Alachua County public records are files kept by local government offices. These files show arrests, court cases, deeds, marriage licenses, and more.
Anyone can look at them. Florida law makes most government files open to the public. Alachua County follows the same rule. You do not need to give a reason to see a file. You do not need to show ID. You can ask for records by name, by date, or by case number.
This page explains how to get Alachua County arrest records, booking records, mugshots, and jail inmate records. It also covers court records, property records, and how to file a public records request. Each section gives clear steps. The goal is to help you find what you need fast.
What Alachua County Public Records Include
Alachua County keeps many types of records. The main ones are arrest records, court records, property records, and marriage records. Arrest records come from the Sheriff’s Office. Court records come from the Clerk of Court. Property records come from the Property Appraiser. Marriage records also come from the Clerk.
Arrest records show who got arrested, when, and where. They list the charges. They also show the booking date and release date. Most arrest records are open to the public. Some are sealed by a judge. Sealed records are not open.
Booking records are made when someone enters jail. They include the person’s name, date of birth, height, weight, and charges. They also include a booking number. The booking number helps track the person through the jail system.
Mugshots are photos taken at booking. They are part of the booking record. Mugshots become public records once a person is booked into jail. Some websites post mugshots for a fee. The official source is the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
How Florida Public Records Law Works
Florida has a strong public records law. It is in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law says all government records are open unless a law says they are closed. This rule applies to cities, counties, and state agencies. Alachua County must follow it.
You do not need to say why you want a record. You can ask in person, by mail, by email, or online. The agency must give you the record. They can charge a fee for copies. They cannot charge you just for looking at a record during business hours.
Some records are closed by law. These include active investigation files, medical records, and juvenile records. Social Security numbers are also redacted. The agency must tell you why a record is closed if you ask.
If an agency denies your request, you can appeal. The Florida Attorney General runs an open government mediation program. You can call (850) 245-0140 for help. The First Amendment Foundation also helps citizens with denied requests.
Alachua County Clerk of Court Records
The Clerk of Court keeps court records. This includes criminal cases, civil cases, family cases, and probate cases. The current Clerk is J.K. “Jess” Irby, Esq. The Clerk’s office is at 201 East University Avenue in Gainesville, Florida. The zip code is 32601.
You can search court records online. The Clerk runs a public records search portal. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal shows case status, hearing dates, and documents.
Older court records may not be online. Some files from before the mid-1990s are still on paper. You can visit the Clerk’s office to see them. Staff can help you find the right file. The office is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
You can also call the Clerk’s office at (352) 374-3636. The email for official records is osr@alachuaclerk.org. The main website is alachuacounty.us. From there, you can click on the Clerk section.
Alachua County Clerk and Comptroller official website
The screenshot above shows the main Clerk page. You can find links to court records, official records, and the records request form.
Alachua County Arrest Records and Booking Information
Arrest records show every arrest made in Alachua County. They are kept by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office also runs the county jail. The jail is called the Alachua County Detention Facility.
Arrest records include the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, race, sex, and address. They list the date and time of arrest. They show the arresting agency. They show the charges and statute numbers. They show where the person is being held.
Booking records add more details. They include booking photos, also called mugshots. They include the booking date and time. They list the arrestee’s physical description. They show the arresting officer. They show the case number tied to the arrest.
You can get arrest records for free during business hours. You can also pay for copies. Copies are $0.15 per single-sided page. Double-sided copies are $0.20 per page. The first 15 minutes of staff research time are free. After that, the agency can charge for the time it takes to find and copy the records.
How to Search Recent Arrests in Alachua County
You can search recent arrests in Alachua County in three ways. The first way is the Sheriff’s Office online portal. The second way is the Clerk of Court online search. The third way is in person at the Sheriff’s Office records window.
The Sheriff’s Office posts recent bookings online. The list shows people booked in the last 24 to 48 hours. The list is sorted by booking date. You can click on a name to see charges and bond amount. The site is updated each business day.
The Clerk of Court search shows people who have been charged with a crime. It does not show people who were arrested but not yet charged. The search is best for finding case outcomes. It works by name, case number, or attorney bar number.
You can also go to the Sheriff’s Office at 2621 SE Hawthorne Road in Gainesville. The records window is open during business hours. You can ask to see the arrest log. You can ask for copies of arrest reports. You will need to fill out a request form.
Alachua County Mugshots
Mugshots are booking photos. The Sheriff’s Office takes them when a person enters jail. Mugshots show the front view and side view of the face. They also show a profile photo. The booking number is printed on the photo.
Alachua County mugshots are public once the person is booked. You can see them on the Sheriff’s Office website. You can also see them at the Clerk of Court if the case is filed. Some third-party sites copy mugshots and post them. These sites often charge a fee. The official source is always the Sheriff’s Office.
To remove a mugshot from a third-party site, you must contact that site directly. Florida law does not force these sites to remove photos. The law only applies to government records. If a case is sealed or expunged, the official mugshot is also sealed. Third-party sites may still have the old photo.
Alachua County Jail Inmate Lookup
The Alachua County jail is the Alachua County Detention Facility. It is in Gainesville. The facility holds people arrested in the county. It also holds people waiting for trial. It holds people serving short sentences.
You can look up current inmates online. The Sheriff’s Office runs an inmate search tool. You can search by name or booking number. The tool shows the inmate’s current status. It shows the charges. It shows the bond amount. It shows the next court date.
The inmate search also shows release dates. If a person is released, the record still shows for a short time. After that, the record moves to the archives. You can still request archived records from the Sheriff’s Office.
For jail records, you can call (352) 491-4444. This is the detention facility main line. Staff can answer questions about current inmates. They can also tell you how to send money to an inmate. They can tell you visitation rules.
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Reports
Arrest reports are the full written report from the arresting officer. They are longer than the arrest log entry. The report has a narrative section. The narrative describes what happened. It lists witnesses. It lists evidence. It lists the officer’s observations.
Arrest reports are public once the case is closed. If the case is still under investigation, parts of the report may be closed. The Sheriff’s Office can still release the arrest log entry. The full report comes later.
You can request an arrest report by case number. You can also request it by the arrestee’s name and arrest date. The request goes to the Sheriff’s Office records division. The main line is (352) 374-5252. The offense report line is (352) 367-4006.
You can also use the county’s online request portal. The portal is at alachua county’s NextRequest site. You fill out a form. You describe the records you want. The request goes to the right department. You get a tracking number by email.
Online Search Tools for Alachua County Arrest Records
There are several online tools for Alachua County arrest records. Each tool works a different way. Some show recent arrests. Some show current inmates. Some show court case outcomes. The best tool depends on what you need.
The Sheriff’s Office inmate search is best for finding people in jail right now. It updates daily. It shows charges and bond. It is free to use. The URL is on the Sheriff’s Office website under the Corrections or Detention tab.
The Clerk of Court case search is best for finding court outcomes. It works for criminal and civil cases. It shows plea deals, verdicts, and sentences. It also shows appeals. The search is at the Clerk’s online portal.
Some people also use the myfloridacounty.com portal. This is a statewide search site. It works for many Florida counties. It shows official records like deeds and liens. It does not always show arrest records. It is best for property and marriage records.
For a quick arrest log, the Sheriff’s Office website has a recent bookings page. This page lists arrests from the last day or two. It shows the name, charges, and booking time. It is updated each morning.
Alachua County public records search portal
The image above shows the official public records search page. You can search by name, date range, or document type. Results include official documents scanned into the system.
Types of Records You Can Request
Alachua County public records cover many areas. The list below shows the most common types of records you can ask for.
- Criminal arrest records from the Sheriff’s Office
- Jail booking records and mugshots
- Court case files from the Clerk of Court
- Civil case filings and judgments
- Family court cases including divorce and custody
- Probate and estate records
- Deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Birth and death certificates (through the State of Florida)
- Property tax records from the Tax Collector
- Building permits and inspection reports
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
Each record type has a different custodian. The Sheriff’s Office holds arrest and jail records. The Clerk holds court records. The Property Appraiser holds property records. The Tax Collector holds tax records. The county commission office holds meeting records.
Some records need a formal request. Others are open for anyone to view. Court records, arrest records, and property records are usually open to view. Birth and death certificates have stricter rules. You must show ID to get a certified copy of a birth or death certificate.
Alachua County Public Records Request Fees
Florida law sets the fees for public records. The fees are the same across most counties. Alachua County follows the standard fee schedule.
Court records and official records from the Clerk cost $1.00 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost an extra $5.00 certification fee on top of the per-page cost.
Administrative records from county agencies cost $0.15 per single-sided page. Double-sided copies cost $0.20 per page. The first 15 minutes of staff research time are free. After that, the agency can charge for the time it takes to find and copy the records.
For large requests, the agency can ask for a deposit. The deposit covers the expected cost. Once the work is done, the agency bills you for the actual cost. If the actual cost is less, you get a refund.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Some offices do not take credit cards for small amounts. Checks should be made out to the agency holding the record. For the Sheriff’s Office, make checks out to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Victims of certain crimes can get records for free. This includes arrest records and incident reports. You must show proof of victim status. A police report or court order works.
How to File a Public Records Request
Filing a public records request in Alachua County is simple. You can do it online, by email, by mail, or in person. You do not need a special form. You do not need to give your name. You do not need to say why you want the record.
For the Clerk of Court, you can use the online search tool for basic records. For records not online, you can email osr@alachuaclerk.org. You can also mail a request to 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601.
For the Sheriff’s Office, you can use the online NextRequest portal. You can also call (352) 374-5252. You can mail a request to 2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL 32641.
For other county departments, you can contact the Public Records Coordinator. The current coordinator is Mileka Glanville. The phone number is (352) 264-6906. The email is publicrecordsrequest@alachuacounty.us. The address is 12 SE First Street, 2nd Floor, Gainesville, FL 32601.
Your request should describe the records you want. Include the name, date, or case number if you have it. The more details you give, the faster the agency can find the record. You will get a response within a few business days. For large requests, the agency may take longer.
Alachua County Public Records Law Updates
Florida’s public records law changes from time to time. The Florida Legislature passes new exemptions. Some records that were open may become closed. Some records that were closed may become open.
In recent years, Florida added protections for victims of certain crimes. The law also added rules for body camera footage. Some personnel records also got new protections. These changes apply to all counties, including Alachua.
For the most current list of exemptions, check the Florida Statutes. Chapter 119 lists the main rules. Section 119.071 lists many specific exemptions. The Attorney General’s website also has a summary of the latest changes.
Common Questions About Alachua County Arrest Records
Many people want to know if arrest records are always public. In most cases, yes. If a person is booked into the Alachua County jail, the booking record is public. This includes the name, charges, and mugshot. The full arrest report is public once the case is closed.
If a case is sealed or expunged, the records are no longer public. Only certain people can see sealed records. This includes the person who was arrested, their attorney, and law enforcement for official purposes.
Juvenile records are not public. Records for people under 18 are closed by law. You cannot get them through a public records request. Only the juvenile court and law enforcement can see them.
Federal records are not held by the county. If a person was arrested by a federal agency, you must request records from the federal agency. The FBI keeps federal arrest records. The DEA keeps drug-related records. Each federal agency has its own request process.
Official Contact Information for Alachua County Records
Alachua County Clerk of Court
Address: 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3636
Email: osr@alachuaclerk.org
Website: https://alachuacounty.us/Depts/Clerk/Pages/Clerk.aspx
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL 32641
Main Phone: (352) 374-5252
Jail Phone: (352) 491-4444
Offense Report Line: (352) 367-4006
Website: https://www.acso.us
Hours: Records window open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Alachua County Public Records Coordinator
Coordinator: Mileka Glanville
Address: 12 SE First Street, 2nd Floor, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 264-6906
Email: publicrecordsrequest@alachuacounty.us
Frequently Asked Questions About Alachua County Public Records
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Alachua County right now?
You can use the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office inmate search tool. The tool is free and online. You can search by name or booking number. The tool shows the inmate’s current status, charges, bond amount, and next court date. The information updates each business day. You can also call the jail at (352) 491-4444. The jail staff can confirm if someone is in custody. The Sheriff’s Office does not need a reason to give you this information. Anyone can ask. If the person was just arrested, the booking may take a few hours to show in the system.
Are Alachua County arrest records free to view?
Yes. You can view arrest records for free at the Sheriff’s Office during business hours. The arrest log is also free online. You can look at the list of recent bookings without paying. The Sheriff’s Office does charge for copies of arrest reports. Copies are $0.15 per single-sided page. The first 15 minutes of staff time to help you find the record are also free. If you want a full arrest report, you may need to pay a small fee. Certified copies of court records cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Can I get mugshots removed from the internet in Florida?
Florida law does not require third-party websites to remove mugshots. The law only applies to government agencies. Once the Sheriff’s Office posts a mugshot as part of a public record, it stays public. If your case is sealed or expunged, the official mugshot is also sealed. Third-party sites may still have the old photo. You must contact each third-party site directly. Some sites will remove mugshots for a fee. Others will remove them if you send a court order showing the case was expunged. A lawyer can help with this process.
How long does the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office keep arrest records?
The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records permanently for serious felonies. Misdemeanor records are kept for at least 5 years. Traffic arrest records are kept for at least 3 years. After that, older records may be moved to archives. You can still request archived records. The process may take longer. The Sheriff’s Office uses the Florida Records Retention Schedule. This schedule is set by the state. It applies to all law enforcement agencies in Florida. You can see the full schedule on the Florida Department of State website.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a conviction record?
An arrest record shows that a person was taken into custody. It does not mean the person was found guilty. A conviction record shows that a person was found guilty in court. An arrest record comes from the Sheriff’s Office. A conviction record comes from the Clerk of Court. A person can be arrested and not convicted. The charges can be dropped. The person can be found not guilty. The person can also get a deferred sentence. Each record is a separate public document. You can request both. The arrest record shows the booking details. The conviction record shows the court outcome.
Can I request records about a sealed or expunged case in Alachua County?
No. Sealed and expunged records are not public. You cannot get them through a public records request. Only the person who was arrested, their attorney, and certain law enforcement agencies can see sealed records. To seal or expunge a record, you must file a petition with the Clerk of Court. A judge must approve the request. Not all cases qualify. You usually need to complete the sentence first. You also need to not have other criminal charges. A lawyer can help you file the petition.
How do I get a copy of a police report in Alachua County?
You can request a police report from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. You can go in person to 2621 SE Hawthorne Road in Gainesville. You can call the offense report line at (352) 367-4006. You can also use the county’s online NextRequest portal. You will need the case number, the date of the incident, and the names of the people involved. There is a small fee for copies. Reports are usually ready within a few business days. Reports for active investigations may take longer or have parts blacked out.