Leon County Court Records

Leon County court records are generated, compiled, and maintained by the county judiciary. They can be handwritten and typed documents, audio, video, electronic files, pictures, or any other documents created or filled during cases, regardless of the medium. Court records also include court rulings, motions, judgments, opinions, court schedules, evidence records, depositions, exhibits, dockets, and general case information. On a state level, these records are all considered Florida court records.

County courts maintain records of their proceedings for several reasons. For example, court records may serve as educational tools for any member of the public wishing to improve their knowledge about how the legal system works. Court documents also provide a formal record of legal cases within the judiciary.

Are Court Records Public in Leon County?

According to Florida Sunshine Laws, Leon County court records are considered public records. This means that they can be accessed, viewed, or copied by members of the public who submit a record request.

While most court records are public and open to access, some records and information are restricted and exempt from public disclosure. Section 119.0714 of the Sunshine Law provides further information about records exempted from public access under Florida law.

Some of the records exempted from public view in Florida include:

• Personal banking information, including credit card details, bank account information, and social security numbers
• Information about minors who are victims of crimes such as human trafficking
• Information that may identify confidential informants working for law enforcement
• Records that have been sealed or expunged
• Records from cases involving juveniles and minors
• Record from cases involving domestic violence

Records containing exempted or restricted information may sometimes be released to the public, with those parts removed or redacted. Requesters of such records may also request a court order for the record to be released completely.

Leon County Court Records Search

Leon County provides several ways to search for court records from its judiciary, some of which include:

• Submit a request to the office of the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
• Use any of the online record request options and databases like the online court search or Secure Website provided by the county clerk of circuit courts.
• Consult any third-party court records websites.

Leon County Court Records Search by Name

Record seekers will be required to provide a subject's full name or a combination of their names to perform a Leon County court records search by name. Name-based court record requests can be made on the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Court Search page or using the Secure Web Access page.

On the Court Search page, after completing the verification process, users can search for name-based records and view complete case information. Any images or documents available on the case docket can be printed or downloaded for free. If there are no images of documents, users can request scanned or paper versions for $1 a page. Requests will be reviewed, and requesters will be contacted and informed of any charges. Documents will only be mailed or pick-up arranged after payment has been received.

The Secure Web Access allows its registered users to view and obtain court case documents after making a name-based search. This database includes access to sensitive cases that may not be available via other means. Printing and downloading directly from Secure Web is free of charge, however, requesting physical copies will incur charges.

In-person requests are also taken by the Leon County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller. Record seekers are advised to contact the office before they request information and ask about available records and payment processes. Contact can be made by calling (850) 606-4000 or emailing clerk_judicial@leoncountyfl.gov.

Leon County Courts

The Leon County judiciary comprises the County Circuit Court and the County Court. Circuit courts have general jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases heard in the county that are above the county court’s jurisdiction. In particular, they handle civil cases where the claims are more than $15,000. They also handle other cases, including probate, juvenile, and family law cases. County courts handle municipal and county ordinance violations, juvenile traffic cases, and misdemeanors. They also handle civil cases where the claims are lower than $15,000.

Leon County Circuit Court
Leon County Courthouse
301 South Monroe Street, Room 100,
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 577-4000
Fax: (850) 577-4013

Leon County Courthouse
301 South Monroe Street, Room 100,
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 577-4000
Fax: (850) 577-4013

Leon County District Court Records

In Leon County, the Circuit Court handles the responsibilities of the district court as its local equivalent. The cases heard in the Leon Court include but are not limited to the following:

• Civil cases
• Criminal cases
• Probate cases
• Family law cases
• Juvenile cases

Records of these cases can be obtained by visiting the Leo County Circuit Court in person or by contacting the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Records can also be requested and viewed using any of the online options available from the clerk of court website.

Leon County Criminal Records

Leon County criminal records are the details of an individual’s criminal history within the county’s jurisdiction. Most criminal records are public information and can be obtained from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). It should be noted, however, that some criminal records, such as records of minors and victim information, may be exempted from release.

Leon County Sheriff’s Office allows interested parties to request a local (Leon County only) criminal record or background check. The record can be requested in person, by mail, by telephone, or online via the following options.

• Criminal records can be ordered in person by submitting a local criminal records check form to the sheriff’s office at 2825 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, Florida
• Mail the completed local criminal records check form to:
  Leon County Sheriff's Office,
  Records Management Division,
  P.O. Box 727,
  Tallahassee, FL 32301
• Make a record request by calling the office during business hours at (850) 606-3317
• Record seekers can also make a request using the LCSO Public Records Center online records portal.

Local background checks from the LCSO cost $5 per subject requested, and all fees must be paid in advance. Checks, money orders, and cash are accepted during in-person requests. Requesters will be notified when their checks are ready, and they can pick them up at the office or have them returned via email. They can also have the record mailed by providing a self-addressed and stamped envelope or including $1 along with the payment for the request.

Leon County arrest records and criminal history information can also be obtained from the FDLE via their Instant Search, Certified/NonCertified Record Search, and ORI search. These options provide an instant online search, a comprehensive search with the option to certify results, and an agency search, respectively. Criminal records from the FDLE cost $24 plus an additional $1 processing fee for any payments made with a card. Record seekers can inquire about criminal record requests by calling the FDLE at 850) 410-8161.

Leon County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Leon County criminal court cases can be looked up online using the online options provided by the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller website. The online court case search and Secure Web Access databases allow requesters to look up criminal case information and print out download search results. Anyone interested in records who has questions can contact the court clerk at (850) 606-4000 or clerk_judicial@leoncountyfl.gov.

Get Leon County Civil Court Records

Leon County civil court records are records of legal proceedings during non-criminal civil court cases. These cases include claims, injury lawsuits, evictions, property disputes, domestic issues, etc. Civil court records from such cases include docket information, judgments, rulings, opinions, motions, and claims.

The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the custodians of civil court records in Leon County. These records can be obtained by visiting the clerk of court office in person at the clerk of courts office in person or mailing a written request to the office. It is recommended that records seekers contact the office prior to their request and inquire about request procedures and copy fees.

There are also several online options for viewing and obtaining civil court records from Leon County. The Court Search database and the Secure Web Access allow users to view, copy, and download court records online for free. The court search database allows users to access documents from case dockets, while the secure web access is a registered service that provides access to more comprehensive records. Records from the secure web can also be certified using the e-certify link.

Leon County Family Court Records

Leon County family records are documentation of family law and domestic issues maintained by the circuit court. Family court records in Leon County include records from cases such as divorce, child support or custody, legal separation, name change, paternity issues, adoptions, and visitation.

The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the custodian of family court records. Family court records can be obtained by contacting the clerk of court in advance for details about in-person requests and mail requests. Requesters can reach the Leon County Clerk of Courts by calling (850) 606-4000 or emailing clerk_judicial@leoncountyfl.gov.

There are also several online options provided on the Leon County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller website.

• Court Search: This is an online database that allows users to view and download court records and documents from docket information. After passing the verification check, users can perform court record searches by name, case number, and other criteria. If images of the page are unavailable, physical copies of the record can be ordered for $1 per page.
• Secure Web Access: This is a registered online service. Record seekers are allowed to view, download, print, or order copies of records, including family records, in the custody of the clerk of court. Registered users also have access to a more comprehensive database, including sensitive cases that are unavailable on Court Search.

Leon County family court records are important as they are vital in protecting vulnerable members of society, including minors and victims of abuse. They also serve to issue and enforce court orders that serve to protect individuals during domestic and family cases.

Leon Dissolution of Marriage Records

Leon County dissolution of marriage records are official records of divorces, legal separations, and annulments that are heard in the county jurisdiction. The cases are usually heard by the family law section of the Leon County Circuit Court. Interested parties can access Leon County dissolution of marriage records from the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

Leon County Marriage and Divorce Records

Leon County Marriage and Divorce records are available from the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. On the state level, they can also be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Florida Department of Health.

Marriage and divorce records can be obtained by contacting the clerk of the circuit court. Record seekers can visit the clerk’s office in person or mail in a request with identifiers of the record. For a smooth request, it is recommended that you contact the office in advance and receive details on requesting procedures and charges for copies. The clerk’s office can be reached for any inquiries by calling (850) 606-4000 or emailing clerk_judicial@leoncountyfl.gov.

Leon County marriage records can also be looked up online using the Marriage License Search page on the Clerk of Circuit Court Website. Divorce records, on the other hand, can be viewed, downloaded, or requested online using the Secure Web Access tool.

The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains marriage and divorce records from June 1927. Record seekers can fill out and submit an Application for a Marriage Certificate or an Application for a Dissolution of Marriage Certificate. These applications can be submitted in person at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or mailed to:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics,
P.O. Box 210,
Jacksonville, Fl 32231-0042

Leon County marriage and divorce records from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics incur a $5 search fee for a calendar year that includes one certified copy. Searching for additional years costs $2 per year, and additional certified copies ordered at the same time cost $4 each. For an additional $10 fee, requesters can put a rush order on their record requests. Payment is accepted in the form of checks and money orders. Cash and credit/debit cards are also accepted during walk-in requests.

Leon Birth and Death Records

The Florida Department of Health in Leon County provides access to Leon County Birth and Death Records. It should be noted that birth records under a hundred years old will only be issued to the following eligible parties.

• The registrant (if over 18 years old)
• Parents on the record
• Legal representatives and guardians with paperwork such as a court order

Similarly, death records under 50 years old will only be issued to certain eligible parties, such as:

• The deceased spouse or parents
• Decedent’s child, grandchild, or siblings, if of legal age (18)
• Anyone who provides a will, insurance policy, or other document that demonstrates a legitimate interest in the estate of the decedent
• Anyone who provides documentation that they are acting as a representative of any of the above-named persons

To obtain birth and death certificates for Leon County, record seekers must submit a birth certificate application or a death certificate application to the county vital statistics office. The application can be submitted in person at the Leon County Office. The request, a copy of valid photo identification, and fees can also be mailed to the office at:

Leon County Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 2745
Tallahassee, Florida 32316

Leon County Birth records cost $17 per copy, while death records cost $10 per copy. Vital records fees in Leon County are nonrefundable. Leon County birth and death records are important for genealogical research. They also help determine an individual’s age, identity, and citizenship.

The vital statistics office in Leon County issues birth certificates from 1917 and death records from 2009. To obtain records from before these dates, record seekers will have to submit their requests to the state office at:

Florida Office of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, Florida 32231-0042

Leon County Probate Court Records

Leon County probate court records are records of cases that concern deceased individuals' affairs. These cases involve wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and other probate matters. Probate court records can be obtained from the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

The Court Search and Secure Web Access platforms maintained by the clerk’s office are online platforms where records are freely available. Record seekers can register on these platforms where they can search, view, download, and request physical copies of court records including Leon County Probate Court records.

Leon County Property Records

Leon County property records are records concerning real and tangible property within the county’s jurisdiction. These records generally contain information detailing the following:

• Property owners
• Description
• Maps and plats
• Assessment and tax information
• Deeds and mortgages
• Liens
• Zoning details

Two agencies are generally responsible for maintaining property records for Leon County. The Leon County Property Appraiser and the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

Leon County property records can be obtained by visiting the property appraiser’s website and navigating to the Property Search page. Record seekers can also search through Property Sales and Maps.

The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller also provides property records about property ownership, transfer, or encumbrance claims. Record seekers can request certified copies by calling (850) 606-4030. Requests can also be made by visiting any of the offices located at:

1276 Metropolitan Blvd., Ste. 101,
Tallahassee, FL 32312

OR

301 South Monroe Street, Ste. #100,
Tallahassee, FL 32301.

Alternatively, mailed requests and payments should be sent to:

Leon County Clerk & Comptroller,
Attn: Official Records,
301 South Monroe Street, Ste. 100,
Tallahassee, FL 32301.

Copies of property records will cost $1 per page, while certified copies of the record will include an additional $2 certification fee.

Leon County Court Records Online

Interested parties have the option to obtain Leon County court records from both government and third-party websites. Private companies usually own third-party online websites like Floridacourtrecords.us and provide quick and convenient access to court records. Researchers can access and gather court documents and information from various jurisdictions with just an internet-capable device and a good connection.

Although using third-party websites is quick and convenient, there are a few potential issues. The information on these sites may not be accurate or up-to-date as they are not official resources. It is recommended that such resources be checked with official resources wherever possible.