Since the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, the State of Florida Public Records have been made opened to the local residents of the state. By making it public, the residents have the visibility and have control over their personal documents as well as their safety. Criminal records are one of the documents that have been opened to the public.
Residents of Florida can request copies of documents such as birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce licenses as well as criminal records. Birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates are used primarily in government transactions since it would serve as a document to verify one’s identity and marital status. Each document can only be used for a certain type of transaction. For example, in order to claim the insurance of a deceased family member, the death certificate has to be presented. The same goes when conducting a background check since it would require only a criminal record to do so.
Since each document is used uniquely, the information that can be obtained from each of the document is unique to itself. This means that information about the death of an individual cannot be found on a marriage certificate, the same for the rest of the other types of document. They may have unique information but they all have one thing in common: the personal details of the person involved. A public document would not be complete and valid without the complete name of the person involved as well as the birth details. Criminal records would contain serious information about the crimes an individual has committed
Depending on the type of document that is needed, one should know where to get a copy of a certain document. Personal documents of Florida are archived at the office of the Vital Records Section. Fees would vary depending on the type of document being requested. Personal documents can range from $5 to $20. Criminal records on the other hand, would cost starting at $20. One can get a copy of a criminal record from the office of the state’s Department of Public Safety. The local county office where the event has been registered can also provide the document especially if it has just been recently registered.
One should know that although Florida public documents are open for public access, the state would only give out the document to the person involved and their immediate family or those who has a special request or authority to do so. One should know the basic information of the document that is being obtained in order to proceed with the search. Also, the one who requested the document has to provide their contact details on the request form. The same would go when requesting for a copy of a criminal record in the state of Florida.
With the Internet used as a tool for sharing information, getting any of the public documents of Florida is now a breeze. Doing the search online makes it faster and convenient. A lot of websites are now offering to get a copy of any of the public documents of the state. Some would even offer a free government public records search.
Having trouble searching FL Public Records, we can help you. Visit our dedicated website at ancestry.com and find detailed information and tips on Public Records.. Also published at Florida Free Public Records Search.