Highlands County Florida background check records give you court case data, arrest history, and conviction records for any person who lived or worked in Highlands County. The county seat is Sebring, and the local Clerk of Court keeps all court records.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps statewide criminal history data. Most people check both sources to get a full picture of a person’s record in Highlands County.
Highlands County Clerk of Court Records
The Clerk of Court in Highlands County holds the court records for the whole county. This office runs the local court system and keeps case files, civil filings, criminal cases, traffic records, and family court papers. Anyone can ask to see these records under Florida law. The clerk must respond to records requests within a set time period set by state law.
Clerk Office Location and Contact
The Highlands County Clerk of Court office sits at 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. The clerk is Jerome Kaszubowski. You can call the office at (863) 402-6564. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. You can walk in any weekday during business hours to ask for records in person. Free parking sits behind the office on the south side of the building.
Online Case Search Tools
The clerk website at highlandsclerkfl.gov has a free online case search tool. You can look up court cases by name or by case number. The search shows the case type, filing date, and current status. It works for criminal, civil, traffic, and family court cases filed in Highlands County. The tool does not show the full text of every document, but it tells you what records exist for that person.
For records like deeds, liens, mortgages, and judgments, you can use the MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com. This free tool covers all 67 Florida counties, including Highlands County. You can search by name, document type, or recording date. No account or login is needed. Most searches take less than a minute.
Walk-In and Mail Records Requests
Walk into the clerk office in Sebring to ask for records in person. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk the full name of the person you are checking. If you have the date of birth, that helps the search. The clerk will pull up case files and print copies for you. Same-day service is the norm for walk-in requests during business hours.
You can also send a written request by mail. Send a letter to the clerk at 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Include the full name, date of birth if you have it, and the type of record you want. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk will mail back the records or tell you none were found. Mail requests take longer because of postal delivery times on the way in and back.
Florida Statewide Background Check Options
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database for Florida. You can request a check from FDLE for any person, not just Highlands County residents. This pulls data from all Florida counties and includes arrests, charges, dispositions, and convictions. The statewide check covers more ground than a local clerk search.
FDLE Name-Based Check (Level 1)
A Level 1 background check uses a person’s name to search the FDLE database. This is the fastest and cheapest option. You submit the request through the CCHInet system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The fee is $24. Results come back by email within 24 hours in most cases. Some requests finish in just a few hours during business days.
The Level 1 check covers all criminal history records FDLE has on file. This includes arrests, charges, dispositions, and convictions from any Florida county. It does not pull records from outside Florida. If the person was arrested in Highlands County, those charges show up in the FDLE results. Sealed or expunged records do not appear on a Level 1 report.
FDLE Fingerprint Check (Level 2)
A Level 2 background check uses fingerprints. This is a deeper check that runs through both FDLE and the FBI. The FBI portion pulls national records. Florida law requires Level 2 checks for jobs that involve children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults. Healthcare workers, teachers, and daycare staff fall into this group.
You must get fingerprinted at an FDLE LiveScan site. The Sebring area has several vendors that take fingerprints. Check the Floridahealthsource.gov website for the full list of sites in Highlands County. After fingerprinting, the results take a few days to come back. The cost depends on the requesting agency and the vendor. Many employers pay the cost for the job applicant.
VECHS Program for Volunteers
FDLE runs the VECHS program for volunteers and employees who work with at-risk people. VECHS stands for Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System. Groups like schools, youth clubs, and healthcare agencies use this program. The check pulls the same Level 1 data but goes through a registered organization. Results go straight to the requesting group.
Not everyone can use VECHS. Only registered organizations qualify. If you volunteer with a school or nonprofit in Highlands County, ask your group if they are a VECHS provider. The volunteer usually pays nothing, and the organization handles the paperwork. This makes VECHS a popular choice for church groups, scout troops, and youth sports leagues.
Fees, Turnaround Time, and Forms
Background check fees in Highlands County come from two sources: the Clerk of Court and FDLE. Each office charges its own fees. Some checks are free, while others cost money. The cost depends on the type of check and how fast you need the results.
Cost Breakdown
The table below shows the main fees for a Highlands County background check. These fees are set by Florida law and apply to all counties.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| FDLE Level 1 (name-based) | $24.00 |
| Plain copy from clerk | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copy from clerk | $1.00 per page |
| Online case search | Free |
| MyFloridaCounty records search | Free |
| FDLE Level 2 (fingerprint) | Varies by vendor |
Processing Times
The FDLE name-based check takes about 24 hours. Most results come back the next business day. The clerk’s online case search is instant. Walk-in requests get copies the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the clerk’s workload and postal delivery times on the round trip.
Level 2 fingerprint checks take longer. FDLE sends results to the requesting agency within 3 to 5 business days after fingerprinting. The LiveScan vendor emails or mails the results to you. Total turnaround is usually 5 to 7 business days. Rushed processing is available for some checks for an extra fee paid by the requesting party.
Required Forms and ID
For an FDLE name-based check, you fill out a short form on the CCHInet website. You need the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and a credit card. The system uses an ID verification step before processing. You must agree to the terms of use before submission. The form takes about five minutes to fill out.
For walk-in requests at the clerk office, bring your own photo ID. The clerk will ask for it before pulling records. For fingerprint checks, bring a photo ID and the Livescan form from the requesting agency. The agency gives you the form after you accept a job offer or a volunteer role.
Florida Background Check Laws
Florida has strong public records laws. The state also has specific rules about who must pass a background check and what shows up on a report. Florida law covers employers, landlords, and volunteer groups that run background checks across all counties including Highlands County.
Chapter 119 Public Records
Florida Statute Chapter 119 says all public records are open for review. You do not need to live in Highlands County to ask for records. You do not need to explain your reason. The clerk must let you see the files unless a court has sealed them. This law covers all state and local government records held by any county agency.
If an office denies your request, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General. The AG’s Open Government page at myfloridalegal.com has details on your rights and how to appeal a denial. The AG can also help if a records custodian charges too much for copies. State law caps excessive fees that block access.
Chapter 435 Employment Screening
Florida Statute Chapter 435 covers background screening for jobs. Certain positions must pass a Level 2 fingerprint check. This includes jobs in schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities. Employers in these fields must screen all employees before they start work. Re-screening happens every five years.
The screening looks for disqualifying offenses. These include certain felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children or the elderly. A person with a disqualifying offense cannot work in these fields unless they get an exemption from the state. The employer can also wait seven years after the case closes before requiring the check on a new hire.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Courts can seal or expunge certain criminal records. Once sealed or expunged, the records do not show up on a standard background check. Florida law limits who qualifies for sealing or expungement. Most people with one qualifying charge and no prior convictions can apply. The waiting period after the case closes is also a factor.
Even after sealing, certain agencies can still see the records. Law enforcement, courts, and some government agencies can view sealed records. A sealed record will not show up on an FDLE name-based check. The sealed record stays in a separate file that only certain agencies can access for legal purposes.
Third-Party and FCRA-Compliant Checks
Some employers and landlords use third-party screening companies. These companies run background checks and produce reports. FCRA stands for Fair Credit Reporting Act. This federal law sets rules for how consumer reports can be used. It applies to checks used for jobs, housing, and credit decisions.
Employment Screening Companies
FCRA-compliant screening companies pull data from FDLE, court clerks, and other sources. They produce a single report that employers can use for hiring. The employer must get written consent from the job applicant before running the report. The applicant has the right to a copy of the report if denied a job based on the report.
If a company denies you a job based on a background report, they must give you a copy of the report. You have the right to dispute anything wrong in the file. The screening company must investigate disputes within 30 days. They must fix or remove anything that cannot be verified by a court or official source.
Tenant Screening Rules
Florida landlords can run background checks on rental applicants. They check criminal history, eviction records, and credit history. Landlords must follow FCRA rules if they use a third-party screening company. The applicant must give written consent before the check runs and before the landlord charges an application fee.
Florida law says landlords cannot reject an applicant based solely on a prior arrest that did not lead to a conviction. The landlord can consider convictions and pending charges with a reasonable belief the person poses a threat to other tenants or property. The landlord must apply the same standards to every applicant who applies for the same unit.
Cities and Nearby Counties
Highlands County includes several cities and towns. All court records for these areas go through the Highlands County Clerk of Court in Sebring. No matter where in the county the case was filed, the Sebring clerk office holds the file and serves records requests.
Cities in Highlands County
The main cities in Highlands County are Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid, and Venus. Sebring is the county seat. Avon Park sits on the west side of the county. Lake Placid sits to the south. Venus is a small community on the eastern edge. Each town has its own police department, but the courts run through the county system.
Background checks that involve court records work the same way no matter which city the person lives in. The clerk office in Sebring handles all records for the county. Police records from local police departments go through that agency’s records division, not the clerk. You must contact each agency separately for police records.
Nearby Counties
Highlands County sits in the south-central part of Florida. The counties that border it include DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Okeechobee, Osceola, and Polk. If you are not sure where to search, look up the person’s address first. Each county has its own clerk office and records database.
You can use the Find a Clerk directory at flclerks.com to find the right office for any Florida county. The directory lists addresses, phone numbers, and websites for all 67 county clerks. The clerk in each county handles records for that county only and cannot pull records from another county.
Visit the Clerk Office in Sebring
The Highlands County Clerk of Court office is in Sebring. You can drive to the office to ask for records in person or to use the public computers. The office has staff on hand to help with your request during business hours. Public computers in the lobby are free to use for records searches.
Office Address and Hours
The clerk office sits at 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and Florida state holidays. Call (863) 402-6564 before you visit to confirm the records you need are available. Public computers sit in the lobby for searching online records.
Driving Directions
The clerk office sits in downtown Sebring near U.S. Route 27. From U.S. 27, take a turn onto S Commerce Ave and head south. The clerk building sits on the right side. Free parking sits behind the building. The map below shows the exact location. You can also reach the office by bus through the Highlands County transit route that runs along Commerce Ave.
Contact Highlands County Clerk of Court
The Highlands County Clerk of Court handles all local background check records for the county. Use the contact details below to reach the office for records requests, court case lookups, or questions about fees and forms. The office also handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and other county services during regular business hours.
Address: 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6564
Website: https://www.highlandsclerkfl.gov/
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Clerk: Jerome Kaszubowski
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Highlands County Florida background check records. These answers cover timing, content, dispute rights, and other topics that come up often. The answers reflect Florida statutes and FDLE rules as of 2026.
How long does a background check take in Highlands County?
An FDLE name-based check takes about 24 hours. Most results come back the next business day by email. The clerk’s online case search is instant. You see results as soon as the page loads. A walk-in request at the clerk office in Sebring gets records while you stand there. Staff print copies on the spot during business hours.
Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the clerk’s workload and postal delivery times. You also have to add the time it takes for the mail to reach you on the return side. A Level 2 fingerprint check takes 5 to 7 business days after fingerprinting. The vendor sends your prints to FDLE, FDLE processes them, and the agency sends the results back to the requesting organization for review.
Each step adds time, so plan ahead if you have a deadline. Rushed processing is available for some checks for an extra fee. Most employers pay the rush fee when they need a quick hiring decision. The clerk’s office does not offer rush service for walk-in requests because walk-in requests are already processed while you wait.
Are juvenile records included in background checks?
Juvenile records do not show up on a standard FDLE name-based check. The FDLE database only shows adult arrests and convictions. Juvenile records stay sealed unless a court orders them opened. Most background check systems pull only adult records, so juveniles do not appear on a check for typical employment or housing purposes.
Some Level 2 fingerprint checks for certain jobs may pull juvenile records, but this is rare. Law enforcement agencies, the Department of Children and Families, and certain school district jobs can see juvenile records through a special review. The standard employment background check for a typical job in Highlands County will not pull juvenile records from the FDLE database.
Most employers and landlords only see adult records. A sealed juvenile record stays sealed even for these checks. If a juvenile record was later transferred to adult court, it shows up on the adult record. The transfer happens for serious crimes like murder, sexual battery, and armed robbery under Florida law.
Can I run a background check on myself?
Yes. You can pull your own FDLE criminal history through the CCHInet system. This costs $24. You fill out the same form anyone else would fill out. The system sends you the same report an employer would receive. You can also search your own court records at the Highlands County Clerk website for free.
Pulling your own record helps you see what shows up before an employer or landlord runs a check. You can dispute anything wrong before it affects a job or housing application. Many people run self-checks once a year to make sure their record stays clean. The check also confirms your identity was not stolen and used in a crime you did not commit.
You can also use the same CCHInet system to run a check on a family member with their consent. The system works for any person in Florida. You need the person’s full name, sex, race, and date of birth to run a check. The system also asks for your relationship to the person and the purpose of the request before you submit the form.
What shows up on a Florida background check?
A Florida background check shows arrests, charges, dispositions, and convictions from any Florida county. The FDLE database pulls data from county clerks, sheriffs, and police departments across all 67 Florida counties. The check shows the date of the arrest, the charges, the court outcome, and the sentence if convicted by a judge or jury.
It does not show sealed or expunged records. The FDLE database removes these records once a court orders them sealed. It does not show records from outside Florida. Out-of-state records only show up on a federal background check through Level 2 screening. Traffic tickets that did not lead to arrest may not show up on the criminal database.
Civil cases and family court cases show up on a clerk search but not on an FDLE check. These include custody cases, divorce filings, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes. The FDLE check only pulls criminal history data. The clerk search pulls any case filed in the county court system under Florida court rules.
How do I dispute wrong information on a background check?
Contact FDLE first if the wrong record sits in the criminal database. FDLE has a challenge process on its website at fdle.state.fl.us. You fill out a form and send proof that the record is wrong. Proof can include court orders, identity theft reports, or certified court records showing the case was dismissed or the person was not the offender in the case.
For court records, contact the Highlands County Clerk of Court in Sebring. The clerk can correct clerical errors and process expungement orders. If a third-party screening company made the error, contact the company directly. You have the right to dispute and fix errors under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and Florida public records law.
The screening company must investigate disputes within 30 days. They must fix or remove anything that cannot be verified. If the company refuses to fix an error, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB handles complaints about credit reporting agencies and screening companies across the country.
Is a Florida background check the same as a federal check?
No. A Florida background check only pulls records from FDLE and Florida courts. It covers arrests and convictions from any Florida county. A federal check pulls records from the FBI database. The FBI check covers arrests and convictions from any state, federal court, or territory of the United States including military and tribal courts.
The FBI check covers a much wider area. It includes records from all 50 states, federal courts, military courts, and tribal courts. A Florida check only pulls Florida data. The cost, speed, and depth of each check also differ. The FBI check costs more and takes longer to process because of the larger database search.
Most jobs in Florida only need the Florida check. Jobs with federal agencies or national security clearances need the federal check. Some jobs in healthcare, childcare, and law enforcement need both. The Level 2 fingerprint check pulls both Florida and FBI records at the same time through one fingerprint submission.
Can employers see sealed records?
Most employers cannot see sealed records. The sealed record does not show up on an FDLE check or a clerk search. The sealed record sits in a separate file that FDLE keeps for legal purposes. The standard employment background check pulls only public records, which excludes sealed ones from the report sent to the employer.
Law enforcement, courts, and some government agencies can still see sealed records. These agencies can access the sealed file through a special request to FDLE. Certain jobs in law enforcement, childcare, and healthcare may need a full review. The sealed record may show up on a Level 2 fingerprint check for these sensitive positions.
The court that ordered the sealing can also view the sealed record. The defendant who got the record sealed can view it. Some licensing boards, like the Florida Bar and the Florida Board of Medicine, can also view them. The state uses these reviews to protect the public from people who might pose a risk to vulnerable groups in Highlands County and beyond.