Criminal records in Osceola County, Florida, are available through several channels. OsceolaCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, data can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to search, understand, and order criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Osceola
To begin your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
- OsceolaCourt.us — enter the name or case number to view publicly available information about criminal proceedings in the county.
- Criminal Court — Clerk's Office — the site of Kelvin Soto, Esq., Clerk of the Circuit Court, offers court record searches. You can also send a request via email: Records.Request@osceolaclerk.org.
- Osceola County Sheriff's Office — the official sheriff's website provides access to arrest logs and inmate registers.
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) — a statewide criminal history repository. Through FDLE, you can order a background check.
In Person
Visit the courthouse where public access terminals are installed:
The court clerk will assist in finding the necessary case or printing documents. If you need arrest records, contact the sheriff's public records department.
By Mail or Written Request
Send a written request to the clerk's office at the address above or use the online public records request form. To obtain a complete statewide criminal history, submit a request to FDLE with a completed form and fingerprints.
Police reports from the city of Kissimmee can be ordered separately through the Kissimmee police records request page.
Search Osceola Criminal Cases by Case Number
A Florida case number has a standard format consisting of several parts:
| Segment | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Year | Two or four digits of the filing year | 2024 |
| Case type code | Letter code of the category (CF — circuit felony, MM — county misdemeanor, CT — circuit traffic, etc.) | CF |
| Sequential number | Sequential number assigned by the clerk | 001234 |
Thus, a full number might look like 2024-CF-001234. The letter code immediately indicates the severity: CF — circuit court felony, MM — county court misdemeanor. If you have this number, a search on OsceolaCourt.us or through the clerk's portal will yield accurate results without needing to guess the spelling of names.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Osceola
Charges
- Statute code — reference to Florida Statutes, e.g., §893.13 (drugs).
- Severity — felony, misdemeanor, or infraction. Felonies are handled by the Circuit Court, misdemeanors by the County Court.
- Amended charges — the prosecutor may change the initial charges to lesser or more severe ones during the case.
Case Status
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, and a decision has not yet been made |
| Active | Proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled |
| Disposed | The court has made a final decision |
| Closed | All procedural actions are completed |
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in the county:
- Arraignment — initial presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss evidence and a possible agreement.
- Motion hearings — consideration of motions (e.g., to exclude evidence).
- Trial — court hearing before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing — imposition of punishment after a guilty verdict.
- Review hearing — monitoring compliance with probation or other punishment conditions.
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty.
- Not guilty — acquitted after review.
- Dismissed — the case was closed by the prosecutor or court.
- Nolle prosequi — the prosecutor declined to prosecute.
- Withheld adjudication — the court refrained from formal conviction, allowing avoidance of a criminal record under certain conditions. This is a common practice in Florida.
- Acquitted — complete exoneration.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Osceola
Certified copies are official documents with the clerk's seal, accepted by courts and government agencies.
Where to Apply
- Court records — Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Arrest records, booking lists — Osceola County Sheriff's Office
- Complete statewide criminal history — FDLE (requires fingerprints)
Ways to Submit a Request
- Online — through the clerk's public records request form or via email Records.Request@osceolaclerk.org.
- In person — at the courthouse at the address below.
- By mail — send a written request with the name, case number (if known), and a copy of ID.
To request arrest records:
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID (for certified copies)
- Name and surname of the person or case number
- For FDLE requests — completed form and fingerprints taken at an authorized location
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Osceola
Fees are determined according to Florida Statutes §28.24 and the local clerk's fee schedule.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $1.00 per page | According to §28.24, F.S. |
| Document certification | $2.00 per document | Added to the cost of copies |
| Criminal history check through FDLE (name-based) | Approximately $24.00 | Submitted online through FDLE |
| Check through FDLE (fingerprint-based) | Approximately $24.00 + fingerprinting fee | Required for licensing and employment |
Processing Time
- Online search — results are available instantly or within a few minutes.
- Written request to the clerk — usually 5 to 10 business days, depending on volume.
- Check through FDLE — 1 to 15 business days for electronic requests; longer for mail.
Payment at the clerk's office is accepted in cash, money order, or card. Confirm exact payment methods for mail requests directly with the Clerk's Records Center.