Crime Statistics
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement records and compiles crime data and statistics for the state. It also publishes periodic reports. According to records released in 2017, Marion County recorded a total of 9,549 crimes. Larceny was the most common crime with 5,435 incidents. The city also recorded 258 aggravated assaults, 101 thefts, and one murder. Compared to 2016, total crime increased by 2.9%. However, the county also recorded a higher clearer rate per 100 offenses.
Criminal Records
In compliance with Florida’s broad public records law, the Marion County Sheriff’s office provides access to different records, including incident reports. Residents can obtain a copy of the report by contacting the records section of the Sheriff’s office at 692 NW 30th Avenue. Records can also be obtained at any of the 12 district offices located across the county.
How to Obtain Local Background Check
County residents can request a local background check by contacting the Marion Sheriff’s office. Requesters will be required to provide the name of the subject well as other useful information, such as social security number and date of birth. Requests can be made by mail, in person or over the phone at (352) 368-3502. Background checks conducted by the Sheriff’s office are restricted to only local county records.
The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FLDE) offers a more extensive search that includes all the counties in the state. Residents can conduct searches using a public online tool. Criminal history information can also be obtained in person or by mail. Interested parties must complete a request form, providing as much relevant information as possible, including their full name, race, sex, and date of birth. Requests sent by mail must include a check or money order made payable to the FDLE for the applicable fee. Requests must also include an address. Completed request forms should be sent to the:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
User Services Bureau / Criminal History Services
Post Office Box 1489,
Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489
How to Obtain Sex Offender Information
The Marion County Sheriff’s Sex Offender Unit oversees the registration of sex offender, career offenders, and predators residing within the county. County residents can sign up for neighborhood alerts or contact the office for more information. In addition, the FDLE provides an online sex offender database that allows users to search for registrants by name or neighborhood.
How to Find Inmate Information
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online inmate locator that members of the public can use to obtain inmate information. Interested parties can conduct a Marion County Inmate Search using the inmate’s known first and last name.
Marion County Court Records
Marion County is home to a circuit court and county courts. Interested parties can obtain records of circuit court cases by contacting the clerk of court. The clerk’s office also provides a convenient online search platform for locating case information. It includes records on different types of cases, including criminal, civil, domestic relationship, municipal ordinance, small claims, and traffic infractions.
A Marion County Court Record Search can be conducted by name or filing date. Requesters can also specify the type of court case required. In addition, the clerk provides a records search tool that members of the public can use to find final judgments and any other public document recorded after 1978. County residents can also send written requests to:
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Attn: Official Records Department
P.O. Box 1030
Ocala, FL 34478-1030
Records may also be available for public viewing directly at the courthouse located at:
Marion County Judicial Center
110 NW 1st Avenue
P.O. Box 1030
Ocala, FL 34478
Vital Records
Marion County provides access to vital records through several departments at the county and state level. In compliance with Florida state laws, birth certificates are not considered public records until after 100 years following birth. Accessing other vital records may require a government-issued I.D.
How to Obtain Divorce Records
Records for divorces decrees granted in the county can be obtained by contacting the clerk of the circuit court at:
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Attn: Official Records Department
P.O. Box 1030
Ocala, FL 34478-1030
In addition, the Florida Department of Health manages records for divorces that occurred in Marion County and other parts of the state from 1927 till present. The department charges $5.00 for divorce records and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. This fee is non-refundable, even if the requested record cannot be found. In cases where no results can be found for a request, the department provides a certified “No Record Found” statement. To get a divorce record by mail, send a signed application to:
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Attn: Vital Record Section
Post Office Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Applications must include the full names of the spouses, the city where the divorce was granted, and the date of the event (or a range of years). Individuals must also provide personal details such as their full name, telephone number, and mailing address. Application letters must also be accompanied by a check or money order made out to "Vital statistics".
How to Obtain Birth/Death Information
The Florida Department of Health processes requests for birth and death records in the state. Interested parties can obtain records in person or by mail. Access to birth records is restricted to only the person on record, immediate family members, and legal representatives. Walk-in requests can be made at 217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The lobby opens between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Written requests sent via mail must include an application for birth record form or application for death record form and a copy of a valid I.D such as a driver’s license. Completed forms should be mailed to:
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Attn: Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
How to Obtain a Marriage Record
Interested parties can obtain marriage records by contacting the Florida Department of Health. It maintains records of marriage licenses issued from 1927 till present. Records for marriages before this period can be obtained by contacting the county clerk of court. Requesters must submit a completed application form, providing relevant details such as the name of the spouse, date of marriage and place of marriage. Walk-in requests are available at 1217 North Pearl Street Jacksonville. Mail applications should be directed to:
Attn: Vital Records Section
Department of Health
Office of Vital Statistics
P.O. BOX 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Marion County?
Marion County property records are open to the public members, as established under the Florida Sunshine Law. Interested public members may view and request copies of Marion County property records by submitting a request in person or online to the custodian office.
Where and How to Find Property Records in Marion County
The Clerk of Court and Comptroller is responsible for recording and maintaining real property records or documents in Marion County. Examples of real property records available include deeds, mortgages, liens, contracts, affidavits, subdivision plats, declarations of condominiums, bills of sale, judgments, certificates of military discharge, and declarations of domicile. Interested persons may obtain these records in person, by mail, or online. To obtain Marion County property records in person or by mail, interested persons are required to contact the office at:
Physical Address:
Clerk of Court and Comptroller
110 North West 1st Avenue
(AB) 1st Floor, Room 124
Ocala, FL 34475
Phone: (352) 671-5630
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Physical Mailing Address (for overnight mail):
Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Attn: Recording
110 NW 1st Avenue
Ocala, FL 34475
Mailing Address:
Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Attn: Recording
P.O. Box 1030
Ocala, FL 34478-1030
How to Look Up Marion County Property Records
The Marion County Property Appraiser's office generates and maintains an online property search portal that allows users to access all property transactions in the county. Some of the information available on the online property search includes property record cards, ownership maps, the name and address of the owner, description of properties, and more. Interested persons may access these records by using any of the following search options:
- Address
- Name
- Parcel - Real Estate
- Parcel - Tangible
- Property Class
- Adverse Possession
- Map ID
- OR Book and Page
- Section/Township/Range
- Subdivision Name
- Subdivision ID
- Map Index
- Delimited Data
Also, the Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller maintains an online public record search page that contains information on real property records in the county. Interested persons may access the records using any of the available search criteria:
- Party or Company Name
- Document Type
- File Number
- Book or Page
- Legal Description
- Case or Parcel Number
Location of Marion County Property Assessors
Location:
501 South East 25th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: (352) 368-8300
Fax: (352) 368-8336
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 486
Ocala, FL 34478
