Franklin County Florida DUI Records are public court documents that show DUI charges, arrests, and case outcomes filed within the county’s jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Franklin County Clerk of Court and connected to statewide databases for driving history and criminal background checks.
Anyone needing a Florida DUI arrest record, Florida DUI conviction record, or a Florida DUI case lookup can start with the county system and expand to state tools when broader results are needed.
This page covers how to perform a DUI records search in Franklin County, request certified copies, understand Florida DUI law citations, and cross-check results with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) driving history report system. Whether you need a Florida DUI driving history report for personal use, employment screening, or legal preparation, the process is straightforward once you know which offices handle which record types.
What Franklin County DUI Records Contain
Franklin County DUI records store case data from traffic stops, arrests, court filings, and administrative actions. A single DUI case can appear in multiple record systems depending on how the charge was handled.
Case Type Breakdown
Franklin County DUI charges fall into three main categories based on the severity of the offense and prior record. Each category generates different documents and court procedures.
- Misdemeanor DUI: First or second offense with no injury. Filed in county court. Most common type in Franklin County DUI records.
- Felony DUI: Third or subsequent offense, DUI with serious bodily injury, or DUI manslaughter. Filed in circuit court.
- Boating DUI (BUI): Filed separately when the offense occurred on waterways under Florida Fish and Wildlife jurisdiction.
Information Found in DUI Case Files
A standard Franklin County DUI case file includes the arrest report, charging affidavit, breath or blood test results, court docket entries, and final disposition. When you request a Florida DUI citation record, you receive the Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) that law enforcement filed at the time of the stop.
| Record Type | Source Office | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest Report | Franklin County Sheriff | Public records request |
| Court Docket | Clerk of Court | Online portal or in-person |
| Driving History | FLHSMV | Online or mail request |
| Criminal History | FDLE | Name-based search |
How to Search DUI Records in Franklin County
A Florida DUI case lookup in Franklin County starts with the county’s online court records system and expands to state databases when needed. Using a staged search method produces cleaner results with fewer false matches.
Starting With the County Clerk Portal
The Franklin County Clerk of Court maintains the official case records for all DUI filings. Begin your search with the full legal name of the defendant and a date range covering the year of the arrest. If common names appear, add a date of birth or case number to confirm the match.
Confirming Case Details
After you find a possible match, verify the case number, filing date, and division (misdemeanor, felony, or traffic). Florida DUI conviction records show the final judgment, including adjudication, withholding of adjudication, probation terms, fines, and license suspension periods. Cross-referencing these details prevents confusion between cases with similar names.
Using the Civitek Florida System
Franklin County court records also appear through the Civitek Florida platform, which connects to the official clerk database. This system lets you search Florida court records search DUI filings by name, case number, or citation number. Results include hearing dates, document images, and final dispositions.
Franklin County Clerk of Court DUI Records Access
The Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all DUI cases filed in Franklin County. The office handles in-person requests, online lookups, and certified copy services.
Online Access Through the County Website
The Franklin County official website at franklincountyflorida.com provides a starting point for court records searches. Users can access the clerk’s office contact details, public records request forms, and links to the online docket system.
Franklin County Court Records Portal
The Franklin County Court Records portal at franklincountycourts.org hosts the searchable case index. This Florida DUI online search tool returns active and closed cases with basic docket data. To view full document images, you may need to create a user account and pay a small subscription fee.
This image shows the live Franklin County DUI records access point used to begin a name-based or case-number search.
This screenshot displays the Civitek Florida homepage, which connects to the Franklin County clerk database for DUI case lookups.
This image shows the Franklin County Court Records portal used for accessing DUI docket entries and document images.
Requesting Certified Copies
For legal proceedings, employment background checks, or immigration cases, you may need a certified copy of the DUI record. Submit a written request to the clerk’s office with the case number, defendant name, date of birth, and document type. Certified copies include a raised seal and clerk signature, making them valid for court use in any Florida county.
Florida DUI Laws and Statute References
Florida DUI law is governed by two main statutes that determine how charges are filed and how driving records are updated. Knowing these statutes helps you understand what your Franklin County DUI records will contain.
Florida Statute 316.193 (Driving Under the Influence)
Florida Statute 316.193 defines DUI offenses, penalties, and sentencing guidelines. It covers impairment from alcohol, controlled substances, or chemical substances. The BAC limit for adults is .08, and .04 for commercial drivers. This statute also covers enhanced penalties for high BAC (.15 or higher) and minors with any measurable alcohol.
Florida Statute 322.2615 (Administrative Review)
Florida Statute 322.2615 governs the automatic administrative actions taken by FLHSMV after a DUI arrest. This includes the 10-day review period during which a driver can request a formal review hearing to challenge the license suspension. Results of this review appear in the FLHSMV driving record DUI section, separate from the criminal court case.
10-Day Administrative Review Window
Florida law gives drivers a 10-day window after a DUI arrest to request a formal review of their license suspension. This review is separate from the criminal case and appears in the FLHSMV driving history report. Missing this deadline often results in an automatic six-month or one-year license suspension depending on the charge.
FLHSMV Driving Record DUI Search
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) maintains the official driving record for every licensed driver in the state. DUI convictions and administrative suspensions appear in this report.
How to Request a Florida HSMV Driving Record
To request an FLHSMV driving record, visit the official FLHSMV website and complete the Driving Record Request form (HSMV 90305). You will need the driver’s license number, date of birth, and a small fee. The report includes all DUI convictions, suspensions, revocations, and points on the license.
What the Report Shows
The FLHSMV driving record lists DUI convictions by date, court of conviction, and case number. It also shows administrative suspensions from refusals or breath test failures. For employment screening or insurance purposes, the 3-year and 7-year certified driving record options are available.
Differences Between Court and Driving Records
Court records show the criminal case outcome. Driving records show the impact on the license. A DUI case can result in acquittal in court but still trigger an administrative license suspension. Always check both systems for a complete picture.
Step-by-Step DUI Records Request Process
Follow these steps to obtain Franklin County DUI records efficiently. Each step builds on the previous one, reducing errors and turnaround time.
- Run a Name Search: Start with the Franklin County clerk online portal using the defendant’s full legal name and year of birth.
- Capture the Case Number: Write down the case number, filing date, and division for any matching record.
- Confirm Case Status: Check the docket for active or closed status, hearing dates, and final disposition.
- Submit a Copy Request: Contact the clerk’s office with the case details to request certified or non-certified copies.
- Request the FLHSMV Driving Record: If license-related data is needed, submit form HSMV 90305 to the state office.
- Run an FDLE Criminal History: For statewide conviction data, use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement criminal history search.
Franklin County Courthouse Contact Details
When online searches are incomplete or you need staff assistance, contacting the Franklin County Courthouse directly produces faster results. The clerk’s office staff can confirm where DUI case files are stored, explain copy certification steps, and direct you to the right department.
Physical Address and Hours
The Franklin County Courthouse is located at 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The clerk’s office handles walk-in requests for certified copies during these hours.
Phone and Online Contact
Call the clerk’s office at (850) 653-9783 for record questions or to confirm document availability. The county website at franklincountyflorida.com provides additional contact forms and office directories.
Florida DUI Records by County
Franklin County is one of 67 Florida counties where DUI records are filed. Each county has its own clerk system, but the same state statutes apply. For comparison purposes, here are direct links to other major Florida county DUI record sources.
Major Florida County DUI Record Systems
The table below lists major Florida counties with their primary DUI record search portals. Use these links to expand a search beyond Franklin County.
| County | Primary Record Portal |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Official Clerk Portal |
| Broward | Broward County Court Records |
| Orange | Orange County Clerk Search |
| Hillsborough | Hillsborough County Court Records |
| Palm Beach | Palm Beach County Clerk |
| Duval | Duval County Court Records |
| Pinellas | Pinellas County Clerk Portal |
Cross-County DUI Searches
If a person has lived or been arrested in multiple Florida counties, each county clerk must be searched separately. The FDLE criminal history search aggregates conviction data statewide but may not include pending cases or recent arrests that have not yet been processed.
FDLE Criminal History Search for DUI
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) offers a name-based criminal history search that includes DUI convictions reported by all Florida counties. This tool is useful for background checks and verifying statewide conviction records.
Submitting an FDLE Request
Visit the FDLE website and complete the Criminal History Request form. Provide the subject’s full name, date of birth, race, and sex. A small fee applies for each search. Results are returned by mail or email within a few business days.
Limitations of FDLE Records
FDLE records only show reported convictions. Pending cases, dropped charges, and recent arrests not yet entered into the system will not appear. For a complete record, combine FDLE results with county clerk searches and FLHSMV driving history reports.
Florida DUI Driving History Report Options
Florida offers three types of certified driving records. The option you choose depends on the purpose of the request.
3-Year Driving Record
The 3-year certified record covers the last three years of driving activity, including DUI convictions and license actions. This is the most common option for employment background checks and insurance purposes.
7-Year Driving Record
The 7-year record covers a longer history. Some employers and licensing boards require this version for positions involving transportation or sensitive work environments.
Complete Driving Record
The complete record shows the full lifetime driving history. This option is typically used for legal proceedings, immigration cases, or personal review.
Common DUI Record Search Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Franklin County DUI records, Florida DUI public records, and related search methods.
Are DUI records public in Florida?
Yes. Florida DUI court records are public under Florida’s Public Records Law. Anyone can search the clerk’s online portal or visit the courthouse to view case dockets. Some documents may be temporarily sealed or restricted if the court orders confidentiality.
How long do DUI convictions stay on a Florida driving record?
DUI convictions remain on a Florida driving record permanently. However, the surcharge period for insurance purposes is typically three years. Older convictions may carry less weight in current court proceedings but still appear in official reports.
Can I remove a DUI from my record in Florida?
Florida does not allow DUI expungement or record sealing for convictions. A withhold of adjudication is not eligible for expungement either. Only a full pardon from the Governor or Executive Clemency Board can remove a DUI from a Florida record.
Do DUI arrests show up if charges were dropped?
Yes. An arrest record appears in the criminal history even if charges are dropped or the case is dismissed. The arrest entry remains unless a court order seals or expunges it, which is not available for DUI arrests under current Florida law.
Can I search DUI records by name only?
Yes. The Franklin County clerk portal and FDLE criminal history search both allow name-based searches. Results are more accurate when you add a date of birth or known case number.
How do I check my own Florida DUI driving record?
Submit form HSMV 90305 to the FLHSMV with your driver’s license number and date of birth. The report is delivered online or by mail. Self-requests often produce faster turnaround times than third-party requests.
What is the BAC limit for a DUI in Florida?
The BAC limit for adult drivers in Florida is .08. Commercial drivers face a .04 limit, and drivers under 21 face a .02 limit. A BAC of .15 or higher triggers enhanced penalties including longer license suspension and higher fines.