Tallahassee city court records cover every case filed in Leon County courts, from traffic tickets to felony trials. The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller keeps these files at 301 S.
Monroe Street in downtown Tallahassee. Anyone can look up a case, pull a docket sheet, or order a certified copy.
This page covers the full process for getting records, filing documents, and reaching the right office. You will see how to use the official search tools, what fees apply, and which records stay sealed under Florida law.
Who Manages Tallahassee City Court Records
The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller runs all court record systems for Tallahassee. This office serves as the official record keeper for the 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida. Tallahassee serves as the seat for Leon County, so every case filed in the city goes through this clerk’s office.
The clerk handles both circuit court and county court cases. Circuit court covers felonies, family law, probate, and civil disputes over $50,000. County court covers misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims, and civil cases under $50,000. Both levels sit under the same clerk for record purposes.
The main office is located at:
Leon County Clerk of Courts
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 606-4000
Email: clerk_judicial@leoncountyfl.gov
Office hours run on weekdays during normal business hours. The clerk’s office also operates satellite locations for specific services like marriage licenses and passport applications.
Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, court records in Tallahassee are public. Anyone can ask to see them. The clerk must provide access unless a case is sealed or the law says it is confidential. This rule covers all records filed in Leon County courts.
Tallahassee City Court Records: What’s Available
You can pull several types of records through the Leon County clerk system. Each type serves a different purpose for the person searching.
Case Dockets and Filings
Docket sheets show every document filed in a case. They list the party names, filing dates, hearing dates, and the judge assigned. Most dockets for Tallahassee cases are free to view online through the clerk’s public search tool.
Court Orders and Judgments
Final orders, judgments, and sentencing documents are part of the case file. These become public once the judge signs them. You can pull copies through the clerk or view images posted online under Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14.
Criminal Court Records
Criminal records cover arrests, charges, plea deals, and trial outcomes. Felonies sit at the circuit level. Misdemeanors stay in county court. Both types are searchable by name or case number through the Leon County portal.
Civil and Small Claims Records
Civil cases include contract disputes, property claims, and personal injury suits. Small claims cover disputes up to $8,000. Both record types are public once filed, unless a judge orders them sealed.
Family and Probate Records
Family court covers divorce, custody, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence. Probate covers wills, estates, and guardianships. Some family files have access limits, especially those involving minors or sealed adoptions.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic citations, DUI charges, and driving infractions are filed in county court. Tallahassee sees a high volume of these cases each year because of its large student population from Florida State University and Florida A&M University.
How to Search Tallahassee City Court Records Online
Leon County offers free online search tools through its Citizens Connect portal. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date range. The system covers every case type filed in Tallahassee courts.
Basic searches cost nothing. You do not need an account to check case status or read a docket. The search tool shows party names, filing dates, charges, and case outcomes. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To narrow your search and get better results, follow these steps:
- Go to the Leon County online services page at cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Home/Citizens-Connect/Online-Services.
- Pick the court records search option.
- Enter the full legal name of a party. Add a middle name or initial if you know it.
- Set a date range to cut down on results.
- Review the case list. Click on a case number to see the full docket.
The system caps results per query, so being specific helps. A search for “Smith” alone may return hundreds of hits across multiple decades. Adding a date range or middle name brings the list down to relevant cases.
Under Florida Statute 119.0714, the clerk keeps sensitive data out of public view. Social security numbers, bank account details, and minor children’s identifiers do not show up in search results. Sealed cases also stay hidden. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lays out the full rules on when records can be sealed or made confidential in Tallahassee.
Filing Documents and Getting Certified Copies
Tallahassee residents and attorneys file court documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. Electronic filing is required in most case types. The portal stays open around the clock. Court filing fees still apply, and credit card processing adds about 3.95% per transaction.
To file a new case or submit a document, you need a portal account. The system walks you through selecting the court, case type, and filing fee. You upload your PDF documents and pay online. The clerk reviews the filing and accepts or rejects it based on court rules.
Certified copies of court records cost $1 per page in Tallahassee. You can order them in person at the clerk’s office or by mail. Some documents are also available as certified electronic copies through the e-filing portal. Under Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 16-14, the clerk can post public court document images on the web for viewing at no charge.
For marriage license applications, Leon County provides an online tool at erecord.leonclerk.com. You start the process before your visit but still need to appear in person at the clerk’s office to finish the application. The license becomes part of the official records filed with the clerk once issued.
The courthouse on Monroe Street also handles recording of deeds, liens, mortgages, and other official documents. If you need a recorded document from Tallahassee, the clerk’s office is the place to go.
Criminal, Family, and Specialty Court Records in Tallahassee
Criminal cases from Tallahassee go through the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court. Felonies are heard at the circuit level and carry potential prison time. Misdemeanor cases stay in county court and carry up to one year in county jail. The clerk stores all case files for both levels.
Family court records in Tallahassee cover divorce, child custody, paternity, and domestic violence injunctions. Some of these records have limits on public access. Child abuse and dependency files are not part of the standard public search. The clerk follows state law on what stays open and what stays sealed.
Adoption records are sealed by default. To get an adoptee’s original birth certificate or adoption file, you must follow the specific procedures under Florida law. Most people need a court order to unseal these files.
Tallahassee also runs several specialty courts within the 2nd Judicial Circuit:
- Drug Court – For non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues. Participants go through treatment instead of jail.
- Veterans Court – For veterans charged with certain crimes. Focuses on treatment and rehabilitation.
- Mental Health Court – For defendants with mental health diagnoses. Provides treatment-based sentencing options.
Records from these courts are kept by the clerk but may have different access rules based on the program requirements.
As the state capital, Tallahassee is home to the Florida Supreme Court and the First District Court of Appeal. Those are separate from the Leon County court system. Records from those courts go through their own clerks. Federal court records for Tallahassee go through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida and are searchable through PACER.
Paying Fines and Tickets in Tallahassee
If you owe a traffic ticket, criminal fine, or civil court fee in Tallahassee, you can pay online or in person. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
For online payments, MyFloridaCounty.com lets you pay court fees across multiple counties. Many Tallahassee residents use this site to take care of traffic tickets and other fines without going to the courthouse. You will need your case number or citation number to look up the balance.
Some cases offer the option to attend driving school or pay a reduced fine. You must request this option before the deadline on your citation. Once you pay the full fine, the option to attend school goes away.
Tallahassee Online Police Statistics and Crime Data
The Tallahassee Police Department runs a public dashboard called Tallahassee Online Police Statistics (TOPS). You can find it at talgov.com/gis/tops. The dashboard shows crime data, traffic crash reports, and quality-of-life calls by neighborhood and date range.
TOPS does not replace a criminal background check. It shows broad trends and incident locations, not individual case details. For case-level data, use the clerk’s court records search.
Statewide Resources for Court Records
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers site at flclerks.com links all 67 county clerks in the state. You can pay fines, search records, and check jury info from one place. The Florida Courts Help center at help.flcourts.gov has free forms and self-help guides for people who need to file on their own in Tallahassee.
If your case was filed in a different county, check with that county’s clerk instead. The 2nd Judicial Circuit covers Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. Each of those counties has its own clerk and its own search system.
Court Costs and Fee Schedule in Tallahassee
The clerk publishes a full fee schedule for filing fees, copy charges, and other services. Here is a summary of common charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.15 |
| Civil case filing fee (under $50,000) | Based on claim amount |
| Small claims filing (up to $8,000) | Based on claim amount |
| Marriage license | $86.00 (without premarital course) |
| Passport processing | Set by U.S. State Department |
| Credit card processing fee | ~3.95% per transaction |
Fees can change. Always check the clerk’s website or call (850) 606-4000 before sending payment to confirm current rates.
Official Contact and Location
For questions about Tallahassee city court records, contact the Leon County Clerk of Courts directly:
Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 606-4000
Email: clerk_judicial@leoncountyfl.gov
Website: leonclerk.com
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. You can walk in to file documents, pull records, or get help with a search. The courthouse is located in downtown Tallahassee near the Florida State Capitol.
For the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, visit myflcourtaccess.com. For statewide court records and forms, visit flcourts.gov or help.flcourts.gov.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Records in Tallahassee?
Florida law sets minimum retention periods for court records. Felony case files stay permanently. Misdemeanor files are kept for at least 5 years after the final disposition. Traffic cases are kept for at least 3 years. Older records may be transferred to state archives but remain accessible through the clerk.
Can You Remove or Seal a Record in Tallahassee?
You can file a motion to seal or expunge a record under Florida Statute 943.0585 (expungement) or 943.059 (sealing). You must meet eligibility requirements. Most sealing requests need a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Once a record is sealed, it no longer shows up in public searches.
What If a Record Is Wrong on the Public Site?
If you see an error in a court record posted online, contact the clerk’s office right away. The clerk can correct the record if the error is on the court’s side. If the error is in a document you filed, you may need to file a motion with the court to correct it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tallahassee City Court Records
Here are answers to common questions people ask about Tallahassee city court records. Each answer gives you the steps and rules you need to know before you start your search.
How do I look up a court case in Tallahassee?
You can search for free using the Leon County online services portal at cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Home/Citizens-Connect/Online-Services. Enter the person’s full legal name, case number, or citation number. You can also visit the clerk’s office at 301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301, during business hours. For sealed or older records, you may need to submit a written request or pay a research fee.
Are Tallahassee court records free to view?
Yes. Basic case searches and docket views are free through the Leon County online portal. You do not need an account. Certified copies cost $1 per page. Standard printed copies cost $0.15 per page. Credit card payments add a processing fee of about 3.95% per transaction.
Can I access Tallahassee court records from my phone?
Yes. The Leon County online services portal works on mobile browsers. You can search for cases, view dockets, and pay fines from a smartphone or tablet. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com also works on mobile devices for attorneys and self-represented filers.
What court records are sealed in Tallahassee?
Records sealed by a judge under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 are not public. This includes some family court files, juvenile records, adoption records, and records expunged under Florida Statute 943.0585. The clerk removes these from public search results, but law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see them.
How do I get a certified copy of a court order in Tallahassee?
Visit the Leon County clerk’s office at 301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 100, or order by mail. Include the case number, document name, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The fee is $1 per page for certified copies. Some documents are also available as electronic certified copies through the e-filing portal.
Can I find federal court records for Tallahassee online?
Yes. Federal cases for the Tallahassee area go through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. You can search these records through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. PACER charges a small fee per page, but you get free access if your usage stays under a quarterly cap. Federal records are separate from Leon County court records and sit in a different system.
What is the difference between the Leon County Clerk and the Florida Supreme Court?
The Leon County Clerk handles trial court cases filed in Tallahassee and Leon County. The Florida Supreme Court handles appeals and statewide legal matters. Records for the Florida Supreme Court are kept by the Supreme Court Clerk, not the Leon County Clerk. They sit in separate buildings and separate systems.