Leon County public records cover a wide range of files kept by county and state offices in Tallahassee, Florida. These records include court cases, arrest logs, booking data, property deeds, marriage licenses, and official government documents.
Florida’s strong open records law makes most of these files open to any person, with no residency rule and no fee for basic lookups. Leon County serves as Florida’s state capital, which means residents and out-of-state users can pull records from both local and state-level agencies based in Tallahassee.
This page covers arrest records, inmate booking data, mugshots, court records, and official documents tied to Leon County, Florida. Each section explains where to search, what tools to use, and what fees apply. The content stays focused on facts users can act on right away.
What Are Leon County Public Records?
Leon County public records include any document, paper, letter, map, book, tape, photo, film, sound recording, or data created or kept by a government agency in Leon County. The Leon County Clerk of Courts, the Sheriff’s Office, the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, and the Supervisor of Elections all hold files that fall under this category. The same rule covers state agencies based in Tallahassee, such as the Florida Department of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Law Enforcement.
Florida law treats most government-held files as open for public review. A person does not need to explain why they want a file. They do not need to be a U.S. citizen or a Florida resident. They do not need to fill out a special form to ask for a basic record. The only records kept sealed are those tied to a specific court order, a juvenile case, an active investigation, or a list of exceptions written into Florida law.
Leon County Arrest Records and Booking Data
Leon County arrest records show when a person was taken into custody, the charges filed, and the booking officer on duty. These files come from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Tallahassee Police Department. The Sheriff’s Office runs the main county jail and keeps the booking log for all arrests made in the unincorporated parts of the county and in many city cases. The Tallahassee Police Department keeps arrest reports for cases inside the city limits.
Arrest records in Leon County include the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, charges, booking date, booking number, and bond amount. The booking record often shows the arresting agency, the location of arrest, and the officer’s name. These details help users confirm whether a person is in custody, has been released, or posted bond.
How to Search Leon County Arrest Records by Name
To search Leon County arrest records by name, users can visit the Leon County Sheriff’s Office online inmate lookup tool. The tool allows a search by full name or partial name. It shows current inmates in the Leon County Detention Facility. A second search option covers recent releases from the past 48 to 72 hours.
For older arrest records, the best source is the Clerk of Courts case search. A case number or party name pulls up the full criminal case file. The Clerk’s site also links to the Leon County Booking Photos gallery, which shows photos tied to each booking. The system updates every few hours, so users checking the same name on different days can see new entries appear.
Leon County Inmate Booking and Jail Records
Leon County inmate booking records show every person processed at the Leon County Detention Facility. Each booking record includes the inmate’s full legal name, booking number, date and time of arrest, arresting agency, charges, bond, court date, and current housing location. The Sheriff’s Office keeps these records open under Florida law.
The Leon County jail, also called the Leon County Detention Facility, sits at 2825 Municipal Way in Tallahassee. It houses inmates arrested in Leon County who are waiting for trial or serving short county sentences. The inmate lookup tool on the Sheriff’s website gives a real-time view of who is in custody at any given moment. Users can also call the jail records line at (850) 606-3300 to ask about a specific inmate.
Booking Photos and Mugshots in Leon County
Leon County booking photos, also called mugshots, are taken at the time of booking. The Sheriff’s Office posts these photos on the public inmate lookup page. Each photo links to the booking record, the charges, the bond, and the next court date. Florida law treats booking photos as public records, so they remain open unless a court order seals them.
Users should know that mugshots stay online even after a person is released or charges are dropped. The Sheriff’s Office does not remove a photo just because the person was found not guilty. The only way to remove a mugshot from the public site is through a court order that expunges the arrest record under Florida Statute 943.0585.
Leon County Clerk of Courts Official Records
The Leon County Clerk of Courts keeps three main types of public records: court case files, official records tied to property, and county financial records. Court files cover civil, criminal, family law, probate, and traffic cases filed in the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Official records include deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, and tax deeds. Financial records include county budget files, commission meeting minutes, and audit reports.
The Clerk’s office runs the main search portal at leonclerk.com. Users can search court cases by party name, case number, or filing date. They can search official records by name, document type, and recording date. The system also allows users to buy certified copies of deeds, judgments, and marriage licenses online through a secure payment portal.
| Record Type | Source Office | Search Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Court Cases | Clerk of Courts | leonclerk.com case search |
| Arrest Logs | Sheriff’s Office | Inmate lookup tool |
| Booking Photos | Sheriff’s Office | Online gallery |
| Property Deeds | Clerk of Courts | Official records search |
| Criminal History | FDLE | fdle.state.fl.us |
| Sex Offenders | Sheriff’s Office / FDLE | Offender registry |
Florida Public Records Law and Leon County
Florida’s public records law sits in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law states that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of official business are open for personal inspection and copying. The rule applies to every state, county, city, and special district office. Leon County follows the same law as the rest of Florida, with no local rules that make records harder to get.
Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution adds a second layer of protection. The state constitution says any person can inspect or copy public records. The person does not need a reason. The agency cannot ask for a purpose. If an agency denies a request, it must give a written reason that points to a specific law that allows the denial. The requester can then appeal the denial to the Attorney General’s office or file a lawsuit under Chapter 119.
Exempt Records in Leon County
Not every record is open. Florida law lists more than 1,000 exemptions. Some common sealed records in Leon County include active criminal investigation files, juvenile court records, Social Security numbers, medical records, and personnel files. The Clerk’s office seals records only when a judge signs a court order or when a specific statute requires it.
Users who want a sealed record must file a motion with the court that handled the case. The court holds a hearing and decides whether the person has a legal right to view or unseal the file. Expunged records are destroyed or returned to the person named in the file. They no longer exist as public records.
Leon County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Log
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office keeps a daily arrest log that lists every person booked into the Leon County Detention Facility. The log shows the arrestee’s name, age, charges, and booking date. The Sheriff’s Office posts the arrest log on its public website under the Corrections section. The log updates every business day.
For users who want the most recent arrests, the arrest log is the fastest source. It covers arrests from the past 24 to 72 hours. The log also breaks down arrests by charge type: felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and ordinance violations. This breakdown helps news outlets, legal researchers, and the public track arrest trends in the county.
Leon County Court Case Records
Leon County court case records come from the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court. The circuit covers Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Wakulla, Franklin, and Liberty counties. Users looking for Leon County court records should only search the Leon County division, not the full circuit, to avoid pulling files from other counties by mistake.
The Clerk’s case search tool covers five main case types: criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic. Criminal case files show the charges, arraignment date, plea, motions, trial date, and final judgment. Civil case files show the parties, complaint, answer, motions, and judgment. Family case files cover divorce, custody, and support. Probate files cover wills, estates, and guardianship. Traffic files cover citations and infractions.
Leon County Detention and Corrections Records
Leon County detention records show the full custody history of an inmate at the Leon County Detention Facility. Each entry includes the booking date, release date, housing unit, disciplinary actions, medical holds, work release status, and program participation. The Sheriff’s Office runs the detention facility under the Leon County Corrections Bureau.
Users can pull a summary of an inmate’s current custody status through the online lookup tool. For a full custody history, the user must submit a written public records request to the Sheriff’s Office records section. The request must include the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and the date range of the records sought. The Sheriff’s Office responds within 10 business days under Florida law.
FDLE Criminal History Records for Leon County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the state’s criminal history database. This database covers arrests, dispositions, and sentences from every county in Florida, including Leon County. Users who need a statewide criminal history check can request a copy of an FDLE criminal record through the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us.
FDLE offers two main record checks: a name-based check and a fingerprint-based check. The name-based check costs $24 and pulls records based on the person’s name and date of birth. The fingerprint-based check is more accurate and costs the same. Both checks cover Leon County arrests, Florida arrests from other counties, and out-of-state records shared with FDLE through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
How to Request Leon County Public Records
Users can request Leon County public records in four ways: in person, by mail, by phone, or online. The Clerk of Courts and the Sheriff’s Office both accept walk-in requests at their Tallahassee locations. Mail requests must include a clear description of the records, the requester’s name, and a return address. Phone requests work for simple record checks but not for certified copies.
Online requests go through each agency’s public records portal. The Clerk’s portal handles court records and official records. The Sheriff’s portal handles arrest logs, incident reports, and inmate records. State agency records go through each state agency’s own portal. The Florida Department of State, the Attorney General, and the Governor’s Office all run their own request systems.
Steps for a Basic Public Records Request
- Identify the agency that holds the record you need.
- Write a clear description of the record, including names, dates, and case numbers.
- Choose the format you want: paper copy, electronic file, or in-person review.
- Submit the request by email, mail, online portal, or in person.
- Pay any required fees once the agency sends an invoice.
- Pick up the records or wait for them to arrive by mail or email.
Leon County Public Records Fees
Florida law sets standard fees for public records copies. Administrative records from county departments cost $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page. Court records and official records from the Clerk cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies of official records cost an extra $5.00 certification fee on top of the per-page charge.
Research fees apply to requests that take more than 30 minutes of staff time. The first 30 minutes are free. After that, the agency can bill at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work. The agency must give a written cost estimate before doing the work. The requester can agree to the estimate, narrow the request, or cancel it without charge.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-sided copy (county office) | $0.15 per page |
| Double-sided copy (county office) | $0.20 per page |
| Court record copy | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page + $5.00 fee |
| Research time over 30 minutes | Hourly rate of staff |
| FDLE criminal history check | $24.00 per search |
Types of Records Available in Leon County
Leon County keeps a wide range of public records because it serves as both a county seat and the state capital. The Clerk’s office holds court files, official records, marriage licenses, and county commission minutes. The Sheriff’s Office holds arrest logs, booking records, incident reports, and inmate records. The Property Appraiser holds parcel maps, ownership data, and assessed values. The Tax Collector holds tax payment records and vehicle registration files.
State agencies in Tallahassee add more record types. The Florida Department of State holds corporate filings, lobbyist registrations, and election records. The Attorney General’s Office holds opinion letters and consumer complaint files. The Department of Revenue holds tax warrant records. The Florida Legislature holds bill files, committee records, and legislative staff reports.
Leon County Public Records Contact Information
The Leon County Clerk of Courts sits at 301 S Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main phone number is (850) 577-4000. The official website is leonclerk.com. Users can email the Clerk’s office through the contact form on the site.
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office sits at 2825 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main phone number is (850) 606-3300. The official website is leoncountyso.com. The inmate lookup tool and arrest log are on the Corrections page of the site.
The Leon County Property Appraiser sits at 315 S Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main phone number is (850) 606-6200. The official website is leonpa.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ section below covers the most common questions about Leon County public records, arrest logs, and inmate booking files. Each answer is based on Florida law, Leon County policy, and current office procedures as of July 2026. The answers cite the specific law, office, or tool that applies so users can take action right away.
How do I find recent arrests in Leon County?
The fastest way to find recent arrests in Leon County is the Leon County Sheriff’s Office online inmate lookup tool. The tool lists every person booked into the Leon County Detention Facility in the past 48 to 72 hours. Each entry shows the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, booking date, charges, bond amount, and next court date. The arrest log on the Sheriff’s website updates every business day and breaks down arrests by charge type. For city arrests handled by the Tallahassee Police Department, users should check the TPD records section, which posts a daily blotter. News outlets like the Tallahassee Democrat also publish arrest reports based on the daily log. Users who need a certified copy of an arrest report must submit a public records request to the Sheriff’s Office records section or the TPD records unit. The request must include the arrestee’s name, date of arrest, and the specific report number if available.
Are Leon County arrest records free to view?
Yes, Leon County arrest records are free to view on the Sheriff’s Office website. The inmate lookup tool, the booking photo gallery, and the daily arrest log all run without a fee or login. Users can search by name, date, or charge type. Florida law bars agencies from charging for the time it takes to pull a record that is already online. The Clerk of Courts also provides free online access to court case files tied to each arrest. The only fees that apply are for certified copies, printed reports, and large research requests that take staff time. A certified arrest report costs $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. A research request that takes more than 30 minutes of staff time can be billed at the hourly rate of the staff member who handles it. The agency must give a written estimate before doing the work.
Can I remove a Leon County mugshot from the internet?
Removing a Leon County mugshot from the Sheriff’s Office website requires a court order that seals or expunges the arrest record. Florida Statute 943.0585 allows a person to expunge a record if the charges were dropped, the person was found not guilty, or the case was dismissed. Once the court signs the expungement order, the Clerk sends a certified copy to the Sheriff’s Office, which then removes the booking photo from the public gallery. The same process seals the arrest record at FDLE and the Clerk of Courts. Mugshots posted on third-party websites are not under the Sheriff’s Office’s control. The person must contact each third-party site and ask for removal under Florida Statute 901.43, which gives people the right to request removal of booking photos from sites that post them for a fee. The site must remove the photo within 10 days of receiving a valid request, or the person can sue for damages.
How long does the Leon County Sheriff’s Office keep arrest records?
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records permanently unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. Booking photos, incident reports, arrest affidavits, and disposition records all stay in the Sheriff’s Office system for the life of the agency. Florida law sets minimum retention rules for criminal records through the Florida Department of State records retention schedule. Felony arrest records must be kept for at least 75 years after the final disposition. Misdemeanor arrest records must be kept for at least 5 years after the final disposition. Traffic arrest records must be kept for at least 3 years. The Sheriff’s Office goes beyond these minimums and keeps most records for the full retention period or longer. Sealed records are removed from the public system but kept in a restricted file for audit purposes.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record in Leon County?
An arrest record shows the fact that a person was taken into custody, the charges filed at the time of arrest, and the booking details. A criminal record, also called a rap sheet or criminal history, shows the full history of arrests, charges, court dispositions, sentences, and releases for a person. In Leon County, the Sheriff’s Office holds arrest records, and the FDLE holds criminal history records at the state level. A Leon County arrest record becomes part of the state criminal record only after the court enters a disposition. If the charges are dropped, the person was found not guilty, or the case was dismissed, the arrest still shows up on a criminal history check but with a notation that the case did not result in a conviction. Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies often run FDLE criminal history checks, which pull data from every Florida county, not just Leon County.
Can I look up Leon County jail inmates by name online?
Yes, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office inmate lookup tool lets users search current inmates by name. The tool shows the inmate’s full legal name, booking number, date of birth, booking date, charges, bond amount, and current housing location. The tool also shows the next court date and the scheduled release date for inmates who have posted bond or finished their sentence. The tool updates every few hours, so users checking the same name on different days can see new entries appear. For inmates who were released in the past 30 days, users can call the jail records line at (850) 606-3300. The line runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For inmates transferred to a state prison, users should check the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search at dc.state.fl.us.
How do I seal a Leon County arrest record?
To seal a Leon County arrest record, the person must file a petition with the Leon County Clerk of Courts in the court that handled the case. The petition must list the case number, the charges, the date of arrest, and the final disposition. The person must also get a certificate of eligibility from FDLE before filing. FDLE charges $75 for the certificate and runs a state and national background check. Once the court receives the petition, a judge holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the sealing. If the judge signs the order, the Clerk seals the court file, the Sheriff’s Office seals the arrest record and removes the mugshot, and FDLE seals the criminal history record. The process takes 4 to 6 months from start to finish. A person can only seal one arrest record in Florida unless they qualify for a second sealing under a specific exception.