerk of Courts
The Monroe County Clerk of Courts office sits in Key West. This office serves all of the Florida Keys. The main location handles most court functions. Branch offices exist on other islands. You can reach the clerk by phone at (305) 292-3517.
According to the clerk's website, you can access many records online. The system shows case details and hearing dates. You can search by name or case number. Basic searches cost nothing. Copies of documents may need fees. The clerk accepts cards and checks.
When you visit in person, bring a valid photo ID. The office is open on weekdays. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some services close for lunch. Parking can be tight in Key West. Plan extra time to find a spot. The building sits near the historic district.
Records in Monroe County date back many years. Older cases may be on paper or film. The clerk can pull these with notice. Newer files are all digital. This makes searches fast and easy. You can print or save what you find.
For questions about records, call the clerk's office. Staff can explain fees and procedures. Some files need forms to access. Certified copies cost more than regular prints.
FDLE Criminal History for Monroe County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a full list of criminal records. This includes all Monroe County felony cases. You can search the FDLE database online. The cost is $24 plus $1 for processing. Results show right after you pay.
To start your search, you need a full name and date of birth. Gender helps narrow results. Social Security numbers are not required. The system shows charges from all Florida counties. This is useful if a person has cases elsewhere.
Sealed and expunged records do not appear. Juvenile cases have limits. Active cases may lack full details. The FDLE updates its files often. New arrests show up fast. Closed cases remain for years.
The FDLE website offers a simple search form. Visit their portal to begin. You can also check their main site for more tools.
Note: The FDLE search provides the most complete view of criminal history across Florida. The $25 fee includes the $24 search cost plus a $1 processing charge.
For those who need certified copies of criminal history records, FDLE offers mail requests processed within 5 to 7 business days. The same $24 fee applies. You may also request a personal review of your own criminal history record at no charge under Florida law. This helps ensure accuracy before applying for seal or expunge relief.
Monroe County Court Records Access
The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit covers Monroe County. This court hears all felony cases. Records show each step from arrest to end. You can view charges, motions, and orders. Sentencing details are public. All files sit with the clerk.
In most cases, you can search at the courthouse. Public terminals are free to use. Staff stand by to help if you need it. Printing costs per page. You may also save files to a device. Some courts allow this at no charge.
The main court building is in Key West. It serves all of the Keys. Some hearings move to Marathon or other spots. Check your papers for the right place. Security checks happen at all doors. Bring ID and arrive early.
For very old cases, the archives may hold the files. These could be on paper or microfilm. Digital scans exist for newer records. The clerk needs time to pull old files. Call ahead for cases from many years ago.
Note: Monroe County court records are open under Florida's Sunshine Law, Chapter 119.
Florida State Resources for Criminal Records
Beyond the county, state tools can help. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks inmates. You can search by name to find status. Release dates show up if known. This service is free to all users.
Chapter 119 of Florida law gives you the right to see public records. This applies to courts and police. Agencies must respond to your requests. Some files have limits. But most court records stay open.
Sealing records is possible for some cases. This hides them from public view. Rules are strict about who qualifies. You may need a lawyer's help. The FDLE checks all requests first. The process takes several weeks.
Victims can sign up for alerts. The state notifies you of case changes. You get news on hearings and releases. This helps keep families safe. Sign up is free and online.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides comprehensive criminal history information. Visit their website for statewide searches.
Nearby Counties for Felony Records
If your search goes past Monroe County, try these nearby areas. Each county keeps its own records. You must check them one by one. The FDLE search can help find cases in all counties at once.