Florida Arrest Records

Florida Public Records /Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Florida?

Yes. Arrest records in Florida are considered public records under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), which grants broad access to government documents. This means that most arrest reports, booking logs, and related case records maintained by law enforcement agencies, sheriff’s offices, and the courts are open to the public. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) serves as the state’s central repository for criminal history information, while each county sheriff’s office and municipal police department maintains its own arrest and booking records.

However, Florida law also provides exemptions. Juvenile arrest records are confidential under Chapter 985, Florida Statutes, except in cases where the juvenile has been charged with a serious felony. Records sealed or expunged under Florida Statutes §§ 943.0585 and 943.059 are not accessible to the public. Additionally, information related to active investigations, victims of certain crimes, or sensitive personal identifiers (such as Social Security numbers) may be withheld to protect privacy and public safety.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Florida?

Access to arrest records in Florida is primarily governed by the following laws and regulations:

Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes): This comprehensive statute establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for public inspection, unless specifically exempted by law.
Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24: The Florida Constitution explicitly guarantees the right of access to public records and meetings, reinforcing the state's commitment to government transparency.
Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Regulations: The FDLE administers the state's criminal history information in accordance with both state and federal regulations.
Florida Criminal Procedure Law (Chapter 943, Florida Statutes): This chapter outlines procedures related to criminal history records, including provisions for sealing and expungement.
Florida Rules of Judicial Administration: These rules govern how court records, including arrest information, are maintained and accessed.

The Florida Attorney General's Office regularly issues advisory opinions interpreting these laws and addressing specific questions about public records access. These opinions provide guidance to agencies and the public about the proper implementation of Florida's public records laws.

What Information Is Included in a Florida Arrest Record?

A typical Florida arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. The content may vary slightly depending on the agency maintaining the record, but generally includes:

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Address at time of arrest
Social Security Number (may be partially redacted in public versions)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Booking number
Charges filed (including Florida Statute numbers)
Case number

Case Processing Information:

Court appearance dates
Bond or bail information
Plea information
Case disposition (if available)
Sentencing information (if convicted)

Additional Information:

Prior arrest history (if applicable)
Probation or parole status
Warrants (active or resolved)

Arrest records document allegations, not convictions. The presence of an arrest record does not necessarily indicate guilt, as individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Case disposition information, when available, provides crucial context about the outcome of the charges.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Florida in 2025

Florida offers multiple methods to obtain arrest records, depending on your needs and the specific information you're seeking. Here are the primary ways to access these records in 2025:

1. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

The FDLE maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information. You can request a criminal history record check through their Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-8109
Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Methods available:

Online through the FDLE website
By mail using the appropriate forms
In person at FDLE headquarters (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

2. County Sheriff's Offices

Local sheriff's offices maintain records of arrests made within their jurisdiction. Contact the sheriff's office in the county where the arrest occurred.

3. Local Police Departments

Municipal police departments maintain records of arrests made within their city limits. Contact the records division of the relevant police department.

4. Clerk of Courts

County clerks maintain court records related to criminal cases, which often include arrest information.

5. Florida Department of Corrections

For information about individuals currently or formerly incarcerated in state prisons:

Florida Department of Corrections
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-5021
Florida Department of Corrections

Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Required information for most requests:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth or approximate age
Social Security Number (for more accurate results)
Time period to be searched
Purpose of the request (may be required for certain types of searches)

Processing times vary by agency and method, ranging from immediate results for some online searches to several weeks for comprehensive background checks.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Florida

Florida offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally. These platforms provide convenient access to public information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.

Official Government Resources:

FDLE Criminal History Search The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers an online criminal history search for a fee of $24.00 per record. This provides the most comprehensive statewide criminal history information.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search The Offender Information Search provides information about individuals currently or formerly under the supervision of the Florida Department of Corrections.
County Clerk of Courts Websites Most Florida counties maintain online court record databases that include criminal cases. For example:
Sheriff's Office Websites Many sheriff's offices maintain online inmate searches and arrest logs:
Florida Court Access (FLCOURTS) The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides access to court records across the state.

When searching online, you'll typically need:

The individual's full name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth (if available)
Case number (if known)
Approximate date of arrest (helpful for narrowing results)

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Florida?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, arrest records are generally available to anyone who requests them, with certain exceptions and limitations. Here's a breakdown of who can access these records:

General Public Access:

Any member of the public can request and obtain non-exempt arrest records
No need to provide identification or state a reason for the request
Access applies to both Florida residents and non-residents

Enhanced Access for Specific Entities:

Law Enforcement Agencies
- Have access to complete criminal history information, including sealed and expunged records
- Can access records through secure law enforcement networks
Criminal Justice Agencies
- Courts, prosecutors, and correctional facilities
- Access to comprehensive criminal history for official purposes
Licensed Professionals with Statutory Authority
- Attorneys representing clients in criminal matters
- Licensed private investigators conducting authorized investigations
Government Agencies
- For employment screening of public employees
- For licensing purposes as authorized by law
Employers Conducting Background Checks
- Must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- May need signed consent from the subject
- Certain positions (education, healthcare, financial services) have expanded access rights

Restricted Access:

Records of juvenile arrests (with exceptions)
Sealed or expunged records
Victims of certain crimes (domestic violence, sexual assault)
Active criminal investigations
Records specifically exempted by statute

The Florida Statutes Section 943.053 outlines the specific provisions governing dissemination of criminal history information and establishes the framework for who may access different types of records.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Florida?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining arrest records in Florida, though they vary depending on the agency providing the records and the method of access. These fees are authorized under Florida Statutes Section 119.07, which allows agencies to charge reasonable fees to cover the actual cost of duplication and labor.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- $24.00 for a state criminal history record check
- $33.25 for a state and national (FBI) criminal history check (fingerprint-based)
- Additional $6.25 for volunteer organizations (reduced fee)
County Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments
- Fees vary by agency but typically range from $5.00 to $25.00 per record
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies
Clerk of Courts
- $1.00 per page for standard copies
- $2.00 per page for certified copies
- Search fees may apply (typically $2.00-$5.00)
Online Access
- FDLE online searches: $24.00 per name
- County clerk online systems: Varies by county (some offer free searches, others charge subscription fees)
- Third-party vendors: Variable pricing structures

Payment Methods:

Most agencies accept credit/debit cards, money orders, and cashier's checks
Some agencies also accept personal checks or cash for in-person requests
Online systems typically require credit/debit card payment

Fee Waivers:

Some agencies may waive fees for:
- Indigent individuals
- Government agencies requesting records for official purposes
- Certain non-profit organizations

It's advisable to contact the specific agency before requesting records to confirm current fees and acceptable payment methods, as these may change over time. For large volume requests, some agencies may offer reduced rates or custom fee arrangements.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Florida

Florida maintains arrest records for extensive periods, often for the lifetime of the individual. The retention of these records is governed by various state laws and agency policies, with different timeframes applying to different types of records and agencies.

Standard Retention Periods:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- Criminal history records: Maintained for 75 years from the date of creation or last update
- Arrest fingerprints: Permanently maintained in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
County Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments
- Arrest reports: Minimum of 4 years, though many agencies retain indefinitely
- Booking photographs: Typically retained for the same period as the arrest record
Clerk of Courts
- Felony case records: 10 years after final judgment (minimum)
- Misdemeanor case records: 5 years after final judgment (minimum)
- Court records of significant historical value: Permanently maintained
Florida Department of Corrections
- Inmate records: 25 years after release from supervision
- Death row inmate records: Permanently maintained

These retention periods are established by the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS2 for law enforcement agencies and GS11 for court records.

Even after physical records might be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, once arrest information has been published or distributed (such as through media reports or third-party background check companies), that information may continue to exist indefinitely outside official government records.

The only way to officially remove arrest records before their scheduled destruction is through the legal processes of sealing or expungement, which are available only in specific circumstances under Florida law.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Florida Arrest Records?

While Florida maintains a strong commitment to public records access, certain information in arrest records is redacted or restricted from public view to protect privacy, safety, and other important interests. These restrictions are established by various exemptions to the Public Records Law found throughout the Florida Statutes.

Commonly Redacted Information:

Personal Identifying Information
- Social Security Numbers (Section 119.071(5)(a), F.S.)
- Driver's license numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Medical information
Victim Information
- Identifying information of victims of sexual offenses (Section 119.071(2)(h), F.S.)
- Identifying information of victims of child abuse
- Domestic violence victim information and safe house locations
- Human trafficking victim information
Juvenile Records
- Records of juvenile arrests are generally confidential (Section 985.04, F.S.)
- Exceptions exist for serious offenses and repeat offenders
Active Investigations
- Information related to ongoing criminal investigations (Section 119.071(2)(c), F.S.)
- Confidential informant identities
Protected Individuals
- Home addresses and phone numbers of current or former law enforcement officers
- Information about judges, prosecutors, and public defenders
- Information about crime witnesses
Sealed or Expunged Records
- Records that have been legally sealed or expunged pursuant to Section 943.059 or 943.0585, F.S.
Other Protected Information
- Mental health information
- Substance abuse treatment records
- HIV test results
- Genetic information

Law enforcement agencies and clerks of court are responsible for reviewing records before release to ensure that exempt information is properly redacted. When requesting records, you may notice black redaction marks or blank spaces where protected information has been removed.

The Florida Attorney General's Office maintains a Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual that provides comprehensive guidance on public records exemptions and proper redaction procedures.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Florida

Florida law provides mechanisms for eligible individuals to seal or expunge (destroy) their arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes are governed by Sections 943.0585 and 943.059, Florida Statutes, and are administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Eligibility Requirements:

For Sealing:
- No prior sealed or expunged records in Florida
- No conviction for the offense to be sealed
- No conviction for certain disqualifying offenses
- Completion of all court-ordered sanctions and conditions
For Expungement:
- Charges were dismissed, dropped, or not filed
- No prior sealed or expunged records in Florida
- No conviction for any criminal offense
- No pending criminal charges

Disqualifying Offenses: Certain serious offenses cannot be sealed or expunged, including:

Sexual offenses
Violent crimes (murder, manslaughter, robbery)
Child abuse
Domestic violence
DUI
Trafficking offenses

Application Process:

Obtain Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE
- Complete application form
- Submit fingerprints
- Provide certified disposition of the case
- Pay $75 processing fee
- Wait for FDLE to process (typically 90-180 days)
File Petition with the Court
- Once you receive the Certificate of Eligibility
- File petition in the court where the case was handled
- Pay filing fee (varies by county, typically $42-$75)
- Serve copies on the State Attorney and arresting agency
Court Hearing
- The court may schedule a hearing
- Judge makes final determination
- If approved, court issues an order to seal or expunge
Implementation of Order
- Court distributes the order to all relevant agencies
- Agencies must comply with the order within a specified timeframe

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Seal and Expunge Section
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 410-7870
FDLE Seal and Expunge Information

The process typically takes 9-12 months from application to completion. It's often advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in record sealing and expungement, as the process can be complex and technical errors may result in denial.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Florida?

While arrest records are generally public in Florida, there are significant legal limitations on how these records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These limitations are designed to protect individuals from unfair discrimination based on arrest history.

Employment Limitations:

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act regulates background checks conducted by third-party companies and requires:
- Written consent before conducting a background check
- Notification if adverse action is taken based on the report
- Opportunity to dispute inaccurate information
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines The EEOC provides guidance stating that arrest records alone (without conviction) should not be used to deny employment, as this may have a disparate impact on protected groups.
Florida Civil Rights Act Chapter 760, Florida Statutes prohibits employment discrimination and may provide protection against improper use of arrest records.
"Ban the Box" Policies Several Florida municipalities have adopted ordinances limiting when employers can inquire about criminal history in the hiring process.

Housing Limitations:

Fair Housing Act The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination, which may include blanket policies against individuals with arrest records.
HUD Guidance The Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued guidance indicating that housing policies excluding individuals based solely on arrest records may violate fair housing laws.

Other Important Limitations:

Sealed and Expunged Records
- It is illegal to disclose sealed or expunged records
- Individuals with sealed/expunged records may legally deny the arrest occurred in most contexts
Juvenile Records
- Special protections apply to juvenile arrest records
- Unauthorized disclosure may result in penalties
Commercial Use Restrictions
- Section 943.053(2), F.S. restricts the sale or dissemination of criminal history information for commercial purposes
Accuracy Requirements
- Information providers must maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy
- Outdated or incomplete information should not be reported

Violations of these limitations can result in civil liability, administrative penalties, and in some cases, criminal charges. Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly used may have recourse through various state and federal agencies, including the Florida Commission on Human Relations, the EEOC, and the courts.

Lookup Arrest Records in Florida

Florida maintains a comprehensive network of agencies that maintain and provide access to arrest records. Below is a directory of the primary resources for looking up arrest records in the state:

State Repository for Criminal History Records:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-8109
Florida Department of Law Enforcement

State Department of Corrections:

Florida Department of Corrections
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-5021
Florida Department of Corrections

State Court System:

Florida Courts
500 South Duval Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-0125
Florida Courts

Attorney General's Office:

Office of the Attorney General
The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 414-3300
Florida Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office
2100 NW 33rd Street
Miami, FL 33142
(305) 471-2400
Miami-Dade County Sheriff
Broward County Sheriff's Office
2601 W. Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 764-4357
Broward County Sheriff
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
3228 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
(561) 688-3000
Palm Beach County Sheriff
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
2008 E. 8th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 247-8000
Hillsborough County Sheriff
Orange County Sheriff's Office
2500 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 254-7000
Orange County Sheriff
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
10750 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33778
(727) 582-6200
Pinellas County Sheriff
Duval County Sheriff's Office (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office)
501 E. Bay Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 630-0500
Jacksonville Sheriff
Lee County Sheriff's Office
14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33912
(239) 477-1000
Lee County Sheriff
Polk County Sheriff's Office
1891 Jim Keene Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 298-6200
Polk County Sheriff
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
700 Park Avenue
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 264-5100
Brevard County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments:

Miami Police Department
400 NW 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33128
(305) 579-6111
Miami Police Department
Orlando Police Department
1250 W. South Street
Orlando, FL 32805
(321) 235-5300
Orlando Police Department
Tampa Police Department
411 N. Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 276-3200
Tampa Police Department
Jacksonville Police Department
501 E. Bay Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 630-0500
Jacksonville Police Department
St. Petersburg Police Department
1301 1st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
(727) 893-7780
St. Petersburg Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Florida:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Jacksonville Division
6061 Gate Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 248-7000
FBI Jacksonville

U.S. Marshals Service - Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force
299 East Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 356-7256
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - Southeast Regional Office
3800 Camp Creek Parkway SW
Building 2000
Atlanta, GA 30331
(678) 686-1200
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. Courts – PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Online access to federal court records
(800) 676-6856
PACER