Criminal records in Okaloosa County, Florida, are public documents that can be accessed through several channels. OkaloosaCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court's office. Each of these sources offers varying levels of detail—from court case indexes to arrest and inmate data.
How to Search Criminal Records in Okaloosa
To begin your search, prepare at least one of the following: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number. The more accurate the data, the faster you will find the required record.
Online Search
- OkaloosaCourt.us — enter a name or case number to find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county.
- Clerk of Court Records Search — the official portal of the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and Comptroller provides access to court case indexes, including criminal ones. Before using, review the court records disclaimer.
- Archonix XJail — Inmate Search — the Okaloosa Department of Corrections portal allows you to view current inmates by name, arresting agency, and other parameters.
- FDLE Wanted Persons Search — a database of arrest warrants across Florida, including those issued in Okaloosa County.
- FDLE Sexual Offenders Registry — allows you to search registered individuals by county, city, or zip code.
- Florida Department of Corrections — search for inmates in state correctional facilities.
In-Person Visit
Public access terminals are located in the county courthouse building. The Clerk of Court accepts requests directly at the office:
Okaloosa County Clerk of Court — Main Office
Written Request
A request for criminal records can be sent by mail to the Clerk of Court's office at the address above. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. To obtain a complete state criminal history, send a request to the FDLE with a completed form and fingerprints.
Search Okaloosa Criminal Cases by Case Number
Case numbers in Florida have a standard format that helps quickly identify the type and year of the case. The typical structure looks like this:
- Year of Filing — the first two or four digits (e.g., 2024 or 24)
- Case Type Code — a letter designation of the category: CF (circuit felony), MM (county misdemeanor), CT (circuit traffic), MO (county ordinance violation)
- Sequential Number — a sequential number assigned by the clerk when the case is filed
For example, the number 2024-CF-001234 indicates a felony filed in the circuit court in 2024. Searching by case number is the most accurate method, which immediately leads to a specific case without the need to filter results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Okaloosa
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to Florida Statutes — for example, §893.13 (drugs) or §784.03 (battery) |
| Degree of Severity | Felony (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree), Misdemeanor (1st or 2nd degree), Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges at any stage of the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, proceedings are ongoing
- Active — hearings are scheduled or court action is expected
- Disposed — the court has made a decision (verdict, dismissal, denial of charges)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, the case is archived
Hearings
The Okaloosa County Court is part of the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. Typical stages of a criminal case:
- Arraignment — first presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss evidence, possible agreements
- Motion hearings — consideration of motions by the defense or prosecution
- Trial — court hearing before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — imposition of punishment after a guilty plea or verdict
- Review hearing — review of compliance with probation or other court decision
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or agreement |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Nolle Prosequi / Dismissed | The prosecutor dropped the charges or the court dismissed the case |
| Withheld Adjudication | The court withheld adjudication — a common practice in Florida that allows avoiding a conviction under certain conditions |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after substantive review |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Okaloosa
Certified copies of criminal cases are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Such documents have an official seal and signature and are accepted by other institutions as legally significant.
Ways to Submit a Request
- Online — through the Clerk of Court's online services portal, you can order copies and make payments
- In Person — at the main office of the Clerk of Court in Crestview
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number, party name, and type of document
What is Needed for the Request
Provide the case number or the full name and date of birth of the person. To obtain your own records, bring a valid photo ID. Third-party records are generally publicly available, but some categories — particularly juvenile and sealed cases — have restricted access according to Florida Statutes.
Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and Comptroller
To obtain a complete state criminal history record, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This process requires submitting fingerprints through an authorized service provider.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Okaloosa
Fees for copies and certification are established according to Florida Statutes §28.24.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $2.00 per document (in addition to copy costs) |
| State criminal history check through FDLE | $24.00 (electronic fingerprint submission) |
Processing time depends on the submission method. Requests submitted in person are usually processed the same day or the next business day. Mail requests may take 5 to 10 business days. Requests to the FDLE for a complete criminal history are processed within 1–15 business days depending on workload.
Payment at the Clerk's office is accepted in cash, money orders, and major credit cards. For mail requests, include a money order payable to the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court.