Washington County Florida background check records come from two main sources. The Washington County Clerk of Court in Chipley holds local court files.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, known as FDLE, holds statewide criminal history data. Most people who need a background check for someone in Washington County use both sources to get a full picture.
Washington County Clerk of Court Records
The Washington County Clerk of Court manages all court filings for the county. The clerk’s office is the only place in the county where you can search local case records. Anyone can use these records under Florida’s public records law.
Office Details and Location
Lora C. Bell is the current Clerk of Court for Washington County. The office sits at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, Florida 32428. You can reach the clerk by phone at (850) 638-6289. The clerk’s official website is washingtonclerk.com. The site has court service details, filing rules, and online record search tools.
How to Search Clerk Records Online
The clerk website lets you search court cases by name or case number. The results show the case type, filing date, and status. This search is free for anyone to use. For a full view of a court file, you may need to visit the office in Chipley or call the clerk staff. The clerk can print case details for a small fee.
Fees for Clerk Copies
The clerk charges set copy fees for paper records. Plain copies cost fifteen cents per page. Certified copies cost one dollar per page. The clerk can stamp and sign certified copies for legal use. Searches of the clerk database are free. You only pay when you ask for printed or certified pages.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online case search | Free |
| Plain copy | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page |
| In-person record search | Free (copy fees apply) |
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Checks
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database for Florida. This database covers every arrest and disposition reported by Florida law enforcement agencies, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. A search through FDLE covers the entire state, not just one county.
Name-Based Florida Criminal History Search
Anyone can run a name-based search through the FDLE public access system. The fee is twenty-four dollars per search. You submit the request online through CCHInet at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You pay with a credit or debit card. Most results come back by email within twenty-four hours. The results list arrests, charges, and final court outcomes that FDLE has on file.
Fingerprint-Based Background Checks
A fingerprint-based check gives a more complete record. This check uses the FDLE database and the FBI national database. You must visit a LiveScan fingerprint provider to complete the process. Washington County has very few LiveScan sites. Most people travel to Panama City or another nearby city for fingerprinting. The fee depends on the provider. Fingerprint checks are required for many jobs in Florida, especially those working with children or people with disabilities.
FDLE Personal Review Process
FDLE lets Florida residents review their own criminal history. This service shows you what would show up when someone else runs a check on your name. You can correct errors before a job application or other check takes place. The personal review uses the same fee as a standard search. You can start the review on the FDLE website under the Personal Review section.
VECHS Program for Specific Job Roles
VECHS stands for Volunteer and Employee Criminal History Services. This program runs background checks required under Florida law for people who work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. The program is set up under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes. Schools, child care centers, and health care agencies use VECHS for staff screening. The screening meets the requirements of state law for these job types.
Florida Background Check Screening Levels
Florida law sets two background check levels. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes defines each level. The type you need depends on the job, license, or volunteer role. Many employers in Washington County follow these levels for hiring.
Level 1 Background Screening
Level 1 is a name-based check through FDLE. The search covers Florida arrest records and dispositions. Most general background checks fall under Level 1. Many landlords, volunteer groups, and small employers use Level 1 checks. The fee is twenty-four dollars through CCHInet.
Level 2 Background Screening
Level 2 is a fingerprint-based check. It covers FDLE records and the FBI national database. State law requires Level 2 for certain roles. These include teachers, child care workers, health care workers, and people who work with people who have disabilities. The check takes longer than a name-based search. You must use a LiveScan provider approved by FDLE.
Florida Public Records Law for Washington County
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. The law gives every person the right to see government records. This includes court records, arrest records, and most government files held in Washington County.
Chapter 119 Public Records Rights
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes covers public records. The law says all government records are open unless a law makes them exempt. You do not need to live in Washington County to ask for records. You do not need to say why you want them. The clerk and other agencies must let you see or copy any public record. Sealed records and some exempt records are closed to the public.
How to Request Records by Mail
You can mail a records request to the Washington County Clerk of Court. Include the full name of the person, date of birth if known, and the type of record you want. Add a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk will mail back the records. You can also submit FDLE records requests online through CCHInet for faster results.
Washington County Cities and Nearby Counties
Washington County is a small, rural county in the Florida Panhandle. The county has one courthouse in Chipley. All local court records for every city in the county go through that one clerk office.
Cities Within Washington County
The cities and towns in Washington County include Chipley, Vernon, Caryville, Ebro, and Wausau. Chipley is the county seat. No city in the county has a population over 75,000. Background check searches for any resident use the same clerk office and the same process, no matter which city they live in.
Neighboring Counties for Cross-Searches
Washington County borders Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, and Walton counties. People who live near county borders may have records in more than one county. A full background check should include searches in all counties where the person has lived. Each county has its own clerk office and its own court records.
| County | Border Location |
|---|---|
| Bay County | South of Washington County |
| Calhoun County | East of Washington County |
| Holmes County | North of Washington County |
| Jackson County | Northeast of Washington County |
| Walton County | West of Washington County |
Common Use Cases for Background Checks
People in Washington County run background checks for many reasons. The most common reasons are jobs, housing, and personal safety. Florida law sets rules for how employers can use background check results.
Florida Background Check for Employment
Many employers in Florida run background checks before hiring. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, also known as FCRA, sets federal rules for these checks. Florida employers must follow FCRA rules when they use a third-party screening company. The employer must tell you before they run a check. They must give you a copy of the report if they decide not to hire you based on the results.
FCRA Compliant Background Check Florida
An FCRA compliant check means the screening company follows federal rules. The report must be accurate and up to date. The employer must get your written consent before running the check. You have the right to dispute any wrong data on the report. Florida employers who use background checks must follow these rules.
Florida Background Check Turnaround Time
The turnaround time depends on the type of check. A name-based FDLE check takes about twenty-four hours. A fingerprint-based check takes longer, sometimes up to thirty days for the FBI portion. Clerk records are often instant for online searches. Mail requests to the clerk take several days based on mail speed. Most people get their results faster than they think.
Office Contact and Visiting Details
Washington County Clerk of Court serves as the main local source for background check records. Visit the office during business hours to search court files in person. Bring a valid photo ID and the full name of the person you want to look up.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Washington County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Lora C. Bell |
| Address | 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, FL 32428 |
| Phone | (850) 638-6289 |
| Website | washingtonclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common points about background check records in Washington County. Each answer gives clear, factual details based on Florida law and current FDLE rules. The answers focus on what most people ask before they start a search.
How do I run a free background check in Washington County?
You can search the Washington County Clerk of Court records online for free through washingtonclerk.com. The site lets you look up court cases by name or case number. You can also use the MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com for free official record searches across all Florida counties. FDLE charges twenty-four dollars for a name-based statewide criminal history search, so FDLE checks are not free.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 background checks?
Level 1 is a name-based search through FDLE records only. Level 2 is a fingerprint-based search that covers both FDLE records and the FBI national database. Level 1 costs twenty-four dollars and takes about one day. Level 2 requires a visit to a LiveScan provider and costs more. Level 2 takes longer because the FBI portion can take up to thirty days. Florida law requires Level 2 for certain jobs that work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
Can I see sealed or expunged criminal records in Washington County?
No. Sealed and expunged records are not open to the public. Florida law removes these records from public view after a court order. The records do not show up on standard FDLE checks or clerk searches. Only the person whose record was sealed or expunged can ask for their own record in most cases. Some government agencies can still see sealed records for certain job roles.
How long does an FDLE criminal history check take?
A name-based FDLE check through CCHInet takes about twenty-four hours. The results come back by email. A fingerprint-based check takes longer. The FDLE portion takes a few days, but the FBI portion can take up to thirty days. Most employers in Florida need the full Level 2 check before they finalize a job offer that requires it.
Can employers in Florida use background check reports against me?
Yes, but they must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The employer must get your written consent before they run a check. They must give you a copy of the report if they plan to take action against you based on the results. You have the right to dispute any wrong data on the report. Florida also has state laws that protect people with old criminal records from automatic disqualification in some cases.
What is the VECHS program and who needs it?
VECHS stands for Volunteer and Employee Criminal History Services. It is a screening program run by FDLE. Schools, child care centers, nursing homes, and health care agencies use VECHS for staff and volunteer screening. The program checks state and national criminal records through a Level 2 fingerprint process. Florida law requires VECHS for certain job types under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes.
Do I need a background check to volunteer in Washington County?
Many volunteer groups in Florida require a background check. Schools, youth programs, and health care groups often require a Level 2 check. Some volunteer groups accept a Level 1 name-based check. The group you volunteer with will tell you which check they need. You can start a Level 1 check through FDLE CCHInet for twenty-four dollars.