Hernando County Public Records /Hernando County Criminal Records

Hernando County Criminal Records

What Is Hernando County Criminal Records

Hernando County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Hernando County, Florida. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.011(3)(c), which defines public records as materials made or received in connection with official government business.

Criminal records in Hernando County typically include:

Arrest records documenting when law enforcement takes a person into custody
Charging documents filed by the State Attorney's Office
Court proceedings and case dispositions
Sentencing information and incarceration details
Probation and parole records

The distinction between various types of criminal records is important for proper understanding:

Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when someone is taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. An arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies are more serious offenses potentially punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by up to one year in county jail.
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Florida Statute § 985.04.
Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Hernando County:

Hernando County Sheriff's Office
18900 Cortez Boulevard
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-6830
Hernando County Sheriff's Office

Fifth Judicial Circuit Court - Hernando County
20 N Main Street
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-4201
Fifth Judicial Circuit Court

Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
20 N Main Street, Room 362
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-4201
Hernando County Clerk of Court

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement

These records collectively document the criminal justice process from arrest through final disposition, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole information.

Are Criminal Records Public In Hernando County

Criminal records in Hernando County are generally public pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law establishes that most government records, including criminal records, are available for public inspection and copying.

Florida Statute § 119.01(1) states: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."

The public status of criminal records in Hernando County applies to:

Adult arrest records
Court proceedings and dockets
Criminal case filings
Conviction records
Sentencing information
Incarceration records
Probation and parole information

However, certain criminal records are exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access:

Active criminal investigations (temporarily exempt until case closure)
Records sealed or expunged by court order under Florida Statute § 943.0585
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Victim information in certain cases
Information that would reveal confidential informants
Records related to ongoing prosecution strategy

The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces the public's right to access government records while acknowledging necessary exemptions established by law. The Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains most criminal court records and makes them available through both in-person requests and online systems.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records and booking information, much of which is accessible to the public. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hernando County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Hernando County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures reflect current practices for obtaining criminal records:

In-Person Requests at the Clerk's Office:

Visit the Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Complete a public records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
Present valid photo identification.
Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies).
Records may be reviewed immediately or provided within a reasonable timeframe depending on complexity.

Mail or Email Requests:

Submit a written request to the Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court.
Include subject's full name, date of birth (if known), approximate date of case, and specific records sought.
Provide return address and contact information.
Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount).
Mail to: Records Department, Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court, 20 N Main Street, Room 362, Brooksville, FL 34601.
Email requests can be sent to: publicrecords@hernandoclerk.org

Sheriff's Office Records:

Visit the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
Complete a records request form.
Provide subject name and case number if available.
Pay applicable fees for copies.
For arrest records, booking photos, and incident reports.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE):

Request a criminal history record check through the FDLE website.
Submit fingerprints for a comprehensive background check.
Pay the required fee ($24 per record check).
Receive results by mail or secure electronic delivery.

Requestors should note that while many records are public, certain information may be redacted pursuant to exemptions under Florida law. Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought.

How To Find Criminal Records in Hernando County Online?

Hernando County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:

Hernando County Clerk of Court Online Records Search:

Visit the Hernando County Clerk's Official Records Search.
No registration is required for basic searches.
Search by name, case number, or date range.
Access court dockets, case information, and some filed documents.
Records available include criminal court cases, judgments, and court calendars.
Some documents may require in-person viewing due to confidentiality restrictions.

Hernando County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:

Navigate to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office website.
Select "Inmate Search" from the available options.
Search by name or booking number.
View current inmates, booking photos, charges, and bond information.
Information is updated regularly but may not reflect very recent bookings.

Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search:

Access the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search.
Search by name, DC number, or other identifiers.
View information on current inmates and those on community supervision.
Records include sentence information, custody location, and release dates.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Public Access System:

Visit the FDLE Computerized Criminal History Search.
Registration and fees are required ($24 per search).
Provides official state criminal history information.
Results include arrests, charges, and dispositions reported to FDLE.

Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Records:

Access the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Records Search.
Search by name, case number, or filing date.
View case status, scheduled hearings, and court actions.
Some documents may require registration or in-person requests.

Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Certain records, particularly older cases or those with special confidentiality provisions, may only be available through in-person requests. Additionally, online information should be verified through official sources for complete accuracy.

Can You Search Hernando County Criminal Records for Free?

Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Florida Statute § 119.07(4), establishes the right to inspect public records at no charge, though reasonable fees may be assessed for copies. Hernando County offers several free options for accessing criminal records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

The Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court allows free public inspection of criminal court records during regular business hours.
Visitors may view records on public access terminals at the courthouse without charge.
Records must be viewed on-site and cannot be removed from the premises.
Location: 20 N Main Street, Room 362, Brooksville, FL 34601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Free Online Resources:

The Hernando County Clerk's Online Records Search provides free access to basic case information.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup is available at no cost.
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Records Search offers free access to case status information.
The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search provides free information on current inmates and those on supervision.

Free Public Records Terminals:

Dedicated public access computers are available at the Hernando County Public Library locations.
These terminals provide free access to certain public records databases.
Library staff can assist with basic navigation of these systems.
Main Library: 238 Howell Avenue, Brooksville, FL 34601

While inspection is free, fees apply for copies of records:

Standard copies: $0.15 per page
Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee
Research assistance: $20 per hour after the first 30 minutes (for extensive requests)

More comprehensive criminal history information from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires payment of a $24 fee per record search. Additionally, certain specialized searches or certified background checks may involve fees regardless of the method used.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office provides free limited criminal information through their website, but detailed incident reports and complete arrest records typically require payment of copy fees.

What's Included in a Hernando County Criminal Record?

Hernando County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Last known address
State Identification Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency and officer
Booking number and facility
Charges filed at arrest (Florida Statute violations)
Probable cause statement
Bail or bond amount
Detention facility information
Release date (if applicable)

Court Case Information:

Case number and filing date
Court of jurisdiction (County or Circuit)
Judge assigned to the case
Formal charges filed by prosecutor
Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
Plea information
Attorney of record (public defender or private counsel)
Court appearances and hearing dates
Motions filed and rulings
Trial information (if applicable)

Disposition Information:

Final verdict or outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
Appeal information (if applicable)
Probation/parole status and violations
Completion of sentence information

Additional Information:

Active warrants or capias orders
Protective or restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
DUI/DWI history and license restrictions
Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Prior criminal history references
Domestic violence indicators
Firearm possession restrictions

The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and applicable retention schedules. Some information may be redacted pursuant to exemptions under Florida public records law, particularly victim information, confidential informant details, or juvenile records.

How Long Does Hernando County Keep Criminal Records?

Hernando County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.021(2). These schedules dictate how long various criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed.

The retention periods for criminal records in Hernando County include:

Arrest Records:

Arrest reports and booking information: 100 years
Arrest warrants (executed): Retained with case file
Arrest warrants (unexecuted): Until death of subject or 100 years
Fingerprint cards: 75 years after creation
Mugshot photographs: 75 years after creation

Court Records:

Felony case files: 75 years after final disposition
Capital/Life felony cases: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic criminal case files: 5 years after final disposition
Domestic violence cases: 25 years after final disposition

Correctional Records:

Inmate files (county jail): 7 years after release
Inmate medical records: 7 years after last entry
Jail booking logs: 5 years after last entry
Probation records: 5 years after termination of probation

Investigative Records:

Criminal investigative records (unsolved): 100 years
Criminal investigative records (solved): 5 years after case closure
Evidence tracking records: 5 years after final disposition

Sex Offender Records:

Sex offender registration information: Permanent retention

These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly those with historical significance or those that have been digitized. The Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains court records according to the General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerk of Courts.

Criminal history information maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is generally retained for 75 years from the date of arrest or filing of formal charges. Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access but may be retained in limited confidential repositories for specific statutory purposes.

Digital conversion of older paper records is ongoing, which may extend the practical availability of historical criminal records beyond their required retention periods. However, the quality and completeness of older records may vary.