Miami Dade County Florida background check records include arrest data, court case files, conviction outcomes, and sealed public filings held by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Miami-Dade is the largest county in Florida by population, with more than 2.7 million residents.
The county handles hundreds of thousands of new court filings each year. These records stay on file through the clerk office, the state criminal database, and local police agencies. Anyone can view most of these records under Florida public records law. This page covers how to access these records, what they contain, who runs the searches, and which laws apply to the search.
Record Custodians in Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County background check records sit with three main record holders. Each one keeps a different piece of the full record. Together, they form the complete picture of a person’s legal history in the area. Knowing who holds each record type saves time when you start a search.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court keeps the official files for criminal, civil, traffic, family, and probate cases filed in the county. Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq. serves as the current clerk. The main office sits at 73 West Flagler Street, Suite 242, Miami, FL 33130. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clerk website at miamidadeclerk.gov holds the online case search system. You can search by name or case number for free. Results show case type, charges, filing dates, and case status.
The clerk office also stores older files on microfilm and in physical archives. Staff can pull these records during a walk-in visit or through a written mail request. Certified copies of court orders, judgments, and final dispositions come from this office. Many people start their background search here because the search system is free and covers every case type filed through the local court system.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq. |
| Address | 73 W Flagler Street, Ste 242, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Phone | (305) 349-7333 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | miamidadeclerk.gov |
FDLE Statewide Criminal Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. These two databases hold arrest records, charges, and final dispositions for every Florida county, including Miami-Dade. You can search the CCH through the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. FDLE charges $24 for a name-based search. Results return within 24 hours for most requests.
FDLE also runs the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) link to the FBI. Level 2 fingerprint searches reach the FBI database through FDLE. The agency issues state-level Criminal History Record Checks (CHRC) under Florida law. FDLE headquarters sits in Tallahassee, but the agency serves all Miami-Dade County requests the same way as requests from any other Florida county.
Miami-Dade Police Department Records
The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) keeps arrest and booking records made by the county sheriff force. MDPD operates the county jail system and processes arrests made within unincorporated Miami-Dade. Their records division holds arrest reports, booking photos, and incident data. The MDPD public site lets users view recent arrest logs and booking data online.
MDPD records include arrest date, charges filed, booking number, and bond data. Arrest records stay in the MDPD system even after the case moves to court. You can request MDPD records by phone, email, or in person at their headquarters in Doral.
Satellite Court Locations
Miami-Dade County runs satellite courthouse locations in Hialeah, Coral Gables, North Miami, and other cities. These branch offices handle traffic, civil, and small criminal matters. All satellite location records flow back to the main clerk office at 73 West Flagler Street. You can search all branch records through the same online portal. The clerk directory at flclerks.com lists every Miami-Dade branch location.
Florida Background Check Levels
Florida law sets two main background check levels. Each level covers a different scope and uses a different search method. Employers, landlords, and volunteer groups choose the level that fits their need and Florida law.
Level 1 Name-Based Search
A Level 1 background check uses a person’s name to search the FDLE CCH database. This check covers Florida arrests, charges, dispositions, and convictions only. The search costs $24 and runs through CCHInet. Most results return within one business day. Level 1 checks do not include FBI data or out-of-state records. They also miss sealed or expunged records. Many employers use Level 1 as a basic screening step.
Level 2 Fingerprint Search
A Level 2 background check uses fingerprints to search both the FDLE database and the FBI database. Florida requires Level 2 checks for jobs in childcare, healthcare, elderly care, and other sensitive positions under Chapter 435. You must visit an approved LiveScan vendor to get fingerprinted. Miami-Dade County has many approved vendors across the metro area. The vendor list at flhealthsource.gov shows locations by zip code.
Level 2 results return in 3 to 5 business days for most people. The results go directly to the requesting agency, not the person fingerprinted. Errors in Level 2 results can be fixed through the FDLE record review system. LiveScan vendor fees in Miami-Dade range from $40 to $75 for the fingerprint capture. The state and FBI fees are separate.
Federal Out-of-State Checks
Federal background checks go through the FBI Identity History Summary Checks, also called an FBI rap sheet. These checks pull data from all 50 states and federal courts. The FBI charges $18 per request and sends them back in about 3 weeks. You can order a rap sheet online at identityhistory.fts.dot.gov or by mail. Out-of-state records do not show up in FDLE checks. You need an FBI check to catch records from other states.
How to Request Miami-Dade Records
You can pull Miami-Dade background check records through three main methods. Each method works for a different need. The fastest method is online. The most thorough method is in person.
Online Case Search Steps
The Miami-Dade Clerk online portal lets you search court cases without an account. Go to miamidadeclerk.gov and click the case search link. Enter a full name or case number. The system pulls matching case records from criminal, civil, traffic, family, and probate dockets. Results show charges, filing dates, hearing dates, and case status. The online search is free. You only pay if you want a printed or certified copy.
Walk-In Requests at Clerk Office
You can visit the Miami-Dade Clerk office at 73 West Flagler Street, Suite 242. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the staff the name or case number you need. They will search and pull files for you. You can view files in person for free. Printed copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Most walk-in requests finish in 30 minutes.
Mail and Email Request Steps
You can submit mail requests to the clerk office. Include the person’s full name, date of birth, any known case numbers, and a check for the copy fees. Mail the request to the Clerk of Court at 73 W Flagler Street, Suite 242, Miami, FL 33130. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days to finish. Email requests work for simple record checks. The clerk email appears on their website contact page.
Florida Background Check Laws
Florida has strong public records laws. Three main statutes cover background check records in Miami-Dade County. Each statute sets rules for access, sealing, and use of the records.
Chapter 119 Public Records Law
Florida Statute Chapter 119 makes nearly all government records open to public view. The law covers court records, police reports, arrest data, and other government files. In Miami-Dade County, anyone can view these records. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to give a reason for the request. The Florida Attorney General’s Open Government page explains these rights in detail.
Some records are sealed by court order or exempt by law. Juvenile cases have extra protections under Florida law. Sealed criminal records do not appear in public searches. Expunged records are removed from the public database. The default rule in Florida is open access.
Chapter 435 Employment Screening
Florida Statute Chapter 435 spells out background check rules for certain positions. Jobs working with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities need a Level 2 fingerprint check. The statute lists which offenses bar someone from these positions. Employers must run the check and review findings under Florida law.
Chapter 435 also covers background screening for healthcare workers, school staff, and government positions. Miami-Dade County employers who hire for these roles must follow Chapter 435 rules. Failure to comply can lead to fines and license issues.
Chapter 943 VECHS Program
Florida Statute Chapter 943 created the Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS). VECHS lets approved organizations run Level 2 checks through FDLE. Only registered groups can join VECHS. Individuals cannot use VECHS directly. In Miami-Dade County, youth groups, schools, churches, and senior care centers use VECHS for volunteer screening.
To join VECHS, an organization must apply through FDLE. The agency reviews the application and approves the group. After approval, the group can run VECHS background checks on staff and volunteers. FDLE charges VECHS groups a reduced fee per check. Contact FDLE at (850) 410-8324 to start a VECHS application.
Costs and Wait Times
Background check costs in Miami-Dade County depend on the search type. Court searches are free online. State and federal checks have set fees. Here is what you can expect to pay and how long each step takes.
FDLE Search Fee Structure
FDLE charges $24 for a Level 1 name-based state criminal history search. You pay by credit card online through CCHInet. The fee is the same across all 67 Florida counties. Results return by email within 24 hours. There is no fee to view your own record through the personal review system at FDLE.
Clerk Copy and Certification Fees
The Miami-Dade Clerk charges a per-page fee for paper copies of court records. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Online case searches are free. You only pay when you want a copy of the actual file or a certified court order.
| Service Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| FDLE Level 1 Search | $24.00 |
| Clerk Plain Copy | $0.15 per page |
| Clerk Certified Copy | $1.00 per page |
| Online Case Search | Free |
| Personal Record Review | Free |
Fingerprint Vendor Pricing
Level 2 fingerprint checks in Miami-Dade County have two fee parts. The LiveScan vendor charges a fingerprint capture fee. FDLE and the FBI charge processing fees. Vendor capture fees range from $40 to $75. State and FBI processing fees add another $50 to $60. Total Level 2 check fees in Miami-Dade range from $90 to $135 per person.
Records Available in Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade County holds many record types that show up in a background check. Each record type lives with a different agency. Knowing which records exist helps you build a complete search.
Criminal Court Case Files
Criminal court case files show every criminal charge and case outcome. The clerk office stores these files. Files include the charging document, plea records, sentencing orders, and final judgment. Most criminal case files are public under Chapter 119. Sealed case files do not appear in public searches.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest and booking records show when a person was arrested, where, and for what. The Miami-Dade Police Department holds arrest records made by county officers. City police departments like Miami PD, Miami Beach PD, and Hialeah PD hold arrest records made within city limits. MDPD arrest data is online through their public site.
Civil Court Case Files
Civil case files show lawsuits, small claims, contract disputes, and other non-criminal court actions. These files sit with the clerk office. Civil case files include petitions, motions, judgments, and recorded settlements. Civil records are public under Chapter 119. They can show financial disputes and other civil actions that affect a person’s record.
Recorded Property Documents
Recorded documents include liens, judgments, mortgages, and property transfers. These files sit in the official records system. You can search them through myfloridacounty.com. Recorded documents add financial and property data to a background check. Tax liens, civil judgments, and recorded federal liens all appear in this system.
Background Checks by Purpose
Different purposes call for different background check methods. Florida law sets rules for some uses. Other uses follow best practices set by industry groups.
Employer Background Checks
Florida employers use background checks to screen job applicants. State law follows the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for these checks. Employers must get written consent before running a check. They must follow adverse action rules if the check affects hiring. Many Florida employers use third-party screening companies that pull data from FDLE, courts, and other sources.
Jobs in healthcare, childcare, education, and government need Level 2 checks under Chapter 435. Other jobs can use Level 1 checks or third-party services. Miami-Dade employers running these checks must follow both FCRA and Chapter 435 rules.
Tenant Screening Records
Landlords in Miami-Dade County use background checks to screen tenants. Florida law allows landlords to run criminal history checks on applicants. Landlords must follow FCRA rules if they use a third-party screening service. Local Miami-Dade city rules may add extra protections for applicants.
Tenant screening often pulls from court records, eviction files, and credit data. The clerk’s online portal helps landlords pull eviction case data. Landlords cannot use sealed records in their decision.
Volunteer Screening Rules
Organizations that use volunteers with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities must screen volunteers under Florida law. VECHS is the standard program for these groups. Youth sports leagues, schools, and church groups in Miami-Dade use VECHS for volunteer screening. The program requires fingerprint-based Level 2 checks.
Miami-Dade Clerk Office Contact
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court main office sits at 73 West Flagler Street, Suite 242, Miami, FL 33130. Phone lines stay open at (305) 349-7333 during business hours. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clerk website at miamidadeclerk.gov holds the full list of online systems and satellite office locations. You can also visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308, or reach FDLE at (850) 410-8324 for VECHS and state record questions.
The CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us runs the Level 1 search service. The MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com handles recorded document searches. The FDLE criminal history records page at fdle.state.fl.us explains each search type.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common issues people face when running a background check in Miami-Dade County. Each answer covers the law, the steps, and the costs you can expect. These answers pull from current Florida law as of September 2026 and reflect the records systems used by Miami-Dade County, FDLE, and local police departments.
How long does an FDLE check take in Florida?
An FDLE Level 1 background check usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Most results return within one business day. The system searches the Florida CCH database for any arrest, charge, or disposition tied to the person’s name. You get the results by email. Level 2 fingerprint checks take longer because they go through both FDLE and the FBI. Most Level 2 checks finish in 3 to 5 business days after fingerprint capture.
Are Miami-Dade County arrest records public?
Yes, most Miami-Dade arrest records are public under Florida Chapter 119. You can view them through the Miami-Dade Police Department online portal or by request to the MDPD records division. Some arrest records become sealed after court order. Sealed records do not appear in public searches. Juvenile arrest records have extra protections and stay confidential in most cases.
Can I run a free background check in Miami-Dade?
You can search Miami-Dade court cases for free through the clerk online portal at miamidadeclerk.gov. This search shows criminal, civil, traffic, and family court filings. You only pay if you want a printed or certified copy of a document. FDLE charges $24 for the statewide Level 1 search, so that part is not free. Recorded document searches through myfloridacounty.com are free to search but charge for copies.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 uses a name search of the Florida CCH database. It covers Florida arrests and convictions only. Level 2 uses fingerprints and covers both the Florida CCH database and the FBI national database. Level 2 catches out-of-state and national records. Florida law requires Level 2 for certain jobs that work with vulnerable people under Chapter 435.
How do I check if I have a warrant in Miami-Dade?
You can check for active warrants through the Miami-Dade Police Department website. MDPD lists active warrants online. You can also call the MDPD non-emergency line or visit any Miami-Dade police station. Court records at the clerk office can also show pending cases that might lead to a warrant. Third-party warrant search services also pull data from these same public sources.
Can Florida employers reject applicants with records?
Florida employers can reject applicants based on criminal records in many cases. State law follows federal FCRA rules. Employers must follow the adverse action sequence before rejecting an applicant based on a background check. Some local Miami-Dade city laws add extra protections for applicants with old or minor records. Chapter 435 also bars certain offenders from specific jobs.
How do I seal or expunge a Miami-Dade criminal record?
You can file a sealing or expungement petition with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. Florida law lets you seal or expunge certain records if you meet the eligibility rules. You may need a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE first. The timeline runs 6 to 12 months in most cases. A Miami-Dade criminal defense attorney can help you file the petition and attend the court hearing.