Taylor County Florida DUI records are public court files anyone can look up through the county clerk and statewide systems. This page shows where to search, how to request copies, and what each DUI file contains for cases filed in Taylor County, Florida.
Use the steps below to pull court records, driver records, and criminal history tied to a Taylor County DUI case.
Taylor County Florida DUI Records Office
The Taylor County Clerk of Court keeps all DUI case files for the county. Most DUI cases move through the Taylor County Courthouse in Perry, Florida. You can visit the office in person or use the online tools the clerk provides for case lookups. The clerk’s office works with the State Attorney’s office, the public defender, and local law enforcement to process every DUI filing in the county.
Main Office Address and Hours
The Taylor County Clerk sits at the Taylor County Courthouse in downtown Perry. The full street address is 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on federal and Florida state holidays. Plan your visit on a weekday morning to avoid the longest lines at the records desk.
You can reach the clerk’s main phone line at (850) 838-3506. A short call before your visit helps confirm which department handles DUI file copies. The clerk’s office handles civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. DUI files fall under the criminal traffic or misdemeanor division based on charge level. Staff can point you to the right counter when you arrive.
Taylor County Clerk Official Website
The Taylor County Clerk runs an official website at https://www.taylorclerk.com/. The site gives public access to court records search tools. You can look up DUI cases by full name, case number, or filing date range through the portal. The portal updates daily with new docket entries and orders from the judge.
The online portal works best when you know the full legal name of the person you search for. Adding a date of birth helps cut down on wrong name matches. The portal shows hearing dates, plea entries, sentence orders, and case status for both open and closed DUI files. Court costs and fine totals also appear on the case summary page.
Two screenshots from the Taylor County Clerk portal show the public search screen and the court records page you will see when you start a DUI lookup. These source images come from the live clerk website.
The first screenshot shows the home page of the Taylor County Clerk website where DUI record searches begin. Visitors enter names or case numbers on this screen.
The second screenshot shows the Taylor County court records search results page that pulls DUI case files from the county database.
How to Search DUI Records in Taylor County
Taylor County DUI record searches work best when you follow a clear method. Start with the county clerk portal. Then confirm the case with the court docket. Finish by checking the Florida driver record for license actions tied to the DUI case. This three-step method cuts down on wrong matches and gives you the most complete picture of a person’s DUI history.
Search by Full Name
A name search is the most common way to look up DUI records in Taylor County. Enter the person’s full legal name as it appears on the court file. Use last name first, then first name, then middle name or initial. The portal matches names against the full court database across all case types.
If the search returns more than one match, add a date of birth or a known case year. This narrows the results to the right person. Name searches may show traffic infractions, criminal charges, and civil cases. Look only at criminal traffic and misdemeanor records to spot DUI entries. Open cases show pending hearing dates. Closed cases show the final disposition.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives the fastest result. The case number format for Taylor County DUI cases looks like 2024-CT-000123. The year comes first. Then the case type code. Then the sequence number for the year. Misdemeanor DUI cases use the CT code. Felony DUI cases use the CF code.
You can pick up the case number on a traffic citation, court summons, or prior record request. Enter the full case number with dashes or slashes as shown on the source document. The portal returns the exact case file with all hearings and orders. Case number searches avoid name match issues and pull the full docket in one click.
Search by Citation Number
Some DUI records link back to a traffic citation number. The citation number shows on the Uniform Traffic Citation the officer gave at the stop. Each citation has a unique number tied to the issuing agency. Perry Police Department citations start with PP. Sheriff’s Office citations start with SO. Florida Highway Patrol citations start with FHP.
Enter the citation number in the clerk portal search box. The system pulls the matching court case. This method works well for recent DUI stops where a court case has not started yet. The citation number also helps the State Attorney’s office track the case before filing. You can call the clerk at (850) 838-3506 if the citation number does not pull a result.
Florida DUI Charge Types and Court Files
Florida law lists DUI charges under Florida Statute 316.193. The charge level depends on past offenses, blood alcohol content, and harm caused. Taylor County DUI files fall into three main court file types based on these facts. Each type sits in a different court docket and carries different penalties.
First-Time Misdemeanor DUI Cases
A first DUI with no crash and no prior record is a misdemeanor. The file goes into the Taylor County misdemeanor criminal traffic docket. Most first-time DUI cases end with probation, fines, and a license suspension. The court may also order DUI school, ignition interlock, or community service.
The court file shows the arrest report, breath or blood test results, plea entry, and sentencing order. Court costs and fine amounts also appear in the file. A first DUI in Florida carries up to a $1,000 fine. A second DUI can raise the fine to $2,000. Probation terms and license action dates are listed in the sentencing order.
Felony DUI Charges in Taylor County
A third DUI within ten years, or a fourth DUI at any time, becomes a felony. The file moves to the felony criminal docket at the Taylor County Courthouse. Felony DUI cases carry prison time and longer license revocations. Florida uses a ten-year lookback period to count prior DUI convictions.
The court file for a felony DUI has more documents. It includes prior conviction records, enhancement paperwork, and sentencing guidelines scoresheets. Florida uses these scoresheets to set the minimum prison term for felony DUI cases. Defense motions, discovery requests, and pretrial hearing transcripts also appear in felony DUI files. The clerk charges higher copy fees for felony files due to the larger size.
DUI Cases with Crash or Injury
A DUI that causes property damage, serious bodily injury, or death gets a separate charge level. Property damage DUI stays a misdemeanor. A DUI with serious injury becomes a third-degree felony. A DUI manslaughter charge is a second-degree felony. Florida Statute 316.193 covers the criminal side. Florida Statute 316.027 covers the crash report and leave-scene rules.
These cases may run in both criminal court and civil court. The Taylor County case file holds police crash reports, victim statements, and restitution orders. Insurance carriers and employers often request these files for background and liability checks. Restitution payments to victims also show up in the case file until paid in full.
Statewide DUI Record Systems in Florida
Taylor County DUI records also link to statewide systems. These systems hold driving history, criminal history, and arrest data. A full DUI record search often pulls from one or more of these sources. Statewide tools help when the county system misses an entry or shows old data.
FLHSMV Driving Record Check
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles runs the FLHSMV driver record system. You can order a copy at https://www.flhsmv.gov/. The record shows DUI convictions, points, license suspensions, and revocations. The FLHSMV pulls data from every county clerk, including Taylor County, after the court sends the final disposition.
A Florida driving record lists every DUI conviction for the past 75 years. The record does not list pending DUI cases. To see pending DUI cases, use the Taylor County court docket. Employers, insurance firms, and licensing boards often ask for a certified three-year or seven-year driver record. The full lifetime record costs more and takes longer to process.
Florida Courts E-Portal Search
The Florida Courts E-Portal connects to county clerk systems across the state. You can search DUI cases by name or case number through https://www.flcourts.gov/. The portal pulls data from clerks like the Taylor County Clerk. The E-Portal lists case type, party names, filing date, and judge assignment.
The E-Portal search shows case type, filing date, and party names. It links to the county clerk site for full docket and document access. Some records require a paid subscription for full document downloads. Basic case listings are free to view. The E-Portal works well for people who want to search DUI records across more than one Florida county.
FDLE Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a criminal history search at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/. The system shows arrests, dispositions, and convictions for the whole state. DUI arrests appear in the criminal history even if the court case ended in a dismissal or acquittal. The FDLE record also lists out-of-state DUI convictions sent to Florida through the interstate compact.
You can request your own criminal history at any time. Third-party requesters need written consent from the person named in the record. The FDLE charges a small fee per search. Results come back as a sealed PDF that holds the same legal weight as a county clerk copy. The FDLE also runs a check used for firearm purchases that includes DUI arrest data.
Requesting Certified DUI Record Copies
You can order a certified copy of a Taylor County DUI record through the clerk’s office. Certified copies carry a raised seal or stamp. Courts, employers, and government agencies accept certified copies for legal use. Non-certified copies work for personal review but not for formal filings.
What to Include in a Record Request
A complete record request helps the clerk process your order fast. The request should list the full legal name of the person on the DUI case. Add a date of birth if you have it. State the case number or filing year range. The clerk uses these details to pull the right file from the archives.
Mark each request with the exact document type you want. Common requests include the full court file, the sentencing order, the arrest affidavit, or the disposition record. The clerk charges per page for copies. Certified copies cost a bit more per page than regular copies. Include your contact details and mailing address if you want the clerk to mail the copies back to you.
Fees and Payment Options
Taylor County DUI record copy fees follow the Florida statutory fee schedule set under Florida Statute 28.24. Regular copies run $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document. Larger files with hundreds of pages can add up fast. Call ahead for a fee estimate on big requests.
The clerk accepts cash, money order, and most major credit cards. Personal checks may not be accepted for small amounts. Online payment portals may add a small card processing fee. Call the clerk’s office at (850) 838-3506 to confirm the current fee for your request type. The clerk also takes payment by phone for mailed certified copy orders.
Processing and Delivery Times
Most Taylor County DUI record requests process within five business days. Simple name searches with a case number often finish the same day. Large file requests with many documents may take up to two weeks. Older files stored off-site may take longer to retrieve from the records warehouse.
The clerk office can mail certified copies by regular mail or hold them for pickup. UPS and FedEx delivery is available for an extra fee. Online portal downloads give instant access to non-certified digital copies. You can print these at home for personal use. In-person pickup at the records desk is the fastest option for local requesters.
Taylor County DUI Records by Location
Taylor County covers about 1,040 square miles of North Florida land. The county has two main cities and many unincorporated communities. DUI cases come from every part of the county. Each area feeds into the same Taylor County court system at the Perry courthouse.
Perry Florida DUI Records
Perry is the county seat of Taylor County. Most DUI arrests happen inside the Perry city limits. The Perry Police Department handles DUI stops within the city. The Florida Highway Patrol handles stops on state roads and US highways. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office handles DUI stops outside the city limits but inside the county.
Perry DUI cases go to the Taylor County Courthouse on Jefferson Street. The courthouse address is 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. Court sessions for DUI cases run every Monday morning during term weeks. Check the clerk docket for the exact schedule. Local attorneys who handle Taylor County DUI cases often have offices within a few blocks of the courthouse.
Steinhatchee Florida DUI Records
Steinhatchee sits on the Gulf coast side of Taylor County. The town sees seasonal DUI stops tied to fishing and tourism. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office handles most DUI arrests in the Steinhatchee area. The town gets busy during scallop season and summer weekends when boaters travel from across the Southeast.
Steinhatchee DUI cases also go to the Taylor County Courthouse in Perry. Travel time from Steinhatchee to the courthouse runs about 45 minutes. People facing DUI charges from Steinhatchee should plan extra travel time for court dates. Out-of-state visitors charged with DUI in Steinhatchee often handle their cases through a local Taylor County attorney.
Unincorporated Taylor County DUI Cases
Unincorporated parts of Taylor County cover most of the county land. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office runs DUI patrols on county roads and private property. Many unincorporated stops happen along US Highway 19, US Highway 27, and State Road 51. These roads carry heavy truck and tourist traffic through the county.
Unincorporated DUI cases file in the same Taylor County court system as city cases. The case type and charge level follow the same Florida DUI statutes. Sheriff deputies and FHP troopers use the same Florida Uniform Traffic Citation for all DUI stops. The clerk portal lists the arresting agency on every DUI case file so you can confirm where the stop took place.
Contact and Office Details for DUI Records
You can contact the Taylor County Clerk’s office in several ways. In-person visits work for fast record lookups. Phone calls help with quick questions. Mail requests work for formal certified copy orders. The clerk’s office staff can answer questions about DUI file formats, copy fees, and processing times during regular business hours.
Taylor County Courthouse Location
The Taylor County Courthouse stands in the heart of downtown Perry. The address is 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. Public parking sits behind the courthouse on the south side. The building has step-free access for visitors with mobility needs. Visitors can use public access terminals on the first floor to run free court record searches.
The courthouse opens at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and closes at 5:00 p.m. The records desk takes requests up to 30 minutes before closing. Visitors should bring a photo ID and any case details they already have. The clerk cannot give legal advice but can show you how to read a court docket entry.
Phone and Online Support
The clerk’s main phone line is (850) 838-3506. The clerk’s official website is https://www.taylorclerk.com/. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles site is https://www.flhsmv.gov/. The Florida Courts E-Portal is https://www.flcourts.gov/. The FDLE criminal history search page is at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/.
Phone support runs during regular office hours. Email requests through the clerk website get a response within two business days. The Florida courts portal has a help desk chat for technical issues with case searches. The FLHSMV phone line handles driver record questions and license action lookups tied to Taylor County DUI convictions.
Common Questions About Taylor County DUI Records
People often ask similar questions about DUI records in Taylor County. The answers below cover the most common ones. Each answer pulls from Florida law and current clerk office practice. Use these answers as a starting point before you file a formal request with the Taylor County Clerk or the FLHSMV. For legal advice on your own DUI case, talk to a licensed Florida attorney.
How do I check DUI records in Taylor County Florida?
You can check Taylor County DUI records through the Taylor County Clerk’s online portal at https://www.taylorclerk.com/. Enter the person’s full legal name to start the search. Add a date of birth if you know it to narrow results. The portal shows case status, hearing dates, plea entries, and sentence orders.
You can also visit the clerk office in person at 108 North Jefferson Street, Perry, FL 32347. Bring a photo ID and the person’s full name and date of birth. Staff can run the search at the public access terminals. For a certified copy, fill out a record request form at the records desk. Most basic lookups finish in under ten minutes at the counter.
Are Taylor County DUI records public?
Yes. Taylor County DUI records are public court records under Florida’s public records law. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives the public the right to view and copy court files. DUI cases filed in Taylor County fall under this rule. The clerk cannot deny a public record request based on who is asking.
Some DUI records may be sealed or expunged by court order. Sealed records are not public. Expunged records are removed from public view. Most DUI convictions stay public for many years. You can check the case status on the clerk portal to see if a record is open or sealed. Expunged cases still show as a case entry but show no documents.
How long do DUI records stay on file in Florida?
Florida keeps DUI conviction records for at least 75 years on the driver record. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles keeps the driving record for life. Court files for DUI cases stay at the county clerk for at least 20 years under state retention rules. Older felony DUI files may stay at the clerk for the full retention window.
The exact retention time depends on the case type and outcome. Felony DUI files stay longer than misdemeanor files. Dismissed DUI files may be eligible for sealing or expungement. Talk to a Florida attorney about removal options for your specific case. Most employers and insurers pull records going back at least seven years.
Can I remove a DUI from my Florida record?
A full DUI conviction cannot be removed from your Florida record. A first-time misdemeanor DUI that ended in a withhold of adjudication may qualify for expungement under Florida Statute 943.0585. You must meet all the eligibility rules to qualify. These rules include no prior criminal record and a clean record after the case closed.
A formal DUI conviction that ended in a guilty plea or verdict does not qualify for expungement. Expungement seals the record from public view. It does not erase the conviction from the FDLE criminal history. A lawyer can review your case and tell you what options you have. Some felony DUI cases qualify for a certificate of rehabilitation after a set waiting period.
What is the cost of a Taylor County DUI record copy?
Certified DUI record copies in Taylor County cost $2.00 per page. Regular non-certified copies cost $1.00 per page. A $1.00 certification fee applies to each certified document. Total costs depend on the file size and document count. A typical misdemeanor DUI file runs 50 to 100 pages of documents.
Online credit card payments may add a small processing fee. Cash and money orders avoid the processing fee. The clerk office can give you a fee estimate before you place your order. Call (850) 838-3506 for a quote on your specific record request. Mailing costs for delivery add to the total if you cannot pick up the copies in person.
Does a Taylor County DUI show on my state driving record?
Yes. A Taylor County DUI conviction shows on your Florida driving record. The FLHSMV adds the conviction to your driver record after the clerk sends the court disposition to the state. This happens within days of the sentencing order in most cases. The driving record is the main tool employers and insurers use to check your DUI history.
Your driving record shows the date, county, and case number for each DUI. Employers and insurance companies often pull the three-year or seven-year certified driving record. The full lifetime record shows every DUI conviction since you first got a Florida license. You can order your own driving record at any time through the FLHSMV website.
How do I fix errors on a Taylor County DUI record?
File a written request with the Taylor County Clerk to fix errors on a DUI record. List the case number, your full name, and the wrong entry. Attach any proof that supports the change. The clerk will review the request and forward it to the judge if needed. Common fixes include name misspellings, wrong birth dates, and incorrect charge descriptions.
Driving record errors go to the FLHSMV. Use the driver record correction form on the FLHSMV site. You may need to send a court order or certified documents to support the fix. Errors that involve criminal history go to the FDLE for review. Most record fixes finish within 30 days after the agency gets your full request.