Frequently Asked Questions
- Viewing Case Information
- Cash Bond Refunds
- Sealing or Expunging Records
- Collections Process (MSB)
- Fees
- Court Attendance
Viewing Case Information
All of our records are public access unless the case has been sealed, expunged, or if it is a juvenile delinquency case. Some case files will have limited access due to victim confidentiality.
Criminal files are available for viewing by the public between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm. Case files can be located in the Felony Department, Misdemeanor Department, Central File Room, or Records Storage Facility depending on the case status.
You can conduct a free record search on our website by visiting our on-line records; or, upon request, the Clerk's Office will research an individual's criminal history in Hernando County for a fee of $2.00 per year searched.
Public computers are available to our customers and provide free access to court records held by the Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court.
Cash Bond Refunds
At the conclusion of your case, a cash bond may be refunded to the cash bond depositor on record. It is important that the court file contains the current address of the depositor. If the depositor's address has changed, he or she would need to submit a signed letter to our office containing the bond or court case number with their current address. You can also use the Change of Address form located in our FORMS section.
Pursuant to Florida Statute 903.286, the Clerk of Court shall withhold from the return of a cash bond, posted on behalf of a criminal defendant by a person other than a bail bond agent, sufficient funds to pay any unpaid court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties.
Please note that monies paid to a Bail Bondsman for a surety bond are not handled by the Clerk of Court. You will need to contact your Bail Bondsman for information.
Sealing or Expunging Records
Florida Statutes 943.0585 and 943.059 require that a person wishing to have his or her criminal history record sealed or expunged must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). With this certificate, the person can then petition the court for an order to seal or expunge his or her record. In order to petition the court, our office will require the following:
- Original Certificate of Eligibility
- Petition to Seal or Petition to Expunge
- Affidavit to Seal or Affidavit to Expunge
- $42.00 filing fee
- Order to Seal or Order to Expunge (you must bring with you on your day of court)
Please note: A Certificate of Eligibility is valid for 12 months after the date stamped on the certificate. After that time, the petitioner must reapply to the FDLE for a new Certificate of Eligibility. Eligibility for a renewed certification must be based on the status of the applicant and the law in effect at the time of the renewal application.
Please visit www.fdle.state.fl.us for additional information or contact the FDLE at (850) 410-7870.
Collections Process (MSB)
Per Florida Statute 938.35 the Clerk of Court may pursue the collection of any fees, service charges, fines, or costs to which it is entitled which remain unpaid for 90 days or more, or refer the account to a collection agent.
If your case has been sent to collections due to non-payment of fines, please contact our collection agent to make payment:
Municipal Services Bureau (MSB)
6505 Airport Blvd., Suite 100
Austin, TX 78752-3614
(800) 568-7004
www.muniserv.com
www.msbselfserve.com *A Reference Number is Required.
Call a Resolution Agent: (800) 616-0166 or
Mail payments: MSB, PO Box 16755, Austin, TX 78761-6755
Non-payment of fines can result in additional fees and penalties including suspension of your license.
It is very important to keep an updated address with our office so you will continue to receive any notices in a timely manner. If your address has changed, you need to submit a signed letter to our office containing your court case number and current address. You can also use the Change of Address form located in our FORMS section.
Fees
The Clerk of Court accepts payments by cash, check, money order, or credit card in our office. If you are mailing your payment we will accept a check or money order. We also accept payments via telephone with a credit card. Please include your case number on all correspondence. Click here for a list of our fees.
The credit cards accepted in our office are Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Please note that a credit card fee of $5.00 will be added to your balance.
Court Attendance
It is mandatory to appear in court on your scheduled date unless you are represented by an attorney who has agreed to appear on your behalf. If you miss your court date a warrant may be issued for your arrest and any bonds related to your case will be forfeited.
If you were charged with any of the following crimes and you can show proof that the license/permit/registration/tag was valid at the time the citation was issued, the Clerk's Office can dismiss your case for a fee of $10.00. You must visit our office prior to your court date.
- 327.57(1) No License, Permit, or Authorization Number
- 327.395 Operate without Boater Safety ID Card
- 328.46 Vessel Registration Violation
- 328.48 Vessel Registration Violation (not including 328.48(4))
- 372.57(3) Fail to Possess License/Permit/Authorization Number
- 372.5712 No Management Area Stamp
- 372.5712(1) Hunting without a Waterfowl Stamp
- 322.34(2) Driving While License Suspended
- For fail to pay, fail to appear, or any court related suspension - 322.03(5)(b) Expired DL over 4 months
- 320.07(3)(c) Expired Registration/Tag over 6 months
- 322.03 No Driver's License