Free Public Records Florida Arrests give people a way to look at arrest records without paying a fee. Florida law says you can view these records at the agency that made the arrest. But if you want a physical copy, there is a small charge. This charge is usually $10 to $25. The fee covers the cost of copying the document. Most sheriff’s offices and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement accept cash, credit cards, or checks. You must bring a government-issued photo ID when visiting in person. Some offices also ask for a signed release form. Many agencies now have online search tools. These let you enter a name, date of birth, or case number. You can then download a PDF for a small fee. This makes it easier for people who live far away.
How to View Arrest Records in Florida
Anyone can view arrest records in Florida at no cost. You just need to go to the agency that holds the record. This could be a county sheriff’s office or a city police department. You do not need to give a reason for your request. Florida’s public records law supports open access. But you cannot take photos or copies unless you pay the reproduction fee. The law that allows this is Statute 119.0715. It sets the rules for copying public documents. If you only want to read the record, there is no charge. But if you want a printed or digital copy, the fee applies. The cost depends on the size of the document and the method of delivery. Some offices offer free online access to recent arrests. Others require an in-person visit.
Required Documents for In-Person Requests
When visiting an agency to view an arrest record, bring a valid government-issued photo ID. This could be a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Some offices may also ask for a completed request form. This form often includes your name, contact information, and the name of the person whose record you are viewing. You may need to sign a statement saying you will not use the information for illegal purposes. Always call ahead to confirm what documents are needed. Office policies can vary by county.
Online Access to Florida Arrest Records
Many Florida agencies offer online portals for arrest records. These websites let you search by name, date of birth, or booking number. Some charge a small fee for downloads. Others provide free access to basic details like charge type and booking date. CountyOffice.org collects recent arrest data from all 67 Florida counties. It shows booking photos, charge codes, and arrest dates from the past 30 days. Users can filter by county, offense, or time of booking. The site is free to use. It updates daily from official sheriff feeds. FloridaArrests.org has over 2.3 million records. It updates every hour. The site shows daily arrest totals and agency details. Each entry includes a mugshot, charge description, and statute number. Both sites are independent and not run by the state.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the Criminal History Information Search (CHIS). This service gives full arrest, conviction, and court disposition reports. Each search costs $24. You can pay with a credit card online. The results come from the Statewide Automated Criminal History System. This ensures the data is current and accurate. The CHIS portal is at https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default?3. It requires a name and date of birth. Results include all arrests, even those that did not lead to conviction. This is a trusted source for legal and employment checks.
Active Warrants and FCIC Data
The FDLE also manages the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC). This system lists active warrants across the state. You can search by name or case number. The data is updated in real time. Law enforcement uses FCIC to track fugitives. The public can access warrant information through third-party sites like FloridaArrests.org. These sites pull from FCIC and other official feeds. Always verify warrant status with the issuing agency. A warrant may be recalled or changed after publication.
County Sheriff Websites and Local Portals
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has a sheriff’s office. Most maintain their own inmate search tools. These show current jail inmates, booking dates, charges, and release dates. Some counties let you download arrest reports for free. Others charge a small fee. For example, Miami-Dade County offers online inmate lookup at no cost. Broward County charges $15 for a certified copy. Always check the local sheriff’s website for rules. Some sites require registration. Others block access after multiple searches. Booking photos are usually public. But some counties blur faces for privacy.
Search Tips for County Sites
Use the exact spelling of the person’s name. Try different formats like “John Smith” or “John A. Smith.” If you know the booking date, use that to narrow results. Some sites let you search by address or charge type. Avoid using nicknames or initials unless confirmed. If no results appear, the person may not be in custody. Or the record may be under a different name. Call the sheriff’s office if you need help.
State Archives and Historical Arrest Records
The State Archives of Florida holds old arrest logs on microfilm. These go back to 1900. The archives are in the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee. Researchers can visit in person or request copies by mail. Digital copies cost a small fee. The archives do not have online search tools for old records. You must know the approximate date and county of arrest. Staff can help locate files during business hours. This is useful for genealogy or background checks on older cases.
How to Request Historic Records
Send a written request to the State Archives. Include the person’s full name, birth year, and county of arrest. State the purpose of your request. There is no fee to search, but copying costs apply. Mail requests take 2–3 weeks. In-person visits are faster. The archives are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a photo ID. Some records may be restricted due to age or legal status.
Commercial Public Record Websites
Websites like ArrestRecords.com and SearchQuarry offer access to Florida arrest data. They charge $25 per search. These sites connect to the FDLE’s Computerized Criminal History files. They also guide users to state archives for old records. Some provide step-by-step instructions for court requests. Most require an email to send results. They are not government-run. But they can save time for remote users. Always check the date of the data. Some sites update daily. Others may be outdated.
Pros and Cons of Commercial Sites
Pros: Fast results, nationwide coverage, user-friendly interface. Cons: Fees, possible outdated data, privacy concerns. Some sites sell your email to advertisers. Read the privacy policy before using. For legal matters, always verify with official sources. Commercial sites are best for preliminary checks.
Clerk of Court Online Portals
Every Florida county has a Clerk of Court website. These sites let you search criminal case files for free. Enter a name, date of birth, or case number. Results show docket entries, charges, court dates, and dispositions. Some counties offer PDF downloads of arrest reports. Others only show summaries. Registration is optional but speeds up future searches. The data comes directly from court records. This is the most accurate source for case outcomes.
How to Use Clerk Sites
Go to the county’s official Clerk of Court website. Look for “Criminal Records” or “Case Search.” Enter the required details. Review the results carefully. Note the case number and court location. If you need a certified copy, follow the site’s instructions. Fees vary by county. Some charge $10 to $25 per document.
Understanding Arrest Record Details
Arrest records include key facts. These are the person’s name, date of birth, booking date, arresting agency, charges, and statute numbers. Charges may be misdemeanors or felonies. Statute numbers link to Florida laws. For example, 812.13(2b) is robbery with a weapon. 777.03(1c) is accessory after the fact. Each record shows the current status: pending, dismissed, or convicted. Some sites also list bail amounts and court dates. Always confirm details with the court or sheriff.
Common Charge Codes in Florida
| Statute | Offense | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 812.13(2b) | Robbery with a weapon | Felony |
| 777.03(1c) | Accessory after the fact | Felony |
| 893.13 | Drug possession | Misdemeanor/Felony |
| 316.193 | DUI | Misdemeanor/Felony |
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some arrest records are sealed or expunged. This means they are not public. Only the person involved or their lawyer can view them. Sealed records may be released with a court order. Expunged records are destroyed. If a record is expunged, it should not appear in any database. But some third-party sites may still show old data. If you see an expunged record, report it to the site. The FDLE removes expunged records from CHIS within 30 days.
How to Check if a Record Is Expunged
Contact the Clerk of Court in the county of arrest. Ask if the record was sealed or expunged. You can also request a copy of the court order. If the record is public, you may file a motion to seal it. This requires a lawyer and a hearing. The process takes 2–6 months.
Using Arrest Records Responsibly
Arrest records do not prove guilt. A person may be arrested but not charged. Or charges may be dropped. Never use arrest data to harass or discriminate. Employers must follow federal laws when checking records. Landlords should get consent before running background checks. Always verify information with official sources. Misuse of public records can lead to legal trouble.
Legal Limits on Use
You cannot use arrest records for: – Employment decisions without following FCRA rules – Housing denials without consent – Harassment or defamation – Identity theft or fraud Florida law protects individuals from misuse of public data. Violators may face fines or lawsuits.
Contact Information for Key Agencies
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Phone: (850) 410-7300 Website: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
State Archives of Florida Address: 402 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301 Phone: (850) 245-6700 Website: https://www.floridamemory.com Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Related Resources
- StateRecords.org – Florida Arrests
- County Office – FL Arrest Records
- FloridaArrests.org – Mugshot Database
- ArrestRecords.com – FL Public Records
- SearchQuarry – FL Arrest Search
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about accessing and using Florida arrest records. Below are answers to the most common inquiries. These cover legal rights, fees, data accuracy, and responsible use. Each answer is based on current Florida law and official procedures.
Can I view Florida arrest records for free?
Yes, you can view arrest records at no cost by visiting the agency that holds them. Florida law allows free inspection of public records. However, if you want a physical or digital copy, a reproduction fee of $10 to $25 applies. This fee is set by state statute 119.0715. Most sheriff’s offices and the FDLE charge this amount for copies. Online portals may offer free basic details but charge for full reports. Always bring a photo ID when visiting in person. Some offices also require a signed request form. Free viewing does not include taking photos or making unauthorized copies. The law protects the right to see records but controls duplication to cover costs.
How accurate are online arrest record websites?
Online sites like FloridaArrests.org and CountyOffice.org update frequently, but they are not official government sources. They pull data from sheriff feeds and court systems. Most update hourly or daily. However, errors can occur. Names may be misspelled, charges mislabeled, or statuses outdated. Always verify critical information with the Clerk of Court or sheriff’s office. The FDLE’s CHIS system is the most accurate for criminal history. Third-party sites are useful for quick checks but should not be used for legal decisions. If you find a mistake, report it to the website. Some sites allow corrections. For employment or housing, rely on certified court documents.
What should I do if an arrest record is wrong?
If you find incorrect information in an arrest record, contact the agency that created it. This is usually the sheriff’s office or police department. Provide proof of the error, such as a court dismissal or corrected charge. Request a correction in writing. Keep a copy of your letter. If the record is in the FDLE system, file a dispute through their website. The FDLE must respond within 30 days. For court records, go to the Clerk of Court. They can amend docket entries with a judge’s approval. If a third-party site shows wrong data, email them with evidence. Most sites will update records upon verification. Do not ignore errors. Wrong records can affect jobs, housing, and loans.
Can employers use Florida arrest records for hiring?
Employers can use arrest records, but they must follow strict rules. Federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), requires consent before running a background check. Employers cannot reject someone solely based on an arrest without conviction. They must consider the job role, time passed, and nature of the offense. Florida also limits the use of non-conviction data. Some counties have “ban the box” laws that delay background checks until after a job offer. Always ask the employer about their policy. If you believe you were unfairly denied a job, contact the EEOC or a lawyer. Arrests do not equal guilt, and employers must treat them carefully.
How long do arrest records stay public in Florida?
Arrest records remain public unless sealed or expunged. There is no automatic removal. Records stay in sheriff databases, court systems, and third-party sites indefinitely. However, if charges are dropped or the case is dismissed, the record may be marked as such. Expungement removes the record entirely. Sealing restricts access but keeps the record. The process takes months and requires a court order. Once expunged, the FDLE must delete the record from CHIS within 30 days. Third-party sites may still show old data. If your record is expunged, send a copy of the order to websites displaying it. They are required to remove it under Florida law.
Are mugshots public record in Florida?
Yes, mugshots are public record in Florida. They are taken during booking and released by sheriff’s offices. Most counties post them online. Websites like FloridaArrests.org display millions of mugshots. However, some argue this harms reputations. A 2023 Florida law allows people to request mugshot removal from government sites if charges are dropped. But third-party sites are not required to comply. You can ask them to take down photos, but they may refuse. Always check the status of charges before assuming guilt. Mugshots show a moment in time, not the final outcome.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?
An arrest record shows that someone was taken into custody. It does not prove guilt. A criminal record includes arrests, charges, court dispositions, and convictions. It is a full history. Arrest records are part of criminal records. Not all arrests lead to charges. Some are dropped or dismissed. Criminal records are used for background checks, jobs, and licenses. Arrest records alone are less detailed. In Florida, both are public unless sealed. The FDLE’s CHIS provides full criminal history. Sheriff sites show recent arrests. Always review both to get the full picture.