Miami City public records let you view arrest logs, booking rosters, inmate rosters, mugshots, and police reports held by the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County. Florida’s open records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, lets any person view and copy these records without giving a reason.
This page shows you where to search by name, which agencies hold which files, what fees to expect, and what stays sealed from public view.
The City of Miami keeps city-level files such as city commission minutes, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, code compliance actions, and city-issued building permits. Miami-Dade County keeps court files, property deeds, marriage licenses, and the official arrest and booking records that most people search for online.
Arrest records make up a large share of public records searches in Miami. These include the police arrest report, the booking record, the inmate roster entry, the mugshot, the charges filed, the bond amount, and the next court date. Each piece comes from a different step in the arrest process and may be held by a different agency.
Miami Arrest Records and How to View Them
Miami arrest records start at the moment a person is taken into custody by a law enforcement officer. The officer writes a police arrest report. The arrested person is then transported to a county jail for booking. At booking, the agency collects fingerprints, a photo, and personal details. All of this becomes a public record under Florida law, with a few narrow exceptions for active investigations, juvenile cases, and sealed records.
You can look up Miami arrest records through three main sources. The first is the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department online inmate search. The second is the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts online case search. The third is the City of Miami Police Department records request page. Each source holds a different piece of the arrest file.
Miami Arrest Records Search by Name
To run a Miami arrest records search by name, start with the Miami-Dade Corrections inmate search tool at miamidade.gov/corrections. Type the full legal name of the person into the search box. The results show current inmates, their booking number, the charges, the bond amount, and the housing location. Results refresh every few hours, so a recent arrest appears soon after booking.
If the person has been released, the inmate search no longer shows them. For older records, switch to the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts case search at miamidadeclerk.gov. Search by name as a party to the case. This pulls up criminal cases, civil cases, traffic cases, and family cases tied to that name across the 11th Judicial Circuit.
Miami Recent Arrests and Current Arrest Log
Miami recent arrests show up on the inmate search within hours of booking. The Miami arrest log includes anyone booked into a Miami-Dade County jail, which covers nearly all arrests made in the City of Miami. The arrest database updates as new bookings occur, so you can check it the same day an arrest happens.
For an arrest that just happened, the inmate search is the fastest option. For a record of every arrest over a set time range, file a public records request with the Miami Police Department or the Miami-Dade Corrections Department. They can run a report based on date, charge type, or zip code.
Miami-Dade Arrest Log Details
The Miami-Dade arrest log includes the arrestee’s name, date of birth, booking date and time, arresting agency, charges, bond amount, and current custody status. Each booking creates a unique booking number you can use to pull the full file later. Charges listed in the log are the initial charges at booking. Court records may show changes after arraignment.
Miami Booking Records and Inmate Roster
Miami booking records cover the full intake process at the county jail. A booking record includes the arrestee’s full name, aliases, date of birth, address, employer, scars, tattoos, the arresting officer, the arresting agency, the date and time of arrest, the location of arrest, the charges, and the mugshot. Booking records stay in the system even after the inmate is released, unless sealed or expunged by a judge.
How to Use the Miami Jail Booking Records Search
To search Miami jail booking records, go to the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department website. Click on the Inmate Search link. Enter the last name, first name, and date of birth if you have it. The system returns a list of matching inmates, with the most recent bookings at the top. Click on a name to see the full booking record, including charges, bond, and court dates.
If you do not have a name, you can search by booking number. Booking numbers appear on arrest reports and court summons. You can call the MDCR records office at (305) 229-8800 to ask about a specific booking.
Miami Inmate Booking Status Updates
Miami inmate booking status changes several times after arrest. The status moves from in processing to awaiting court to released or transferred. The online inmate search shows the current status. For real-time updates, you can call the jail’s automated phone line or visit the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center or the Metro West Detention Center lobby in person.
Bail bond agencies across Miami-Dade subscribe to live booking feeds. Many of them post recent bookings on their public websites for families trying to locate a loved one.
Miami Mugshots and Police Blotter
Miami mugshots are public records under Florida law. The mugshot is taken at booking and stored in the inmate management system. Third-party mugshot websites pull these photos from the public booking feed. The official source is the Miami-Dade Corrections Department. You can request a copy of a mugshot through a public records request if it is not already posted on the inmate search page.
The Miami police blotter is a running log of police activity. It includes arrests, traffic citations, incident reports, and calls for service. The City of Miami Police Department posts a daily blotter on its website. The blotter lists the incident type, the location, the time, and the case number. Names of arrestees appear in the blotter only after they are booked.
How Long Mugshots Stay Online
Florida law places limits on how long mugshot sites can charge for removal. As of 2026, sites that charge to remove a mugshot must take it down within 30 days of a written request. The mugshot itself remains a public record, but the law targets pay-for-removal schemes. You can file a petition with the court to seal or expunge a mugshot if the underlying case qualifies.
Miami Police Department Arrest Reports
Miami police arrest reports are written by the arresting officer. The report includes the officer’s account of the incident, witness statements, evidence collected, and the charges filed. Arrest reports become public after the case moves past the initial investigation stage. Active investigation files are exempt from public view under Florida Statute 119.071.
To get a copy of a Miami police arrest report, file a public records request with the City of Miami Police Department’s records unit. You can submit the request online, by email, by mail, or in person. Include the case number if you have it. The report will be redacted to remove Social Security numbers, juvenile names, and other protected data.
Most basic arrest reports are free to view. Printed copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Reports that take more than 30 minutes to locate or redact may carry a staff time charge.
How to Make a Public Records Request
Florida law does not require a specific form for a public records request. You can make a request in person, by phone, by mail, or by email. You do not have to give your name. You do not have to state a reason. The agency must respond in a reasonable time based on the scope of your request.
For city records, send your request to the City of Miami City Clerk at 444 SW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33130. Phone: (305) 468-5900. For police records, contact the Miami Police Department records unit. For county records, contact the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts.
Your request should include a clear description of the records you want. Include names, dates, case numbers, and addresses if you have them. The more specific your request, the faster the agency can respond.
Public Records Request Timeline
Florida law does not set a fixed deadline for public records requests. Courts have ruled that reasonable time depends on the size of the request, the workload of the agency, and the need for legal review. A simple request for one arrest report usually takes a few business days. A large request covering many records may take several weeks.
If the agency does not respond in a reasonable time, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s open government mediation program at (850) 245-0140. Mediation is free and often resolves disputes without a lawsuit.
Fees, Processing Time, and Exempt Records
Florida law sets the fee for public records copies at $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification statement. The first 30 minutes of staff time to locate and compile records are free. If the request takes more than 30 minutes, the agency may charge for staff time at the rate of the lowest-paid employee who can do the work.
| Record Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy | $0.15 per page | One or two-sided copies count as one page |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification | Needed for court or legal filings |
| Staff time (over 30 min) | Lowest-paid employee rate | Only charged after first 30 minutes |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication | No charge for records sent by email |
Records Exempt from Public View
Some records are exempt from public view under Florida Statute 119.071. These include active criminal investigation files, Social Security numbers, medical records, personnel files, and juvenile records. If an agency denies your request, it must give a written explanation citing the specific exemption. You can challenge the denial through mediation or in court.
Sealed and expunged records are not public. A judge can seal a record after a petition. Once sealed, even the existence of the case is hidden from public search. Expungement goes further and allows the person to deny the arrest ever happened in most situations.
Miami vs Miami-Dade: Which Office Holds Your Record
The City of Miami is a municipality within Miami-Dade County. The two governments keep separate records. Knowing which office holds the file you need saves time and avoids extra fees.
| Record Type | Held By | Where to Search |
|---|---|---|
| City commission minutes | City of Miami City Clerk | City of Miami website |
| City contracts and permits | City of Miami City Clerk | City of Miami website |
| Code compliance actions | City of Miami Code Compliance | City of Miami website |
| Arrest reports (city level) | Miami Police Department | City of Miami Police Department |
| Booking records and inmate roster | Miami-Dade Corrections | miamidade.gov/corrections |
| Court cases | Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts | miamidadeclerk.gov |
| Property deeds and liens | Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts | miamidadeclerk.gov |
| Probate and family cases | Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts | miamidadeclerk.gov |
Official Contacts, Websites, and Visiting Hours
Below are the official contact details for the agencies that handle Miami City public records. All websites are listed as plain text. Phone lines are open during the posted hours. The MDCR lobby stays open around the clock for in-person inquiries.
City of Miami City Clerk
Address: 444 SW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 468-5900
Website: www.miamigov.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Miami Police Department Records Unit
Address: 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305) 603-6100
Website: www.miamigov.com/Government/Departments/Police
Records Unit Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
Address: 1321 NW 13th Street, Miami, FL 33125
Phone: (305) 229-8800
Website: www.miamidade.gov/corrections
Lobby Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
Address: 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 275-1155
Website: www.miamidadeclerk.gov
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Florida Attorney General Open Government Mediation
Phone: (850) 245-0140
Website: www.myfloridalegal.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern
How to Look Up Arrest Records in Miami Online
Follow these steps to look up arrest records in Miami online using official sources.
- Go to miamidade.gov/corrections and open the inmate search tool.
- Enter the full name and date of birth if known.
- Review the booking record, charges, bond, and court date.
- If no result appears, the person has been released. Search the Clerk of Courts case database at miamidadeclerk.gov.
- For a copy of the full police report, file a request with the Miami Police Department records unit.
Most arrest records appear in the inmate search within 2 to 6 hours of booking. Court records take a few days to show up after the case is filed. Police reports may take longer if the case is still under investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover the most common search needs for Miami arrest records, booking records, mugshots, and inmate data. Each answer reflects the current Florida public records law as of 2026. These answers are written for the general public, legal researchers, journalists, and family members trying to locate a loved one.
How do I run a Miami arrest records search by name for free?
You can run a free Miami arrest records search by name using the Miami-Dade Corrections inmate search at miamidade.gov/corrections. The tool shows current inmates at no cost. For older arrests, the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts case search at miamidadeclerk.gov is also free for index data. You will see the case number, parties, charges, and court dates. Printed or certified copies of court records carry a fee. To get the full police report, you need to file a public records request with the Miami Police Department. The records unit may charge a small fee for copies and any staff time over 30 minutes. No name or ID is required to make a request, and the agency must respond in a reasonable time under Florida law. Most basic searches return results within minutes. If the search returns no results, try alternate spellings or check the date of birth format. The inmate search covers the entire Miami-Dade County jail system, which serves the City of Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and other cities within the county.
Where can I find Miami recent arrests from the past 24 hours?
Miami recent arrests from the past 24 hours show up on the Miami-Dade Corrections inmate search. The system refreshes every few hours. For a daily list, file a public records request with the Miami Police Department or the Miami-Dade Corrections Department. Many local news outlets publish daily arrest logs from the Miami Police blotter. The police blotter is posted on the City of Miami website each business day. The blotter lists incident type, location, time, and case number. Names of arrestees appear only after booking. Third-party arrest log websites pull data from the same official feeds, but the official sources are always the most accurate. For a real-time booking feed, you can call the MDCR records line at (305) 229-8800 and ask about recent bookings at a specific facility. The Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and the Metro West Detention Center are the two main intake facilities for the City of Miami.
Can I see Miami mugshots for free?
Yes, you can see Miami mugshots for free through the official Miami-Dade Corrections inmate search. The booking photo appears on the inmate’s record page. Third-party mugshot websites show the photos, but many of them charge fees for removal or full details. Florida law limits how long a mugshot site can keep a posted photo after a written removal request. For a high-resolution copy of a mugshot, file a public records request with the Miami-Dade Corrections Department. The photo will be sent to you at no charge if it can be emailed. Printed copies cost $0.15 per page. Sealed or expunged records do not show a mugshot. Juvenile records never show a mugshot, since juvenile cases are confidential under Florida law. If a mugshot site refuses to remove your photo after a written request, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s office.
What is the difference between a Miami arrest record and a Miami booking record?
A Miami arrest record is the police report written by the arresting officer. It covers the incident, witness statements, evidence, and the charges filed. A Miami booking record is the intake file created at the county jail after the arrest. It covers the arrestee’s personal details, fingerprints, mugshot, and housing assignment. The arrest record is held by the Miami Police Department. The booking record is held by the Miami-Dade Corrections Department. Both are public records under Florida law, but they are kept in different databases. You may need both to get the full picture of an arrest. The arrest report tells you what happened at the scene. The booking record tells you what happened at the jail. Together they form the complete arrest file. Court records add a third layer by showing the formal charges filed and the case outcome.
How long does a Miami public records request take?
A simple Miami public records request for one arrest report or one booking record usually takes 3 to 7 business days. A request for multiple records may take 2 to 4 weeks. Florida law does not set a fixed deadline, but the agency must respond in a reasonable time based on the size of the request. Large requests that need legal review may take longer. If the agency does not respond within a reasonable time, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s open government mediation program at (850) 245-0140. Mediation is free and often resolves disputes without court action. You can file a civil action in circuit court to enforce the request. Courts can award attorney fees if the agency wrongfully denied the request. Keep all written records of your request and any responses for the mediation or court filing.
Are juvenile arrest records public in Miami?
No, juvenile arrest records in Miami are not public. Florida law keeps all juvenile records confidential under Chapter 985. Records of minors under 18 who are arrested are sealed from public view. Only the minor, the minor’s parents or guardians, the defense attorney, and certain agencies can view juvenile records. Juvenile court hearings are closed to the public. If a juvenile is charged as an adult, the case file becomes public after the court orders the transfer. Sealed adult records stay private, even after the case ends. Expunged records can be denied in most job and housing applications. Parents of a juvenile can request records from the Department of Juvenile Justice, but the records are not available to the general public. Schools and certain youth-serving agencies can request juvenile records under specific conditions set by Florida law.
Can I remove my mugshot or arrest record from public search?
You can remove your mugshot or arrest record from public search only through a court order. Florida law allows sealing or expungement for certain cases. To qualify, the case must have been dismissed, the charges dropped, the person acquitted, or the sentence completed without a conviction for most misdemeanor cases. You file a petition with the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. A judge reviews the petition. If granted, the record is sealed or expunged. The record no longer shows up in public searches. For mugshot websites that charge a removal fee, Florida law requires them to take down the photo within 30 days of a written request. The mugshot stays in the official booking record, but third-party sites must remove it on request. The certificate of sealing or expungement is your proof that the record is private. Show it to any website that still has the photo to demand removal. Most sites comply within 30 days once they receive the certificate.
Authority and Entity Expansion Topics
The following topics expand the topical reach of this page. Add them as separate sections or supporting pages to build long-term authority on Miami public records.
- Florida expungement and record sealing process with court forms and fees
- Background check rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act for employers in Miami
- Federal arrest records through the FBI National Crime Information Center
- Warrant search and how to clear a warrant in Miami-Dade County
- Bail bond process in Miami-Dade County and the role of licensed bondsmen
- Differences between county jails, state prisons, and federal detention centers in South Florida
- How to request police body camera footage in Miami under Florida Statute 119.071
- Domestic violence injunction records and how to request them through the Clerk of Courts
- Sealed and expunged record lookup rules for attorneys and government agencies
- Probation and parole records from the Florida Department of Corrections
- Traffic citation records and how to request them through Miami-Dade Clerk
- Civil court records and small claims filings in Miami-Dade County
Adding these subtopics creates a full resource hub for anyone searching for arrest, court, and inmate records in Miami. Each subtopic connects back to the main Miami City public records page and builds the semantic cluster that search engines reward with long-term ranking.