Polk County Felony Records Lookup
Polk County felony records document serious crimes in Bartow, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and surrounding areas. The Clerk of Court maintains these files. You can search online or visit in person. Records show charges, hearings, and outcomes. Most are open to the public.
Polk County Clerk of Courts
The Polk County Clerk of Courts serves a large area in central Florida. The main office is in Bartow, the county seat. Branch offices are in Lakeland and other towns. You can visit any location for help.
According to the clerk's website, online search is available. Visit polkclerkfl.gov to start. You can search by name or case number. The portal shows case details and dates. Basic facts are free. Copies may need fees.
Office hours are Monday through Friday. Most offices open at 8:00 AM. They close at 5:00 PM. Some services have lunch breaks. Call ahead to check times. Parking is free at all locations in Bartow and Lakeland.
Records in Polk County go back many years. Recent cases are all digital. Older files may be on paper or film. The clerk can find these with notice. Archives hold cases from decades past. Plan ahead for old searches.
The Polk County Clerk serves the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Felony cases are processed through the criminal court division in Bartow and Lakeland. Both county clerk offices provide full access to all court records and all official court documents.
For help with searches, call the clerk's office. Staff can guide you through the process. You can also email for support. Responses take one to two business days.
FDLE Criminal History for Polk County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains statewide criminal records. This includes all Polk County felony cases. You can search their database online. The fee is $24 plus $1 for processing. Results appear instantly after payment.
To search, enter the full name and date of birth. Gender helps narrow results. Social Security numbers are optional. The system covers all 67 Florida counties. This helps find cases in other areas.
Sealed records stay private. Expunged files do not appear. Juvenile cases have limits. Active cases may lack full details. The FDLE updates daily. New charges show up fast.
Visit the FDLE portal to search. Check www.fdle.state.fl.us 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.
Polk County Court Records Access
The Tenth Judicial Circuit covers Polk County. This court hears all felony cases. Records track each step of a case. You can view charges, motions, and orders. Sentencing details are public. The clerk holds all files.
In most cases, you can search at the courthouse. Public terminals are free to use. Staff can help if you need it. Printing costs per page. You may save files to a device. Some courts allow this free.
Courthouses are in Bartow and Lakeland. Security checks are at all doors. Bring photo ID. Arrive early to clear security. Both buildings are easy to reach by car.
Old cases may need archive access. The clerk can pull these with time. Digital scans exist for newer files. Searches are quick for recent years. Plan ahead for very old records.
Note: Polk County court records are open under Florida's Sunshine Law, Chapter 119.
Florida State Criminal Record Resources
State agencies offer more tools. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks inmates. Find status and release dates. This service is free. Visit their site to use it.
Chapter 119 of Florida law gives rights to public records. Courts must respond to requests. Some files have limits. Most court records stay open. You can request copies by mail.
Sealing records is possible for some. This hides cases from public view. Strict rules apply. You may need a lawyer. The FDLE reviews all requests. Processing takes several weeks.
Victims can sign up for alerts. The state sends case updates. You learn about hearings and releases. This helps keep families safe. The service is free online.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides the most comprehensive criminal history records in Florida. Visit their website for statewide searches.
The FDLE Seal and Expunge Section handles Certificate of Eligibility requests. Processing typically takes 12 weeks from receipt of a completed application packet. The certificate costs $75 and remains valid for 12 months from the date stamped.
To begin the sealing process, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE before petitioning the court. Only first-time offenders with no prior seal or expunge orders qualify.
Nearby Counties for Felony Records
If your search spans beyond Polk County, check these nearby areas. Each keeps its own records. You must search them one by one.