Gainesville City Public Records include arrest reports, booking logs, mugshots, inmate rosters, incident reports, and court filings kept by the Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alachua County Clerk of Courts. Florida’s open records law makes these files available to anyone who requests them.
This page covers how to search, request, and read the most requested arrest and booking records in Gainesville and Alachua County as of 2026.
Florida Public Records Law and Gainesville
Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law, written in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, gives every person the right to see records made or kept by public agencies. This law covers city departments in Gainesville, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Gainesville Police Department, and the Alachua County Clerk of Courts. You do not need to show ID, give your name, or explain why you want the records.
Records that agencies must release include arrest reports, booking sheets, calls for service, incident logs, jail rosters, and court case files. Some files are exempt under Section 119.071. Examples include active criminal intelligence data, sealed juvenile records, and personal medical history. Active investigations may also have parts held back until a case is closed.
Agencies must answer records requests quickly. The law does not set a fixed deadline, but courts have ruled that agencies cannot stall without a valid reason. For large requests, the agency can charge for staff time after the first 30 minutes of work at the pay rate of the lowest-paid qualified employee.
Gainesville Police Department Arrest Records
The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) writes arrest reports for crimes that happen inside the Gainesville city limits. Each arrest creates a report that lists the arrestee’s name, date of birth, charges, booking time, arresting officer, and case number. These reports become part of the public record once the case is no longer under active investigation.
GPD records are kept by the department’s Records Unit. The unit handles requests for incident reports, arrest logs, traffic crash reports, and 911 audio in some cases. Requests can be made in person, by mail, by email, or through the city’s online public records portal.
The Gainesville Police Department is located at 545 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. The Records Unit phone number is (352) 955-1818. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Requests sent after hours are processed the next business day.
Gainesville FL Arrest Records and Recent Arrests
Gainesville FL arrest records list every person taken into custody by the Gainesville Police Department. Each entry shows the arrest date, charge, booking number, and where the person is held. Recent arrest logs cover the past 24 to 72 hours and update daily.
To see recent arrests in Gainesville, the Gainesville Police Department posts a daily arrest log on its website. The log shows people arrested in the city during the prior day. Names appear in alphabetical order. The log is updated each morning by the Records Unit.
Users can also search the Alachua County booking log for arrests made by GPD, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the University of Florida Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The booking log is the fastest way to see who was arrested in Gainesville FL in the last few days.
Alachua County Arrest Records and Sheriff’s Office
Alachua County arrest records cover arrests made anywhere in the county, including areas outside Gainesville city limits. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) handles arrests for unincorporated parts of the county and works with GPD on joint operations.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is located at 2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL 32641. The main phone number is (352) 367-4000. The Records Section can be reached at (352) 367-4045 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ACSO arrest records include the arrestee’s name, booking photo, physical description, charges, bond amount, and court date. These records are open to the public under Florida law. Requests can be made in person, by phone, or through the sheriff’s online records request form.
Gainesville Jail Booking Records and Inmate Search
Gainesville jail booking records show every person booked into the Alachua County Jail after an arrest. Each booking record lists the inmate’s full name, booking date, booking number, arresting agency, charges, bond status, and projected release date if known.
The Alachua County Jail is operated by the Corrections Department under the Sheriff’s Office. The jail address is 3333 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609. Public visiting hours are posted at the entrance and on the sheriff’s website. Inmate information is available online through the jail roster search tool.
To search for someone in jail, use the Alachua County inmate search tool on the sheriff’s website. Enter the person’s first and last name. The system returns a list of matching inmates with their booking date, charges, and bond amount. Results update every 15 minutes.
Alachua County Booking Log and Daily Arrest Reports
The Alachua County booking log is a public list of every person booked into the county jail. The log includes people arrested by GPD, ACSO, UF Police, the Florida Highway Patrol, and other state and local agencies working in the county.
Each daily arrest report includes the following data points:
- Full name of the arrestee
- Date of birth
- Race and gender
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Charges and statute numbers
- Bond amount and bond status
- Court appearance date
The booking log is free to view. No account is needed. The log is reset each night and a new report goes up the next morning by 6:00 a.m.
Gainesville Mugshots and Booking Photos
Gainesville mugshots are taken at the time of booking. They are public record under Florida law. Mugshots are stored in the Alachua County Jail booking system and are released when a records request is filed.
Booking photos can be requested from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Records Section. Each request must include the inmate’s full name and booking date if known. A small copy fee may apply for printed photos. Digital copies sent by email are usually free.
Third-party websites also publish Gainesville mugshots. These sites pull data from public records, but the data may be outdated. The most current mugshots come straight from the sheriff’s office.
How to Search Gainesville Arrest Records by Name
To run a Gainesville arrest search by name, follow these steps:
- Go to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office website at www.acso.us.
- Click on the “Inmate Search” link on the homepage.
- Type the person’s last name in the first box and first name in the second box.
- Click “Search.”
- Review the list of matching inmates, charges, and bond amounts.
For older arrests, use the Alachua County Clerk of Courts case search tool. The clerk’s system goes back to the late 1990s for most cases. Older files may need a written request and a small search fee.
Gainesville Arrest History and Criminal Records
A Gainesville arrest history is a full list of every time a person was arrested in the city or county. Florida law treats arrest histories as public record. Anyone can request a copy of their own arrest history or the arrest history of another person.
For a statewide arrest history, request a Florida Criminal History Record Check from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The request can be made online, by mail, or in person. A standard check costs $24.00 and returns all arrests in Florida, even from other counties.
For a local arrest history, contact the Alachua County Clerk of Courts or the Gainesville Police Department Records Unit. A local search costs less but only covers arrests in the city or county.
Gainesville Police Department Arrest Log
The Gainesville Police Department arrest log is a daily list of people arrested by GPD officers. The log goes up on the city’s website each morning. It includes the arrestee’s name, age, address, and the charge.
To view the GPD arrest log:
- Visit www.gainesvillepd.org.
- Click on “Records” in the main menu.
- Select “Daily Arrest Log.”
- Choose the date you want to view.
- Open the PDF file to see all arrests for that day.
The log is free to view. PDFs can be saved or printed. The log covers arrests from 2018 to the present. Older arrest logs must be requested through the Records Unit.
Alachua County Jail Bookings and Detention Records
Alachua County jail bookings are public under Florida law. Each booking creates a record that shows when the person entered jail, what they were charged with, and when they were released. Detention records cover the full stay, including moves between housing units, medical visits, and release details.
Detention records can be requested from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Department. Requests must be in writing and include the inmate’s full name and booking date. Records are released within 5 to 10 business days.
Sealed or expunged records are not public. Once a record is sealed by a court order, it is removed from public search tools and cannot be released without a court order.
Requesting Police Reports and Arrest Records in Gainesville
To request a police report or arrest record in Gainesville, you can use any of the methods below:
- In person: Visit the Records Unit at GPD or ACSO during business hours.
- By mail: Send a written request with the case number, date, and names involved.
- By email: Send a request to the agency’s records email address.
- Online: Use the city’s NextRequest portal or the sheriff’s online form.
Standard copy fees are $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 for the first page and $ $0.15 for each additional page. Staff time beyond 30 minutes is billed at the pay rate of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work.
Alachua County Clerk of Courts and Court Records
The Alachua County Clerk of Courts keeps court records for the 8th Judicial Circuit. The clerk’s office is at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. Phone: (352) 374-3636. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Court records include criminal case files, civil cases, family law filings, traffic cases, and probate records. Each file shows the charges, court dates, plea, and final judgment. Most files are searchable online through the clerk’s case search portal.
Certified court records can be picked up in person or mailed. Bring a photo ID and pay the copy fee. Online certified records can be ordered through the clerk’s e-certified document service for a higher fee.
Gainesville Booking Search and Online Tools
The Gainesville FL booking search tool is the online inmate roster. It is hosted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The tool is free to use and does not need a login.
Other online tools for booking and arrest searches include:
- VineLink: Shows release dates for inmates in many Florida counties, including Alachua.
- Florida Department of Corrections inmate search: Covers state prison inmates only, not county jail.
- Alachua County Clerk case search: Shows court cases, charges, and outcomes.
- FDLE criminal history search: Shows statewide arrest history for a fee.
Each tool covers a different part of the system. For the most complete picture, check the jail roster first, then the court case search, then FDLE for statewide data.
Expungement and Sealing of Gainesville Arrest Records
Under Florida law, certain arrest records can be sealed or expunged. A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists. An expunged record is physically destroyed. Both require a court order.
To qualify for expungement or sealing in Gainesville, the person must meet all of the following:
- The case was dismissed, the person was found not guilty, or the person was never charged.
- The person has no prior convictions.
- The person has not had a record sealed or expunged before.
- The person has not been adjudicated delinquent for a felony or certain misdemeanors as a juvenile.
Applications go through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Clerk of Courts. The process takes 6 to 12 months. A $75.00 fee applies to FDLE, plus court costs.
Who Was Arrested in Gainesville FL
To check who was arrested in Gainesville FL, the fastest method is the daily arrest log on the GPD website. The log updates each morning and covers the prior 24 hours. For a longer list, check the Alachua County booking log on the sheriff’s website.
For older arrests, search the court case system. The clerk’s case search shows charges, plea, and sentence. This is the best tool for tracking the final outcome of an arrest that happened weeks or months ago.
Office Locations and Contact Details
Gainesville Police Department
545 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 955-1818
Records Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL 32641
Phone: (352) 367-4000
Records Section: (352) 367-4045
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Alachua County Clerk of Courts
201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3636
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Alachua County Jail
3333 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609
Phone: (352) 491-4444
Public Visiting Hours: Posted at the entrance and on the sheriff’s website
Common Questions About Gainesville Arrest and Booking Records
This section answers the most common questions about arrest records, booking logs, mugshots, and inmate searches in Gainesville, Florida. Each answer gives you the direct steps, fees, and contact points you need.
How do I find out if someone was arrested in Gainesville today?
Check the Gainesville Police Department daily arrest log on the GPD website. The log goes up each morning by 6:00 a.m. and lists all arrests from the prior 24 hours. You can also check the Alachua County inmate roster, which is updated every 15 minutes. If the person was arrested by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, they will show up on the county roster but not always on the GPD log. For statewide data, request a Florida Criminal History Record Check from FDLE for $24.00.
Are Gainesville mugshots free to view?
Yes. Mugshots taken at the Alachua County Jail are public record. They can be requested from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Records Section at (352) 367-4045. Digital copies sent by email are usually free. Printed copies cost $0.15 per page. Third-party mugshot websites also post booking photos, but the data on those sites can be old. For the most current photo, request it directly from the sheriff’s office.
Can I search Gainesville arrest records by name for free?
Yes. The Alachua County inmate search tool on the ACSO website is free and open to everyone. Enter a first and last name, and the system returns current inmates with their charges, bond, and booking date. For older arrests, use the Alachua County Clerk of Courts case search. The clerk’s tool goes back to the late 1990s and is also free. A statewide search through FDLE costs $24.00.
How long does it take to get a police report in Gainesville?
Most routine police reports are ready within 5 to 10 business days after the incident. Reports for minor cases like traffic crashes or simple thefts are often ready in 3 to 5 days. Reports for more serious cases, including homicides and sexual battery, may take longer because of the active investigation. You can request a report by email, mail, or in person at the GPD Records Unit.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a booking record?
An arrest record is created by the police officer who makes the arrest. It lists the charges, location, and circumstances. A booking record is created at the jail after the arrest. It includes the inmate’s photo, fingerprints, personal details, bond amount, and housing assignment. Both are public record in Florida, but they are kept by different agencies. The arresting agency holds the arrest record, and the jail holds the booking record.
Can I remove my arrest record from public view in Gainesville?
You can apply to seal or expunge your record if the case was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you were never charged. You must also have no prior convictions and no prior sealings or expungements. The application goes through FDLE and the Alachua County Clerk of Courts. The process takes 6 to 12 months and costs $75.00 to FDLE plus court filing fees. A lawyer is not required but is recommended for felony cases.
What charges are not public record in Florida?
Florida law exempts certain records from public release. These include active criminal investigative information, records involving children under 18, sealed or expunged records, and certain personnel files. A full list of exemptions is in Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes. Agencies must cite the specific exemption when they withhold a record. If an agency denies a request, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Government Records Mediation Program at (850) 245-0140.