National Criminal Record Search (National Availability)

Why do this search?

When the applicant comes from another state or has only lived in Florida a short time, checking criminal records in other states of residence should be considered.

This is not a comprehensive, nationwide search. Only law enforcement agencies are authorized access to the one available source of nationwide criminal records, the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) System.

National arrest records are accessed either on a statewide basis if available, (such as Florida) or at the county level in states that do not disseminate arrest information on a statewide basis. At the present time 40 states permit statewide access to arrest records, however, some provide limited information. Further, different states have different criteria about what information is made available on a statewide basis. For that reason, whenever possible, it is advisable to check at the county level. Availability of records from either the state or county level can vary greatly from near immediate access up to several weeks. Please call for information on expedited service.

Please be advised that these records are checked on a per county basis (usually in the place of residence) and do not contain information on arrests or convictions that occurred in any other county.

Note: This service does not include actual file records but points to where records may be located. Also please be advised that dispositional information is not always available in sources we access but will be available at the appropriate courthouse or government repository.

Due to limitations imposed in Section 605 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act criminal information predating seven (7) years cannot be reported unless a conviction resulted.

Important: Most criminal record checks are performed by accessing computer databases. While databases offer the advantage of speed and low cost, they are by no means totally complete or accurate. Some state criminal repositories depend on city or county jurisdictions to report information. Nevertheless, there have been instances where records on file in local jurisdictions cannot be found when state records are checked because they were not reported upward from the local level to the state system.

In some cases states limit the information they provide. Some only offer information on pending (open) cases and some place limited time restrictions on the information they will disseminate. Some databases require that the input criteria (name, date of birth and social security number) exactly match the information on record. With some, if a middle initial or name suffix (Jr., Sr., II, etc.) is not provided the return will reflect a “no hit” even though a record exists because there was no exact match.

The fact is no database criminal or otherwise is 100% accurate or up to date. The best way to get the most current, complete and accurate information is to have someone do an in-person records search. It takes longer and it’s more costly, but it is hands down the best way to be sure you are getting the best results.

For more information on the use of arrest and conviction records see the EEOC policy guidance document. Click here to load the document 

Please Note: While the cost of this service is the same for most statewide or individual county inquiries, access fees levied by some jurisdictions can vary greatly. Call for more information on pricing and estimated delivery time.