Calhoun County public records cover court filings, arrest logs, booking reports, inmate rosters, and official documents stored by county agencies. Anyone can request these records under Florida’s Chapter 119 public records law, which sets a strong default of open access for government-held data.
This page explains what records exist, how to request them, and where to search for arrest and booking data in Calhoun County, Florida.
What Are Calhoun County Public Records
Public records in Calhoun County include any document, file, or data created or kept by a government office while doing official work. Florida law treats these records as open by default. That means arrest reports, court dockets, recorded deeds, sheriff’s logs, and inmate rosters are all available for review by any member of the public.
Calhoun County sits in the Florida Panhandle and has a population of about 14,000 people. Blountstown serves as the county seat. The county courthouse on Central Avenue in Blountstown holds the main records for the Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and Sheriff’s Office. Most record requests start at one of these offices.
Types of Public Records You Can Request
Calhoun County agencies hold several kinds of records. Each type has its own request process and storage format. Below are the main record categories that residents and researchers search for most often.
- Court records (civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic)
- Arrest records and police reports
- Booking photos and inmate rosters
- Official records (deeds, mortgages, liens, assignments)
- Property records and tax data
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate and estate filings
- County commission minutes and budgets
- Sheriff’s incident logs and dispatch data
- Jail visitation and release logs
Calhoun County Arrest Records and Booking Reports
Calhoun County arrest records show every person taken into custody by local law enforcement. Each entry includes the arrestee’s full name, date of birth, charge description, booking date, and case number. These records come from the Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Court once a case moves through the court system.
Booking records go one step further. They contain the person’s physical description, the time of intake, the arresting officer, and the holding facility. Booking photos, often called mugshots, are also part of the booking record in most Florida counties.
Florida law treats arrest records as public the moment the booking process finishes. Agencies cannot withhold an arrest record simply because the case is still open. Only specific statutory exemptions, such as juvenile records or active investigation files, can block release.
How to Search Calhoun County Recent Arrests
To search recent arrests in Calhoun County, you have three main options. Each method has its own speed and level of detail.
Option 1: Sheriff’s Office Direct Request
Call the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 674-5049. Ask for the Records Division. They can confirm recent bookings and tell you whether an arrest report is ready for release. Reports often take 24 to 72 hours to process before they are public.
Option 2: Online Arrest Log
Some Florida sheriff’s offices post a daily or weekly arrest log on their official website. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public site at www.calhounsheriff.com. Check the “Recent Arrests” or “Press Releases” section for a current arrest list.
Option 3: Third-Party Aggregator
Several third-party websites collect booking data from Florida counties. These sites pull from public feeds and compile search tools. Use them for quick lookups by name, but always verify the data against the Sheriff’s Office or Clerk’s Office before relying on the result.
Calhoun County Arrest Log and Weekly Booking List
The weekly arrest log in Calhoun County lists all arrests processed at the county jail during the prior week. The log includes the arrestee name, charge level (misdemeanor or felony), arresting agency, and booking date. The Sheriff’s Office updates this log every Monday for the previous seven days.
To get a copy of the weekly arrest log, submit a written request to the Records Division. Include the date range you need and a phone number for follow-up. Most log requests are fulfilled within three business days for a small copy fee.
Calhoun County Inmate Lookup and Jail Roster
The inmate roster lists every person currently held in the Calhoun County Jail. The roster shows the booking number, full name, date of birth, charge, bond amount, and scheduled court date. You can search the roster by name or booking date.
Call the jail at (850) 674-8604 to ask about a current inmate. The jail staff can confirm custody status, bond amount, and visitation rules. Online access may also be available through the Sheriff’s Office website or the Vineland Link service, which many small Florida counties use.
Bond and Release Status
Bond amounts for misdemeanor charges in Calhoun County often fall between $500 and $2,500. Felony bond amounts are set by a judge during first appearance. You can pay a bond at the jail 24 hours a day. Credit card payments may carry a service fee.
Calhoun County Mugshots and Booking Photos
Booking photos, also called mugshots, are taken at intake and become part of the public booking record. Florida law treats these images as public once the booking is complete. You can request mugshots from the Sheriff’s Office by submitting a written request with the booking number or full name.
Some third-party sites repost mugshots and charge a fee to remove them. Be careful with these sites. Florida law limits how mugshot publishers can charge for removal, and any such site operating in Florida must follow specific rules under F.S. § 901.43.
Calhoun County Court Records Search
Court records show every case filed in the county. Civil lawsuits, criminal charges, divorces, probate matters, and traffic tickets all appear in the court docket. The Clerk of Court maintains these records in both paper and digital format.
To search court records in Calhoun County, you can use the Clerk’s online portal or visit the courthouse in person. The online portal allows searches by name, case number, or filing date. Cases from 1987 forward are usually searchable online. Older cases may be on microfilm and require in-person retrieval.
| Court Record Type | What It Contains | Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal cases | Charges, pleas, sentences, motions | Online portal or clerk counter |
| Civil cases | Filings, judgments, liens | Online portal or written request |
| Family law | Divorce, custody, support orders | Online portal (sealed parts hidden) |
| Probate | Wills, estates, guardianship | Online portal or clerk counter |
| Traffic | Citations, fines, dispositions | Online portal or clerk counter |
Calhoun County Official Records and Property Documents
Official records include deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, and other land documents recorded with the Clerk of Court. These records form the legal chain of title for every parcel in the county. You can search them to confirm ownership, check for liens, or research property history.
The Clerk’s office provides online access to the official records index. Search by party name, document type, or legal description. A certified copy of any recorded document costs $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Florida Chapter 119 and Your Right to Records
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the public records standard for every agency in the state. The law says all records made or received by a public office in the course of official business are open for inspection and copying. The default rule is access, not secrecy.
Agencies can only withhold a record by citing a specific statutory exemption. The exemption must apply to that exact record. If you request an arrest report and the agency refuses, they must point to the exact statute that allows the refusal.
You do not need to give your name, show ID, or state a reason to request a public record in Florida. Agencies must acknowledge your request quickly and respond within a reasonable time. For a small county like Calhoun, simple requests are often filled the same day or by the next business day.
If Your Request Is Denied
If an agency denies a record request without citing a valid exemption, you can challenge the denial. The Florida Attorney General runs a free mediation program for public records disputes. Call (850) 245-0140 to file a complaint or ask for help.
You can also contact the First Amendment Foundation, a nonprofit that helps Floridians exercise their records rights. Their website, www.floridafaf.org, has request letter templates and a guide to common exemptions.
How to Request Records Step by Step
Submitting a clear records request gets faster results. Use the steps below for any agency in Calhoun County.
- Identify the correct agency (Clerk, Sheriff, Property Appraiser, etc.).
- Write a short request that names the record type and date range.
- Include the subject’s full name or case number if you have it.
- State the delivery method (email, mail, in-person pickup).
- Keep a copy of the request and the date you sent it.
- Pay any required fees upon pickup or as billed.
Calhoun County Public Records Fees
Florida law sets fee limits for public records copies. These limits apply in every county, including Calhoun.
| Record Type | Copy Fee | Additional Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative records | $0.15 per single-sided page | None for small requests |
| Court and official records | $1.00 per page | $5.00 certification fee |
| Research time | Free for the first 30 minutes | Hourly rate after 30 minutes |
| Digital records | No fee for email delivery | CD or USB fee if requested |
For research-heavy requests, agencies can charge for staff time beyond the first 30 minutes. The fee is based on the hourly pay of the lowest-paid employee able to do the work. Ask for a cost estimate before the agency starts a large project.
Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Contact and Records
The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest reports, incident logs, and jail booking data. For arrest records and current inmate rosters, contact the Records Division during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
Phone: (850) 674-5049. Address: 20776 Central Avenue East, Blountstown, FL 32424. Website: www.calhounsheriff.com.
Calhoun County Clerk of Court Contact and Hours
The Clerk of Court holds court records, official records, marriage licenses, and county financial data. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. The clerk’s office does not close for lunch, but staffing may be lower between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Phone: (850) 674-4545. Address: 20859 Central Avenue East, Room 130, Blountstown, FL 32424. Website: www.calhounclerk.com.
Office Location and Map
The Calhoun County Courthouse sits on Central Avenue in downtown Blountstown, one block east of Main Street. Free public parking is available behind the building. Enter through the main doors on Central Avenue and check in at the security desk for a visitor pass.
Nearby Counties and Cross-Jurisdictional Searches
Calhoun County borders several Panhandle counties. For records that may sit in a neighboring county, use the table below as a quick reference. All of these counties fall under or near the 14th Judicial Circuit.
| County | County Seat | Clerk Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty County | Bristol | (850) 643-2215 |
| Gadsden County | Quincy | (850) 875-8601 |
| Jackson County | Marianna | (850) 482-9552 |
| Holmes County | Bonifay | (850) 547-1100 |
| Washington County | Chipley | (850) 638-6285 |
| Bay County | Panama City | (850) 763-9061 |
| Gulf County | Port St. Joe | (850) 229-6112 |
Common Misconceptions About Calhoun County Records
Many people believe arrest records disappear after a case is dismissed. That is not true in Florida. A dismissed or dropped case still shows up in court records, marked with the final disposition. The arrest record also remains on file unless a court orders it sealed or expunged.
Another common myth is that mugshots cannot be removed. Under F.S. § 901.43, a person whose arrest did not lead to a conviction can request removal from certain mugshot sites. The law also limits how these sites can charge for removal.
A third misconception is that out-of-state residents cannot request Florida records. Florida’s records law applies to anyone, regardless of state residency. You can request records by mail or email without living in the state.
How Long Does It Take to Get Records
Simple requests, like a single arrest report or a single deed, are usually filled the same day or the next business day. Larger requests that require staff research can take up to 10 business days. If the records are stored off-site or on microfilm, the wait can stretch to 30 days.
Florida law does not set a hard deadline, but it requires a “reasonable” response. If you do not hear back within 10 business days, follow up in writing. Put the follow-up in writing so you have a record of the delay for any future dispute.
Sealing or Expunging an Arrest Record in Calhoun County
If you were arrested in Calhoun County and the case was dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty, you may qualify to seal or expunge the record. The process starts at the Clerk of Court. You must first apply for a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The application costs $75 to FDLE. After the certificate is issued, you file a petition with the Calhoun County Clerk. A judge reviews the petition and signs an order if all legal requirements are met. Once sealed, the record no longer shows up in standard public searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common record searches in Calhoun County, Florida. Each answer reflects current Florida law and local office practice as of mid-2026.
How do I find out who was arrested in Calhoun County today?
To find out who was arrested in Calhoun County today, call the Sheriff’s Office Records Division at (850) 674-5049. The records staff can confirm a current booking. The Sheriff’s Office also posts a recent arrests list on its website, www.calhounsheriff.com. For older bookings, use the Clerk’s online portal at www.calhounclerk.com and search by name. Note that arrest data is not always posted the same day. Most counties update the public log within 24 to 48 hours of intake.
Are Calhoun County arrest records free to view?
Yes. The first 30 minutes of staff research is free under Florida law. After that, agencies can bill at the lowest hourly pay rate of staff who can do the work. Viewing records in person at the courthouse is also free, though printed copies carry a small per-page fee. Online searches through the Clerk’s portal are free of charge for basic name and case lookups.
Can I search Calhoun County arrest records by name?
Yes. The Clerk of Court offers a name-based search tool on its online portal. Enter the full legal name and date of birth if you have it. The system will return matching cases, charges, and dispositions. For current inmates, the Sheriff’s Office roster also allows searches by name. Third-party sites offer similar search tools, but verify any result with the official source before relying on it for legal or employment decisions.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a booking record?
An arrest record shows the details of the arrest itself, such as the date, location, and officer. A booking record is created when the person is processed into the jail. Booking records include fingerprints, mugshots, medical screening notes, and the assigned holding cell. In Florida, both types of records are public once booking is complete, with limited exceptions for juveniles and sealed cases.
How do I get a copy of a police report in Calhoun County?
To get a copy of a police report, contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Records Division at (850) 674-5049. Provide the incident number, date, and location. Reports are usually ready 24 to 72 hours after the incident. The fee for a printed report is $0.15 per page. You can pick up the report in person or request a digital copy by email. If the report is part of an active investigation, certain sections may be temporarily redacted.
Can I remove my mugshot from Calhoun County booking sites?
Under Florida Statute § 901.43, you can request removal of your mugshot from paid removal sites if your case did not result in a conviction. The request must be in writing. The site has 30 days to remove the image. The law also caps what these sites can charge for removal at $15 for written requests. If the site refuses or charges more than the cap, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General.
Are juvenile arrest records public in Calhoun County?
No. Florida law keeps juvenile arrest records confidential. Only the minor, the minor’s parents or guardian, the defense attorney, and certain agencies can view juvenile records. Court records for juveniles are also sealed. If you are looking for information about a juvenile arrest, contact the Clerk of Court for guidance on what can be released and to whom. Adult records, by contrast, remain public even if the arrest happened years ago.
Calhoun County public records cover a wide range of documents, from arrest logs and booking photos to court dockets and property deeds. Florida’s Chapter 119 law protects your right to see these records, and small counties like Calhoun often process requests quickly. Start with the Clerk of Court for court and official records, or the Sheriff’s Office for arrest and inmate data. Both offices staff their phones during regular business hours and respond to written requests within a few business days in most cases.