Miami Gardens City Florida background check records cover criminal history, court cases, arrests, and warrants for anyone who lives in or has lived in this city. Miami Gardens sits in northern Miami-Dade County, Florida.
The city has more than 116,000 residents. It became the third largest city in Miami-Dade County after a vote in 2003. Because Miami Gardens has no courthouse of its own, all court files for the city go through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. Statewide criminal history data goes through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also called FDLE. This page shows how to run each kind of search, what the fees are, what laws apply, and where to get official records in 2026.
Miami-Dade County Clerk Holds Court Records
Miami Gardens court records are stored and managed by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. The Clerk’s office keeps files for criminal cases, civil suits, family law matters, traffic tickets, and small claims that involve city residents. Juan Fernandez-Barquin serves as the Clerk of Court. His office is the central place to request certified copies of case files for any Miami Gardens person.
Clerk Office Location and Contact Details
The main Miami-Dade Clerk office sits at 73 West Flagler Street, Suite 242, Miami, Florida 33130. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can call the main line at (305) 349-7333. The website is miamidadeclerk.gov. You may also visit branch locations closer to Miami Gardens, including the North Dade Justice Center and the Carol City Service Unit. The Clerk runs satellite offices across the county for easier public access.
Miami Gardens is about 20 miles north of the downtown Miami Clerk office. Plan your travel time if you plan to visit in person. The Clerk office has public terminals where you can search cases by name for free. Staff can pull physical files when you bring a name, date of birth, or case number.
Online Case Search Through the Clerk
The Miami-Dade Clerk website has a free online case search tool. You type in a full legal name and the system returns a list of matching cases. The results show case numbers, filing dates, charge codes, current status, and hearing dates. You can view criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases through one search box. The portal is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This free search covers Miami Gardens residents because the city uses the county court system. If the person has a pending or closed case in Miami-Dade County, it appears in the results. The free online view shows case headers and docket events. To see full documents inside the file, you must request copies at the counter or pay the per-page fee.
| Service Type | Fee | How to Request |
|---|---|---|
| Online case search | Free | Search by name on miamidadeclerk.gov |
| Plain copy of case document | $0.15 per page | In person at Clerk office |
| Certified copy of case document | $1.00 per page | In person or by mail |
| Full court file retrieval | Per-page plus research fee | Submit written request to Clerk |
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Check
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history database. This database is called the Computerized Criminal History system, or CCH. FDLE collects arrest data, charge data, and final court outcomes from all 67 Florida counties, including Miami-Dade. Any background check on a Miami Gardens resident that goes through FDLE pulls from this central CCH system.
Level 1 Name-Based Check Process
A Level 1 background check uses a person’s name to search the FDLE database. The official name for this check is the Florida Criminal History Records Check. The public can order it through the CCHInet website at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You create an account, enter the subject’s name, date of birth, and sex, then pay the $24 fee with a credit card. FDLE processes the request and emails the results, usually within one business day.
The Level 1 check covers arrests, charges, and court dispositions reported by Florida law enforcement agencies. It includes Miami Gardens Police Department arrests, Miami-Dade Corrections bookings, and case outcomes from Miami-Dade County courts. The report shows every recorded arrest event and shows whether the case ended in conviction, acquittal, dismissal, or other disposition.
You can use a Level 1 check for personal use, volunteer screening, or preliminary employment screening. Some employers accept Level 1 reports for non-sensitive positions. Landlords often use Level 1 checks when reviewing tenant applications in Miami Gardens.
Level 2 Fingerprint Background Check
A Level 2 background check uses live scan fingerprints to search both the FDLE state database and the FBI national database. This check covers Florida records and out-of-state records reported to the FBI. Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes requires Level 2 checks for certain jobs that involve children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
To get a Level 2 check, you must visit an approved LiveScan vendor. FDLE lists vendors by zip code on the FDLE criminal history records page. Several LiveScan sites operate near Miami Gardens, including locations in North Miami Beach and Miami Lakes. The technician scans your fingerprints, sends them electronically to FDLE and the FBI, and you receive the report in a few business days. The fee depends on the vendor and ranges from $40 to $85.
Common jobs in Miami Gardens that require Level 2 screening include school employees, daycare workers, healthcare workers, and certain government roles. Florida law also requires Level 2 checks for some volunteer positions and licensed professionals.
Volunteer and Employee VECHS Program
FDLE runs a special program called VECHS, which stands for Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System. This program lets registered organizations run both state and national background checks on their staff and volunteers. Groups in Miami Gardens that serve youth, the elderly, or vulnerable populations often register for VECHS through Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes.
Once registered, the organization can run fingerprint-based checks through approved vendors. The results come back with both FDLE and FBI data. VECHS checks cost more than standard Level 2 checks because they include the FBI fee. The organization receives the report directly and decides whether the person can work or volunteer based on the results.
Florida Background Check Laws and Statutes
Florida has several state laws that control how background checks work, what records stay public, and what records stay sealed. Anyone running a Miami Gardens City Florida background check needs to know these rules before requesting records.
Chapter 119 Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says that most government records are open to the public. Anyone can ask for a public record in Florida, including residents and non-residents. You do not need to give a reason for the request. Miami-Dade County must release court files and arrest reports unless the record falls under a specific exemption.
Common exemptions include juvenile records, sealed records, expunged records, and certain law enforcement investigative files. If a government office refuses to release a record you believe should be public, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Open Government office. The Attorney General reviews disputes and can order the release of public records.
Chapter 435 Employment Screening
Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes lists the jobs and roles that require background checks. The law divides the checks into Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 checks cover positions of trust with no direct care responsibility. Level 2 checks cover positions that involve children, the elderly, or people with developmental disabilities. Miami Gardens employers in healthcare, childcare, education, and social services must follow Chapter 435 rules.
The law also lists disqualifying offenses. People with certain felony convictions cannot work in specific roles even after their civil rights are restored. Employers must document the screening results and keep them on file for at least five years.
Expunged and Sealed Records Rules
Florida allows people to seal or expunge certain criminal records under Section 943.059 of the Florida Statutes. Sealed records are hidden from public view but stay in the FDLE database for law enforcement use. Expunged records are physically destroyed for most purposes and removed from public court files. Once a record is sealed or expunged, it does not show up on a standard background check run through FDLE or the Clerk of Court.
Not every case qualifies for sealing or expungement. Cases that ended in a conviction, certain felonies, and certain traffic offenses are not eligible. People who want to seal or expunge a Miami Gardens case must file a petition with the Miami-Dade County Clerk and obtain a court order from a judge.
Background Check Types and Costs
The total cost of a Miami Gardens City Florida background check depends on the type of check, the agency that runs it, and whether you need certified copies. Some searches are free. Others have a flat fee. Third-party services charge more but pull data from many sources at once.
FDLE Fees and Clerk Copy Costs
FDLE charges $24 for every Level 1 name-based check ordered through CCHInet. The fee is the same for Florida residents and people requesting records from out of state. FDLE accepts credit card payments online. If you mail a fingerprint card for a Level 2 check, the fee is higher because it includes both the state and FBI processing costs.
The Miami-Dade Clerk charges $0.15 per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies. Certified copies carry the Clerk’s seal and serve as legal proof of the document. Most employers and landlords require certified copies rather than plain photocopies.
| Check Type | Cost | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| FDLE Level 1 (CCHInet) | $24.00 | 1 business day |
| FDLE Level 2 (LiveScan) | $40–$85 | 3 to 5 business days |
| FBI national check only | $18 + vendor fee | 5 to 7 business days |
| Clerk certified document copy | $1.00 per page | Same day at counter |
Third-Party Screening Services
Third-party background screening companies combine data from FDLE, county clerks, the FBI, sex offender registries, and other public sources. These services charge more than government offices. A typical third-party Florida criminal background check costs between $25 and $100 per search. The price depends on the depth of the search and how many databases the company pulls from.
Third-party services must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act, also called FCRA. Under FCRA, the screening company acts as a consumer reporting agency. The employer or landlord must follow specific steps before taking action based on the report. The subject of the check also has rights under FCRA, including the right to a copy of the report and the right to dispute incorrect data.
How to Run a Background Check in Miami Gardens
A full Miami Gardens City Florida background check pulls from multiple sources. Each source gives a different piece of the picture. Running all of them gives the most complete results.
Step 1: Gather the Person’s Full Name
Start with the subject’s full legal name, date of birth, and last known address in Miami Gardens. The more data you have, the more accurate the search results. Common names produce many matches, so a date of birth helps narrow down the correct person. You also need a Social Security number if you want to run a national credit-based check through a third-party screening service.
Step 2: Run a Statewide FDLE Search
Go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us and create a CCHInet account. Enter the subject’s name and date of birth. Pay the $24 fee. FDLE searches its database for any arrest or court record reported by Florida law enforcement. The report arrives by email within one business day. Save the PDF because FDLE does not store copies forever.
Step 3: Search County Court Records
Open the Miami-Dade Clerk online case search on miamidadeclerk.gov. Type in the subject’s full name. Review each case header to confirm it matches the right person. Look for criminal, civil, family, and traffic cases. Note the case numbers if you plan to request certified copies later.
Step 4: Check Official Records and Warrants
Search the MyFloridaCounty official records portal for liens, judgments, and recorded documents tied to the subject in Miami-Dade County. Use the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department website to check current inmates and active warrants. You can also call the Miami Gardens Police Department non-emergency line at (305) 474-6473 to ask about local arrest records and incident reports.
Miami Gardens Arrest and Warrant Records
Miami Gardens arrest records come from the Miami Gardens Police Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department. Both agencies report arrests to FDLE, which then enters the data into the state criminal history database. Warrant records come from the courts and from the county corrections department.
Miami Gardens Police Department Records
The Miami Gardens Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the city. It operates from headquarters at 18691 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056. The department handles arrests, incident reports, traffic citations, and case files for everything that happens within city limits. You can request a police report through the department’s records section by filling out a public records request form.
Records staff can confirm whether the department took a report involving a specific person. They can also tell you the case number for any incident. Most reports are public under Chapter 119, unless the case is still under active investigation or involves a juvenile.
Active Warrant Search in Miami-Dade
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department maintains an online inmate search and active warrant database. Search the database at mdcr.dadeschools.net or the Miami-Dade County corrections page. You can look up a person by name and date of birth to see if they have an active warrant or are currently in custody.
If the subject has a warrant from Miami Gardens Police Department, it appears in the county database because the county issues the warrant. You can also call the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court at (305) 349-7333 to ask about open warrants tied to a specific case number.
Sex Offender Registry and FCRA Rules
Sex offender registration is a separate record type that stays public under Florida law. FCRA rules apply to employers and landlords who run background checks. Both topics matter for any Miami Gardens City Florida background check.
Florida Sex Offender Registry Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state sex offender registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. You can search by name, address, city, or zip code. The search covers all registered sex offenders in Miami Gardens and every other city in Florida. The registry shows the offender’s current address, registration status, and the offense that triggered the registration.
Sex offenders in Miami Gardens must register with FDLE and update their address within 48 hours of moving. The registry is open to the public 24 hours a day. Many landlords and employers check this registry before making a final decision, even if the FDLE criminal history check comes back clean.
FCRA Rules for Employers and Landlords
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that controls how employers and landlords use background check reports. Any third-party background screening company must follow FCRA rules. So must the employer or landlord who requests the report.
Before running a background check for employment or housing, the requester must get written permission from the subject. If the report leads to a denial, the requester must give the subject a copy of the report and a written notice explaining the right to dispute. The subject has 30 days to dispute inaccurate data. Failing to follow FCRA steps can lead to federal lawsuits and fines.
Miami Gardens landlords must also follow the Federal Fair Housing Act. They can run a background check on every applicant the same way. They cannot target a specific group for screening based on race, religion, sex, family status, or national origin.
Miami Gardens City Government and Local Contacts
The City of Miami Gardens government website provides links to local services, public safety contacts, and city departments. The city does not store court records, but the website points residents to county and state agencies that do. The website is miamigardens-fl.gov.
City of Miami Gardens Police Department
18691 NW 27th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Phone: (305) 474-6473
Website: miamigardens-fl.gov
Records Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
73 West Flagler Street, Suite 242
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 349-7333
Website: miamidadeclerk.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns about Miami Gardens City Florida background check records. They cover cost, legality, sealed records, employer rules, and what to do if a record is wrong. Each answer gives a direct answer based on Florida law and current FDLE procedures in 2026.
Can I Run a Free Florida Background Check on Someone?
You can search the Miami-Dade County Clerk online case system and the MyFloridaCounty official records portal for free. These searches cover court cases and recorded documents. They do not cover arrest records outside the court system. To get a full criminal history report, you must pay the $24 FDLE fee through CCHInet. Third-party services charge more because they pull from national databases.
How Long Does an FDLE Level 1 Check Take?
A Level 1 check ordered through CCHInet typically comes back by email within one business day. Some requests take longer if the system is busy or the name produces many matches. If you do not receive the report within three business days, contact FDLE customer service through the criminal history records page.
Are Expunged Records Visible on a Miami Gardens Background Check?
No. Expunged records are destroyed for most purposes and do not appear on FDLE criminal history reports or Clerk of Court searches. Sealed records stay in the FDLE database but are not released to the public. The FDLE report shows only non-expunged, non-sealed arrest events.
What Disqualifies Someone From a Job in Miami Gardens?
Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes lists disqualifying offenses for certain positions. These include violent felonies, sex offenses, child-related offenses, and certain drug convictions. Employers outside Chapter 435 have their own disqualification rules under FCRA and federal law. Miami Gardens employers must apply the same disqualification standards to every applicant.
Can I Run a Background Check on Myself in Miami Gardens?
Yes. You can order your own Level 1 check through CCHInet by entering your own name. You can also use the FDLE personal review option to get a full copy of your state criminal history file. The personal review uses fingerprints and shows every entry, including arrests that did not lead to a conviction.
Do Landlords in Miami Gardens Need FCRA Compliance?
Yes. Any landlord who uses a third-party screening company must follow FCRA rules. The landlord must get written consent before running the check. If the report leads to a denial, the landlord must give the applicant a copy of the report and a written notice of the right to dispute.
What Should I Do If My Miami Gardens Record Is Wrong?
Contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk first if the error is in a court case file. Contact FDLE if the error is in your criminal history report. Both agencies have correction request forms. You can also hire a Florida attorney to file a motion with the court to fix the record under Section 943.0585 of the Florida Statutes.