Seminole County Criminal Records
What Is Seminole County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Seminole County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.011(3)(c), which defines public records as including "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material" made or received in connection with official business.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Seminole County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Court Records: Documentation of criminal proceedings from arraignment through disposition
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the John E. Polk Correctional Facility or other detention centers
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody but do not indicate guilt, while conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea agreement.
Criminal offenses in Seminole County are categorized as follows:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Infractions: Minor violations usually punishable by fines
Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed pursuant to Florida Statute § 985.04, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Seminole County:
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
100 Eslinger Way
Sanford, Florida 32773
407-665-6600
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
Seminole County Clerk of Court
301 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Court
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Courts system, including the 18th Judicial Circuit Court serving Seminole County, maintains comprehensive records of criminal proceedings including charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, and sentencing information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Seminole County
Criminal records in Seminole County are generally public documents in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This statute establishes that most government records, including criminal records, are available for public inspection and copying.
Florida Statute § 119.01(1) explicitly states: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."
While the presumption favors disclosure, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public access:
- Active Criminal Investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing investigations are temporarily exempt until the investigation concludes
- Juvenile Records: Most records involving minors are confidential pursuant to Florida Statute § 985.04, though exceptions exist for serious offenses
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged by court order
- Confidential Informant Information: Details that could identify confidential informants
- Victim Information: Certain information about victims of crimes, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state, maintaining records of arrests and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies and courts throughout Florida, including Seminole County.
Adult conviction records are among the most accessible criminal records, with court proceedings generally open to public observation. The Seminole County Clerk of Court maintains these records and makes them available through both in-person requests and online portals.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of such information is regulated by various state and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which restricts how criminal history information can be used for employment, housing, and other purposes.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Seminole County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Seminole County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Seminole County Clerk of Court
Criminal Division
301 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Seminole County Clerk of Court
When requesting criminal records in person, requestors should:
- Complete a public records request form, available at the clerk's office
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, case number, date range)
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for uncertified)
For written requests, individuals may submit a formal public records request to:
Seminole County Government Public Records
1101 East First Street
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-7219
Public Records Request
Written requests should include:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific description of records sought
- Preferred method of receiving records (mail, email, in-person pickup)
Requests may also be submitted via email to publicrecords@seminolecountyfl.gov.
For criminal records related to incarceration, the John E. Polk Correctional Facility maintains information about current and former inmates. Requests for these records should be directed to:
John E. Polk Correctional Facility
211 Bush Blvd
Sanford, FL 32773
407-665-1200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For statewide criminal history information, individuals may contact:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Criminal History Services
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
850-410-8109
FDLE Criminal History Information
The FDLE provides certified criminal history information for a fee of $24 per record search.
How To Find Criminal Records in Seminole County Online?
Seminole County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources include:
Seminole County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clerk's office maintains a comprehensive online case search system accessible through their website. Users can search for:
- Criminal court cases (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Traffic citations
- Case status and scheduled hearings
- Court documents (some may require registration)
To access this system, navigate to the Seminole County Clerk of Court website and select "Court Records Search." Searches can be conducted using:
- Defendant name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Citation number
- Date range
Seminole County Jail Inmate Search
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup tool that provides information about individuals currently incarcerated at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility. This database includes:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release date (when available)
This resource can be accessed through the Seminole County Sheriff's Office website under "Inmate Information."
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Public Access System
The FDLE maintains a statewide criminal history search portal that includes records from Seminole County. This system requires:
- Registration for an account
- Payment of a fee per search ($24.00)
- Subject's name and date of birth
The system provides certified criminal history information suitable for employment screening and other official purposes. Access is available through the FDLE Criminal History Check portal.
Florida Court Access (FLCOURTS.ORG)
The Florida Courts system provides access to court records throughout the state, including Seminole County. This system includes:
- Case information
- Dockets
- Some court documents
Users should note that while many records are available online, certain documents may only be accessible through in-person requests due to privacy restrictions or technical limitations. Additionally, some online systems require user registration and may assess fees for certain searches or document retrievals.
Can You Search Seminole County Criminal Records for Free?
Seminole County provides several options for members of the public to access criminal records without charge, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. Florida Statute § 119.07(4) establishes that agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication for copies of records, but inspection of records at the custodian's office is generally free.
Free in-person inspection is available at:
Seminole County Clerk of Court
Criminal Division
301 N. Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals may visit the clerk's office during regular business hours to review criminal court records without charge. Public access terminals are available for searching the court's database. While inspection is free, printing documents from these terminals incurs a fee of $0.15 per page.
Free online resources include:
Seminole County Clerk of Court Public Records Search
The clerk's website offers a basic search function that allows users to locate case information without charge. This free service includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Charge information
- Case status
- Upcoming court dates
Seminole County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The sheriff's office maintains a free online database of current inmates at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility. This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody without requiring payment or registration.
Seminole County Court Records Search
The 18th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Seminole County, offers a free online search tool for locating basic case information. While detailed documents may require payment, the search function itself is available at no cost.
It is important to note that while basic searches are often free, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive searches requiring significant staff time
- Comprehensive criminal history reports
- Records that require redaction before release
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges $24 for a state criminal history search, as this involves accessing their comprehensive database and providing certified results.
What's Included in a Seminole County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Seminole County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records varies depending on the type of record and the maintaining agency, but generally includes several key categories of information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility location
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or County)
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Judge assigned to the case
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, nolle prosequi, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The Seminole County Clerk of Court maintains the official court records, while the Seminole County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and incarceration records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement compiles information from both sources into comprehensive criminal history records at the state level.
It should be noted that pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.053, criminal history information is defined as "information collected by criminal justice agencies on persons, which information consists of identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, detentions, indictments, informations, or other formal criminal charges and the disposition thereof."
How Long Does Seminole County Keep Criminal Records?
Seminole County retains criminal records according to schedules established by Florida law and administrative rules. The retention periods vary based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the outcome of the case. These retention schedules are governed by Florida Statute § 119.021(2), which requires public agencies to comply with retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services of the Department of State.
For court records, the following retention periods generally apply:
- Felony Case Files: 75 years from the date of final disposition
- Capital Felony Cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 10 years from the date of final disposition
- Traffic Cases: 5 years from the date of final disposition
- Juvenile Records: Generally until the subject reaches 26 years of age, with exceptions for serious offenses
For law enforcement records maintained by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office:
- Arrest Records: 100 years from the date of arrest
- Offense Reports: 4 years from the date of report for resolved cases
- Investigative Case Files: 4 years from the date the case is closed or becomes inactive
- Booking Photographs: Retained with the arrest record
For incarceration records from the John E. Polk Correctional Facility:
- Inmate Files: 7 years after release from custody
- Jail Registers: Permanent retention
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal history information in its central repository indefinitely, unless the record is ordered sealed or expunged by a court. This includes arrest fingerprints, disposition information, and identification data.
It is important to note that while records may be scheduled for destruction after their retention period expires, many criminal records are maintained for longer periods or indefinitely in practice, particularly those that have been digitized. Additionally, even after physical records are destroyed, information may persist in electronic databases or indices.
Records that have been ordered sealed pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.059 or expunged pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585 are removed from public access but may still be maintained for limited official purposes with restricted access.
Lookup Criminal Records in Seminole County
Seminole County Corrections Department
Seminole County Public Records Request