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Find Florida Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Florida?

Yes, criminal records in Florida are accessible to the public under the Florida Sunshine Laws. Members of the public can access these records unless restricted by statute or court order. To obtain these records, requesters typically need to provide the record subject’s name and last known location, including cities, counties, and states. Third-party websites also offer access to these records, although they are not government-sponsored and may have varying availability.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Florida?

A criminal record in Florida includes official documents detailing an individual's criminal activity within the state. These records encompass misdemeanor and felony offenses, arrest data, indictment history, and conviction information. The information is collected from county and state-run offices, law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions.

What Information Is Included in Florida Criminal Record?

Personal data: Full name, alias, gender, birth date, nationality/ethnicity
Mugshot and fingerprints
Details of unique physical attributes
Misdemeanor and felony offenses
Arrest history, indictments, convictions, and pending dispositions

How To Check Criminal Records in Florida

Requests for Florida criminal records are generally directed to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which serves as the central custodian for these records. The FDLE supports electronic access through its Criminal History Record Check website, where searchers must provide the full name and birth date or approximate age of the person of interest.

Additionally, providing the subject’s race and sex can help narrow the search results. A $25.00 search fee is required to process the request. The search results can be printed or sent as an email attachment. For certified records, the SHIELD portal can be used, with similar fees and a longer processing time.

Are Arrest Records Public in Florida?

Yes, arrest records are public in Florida. Individuals seeking these records can visit the arresting agency, typically the local police department or county Sheriff’s Office. In cases of cross-jurisdictional arrests, the agency with custody of the arrestee will handle the request.

Most agencies support electronic methods such as phone calls and email for obtaining arrest records. However, submitting the request in person is often recommended. A nominal fee may be charged for reproducing the arrest record, although fee waivers may be requested for free access.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Florida?

Arrest warrants in Florida are court-issued orders authorizing the arrest and detention of individuals within the state’s jurisdiction. These warrants may also authorize the search and confiscation of property. They are typically issued by judges or magistrates upon request from the District Attorney's office.

How To Lookup Mugshots in Florida

Mugshots are arrest-booking photographs taken by law enforcement officials showing the front, back, and profile views of suspects or criminals. These images are public records in Florida and can be found in online databases maintained by criminal justice agencies. For example, the Florida Department of Corrections and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provide access to mugshots through their respective websites.

How To Search Inmate Records in Florida

Inmate records in Florida are publicly available and contain information about prisoners and correctional institutions. The Florida Department of Corrections maintains an online searchable database that includes inmate names, incarceration dates, expected release dates, and convicted offenses. These records can also be obtained by querying the facility where the inmate is housed.

How To Find Florida Criminal History Record for Free

Florida criminal history records include non-judicial records maintained by state criminal justice agencies, detailing a person’s criminal history, arrests, detentions, and indictments. These records are publicly available and can be obtained from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. However, there is a $24 fee for each record request, and the FDLE does not offer fee waivers to the public.

Publicly accessible
Maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
$24 fee per record request

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Florida?

Juvenile criminal records in Florida are not publicly accessible. These records contain information about criminal activity committed by minors. Juveniles are adjudicated delinquent rather than convicted. These records remain unless expunged upon petition. They are stored by juvenile justice agencies and are protected from public disclosure.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Florida

Sex offender records in Florida provide information about individuals convicted of sex crimes. These records are publicly available and managed by various county and city jurisdictions. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a statewide sex offender registry, listing all registered sex offenders. These records can be accessed online through the respective databases.

Are Police Records Public Information in Florida?

Yes, police records are public information in Florida, with some statutory exemptions. These records include documents created or maintained by law enforcement agencies related to criminal or non-criminal events.

Arrest reports
911 recordings
Crash reports
Offense/incident reports
Calls for service
Surveillance videos
Body camera recordings
Traffic citations
Police clearance letters

Florida Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Florida are mid-severity offenses punishable by short prison terms in county jail. They are less serious than felonies and are classified into first and second degrees. First-degree misdemeanors can result in up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000. Second-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.

Florida Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony crimes in Florida are the most severe offenses, typically punishable by extended jail sentences or death. They are classified into:

Capital and life felonies: Life in prison or death penalty
First-degree felonies: Up to 30 years in prison
Second-degree felonies: Up to 15 years in prison
Third-degree felonies: Up to 5 years in prison

Overview of Florida DUI Laws

A DUI in Florida is a serious traffic violation where a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Police may charge an individual with a DUI if their normal faculties are impaired or if their blood alcohol level is .08 or above. Penalties for first-time offenders include fines between $500 and $4,000, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and possible jail time.

Are Florida Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Florida indicate that an individual has been granted probation as an alternative to prison. These records are publicly available and detail the terms of the probation, which vary based on the offense and criminal history. The Florida Probation Commission manages these records, which can be accessed through their official channels.

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