Putnam County public records include arrest logs, booking files, mugshots, inmate rosters, and court documents kept by local government agencies in Palatka, Florida. These files show who got arrested, when the arrest happened, and what charges led to detention.
This page explains how to search arrest records, view booking details, and request official copies from the correct county office.
What Counts as a Putnam County Public Record
Putnam County public records cover any document made or received by a county office while doing public work. This includes arrest reports from the Sheriff’s Office, booking records from the county jail, court files from the Clerk of Courts, and recorded deeds or liens from the same Clerk’s office. Each agency keeps its own set of files, but all of them are open to the public under Florida law.
Arrest records are a major part of public records in Putnam County. They show the name of the person taken into custody, the date and time of arrest, the charges filed, and the booking number. Booking records add details like the arresting officer, the facility where the person was held, and release information. Mugshots are photographs taken at booking and stored in the jail’s system.
Florida Public Records Law and Putnam County
Florida law, found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, makes all government records open to the public by default. Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution sets this rule as a basic right. Every county office in Putnam County must follow this law, including the Sheriff’s Office, the Clerk’s Office, and the county jail.
You do not need to give a reason to view or copy a public record. You also do not need to show ID for most requests. The agency must answer your request quickly. A simple request for a file that is already on hand should be filled the same day or the next business day. A larger or older request may take more time, but the agency must give you a timeline and confirm receipt of your request.
Some records are exempt from public view. These include active criminal case files, juvenile records, and certain personal details. The agency must point to the exact legal rule that allows them to keep a record hidden if they deny a request. If you believe a request was wrongly denied, you can contact the Florida Attorney General at (850) 245-0140 for help.
How to Search Putnam County Arrest Records
You can search Putnam County arrest records through the Sheriff’s Office or through third-party databases. The Sheriff’s Office runs the main arrest log for the county. Their online tool lets you look up recent arrests by name, date, or booking number.
To start a search, visit the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office website and open the arrest or inmate lookup page. Type the person’s full name into the search box. If the person was booked into the county jail, their name, photo, and charges should show up. You can narrow the search by adding a booking date or a charge type.
For older arrest records, you may need to contact the Sheriff’s Office directly. Records older than five years may not appear in the online system. The Records Division at the Sheriff’s Office can pull older files by case number or by name with a date range.
Arrest Search by Name
Searching by name is the most common way to look up a Putnam County arrest. The search tool accepts full names, last names, or partial names. Results show the person’s full legal name, booking date, and a list of current charges. Each result links to a full record page that shows the booking number, bond amount, and court date.
If the name is common, the results list may show several people. You can filter by date of birth or by middle name to narrow the list. The system also shows past bookings at the top of the result page so you can see the arrest history for the same person over time.
Arrest History Lookup
An arrest history lookup shows every arrest for one person in Putnam County. The history covers arrests going back as far as the system allows, which is usually ten years for online tools. For a full statewide history, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a criminal history search that covers all 67 counties in Florida.
You can also run a local arrest history through the Clerk of Courts website. The Clerk’s system shows court cases linked to arrests, including the case number, the judge assigned, and the outcome of the case. Pairing an arrest log with a court case file gives you a full picture of what happened after the arrest.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Arrest Reports
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests in areas outside city limits. The Sheriff’s Office also runs the county jail, processes all bookings, and creates the official arrest reports. Each arrest report includes the time, place, and reason for the arrest, along with the officer’s name and badge number.
| Agency | Putnam County Sheriff’s Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 130 Orie Griffin Blvd, Palatka, FL 32177 |
| Phone | (386) 329-0800 |
| Website | putnamsheriff.com |
| Records Request Line | (386) 329-0800 ext. 222 |
To get a copy of an arrest report, fill out a public records request form from the Sheriff’s Office. The form asks for the case number, the date of the incident, and the names involved. You can submit the form in person, by mail, or by email. Reports are usually ready within three to five business days.
Putnam County Booking Records and Inmate Information
Booking records start when a person enters the county jail. Each booking file lists the person’s name, date of birth, address, the arresting agency, the booking date and time, the charges, and the bond amount. The file also shows the person’s physical description and any items taken at intake.
You can view current booking records through the inmate roster on the Sheriff’s Office website. The roster updates every hour. It shows people who are still in custody at the Putnam County jail. Once a person is released or transferred, their name drops off the public roster, but the booking file stays in the system for internal use.
Jail Inmate Roster
The jail inmate roster lists every person held at the Putnam County Detention Facility. The list shows the inmate’s booking number, full name, booking date, and the highest charge filed. Some entries also show the scheduled release date or court date. The roster is a public tool and does not require a login or fee.
If you want to know if someone is in jail, the roster is the fastest way to check. You can search by name or by booking date. The site also shows the total number of inmates currently held and the number of open beds at the facility.
Recent Bookings and Release Data
Recent bookings show the last people taken into the county jail. The booking log runs back 30 days by default. You can see when each person was booked, the charges, and the bond. Release data shows the time and date a person left custody, the method of release, and any conditions set by the court.
Putnam County Mugshots and Jail Roster
Mugshots are photos taken at booking. They are part of the public record in Putnam County and appear on the inmate roster alongside each booking. The photo is taken when the person is first booked and updated only if the person is booked again at a later date. The Sheriff’s Office keeps mugshots for as long as the booking record exists.
You can view mugshots by name search on the Sheriff’s website. Clicking on a booking record shows the full photo, the booking number, the height, weight, and other intake details. Mugshots are public under Florida law and can be copied or downloaded without a fee in most cases.
Some people ask to have their mugshot removed from public view. Florida law does not require the Sheriff’s Office to remove a mugshot just because someone asks. Removal is only allowed by court order or if the arrest record itself is sealed or expunged. If your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you can file a motion to seal or expunge the record, which will also remove the mugshot from public search tools.
Putnam County Detention Center Records
The Putnam County Detention Center is the main jail for the county. It holds people arrested by the Sheriff’s Office and by city police in Palatka, Crescent City, and Interlachen. The facility also holds people waiting for transfer to a state prison after a sentence.
| Facility | Putnam County Detention Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 130 Orie Griffin Blvd, Palatka, FL 32177 |
| Phone | (386) 329-0810 |
| Capacity | Approx. 350 inmates |
| Visitation Hours | Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (by schedule) |
Records from the Detention Center cover the full time a person spends in custody. This includes booking, housing assignments, medical notes, disciplinary actions, and release paperwork. Most of these files are public, but medical and discipline files may have limits on who can view them.
How to Request Official Putnam County Arrest Records
You can request arrest records in three ways: in person, by mail, or online. The fastest way is online through the Sheriff’s Office portal. The form asks for the case number, the names involved, and the date of the arrest. Once you submit the form, you get a request ID to track the status of your order.
For in-person requests, go to the Records Division at the Sheriff’s Office on Orie Griffin Blvd. Bring a photo ID and any details you have about the case. Staff can pull the file while you wait or schedule a pickup time. Fees for printed copies apply.
Mail requests work well for older records. Send a written request to the Records Division with the case number, names, and the date range you need. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fee. Mail requests take seven to ten business days to process.
Putnam County Arrest Records Search Online
Online arrest search tools in Putnam County are free to use. The Sheriff’s Office site and the Clerk of Courts site both offer search portals. Third-party sites also collect arrest data from many Florida counties, but they may charge a fee for full reports.
The Sheriff’s online arrest search is updated hourly. It shows current inmates, recent bookings, and a list of people released in the last 24 hours. The Clerk’s site covers court records linked to arrests, including case status, hearings, and final rulings. Using both sites gives you a complete view of an arrest case.
Fees, Copies, and Request Methods
Copy fees in Putnam County match the Florida statewide standard. A single-sided paper copy costs $0.15. A certified copy costs $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. The first 30 minutes of staff time to pull records is free. After that, the agency may charge a reasonable hourly rate for the search.
Online downloads from the Sheriff’s portal are free. Certified copies still require a formal request to the Records Division. For mail requests, prepay the estimated fee using a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.
Arrest Records Free vs. Paid Sources
Free sources for Putnam County arrest records include the Sheriff’s online roster, the Clerk of Courts court search, and the FDLE public criminal history portal. These tools cover most arrests and bookings in the county. Paid third-party sites may offer older data or background reports that combine records from many states, but the core arrest data is the same as the free tools.
For background checks used for jobs, housing, or licensing, you may need a certified copy or an FDLE statewide report. These paid reports include fingerprints and a full state and federal check. The fee for an FDLE background check is set by the state and is listed on the FDLE website.
Common Questions About Putnam County Arrest Records
People often ask how long arrest records stay online in Putnam County. The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records online for at least ten years. Older records move to an archive system, but they are still public. You can request archived files through the Records Division.
Another common question is whether juvenile arrest records show up in public searches. Juvenile records are sealed under Florida law and do not appear in public search tools. Only the court and law enforcement agencies can see juvenile files.
Some users ask if they can seal an old arrest record. Florida law allows sealing or expungement for certain cases. You must file a petition with the court in the county where the arrest happened. The court will review the case and decide if the record can be sealed. Sealed records are removed from public view, including online arrest search tools.
Official Contact and Visit Hours
For arrest records, booking records, and inmate lookup, contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The Records Division handles public records requests for the agency. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on weekends and county holidays.
For court records linked to arrests, contact the Putnam County Clerk of Courts. The Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Both offices are in Palatka, Florida.
| Office | Putnam County Sheriff’s Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 130 Orie Griffin Blvd, Palatka, FL 32177 |
| Phone | (386) 329-0800 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Website | putnamsheriff.com |
| Office | Putnam County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 410 St. Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177 |
| Phone | (386) 326-7600 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Website | putnamclerk.com |
The Putnam County public records system covers arrest reports, booking files, inmate rosters, mugshots, and court cases. Free online tools handle most search needs. For older records or certified copies, contact the Sheriff’s Office or the Clerk of Courts directly. The records are open to the public, and the agencies are required to answer records requests in a timely way under Florida law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Putnam County Arrest Records
How do I find out who got arrested in Putnam County today?
You can check the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office inmate roster, which updates every hour. The roster lists everyone currently in the county jail, with the booking time, charges, and bond. You can also call the Records Division at (386) 329-0800 and ask about a specific arrest from the same day. The staff can confirm if someone was booked and give you the booking number.
Third-party arrest sites also pull data from the Sheriff’s roster, but the official site is the most current source. If the arrest is for a felony or a high-profile case, local news outlets in Palatka may also post the name and charge list within a few hours of the arrest.
Are Putnam County mugshots free to view?
Yes. Mugshots taken at the Putnam County jail are public records under Florida law. You can view them on the Sheriff’s Office inmate roster without paying a fee. Each booking record has a photo, name, and charge list attached. You can save the photo for personal use, but the Sheriff’s Office does not give you the right to use the photo for commercial purposes.
If the mugshot is for a case that was later sealed or expunged, the Sheriff’s Office must remove the photo from the public site. The person whose record was sealed must show proof of the court order before the photo is taken down.
How long are arrest records kept in Putnam County?
The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records for at least 75 years under Florida public records law. Online search tools show records going back about ten years. Older records are in the agency archive and can be pulled with a written request. The Clerk of Courts also keeps court files for the same time span, and many older files are scanned into the online system.
For very old cases, paper files may be stored at a state archive in Tallahassee. You can still request copies of those files, but the processing time is longer and fees may apply for pulling archived boxes.
Can I search Putnam County arrest records by name?
Yes. The Sheriff’s Office arrest search lets you look up arrests by full name, last name, or partial name. Results show the booking number, date, charges, and bond. You can also filter by date range or charge type. The Clerk of Courts site lets you search by name for court cases linked to the arrest.
If the name is common, add a date of birth or middle name to narrow the results. You can also call the Records Division if you cannot find the person online. Staff can run a name check in the full system, which goes back further than the public portal.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a booking record in Putnam County?
An arrest record shows the event of being taken into custody by law enforcement. It includes the time, place, officer, and reason for the arrest. A booking record starts when the person enters the jail. It covers the intake process, the photo, the personal property list, the medical screening, and the housing assignment.
In simple terms, the arrest record is what happened on the street. The booking record is what happened at the jail. Both files are public, but the booking record has more personal details and intake data.
How do I get a copy of a Putnam County arrest report?
You can request a copy of an arrest report from the Sheriff’s Office Records Division. Fill out a public records request form with the case number, names, and date. You can submit the form in person, by mail, or by email. The fee is $0.15 per one-sided page for a regular copy. A certified copy costs more.
Most reports are ready within three to five business days. Older reports can take up to two weeks. If the report is part of an active criminal case, parts of the file may be sealed while the case is open.
Can I remove my arrest record or mugshot from the Putnam County website?
You can only remove an arrest record or mugshot if a court orders it sealed or expunged. Florida law does not allow the Sheriff’s Office to remove records just because you ask. If your case was dropped, you were found not guilty, or you completed a diversion program, you can file a petition to seal or expunge the record with the Putnam County Clerk of Courts.
If the court grants the petition, the Clerk sends a copy of the order to the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff then removes the record from the public site. The arrest is still in the agency’s system for law enforcement use, but it will not show up in public search tools anymore.