Florida Arrest Records – How to Search Inmates & Jail Bookings
If you ever need to look up someone’s criminal history, check recent arrests, or find information about an inmate in Florida, you’ll quickly learn that the state provides broad public access to these records.
Florida’s Sunshine Law makes most arrest and booking information available to the public, which helps keep government and law enforcement transparent.
This guide breaks down what Florida arrest records include, how to search them, which official websites to use, and answers to common questions.
Everything is written in plain, easy-to-understand language so you can follow along without any confusion.
What Florida Arrest Records Include
Florida arrest records are official documents created when someone is taken into custody by law enforcement. These records may vary depending on the agency, but typically you will find:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Date of birth, age, gender, and race
- Mugshot (if taken)
- Booking date and time
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Charges filed (misdemeanor or felony)
- Bond or bail information
- Jail location and inmate ID number
- Release status or court date (if available)
Because of Florida’s open public records laws, this information is usually accessible unless it involves protected cases, minors, or sealed records.
Official Inmate Lookup: https://www.dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/InmateInfoMenu.aspx
How to Search Florida Arrest Records
Florida offers several ways to search statewide and county-level arrest information. Here’s a breakdown of the most reliable tools:
1. County Jail Inmate Search / Jail Roster
Every Florida county sheriff’s office maintains an online jail roster or inmate lookup tool. This is where you can find:
- Current inmates
- Recent bookings
- Mugshots
- Charges
- Bond details
Most searches are free and allow you to look up inmates by name or booking number.
To find a county sheriff’s inmate search, simply search:
Example counties with online lookups:
- Miami-Dade County
- Hillsborough County
- Broward County
- Orange County
- Pasco County
- Pinellas County
2. Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) Offender Search
If the person is not in a county jail, they might be in state prison.
The Florida DOC Offender Search allows you to find:
- Current inmates in Florida state prisons
- Former inmates
- Offender release dates
- Facility locations
- Supervised offenders (probation, parole)
This is the best tool for long-term or statewide searches.
Searchable at:
Florida Department of Corrections — Offender Search
(You can simply guide readers to search this phrase online for the official DOC website.)
3. Florida Criminal Court Records
If you want to see court updates, charges, case filings, or outcomes, each county clerk of court maintains an online system. This is where you can look up:
- Arrest affidavits
- Court case numbers
- Charging documents
- Court dates
- Case status and outcomes
Many clerks offer free online access, though some require creating an account for detailed criminal documents.
4. Police Logs & Arrest Reports
Local police departments also publish:
- Daily police logs
- Arrest reports
- Incident reports
Some agencies post these online, while others provide them upon request through a public records request.
5. Public Records Requests (Sunshine Law)
If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, you can file a public records request with:
- County Sheriff’s Office
- Police Department
- Clerk of Court
- Florida Department of Corrections
These agencies are required to provide access unless the records are exempt.
Official Websites to Use
To keep your readers safe and avoid unreliable third-party databases, here are the main official sources:
| Resource | What It Provides |
| Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) | State inmate search, offender details, prison records |
| County Sheriff’s Office Websites | Jail roster, recent arrests, mugshots |
| County Clerk of Court | Criminal case files, charges, court records |
| Local Police Department Websites | Police reports, arrest logs, incident logs |
Encourage readers to use official .gov or .org domains for the most accurate results.
FAQs – Florida Arrest Records
Are Florida arrest records public?
Yes. Under Florida’s Sunshine Law, most arrest and booking records are fully public unless sealed, expunged, or involving minors.
Can I see mugshots online?
In most counties, yes. Mugshots appear in jail rosters and booking logs unless restricted by the agency.
Does an arrest mean someone is guilty?
No. An arrest only means law enforcement took someone into custody. Court records will show whether charges were dismissed, reduced, or resulted in a conviction.
Are there fees to access Florida arrest records?
Most online searches are free. Fees may apply for certified documents, printed copies, or special public records requests.
Can I look up old or past arrests?
Yes. Many counties allow searches for older cases through the Clerk of Court. For long-term records, DOC and statewide court systems are helpful.
Final Words
Florida makes accessing arrest and inmate information straightforward thanks to its strong public transparency laws.
Whether you’re checking a recent booking, searching a jail roster, or reviewing a court case, the official tools described above will help you find accurate and up-to-date information.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide — I truly appreciate it. I hope it made the process easier and clearer for you.
If you ever need more help or want guides for specific Florida counties, feel free to come back anytime.
