Criminal records in Polk County, Florida, are accessible through several channels. PolkCourt.us allows for quick access to public information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state court system, the office of the county court clerk, and law enforcement agencies — including online portals from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Below are practical instructions for searching, understanding, and requesting criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Polk
There are several ways to find criminal records. Start with what you know: a person's full name, date of birth, or case number significantly narrows the results.
Online Search
- PolkCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view public information about criminal proceedings in the county.
- Florida Courts Portal — on the Florida Courts website, you can search for appellate cases, and the Sixth Judicial Circuit page contains information specifically about Polk courts.
- Polk County Sheriff — the sheriff's office provides separate online tools:
- Jail Inquiry — search for inmates in the local detention center. An automated information system is also available at 863-457-3738.
- Warrants Inquiry — check for arrest warrants.
- FDLE — the Wanted Persons database contains information on wanted individuals throughout the state.
- Florida Department of Corrections — here you can find data on individuals serving sentences in state prisons.
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Bartow handles requests for public court records. The courthouse usually has terminals for self-search. Bring identification with you.
Written Request
A criminal history request can be mailed to the court clerk or the Records Division of the Polk County Sheriff. According to Florida Statute 119, sheriff's public records can also be requested by phone or email. To obtain a complete state-level criminal history, contact the FDLE.
What you'll need for the search:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Polk Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number in Florida has a standard format, and each part carries specific information. A typical format looks like:
YYYY-CF-######
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| YYYY | The year the case was opened (e.g., 2024) |
| CF | Case type code. CF — Circuit Criminal Felony. Other common codes: MM — Misdemeanor, CT — Civil Claim in Circuit Court, TR — Traffic Violation |
| ###### | Sequential case number within the year and type |
If you know the number, enter it into the search field of the appropriate portal — this is the most accurate way to find a specific case. Without the number, you'll have to search by name, which may yield multiple results, especially for common surnames.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Polk
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Understanding them will help correctly interpret court records.
Charges
- Statute Code — reference to the specific article of the Florida Statutes under which charges are brought
- Severity Level: Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious crime), Infraction (violation)
- Amended charges — charges may be changed by the prosecutor during the case, for example, reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, and a decision has not yet been made |
| Active | The case is under consideration |
| Disposed | The court has made a final decision |
| Closed | The case is completed, and all obligations have been fulfilled |
Hearings
In Polk criminal cases, the following types of hearings are held:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Pre-trial conference — a meeting of the parties before the court to discuss evidence and possible agreements
- Motion hearing — consideration of motions (e.g., to exclude evidence)
- Trial — the actual court trial
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
- Review hearing — a control hearing, often during a probation period
Court Results
| Result | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Withheld Adjudication | The court refrained from formally finding guilt — a common practice in Florida that allows avoiding a conviction under certain conditions |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
Information on sealing or expunging criminal records in the Sixth Judicial Circuit can be found on the State Attorney's website.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Polk
Certified copies of criminal records are required for official purposes — employment, licensing, immigration. A regular printout from the portal does not have legal force.
Where to Apply
- Clerk of the Circuit Court — issues certified copies of court documents: verdicts, hearing transcripts, court decisions
- Polk County Sheriff's Office, Records Division — provides copies of police reports (arrest reports, incident reports) according to Florida Statute 119
- FDLE — to obtain a complete state-level criminal history, a request is submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office in the courthouse in Bartow or the Records Division of the sheriff.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the person's name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of the applicant's ID.
- By Email or Online — Polk County accepts public records requests through the Public Records Request portal.
Requests to the FDLE usually require filling out a special form and providing fingerprints for a background check.
Contact Information
Polk County Sheriff's Office — Records Division
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Polk
The cost depends on the type of record and the method of obtaining it. Below are approximate fees according to Florida Statute 119.07.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (standard size, up to 14"×8.5") | $0.15 per single-sided page; $0.20 per double-sided page |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | Usually $2.00 per document (may vary depending on the type of record) |
| Criminal history check through FDLE | Depends on the type of check; electronic request with fingerprints — approximately $24.00 |
| Large volume requests | May include additional charges for staff labor if processing exceeds 30 minutes |
Processing Times
- Simple requests for one or two copies are usually processed within a few business days.
- Mail requests may take 1–2 weeks.
- Criminal history checks through FDLE — from a few days to several weeks depending on the submission method.
Under Florida law, a government agency cannot charge for the request itself — only for making copies. If the request requires significant processing time, you must be notified of the estimated cost in advance.