Nassau County warrant records show active arrest orders issued by courts in this northeast Florida county. People search these records for many reasons.
Some want to confirm a name before a job offer. Others need to check a family member. Many search because they suspect a warrant exists in their own name. The records are public under Florida law. You can look them up through the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Clerk of Courts, or state-level databases. This page explains each step. It also covers related Florida warrant searches and how to clear an active warrant if one exists.
What Nassau County Warrant Records Contain
Warrant records are legal documents. A judge signs them after police show probable cause for an arrest. Each record lists the person’s name, the alleged crime, the case number, and the bond amount. Some records include a photo. Others list the issuing judge and the date the warrant was filed. Nassau County warrant records cover arrest warrants, bench warrants, and capias warrants. Each type serves a different legal purpose.
Types of Warrants Filed in Nassau County
Three main warrant types appear in Nassau County records. An arrest warrant is issued when law enforcement shows a judge that a crime likely occurred. A bench warrant is signed by a judge when someone fails to appear in court or violates a court order. A capias warrant is a direct order to arrest, often issued after a grand jury indictment. All three appear in the public search system.
- Arrest warrants based on new criminal charges
- Bench warrants for missed court dates
- Capias warrants for indicted cases
- Failure to appear warrants tied to traffic or misdemeanor cases
- Out-of-state fugitive warrants coordinated through FDLE
Who Issues Warrants in Nassau County
County court judges issue most warrants in Nassau County. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office serves these warrants. The Fernandina Beach Police Department and the Nassau County Clerk of Court also handle related records. State warrants come from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Federal warrants come from U.S. District Court and appear in separate databases.
How to Search Nassau County Warrant Records
You can search Nassau County warrant records through three main sources. Each source shows different details. The sheriff’s office lists active arrest warrants. The clerk of court lists criminal case files. FDLE lists wanted persons across Florida. Using all three gives a complete picture.
Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Online Search
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public active warrant list. You can access it through the sheriff’s website. The search tool asks for a last name and first name. Results show the warrant status, the charge, and the bond amount. The list updates daily. You can also call the sheriff’s records office during business hours to ask about a specific name.
- Visit the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office website
- Click the “Warrants” or “Most Wanted” section
- Enter the last name and first name
- Review the results, including charge type and bond
- Contact the sheriff’s office if no result appears but you suspect a warrant
FDLE Active Warrants Database for Florida
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide wanted persons search. This database covers felony warrants from all 67 Florida counties. Nassau County warrant records appear here if the case meets FDLE reporting rules. You can search by name, age, race, and sex. Each entry lists the charge, the county that filed the warrant, and a contact phone number.
Nassau County Clerk of Court Records
The Clerk of Courts keeps the official case file for every criminal case. You can search this system using the person’s name or the case number. The search results show all court actions, including the warrant issue date. The clerk’s office charges a small fee for printed copies. Online searches are free through the clerk’s public portal.
| Search Source | What It Shows | Cost | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau County Sheriff | Active arrest warrants, bond amounts, charges | Free | Daily |
| FDLE Wanted Persons | Statewide felony warrants, photos | Free | 24 to 48 hours |
| Clerk of Court | Full case file, court dates, dispositions | Free online, $1 per page for copies | Real time |
| Florida Circuit Court | Civil and criminal court orders | Free | Real time |
Florida Warrant Search Options Beyond Nassau County
People often need to check warrants in nearby counties too. Northeast Florida includes Duval County, where Jacksonville sits. Other parts of the state use different county systems. Knowing how each system works saves time. Below are the main Florida warrant search options that connect to Nassau County records.
Duval County Warrant Search
Duval County borders Nassau County to the south. Many people live in one county and work in the other. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office runs the Duval County warrant search. It uses the same name-based system as most Florida sheriff offices. You can search online or call the records unit. Active warrants from Nassau County do not show in Duval records, and vice versa.
Miami-Dade and Broward County Warrant Searches
South Florida uses a different system. Miami-Dade County and Broward County both run their own warrant databases. Miami-Dade shows results through the clerk’s office portal. Broward uses the sheriff’s website. Each system shows only the warrants filed in that county. Statewide search through FDLE covers all Florida counties, including these two.
Hillsborough, Orange, and Pinellas County Warrants
The Tampa Bay and Orlando regions use county-level systems. Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, shows warrants through the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Orange County, home to Orlando, runs its own database. Pinellas County, home to St. Petersburg, lists warrants through the Pinellas County Sheriff. None of these connect to Nassau County records directly.
Palm Beach and Lee County Warrant Lists
Palm Beach County and Lee County both keep public warrant lists. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court runs the search tool. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs the Lee County version. These lists cover local warrants only. Statewide FDLE searches catch the felony cases from these counties too.
| Florida County | Search Source | Website Type |
|---|---|---|
| Duval | Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office | Sheriff-run database |
| Miami-Dade | Miami-Dade Clerk of Court | Court-run database |
| Broward | Broward Sheriff’s Office | Sheriff-run database |
| Hillsborough | Hillsborough County Sheriff | Sheriff-run database |
| Orange | Orange County Sheriff | Sheriff-run database |
| Pinellas | Pinellas County Sheriff | Sheriff-run database |
| Palm Beach | Palm Beach County Clerk | Court-run database |
| Lee | Lee County Sheriff’s Office | Sheriff-run database |
Free Florida Warrant Search Methods
You do not have to pay for a warrant search in Florida. Public records laws make these searches free. Some third-party sites charge a fee, but the same data exists on government sites. Below are the free options.
Using Government Websites
Every Florida sheriff and clerk offers a free search tool. The FDLE website offers a statewide felony search. Each county portal covers that county’s warrants. You can run a free Florida warrant search from your phone or computer at any time. No login or account is needed for most of these tools.
Avoiding Paid Third-Party Sites
Many websites sell Florida warrant searches for $20 to $50. These sites pull data from the same public sources. They add no new legal facts. They also cannot remove a warrant or clear your record. Only a court or attorney can do that. Use government sites to save money and protect your data.
How to Clear a Warrant in Nassau County
An active warrant does not go away on its own. The court system keeps the record until a judge cancels it. Clearing a warrant in Nassau County takes a few clear steps. You can do it yourself or hire a lawyer. Either way, the process is the same.
Steps to Resolve an Active Warrant
The first step is to confirm the warrant exists. Use the sheriff’s online search or call the records office. Once confirmed, contact a criminal defense attorney. The attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant or schedule a court appearance. You can also turn yourself in at the Nassau County Jail with a lawyer present. A judge will read the charges and set a new bond. The warrant is cleared once the bond is posted or the judge dismisses the case.
- Search the Nassau County warrant list online
- Confirm the warrant with the sheriff’s records office
- Hire a Florida criminal defense attorney
- File a motion to recall the warrant or schedule a court date
- Appear in court with your attorney
- Post bond or follow the judge’s orders
- Get a signed order clearing the warrant from the clerk
Working with a Florida Attorney
A local attorney knows the Nassau County court system. They can speak with the prosecutor before your court date. In some cases, the attorney can get the charges reduced or the warrant recalled without jail time. Always choose a lawyer licensed in Florida. Many offer free first consultations for warrant cases.
Florida Warrant Laws and Public Records Rules
Florida’s public records law covers warrant data. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes most government records public. Warrants fall under this rule once they are served. Sealed warrants, such as those in active investigations, are not public. Most other warrants appear in search results within 24 hours of filing.
How Long Warrants Stay Active
Warrants do not expire. A 20-year-old warrant is still active until a judge cancels it. Police can arrest someone on an old warrant during a traffic stop or a new investigation. This is why clearing a warrant quickly is so important. Even a small unpaid traffic ticket can lead to a warrant that follows you for years.
Sealed and Expunged Warrants
A court can seal a warrant during an active investigation. Once sealed, the warrant does not appear in public search tools. The FDLE and sheriff’s offices also remove warrants from public view after a case is expunged. Expungement is rare and only happens through a court order.
Common Reasons Warrants Are Issued in Nassau County
Most Nassau County warrant records come from common charges. Drug possession, DUI, and theft lead the list. Failure to appear in court for any reason creates a bench warrant. Unpaid child support can also trigger an arrest warrant. Even a missed traffic court date can lead to a warrant.
Failure to Appear Warrants
Florida courts take missed court dates seriously. If you fail to appear, the judge signs a bench warrant. This happens in traffic cases, misdemeanor cases, and felony cases. The warrant enters the system the same day. Clearing it requires a new court date or a bond hearing.
Capias Warrants for Indicted Cases
A capias warrant is issued after a grand jury returns an indictment. The judge signs the capias based on the indictment. Police then arrest the person named in the capias. These cases involve felony charges, so the bond is often high. A lawyer is critical in capias cases.
What to Do If You Find a Warrant in Your Name
Do not panic if you find a warrant in your name. The first rule is to stay calm and avoid contact with police until you have a plan. Police can arrest you on the spot. A surprise arrest can hurt your job, your family, and your case. A planned court appearance gives you far more control.
Turning Yourself In Safely
Turn yourself in with a lawyer. Go to the Nassau County Jail or the courthouse during business hours. Have your attorney meet you there. Bring valid ID and any paperwork from the court. The booking process takes a few hours. A bond hearing often happens the same day for non-violent charges.
Bail and Bond Options
You can post bond in several ways. Cash bond pays the full amount in cash. Surety bond uses a bail bondsman for a 10% fee. A attorney can ask the judge for a personal recognizance bond, which means no money up front. The judge decides based on your record and the charge.
Privacy and Safety Concerns with Warrant Searches
Warrant searches are public, but they still affect privacy. Your name appears in a public list if a warrant is filed. Anyone can run a search and see the charge. Employers, landlords, and neighbors can check these records. This is why clearing a warrant quickly is so important.
Protecting Your Personal Data
Use only government websites for warrant searches. Third-party sites can store your search data and sell it. Never share your Social Security number or date of birth on a public search site. The official sources only need a name and sometimes a date of birth.
Dealing with Identity Theft and Wrong Matches
Sometimes a search shows a warrant for someone with the same name. If this happens, contact the sheriff’s office right away. Bring proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or passport. The records office can confirm the warrant belongs to another person. The clerk of court can also correct wrong entries.
Official Contact Information for Nassau County Warrant Records
Below is the official contact information for Nassau County warrant records. You can use these offices for warrant searches, court records, and warrant clearing. Always call ahead before visiting in person. Office hours and procedures can change.
Nassau County Sheriff’s Office
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office runs the active warrant list and serves arrest warrants. You can search online or call the records office. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Inmate information is available 24 hours a day through the jail records line.
Address: 76001 Bobby Moore Circle, Yulee, FL 32097
Phone (Records): (904) 225-0331
Phone (Non-Emergency): (904) 225-5174
Website: www.nassauso.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Nassau County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts keeps all criminal case files. You can search the official records portal or visit the courthouse in person. The clerk’s office handles bond payments, court orders, and case copies. Marriage licenses, deeds, and other public records are also filed here.
Address: 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097
Phone: (904) 548-4600
Website: www.nassauclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the statewide wanted persons database. This includes felony warrants from all 67 Florida counties. You can search online at any time. The FDLE also handles criminal history checks and fingerprint services.
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
Wanted Persons Search: apps.fdle.state.fl.us/wanted
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Warrant Records
This FAQ section answers the most common questions about warrant records in Florida. The questions cover Nassau County, FDLE searches, and the legal process. Each answer is based on Florida public records law and current court rules. If you have a specific legal question, talk to a licensed Florida attorney.
Are Nassau County warrant records free to search?
Yes. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Courts both offer free public search tools. You can search by name online at any time. The FDLE also offers a free statewide wanted persons search. Some third-party websites charge a fee for the same data, but government sources are always free.
How long does it take for a warrant to show up in the search system?
Most warrants appear in the public search system within 24 to 48 hours. The clerk of court files the warrant, and the sheriff’s office updates the online list. Bench warrants for failure to appear often appear the same day. Capias warrants for indictments may take a few days to appear in the statewide FDLE database.
Can I clear a warrant without going to jail?
Yes, in many cases. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant or schedule a court date. The judge may release you on your own recognizance. This means you sign a promise to appear in court. For minor charges, the judge may cancel the warrant and set a new court date with no jail time.
Does a Florida warrant follow me to another state?
Yes. Florida enters into the Interstate Compact for criminal warrants. Police in other states can arrest you on a Florida warrant. The arresting agency then holds you for transfer back to Florida. This is true for Nassau County warrant records and for any active Florida warrant.
What is the difference between a bench warrant and an arrest warrant?
A bench warrant is issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court or violates a court order. An arrest warrant is issued when police show probable cause that a crime occurred. Both lead to arrest, but the cause is different. A bench warrant is often for a missed court date. An arrest warrant is for a new charge.
Can an old warrant be dropped in Florida?
Warrants do not expire in Florida. Only a judge can cancel a warrant. The court can drop the warrant if the case is dismissed, the statute of limitations runs out, or the defendant is deceased. Even a 30-year-old warrant stays active until a judge cancels it. The only safe path is to clear the warrant through the court.
Will a warrant show up on a background check?
Yes. Active warrants appear on most Florida background checks. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards run these checks. A warrant can stop a job offer or a housing application. Clearing the warrant removes it from the public record. The court system updates the clerk’s file the same day a warrant is recalled.