Free Access To Florida Criminal & Arrest Records: Every FL County

Free Florida Arrest Records & Criminal Records Search
Access Florida Records: background checks, warrants, probation and parole, court records, and all criminal and arrest records.

Access free Florida arrest records and criminal records today. Look up vital information in any and every county through official channels using the links and steps outlined in this brief resource.

Florida is well-known for it’s broad public record laws that allow news outlets, journalist, and others to find bizarre information that would typically be restricted in other states. This is, in part, why the term “Florida man” came to life across the internet and, for better or worse, allows arrest and Florida criminal records to be accessed with ease.

The following guide outlines various local, state and federal agencies that host public criminal record repositories, and the process to look through each, from arrests, warrants, probation and parole, to background checks and the sex offender registry.

In addition, this resource will cover how to bail someone out of jail, expunge and seal records, find state and federal prisoners, and review laws and statutes that govern the use of criminal records in Florida.

Criminal & Arrest Records: Availability & Accessibility in Florida

Both Florida arrest records and criminal records are accessible by the public through various means, but accessing each type of record requires a slightly differing process through different record custodians.

There are a few exceptions to public availability or records being only partially disclosed; these include those involving active criminal intelligence information, active criminal investigative information, juvenile records, and any reports that have been sealed or expunged.

All federal public records requests must adhere to Florida’s FOIA laws, including the Florida Open Meetings Law, which states that all meetings of government officials must be open to the general public.1

Additionally, the Florida Sunshine Law asserts that interested parties may access all public records within the state except for federal records that have been deemed non-public and personal emails involving city employees on government computers.2 Records requests may be made without a stated reason.

To see what other types of records are in the public index, check out the Florida public record lookup resource which provides more information on vital records (marriage, divorce, birth and death records), court records, prisoner records – the guide also covers criminal and arrest information but isn’t as depth as the information below.

What Appears on Criminal Records vs Arrest Records in Florida

An arrest report in Florida is often less detailed than criminal records because it only contains information about circumstances and details surrounding a particular arrest rather than giving a full criminal history.

Alternatively, criminal records hold information about the entire court proceedings and, eventually, will show if the individual was innocent or proven guilty.

Florida arrest records often include:

  • Last Name/First Name
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Sex
  • Date of Birth
  • Hair Type/Color
  • Eye Color
  • Arrest Information (Arresting Agency, Date, Charge, Bond Type & Amount, Location)
A screenshot of a sample Florida arrest record showing a list of information about the arrested person.
Source: Broward County Clerk of the Courts29

Florida criminal records tend to cover the following:

  • Last Name, First Name, Known Aliases
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Sex
  • Date of Birth
  • History of Arrests
  • Prior Convictions (Unless Sealed or Expunged)
  • Mugshot

How To Determine if Someone Is in a Florida Jail & the Reason Why

Searchers wanting to access Florida arrest records or find recent arrests should know the subject’s name, the area where the subject was arrested, and, ideally, the approximate time of the arrest.

Knowing which law enforcement agency made the arrest can also be helpful, although it’s not always necessary.

Individuals curious about how to find recent or current arrests in Florida can do so without any cost associated by calling or visiting the local sheriff department or police department where the arrest was made or–even more conveniently–by searching the their websites as these often have inmate searches and arrest records viewable by the public in an online database.

The table below contains a link to every county’s online inmate search tool, their phone numbers, and whether or not they show mugshots.

Check Arrest Records in Florida via Inmate Rosters & Mugshot Databases from County Sheriffs’ Offices

Figuring out how to find out if someone was arrested requires knowledge of their last known whereabouts, as well as their name and approximate time or date of arrest.

With many counties having a high number of arrests, having information that narrows down a search can expedite the process and narrow down the results.

A screenshot from the Miami-Dade County corrections and rehabilitation website showing the inmate search page with search bars for full name and a captcha.
Source: Miami-Dade County30

Additionally, smaller counties may not have an online search tool or a compiled list of who’s in jail; in these cases, it’s more likely that the county will only provide contact information instead of a booking list or online search option.

Florida county jails and sheriff’s offices can be reached via the contact information found below or the websites accessed instead for online searches (if available):

County Inmate Search Tool County Jail or Sheriff’s Office Phone Number Shows Mugshots?
Alachua County Jail: 352-491-4444
Sheriff’s Office: 352-955-1818
Bay County Jail: 850-785-5245
Sheriff’s Office: 850-747-4700
Bradford County Jail: 904-966-6359
Sheriff’s Office: 904-966-2276
Brevard County Jail: 321-690-1500
Sheriff’s Office: 321-264-5201
Broward County Jail: 954-831-5900
Sheriff’s Office: 954-831-8901
Calhoun County Jail: 850-674-4275
Sheriff’s Office: 850-674-5049
Charlotte County Jail: 941-833-6300
Sheriff’s Office: 941-639-2101
X
Citrus County Jail: 352-527-3332
Sheriff’s Office: 352-726-4488
Clay County Jail: 904-213-5905
Sheriff’s Office: 904-264 -6512
Collier County Jail: 239-657-2878
Sheriff’s Office: 239-252-9300
Columbia County Jail: 386-752-9212
Sheriff’s Office: 386-752-9212
DeSoto County Jail: 863-993-4710
Sheriff’s Office: 863-993-4700
Duval County Jail: 904-630-5760
Sheriff’s Office: 904-630-7600
X
Escambia County Jail: 850-436-9830
Sheriff’s Office: 850-436-9620
Flagler County Jail: 386-437-4116
Sheriff’s Office: 386-437-4116
Franklin County Jail: 850-670-8500
Sheriff’s Office: 850-670-8500
Gadsden County Jail: 850-875-8844
Sheriff’s Office: 850-875-8880
Glades County Jail: 863-946-1600
Sheriff’s Office: 863-946-1600
Hamilton County Jail: 386-792-7131
Sheriff’s Office: 386-792-1001
Hardee County Jail: 863-767-0873
Sheriff’s Office: 863-773-0304
Hendry County Jail: 863-674-5600
Sheriff’s Office: 863-674-5600
Hernando County Jail: 352-544-2334
Sheriff’s Office: 352-754-6830
Highlands County Jail: 863-402-7201
Sheriff’s Office: 863-402-7200
X
Hillsborough County Jail: 813-247-8300
Sheriff’s Office: 813-247-8000
Indian River County Jail: 772-569-6700
Sheriff’s Office: 772-569-6700
Lake County Jail: 352-742-4000
Sheriff’s Office: 352-343-2101
Lee County Jail: 239-477-1700
Sheriff’s Office: 239-477-1000
Leon County Jail: 850-606-3500
Sheriff’s Office: 850-606-3300
Levy County Jail: 352-486-5121
Sheriff’s Office: 352-486-5111
Madison County Jail: 850-973-4002
Sheriff’s Office: 850-973-4151
Manatee County Jail: 941-723-5132
Sheriff’s Office: 941-747-3011
Marion County Jail: 352-351-8077
Sheriff’s Office: 352-732-8181
Miami-Dade County Jail: 786-263-4100
Sheriff’s Office: 305-876-7373
Monroe County Jail: 305-293-7300
Sheriff’s Office: 305-292-7000
Nassau County Jail: 904-548-4002
Sheriff’s Office: 904-548-4009
Okaloosa County Jail: 850-689-5690
Sheriff’s Office: 850-651-7410
Okeechobee County Jail: 863-462-5400
Sheriff’s Office: 863-763-3117
X
Orange County Jail: 407-836-3400
Sheriff’s Office: 407-254-7000
Palm Beach County Jail: 561-688-4400
Sheriff’s Office: 561-688-3000
Pasco County Jail: 813-996-6982
Sheriff’s Office: 727-847-5878
X
Pinellas County Jail: 727-464-6415
Sheriff’s Office: 727-582-6200
X
Polk County Jail: 863-298-6200
Sheriff’s Office: 863-298-6200
Putnam County Jail: 386-329-0854
Sheriff’s Office: 386-329-0800
St. Johns County Jail: 904-824-8304
Sheriff’s Office: 904-824-8304
St. Lucie County Jail: 772-462-7300
Sheriff’s Office: 772-462-7300
Santa Rosa County Jail: 850-983-1100
Sheriff’s Office: 850-981-2230
Sarasota County Jail: 941-861-4601
Sheriff’s Office: 941-861-5800
Seminole County Jail: 407-665-1200
Sheriff’s Office: 407-665-6650
Sumter County Jail: 352-569-1700
Sheriff’s Office: 352-569-1600
Suwannee County Jail: 386-963-6530
Sheriff’s Office: 386-362-2222
Taylor County Jail: 850-584-4333
Sheriff’s Office: 850-584-4225
Volusia County Jail: 386-254-1555
Sheriff’s Office: 386-736-5961
Walton County Jail: 850-892-8196
Sheriff’s Office: 850-892-8186
Washington County Jail: 850-638-6110
Sheriff’s Office: 850-638-6111

Below are the Florida counties that do not have an online inmate search tool or mugshot repository; each county without this resource is listed with their contact information and a link to the sheriff department contact page.

While the information above details every county inmate roster or contact information, searchers can also follow these steps to access online arrest reports in any Florida county:

  1. Google “[Name of County] Sheriff’s Department”
    For example, a searcher wanting to find arrest records in Brevard County, FL, would type “Brevard County Sheriff’s Department” into the Google search bar.
  2. Review the Google search results to find the official sheriff’s website (example.gov)
    Using the above example, the searcher would click Brevard County Sheriff’s Department website3
  3. Click the link
  4. Explore the site for a tab about inmates (i.e. inmate search, inmate locator, etc.)
  5. Click the inmate search tool
    On the Brevard County Sheriff Department website, the user would click “Arrest Inquiries” and be brought to the Brevard County inmate search3, 4
  6. Type the subject’s first and last name or other relevant information
    For this example, “John Smith” was typed into the search tool
  7. Review search results for desired information or record
A screenshot showing Brevard County inmate search tool.
Source: Brevard County Sheriff’s Office4

How To Contact & Post Bail for Someone Who’s Been Arrested in Florida

Since there is not a city or county inmate phone system like at the state level in Florida, individuals hoping to contact jail inmates should reach out to the jail directly to ask about inmate contact information and in person visiting hours.

At the state level, however, there is an inmate telephone system that’s dedicated to connecting Florida inmates with their loved ones or others outside of the jail.5

The inmate phone system is operated by ConnectNetwork GTL, where interested parties should create an account in order for inmates to be able to contact them.6 Friends and family members can pay online after creating an account by phone at 866-732-9098 or via the GTL app on either the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

While creating the account itself is free, GTL provides inmates with two free 5-minute calls monthly, and then the remaining calls must be prepaid or paid to collect.

A screenshot showing a table listing different phone charges or fees with different rates when contacting an inmate in Florida through ConnectNetwork GTL.
Source: Florida Department of Corrections5

County jail inmates must adhere to the jail’s visitation hours and calling rules, but inmates in state facilities can also be contacted by mail; individuals must send mail to the central processing facility, where it will be scanned for electronic distribution instead of paper mail (excluding legal mail and privileged mail).

Bail (the monetary amount set by the court which must be paid to grant an individual pre-trial release) must be paid to the jail where the inmate is being held, upon which the detainee should be released within a few hours.

Those who cannot afford the full amount of bail can opt to recruit a bail bond agent who essentially pays bail on the inmate’s behalf. Bail bond agents usually charge at least a 10% deposit.

How To Check Someone’s Criminal History & Run a Florida Criminal Record Search

State records are often hosted by county courts or state agencies and can usually be accessed via the court of clerks if all else fails. However, the specific record custodians vary from state to state, so those searching for Florida criminal records must know where to look.

Additionally, an online directory is often available through the state agency responsible for public records to aid in efficient searches. Third-party people finder sites may also prove helpful as these can be more comprehensive but are not always fully up to date.

View Florida Criminal Records Through County Clerks of Court

In most states, criminal records are open for public review via either the county courthouse or clerk of court. In Florida, these records are held, maintained, and dispersed by each county’s clerk of the court and members of the public can inquire with the applicable clerks to access or obtain certain records.

By contacting the clerk either by phone or in person, searchers can view or request copies of these records:

County Court Criminal Records Search Courthouse Address Phone Number
Alachua County 201 E. University Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Baker County 339 E Macclenny Ave.
# 113, Macclenny, FL 32063
904-259-8113
Bay County 300 E. 4th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-747-5102
Bradford County 945 N. Temple Ave.
Starke, FL 32091
904-966-6280
Brevard County 51 Nieman Ave #100
Melbourne, FL 32901
321-637-5413
Broward County 201 SE 6th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-831-6565
Calhoun County 20859 Central Ave.
Blountstown, FL 32424
850-674-4545
Charlotte County 18500 Murdock Cir.
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-743-1400
Citrus County 1540 N Meadowcrest Blvd.
Crystal River, FL 34429
352-341-6424
Clay County 825 N Orange Ave.
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
904-284-6302
Collier County 2335 Orange Blossom Dr.
Naples, FL 34109
239-252-2745
Columbia County 173 NE Hernando Ave.
Lake City, FL 32055
386-758-1342
DeSoto County 115 E Oak St.
Arcadia, FL 34266
863-993-4876
Dixie County 214 NE Hwy 351
Cross City, FL 32628
352-498-1200
Duval County 501 W Adams St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-255-2000
Escambia County 190 W Government St.
Pensacola, FL 32502
850-595-4310
Flagler County 1769 E Moody Blvd.
Bunnell, FL 32110
386-313-4400
Franklin County 33 Market St #203
Apalachicola, FL 32320
850-653-8861
Gadsden County 10 E Jefferson St.
Quincy, FL 32351
850-875-8601
Gilchrist County 112 S Main St #1004
Trenton, FL 32693
352-463-3170
Glades County 500 Avenue J
Moore Haven, FL 33471
863-946-6010
Gulf County 1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd.
Port St Joe, FL 32456
850-229-6112
Hamilton County 207 NE First St.
Room 106
Jasper, Florida 32052
386-792-1288
Hardee County 417 W Main St.
Wauchula, FL 33873
863-773-4174
Hendry County 25 E. Hickpochee Ave.
SR 80 Corner SR 29
863-675-5217
Hernando County 20 N Main St.
Brooksville, FL 34601
352-754-4201
Highlands County 590 S Commerce Ave.
Sebring, FL 33870
863-402-6830
Hillsborough County 419 N Pierce St.
Tampa, FL 33602
813-276-8100
Holmes County 201 N Oklahoma St.
Bonifay, FL 32425
850-547-1100
Indian River County 1801 27th St.
Vero Beach, FL 32960
772-226-3100
Jackson County 4445 Lafayette St.
Marianna, FL 32446
850-482-9552
Jefferson County 1 Courthouse Cir.
Monticello, FL 32344
850-342-0218
Lafayette County 120 W Main St.
Mayo, FL 32066
386-294-1600
Lake County 550 W Main St.
Tavares, FL 32778
352-742-4100
Lee County 2075 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-533-5000
Leon County 301 S Monroe St #100
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-606-4000
Levy County 310 School St.
Bronson, FL 32621
352-486-5266
Liberty County 10818 NW, FL-20
Bristol, FL 32321
850-643-2215
Madison County 125 Range St # 106
Madison, FL 32340
850-973-1500
Manatee County 1115 Manatee Ave W.
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-749-1800
Marion County 110 NW 1st Ave #1
Ocala, FL 34471
352-671-5604
Martin County 100 SE Ocean Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34994
772-288-5576
Miami-Dade County 73 W Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33130
305-275-1155
Monroe County 500 Whitehead St.
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-3130
Nassau County 416 Centre St.
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-491-6430
Okaloosa County 1940 Lewis Turner Blvd.
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
850-651-7200
Okeechobee County 312 NW 3rd St.
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-763-2131
Orange County 425 N Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-2000
Osceola County 2 Courthouse Sq.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407-742-3500
Palm Beach County 205 N Dixie Hwy
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-355-2996
Pasco County 7530 Little Rd.
New Port Richey, FL 34654
352-521-4274
Pinellas County 545 1st Ave N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-464-7000
Polk County 255 W Church St.
Bartow, FL 33830
863-534-4000
Putnam County 410 St Johns Ave.
Palatka, FL 32177
386-326-7600
St. Johns County 4010 Lewis Speedway St.
Augustine, FL 32084
904-819-3600
St. Lucie County 250 NW Country Club Dr.
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
772-871-7200
Santa Rosa County 4025 Avalon Blvd.
Milton, FL 32583
850-981-5554
Sarasota County 2000 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-861-7400
Seminole County 101 Eslinger Way
Sanford, FL 32773
407-665-4300
Sumter County 215 E McCollum Ave.
Bushnell, FL 33513
352-569-6600
Suwannee County 200 Ohio Ave S.
Live Oak, FL 32064
386-362-0500
Taylor County 108 N Jefferson St.
Perry, FL 32347
850-838-3506
Union County 55 W Main St #1654
Lake Butler, FL 32054
386-496-3711
Volusia County 101 N Alabama Ave.
DeLand, FL 32724
386-736-5915
Wakulla County 3056 Crawfordville Hwy
Crawfordville, FL 32327
850-926-0905
Walton County 31 Coastal Centre Blvd.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
850-267-3066
Washington County 1293 W Jackson Ave #100
Chipley, FL 32428
850-638-6009

How To Find Criminal Records Using the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Instant Criminal History Search (Obtain Copies Too)

Florida criminal records are managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) as part of the state’s Division of Criminal Information Services (CJIS).7

The FDLE is responsible for both maintaining and providing criminal history information access to the general public if requested, but they do charge a $24 search fee per request along with a $1 upcharge for credit card processing. These instant criminal history searches must be paid with debit or credit.8

The screenshot shows a picture of a front and back bank card in a blue color in the upper left corner, a description of the fees to be paid for instant criminal history searches in the upper right corner, and a Public Search navigator at the bottom of the page.
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement8

The online instant criminal history searches are not certified but are the most common and can be performed easily by following these steps:

  1. Go to the Instant Criminal History Search Request Form and fill out the information on all 6 pages, beginning with billing details.9
  2. Pay the $25 total fee and submit the request form electronically (This fee is charged for every search whether or not the search is successful)
  3. Enter demographic information for the subject in question, including name, race, sex, and date of birth (The more detailed and accurate the search, the more accurate the results will be)
  4. The FDLE online criminal history service will immediately return a list of potential matches most similar to the search results entered, up to 5 matches.
  5. Results may be emailed to oneself or printed after being reviewed by the requester.

Any questions related to criminal records searches should be directed to the Criminal History Services Section of the FDLE at 850-410-8161 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST Monday-Friday.

Aside from the instant search option, a Florida Criminal History Record Check can also be obtained via a(n):10

  • Certified/Non-Certified Search–Requesters give demographic information, and the FDLE conducts the search, then mails notarized records to the requestors within 7 business days. Non-certified searches done through this process take no more than 5 business days, but both types cost the same as instant online results ($25 including the $1 processing fee, paid by debit or credit only)11
  •  Originating Agency Identification (ORI) Search–Requesters who present a valid ORI and pay the search fee (which varies depending upon the agency) will have search results sent to the recipient.12

How To Determine if Someone Is on Probation or Parole in Florida

Individuals unsure of whether to perform a FL probation search or look through parolee databases in Florida should be aware that probation usually refers to a release from jail while parole references a release from prison, but unfortunately, most states–including Florida–do not have a statewide lookup tool.

However, the Florida Department of Corrections’ Office of Community Corrections supervises nearly 150,000 offenders throughout the state who have been released on parole, conditional release, or conditional medical release, as well as offenders on probation.

Concerned parties seeking information on probation or parole details in Florida can use the Office of Community Corrections’ probation services web page, which shows community corrections regions and circuits and an interactive map that can be used to access and contact regional or circuit offices.13

A screenshot showing the map of Community Corrections Regions and Circuits divided into four colors based on different regions with different shades based on every circuit.
Source: Florida Department of Corrections13

For example, users who click on “11” will be brought to the Miami Circuit Office informational page, which shows:

  • All Miami Circuit Office Locations
  • Circuit and Deputy Circuit Administrators
  • Community-Based Sanctions & Programs
  • Contact Information
  • Counties Served
  • Directions to the Circuit Office
  • General Information
  • Location
  • Number of Offenders Currently Under Supervision14

To illustrate just how many people are on probation and parole, the following image shows the combined total of probationers and parolees in Florida, along with their ethnicities. Furthermore, these totals are also compared to the number of individuals on community supervision (including probation and parole) in other states across the United States.

An image showing a map and bar graph displaying the combined number of probationers and parolees in Florida compared to other states and the number of probationers and parolees in FL by ethnicity.
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics

The Federal Bureau of Prisons website also offers historical information and records for subjects who were in federal prison, and the sex offender registry can be searched for probation or parole information, too. Other options for finding such information include running a personal background check on the individual in question, reviewing criminal records via the local county courthouse, or directly contacting probation or parole offices to ask about an individual.15

Searchers should keep in mind that neither the BOP nor sex offender registry will prove current probation but may show prior probationary periods for federal or sexual crimes.

Process To Seal or Expunge Criminal Records in FL

In Florida, the process for sealing vs expunging criminal records is very similar, whereas other states require completely different processes for each.

The seal and expunge process in Florida often takes at least 3 months, so individuals should know how to accurately complete each step of the process for the most efficient results.16

A screenshot from the Florida department of law enforcement website showing the seal and expunge application form.
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement17

Individuals hoping to seal or expunge their records in the state of Florida should do the following:

  1. Fill out Section A of the FDLE’s Application for Certification of Eligibility and sign the application in the presence of a notary public to receive a notarized affidavit.17 Mark whether the application is for early juvenile expunction, an expungement, juvenile diversion, lawful self-defense, or to have a record sealed.
  2. Visit a local law enforcement agency or other authorized entity to obtain an official FDLE-approved fingerprint card.
  3. Request a certified copy of the case disposition in question from the local Clerk of Courts. (Applicants requesting to have their records sealed can skip to step 5)
  4. Applicants seeking expungement must submit their Application for Certification of Eligibility and court-certified case disposition to the local State Attorney’s office, where they will fill out Section B to verify that the case in question was dismissed.17
  5. Submit the fingerprint card, the notarized Application for Certification of Eligibility, a cover letter, certified case disposition, and a $75.00 money order or cashier’s check written to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the processing fee.17
  6. Wait for a determination; the FDLE gives 12-week processing estimates for a determination of eligibility, but wait times are done on a first-come, first-served basis and processing times have been known to take up to 9 months since the wait is entirely dependent upon the backlog of applications.
    Note that if a Certification of Eligibility is granted, the record is not yet sealed or expunged.
  7. If determined eligible, the next step is for requesters to file a petition to seal or expunge in the court with jurisdiction over the arrest or record in question, as the relevant court has the full and final say over all sealing and expungements.
    The petition must be accompanied by both the Certificate of Eligibility to Seal or Expunge, the required affidavit that verifies eligibility, and a proposed order to seal and expunge the applicable record(s).
  8. The applicant must serve both the Office of the State Attorney and the arresting law enforcement agency with a copy of the petition, the proposed order and all relevant court filings.
  9. If the Office of the State Attorney is in opposition to the petition, a hearing will occur to determine approval or denial of the record(s) to be sealed or expunged.
  10. If approved, the Court will instruct all criminal justice agencies and the clerk of courts to seal or expunge the record(s) in question and copies of the court order will be given to the defendant, state, and applicable agencies.

Juvenile criminal records held by the FDLE will be automatically expunged when the subject reaches age 21 unless committed to a juvenile correctional facility, in which case the automatic expungement age is 26–as long as certain conditions are fulfilled.

Automatic sealing is also performed if the local Clerk of the Court provides the FDLE with a certified disposition; however, these will only be sealed at the state–not local–level.

How To Locate Someone in a Florida State Prison or Federal Facility

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) manages the 128 facilities throughout the state and offers inmate information that the public can access.18

To find information on federal prisoners, interested parties can use the FDC’s online Offender Search tool to search for a subject by name or Department of Corrections (DC) number.19

A screenshot of the Corrections Offender Network page showing a request form asking for search hints like the last name, first name, and/or the offender's DC number to retrieve an offender's information.
Source: Florida Department of Corrections19

Information on each search result will include the following, if available:

  • Case Number
  • Current Custody
  • Current Facility
  • Current Release Date
  • Date of Birth
  • Date of Detainment
  • Department of Corrections Number
  • Incarceration History
  • Known Aliases
  • Length of Prison Sentence
  • Name
  • Offense Date
  • Offense Description
  • Prior Prison History
  • Race
  • Sex

Visiting request forms and applications for visitation are also available on each offender’s page.

A screenshot showing the offender's face, personal identifiable information, and the two parts Visiting Request Form.
Source: Florida Department of Corrections31

As another option, the Federal Bureau of Prisons can also provide federal prisoner information via their Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate search tool.15, 20

How To Check Whether You or Someone Else Has a Warrant in Florida

Anyone can search for warrant details on anybody wanted in Florida by following the guidance below.

Citizens interested in checking if they or someone else has a warrant out for their arrest may check through the FDLE’s Public Access System (PAS).21

Searchers can use this database to find a warrant list or information about wanted subjects for free; however, the FDLE acknowledges that warrant information may not be current, complete, or active and that interested parties should inquire with local law enforcement for confirmation.

A screenshot showing Wanted Persons Search asking for information to find a wanted person.
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement21
  • County Clerk of Court inquiries
  • Contacting the Sheriff’s Office or reviewing the sheriff department’s online database
  • Utilizing third-party search sites

Note that it’s always recommended to check with local law enforcement agencies as a first step by the courts, and third-party sites can also provide further details. Additionally, if someone has a warrant out for their arrest and visits one of these agencies in person, they may be detained on the spot.

A Synopsis of Florida Background Checks

Background checks are commonly used by Florida employers, firearms dealers, landlords, and many other purposes.

Even adoption agencies and security clearance checks often rely on these checks to ensure compliance with state and federal laws as well as assessing risk level through reviews of criminal history, prior education, credit history and even an individual’s character.

In most states, there are three levels of background checks, but in Florida, there are only two types. Level 1 background checks are name-based and results show employment history and local and state criminal history, as well as if the individual is a registered sex offender.

Level 2 background checks are more comprehensive and in-depth, as they span across a national scale instead of being limited to Florida alone.

These also rely on fingerprinting for accuracy and give much more information on the applicant or individual being assessed, such as previous residences, employment and credit history, criminal records and activity, incarceration records, marital status, and more. Interested parties should be aware that Florida is the only state that defines level 1 and 2 background checks this way in their legislature.

This type of extensive background check is usually reserved for certain government employees, healthcare professionals, security guards, and employees applying to work directly with children or the elderly.

Level 2 checks are performed by the FDLE through a criminal history record check and the subject of the check is required to do fingerprinting through an authorized LiveScan Provider.22 Each LiveScan service provider charges various fees so applicants should check with their local provider for associated costs.

Those with questions can also reach out to the FDLE directly for guidance.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act both prevent those performing professional background checks from using the information within to discriminate against applicants or potential renters.

However, background checks can also be done for personal purposes, and they do not have to adhere to the same state and federal laws as professional checks. Another difference is that professional background checks require permission from the subject in question, while personal checks do not.

Personal background checks, on the other hand, are allowed without any given reason so long as the information granted is not used to intimidate, harass or stalk.

How To Search the State & National Sex Offender Registries To Find Florida Offenders

In addition to the National Sex Offender Public Website, concerned individuals can also search Florida’s statewide sex offender database seen here: National Sex Offender Registry.23

A screenshot from the National Sex Offender Registry website showing the search criteria page.
Source: National Sex Offender Registry23

To perform a search, users can use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Sexual Offenders & Predators Search and check by offender, neighborhood, university campus, or an internet identifier search, which are all updated regularly.24

A screenshot of the Sexual Offenders and Predators Search tool showing the needed information to enter to find the offender's information.
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement32

Search results will be shown compiled on the webpage, but users can click “View Flyer” on any offender to view much more in-depth information. Mugshots are shown, and users can also utilize the “Track Offender” function to be notified of any changes to the offender’s location.

A screenshot of a sample Sexual Offenders and Predators search result showing the offender's picture, name, status, address, and address source information.
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement32

Florida Statutes Pertaining to Criminal & Arrest Records

According to Section 119.011(12) of Florida Statutes, public records are defined as any document, map, book, tape, photograph, audio, software, or other material that is created or received pursuant to ordinance or law in connection with official business or agencies.25

All government records, therefore, are open to the public even if incomplete, as long as the Florida Legislature has not deemed them exempt from disclosure.

All records requests must adhere to state and federal FOIA laws as well, including the aforementioned Florida Open Meetings Law and Florida Sunshine Law found in Chapter 286 of the Florida Statutes.26

Florida has not adopted a statewide ban-the-box law that prohibits employers from inquiring about potential employees’ criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been granted; however, some cities have moved forward with implementing their own ban-the-box policies. Some such cities include Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando, among others.

When performing background and pre-employment checks for work or residency, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) must be adhered to; this means that employers, landlords, and others cannot use information contained within to discriminate against individuals.27

Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides oversight to U.S. employers, protecting potential employees and applicants by ensuring they are not discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, ability, sex, national origin, or genetic information.28

While professional background checks require the consent of the individual being investigated, personal background checks can be done without notifying the subject.

In conclusion, Florida arrest records can be accessed by the public through county search tools or law enforcement.

On the other hand, Florida criminal records, informally called rap sheets, provide more information than arrest reports and can be accessed via the counties’ clerk of courts, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and third-party people search sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Florida Have a Public Drug Offender Registry?

Florida does not allow public access to a drug offender registry, but Florida’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program–formally called the Electronic Florida Online Reporting of Controlled Substance Evaluation (E-FORCSE) Program–was initiated in 2009 to encourage safe practices while prescribing or administering controlled substances.

Only prescribers, dispensers and other authorized entities may access the E-FORCSE database or patient information.

Which Agency Is the Criminal Record Custodian in Florida?

Criminal records in FL are held by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and are accessible to the public by requesting a criminal history record check and submitting the $25 fee.


References

1Florida Legislature. (2023). The 2022 Florida Statutes (including 2022 Special Session A and 2023 Special Session B)286.011 Public meetings and records; public inspection; criminal and civil penalties. Online Sunshine. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from <http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?Appmode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0286/Sections/0286.011.html>

2Florida Legislature. (2023). The 2022 Florida Statutes (including 2022 Special Session A and 2023 Special Session B)119.01 General state policy on public records. Online Sunshine. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from <http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199/0119/Sections/0119.01.html>

3Brevard Sheriff. (2023). Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Brevard Sheriff. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <https://www.brevardsheriff.com/home/>

4Brevard County Sheriff. (2023). Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Bookings & Inmate Search. Brevard Sheriff. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <https://www.brevardsheriff.com/bookings/>

5Florida Department of Corrections. (2023). Inmate Telephone System. State of Florida Department of Corrections. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <http://www.dc.state.fl.us/ci/phone_rates.html>

6ConnectNetwork. (2023). ConnectNetworkGTL. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <https://web.connectnetwork.com>

7Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2023). Obtaining Criminal History Information. FDLE. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records>

8Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2020). FDLE’s Criminal History Search Overview. FDLE. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <https://cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default?3>

9Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2020). Criminal History Services Payment Information. FDLE. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <https://cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/wicket/paymentinfo?13>

10Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2023). State of Florida Criminal History Record Check. FDLE. Retrieved 14 April, 2023, from <https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records/Record-Check>

11Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2023). Non-Certified/Certified Search. FDLE. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <https://shield.fdle.state.fl.us/shield/app/ecorsp?3>

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15Federal Bureau of Prisons. (2023). Find an Inmate. BOP. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from <https://www.bop.gov/>

16Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2023). Seal and Expunge Process. FDLE. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from <https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Seal-and-Expunge-Process>

17Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2023). Application for Certification of Eligibility. FDLE. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from <https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/intakeweb/formrenderer.xhtml?pageId=se>

18Florida Department of Corrections. (2023). FDC. Florida Department of Corrections. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from <http://www.dc.state.fl.us/index.html>

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20BOP: Federal Inmates By Number. (n.d.). Federal Bureau of Prisons. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from <https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/>

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22Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2023, April 3). LiveScan Provider Listing [Web]. FDLE. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from <http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records/Documents/InternetDoc_ServiceProviders.aspx>

23United States Department of Justice. (2023). Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website. National Sex Offender Public Website. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from <https://www.nsopw.gov/>

24Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2018). Sexual Offenders and Predators Search. FDLE. Retrieved April 15, 2023, from <https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/search.jsf>

25Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes :->2010->Chapter 119. (n.d.). Online Sunshine. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from <http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2010&Title=-%3E2010-%3EChapter%20119>

26Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes :->2012->Chapter 286. (n.d.). Online Sunshine. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from <http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0286/0286ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2012&Title=-%3E2012-%3EChapter%20286>

27Federal Trade Commission. (2023). Fair Credit Reporting Act. FTC. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from <https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act>

28U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2023). U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. EEOC. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from <https://www.eeoc.gov/>

29Broward County Clerk of the Courts. (2023). Inmate Information. Retrieved May 18, 2023, from <https://apps.sheriff.org/ArrestSearch/InmateDetail/502102871>

30MDCR Inmate Search. (n.d.). Miami-Dade County. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from <https://www.miamidade.gov/Apps/mdcr/InmateSearch/#/>

31Corrections Offender Network. (2023, May 9). Florida Department of Corrections. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from <http://www.dc.state.fl.us/offenderSearch/detail.aspx?Page=Detail&DCNumber=113573&TypeSearch=AI>

32Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2018). Sexual Offenders and Predators Search. FDLE. Retrieved May 18, 2023, from <https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/offenderSearch.jsf>