Santa Rosa County Felony Records Access
Santa Rosa County felony records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Milton. These files track serious criminal cases in the Florida Panhandle. You can search for records online or by phone. The files show charges, hearings, and outcomes. Most are public under Florida law.
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Courts
Under Clerk Ernie Lee, the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Courts office is in Milton. This is the county seat. The office manages all court records. You can call them at (850) 983-1960. Staff are ready to help.
According to the clerk's website, you can access records online. Visit their official page to search. You can look up cases by name. Case numbers work too. Basic searches are free. Copies may cost a small fee.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Some days have limited hours. Call to check before you visit. Parking is free at the Milton location. The office is easy to find near the Blackwater River.
Records in Santa Rosa County go back many years. Newer cases are digital. Older files may be on paper. The clerk can find old records with notice. Archives hold cases from long ago. Allow time for very old searches.
The Santa Rosa County Clerk serves the First Judicial Circuit. Felony cases are processed through the criminal court division in Milton. Contact the clerk for questions about your case status or local court records. The main county office is located in historic downtown Milton near the beautiful Blackwater River waterfront area in downtown.
For questions about accessing files, call the clerk's office. Staff can explain the process. Some records need forms to view. Certified copies cost more than regular prints. The clerk accepts various payment types.
FDLE Criminal History for Santa Rosa County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a full database of criminal records. This covers all Santa Rosa County felony cases. You can search online for $24 plus $1. Results show right after payment.
To start, enter the full name and date of birth. Gender helps narrow results. Social Security numbers are optional. The search includes all Florida counties. This finds cases in other areas too.
Sealed records stay hidden. Expunged files do not appear. Juvenile cases have limits. Active cases may lack full details. The FDLE updates often. New arrests show up fast.
Visit the FDLE portal to search. Check www.fdle.state.fl.us for more.
Note: The FDLE search covers all 67 Florida counties in one query. 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.
Santa Rosa County Court Records
The First Judicial Circuit covers Santa Rosa County. This court hears all felony cases. Records track each step of a case. You can see charges, motions, and orders. Sentences are public. The clerk holds all files.
In most cases, you can search at the courthouse. Public terminals are free. Staff can help if needed. Printing costs per page. You may save files to a device. Some courts allow this free.
The courthouse is in Milton. Security checks are at the door. Bring photo ID. Arrive early to clear security. The building is near the center of town.
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 old records.
Note: Santa Rosa County court records are open under Florida's Sunshine Law, Chapter 119.
Florida State Resources for Criminal Records
State tools extend your search. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks inmates. Find status and release dates. This is free to use.
Chapter 119 of Florida law gives rights to public records. Courts must respond to requests. Some files have limits. Most court records stay open.
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.
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.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides comprehensive criminal history information. 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
Check these nearby counties if your search is broad. Each keeps its own records. You must search them separately.