Are Criminal Records in Osceola County Publicly Accessible?

Yes, criminal records in Osceola County, Florida, are generally considered public under the Florida Public Records Act. Most criminal records, including arrest records, court convictions, and jail records, can be accessed by the public unless they have been sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted. Records may be withheld or redacted if they contain sensitive information, such as Juvenile cases or ongoing investigations of matters of public safety. Florida law provides transparency while ensuring certain privacy protections with access typically granted through official government offices or online portals.

Who is Eligible to Access Osceola County Criminal Records in Florida?

Except sealed or expunged records that can only be accessed by authorized parties such as law enforcement, the court or individuals with court order, the following groups are authorized to access criminal records in Osceola County.

How to Request Criminal Records in Osceola County

Step 1: Determine your method of request

• Use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Portal
• For in-person requests, visit the Osceola County Clerk of Courts or local law enforcement agencies.
• For mail requests, send a written request to the FDLE or Osceola County Clerk's Office.

Step 2: Provide the Full name, date of birth, and details of the individual or incident.

Step 3: Obtain and fill out the appropriate requests from the FDLE or local agency.

Step 4: Submit a government-issued Photo ID. Additional verification may be required for restricted records.

Step 5: Pay applicable fees

• Online or in-person Fees generally range from $24 to $50 depending on the agency and type of record.

Step 6: Submit your Request to

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road,
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-8109
Email: BackgroundChecks@fdle.state.fl.us

Step 7: Wait for Processing.

• Processing times range from a few minutes (online requests) to 1-3 weeks (Mail or in-person requests).

Note: Records may also be accessible from online third-party platforms like Floridacourtrecords.us. However, the accuracy of records obtained on such platforms cannot be guaranteed.

What Information Is Contained in Osceola County Criminal Records?

Osceola County criminal records typically include:

• Full name and aliases
• Date of birth and personal identifiers.
• Arrest history and charges.
• Court proceedings and case numbers.
• Convictions, sentencing details, and parole or probation status.
• Mugshots and fingerprints if applicable.

Redacted information such as Juvenile records, sealed or expunged cases, and sensitive Victim Information are typically excluded.

Are There Restrictions on Accessing Criminal Records in Osceola County?

Yes, certain restrictions may apply, and they include the following:

• Sealed records are accessible to authorized parties, such as law enforcement or by court order.
• Expunged records are not available to the public as access is limited to individuals or authorized entities.
• Juvenile records are also generally confidential, except for serious felonies or when tried as an adult.
• Ongoing investigation records are also withheld to protect the integrity of the case.

Florida law balances transparency with privacy by limiting access to sensitive or restricted records while keeping others publicly available.

What Happens if My Request for Criminal Records is Denied in Osceola County?

If your request is denied, you can:

• Verify the reason: Common reasons include sealed or expunged records or insufficient information.
• Following the verification, you can appeal the decision by contacting the agency that denied your request for an explanation.
• After the appeal, if necessary, you can petition the court for access to restricted records.

For appeals, contact:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road,
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 419-8109

How to Expunge or Seal Osceola County Criminal Records

To expunge or seal a record in Osceola County:

1. Determine Eligibility
   • Eligible offenses include non-violent crimes or cases that did not result in a conviction.
2. Complete the application
   • Submit a petition through the FDLE with fingerprints and supporting documentation.
3. File with the court.
   • File a formal motion in the circuit court where the case was heard
4. Await Decision.
   • The court will review the petition and issue an order if approved.

Sealing or expungement is typically available for first-time offenders or those who meet specific conditions outlined by Florida law.