Boynton Beach City Florida background check records show court cases, arrests, and criminal history for people who live in or have ties to Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach sits on the southeast coast of Florida in Palm Beach County.
About 83,000 people live in this city. The main office that holds these records is the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court in West Palm Beach. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, known as FDLE, also keeps a statewide record database. This page explains where to look, what each office does, and how to get the records you need.
Where Boynton Beach Records Are Kept
Boynton Beach does not have its own courthouse for criminal cases. The Boynton Beach Police Department makes arrests, but once a case goes to court, all papers and files are sent to the Palm Beach County Clerk. The clerk office is the main place to search for Boynton Beach court records. The FDLE office in Tallahassee keeps a statewide record that includes Boynton Beach cases.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court handles every criminal, civil, traffic, and family case for Boynton Beach. Mike Caruso is the current Clerk of Court. The main office sits at 301 North Olive Avenue, 9th Floor, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. The phone number is (561) 355-2996. The website is mypalmbeachclerk.com. You can search for free on the website using a person’s name. The search shows cases from every city in the county, including Boynton Beach.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Palm Beach County Clerk of Court |
| Current Clerk | Mike Caruso |
| Street Address | 301 N Olive Ave, 9th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone Number | (561) 355-2996 |
| Website | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Search Cost | Free online name search |
FDLE Statewide Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s criminal history database. Every arrest, charge, and court outcome from all 67 counties, including Palm Beach, goes into this database. FDLE runs two types of checks. A name-based check costs $24. A fingerprint-based check costs more and looks at state and FBI records. The fingerprint check is called a Level 2 check. The name-based check is a Level 1 check.
How to Search Boynton Beach Court Records
Searching Boynton Beach court records takes a few steps. The clerk website is the best free starting point. The FDLE website gives you records from the whole state. Most people start with one and then move to the other if they need more detail.
Free Search on the Clerk Website
Go to mypalmbeachclerk.com. Click on the case search link. Type the person’s full name. You will see a list of cases that match. The list shows criminal cases, civil cases, traffic tickets, and family court cases. Each case entry shows the charges, the filing date, and the outcome. The search covers Boynton Beach and every other city in Palm Beach County. There is no fee for this search.
FDLE Name-Based Search
For statewide records, use the FDLE CCHInet system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Create an account. Fill in the person’s name, date of birth, and sex. Pay the $24 fee. Results come by email. Most requests finish in one to two business days. The report lists arrests, charges, court outcomes, and whether the case is still open. This search catches records from other Florida counties that the Palm Beach clerk search may miss.
Boynton Beach Police and Sheriff Records
The Boynton Beach Police Department holds arrest records for cases the department handles. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, known as PBSO, handles arrests in the unincorporated parts of the county and runs the county jail. Both agencies work with the clerk office and FDLE.
Boynton Beach Police Department
The Boynton Beach Police Department is located at 100 East Boynton Beach Boulevard. The department phone number is (561) 732-8116. The agency makes arrests within the city limits. Police reports and arrest logs are public records under Florida law. You can request copies by calling the department or visiting the records window during business hours. Most basic arrest information also shows up on the FDLE database once court papers are filed.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office handles law enforcement outside Boynton Beach city limits. PBSO also runs the main county jail. The PBSO website has a public arrest search tool. You can look up current inmates and recent bookings. The agency headquarters is located at 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach. The main phone number is (561) 688-3000. Booking photos, charge details, and bond amounts are available through PBSO’s online system.
Florida Background Check Laws and FCRA Compliance
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes says that most government records must be open to the public. Anyone can ask for records. You do not have to live in Florida. You do not have to say why you want the records. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, called FCRA, sets rules for how background checks are used for jobs, housing, and credit decisions.
Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Chapter 119 makes most government records open to the public. Court files, arrest records, and booking data fall under this law. Sealed records, expunged records, juvenile cases, and active investigation files are exempt. If a records request is denied, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The Open Government division helps people across the state who have trouble getting records.
FCRA Rules for Employers and Landlords
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law. It controls how background check companies can use criminal records for hiring, renting, and other decisions. If you use a third party to run a background check for employment or housing, you must follow FCRA rules. You must get written permission from the person. You must give them a copy of the report. You must tell them if you plan to reject them based on the report. Penalties for breaking FCRA can include lawsuits and fines.
Types of Background Checks Available
Three main types of background checks exist for Boynton Beach. Each one has a different cost and scope. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for your needs.
Name-Based Check (Level 1)
A Level 1 check uses a person’s name and date of birth. The search goes through the FDLE database. Results include Florida arrests and dispositions. This check costs $24 through CCHInet. Results come by email within one to two business days. This check works for most basic background checks in Florida.
Fingerprint Check (Level 2)
A Level 2 check uses fingerprints. The search covers Florida state records and the FBI national database. LiveScan fingerprint machines capture the prints. The fee is higher than a name-based check. The turnaround time is usually three to five business days. Level 2 checks are required for some jobs, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and people who work with children or the elderly.
County Court Records Search
A county court search pulls records from the Palm Beach County Clerk. The search is free on the clerk website. You can see criminal cases, civil suits, traffic tickets, and family court cases. The search covers Boynton Beach and every other city in the county. For certified copies, you must pay a fee to the clerk.
Cost of Background Checks in Florida
Background check costs in Florida depend on the type of check and where you get it. Free options exist for basic searches. Paid options offer more detail and certified copies.
Free Options
The Palm Beach County Clerk website offers a free name search. The MyFloridaCounty portal lets you search official records for free. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is free. These tools give you basic information without paying a fee.
Paid Options
FDLE charges $24 for a name-based check. Fingerprint checks cost more, depending on the LiveScan provider. Certified copies from the clerk cost extra. Third party background check companies charge higher fees for full reports that cover multiple states.
| Check Type | Cost | Time | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Clerk Search | Free | Instant | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| FDLE Name-Based | $24 | 1-2 days | cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us |
| FDLE Fingerprint | $40-$60 | 3-5 days | LiveScan Provider |
| Third Party Reports | $25-$150 | Same day to 3 days | Online companies |
| Certified Clerk Copy | Varies | Same day | Clerk Office |
Getting Certified Copies of Records
Sometimes you need a stamped, official copy of a record. Certified copies come from the clerk’s office or FDLE. These copies have a raised seal or stamp and are accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies.
From the Palm Beach County Clerk
Visit the clerk office at 301 N Olive Ave in West Palm Beach. Bring a photo ID and the case number or person name. Tell the clerk which records you need. Pay the copy fee. Most certified copies are ready the same day. You can also mail a request with a check or money order. Include the person’s full name, date of birth, and the type of records you need.
From FDLE
FDLE provides certified criminal history reports through CCHInet. The report costs $24. You receive the report by email as a PDF. The PDF includes a digital seal. Some employers require a mailed, paper copy with a wet signature. For paper copies, you must submit a special request form to FDLE in Tallahassee.
Florida Criminal Record Sealing and Expungement
Florida law allows some people to seal or expunge their criminal records. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from most background checks. Expunged records are physically destroyed. Not everyone qualifies. The process goes through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the courts.
Who Can Seal or Expunge a Record
You may qualify if you were arrested but never charged. You may also qualify if charges were dropped or dismissed. A completed diversion program can also lead to expungement. You cannot seal or expunge a record if you were convicted of the charge, with some narrow exceptions. Each case depends on the facts and the outcome.
How the Process Works
File a petition with the clerk of court in the county where the arrest happened. For Boynton Beach cases, that is the Palm Beach County Clerk. Pay the filing fee. The court reviews the petition. The State Attorney’s Office can object. A judge makes the final decision. If the court grants the petition, FDLE updates its database to reflect the sealing or expungement.
Sex Offender and Warrant Searches
Florida keeps two public databases that are useful for background checks. The sex offender registry lists people convicted of sex crimes. The warrant database lists people with active arrest warrants. Both databases are free to search.
Florida Sex Offender Registry
The FDLE runs the Florida Sex Offender Registry. Search at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. Enter a name or address. The search shows registered sex offenders within a chosen radius. Photos and offense details are included. This registry covers Boynton Beach and every Florida city.
Florida Warrant Search
Warrant searches are run by local sheriffs and police. The Palm Beach County Clerk website lists some warrant information through the court system. For a complete check, call the Boynton Beach Police Department or the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Active warrants for other counties may not show up in a local search.
Employment, Tenant, and Volunteer Background Checks
Background checks serve three main purposes in Boynton Beach. Employers use them to screen job applicants. Landlords use them to screen tenants. Volunteer groups use them to screen people who work with children or vulnerable adults.
Employment Background Checks
Florida employers must follow FCRA rules when running background checks for hiring. The employer must get written consent. The applicant must receive a copy of the report. If the employer plans to reject the applicant, they must send an adverse action letter. Some jobs require Level 2 fingerprint checks by state law.
Tenant Background Checks
Landlords in Boynton Beach often run background checks on rental applicants. They check criminal history, eviction records, and sometimes credit. Florida law allows landlords to reject applicants based on criminal history, but they must apply the rule evenly. A blanket ban on all people with criminal records can violate fair housing laws.
Volunteer Background Checks
Schools, churches, and youth groups often require background checks for volunteers. These checks follow the same FCRA rules as employment checks. Many groups use Level 2 fingerprint checks for anyone working with children. The cost is often paid by the volunteer organization.
Juvenile Records and Disposition Information
Florida juvenile criminal records are not open to the public. Sealed records, expunged records, and juvenile cases are exempt from public records law. This rule protects minors.
Juvenile Case Records
Most juvenile cases in Palm Beach County are handled by the juvenile division of the circuit court. Records from these cases are not searchable on the public clerk website. Only the people involved in the case, their lawyers, and certain agencies can see these records.
Disposition Records
Disposition records show the final outcome of a criminal case. Did the person plead guilty? Was the case dismissed? Did the person go to trial? Disposition records are part of the FDLE criminal history report. They are also part of the court file on the clerk website.
Turnaround Time and How Long Results Take
Different background checks take different amounts of time. Free online searches give instant results. Statewide checks take a few days. Fingerprint checks take longer.
Instant Results
The Palm Beach County Clerk website gives instant results for online searches. The Florida Sex Offender Registry is also instant. Inmate search tools on the PBSO website show current inmates right away.
One to Two Days
FDLE name-based checks through CCHInet come back in one to two business days. Results arrive by email as a PDF.
Three to Five Days
FDLE fingerprint checks through LiveScan providers take three to five business days. Some providers offer rush service for an extra fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Background Checks
Several mistakes can lead to bad information or legal trouble. Knowing these mistakes helps you run a better background check.
Using Only One Source
The clerk website only shows Palm Beach County cases. FDLE shows statewide cases. For a full picture, you need both. If the person lived in another state, you also need a national check. Using only one source can miss important records.
Ignoring FCRA Rules
If you run a background check for employment or housing, you must follow FCRA. Skipping the consent form or the adverse action letter can lead to lawsuits. Even if the record is correct, the process must follow the law.
Confusing Arrests with Convictions
An arrest is not a conviction. Many arrests end without charges. Many charges end without a conviction. A background check report should show both the arrest and the final disposition. Reading only the arrest line gives an incomplete picture.
Key Office Contact Details
Below are the main offices and websites used for Boynton Beach background check records.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
301 N Olive Ave, 9th Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 355-2996
Website: mypalmbeachclerk.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Criminal History Records
Website: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Boynton Beach Police Department
100 East Boynton Beach Boulevard
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
Phone: (561) 732-8116
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
3228 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Phone: (561) 688-3000
Website: pbso.org
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about background checks in Boynton Beach. The following questions cover the most common topics. Each answer gives you direct, useful facts based on Florida law and current FDLE and clerk office rules as of September 2026.
How much does a Boynton Beach background check cost?
A Boynton Beach background check can cost nothing or up to $150. The Palm Beach County Clerk website lets you search court records for free. The FDLE name-based criminal history check costs $24. Fingerprint checks through LiveScan providers cost between $40 and $60. Third party background check companies charge between $25 and $150 for a full report. Certified copies from the clerk cost extra, depending on the page count and type of record.
Can I run a background check on myself in Boynton Beach?
Yes, you can run a background check on yourself. Use the Palm Beach County Clerk website to search your name in the public court records. Use the FDLE CCHInet system to order your own criminal history report for $24. Reviewing your own record before a job application or rental application is a smart move. If you find errors, you can file a challenge with FDLE to fix the record.
How long does an FDLE background check take?
An FDLE name-based background check usually takes one to two business days. You receive the report by email. FDLE fingerprint checks through LiveScan providers take three to five business days. Some LiveScan locations offer rush service for an extra fee. Delays can happen if the request has errors or if the person has a common name with multiple matches in the system.
Are juvenile records in Boynton Beach public?
No, juvenile criminal records in Florida are not public. Sealed records, expunged records, and juvenile cases are exempt from public records law under Chapter 119. Only the person involved, their lawyer, parents or guardians, and certain government agencies can see juvenile records. Adult convictions stay on a person’s record forever unless they are sealed or expunged through the court process.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 background checks?
A Level 1 background check uses a person’s name and date of birth to search Florida criminal history records. It costs $24 through FDLE. A Level 2 background check uses fingerprints and covers both Florida and FBI national databases. Level 2 checks cost more and take longer. Level 2 checks are required for jobs that involve children, the elderly, healthcare, and other sensitive positions under Florida law.
Can an employer in Boynton Beach reject me based on an arrest that did not lead to a conviction?
Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance says employers should not reject applicants based only on an arrest without a conviction. The arrest alone does not prove guilt. An employer can consider convictions and the nature of the offense. Florida follows these federal rules. If an employer rejects you based only on an arrest, you may have grounds to file a discrimination complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Where can I find mugshot records from Boynton Beach?
Mugshot records from Boynton Beach may appear on the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office inmate search tool. Local news websites and third party mugshot databases also publish booking photos. Under Florida law, mugshots are public records. However, Florida law also allows people to petition for the removal of mugshots from websites under certain conditions set out in Florida Statute Section 901.43.