Leon County Warrant Records Lookup

Leon County warrant records are available through the Leon County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Tallahassee. As the home of Florida's state capital, Leon County has about 290,000 residents and a court system that handles a steady volume of warrant cases. The sheriff's office runs a dedicated warrant search tool on its website. You can also check the FDLE statewide database for free. The clerk's office keeps court case dockets that include bench warrant and capias entries. Public records access in Leon County is broad, and multiple paths exist for looking up warrant information.

Leon County Sheriff's Office Warrants

The Leon County Sheriff's Office handles all warrant service in the county. LCSO is based at 2825 Municipal Way in Tallahassee. You can reach them at (850) 606-3300. The office has a dedicated Warrants Unit that tracks down people with outstanding warrants in Leon County. They also have a Civil Process Unit that handles the service of civil court papers. Together, these units manage the bulk of warrant activity that flows through the county.

The sheriff's office has a warrant search page on its website where the public can look up active warrants in Leon County.

This is one of the few sheriff's offices in Florida that offers a direct warrant search on its own site. You type in a name and the system shows any active warrants tied to that person in Leon County. The results include the charge and warrant type. It is free to use and does not require an account.

Under Florida Statute 901.04, warrants are directed to all sheriffs in the state. A warrant from Leon County can be served by any law enforcement officer in Florida. Deputies in Leon County can also serve warrants that were issued in other counties.

Note: The LCSO warrant search shows warrants filed in Leon County and may not include warrants from other jurisdictions.

Leon County Clerk of Court Records

The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all court case files that include warrant information. The clerk's office is at 301 S. Monroe Street in Tallahassee. You can call (850) 577-4000 for help. When a judge in Leon County signs a bench warrant or capias, the clerk logs it into the case docket. You can search these records through the clerk's online portal.

The clerk's system lets you search by defendant name or case number. Warrant activity appears in the case docket once it is filed with the court. For copies of court documents tied to a warrant in Leon County, visit the clerk's office in person or submit a written request. The clerk handles records for the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which includes Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties.

How to Search Leon County Warrants

Leon County gives you more search options than most Florida counties. Start with the LCSO warrant search on the sheriff's website. It is free and shows active warrants filed in Leon County. For a broader check, use the FDLE Public Access System. That tool pulls data from all 67 counties and is also free.

The clerk's online case search is useful when you need to look at bench warrants or capias entries in a specific court case in Leon County. Each of these tools covers a different piece of the picture. Here are your main options:

• LCSO warrant search for active warrants in Leon County
• FDLE Public Access System for statewide active warrants
• Leon County Clerk online case search for bench warrants and capias
• Sheriff's office by phone at (850) 606-3300

Warrant Types in Leon County

Several types of warrants show up in Leon County records. Arrest warrants are the most frequent. A judge issues one after finding probable cause as required by Florida Statute 901.02. Bench warrants come when someone misses a court date. A capias is similar and can be issued by the clerk. Violation of probation warrants are also common in Leon County, especially through the 2nd Judicial Circuit probation office.

Search warrants are different from arrest warrants. Under Florida Statute 933.07, a search warrant must be executed within 14 days or it becomes void. Arrest warrants in Leon County do not have an expiration date. They stay active until the person is found or the judge recalls the warrant. A warrant from years ago can still result in an arrest during any contact with law enforcement.

Note: Probation violation warrants in Leon County sometimes take longer to appear in the FDLE system because they go through the circuit probation office first.

Public Access to Leon County Warrants

Warrant records in Leon County are public under Florida's Sunshine Law. Florida Statute 119.07 says anyone can look at and copy public records held by state and local agencies. You do not need to be the person named on the warrant. No reason is needed for your request. Both the sheriff's office and the clerk of courts in Leon County must follow this law.

Some records are exempt. Active criminal intelligence and investigative information can be withheld. Search warrant affidavits may be sealed until the warrant is served or law enforcement decides it will not be carried out. Under Florida Statute 901.16, an officer arresting someone on a warrant must tell the person why they are being arrested. The officer does not need to have the physical warrant at the time of arrest, but must show it if asked.

What to Do About a Warrant

If you find a warrant in your name in Leon County, talk to a lawyer before taking any action. Do not go to a police station or the jail without legal advice. When you turn yourself in, you go into custody before you can post bond. A bail bondsman can help you understand the process. Many people in Leon County have their attorney contact the Warrants Unit at LCSO to arrange a planned surrender.

Warrants in Leon County do not expire. They stay active until you are found or the judge dismisses them. Even a very old warrant can result in arrest during a routine traffic stop or any other contact with police. Dealing with it sooner gives you more control over how things play out.

Cities in Leon County

Leon County is home to Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida. All warrant records in the county go through the Leon County Sheriff's Office and the 2nd Judicial Circuit courts.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Leon County. If you are not sure which county handles a warrant, check the address where the offense took place. Warrants are filed in the county where the case was opened.