Find Free Hernando County Public Records: Arrest, Court, Criminal

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Free Hernando County Public Records Search

Access Hernando County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

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Acquire Hernando County public records for free online or through local agency offices.

Residents can efficiently locate information about marriage, divorce, property ownership, and court proceedings due to the federal Freedom of Information Act and the Florida Public Records Law. Criminal data such as warrants, arrests, and information on prisoners and probationers are accessible to members of the public as well.

Seamlessly perform a free public records search in Hernando County, Florida, with the help of this streamlined resource and helpful step-by-step guidance offered below.

How To Perform a Free Arrest Record Search in Hernando County Florida

Towns and cities in Hernando County do not have their own police departments. All police work and arrests are conducted by the Sheriff, whose office also maintains public records related to criminal activity.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office probably gets most requests for public records.¹ This office keeps databases that record various law enforcement actions to access and view at any time. There are separate databases for:

• Arrests made within the County
• Offense reports
• Civil data of individuals in the County who have been served within the past three days
• Arrests for economic crimes such as shoplifting

There is no cost to search any of the databases maintained by the Sheriff’s office. Paper copies are provided to victims of crime for free. Otherwise, there are photocopy fees for more than nine pages; the fees are as follows:

• Standard 8½” x 11” paper — $ .15 per single side sheet, .20 per double-side sheet
• 8½” x 14” paper — $ .15 per single side sheet, .20 per double side sheet

Arrests made by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office can be found using its online lookup tool.² It can be searched by first name, last name, date, or date range. There is also an option to search for the prior day’s arrests and use it to find someone’s mugshot.

In the event that an arrest has not yet been recorded in the database, researchers can visit the main office or two District offices to see the original paper copy.

Hernando County Sheriff – Main Office
18900 Cortez Boulevard
Brooksville, Florida 34601

Phone: 352.797.3635

Brooksville Office
87 Veterans Avenue
Brooksville, Florida 34601

Phone: 352.754.6800
Fax: 352.796.0493
Hours: 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. from Monday through Friday

Spring Hill Office
7499 Forest Oaks Boulevard
Spring Hill, Florida 34606

Phone: 352.688.5000
After office hours/weekends: 352.754.6830
Hours: 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. from Monday through Friday

Requests can also be emailed to [email protected].

Offense or police reports can be searched by recent dates, a date range, or street name.

Results show:

• Report number and date
• Type of offense and date(s)
• City and zone
• Status, such as offender arrested, closed incident, victim refused to prosecute

The results do not identify offenders or victims (if any) by name.

The Sheriff’s online database of past and current inmates can be searched for bookings into the County Detention Center. This database can be searched by:

• First name
• Last name
• Booking date range
• Release date

Returned search pages display:

• Inmate name
• Race
• Date of birth
• Booking number
• Booking date
• Offense(s)
• Image
• Link to the Homeland Security VINELink database

Each page listing includes a link for more information on jail statistics and additional data such as bookings, dates, inmate gender and age, and 30-day population statistics. Individual records are linked to the VINELink Homeland Security victims’ database. Click on the blue vine icon next to each booking photo to see the inmate’s VINELink record.

When searching this database, be sure the box labeled “Include Released” is unchecked to bring up current inmates only. They include:

• Persons who have been arrested and are being held without bond
• Persons who have been unable to post bail
• Inmates transferred from other states or counties for trial in Hernando County
• Inmates who have been sentenced to serve less than one year’s imprisonment

The jail does not provide information about the whereabouts of inmates who have been released.

Another option is to contact the Hernando County Detention Center using the information below:

Hernando County Detention Center
16425 Spring Hill Dr.
Brooksville, FL 34603

Phone: 353.544.2334
Fax: 352.544.2350

How To Search Criminal Records in Hernando County Florida

Criminal records include formal charges, indictments, arrest warrants, probation, and registries for sex offenders.

Hernando County has streamlined its online searching capabilities for anyone looking to conduct a free criminal record check.

Employers can look up someone’s criminal record before offering employment. Individuals can do the same for personal reasons. The contents of these records must be kept confidential.

Run a Criminal History Lookup Through the Hernando County Clerk of Court

The Hernando County’s Clerk of Court keeps its entire docket in an online court record database that can be used to conduct an anonymous search for any kind of court record, including criminal.⁴ Regular users can establish an account to receive updates on specific Hernando County court records.

Hernando County’s Circuit Court hears criminal cases specifically reserved for county courts by state law. This includes both non-traffic misdemeanors with sentences in the County jail up to one year and Criminal Traffic cases, such as serious traffic charges including evading law enforcement and a third DUI arrest.

The database can be searched anonymously by members of the public, who can also register to receive updates on cases.

To search Hernando County criminal court records, select Felony (CF) and enter a last name or business name. It may be necessary to narrow the search for a specific person with a first name or other data such as social security number or date of birth.

Click on a record and the View Search button at the bottom of the page to bring up the full record. A person who uses different aliases will have several listings for each one. The final case summary will show all aliases.

Select the UCN number at the top left of each summary page to view the full docket and other data:

• Judge assignment history
• Court dates, prosecutor, and defense attorney
• Sentencing information
• Financial information related to assessments and restitution
• Case reopen history and reasons, such as probation violation

Use the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ signs to open or close each section.

Use the Case Search tab if specific information such as the case sequence number, is readily available. This search type can also identify records from a type of court or year, although the search returns will probably be voluminous.

The Clerk of Circuit Court does not keep paper Hernando County judicial records onsite for in-person searches. Search requests can be phoned into 352.754.4201; press 4 to reach the records office. Residents can also submit record requests online.⁵

View Criminal Records in Hernando County Florida via the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court

Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit Court hears felony criminal cases not specifically assigned to county courts arising from Hernando and surrounding counties. The court does not maintain case files; requests for these go to the county court where the case was heard.

The Fifth Circuit’s General Counsel accepts record requests made in writing to:

Lake County Judicial Center
General Counsel
Suite 707, P.O. Box 7800
Tavares, FL 32778-7800 

The Fifth Circuit works with the State Attorney’s Office to provide public records. Records requests are accepted via email to [email protected], by calling 352.671.5800 or through US mail to the following address:

State Attorney’s Office
Public Records Request
110 N.W. 1st Ave., S. 5000
Ocala, FL 34475

Public records requested through these channels may incur a fee to offset research time and resources. Requesters can ask for an estimate. The office will provide estimates for requests that exceed 15 pages and require a 50% deposit before completing the research tasks. More information is on the agency’s Public Records webpage; scroll down to click on Public Records Request Information to access a PDF.⁶

Otherwise, the agency recommends searching for Hernando County criminal case records directly through the County’s own database.

How To Conduct a Hernando County Florida Warrant Search

The fastest way to find Hernando County warrants is by reviewing the Sheriff’s Local Warrants Report, which can be searched by start and/or end date, first and last name, or the street, city or state where the suspect resides.

The search results show the case or warrant number, the type of crime, and the subject’s full name and address.

Requests for copies can be sent to the Sheriff’s Office, which serves as the local records custodian for warrants:

Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
18900 Cortez Blvd
Brooksville FL 34601

Phone: 352.797.7365
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement hosts a database of wanted persons throughout the state.⁸

The database can be searched by name only, but search results will be narrowed down using first and last names. Other details to include are:

• Middle name or initial
• Nickname
• Race
• Sex
• Date of birth or age

A search result pulls up a list of details that include aliases, physical details, the offense, warrant number, and other details. Mugshots are also included when available.

How To Determine if a Hernando County Resident Is on Probation or Parole

The Hernando County Clerk of Court and Comptroller hosts an Online Court Records Search that can be browsed by name to see a specific offender’s status.

The database is not searchable by status; the office does not keep records on-site but can accept online record inquiries or by phone at 352.754.4201; press 4 to reach the records office.

The Florida DOC maintains an online Supervised Population Information Search tool used to search for probationers by name and corrections number.⁹

It cannot be searched by county. ​​For more information, contact the Probation Services.

The Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) oversees all Florida offenders on probation through its Office of Community Corrections. Its Hernando County office is in Brooksville and only provides probation and supervision services. Contact the Community Corrections main office for a records request.

Florida Department of Corrections Probation Services
501 S. Calhoun St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500

Phone: 850.717.3444
Fax: 850.487.4427
Email: [email protected]

The US Bureau of Prisons (BOP) runs an Inmate Locator that tracks the status of current and past Federal inmates, including parole dates. The tool can be searched by name, age, race, and sex and is free to use.

Click on the ‘Find By Number’ tab and select the type of number to search by: BOP, FBI, Immigration (INS), or the number assigned by the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DCDC).

There may be records for people who have been in BOP custody who ultimately did not serve time. Examples include:

• Pre-trial detainees whose charges were ultimately dropped
• Material witnesses considered flight risks
• People held for civil contempt

In addition, there may not be records for inmates released before 1982. Their records can be searched by filing a Freedom of Information Act with the BOP (FOIA). BOP also has a free database that holds records for common FOIA requests.

Written and phone requests can be sent to the BOP at:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First St., NW
Washington, DC, 20534

Phone: 202.307.3198

The BOP may charge fees to cover research time and record reproduction.

How To Execute a Criminal Background Check in Hernando County Florida

Employers, licensing agencies, landlords and others can request criminal background checks before offering employment or making an official decision.

The state conducts instant criminal background searches for $24 plus fees for credit card processing and notarization requests.¹⁰

Furthermore, individuals can run background check for personal purposes, such as curiosity and the desire to learn more about another person. 

The reason for personal public record searches does not need to be stated and the subject does not have to provide consent. However, the information found cannot be used to harass, stalk, intimidate, or otherwise violate that person’s civil liberties.

Employers must obtain the consent of a potential employee to conduct a criminal background search on them. People who have agreed to a background search have the right to request a copy of the report and dispute or correct any part of it.

Local criminal justice and law enforcement agencies provide background checks and fingerprinting services in Florida. The Hernando County Sheriff can conduct local background checks for individuals and employers through its Records Section.

Requesters can call, email, or visit the office in person. Calling ahead before visiting is recommended. The contact information can be found below. At this time, fees are not posted.

The Hernando County Sheriff also runs name checks for Level 1 background checks for volunteer positions with local groups. Level 2 background checks are often required to work in eldercare and childcare and to obtain medical, insurance, and firearms licenses. These kinds of checks require an individual to voluntarily provide fingerprints.

The Hernando County Sheriff provides fingerprinting services for County residents only and for free.¹¹ Proof of residence must be provided. Fingerprinting services are offered at two locations; appointments are strongly recommended.

Hernando County Sheriff Main Office
18900 Cortez Blvd.
Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: 352.797.3635
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST

Calendar for Appointment Requests

Hernando County Sheriff District 2 Office
7499 Forest Oaks Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL

Appointment Request Calendar

Residents applying for work with public agencies – except those in Hernando County – should bring the agency’s ORI number to the appointment.

In addition to the agencies and processes seen in this resource, the fastest way for individuals and businesses to run a criminal background check on anyone in Florida is to use one of the online search tools provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement – an Instant Search or a Certified/Non-Certified Search.

• Instant Search — costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee; debit or credit cards only are accepted.
• Certified/Non-Certified Search — costs $24 and customers provide demographic information; searches can be notarized for an additional fee, and results are returned via US Mail.

Employers who conduct criminal background checks must follow Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and FTC rules. For this reason, they should use official, government-run search services.

Individuals who feel they have been discriminated against in obtaining employment can file a charge with the EEOC. They can also file a complaint with the FTC when they discover an employer obtained a background check information without their consent, or they were denied employment without receiving the required notices.

How To Access State & Federal Resources To Find Criminal Cases in Florida

While local criminal records can be found via county agencies, it can be extremely helpful to conduct broader searches through state and federal agencies that host criminal history information on Floridians.

Here are some options for tracking down details of someone’s criminal past in Florida via state and federal record custodians:

• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) performs criminal background checks for the public for $24, plus fees for credit card processing and–if requested–notarization.
• FDLE provides links to sex offender registries for every state and the National Sex Offender Registry to assist concerned citizens with finding information on convicted offenders in their area.^13,14
• Florida County Clerks maintain criminal cases heard by all courts in the county, including those heard in a Circuit Court.
• Florida’s Supreme Court recently launched a new online repository for appeals court rulings and is transitioning older case records from its older docket. Cases heard in any of the state’s six district appeals courts and the Supreme Court after March 3, 2023 appear on the new repository.
• The Online Public Docket is still functioning, but can only be searched by case number. Please note that its web pages are not secure.
• The Florida Department of Corrections’ Offender Search Network maintains several types of inmate databases.
• The U.S. Bureau of Prisons’ online Inmate Locator delivers information about current inmates. Past inmate records are also available but do not provide their current residence. Individuals can be found by their names or BOP numbers.
• Federal criminal cases can be searched using the online PACER database. Users must register with the service. PACER charges 10 cents per page accessed, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document. Users are billed quarterly if they accrue more than $30 in any one quarter.
• For cases prior to 1999, contact the Federal Records Center closest to the court that heard the case. There is a $64 fee to retrieve a document.
• The Federal Judicial Center’s Integrated Data Base that contains data — but not court documents — on criminal defendant filings in US District Courts. Data sets can be downloaded for cases from 1970. Click on the IDB Dataset list to download or view the data.

How To Track Down Court Records in Hernando County Florida by Name

Anyone from the public can search court records from Hernando County online and for free. There are 14 types of courts in Hernando County, including the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.

Records can be searched by name or business name and court type.

The Hernando County Clerk handles requests to directly provide court cases as well.¹⁵ Inquiries can be made in person and anonymously at the address below:

Hernando County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller
Attn: Debbie Kennedy, Director of Strategy & Data Integrity
20 N. Main St., Room 362
Brooksville, FL 34601

Phone: 352.540.6361
Fax: 352.754.4239
Email: [email protected]

Requests for circuit court cases are processed by the Clerk of Court for the county in which the case was heard. Researchers can also go online to find records of cases appealed to any of Florida’s six District Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Cases can also be requested by phone at 850.488.0125, email to [email protected], or by mailing a request to the Court.

The Fifth District Court of Appeals, which includes Hernando County, has an online database of appealed cases that can be searched for free.

Records for federal court cases are kept online in the Public Access to Court Electronics Records (PACER) database.¹⁶  The following links may prove useful in a record search as well:

• Paper records are kept in Federal Records Centers. See more information on accessing Federal court records.
• The Supreme Court’s online docket includes all cases from 2001.
• The National Archives maintains scanned Supreme Court case documents from 1791 – 1995.

How To Acquire Vital Records (Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death) in Hernando County Florida

Vital records such as births, deaths, marriages, domestic partnerships, and divorce are maintained by government agencies and are available to members of the public, but some remain confidential for a specified time before being released.

Regardless, vital records help individuals with various legal processes and help officials decide on priorities for public health, economic policy, social services, and to track progress in these areas.

Individuals may want to see vital records to find out if someone is married or to obtain a lost or missing certificate of birth. Families need a certificate of death to settle the accounts of a deceased member, claim life insurance and other benefits, and close accounts or adjust joint ones.

Genealogy research is another reason to obtain vital records, especially marriage certificates and birth certificates.

Check Marriage & Divorce Records in Hernando County Through the Clerk of Court or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics

The Clerk of Circuit Court keeps Hernando County marriage records in a searchable database.¹⁷ To start the search, select the ‘Quick Search’ option in the box beneath the icons.

The next page shows a sidebar listing different search criteria. Select ‘Marriage’ to search by name or date range.

If searching by name, search results include last names longer than the one entered; a search for “Field” will also bring up “Fields,” “Fielding,” and so on. Select a record to see if a marriage record has been scanned in since not all records show this.

To inquire about specific Hernando County divorce records, contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office:

Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
Attn: Debbie Kennedy, Director of Strategy & Data Integrity
20 N. Main Street, Room 362
Brooksville, FL 34601

Phone: 352.540.6361
Fax: 352.754.4239
Email: [email protected]

Marriage certificates issued in Hernando County can be viewed online by searching the County’s official records. Select a name search or click on the search box default to reach a search page listing search options, including marriage records.

Specific divorce decrees can be obtained through a public records request to the Clerk’s office.

Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
Attn: Debbie Kennedy, Director of Strategy & Data Integrity
20 N. Main Street, Room 362
Brooksville, FL 34601

Phone: 352.540.6361
Fax: 352.754.4239
Email: [email protected]

Additionally, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics requires people purchasing copies of marriage certificates and divorce records to provide information about themselves and the couples. Carefully review the information needed for each type of order, the different fees, and fill out the marriage certificate request form or the divorce certificate request form.

The same information may be mailed to the Bureau:

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

The National Center for Health Statistics offers guidance to obtain information about vital statistics collected outside the U.S., including births, deaths, and marriages.¹⁹

As a last resort, there may be privately-run sites that gather Florida divorce records, but this approach can’t be used if the record is needed for official purposes.

Obtain Birth & Death Records via the Hernando County Health Department or the Florida Department of Health

Complete birth and death certificates are kept confidential for several years under Florida law; Florida protects certificates of birth less than 125 years old. Copies are provided only to the parents listed on the birth certificate, registrants over the age of 18, or legal guardians who can show proof of guardianship.

Otherwise, a birth certificate can only be released under a court order.

Birth records in Hernando County are most reliably found through the Vital Records Office at the Brooksville Courthouse. This office has partnered with the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics to make certified documents of birth available to residents without having to order directly through the state agency.

Individuals seeking a birth record must be the subject named on the record (if 18 years of age or above) or one of the parents listed on the certificate. Applicants should bring $18.25 in cash and a current state identification card, passport, or driver’s license to the following address:

Brooksville Courthouse
20 N. Main St., Rm. 112
Brooksville Florida 34601

Phone: 352.754.4201
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm

Note: Each copy of a birth record following the first document will only cost an additional $10; credit or debit card payments will be accepted but will be charged an extra fee. The office can be reached at 352.754.4180 for further information or assistance.

Birth documents can also be ordered at the state level if the birth happened in a neighboring county.

After filling out an Application for a Certificate of Birth and paying the $12 fee ($10 per additional copy ordered at the same time) by cash, check, money order, or credit card to the Hernando County Health Department, they’ll partner with the Florida Department of Health to provide official records in a timely manner.²⁰ A valid photo ID must be presented at the time of purchase.

Death certificates may be accessed at the county level by utilizing the Hernando County Official Records Search; users should select “Certificate” under “Document Category”, specify a date range (optional), and then browse search results for relevant information on deaths that occurred within the county.

Once a death record has been provided, the decedent’s birth certificate may be marked as “deceased” and a copy issued to immediate family members of legal age.

Certificates of death, including for fetal death, that list a cause of death are kept confidential for 50 years.

Only immediate family and those who can show they are named in a will can request a death certificate, available via the Florida Department of Health for $10 each copy after the individual completes and submits an Application for a Certificate of Death.

Requests may be made by mail or phone at:

Bureau of Vital Statistics
Florida Department of Health
PO Box 210
Jacksonville Florida 32231

Phone: 904.359.6900

Otherwise, death certificates can be ordered without the cause of death or SSN listed if within the 50 years following the event.

How To View Free Hernando County Property Records

Florida has a long history as a retirement destination. More recently, it’s attracted people seeking economic opportunities, especially in the state’s booming tech industry. Hernando County’s location on the Gulf Coast’s more moderate climate makes it a particularly desirable location for people looking to relocate here.

The Hernando County Property Appraiser hosts a free, searchable property database for the county that delivers useful insights into property values, taxes, housing structures, and recent sales data. Property data files are updated weekly and can be downloaded at no charge.

The County Appraiser also serves as the Custodian of Public Records. Contact the Appraiser to request a specific record:

Hernando County Appraiser’s Office
201 Howell Ave., Ste. 300
Brooksville, FL 34601

Phone: 352.754.4190
Fax: 352.754.4198
Email: [email protected]

The Hernando County Tax Collector’s office also offers a free property records search for tax view or payment purposes and other services. The search tool can be browsed by providing the name of the owner, address, or account number which will display the property’s account summary, bill details and parcel information.

For more information, searchers may contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 352.754.4180, send an email through [email protected] or visit:

Hernando County Tax Collector’s Main Office
20 North Main Street, Room 112
Brooksville, Florida 34601

Fax: 354.754.4189

The Hernando County Clerk’s Office also provides an official records search tool serving as a guide to where the different types of records can be found including property information. The search result displays a link that is routed to the official custodian’s website with the more details of a specific property.

In addition to this, the Clerk’s office offers a free Property Fraud alert service where the subscriber will be emailed every time a land record document under the requested name is recorded.²²

An Overview of US Citizens’ Rights & Using Public Records Found via Hernando County Agencies Responsibly

Florida’s Open Meeting Laws and Sunshine Law gives the public, not just citizens, access to meetings held by a government body and unlimited access to public records and documents.

This allows them to:

• View and correct their own public records
• See public index files in the medium that they are kept in (electronic, paper)
• Hold public agencies accountable for their actions
• Identify and report discriminatory activities

There are also responsibilities to keep in mind when accessing and viewing public records, including:

• Respecting the privacy of people whose records are obtained
• Agreeing to agency requirements stated before accessing online directories
• Refraining from using public records in an illegal manner, such as blackmail, harassment, or stalking
• Understanding the difference between personal and professional uses and not combining the two

Personal use refers to gaining knowledge for one’s benefit or protection. Professional use is limited to business decisions, such as hiring, creating a partnership, or renting property.

Public records searches or background checks for professional use have more restrictions and rights implemented by the law.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws where it is illegal to discriminate against job applicants and employees due to their race, color, origin, sex, religion, and other diversifying characteristics of people. Anyone who experiences discrimination at their workplace may file a complaint through the EEOC or complete the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ online complaint form.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) protects consumers from any fraudulent and unfair business practices, including businesses conducting background checks on individuals without their consents. These individuals may file a complaint through the FTC Report Fraud portal.²³

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) imposes many laws protecting consumers’ information. It gives individuals the right to know what is in their file, dispute any inaccurate information they may find in their records, and receive consent requests for any records their employers will take.