Florida public records are government documents that any person can see or copy under state law. Florida has one of the strongest open records laws in the United States.
The right to see these records comes from the Florida Constitution and from Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Most records held by state, county, and city agencies are open to the public.
People search Florida public records for many reasons. Some want to check court cases. Others want arrest logs, booking photos, or inmate lists. Many want property records, business filings, or marriage licenses. This page covers how to search these records, who holds them, and what fees apply in 2026.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida public records law has two main parts. The first is Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. This section says any person can see or copy records made by public officers. The second is Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Chapter 119 spells out how the law works in daily life.
Section 119.01, F.S. sets the state policy. It says all state, county, and city records are open for inspection and copying. The law puts the burden on the agency. The agency must prove a record should stay hidden, not the person asking for it. A person does not need to give a name, show ID, or explain why they want the records.
The law defines public records in a broad way. Section 119.011(12), F.S. lists many types of records. These include paper documents, emails, text messages, photos, films, sound recordings, and computer data. Any record made or received by an agency in the course of official work is a public record. This covers electronic records, even those stored on private phones or laptops if used for public business.
When an agency says no to a request, the agency must cite the law that allows the denial. A person can ask for a written statement of the reason under Section 119.07, F.S. If the person still disagrees, they can contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office for help.
What Florida Public Records Include
Florida public records cover a wide range of documents. Court records form a large share. These include civil cases, criminal cases, family law files, probate records, and traffic tickets. County clerks hold these records.
Property records are also public. Deeds, mortgages, liens, tax records, and property sales all fall under public access. Marriage licenses, divorce records, and birth certificates are public too, though some need proof of relationship to get certified copies.
Arrest and booking records are public under Florida law. These include Florida arrest records, Florida arrest logs, Florida booking records, and Florida inmate booking data. Booking photos, also called mugshots, are public in most cases. Sheriff offices and police departments keep these records.
Business records are public through the Florida Department of State. The SunBiz database lets people search corporation filings, LLC records, and trademarks for free at dos.fl.gov/sunbiz.
Government records cover meeting minutes, contracts, budgets, salaries, and emails between public officials. Voter registration data and election results are public. Professional licenses issued by the state are also public.
Arrest and Booking Records
Florida arrest records search starts with the right agency. County sheriff offices hold arrest logs for their county. City police departments hold arrest logs for their city. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps statewide criminal history data.
A Florida arrest report shows who was arrested, when, where, and for what charge. A Florida booking record shows the booking process. This includes fingerprints, photos, personal details, and the charges. A Florida jail booking record adds housing data and release status.
Recent arrests in Florida are posted online by many sheriff offices. These are called Florida arrest logs or Florida booking logs. They are often updated daily. The public can search by name or by date.
How to Search Florida Arrest Records
Searching Florida arrest records online has become easier in recent years. Three main paths exist for a Florida arrest records lookup. The first is the county sheriff website. The second is the FDLE statewide database. The third is third-party search tools.
Search by County Sheriff Website
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has a sheriff office. Most sheriff offices post an inmate list or a recent arrests page. These pages show people currently in jail or people booked in the last 24 to 72 hours. Search by name works on most sites.
Large counties with online tools include Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Orange, and Pinellas. Smaller counties also post arrest logs, but some only by phone or in person.
To do a Florida arrest search by name, go to the sheriff website for the county where the arrest happened. Type the full name into the search box. Results show the booking date, charges, and bond amount.
Search the FDLE Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Criminal History Record Check. This shows arrests, convictions, and dispositions across the state. The database is called the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Anyone can request a Florida arrest history through the FDLE. The request costs a small fee. The results cover all Florida arrests on record. This is the official Florida arrest record database for statewide checks.
To request a record, visit the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us. The Public Records Unit accepts requests by mail, email, or online. The email is publicrecords@fdle.state.fl.us. The phone number is (850) 410-7676.
Search County Clerk Records
County clerks hold court records tied to arrests. After an arrest, the case moves to court. The clerk posts case data, court dates, and outcomes. A Florida arrest inquiry through the clerk shows the full case file.
Each county has its own online case search tool. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website links to all 67 clerks at flclerks.com. The statewide portal at myfloridacounty.com also connects to county records.
Florida Mugshots and Booking Photos
Florida mugshots are part of the booking record. They are public in most cases. Sheriff offices post them on their websites with the arrest log. Third-party sites also collect them.
The law treats mugshots as public record. Florida has no general law that hides them after a certain time. Some exceptions exist for sealed or expunged records. Section 943.0585, F.S. covers expungement. Section 943.059, F.S. covers sealing. After a court order, the records become private.
People who want their mugshot removed can file a motion to seal or expunge. The process requires a court order. The FDLE and the sheriff must remove the record once the order is granted. Most requests for mugshot removal are denied unless the person qualifies under the law.
Florida Inmate Records and Jail Rosters
Florida jail inmate records show people held in county jails. Each sheriff office runs its own jail. They post the inmate list online. The list shows the name, booking date, charges, and bond.
Florida state arrest records for prison inmates are held by the Florida Department of Corrections. The DOC runs the state prison system. The inmate search tool is at dc.state.fl.us. The public can search by name or by DC number. Results show the current facility, sentence, and release date.
The DOC also has a victim notification system. Victims can sign up to get alerts when an inmate is released or moved. This service is free.
Florida Arrest Records Website and Free Search
Free Florida arrest records are available through sheriff websites, the FDLE, and the DOC. Most sheriff inmate searches are free. The FDLE charges a small fee for statewide criminal history checks.
Florida arrest records online cover most of the state. Larger counties post daily arrest logs. Smaller counties may only post by phone. For a free Florida arrest search, the county sheriff website is the best place to start.
Florida arrest records website options include:
- County sheriff inmate search pages
- FDLE criminal history request page
- Florida Department of Corrections inmate search
- County clerk court case search
Third-party sites also offer Florida arrest lookup by name. These sites charge a fee in most cases. They pull data from public sources. The data may be older than official sources.
Requesting Florida Public Records Step by Step
Anyone can make a public records request in Florida. No form is required. No ID is needed. The request can be in person, by phone, by mail, or by email.
A simple written request should include:
- The name of the agency
- A clear description of the records wanted
- The preferred format (paper, electronic, in-person review)
- Contact details for the response
Send the request to the agency’s records custodian. Each agency must name a custodian under Section 119.07, F.S. The contact list is on agency websites or by phone.
Agencies must respond in a reasonable time. There is no set deadline in the law, but courts have said delays must be justified. A person can ask for a status update if no response comes within a few weeks.
Florida Public Records Copy Fees
Fees for public records copies are set by law. The base rate is up to 15 cents per one-sided page. Two-sided copies cost up to 20 cents per page. These rates apply to state agencies under the Records Management Program.
Other media has its own fees. A CD costs $0.85. A DVD costs $1.15. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $5 for the certification.
County clerks may set their own fees. Court records and official records often cost more than state agency records. For example, the Alachua County Clerk charges $1 per page for court records and $0.15 for administrative records.
Agencies can charge for staff time on large requests. The first 30 minutes of research time is free. After that, the hourly rate of the staff member applies. A person can ask for a cost estimate before the work starts.
If a person only wants to view records, the agency cannot charge a fee for inspection. Copies are only charged when the person asks for copies.
Public Records Exemptions in Florida
Not all records are public. The Florida Legislature has passed over 1,000 exemptions. These cover specific record types. Section 119.071, F.S. lists the main categories.
Common exemptions include:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Medical records
- Home addresses of certain public employees
- Active criminal investigation files
- Juvenile offender records
- Victim identities in sex crime cases
Florida arrest records are public, but some details may be redacted. Police may withhold the names of undercover officers. Witness statements may be exempt during active cases. Sealed or expunged records are not public.
Agencies must cite the specific exemption when they deny a request. A general statement is not enough. The denial must point to the law.
Denied Requests and Appeals
If an agency denies a request, the person has several options. The first step is to ask for a written denial. The agency must cite the law.
The second step is to contact the Florida Attorney General. The AG runs the Open Government Mediation Program. The phone number is (850) 245-0140. Both sides must agree to mediation. The program is free.
The third step is to file a lawsuit. Section 119.07, F.S. allows people to sue if an agency wrongfully denies access. The court can order the agency to release the records. The court can also award attorney’s fees if the person wins.
The First Amendment Foundation also helps with denials. The phone number is (850) 222-3518. The toll-free line is 1-800-337-3518. The email is info@floridafaf.org. The address is 317 East Park Avenue, Lower Level, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.
Florida Open Government Resources
Florida has many resources for public records users. The main ones are listed below.
Florida Attorney General Open Government
- Phone: (850) 414-3300
- Email: PublicRecordsRequest@myfloridalegal.com
- Address: 107 West Gaines Street, Suite 128, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Website: myfloridalegal.com/open-government
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- Phone: (850) 410-7676
- Email: publicrecords@fdle.state.fl.us
- Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Florida Department of Corrections (DOC)
- Phone: (850) 717-3000
- Address: 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Website: dc.state.fl.us
Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services
- Phone: (850) 245-6507
- Email: PublicRecords@DOS.fl.gov
- Address: 500 South Bronough Street, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Website: dos.fl.gov/library-archives/records-management
First Amendment Foundation
- Phone: (850) 222-3518
- Toll-Free: 1-800-337-3518
- Email: info@floridafaf.org
- Address: 317 East Park Avenue, Lower Level, Tallahassee, FL 32301
- Website: floridafaf.org
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
- Website: flclerks.com
- Statewide portal: myfloridacounty.com
Florida Public Records by County
Each Florida county has a Clerk of Court. The clerk holds court records, official records, and other public documents. The sheriff holds arrest records and jail records.
The top six counties by population are Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Orange, and Pinellas. Each has a strong online search tool. The clerk website in each county shows how to search case data, property records, and marriage licenses.
Smaller counties also post records online. Rural counties may have older systems. A phone call to the clerk or sheriff may be needed for older records.
Florida Public Records in Major Cities
Major cities have their own police departments. The police hold arrest records for arrests made by city officers. The sheriff holds arrest records for the rest of the county.
Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Petersburg are the largest cities. Each police department has a records unit. The public can request arrest reports by mail, email, or in person. City police also post recent arrests on their websites in some cases.
Florida Arrest Records vs. Criminal History
Florida arrest records and criminal history records are not the same. An arrest record shows the arrest event. A criminal history shows arrests, convictions, and dispositions over time.
The FDLE runs the official criminal history database. It is called the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies use it for background checks. The cost is low for Florida residents.
Florida arrest record database searches through the FDLE cover the whole state. County searches only cover that county. For a full picture, the FDLE is the best source.
Sealing and Expunging Florida Arrest Records
Florida law allows people to seal or expunge arrest records in some cases. The process is strict. A person must qualify under Section 943.0585 or 943.059, F.S.
To seal a record, the person files a petition with the court. The court holds a hearing. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the case. If the court grants the petition, the record is sealed from public view. Law enforcement can still see it for some purposes.
To expunge a record, the person files a different petition. Expungement destroys the record. It is only for people who were arrested but never charged, or whose charges were dropped or dismissed. Most people who were convicted cannot expunge their record.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Certificate of Eligibility process. The applicant must apply to FDLE first. The certificate is then filed with the court. The whole process can take six months to a year.
Why Florida Public Records Matter
Florida public records support transparency in government. They let citizens check on public spending, court cases, and law enforcement actions. Journalists use them to report on state business. Lawyers use them to build cases. Families use them to check on loved ones in jail.
Arrest records serve a public safety role. They help people screen contractors, neighbors, and dating partners. They help employers make hiring decisions. They help landlords screen tenants. Florida law balances public access with personal privacy through the exemption list.
The Florida Constitution and Chapter 119 keep the door open. Agencies must release records unless a specific law says otherwise. This puts the burden on the government, not the person. The 2026 updates to the Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual continue to support this balance.
Common Questions About Florida Public Records
People often ask how long agencies have to respond. The law has no set deadline, but courts have ruled that delays must be reasonable. Two weeks is common for small requests. Large requests may take longer, and agencies must explain the delay.
People also ask if they can get records for free. Inspection is free. Copies cost money. The first 30 minutes of research time is also free. After that, agencies can bill for staff time.
Another common question is about sealed records. Once a record is sealed, it is no longer public. A person who wants to see a sealed record must get a court order. Expunged records are destroyed and not available at all.
Some people ask if they can request records about themselves. Yes. People can request their own criminal history through the FDLE. They can also request their own arrest reports from the sheriff or police.
FAQ About Florida Public Records
Below are answers to common questions about Florida public records, arrest records, and inmate records. Each answer gives clear steps and current details.
How do I search for recent arrests in Florida?
To find recent arrests in Florida, go to the sheriff website for the county where the arrest happened. Most sheriff websites post a daily or weekly arrest log. Search by full name. Results show the booking date, charges, and bond. If the county does not post online, call the sheriff’s records unit by phone. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also offers statewide criminal history checks through its public records office at (850) 410-7676 or publicrecords@fdle.state.fl.us.
Are Florida mugshots public record?
Yes, Florida mugshots are public record in most cases. Sheriff offices post them on inmate search pages and arrest logs. Third-party sites also collect them. The only way to remove a mugshot is through a court order to seal or expunge the record. The person must qualify under Florida law. Most requests are denied. Florida law does not have a general “right to be forgotten” law for mugshots.
How much does a Florida public records request cost?
The base copy rate in Florida is up to 15 cents per one-sided page. Two-sided copies cost up to 20 cents. CDs cost $0.85. DVDs cost $1.15. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $5. Staff time after the first 30 minutes can also be billed. The hourly rate depends on the staff member. County clerks may charge more for court records. Always ask for a cost estimate before large requests.
Can I get Florida arrest records for free?
Yes, free Florida arrest records are available through county sheriff websites. The FDLE charges a small fee for statewide criminal history checks. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is free. County clerk court case searches are also free. Third-party sites charge fees in most cases. For a free Florida arrest search, start with the county sheriff inmate page.
What is the difference between Florida arrest records and criminal history?
Florida arrest records show one arrest event. They include the date, location, charges, and booking data. Criminal history shows all arrests, convictions, and outcomes over time. The FDLE runs the official criminal history database. A Florida arrest records lookup gives a snapshot. A criminal history check gives the full picture. The FDLE has both, and the request process is on the FDLE website.
Can a Florida arrest record be sealed or expunged?
Yes, Florida arrest records can be sealed or expunged in some cases. Sealing hides the record from public view. Expungement destroys the record. To qualify, the person must meet the legal tests in Section 943.0585 or 943.059, F.S. People who were never charged, or whose charges were dropped, often qualify. People who were convicted usually do not. The process starts with a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE.
How long does a Florida public records request take?
There is no set deadline in Florida law, but agencies must respond in a reasonable time. Small requests often take a few days to two weeks. Large requests can take 30 days or more. The agency must provide a status update if the work is delayed. If the agency does not respond, the person can contact the Attorney General’s mediation program at (850) 245-0140 or file a lawsuit under Section 119.07, F.S.