Santa Rosa County Florida background check records show court cases, arrest data, and criminal history for people tied to this panhandle county. The two main sources are the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court in Milton and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tallahassee.
Anyone can search these records under Florida’s public records law. This page covers where to search, what you receive, fees, and the laws that apply in 2026.
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court Records
The Clerk of Court holds every case file filed in Santa Rosa County. This covers criminal cases, civil suits, traffic tickets, family law, probate, and small claims. Jason D. English serves as the Clerk. The main office sits at 6495 Caroline St, Suite A, Milton, FL 32570. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can call the records desk at (850) 981-5554.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Milton courthouse handles all in-person records requests for Santa Rosa County. Bring a photo ID. Tell staff the full name and date of birth of the person you want to look up. Staff can pull the case file and print copies for a fee. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card at the cashier window. The office also accepts mail-in requests with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copies.
Online Case Search Tool
The clerk runs a free online case search at santarosaclerk.com. Type a last name and first name into the search box. You can search by case number or citation number. Results show the case type, filing date, court division, and current status. The search covers criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic matters filed in Santa Rosa County. The system updates each night with new filings.
Below is the Santa Rosa County Clerk website showing their case search and records tools.
Use this site to search court cases and access public filings from Santa Rosa County.
| Clerk Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Jason D. English |
| Address | 6495 Caroline St, Ste A, Milton, FL 32570 |
| Phone | (850) 981-5554 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | santarosaclerk.com |
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database called the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. This database covers arrests, charges, and case outcomes from all 67 Florida counties. Santa Rosa County records feed into this system the same way records from every other county do. FDLE offers two ways to search: a public portal for name-based checks and a fingerprint-based check for jobs and licenses that require it.
CCHInet Name-Based Check
The public portal is called CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Anyone can run a name-based search for $24 per name. You create an account, enter the person’s full name, and submit payment by credit card. FDLE checks the name against the CCH database and emails results within 24 hours. Results show Florida arrests, charges, and dispositions. Records sealed or expunged under Florida law do not appear.
Level 1 and Level 2 Background Checks
Florida law splits background checks into two levels. A Level 1 check is name-based and runs only through FDLE. A Level 2 check uses fingerprints and runs through both FDLE and the FBI. Florida Statute Chapter 435 lists the jobs that need a Level 2 check. These jobs work with children, the elderly, people with disabilities, or law enforcement. You must visit an approved LiveScan provider to get fingerprinted. Results take 3 to 5 business days.
Types of Records You Can Search
Santa Rosa County Florida background check records include several record types. Each type shows different facts about a person. Knowing which records to search saves time and money. Most people need more than one type to build a full picture.
Criminal Court Case Files
Criminal case files show felony and misdemeanor charges filed in Santa Rosa County. Files include the arrest report, charging documents, court orders, plea agreements, and sentencing records. You find these files at the clerk’s office or through the online case search. Each case has a unique case number. Old cases stay on file forever unless sealed or expunged by a court order.
Arrest Records and Dispositions
Arrest records show the date, location, and arresting agency for each arrest. Disposition records show the final outcome of each charge. Outcomes include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, deferred, or nolle prosequi. Both types of records feed into the FDLE CCH database. You see them through a name-based FDLE search or a clerk records request.
Sex Offender Registry Search
Florida keeps a public sex offender registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. Search by name, zip code, or address. Results show registered offenders living in Santa Rosa County. The registry shows the offender’s photo, address, offense, and current status. This registry is separate from criminal history records. Registration follows a court order based on the offense.
Active Warrant Searches
Active warrants tell you if a person has an outstanding warrant in Santa Rosa County. Warrants come from judges for missed court dates, probation violations, or new charges. Call the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 983-1212 to check for active warrants. The sheriff’s website also posts recent arrests and active warrants online.
Costs and Fees for Background Checks
Costs vary by record type and source. The clerk’s online case search stays free. Copy fees and FDLE fees apply for full records. Knowing the cost ahead of time helps you budget for a screening.
Clerk Copy Fees
The Santa Rosa County Clerk charges for paper copies. Plain copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and work for legal filings. You pay at the cashier window in person. Mail-in requests need a check or money order for the estimated fee plus postage.
FDLE Search Fees
FDLE charges $24 for each name-based check through CCHInet. The fee covers one search of one name. Fingerprint-based Level 2 checks cost more. LiveScan providers charge a rolling fee on top of the FDLE processing fee. Total cost for a Level 2 check ranges from $50 to $75 depending on the provider.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| FDLE name-based check | $24.00 |
| Plain copies from clerk | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page |
| Online case search | Free |
| LiveScan fingerprinting | $50 to $75 total |
Florida Background Check Laws
Florida has several laws that govern background checks. These laws cover who can run checks, what they can see, and how records get sealed. Failing to follow these laws can lead to lawsuits and fines.
Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Florida Statute Chapter 119 makes most government records open to the public. Court records, arrest reports, and criminal history files fall under this law. You do not need to live in Santa Rosa County to search. No reason or ID is required to search public records online. Sealed and expunged records stay hidden from public searches.
FCRA Compliance for Employment Screening
Employers must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when using background checks. Employers must get written consent before running a check. They must give the applicant a copy of the report and a chance to dispute errors. Failing to follow FCRA rules can lead to lawsuits. Florida follows FCRA statewide rules.
Expungement and Record Sealing
Florida law lets people seal or expunge certain criminal records. Sealing hides records from public view. Expungement destroys records so they no longer exist. You qualify if your case ended in acquittal, a dropped charge, or completion of a diversion program. You file a petition with the clerk in the county where the case was handled. A judge reviews each petition.
Background Checks for Specific Uses
Different jobs and activities call for different types of background checks. Knowing what type you need saves time. Each use case has its own rules under Florida and federal law.
Employment Background Screening
Most employers in Santa Rosa County run a name-based check through FDLE or a third-party screening company. Some jobs require fingerprint-based Level 2 checks. Schools, daycares, hospitals, and nursing homes fall under Chapter 435 rules. These employers must run a Level 2 check before hiring and re-screen every 5 years.
Landlord Tenant Screening
Landlords can run background checks on rental applicants. They must follow FCRA rules and get written consent first. Most landlords use third-party screening services for tenant background checks. These services pull criminal records, eviction history, and credit reports. A criminal record does not mean automatic denial. Landlords must follow fair housing rules.
Volunteer Background Check Requirements
Volunteer groups that work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities must run background checks on volunteers. Florida Statute Chapter 435 covers these rules. The VECHS (Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System) program lets approved groups run checks at a lower cost. Schools and youth sports leagues often use this program.
Concealed Weapon License Background Check
Florida requires a fingerprint-based background check for concealed weapon licenses. The Florida Department of Agriculture runs the program. Applicants must submit fingerprints to an approved LiveScan provider. FDLE and the FBI run the check. Results take up to 90 days. A felony conviction blocks the application.
Cities and Nearby Counties
Santa Rosa County covers about 1,024 square miles in northwest Florida. Several cities fall within the county. All court records for these cities go through the same clerk office in Milton.
Cities Within Santa Rosa County
The county seat is Milton. Other communities include Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pace, Jay, and Bagdad. Each city falls under the Santa Rosa County Clerk for court records. Local police departments make arrests within city limits. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office covers unincorporated areas.
Nearby Florida Counties
Santa Rosa County borders Escambia County to the west and Okaloosa County to the east. Each county has its own clerk and court system. Searches that need records across county lines require checking multiple clerk offices or running a statewide FDLE search.
Official Contact Information
The contact details below help you reach the right office for Santa Rosa County background check records. Hours and fees can change, so calling ahead saves time. Mailing addresses work for written records requests and fee payments.
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Santa Rosa County Clerk | 6495 Caroline St, Ste A, Milton, FL 32570 |
| Clerk Phone | (850) 981-5554 |
| Clerk Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Clerk Website | www.santarosaclerk.com |
| FDLE CCHInet Portal | cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us |
| FDLE Main Line | (850) 410-7000 |
| Santa Rosa Sheriff | (850) 983-1212 |
| Sex Offender Registry | offender.fdle.state.fl.us |
Frequently Asked Questions
People searching Santa Rosa County Florida background check records often ask similar questions. The answers below cover the most common ones. Each answer cites the current law and fee in 2026. Call the clerk or FDLE for case-specific questions about your own search.
How Long Does an FDLE Name-Based Check Take?
Most FDLE name-based checks through CCHInet come back within 24 hours. You receive an email when results are ready. Log back into your CCHInet account to view or print the report. Peak times like the start of a new school year can slow results. Plan ahead for jobs and licensing deadlines.
Can I Run a Free Background Check in Santa Rosa County?
Yes, the Santa Rosa County Clerk’s online case search at santarosaclerk.com stays free. You see case types, filing dates, and current status. You do not see full case documents. For full documents or statewide criminal history, you must pay the FDLE fee of $24 per name through CCHInet.
What Shows Up on a Florida Background Check?
A name-based FDLE check shows Florida arrests, charges, court outcomes, and convictions. It does not show arrests from other states. It does not show sealed or expunged records. Traffic tickets that did not lead to criminal charges do not show. Juvenile records stay sealed under Florida law.
How Do I Seal My Criminal Record in Santa Rosa County?
You file a petition with the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court. You must qualify under Florida Statute 943.1675. Qualifying cases ended in acquittal, dropped charges, or completion of a diversion program. You pay a filing fee and attend a court hearing. A judge decides whether to grant the sealing.
Do Employers Need FCRA Consent for Background Checks?
Yes, employers must get written consent before running a background check under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The consent must be a separate document. The employer must also give the applicant a copy of the report and a chance to respond before taking action based on the results.
Are Arrest Records Public in Santa Rosa County?
Yes, arrest records are public under Florida law. You see them through the FDLE CCH database or the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s website. An arrest does not mean a conviction. The final court outcome shows separately in the records. Sealed and expunged records stay hidden from public view.
What Is the Difference Between a Name-Based and Fingerprint Check?
A name-based check searches FDLE records by the person’s name. A fingerprint check uses physical fingerprints to match the person to the records. Fingerprint checks are more accurate and include FBI national records. Fingerprint checks take longer and cost more than name-based checks.