Suwannee County public records cover court files, property deeds, marriage licenses, arrest reports, inmate bookings, jail rosters, and booking photos. These records are held by government offices in Live Oak, Florida.
Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, makes most of these files open to any person who asks. You do not need to be a lawyer. You do not need to be a citizen. You only need to submit a clear request. This page lists each type of record, the office that holds it, and the exact steps to view files online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
What Suwannee County Public Records Include
Public records in Suwannee County cover a wide range of files held by county and state offices. The main categories include court case records, official property records, marriage licenses, arrest and booking records, inmate rosters, and booking photos. Each category is held by a specific office. The Clerk and Comptroller holds court and property records. The Sheriff’s Office holds arrest and jail records. State agencies handle birth and death certificates. All of these files are covered in detail below.
The main record types you can get in Suwannee County include:
- Civil and criminal court cases from the 3rd Judicial Circuit
- Property deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements
- Marriage licenses and divorce case files
- Arrest records and daily arrest logs
- Inmate booking records and current jail rosters
- Booking photos (mugshots)
- Probate and family court records
- Small claims and traffic court records
- Tax deed and foreclosure records
Florida’s Public Records Law and Suwannee County
Florida’s public records law is found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law also gets backup from Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. Both rules say that records made or received by a public agency are open to the public. This rule applies to every government office in Suwannee County. It covers the Clerk, the Sheriff, the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, and the County Commission.
You do not need to give your name. You do not need to explain why you want the records. You only need to describe what you are looking for clearly enough so staff can locate it. If a record is exempt, the office must tell you which law applies. Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes lists the exemptions. Common exemptions include Social Security numbers, some medical records, active criminal investigation files, and sealed or expunged court cases.
If an office denies your request, you can get free help from the Florida Attorney General’s open government office. The phone number is (850) 245-0140. The First Amendment Foundation offers free help at floridafaf.org. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also has a public records page at fdle.state.fl.us.
Suwannee County Clerk and Comptroller: Main Records Office
The Clerk and Comptroller is the main records office for Suwannee County. Barry Baker serves as the current Clerk. The office is located at 200 South Ohio Avenue in Live Oak, Florida 32064. The phone number is (386) 362-0500. The website is suwgov.org. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Clerk holds court records for both circuit and county court. It also records all official documents that affect real property in the county. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and releases. The Clerk keeps marriage licenses and divorce case files. All of these are public records under Florida law.
You can visit the Clerk’s office in person, call the main number, or send a written request by mail. No special form is needed. Florida law only requires that your request describes the records clearly. Give as much detail as you can. Case numbers, full names, and dates all help staff find files faster.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Barry Baker, Clerk and Comptroller |
| Address | 200 S Ohio Ave, Live Oak, FL 32064 |
| Phone | (386) 362-0500 |
| Website | suwgov.org |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET |
Suwannee County Court Records (3rd Judicial Circuit)
Suwannee County is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also covers Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, and Taylor counties. Circuit court in Suwannee County handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes over $50,000, family law cases (divorce, paternity), juvenile cases, and probate. County court handles misdemeanors, civil claims under $8,000, small claims, and traffic offenses.
Most court records are public. Some are not. Juvenile records are sealed by law. Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not open to the public. Some family law records may have restricted access. The Clerk’s office can tell you if a case file is open before you spend time making a formal request.
You can search court records online through the Clerk’s website. The site links to the court record search tool. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. Records go back many years. For older records, you may need to visit the Clerk’s office in person or send a written request. You can also use the statewide portal at myfloridacounty.com, which covers official records in many Florida counties.
Official Records, Deeds, and Property Documents
The Clerk records and indexes all official documents that affect real property in Suwannee County. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and surveys. These records are public and serve as the main source for the chain of title on any piece of property in the county. You can search official records online through the Clerk’s website. The search tool lets you look by name, document type, or recording date.
Standard fees apply for copies. For administrative records, the fee is 15 cents per page. For official records, the fee is up to $1.00 per page. A certified copy costs an extra $5.00 fee. The first 30 minutes of staff research time is free. If the search takes longer, the office may bill you at an hourly rate set by the office.
Suwannee County Arrest Records and Arrest Log
Suwannee County arrest records show when a person was taken into custody, the charges filed, and the booking details. These records are held by the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. They are public under Florida’s Chapter 119 law, unless an active investigation creates an exemption. The Sheriff’s Office keeps a daily arrest log that lists recent arrests in the county. The log shows the arrest date, the name of the person, the charges, and the booking number.
To get arrest records, you can call the Sheriff’s Office records department at (386) 362-2222, send a written request by mail to 13550 80th Terrace, Live Oak, FL 32060, or visit the Sheriff’s Office in person during business hours. Give as much detail as you can. Full name, date of birth, and the date of arrest all help staff locate the record. Some arrest records may be exempt if the case is still under investigation or if the record was sealed or expunged by court order.
Suwannee County Inmate Search and Jail Roster
The Suwannee County Detention Center holds inmates who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The current jail roster lists everyone in custody. The roster shows the inmate’s name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. The roster is updated regularly by the Sheriff’s Office. You can search for inmates in Suwannee County by name or booking number.
The main ways to search the jail roster are:
- Call the Detention Center directly at (386) 362-2222. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Visit the Sheriff’s Office website for an online inmate lookup tool, if one is available.
- Use third-party public records search sites that pull data from county jails.
- Visit the Detention Center in person at 13550 80th Terrace, Live Oak, FL 32060.
The Detention Center is operated by the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. For older inmate records, you may need to submit a written request. Some inmate records may be exempt if the case is sealed, expunged, or part of an active investigation.
Suwannee County Booking Records and Mugshots
Booking records show the details of a person’s arrest and processing at the jail. This includes the arrest date, the arresting agency, the charges, personal details, and the booking photo. Mugshots are photos taken at the time of booking. They are public records in Florida. To get a copy of a booking record or mugshot, contact the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office records department at (386) 362-2222. You can also send a written request by mail to 13550 80th Terrace, Live Oak, FL 32060.
Some booking photos are posted online by third-party sites. These sites pull data from public records sources. The official source is the Sheriff’s Office. For certified copies, you must request them directly from the Sheriff’s Office. Standard copy fees apply. Note that some mugshots may be exempt if the case involves a juvenile, if the record was sealed or expunged, or if an active investigation is underway.
Recent Arrests in Suwannee County, Florida
Recent arrests in Suwannee County are listed in the arrest log kept by the Sheriff’s Office. The log is updated as new arrests are made. You can ask for a copy of the recent arrest log by contacting the records department. Some third-party sites also publish recent arrest data, but the official source is the Sheriff’s Office. Common charges in Suwannee County arrest records include DUI and traffic offenses, drug possession and sale, theft and fraud, assault and battery, probation violations, and warrants.
For statewide arrest data, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps the criminal justice information system. You can request criminal history records from FDLE for a fee. The FDLE public records page explains the process at fdle.state.fl.us. The fee is $24.00 per person for a criminal history check.
How to Request Records from the Sheriff’s Office
To request arrest records, booking photos, incident reports, or jail rosters from the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, follow these steps:
- Write down the full name and date of birth of the person, if known.
- Note the date of arrest or booking, if known.
- Call the records department at (386) 362-2222, or send a written request by mail to 13550 80th Terrace, Live Oak, FL 32060.
- Describe the records you want clearly. Include the case number or incident number, if you have it.
- Pay any fees that apply. Standard copy fees are 15 cents per page for administrative records.
Florida law requires agencies to respond to records requests promptly. If your request is denied, the Sheriff’s Office must tell you which exemption applies. You can appeal a denial through the Florida Attorney General’s office.
Fees, Copies, and Certified Records
Public records in Suwannee County come with standard fees set by Florida law. The fees cover copies, certified copies, and staff research time. Here is a summary of the main fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of administrative record | 15 cents per page |
| Copy of official recorded record | Up to $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy | $5.00 extra per document |
| Staff research time (first 30 minutes) | Free |
| Staff research time (over 30 minutes) | Hourly rate set by office |
| FDLE criminal history check | $24.00 per person |
| Mugshot or booking photo copy | 15 cents to $1.00 per page |
You may need to pay fees before records are released. Some offices accept cash, check, money order, or credit card. Call ahead to confirm payment options.
Other Public Record Sources in Suwannee County
The Clerk and Sheriff are not the only offices that hold public records in Suwannee County. Other offices include:
- Suwannee County Property Appraiser: ownership and assessment data for every parcel in the county.
- Suwannee County Tax Collector: property tax records, vehicle registration, and business tax receipts.
- Suwannee County Supervisor of Elections: voter registration and election results.
- Florida Department of Health: birth and death certificates (state function).
- FDLE: statewide criminal history checks.
All of these offices are subject to Florida’s Chapter 119 public records law. You can contact each office directly to request records. Many offer online search tools as well.
Contact Information, Hours, and Location
The main offices for Suwannee County public records are listed below. The Clerk’s office is the main hub for court and property records. The Sheriff’s Office handles arrest, booking, and jail records.
Suwannee County Clerk and Comptroller
Address: 200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064. Phone: (386) 362-0500. Website: suwgov.org. Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 13550 80th Terrace, Live Oak, FL 32060. Phone: (386) 362-2222. The records department handles arrest records, booking photos, jail rosters, and incident reports. The Detention Center phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover common topics about Suwannee County public records. They are based on real questions asked by people who need arrest records, court files, booking photos, or property documents in the county. Each answer gives clear steps, contact details, and the exact fees you can expect to pay. Use these answers to plan your records request before you call, visit, or write to a county office.
How do I search for recent arrests in Suwannee County, Florida?
To search for recent arrests in Suwannee County, contact the Sheriff’s Office records department at (386) 362-2222. You can also visit the Sheriff’s Office in person at 13550 80th Terrace in Live Oak. Ask for the arrest log, which lists all arrests made in the county over a set period. Give the full name and date of birth of the person, if you have it. Some third-party sites publish recent arrest data, but the official source is the Sheriff’s Office. The arrest log is a public record under Florida’s Chapter 119 law. If an arrest is part of an active investigation, some details may be exempt from public release. You can also use the FDLE criminal history system for statewide data, but there is a fee of $24.00 per search. The FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us explains the process for statewide criminal history checks. For local arrest logs, the Sheriff’s Office is the only official source.
Where can I search for inmates in the Suwannee County jail?
You can search for inmates in the Suwannee County jail by calling the Detention Center at (386) 362-2222. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also check the Sheriff’s Office website for an online inmate lookup tool, if one is available. Third-party public records sites offer inmate search features that pull data from county jails, but the official roster is held by the Sheriff’s Office. To get official records, contact the Sheriff’s Office directly. The current jail roster shows the inmate’s name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. The roster is updated regularly. For older inmate records, you may need to submit a written request by mail to 13550 80th Terrace, Live Oak, FL 32060. Include the inmate’s full name and date of birth, if known. Standard copy fees apply for printed records.
Are Suwannee County mugshots public records?
Yes, Suwannee County mugshots are public records under Florida law. Mugshots are photos taken at the time of booking. They are held by the Sheriff’s Office. You can request a copy of a mugshot by contacting the records department at (386) 362-2222. Some booking photos are published on third-party sites that pull data from public sources. For certified copies, you must request them directly from the Sheriff’s Office. Standard copy fees apply, and a certified copy costs an extra $5.00 fee per document. Note that some mugshots may be exempt if the case involves a juvenile, if the record was sealed or expunged by court order, or if an active investigation is underway. The Sheriff’s Office will tell you if a specific mugshot is exempt and which Florida statute applies. You can also ask for the booking record, which includes the mugshot and other booking details like height, weight, and date of birth.
How much does it cost to get a public record in Suwannee County?
Public record fees in Suwannee County follow Florida state law. Copies of administrative records cost 15 cents per page. Copies of official recorded records cost up to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $5.00 per document. The first 30 minutes of staff research time is free. If the search takes longer, the office may bill you at an hourly rate set by the office. FDLE criminal history checks cost $24.00 per person. You may need to pay fees before records are released. Call the Clerk or Sheriff’s Office ahead of time to confirm the total cost and accepted payment methods. The Clerk’s office is at (386) 362-0500. The Sheriff’s records department is at (386) 362-2222. Some offices accept cash, check, money order, or credit card. Others only accept cash or check. Mailing a request typically requires a check or money order.
Can I get Suwannee County court records online?
Yes, many Suwannee County court records are available online through the Clerk’s website at suwgov.org. The site links to the court record search tool. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. Records include civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases from the 3rd Judicial Circuit. For older records or sealed files, you may need to visit the Clerk’s office in person or send a written request. Juvenile records and sealed or expunged cases are not available to the public. The Clerk’s office is located at 200 South Ohio Avenue in Live Oak. The phone number is (386) 362-0500. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also use the statewide portal at myfloridacounty.com, which covers official records in many Florida counties, though not all records are available statewide.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a booking record?
An arrest record shows that a person was taken into custody by a police officer. It includes the date, time, location, and charges filed at the time of arrest. A booking record shows what happened after the arrest at the jail. It includes the booking date, the arresting agency, the charges, personal details (like height, weight, and date of birth), and the booking photo (mugshot). Both records are held by the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. Both are public records under Florida law, with some exemptions. You can request both types of records from the Sheriff’s records department at (386) 362-2222. Standard copy fees apply. For certified copies, an extra $5.00 fee per document is required. Some details may be exempt if the case is under active investigation, if the record was sealed, or if the case involves a juvenile.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Suwannee County?
Birth and death certificates in Florida are handled by the state, not the county. You can order them from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The office is located at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. You can also use the state’s online ordering system. The phone number for the Jacksonville office is (904) 359-6900. Fees apply for copies and certified copies. Suwannee County does not hold these records. The Clerk’s office in Live Oak only handles marriage licenses and divorce case files, not birth or death records. For marriage license copies, contact the Clerk at (386) 362-0500. For divorce case files, search the Clerk’s online court records tool or visit the office in person. Standard copy fees apply for all vital records requests.