Criminal records in Highlands County, Florida, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. HighlandsCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Highlands County. Additional access points include the Highlands County Clerk of Courts case search system, the Highlands County Sheriff's Office Public Records Unit, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's statewide criminal history repository.
How to Search Criminal Records in Highlands County
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Highlands County. The information you'll need to begin a search typically includes:
- The person's full legal name (first and last, middle name if known)
- Date of birth
- Case number (if available)
- Booking number or MNI number (for jail/inmate searches)
Online Search Options
- HighlandsCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases filed in Highlands County.
- Highlands County Clerk of Courts – Court Records Search — The Clerk's Clericus system allows you to look up criminal case details, including charges, hearing dates, and case status. Attorneys can also request electronic access to records through this system.
- Highlands County Sheriff's Office – Inmate Search — View current inmates held at the Highlands County Jail, including booking numbers, arrest dates, and charges.
- Warrants Unit — The Sheriff's Office processes active warrants and capiases. Contact the warrants unit for information about outstanding warrants in Highlands County.
- Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS) — For appellate-level cases originating from Highlands County, search dockets and documents through this statewide portal.
In Person
Visit the Highlands County Clerk of Courts office to use public access terminals or request assistance from staff. The courthouse is located at:
Highlands County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
By Mail or Written Request
- Clerk of Court: Submit a written request to the Highlands County Clerk of Courts at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, and/or case number.
- Sheriff's Office: The Public Records Unit at the Highlands County Sheriff's Office handles local background checks and copies of offense reports. Contact them at (863) 402-7200.
- FDLE: For a statewide criminal history, submit a request to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). FDLE processes fingerprint-based background checks and name-based criminal history searches.
Search Highlands County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Florida uses a standardized case number format across all circuit and county courts. A typical Highlands County case number follows this structure:
- Year: The two-digit year the case was filed (e.g., 25 for 2025)
- Case type code: A two-letter abbreviation identifying the type of case. Common criminal codes include:
- CF — Circuit criminal felony
- MM — County criminal misdemeanor
- CT — Criminal traffic
- CFA — Felony appeal from county court
- Sequence number: A sequential number assigned as cases are filed
For example, a case number like 2025-CF-000123 indicates a felony case filed in 2025 and assigned sequence number 123. Enter this number into the Clerk's court records search to pull up the full case docket, including all charges, scheduled hearings, and dispositions.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Highlands County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Florida statute section the defendant is charged under (e.g., F.S. § 893.13 for drug possession) |
| Severity | Felony (first, second, or third degree), misdemeanor (first or second degree), or noncriminal infraction |
| Amended charges | Charges may be added, reduced, or dropped as the case progresses; the docket reflects these changes |
Case Status
- Pending / Active: The case is ongoing; hearings or trial dates may be scheduled. Check the criminal court calendar for upcoming dates.
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome — conviction, acquittal, or dismissal.
- Closed: All obligations (fines, probation, sentence) have been completed and the case is administratively closed.
Hearing Types
- First appearance / Arraignment: Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea.
- Pre-trial conference: Attorneys discuss case progress, plea negotiations, and outstanding discovery.
- Motion hearings: The court rules on specific legal motions filed by either side.
- Trial: The case is heard by a judge or jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes penalties.
- Review / Status hearing: The court checks compliance with probation or other conditions.
Court Results (Dispositions)
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted at trial or entered a guilty plea |
| Not guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Nolle prosequi / Dismissed | State dropped the charges or the court dismissed the case |
| No contest (nolo contendere) | Defendant did not contest the charges; treated as a conviction for sentencing |
| Adjudication withheld | Court did not formally convict the defendant, though guilt may have been found; often paired with probation |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Highlands County
From the Clerk of Court
The Highlands County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller is the custodian of court records, including criminal case files. To obtain certified copies:
- Visit the clerk's office in person or submit a written request by mail.
- Provide the case number, defendant's name, and specify which documents you need certified.
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID if requesting records in person.
- Pay the applicable copy and certification fees (see fee section below).
Highlands County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
From the Sheriff's Office
The Highlands County Sheriff's Office Public Records Unit provides local background checks and copies of offense and arrest reports.
Highlands County Sheriff's Office
From FDLE (Statewide Criminal History)
For a comprehensive Florida criminal history record, submit a request to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. FDLE offers both name-based and fingerprint-based searches. Fingerprint-based results are more thorough and are often required for employment or licensing purposes.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Highlands County
Fees for criminal record copies in Florida are governed by Florida Statutes § 28.24 (clerk fees) and § 119.07 (public records). The table below reflects standard charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court record (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification of a document | $2.00 per certification |
| Copy of official record (per page) | $1.00 |
| Local background check (Sheriff's Office) | Contact the Sheriff's Office for current fee |
| FDLE statewide criminal history (name-based) | $24.00 |
| FDLE fingerprint-based background check | $24.00 (state) / additional fee if FBI check included |
Processing Times
- Online court record searches: Results are typically immediate through the Clerk's Clericus system.
- In-person requests at the clerk's office: Usually processed the same day for standard copies.
- Written/mail requests: Allow 5–10 business days for processing and mailing.
- FDLE background checks: Name-based results are often returned within 1–3 business days; fingerprint-based checks may take longer depending on volume.
- Sheriff's Office public records requests: Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts directly with the Highlands County Clerk of Courts or the Highlands County Sheriff's Office before submitting your request.