Criminal records in Orange County, Florida, are available through several channels. OrangeCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, data can be obtained through the county's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk of court's office. Below are practical instructions on how to search, understand, and order criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Orange
There are several ways to find criminal records in Orange County.
Through OrangeCourt.us
Start with OrangeCourt.us — the service allows you to search publicly available information about court cases by person’s name or case number.
County and State Online Tools
- Clerk of Court Portal — Orange County Clerk of Courts online record search provides access to criminal cases, hearing dates, and documents. A full name of the defendant or case number is required for the search.
- Ninth Judicial Circuit Case Search — through Case Query on the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court website, you can find information about cases heard in Orange County district courts.
- Inmate Search — Orange County Corrections system updates data within 30 minutes of information entry. Search by last name or booking number.
- Sheriff's Office — the Orange County Sheriff's Office website publishes arrest logs and warrant information.
- State-Level Criminal History Check — Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) processes requests for criminal history checks with or without fingerprints.
In-Person Visit
Public access terminals are installed in the Orange County Courthouse building. The court clerk will help find the case if you provide a name or case number. Bring a photo ID with you.
Mail Request
Send written requests for court records to the Orange County Clerk of Courts. For state-level criminal history checks — submit an application to FDLE by mail with the appropriate forms and payment.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
- Booking number (for inmate search)
Search Orange Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number in Florida has a standard format consisting of several parts. A typical example: 2024-CF-012345-A-O.
- 2024 — year the case was filed
- CF — type of case. CF means Circuit Felony. Other common codes: MM — misdemeanor, CT — county criminal traffic, CFA — felony with appeal
- 012345 — sequential case number
- A — letter of the court division handling the case
- O — county code (O = Orange County)
If you have the full number, enter it in the search field on the clerk of court's portal. The system will return information about charges, hearing dates, status, and court decisions. Partial numbers also work — the system will suggest options.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Orange
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here’s what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Florida Statutes, e.g., §784.03 — battery |
| Severity Degree | Felony (1st–3rd degree), Misdemeanor (1st–2nd degree), or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend charges — reduce the degree or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, the case is archived
Hearings
Types of hearings in Orange County criminal cases:
- First Appearance — first appearance before a judge after arrest, usually within 24 hours
- Arraignment — formal presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Pre-trial conference — a meeting of the parties to discuss a plea or prepare for trial
- Trial — court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Withheld Adjudication | The judge refrained from formal conviction — this may allow for future record sealing |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Orange
Certified copies of criminal records have the court's official seal and are accepted as a legal document.
Where to Apply
- Court Records (verdicts, charges, decisions) — Orange County Clerk of Courts
- Arrest and Booking Records — Orange County Sheriff's Office or Orange County Corrections
- State-Level Criminal History Check — FDLE
How to Submit a Request
- Online — through the eClerk portal, you can order copies of case documents
- In Person — visit the clerk of court's office with a photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number, party name, document type, and payment by check or money order to the clerk of court's address
To obtain a complete criminal history check through FDLE, you must submit fingerprints on a card or electronically through an authorized livescan service provider.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Orange
Fees are set according to Florida Statutes §28.24 and the local fee schedule of the clerk of court.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 for the first page, $0.15 for each additional page |
| Certification | $2.00 per document |
| Criminal history check through FDLE (without fingerprints) | $24.00 |
| Criminal history check through FDLE (with fingerprints) | $24.00 + cost of livescan |
| Online inmate search | Free |
| Online court case search | Free |
Processing Times
- Online copies from the case — usually available within a few business days
- Certified copies for in-person visits — often issued the same day
- Mail requests — from 5 to 15 business days depending on volume
- Check through FDLE — from 1 to 15 business days depending on the type of request
Payment is accepted by check, money order, or credit card (for online orders). Confirm current fees directly with the clerk of court's office as amounts may change.