Palm Beach County Florida background check records cover criminal cases, court files, arrest data, and public court papers from the 15th Judicial Circuit. Anyone can pull these records online or at a local office.
The Clerk of Court in West Palm Beach, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office each run search systems. This page covers the records, the search steps, the fees, the laws, and the forms needed in 2026.
Where Palm Beach County Records Are Held
Three main offices hold criminal and court records for Palm Beach County. Each office covers a different part of the data. Court case files go through the Clerk of Court. Statewide criminal history data sits in the FDLE system. Recent arrest data comes from the Sheriff’s Office.
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
Mike Caruso serves as the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court. The main office sits at 301 North Olive Avenue, Ninth Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. This office runs the court system for the 15th Judicial Circuit. The office handles criminal, civil, family, traffic, and probate filings. The clerk stores case files dating back many decades.
You can call the clerk at (561) 355-2996 with records questions. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Staff can help you look up a case, pull file copies, and certify documents. The clerk’s website at mypalmbeachclerk.com has a free online case search system.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Mike Caruso |
| Address | 301 N Olive Ave, 9th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone | (561) 355-2996 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Website | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
FDLE Statewide Criminal Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s criminal history system. FDLE collects arrest and conviction data from all 67 Florida counties. The system covers Florida arrests, court outcomes, and corrections data. This state database includes Palm Beach County records.
You can request a statewide criminal history check through FDLE’s CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The fee is $24 per name search. Most results come back by email within 24 hours. FDLE also holds fingerprint data for Level 2 checks and statewide disposition records.
FDLE also runs the Florida sex offender registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The registry lets anyone search registered offenders by name, address, or zip code. The data covers all 67 counties including Palm Beach County.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) holds arrest and booking records. The sheriff runs the county jail and processes arrests across unincorporated areas. The PBSO website at pbso.org has search systems for recent bookings.
PBSO records show people booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. The site lists people currently in custody and recent releases. The arrest data goes to the clerk’s court system later, but new arrests appear on PBSO first. PBSO also runs an active warrant search on the same site. The warrant search lists people with outstanding arrest warrants in the county. Many cities in Palm Beach County have their own police departments. The sheriff covers the county-wide booking step.
How to Search Records in Palm Beach County
You have four main ways to pull Palm Beach County records. Each approach covers different data. You can search the clerk’s online portal, use the FDLE state system, check official recorded documents, or visit the clerk’s office in person.
Clerk Online Portal Search
The clerk’s online case search at mypalmbeachclerk.com is the fastest free choice. The system lets you search by name, case number, or filing date. You can pull criminal, civil, traffic, and family cases from the 15th Judicial Circuit. The search results show case type, charge, filing date, current status, and party names.
The clerk’s portal covers case data from 1986 onward for most case types. Older case files may need an in-person visit. The portal is open 24 hours a day. You do not need an account.
FDLE CCHInet Name Search
FDLE’s CCHInet system runs a statewide Florida criminal history check on a single name. The cost is $24 per request. You pay by credit card on the FDLE site. Most results come back by email within one business day.
The search pulls arrest records, charges, and case outcomes from every county in Florida. This covers Palm Beach County plus all other counties. The results list each charge, the court of record, and the final outcome. This is the most common way to run a full Florida state check.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records
The MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com covers official recorded documents. This site holds liens, deeds, judgments, and other recorded items from county recorders. The portal covers Palm Beach County official records.
Official records add financial and property data to a background check. Court case searches do not show liens or judgments. The MyFloridaCounty portal covers these filings. You can search by name, document type, or recording date. Most searches are free to run.
In-Person and Mail Requests
You can visit the clerk’s office at 301 North Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach for in-person searches. Bring a photo ID. Staff help you run the search and pull copies on the spot. You pay at the counter for copies or certified documents.
Mail requests work too. Send a letter or the FDLE Florida background check request form with the person’s full name, date of birth, and any case details. Include a check for expected copy fees. The clerk handles the request and mails copies back. Mail requests often take 7 to 14 days.
Background Check Costs Explained
Fees for Palm Beach County background checks vary by record type and search way. State criminal checks, clerk copies, and fingerprint checks each carry different costs. Most online case searches run free of charge.
FDLE Statewide Fee Schedule
FDLE charges $24 for a Level 1 statewide name search. The fee covers the database check and the electronic report. You pay at the CCHInet portal. There is no charge for record results that show no criminal history.
Clerk Copy Fees
The Palm Beach County Clerk charges for paper copies of court files. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. The online case search is free. Full document copies need a paid request.
LiveScan Vendor Pricing
Level 2 fingerprint checks have different fees based on the LiveScan vendor. LiveScan sites in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach each set their own price. FDLE approves the vendors. Most sites charge between $50 and $100 for the print and check combined.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| FDLE Level 1 Name Search | $24.00 |
| Clerk Plain Copy | $0.15 per page |
| Clerk Certified Copy | $1.00 per page |
| Online Case Search | Free |
| LiveScan Fingerprint Check | Varies by vendor |
Background Check Levels
Florida uses two main types of background checks: Level 1 and Level 2. Each level covers a different scope. The right one depends on why you run the check and who runs it.
Level 1 Name-Based Search
A Level 1 check uses a person’s full name and runs the FDLE statewide database. The check pulls arrest records, charges, and case outcomes from all 67 counties. Most employers and landlords use this check for basic screening.
You submit the request through CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You pay $24. Results come by email within one day. Level 1 checks meet many state and local screening needs. They also meet the FCRA standard for non-fingerprint checks.
Level 2 Fingerprint Search
A Level 2 check uses fingerprints and pulls data from FDLE and the FBI. Florida law covers Level 2 checks under Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes. The check covers Florida data plus national FBI data. This wider scope catches arrests outside Florida too.
Level 2 checks run through FDLE’s VECHS program. The program only serves approved groups. This includes schools, healthcare agencies, child care centers, nursing homes, and similar groups. The screening covers applicants and staff who work with kids, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
Personal Record Review
You have the right to see what sits in your own Florida criminal record. FDLE runs a personal review program at fdle.state.fl.us. The review shows arrests, charges, and case outcomes tied to your name.
If you see an error on the record, you can file a correction request. The request may take 30 to 60 days. The personal review is free of charge.
Public Records Laws in Palm Beach County
Florida public records laws cover Palm Beach County. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the state-wide rules. The law makes most government records open to the public.
Florida Statute Chapter 119
Chapter 119 says government records are open by default. Anyone can request court records, police reports, and other government files. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to state a reason for the request.
The law covers agencies at the state, county, and city levels. This includes the Palm Beach County Clerk, the PBSO, and city police departments. The Florida Attorney General’s office runs an open government hotline at myfloridalegal.com if any office turns down a request.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Sealed and expunged records are not part of the public file. Florida law allows some people to seal or expunge their records under specific conditions. Once sealed, the records do not show up on standard background checks.
FDLE removes sealed records from public search results. The clerk also blocks sealed cases from the online case search. Only court orders under Florida law can lift the seal.
Juvenile Record Limits
Juvenile records have extra limits under Florida law. Most juvenile cases stay sealed and do not show up on background checks. Some serious felony cases involving minors end up in adult court. These adult cases appear in standard searches.
Cities Under Palm Beach County Courts
All Palm Beach County court cases go through the West Palm Beach Clerk of Court. This covers every city, town, and village in the county. Three cities in the county have a population over 75,000 people.
Major Cities in the County
West Palm Beach serves as the county seat and the home of the main clerk’s office. Boca Raton sits in the south of the county. Boynton Beach sits between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. Court records for each city flow through the West Palm Beach clerk.
| City | Population (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| West Palm Beach | 120,000+ |
| Boca Raton | 100,000+ |
| Boynton Beach | 80,000+ |
| Delray Beach | 70,000+ |
| Jupiter | 65,000+ |
Smaller Communities Covered
Palm Beach County holds many smaller cities and towns. Each one uses the same county clerk’s office in West Palm Beach. Common communities include Delray Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and Royal Palm Beach.
Anyone running a background check on a person from these cities uses the same clerk portal. The clerk’s search covers every court filing across the 15th Judicial Circuit.
Nearby Florida Counties
Palm Beach County borders several other Florida counties. People who lived or worked in nearby counties may have records in those locations too. Background checks often pull data from neighboring counties to get a full picture.
| County | Direction from Palm Beach |
|---|---|
| Broward County | South |
| Martin County | North |
| Hendry County | West |
| Glades County | Northwest |
| Okeechobee County | Northwest |
FDLE’s statewide Level 1 check covers all of these counties in one request. The clerk’s office only holds records for the local jurisdiction. A Florida background check request form for mail orders must list each county if you want cross-county data beyond FDLE.
Office Contact Details
The Palm Beach County Clerk’s main office handles all background check records requests for the 15th Judicial Circuit. Visitors can stop by the office or call for records support. Online records searches run at mypalmbeachclerk.com.
Address and Phone
The clerk’s office sits at 301 North Olive Avenue, Ninth Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The main phone number for records is (561) 355-2996. Staff answer calls during regular business hours.
Office Hours
The clerk’s office runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Visitors should bring a photo ID for in-person record searches.
Maps and Directions
The clerk’s office sits in downtown West Palm Beach near the courthouse complex. Free parking is limited in the area. Public transit and ride-share work for visitors without cars. The map below shows the office location.
Official Website: mypalmbeachclerk.com
Phone: (561) 355-2996
Address: 301 N Olive Ave, 9th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers the most common questions about Palm Beach County Florida background check records. Each answer focuses on a specific part of the search process, the laws, or the records. Read each section to learn how checks work in 2026.
How long does a Florida background check take?
The time to complete a Florida background check depends on the way you pick and the records you need. A name-based Level 1 check through FDLE’s CCHInet portal usually finishes within 24 hours. You submit a request, pay the $24 fee, and get an email with the results, often the same day or the next business day. A clerk online case search at mypalmbeachclerk.com runs in real time. You type a name and see case results on the spot. Mail requests to the Palm Beach County Clerk for paper copies of court files take 7 to 14 days in most cases. LiveScan fingerprint checks through FDLE’s VECHS program usually take 3 to 5 business days after your prints are taken at an approved site. If your prints need extra review, the result can stretch to 7 to 10 days. Rush services are not always available, and same-day reports are rare outside of pre-approved employer accounts. Plan your background check request ahead of deadlines for job offers, license applications, or housing approvals. For most uses, the FDLE online name check is the fastest legal choice in Florida.
Can employers use third-party Florida background checks?
Yes. Employers in Florida often use third-party background check companies. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets the main rules for these checks. The FCRA controls how reports are pulled, what data they can include, and how employers act on the results. Florida adds extra rules on top of the FCRA. One key Florida rule limits arrest records older than 7 years that did not lead to a conviction. Third-party providers must build their systems to filter out those old non-conviction arrests. Employers who use third-party checks must also get written consent from the person before pulling the report. The applicant has the right to a free copy of the report if the employer plans to take action on it. Many Florida employers still pull an official FDLE check for final hiring decisions on top of any third-party search. This extra check confirms the data. Employers who skip the FCRA rules face lawsuits and penalties. Florida employers should work with a background check provider that knows both FCRA and Florida-specific rules. A FCRA compliant Florida background check protects both the applicant and the employer.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Florida uses two main background check levels. Level 1 is a name-based check. The provider takes the person’s full name and runs it through FDLE’s statewide criminal history database. The check pulls arrest records, charges, and case outcomes from every one of Florida’s 67 counties. The cost is $24 per name. Level 2 is a fingerprint-based check. The provider scans the applicant’s prints and runs them through FDLE and the FBI national database. Level 2 covers Florida records plus arrests outside Florida. This wider scope catches items that Level 1 misses. Florida law requires Level 2 checks for specific jobs. These jobs include teachers, child care workers, healthcare staff, and people who work with the elderly, disabled people, or youth. The VECHS program at FDLE runs Level 2 screening for approved groups. Most private employers use Level 1, while regulated industries use Level 2. Both checks meet the FCRA standard for employment screening. A Florida fingerprint background check through Level 2 is the deepest search available for employment.
How do I get a free background check?
The Clerk of Court’s online case search at mypalmbeachclerk.com runs without cost. You can look up criminal cases, civil suits, traffic tickets, and family filings from the 15th Judicial Circuit by typing in a name. No account is needed. The system shows case type, charge, filing date, current status, and party names for every matching case. The sheriff’s office at pbso.org posts current inmate records and recent bookings at no cost. FDLE also lets you see your own record for free through the personal review program. You file a written request through the FDLE website, and the agency sends the report by mail or email within 30 days. The sex offender registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us also runs free of charge. Free tools have limits. The clerk search covers Palm Beach County only. Free searches do not show sealed or expunged records. Out-of-state arrests do not show up in any Florida-based free tool. For basic court lookups and self-review, the free tools work. For paid employment screening, licensing applications, immigration cases, or adoption, paid FDLE Level 1 or Level 2 reports give full and current data you can rely on for legal or official use.
Are expunged records visible on background checks?
Expunged records are not visible on standard background checks. Florida law allows some people to seal or expunge their arrest records under specific conditions. The law sets the rules for who qualifies and how the process works. Once a court grants an expunction, the case file is removed from public search results. FDLE pulls expunged records out of CCHInet so name searches cannot return them. The Clerk of Court also blocks expunged cases from the online case search. Only certain government agencies can still see expunged records for specific jobs. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutor offices, and some licensing boards keep access under narrow rules. If an employer runs a third-party background check through a service, the provider must filter out expunged records too. The FCRA requires providers to follow state rules. If an expunged record shows up on a background check report, the person can file a challenge. The provider must verify the record and remove it under penalty of federal law. The case can also be reported to FDLE for correction.
Do I need a reason to request court records in Palm Beach?
No reason is needed. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for public records in the state. The law states that records of government agencies are open to the public. Anyone can request court files, police reports, and other government documents. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. You do not need to be a lawyer. You do not need to be a journalist or a researcher. The default under Chapter 119 is open access. The law lists a small number of statutory exemptions. Common exemptions include sealed records, expunged records, active criminal investigation files, and records tied to specific privacy laws. The Clerk of Court’s office in Palm Beach County follows this law. Anyone can walk in or send a request and get case file copies. The Florida Attorney General’s office runs an open government hotline. If any agency turns down a records request, the AG’s office can review the decision and push for the records. Most public court records in Palm Beach County remain fully open for any applicant.
How do I fix an error on my Florida criminal record?
FDLE runs a record review program to fix errors on Florida criminal records. You can challenge any item that you believe is wrong on your file. Start by requesting a personal record review through the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us. The review shows every arrest, charge, and case outcome tied to your name. If you see an error, FDLE lets you file a written challenge. The challenge can be sent by mail or through the online form. FDLE has 30 days to look into your claim. Errors may take up to 60 days to clear from the system after the agency agrees with your claim. You can also file a court motion to correct court records through the Palm Beach County Clerk. The court may order the records fixed or send the case back for further review. Once the records are cleared, the data updates in the FDLE system and the clerk’s case search. Third-party background check providers pull fresh data on each request, so the fixed records will show in future reports. If an employer or landlord acted on the wrong data, you may be able to correct the record and then seek damages under the FCRA.