Okaloosa County public records cover arrest reports, jail bookings, inmate rosters, mugshots, and daily arrest logs filed by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Court. Anyone can look at these files online or in person at offices in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville.
Florida law makes these records open to the public, so you do not need a reason to ask for them.
Searches for arrest records, recent bookings, current inmates, and booking photos happen every day in Okaloosa County. The county sits in the Florida Panhandle and has a large military presence with Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. This page shows you how to look up what you need, where to search, and what fees you may pay.
What Okaloosa County Public Records Cover
Okaloosa County public records cover four main groups: arrest records, booking records, inmate records, and court records. Each group has its own office and search system.
- Arrest records list the name of the person arrested, the date, the charge, and the agency that made the arrest.
- Booking records show the date, time, and place of booking, the charges, and personal details like height, weight, and age.
- Inmate records list people held in the Okaloosa County jail, with their current status and charges.
- Court records show the outcome of cases after arrest, such as trials, sentences, and dismissals.
The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest and booking records. The jail keeps inmate records. The Clerk of Court keeps court records. All three offices share data with each other, but each one runs its own search system.
How to Search Okaloosa County Arrest Records Online
You can search Okaloosa County arrest records online through the Sheriff’s Office website. The arrest log shows daily arrests made by deputies in the county. The log updates each day with new bookings.
To search the arrest log, go to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office website. Click on the “Arrest Log” or “Records” link. Type the last name of the person you want to look up. You can also search by date of arrest. The search will show the person’s name, age, charge, and booking date.
The arrest log covers arrests made by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. It does not show arrests made by city police in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, or Niceville. For city arrests, you need to contact the city police department directly.
Search by Name
Searching by name gives you the most results. Use the full last name for the best match. If the name is common, you may get several results. Look at the age, address, and charge to pick the right person.
Search by Date
Searching by date shows all arrests made on a single day. This helps you see recent arrests in the county. The daily arrest log shows every booking that happened on that date.
Okaloosa County Inmate Search and Jail Roster
The Okaloosa County inmate search lets you look up people held in the Okaloosa County Jail. The jail roster shows current inmates, their charges, and their bond amount. The roster updates every few hours.
The Okaloosa County Jail is the main jail in the county. It is run by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The jail address is 1200 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida 32539. You can call the jail at (850) 689-5893 to check on an inmate.
To search for an inmate, go to the Sheriff’s Office website. Click on “Jail Roster” or “Inmate Search.” Type the last name. The search will show the inmate’s name, booking photo, charge, bond, and court date.
The jail roster only shows people held at the Okaloosa County Jail. It does not show inmates held at other jails in Florida. For state prisons, use the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search.
| Record Type | Where to Search | What You Will See |
|---|---|---|
| Daily arrests | Sheriff’s Office website | Name, age, charge, date |
| Current inmates | Jail roster online | Name, booking photo, bond, charges |
| Booking photos | Sheriff’s Office or jail | Photo from booking date |
| Court cases | Clerk of Court website | Case number, charges, hearings |
| Warrants | Sheriff’s Office or court | Active warrants for arrest |
Okaloosa County Booking Records and Mugshots
Booking records and mugshots are taken when a person is arrested and brought to jail. The records show the booking date, time, and officer. The mugshot is the photo taken at booking.
Booking records are public under Florida law. You can see them online or at the jail. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office keeps booking records for a set number of years. Older records may be on paper at the Sheriff’s Office.
To see a booking photo, search the jail roster. The roster shows a small photo next to each inmate’s name. Click on the name to see a larger booking photo. You can also ask for a copy of the booking photo at the jail or the Sheriff’s Office.
Booking photos are taken at the time of booking. The photos show the face and a side view. They also show any tattoos, scars, or marks the person has. The photos are part of the public record.
Okaloosa County Recent Arrests and Daily Arrest Log
The Okaloosa County recent arrests log updates every day. It shows all arrests made by the Sheriff’s Office in the past 24 hours. The log lists each person arrested, the charge, and where the arrest took place.
The daily arrest log is a public record. You do not need to give a reason to see it. The log covers arrests for traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies. It does not cover federal arrests or arrests by city police.
To see the most recent arrests, visit the Sheriff’s Office website. The arrest log is on the main page or under “Records.” New arrests appear at the top of the list. The log shows the date, time, and location of each arrest.
What the Arrest Log Does Not Show
The arrest log does not show:
- Federal arrests on Eglin Air Force Base or Hurlburt Field
- Arrests by city police in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, or Niceville
- Juvenile arrests, which are sealed under Florida law
- Active investigation details, which are exempt under Chapter 119
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Reports
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office writes an arrest report for every arrest. The report has the full story of the arrest. It lists the officer, the witness, the evidence, and the charge.
Arrest reports are public. You can ask for a copy at the Sheriff’s Office. The office is at 50 2nd Street, Shalimar, Florida 32579. You can call the records desk at (850) 651-7400. You can also send a request by email or mail.
To get an arrest report, you need to know:
- The name of the person arrested
- The date of the arrest
- The case or incident number, if you have it
- The agency that made the arrest
Some parts of the arrest report may be exempt. The names of crime victims may be redacted. The names of confidential informants may be removed. Active investigation details may be kept back. The rest of the report is open to the public.
How to Request Detention Records and Booking Photos
You can request detention records and booking photos from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The records desk handles all requests. You can ask in person, by mail, by email, or by phone.
To make a request, write down the name of the inmate, the booking date, and the records you want. Send the request to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Records Unit. The office will reply within a set time under Florida law.
Florida law gives agencies a set time to respond to public records requests. Most agencies reply within 5 to 10 business days. Large requests may take longer. The agency must tell you if they need more time.
Booking Photo Removal
Florida law lets some people ask for booking photo removal. If your case was dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty, you may ask for your booking photo to be removed from websites. The request goes to the website that hosts the photo, not the Sheriff’s Office.
Okaloosa County Arrest History and Background Checks
An arrest history shows every arrest for a person in Okaloosa County. The history lists the date, charge, and outcome of each arrest. You can get a full arrest history through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
FDLE runs the statewide arrest history database. The database covers every county in Florida, such as Okaloosa County. You can ask for a copy of your own arrest history or the arrest history of someone else with their written consent.
For a personal background check, visit the FDLE website. The check costs a fee set by the state. The results show arrests, charges, and court outcomes. The check covers Florida only.
For a national background check, use the FBI’s database. The FBI Identity History Summary check covers all states. You need to give fingerprints or ask through an approved channel.
Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and Official Records
The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court keeps court records, official records, and other public files. The Clerk is Brad E. Embry. The main office is at 101 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida 32536. The Clerk’s phone is (850) 689-5000, extension 4000.
The Clerk’s website at okaloosaclerk.com has a search tool. You can search court cases by name, case number, or date. You can also search official records, such as deeds, mortgages, and liens.
The Clerk’s office also runs a branch in Fort Walton Beach. The branch serves the southern part of the county. You can visit the branch for in-person help with court records.
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Court – Crestview | 101 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536 | (850) 689-5000 ext. 4000 |
| Clerk of Court – Fort Walton Beach | 29 Florida Place, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 | (850) 833-7100 |
| Sheriff’s Office | 50 2nd Street, Shalimar, FL 32579 | (850) 651-7400 |
| Okaloosa County Jail | 1200 E James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32539 | (850) 689-5893 |
Fees for Okaloosa County Arrest Records
Florida law sets the fees for public records copies. The fees cover the cost of making the copies. They do not cover the cost of looking up the record.
Standard fees for Okaloosa County arrest records:
- Single-sided copy: $0.15 per page
- Double-sided copy: $0.20 per page
- Certified copy of an arrest record: $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee
- Research time after 15 minutes: charged at the hourly rate of the staff member
Many records are free to view online. The jail roster and arrest log are free. You only pay if you need a printed or certified copy. Victims of certain crimes get free copies of records tied to the case.
Filing a Public Records Request in Okaloosa County
You can file a public records request in person, by mail, by email, or by phone. The request should be clear and specific. Include the name, date, and type of record you want.
To file a request with the Sheriff’s Office, contact the records unit. To file a request with the Clerk of Court, contact the records department. Each agency has its own request form, but you can use any format.
Florida’s public records law (Chapter 119) says agencies must respond in a reasonable time. They cannot charge you for looking at records. They can charge for copies.
If an agency denies your request, they must give a reason in writing. The reason must cite a specific exemption in Florida law. You can challenge the denial through the Florida Attorney General’s office. The AG’s mediation line is (850) 245-0140.
Okaloosa County Records Office Contact Details
Use the contact details below to reach the right office for your records request. The main public records office is the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court in Crestview.
Official Website: okaloosaclerk.com (not clickable)
Main Phone: (850) 689-5000 ext. 4000
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Address: 101 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, FL 32536
You can also contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 50 2nd Street, Shalimar, FL 32579, phone (850) 651-7400, or the Okaloosa County Jail at 1200 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, FL 32539, phone (850) 689-5893.
Frequently Asked Questions About Okaloosa County Public Records
The questions below cover the most common asks about arrest records, inmate searches, and public records in Okaloosa County. Each answer gives you direct, clear steps you can take today. Florida’s public records law applies to all of these records, so you do not need a reason to ask for them. The answers below are based on the most current rules from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Clerk of Court, and the Florida Attorney General’s office.
How do I see recent arrests in Okaloosa County?
You can see recent arrests in Okaloosa County through the Sheriff’s Office arrest log. The log updates every day with new bookings. Go to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office website and click on the “Arrest Log” link. Type the last name of the person you want to look up, or search by date. The log shows the person’s name, age, charge, and the date and time of arrest. The arrest log covers arrests made by the Sheriff’s Office only. For city arrests, such as in Fort Walton Beach or Crestview, contact the city police department directly. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office website is the fastest way to see daily arrests in the county. You can also call the records desk at (850) 651-7400 to ask about a recent arrest over the phone. The arrest log is free to view and you do not need an account to use it.
Can I see mugshots from Okaloosa County for free?
Yes, you can see mugshots from Okaloosa County for free on the Sheriff’s Office jail roster. The roster shows a small booking photo next to each inmate’s name. Click on the name to see a larger photo. The photos are taken at the time of booking and show the face of each person held at the Okaloosa County Jail. The jail roster only shows people currently in custody. For older booking photos, you must request them from the Sheriff’s Office records unit. There may be a fee for printed copies of booking photos. The cost is $0.15 per single-sided page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 fee. The Okaloosa County Jail address is 1200 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida 32539. The jail phone is (850) 689-5893.
How do I check if someone is in jail in Okaloosa County?
To check if someone is in jail in Okaloosa County, search the jail roster on the Sheriff’s Office website. The roster updates every few hours with new bookings and releases. You can search by last name. The search will show the inmate’s name, charges, bond amount, and court date. You can also call the Okaloosa County Jail at (850) 689-5893 to ask about an inmate. The jail staff can tell you if a person is in custody. Phone searches are free. The jail address is 1200 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida 32539. You can also visit the jail in person during visitation hours. The jail runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The jail roster is the fastest way to check on someone in custody. The search does not require an account or login.
How much does it cost to get an arrest record in Okaloosa County?
It costs $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page for a regular copy of an arrest record in Okaloosa County. A certified copy costs $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. The first 15 minutes of research time are free. After that, the agency charges an hourly rate for staff time. Many arrest records are free to view online through the Sheriff’s Office arrest log. You only pay when you need a printed or certified copy. Florida law sets these fees for all public records in the state. The same fee schedule applies to court records from the Clerk of Court. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office records desk accepts cash, check, and money order. Credit cards may be accepted for online requests. Victims of certain crimes get free copies of records tied to their case.
Can I get Okaloosa County arrest records from years ago?
Yes, you can get older Okaloosa County arrest records from the Sheriff’s Office or the Clerk of Court. Records that are not online may be on paper at the agency’s office. The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records for a set number of years. For very old records, you may need to contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a statewide arrest history. FDLE’s database covers arrests in every Florida county, such as Okaloosa County. Court records from years ago are kept by the Clerk of Court. The Clerk’s office can look up old cases by name or case number. You can visit the Clerk’s office at 101 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida 32536, or call (850) 689-5000 extension 4000. Older paper records may take longer to retrieve. Some records may be stored off-site and require advance notice to view.
Are juvenile arrest records public in Okaloosa County?
No, juvenile arrest records are not public in Okaloosa County. Florida law seals juvenile records under most cases. Only certain people can see juvenile records, such as the parents, the judge, the prosecutor, the defense lawyer, and police. Members of the public cannot view juvenile arrest records, even with a public records request. If you need a copy of a juvenile record for a legal case, you must ask the court for permission. The court will decide if the record can be unsealed. Adult arrest records, on the other hand, are open to the public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The Okaloosa County Clerk of Court handles requests to unseal juvenile records. The Clerk’s office is at 101 East James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida 32536. Juvenile records stay sealed even after the person turns 18 in most cases.
How do I remove my booking photo from websites in Okaloosa County?
Florida law lets you ask websites to remove your booking photo if your case was dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty. The request goes to the website that hosts the photo, not the Sheriff’s Office. You must send a written request and a copy of the court order that shows the case was closed in your favor. The website must remove the photo within 10 days of getting the request. If the website does not remove the photo, you can sue them under Florida Statute Section 901.43. The booking photo at the Sheriff’s Office is a separate record and stays on file for the time set by law. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office keeps booking photos for a set number of years as part of the official record. You can also ask the Clerk of Court to seal your court record if you qualify under Florida law. Sealing a court record can help with future background checks.