Taylor County criminal history records are official documents that show arrest data, court filings, and case outcomes for people processed through the local court system. These records come from the Taylor County Clerk of Court in Perry, Florida, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tallahassee.
Anyone can look up these records for background checks, employment screening, personal verification, or legal purposes. The records span many decades and cover felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, and warrant status. Florida law makes most criminal history files open to the public under Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes. This page explains exactly how to get Taylor County criminal history records using the right offices, forms, and fees.
What Taylor County Criminal History Records Include
Criminal history records in Taylor County cover every step of the justice process. The files start with the arrest and end with the final court decision. Each document gets stored at the county courthouse or with the state police agency. The main record types include arrest reports, charging papers, court minutes, sentencing orders, and warrant status. These files stay on file unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. Florida law treats most of these files as public records that any person can request.
Arrest Records and Booking Data
Arrest records show the date, location, and reason a person was taken into custody. Booking data includes fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and personal details like height, weight, and date of birth. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office creates these records at the time of arrest. They become part of the criminal history file and get sent to FDLE for the statewide database.
Court Case Files and Dispositions
Court case files hold the charging documents, motions, hearing transcripts, and final judgment. The disposition shows the outcome, such as guilty verdict, not guilty verdict, dismissal, or deferred adjudication. The Clerk of Court stores these files in physical folders and digital systems. Anyone can ask for a copy of the final disposition for a specific case.
Outstanding Warrants and Bond Records
Warrant records list active arrest warrants issued by a Taylor County judge. Bond records show the amount set for release from jail. These records update daily and are kept by the sheriff’s office. A person can check warrant status before posting bond or appearing in court.
Official Sources for Taylor County Criminal History
Three main offices handle criminal history records in Taylor County. The Clerk of Court keeps court records. The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest and warrant records. FDLE keeps the statewide database that combines data from all 67 Florida counties. Each office has its own search methods, fees, and turnaround times. Users should pick the right office based on the type of record they need.
Taylor County Clerk of Court
The Taylor County Clerk of Court is the main records office for the Third Judicial Circuit. It serves Taylor, Suwannee, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Madison counties. The office keeps all criminal case files, civil case files, family court files, and probate files. Users can search by name, case number, or court date. The office is at 108 N Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, FL 32347.
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and creates arrest reports. It also handles warrant checks and inmate lookups. The office posts recent bookings on its website and provides written arrest logs to the public. The office is at 108 N Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. The phone number for non-emergency records requests is (850) 838-3575.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system for the whole state. This database stores arrest data, disposition data, and corrections data from every Florida county. Users can run a name-based search or a fingerprint-based search through FDLE. The main office is in Tallahassee at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
How to Request Taylor County Criminal History Records
There are four ways to get criminal history records in Taylor County. Users can visit the Clerk’s Office in person, search online through the clerk website, send a mail request, or call the office for basic case data. Each method has different costs and wait times. The best method depends on how fast the records are needed and whether certified copies are required.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
Walk-in requests give the fastest access to physical court files. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Users should bring a valid photo ID, the full name of the person on record, and the date of birth if possible. Staff will pull the file for review. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee.
Online Public Records Search
The Taylor County Clerk website has a free public records search tool. Users can look up cases by name, case number, or court date. The system shows the case type, filing date, and current status. Printed copies from the online system cost $0.10 per page. The website address is taylorclerk.com. Users should note that the online search does not show every document in the file.
Mail-In Record Requests
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the office in person. Users should write a letter that includes the full name, date of birth, and known case details. They should include a self-addressed stamped envelope, a copy of their photo ID, and a check or money order for the search fee. The standard search fee is $5 per name. Mail requests take 5 to 7 business days to process.
Phone Requests for Basic Information
Phone requests work only for basic case data, not certified copies. The Clerk’s Office can confirm a case number, court date, and final disposition over the phone. The records phone line is (850) 838-3506. Phone requests are free but do not produce any written document for the caller.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Check Options
FDLE offers three main criminal history check options. The name-based search gives instant results for $24. The certified search gives official results for legal or employment use. The fingerprint-based search gives the most accurate results for background checks. Each option has its own form, fee, and processing time.
Name-Based Search (Instant)
The instant name-based search uses the CCHInet online portal. Users enter the full name, date of birth, race, and sex. The system searches the FDLE database and shows results in about 10 minutes. The fee is $24 plus a $1 convenience fee. The results show arrests, charges, and dispositions from all Florida counties. This search is not a certified record and cannot be used for official legal purposes.
Certified Criminal History Check
The certified search produces an official FDLE report with a state seal. Users must mail in a signed request form with the subject’s full name, race, sex, and date of birth. The form must also include the requester’s contact information and a copy of their photo ID. The fee is $24 per name. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days. The certified report works for immigration, adoption, and licensing applications.
Fingerprint-Based Background Check
Fingerprint checks give the highest level of accuracy. Users must visit an approved LiveScan fingerprint location. A trained operator scans the fingerprints and sends them directly to FDLE. The fee is $50.75, which includes the FBI check. Results take 24 to 72 hours. Many employers, schools, and government agencies require this type of check.
Request Form and Fees
The official FDLE request form is called the “Criminal History Request” form. It can be downloaded from the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us. Users should fill out the form completely and sign it. Payment can be by check, money order, or credit card through the online portal. Incomplete forms get sent back without processing.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Taylor County
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but become hidden from most public searches. Expunged records get destroyed by FDLE and the clerk. Both options require a court order from a Taylor County judge. The process starts with a petition to the court and ends with a signed order sent to FDLE.
Florida Criminal History Sealing Process
Sealing hides a criminal record from public view but keeps it in the FDLE database. Law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies can still see the record. To qualify, the person must have completed all sentence terms, paid all fines, and stayed off probation for at least 10 years for most offenses. The sealing petition gets filed with the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was decided.
Florida Expungement Eligibility
Expungement destroys the criminal record so it does not show up in any search. To qualify, the person must have been arrested but not charged, or the case must have been dismissed, or the person must have received a full pardon. The expungement petition goes to the Florida Office of the State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit. FDLE charges a $75 processing fee for each expunged record.
Taylor County Court System and Jurisdiction
Taylor County sits in the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit court handles felony cases, family law cases, probate cases, and civil cases over $50,000. The county court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, and small civil cases. The Clerk of Court keeps separate file systems for each court level.
Third Judicial Circuit Court
The Third Judicial Circuit Court serves seven counties in north-central Florida. The main courthouse for Taylor County is at 108 N Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. The circuit court has full jurisdiction over felony criminal cases. All felony cases in Taylor County go through this court before going to the state prison system if convicted.
County Court Misdemeanor Cases
The County Court of Taylor County handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, and county ordinance violations. This court shares the same building as the circuit court. Misdemeanor records stay in the county court files for public review.
Felony Case Processing
Felony cases start with an arrest by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. The State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit reviews the case and files formal charges. The case then moves to circuit court for arraignment, hearings, and trial. The final judgment and sentencing order become part of the official criminal history.
Required Information for a Search
Every criminal history search needs specific information to give correct results. The more details a user provides, the more accurate the search will be. Missing data can lead to false matches or no results at all. FDLE and the Clerk’s Office both require the same basic data points for any name-based search.
Full Legal Name Requirements
The full legal name means the first name, middle name, and last name as they appear on the subject’s ID. Common nicknames do not work for an official search. If the person has used other names, aliases, or name changes, the user should list them all. The spelling must match the records exactly for the best results.
Date of Birth and Identifiers
The date of birth helps the system tell different people with the same name apart. Race and sex are also required for FDLE searches. The more identifiers a user provides, the lower the chance of a false match. If the date of birth is not known, the user can provide an approximate age and the system will still run the search.
Consent and Authorized Access
Most public searches do not need the subject’s consent. However, certified searches for employment, housing, or licensing may need a signed release form. The release form protects the user from legal claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Users should always follow FCRA rules when using criminal history data for hiring or tenant screening.
Costs, Turnaround Times, and Access Methods
Different search methods have different costs and wait times. The table below shows the main options for getting Taylor County criminal history records. Users should pick the option that fits their budget, timeline, and need for certified documents.
| Search Method | Cost | Turnaround Time | Certified Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk In-Person Search | $5 per name + copy fees | Same day | Yes, for $2 extra |
| Clerk Online Search | $0.10 per page print | Instant | No |
| Clerk Mail Request | $5 per name + postage | 5-7 business days | Yes, for $2 extra |
| FDLE Instant Name Search | $24 + $1 fee | 10 minutes | No |
| FDLE Certified Search | $24 per name | 5-7 business days | Yes |
| FDLE Fingerprint Check | $50.75 total | 24-72 hours | Yes |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many users make simple errors that delay their search results. The most common mistake is misspelling the subject’s name. The second most common mistake is leaving out the date of birth. The third most common mistake is using a third-party background check site that pulls old or incomplete data. Users should always go directly to the Clerk’s Office or FDLE for accurate, up-to-date records.
Third-Party Site Risks
Third-party websites charge high fees and often show outdated data. Some sites pull public records but do not update them when courts seal or expunge files. Florida law requires FDLE to remove sealed records from public view, but third-party sites may still show them. Official sources always have the most current data.
Identity Confusion and False Matches
Common names often produce false matches. The system may show results for a different person with the same name. Users should always check the date of birth, race, and sex on each result. If any field does not match, the result is for a different person and should be ignored.
FCRA Compliance for Employers
Employers must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act when using criminal history for hiring. They must get written consent from the applicant before running the check. They must also send a pre-adverse action notice if they plan to reject the applicant based on the record. Third-party background check companies must follow the same rules.
Taylor County Demographics and Crime Statistics
Taylor County had a population of about 21,000 people in the 2020 census. The county covers 1,232 square miles in north-central Florida. The largest city is Perry, which serves as the county seat. The county has a higher crime rate than the Florida state average for property crimes, but a lower rate for violent crimes.
Recent Booking and Arrest Trends
The Taylor County Jail books an average of 250 to 300 people each month. The most common charges are drug possession, theft, and driving under the influence. Booking data gets posted on the sheriff’s website within 24 hours of arrest. The data includes the arrestee’s name, charges, and bond amount.
Court Caseload Data
The Taylor County court system handles about 1,500 new criminal cases each year. Felony cases make up about 15 percent of the caseload. Misdemeanor cases make up about 60 percent. Traffic cases make up the remaining 25 percent. The Clerk of Court posts monthly caseload reports on its website.
Legal Limits on Criminal History Use
Florida law places limits on how employers and landlords can use criminal history. Ban the Box laws in some cities restrict when an employer can ask about arrests. The Florida Civil Rights Act also protects applicants from discrimination based on sealed or expunged records. Users should always check the latest state and local laws before running a background check.
Ban the Box and Fair Hiring
Ban the Box laws delay the question about criminal history until later in the hiring process. The goal is to give applicants a fair chance based on their skills first. Florida has not passed a statewide Ban the Box law, but many cities and counties have local rules. Employers should check their local city and county rules.
Sealed Record Protections
A person whose record has been sealed or expunged can legally say they have no criminal record. Employers cannot ask about sealed records, and applicants do not have to disclose them. Violating this rule can lead to civil penalties under Florida law.
How to Correct Errors in Taylor County Criminal History
Errors in criminal history records do happen. Common errors include wrong charges, wrong dispositions, or records that belong to a different person. The correction process starts with a written request to FDLE or the Clerk of Court. The request must include proof of the error, such as a court order or certified court documents.
FDLE Record Correction Process
To fix an error in the FDLE database, the user should send a letter to the FDLE Criminal History Services section. The letter should include the FDLE control number, the full name, date of birth, and a clear description of the error. Supporting documents like a certified court order or a disposition certificate should be attached. FDLE reviews the request and updates the record within 30 days.
Clerk of Court Record Correction
To fix an error at the county level, the user should file a motion with the court. The motion asks the judge to issue an order correcting the clerical error. Once the judge signs the order, the Clerk of Court updates the file and sends a copy to FDLE for the statewide database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions about Taylor County criminal history records. These questions come from real user searches and cover the key issues about costs, access, sealed records, and legal use. The answers follow current Florida law and the latest FDLE rules as of 2026.
How much does a Taylor County criminal history check cost?
A name-based search through the Taylor County Clerk of Court costs $5 per name plus copy fees. An instant name-based search through FDLE costs $24 plus a $1 convenience fee. A certified FDLE search costs $24 with a 5 to 7 business day turnaround. A fingerprint-based check through FDLE costs $50.75 and includes the FBI database check. Certified copies from the clerk cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee per document.
Can I check Taylor County criminal records for free?
Yes, the Taylor County Clerk website offers a free online search tool. Users can look up case numbers, party names, and court dates at no cost. The online system does not show every document in the file, but it does show the case type, filing date, and current status. For certified copies or full file access, users must pay the standard fees.
How long does it take to get records from the Clerk of Court?
In-person requests at the Clerk’s Office give same-day access to physical files. Online searches give instant results. Mail requests take 5 to 7 business days to process and return through the U.S. Postal Service. Certified searches through FDLE take 5 to 7 business days after the agency receives the request.
Does a Taylor County arrest stay on record forever?
An arrest stays on the record unless a court orders it sealed or expunged. Most arrests remain visible to the public for life. The only way to remove a record is to file a petition with the court, get a judge’s order, and send the order to FDLE. Some people qualify for sealing after 10 years of completing their sentence.
Can employers use Taylor County criminal history for hiring?
Yes, but they must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Florida Civil Rights Act. They need written consent from the applicant before running the check. They must send a pre-adverse action notice before rejecting an applicant based on the record. They cannot ask about sealed or expunged records. Local Ban the Box laws may also limit when they can ask.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records stay in the FDLE database but become hidden from public searches. Law enforcement and courts can still see them. Expunged records get destroyed and removed from the public system. Only the subject of the record can see an expunged file. Both options require a court order and have strict eligibility rules.
Where do I send an FDLE criminal history request by mail?
Mail FDLE criminal history requests to the Criminal History Services section at P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489. The request must include the full name, date of birth, race, sex, and a $24 check or money order. Users should also include a copy of their photo ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of the certified record.
Contact Information and Office Locations
Below is the official contact data for the main offices that handle Taylor County criminal history records. Users should call ahead to confirm office hours, fees, and document requirements before visiting. All phone numbers and addresses below come from official government websites and were verified as of July 2026.
Taylor County Clerk of Court
The Taylor County Clerk of Court office is at 108 N Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, FL 32347. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The main phone line is (850) 838-3506. The official website is taylorclerk.com. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card for record fees.
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is at 108 N Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The non-emergency phone line is (850) 838-3575. The official website is taylorsheriff.org. The office handles arrest records, warrant checks, and inmate booking data.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
The FDLE headquarters is at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The criminal history phone line is (850) 410-8100. The official website is fdle.state.fl.us. Mail requests should go to P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489.