Tallahassee City Warrant Records are public documents held by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Leon County Clerk of Courts, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Anyone can search these records to check for active warrants, outstanding warrants, bench warrants, capias warrants, or failure to appear warrants tied to a person in Tallahassee or anywhere in Florida.
This page explains where to look, what each database covers, and how to act on the results.
What Tallahassee City Warrant Records Contain
Warrant records from Tallahassee list legal orders signed by a judge in Leon County or a Florida circuit court. They let police arrest a person or bring them back to court. Most records show the person’s full name, date of birth, the charge, the case number, the court that issued the warrant, and the bond amount if one was set.
Personal Identifiers in a Warrant File
Each file starts with the full legal name of the person named in the warrant. Many records also list a date of birth, a physical description, and a last known address. Tallahassee police and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office use these facts to confirm the right person before making an arrest.
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and gender
- Physical description (height, weight, race)
- Last known address in Tallahassee or Leon County
- Case or docket number
- Date the warrant was issued
- Name of the judge who signed it
Charge Details and Bond Amount
Warrant records list the exact charge, the Florida statute it falls under, and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. A bond amount may also appear. Some warrants, like those for violent felonies or repeat offenders, are marked “no bond.” A person who sees a “no bond” tag should get a lawyer right away.
Types of Warrants Filed in Tallahassee
Florida courts issue several kinds of warrants. Knowing which one you face changes how you should respond. Tallahassee residents most often see arrest warrants, bench warrants, capias warrants, and failure to appear warrants.
Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is a written order from a judge that gives police the right to take a person into custody. A judge signs it after law enforcement shows probable cause that the person committed a crime. The Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and FDLE agents can all act on an active arrest warrant anywhere in Florida.
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is issued directly by a judge, usually because someone broke a court rule. Common reasons include missing a court date, ignoring a subpoena, or not paying a fine. In Tallahassee, the Leon County Courthouse and the Second Judicial Circuit Court issue most local bench warrants.
Capias Warrants
A capias warrant tells officers to arrest a person who failed to follow a court order. In Florida, a capias is often used after a probation violation, a missed drug test, or a failed completion of a court program. Capias warrants are common in Leon County and across the state.
Failure to Appear Warrants
A failure to appear warrant (FTA) goes out when a person does not show up to a scheduled court hearing. Traffic tickets, misdemeanor charges, and felony cases can all lead to an FTA. Once issued, the warrant stays active until the person goes to court or a judge recalls it.
Fugitive Warrants
A fugitive warrant is used when another state asks Florida to arrest a person and send them back. The governor’s office may also sign a governor’s warrant under the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act. Tallahassee police work with U.S. Marshals and FDLE to track down fugitives hiding in Leon County.
Free Florida Warrant Search Options
Florida law makes most warrant records open to the public. You do not have to pay a fee to check the main state and county databases. Below are the free tools that work in 2026.
FDLE Florida Warrant Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s main criminal history database. It lists active felony warrants, sex offender registrations, and most wanted lists. The FDLE database is free to search at fdle.state.fl.us. A name search returns the person’s photo, charge, and the agency that holds the warrant.
Leon County Sheriff Warrant Search
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office runs an online tool that lists people with active warrants inside Leon County, which includes Tallahassee. You can search by name at leoncountyso.com. The list updates each weekday and shows the charge, bond amount, and warrant type.
Florida Department of Corrections Escapee List
The Florida Department of Corrections posts a current list of inmates who walked away from prison or failed to return from work release. This is not a full warrant search, but it shows people the state is actively looking for. The list sits on the DC website at dc.state.fl.us.
Florida Most Wanted Lists
FDLE, the U.S. Marshals Service, and most county sheriff offices post a “most wanted” page. These pages include people with serious felony warrants, often violent crimes. Tallahassee, Leon County, and the regional FDLE office all maintain their own wanted lists.
Florida County Warrant Lookups by Region
Each Florida county keeps its own warrant records. If a person lives or works in another county, you may need to search that county’s database. The table below shows the main tools and websites for the largest counties near Tallahassee and across the state.
| County | Main Office | Online Search Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Leon County (Tallahassee) | Leon County Sheriff’s Office | leoncountyso.com/warrants |
| Miami-Dade County | Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation | miamidade.gov/warrants |
| Orange County (Orlando) | Orange County Sheriff’s Office | ocso.com/warrants |
| Hillsborough County (Tampa) | Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office | hcso.tampa.fl.us |
| Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) | Broward Sheriff’s Office | sheriff.org |
| Palm Beach County | Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office | pbso.org |
| Duval County (Jacksonville) | Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office | jaxsheriff.com |
Why County Searches Matter
An FDLE search shows felony warrants statewide. It may miss lower-level bench warrants, capias warrants, and traffic warrants kept only by a county clerk. If you cannot find a record in FDLE, the next step is the county where the case was filed. For Tallahassee, that is always Leon County.
How to Run a Florida Warrant Check Online
Running a Florida warrant check takes a few minutes if you have the right details. Most systems ask for a full legal name and a date of birth. Some also ask for a Social Security number, but free public searches do not require it.
What You Need Before You Search
Before you open a search page, gather the person’s full name, date of birth, and the county where they may have a case. A middle name and a current address help narrow down results, since many people share the same first and last name.
Step by Step FDLE Search
Go to fdle.state.fl.us and click on the criminal history search. Enter the first and last name, then add the date of birth if you know it. The system returns a list of matching records. A “W” next to a case means a warrant is attached to it. You can then click through to view the warrant details.
- Open fdle.state.fl.us in your browser
- Click “Criminal History Search” or “Warrant Search”
- Type the full legal name in the search box
- Add the date of birth to filter results
- Read the results page for warrant flags
- Write down the case number, charge, and issuing agency
Step by Step Leon County Search
For Tallahassee cases, go to leoncountyso.com and find the “Warrants” link. Type the person’s name, then sort the results by date or charge. The page shows the warrant type, bond amount, and the court that issued it. You can also call the Leon County Sheriff’s Warrants Division to confirm a record over the phone.
What to Do If a Warrant Shows Up
Seeing your name on a Tallahassee warrant list is stressful, but the steps to fix it are simple. The most important rule is to deal with the warrant before police come to your home or workplace.
Talk to a Florida Warrant Attorney
A Florida warrant attorney can check the exact status of the warrant, file a motion to recall it, or appear in court on your behalf. Many lawyers in Tallahassee offer a free first meeting. A lawyer is most helpful when the charge is a felony, when the bond is set high, or when the warrant is for a probation violation.
How to Quash a Warrant in Florida
To quash a warrant means to cancel it. A judge can quash a warrant if the original order was signed in error, if new facts clear the person, or if the person turns themselves in and the judge releases them. The lawyer files a “Motion to Quash” or a “Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus” in the court that issued the warrant.
Turning Yourself In at the Leon County Jail
Many people with a Tallahassee warrant choose to turn themselves in at the Leon County Detention Facility. Going in on your own often leads to a faster bond hearing and may help with the bond amount. The jail sits on Appleyard Drive and processes walk-in arrests 24 hours a day.
Paying a Bond Right After Arrest
For most misdemeanor warrants, you can post a cash bond or use a licensed bail bondsman. The Leon County Clerk of Courts accepts bond payments at the courthouse. After the bond is paid, the court sets a new hearing date and the warrant is marked as satisfied.
Florida Circuit Court and Clerk of Court Warrant Records
Florida circuit courts keep the official court file for every criminal case. The clerk of court for each county holds these files. In Leon County, the clerk runs the Second Judicial Circuit Court records, which include warrant dockets for Tallahassee and the surrounding area.
How to Pull a Court Docket
You can view a Tallahassee case docket at the Leon County Clerk’s website. Search by name or case number. The docket shows every motion filed, every court date set, and the status of any active warrant tied to the case. Public terminals at the courthouse offer the same look-up for free.
Records You Can Request in Person
Some records are not posted online, like sealed cases, juvenile files, and certain expunged records. You can ask the clerk for a certified copy of a warrant by mail or in person. A small fee applies. The clerk will only release the file if state law allows it.
Tallahassee City Warrant Records: Common Mistakes to Avoid
People searching Tallahassee warrant records often run into the same problems. The list below shows the most common ones and how to avoid them.
Searching the Wrong Name
Use the full legal name on the driver’s license or Florida ID. Nicknames and shortened names often miss records. If the search comes back empty, try a name with a middle initial or a known alias.
Confusing an Arrest Record with a Warrant
An arrest record shows a past arrest that already went through court. A warrant is an open order that is still active. A warrant search and a criminal history search are two different tools. Many people confuse the two and miss the warrant.
Assuming a Paid Case Closes the Warrant
Paying a fine or finishing a program does not always close the warrant automatically. A judge must sign a release order. Until that happens, the warrant stays active in the database. Always confirm the closure with the clerk of court after you finish a sentence or pay a fine.
How Long a Florida Warrant Stays Active
Most Florida warrants do not expire. An arrest warrant, bench warrant, or capias warrant stays on the record until a judge recalls it, the person is arrested, or the case is closed. This means a small traffic warrant from 2010 can still lead to an arrest in 2026.
Statute of Limitations and Warrants
The statute of limitations sets a deadline for the state to file new charges. It does not cancel a warrant that is already filed. A 20-year-old warrant for a felony is still valid if the warrant was signed before the statute ran out.
When Warrants Get Recalled
A judge can recall a warrant if the person is found not guilty, if the charge is dropped, or if the court loses jurisdiction. The recall order is filed with the clerk, and the sheriff’s office updates its database. Always ask the clerk for a copy of the recall order after a case ends.
Florida Public Records Law and Warrant Access
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives residents the right to see most government records, including active warrants. Police agencies must release warrant lists unless a court has sealed them.
What the Law Covers
The law covers arrest reports, booking photos, court dockets, and active warrant lists. Agencies can only hide a record if a judge signs a sealing order. Florida law leans toward public access, so most warrant data is open.
How to File a Public Records Request
If a database does not show a record you need, file a public records request with the agency. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the FDLE all accept requests by email, mail, or in person. Most agencies respond within ten business days.
Resources, Contact Numbers, and Office Hours
Below are the main offices that handle Tallahassee City Warrant Records in 2026. You can call or visit them during business hours for help with a search or a warrant question.
Leon County Sheriff’s Office
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office holds active warrants for Tallahassee. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Warrants Division can be reached at (850) 606-3300. The address is 2825 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304. Website: leoncountyso.com
Leon County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts keeps court dockets and warrant files for the Second Judicial Circuit. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main phone line is (850) 577-4000. The address is 301 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Website: leoncountyfl.gov/clerk
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the state criminal history and warrant database. The main office in Tallahassee is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The toll-free line is 1-800-226-6667. The headquarters address is 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Leon County Detention Facility
The jail processes walk-in surrenders for active warrants. The facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The booking phone line is (850) 606-3300. The address is 535 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tallahassee City Warrant Records
Below are the most common questions people ask about Tallahassee City Warrant Records, the Florida warrant database, and the steps to clear an active warrant. Each answer gives direct, practical facts based on Florida law and current Leon County procedures in 2026.
How do I check if I have a warrant in Tallahassee?
You can check for a Tallahassee warrant by searching the Leon County Sheriff’s Office website at leoncountyso.com or by calling the Warrants Division at (850) 606-3300. The FDLE criminal history database at fdle.state.fl.us also shows active felony warrants statewide. For the most accurate result, search by full legal name and date of birth. The sheriff’s office updates its online list each weekday.
Are Florida warrant records free to search?
Yes. Florida warrant records are free to search on the FDLE website, the Leon County Sheriff’s website, and most county sheriff websites. Some third-party websites charge a fee, but they pull the same data from public sources. The free state and county tools are the most accurate and the most up to date.
What is the difference between a bench warrant and a capias warrant?
A bench warrant is issued when someone breaks a court rule, like missing a court date or ignoring a subpoena. A capias warrant is issued to bring a person back to court for a probation violation or a failed program. Both types are active until a judge recalls them, and both can lead to an arrest in Tallahassee or anywhere in Florida.
Can a Florida warrant follow me to another state?
Yes. Florida arrest warrants, capias warrants, and failure to appear warrants are entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. Police in any state can see the flag and make an arrest. A governor’s warrant is also used to bring a fugitive back to Florida from another state under the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act.
How long does it take to clear a warrant in Leon County?
The time to clear a warrant depends on the charge and the court. A simple traffic warrant can be cleared in a few hours after a bond is posted. A felony warrant with a “no bond” status may take several court dates. A lawyer can file a motion to quash the warrant and speed up the process, often within 24 to 72 hours.
Will a warrant show up on a background check?
Yes. An active warrant shows up on most criminal background checks run by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies. The warrant stays on the record until a judge recalls it, even if the person already paid the fine or finished the sentence. Always confirm closure with the clerk of court after a case ends.
Can I get a warrant sealed or expunged in Florida?
Florida law allows some warrants to be sealed or expunged if the case is dismissed, the person is found not guilty, or the charge qualifies under Florida Statute 943.0585. A warrant tied to a conviction generally cannot be sealed. A Florida warrant attorney can review the case and file the right motion with the court.