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Are arrest records public in Florida?

Are Arrest Records Public in Florida?

Florida law requires that arrest records be kept by law enforcement agencies, and in general, arrest records are considered public records in the state. This means that anyone can access and view arrest records, subject to some limitations.

What Information is Available in an Arrest Record?

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An arrest record typically includes the following information:

  • Arresting Agency: The law enforcement agency that made the arrest
  • Date of Arrest: The date and time of the arrest
  • Arrestee’s Name: The name of the person arrested
  • Charges: The specific charges filed against the arrestee
  • Booking Number: A unique identifier assigned to the arrest record
  • Mugshot: A photograph of the arrestee taken at the time of booking

How to Access Arrest Records in Florida

Arrest records are maintained by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, and they are typically available for public viewing. Here are some ways to access arrest records in Florida:

  • In-Person: Visit the law enforcement agency that made the arrest and request access to the arrest record. Be prepared to provide identification and pay any applicable fees.
  • Online: Many law enforcement agencies in Florida provide online access to arrest records through their websites or through third-party providers. Some popular online databases include:

    • Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): The FDLE maintains a statewide database of arrest records. You can search for records by name, date of birth, or social security number.
    • Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC): The FCIC is a database of criminal justice information, including arrest records. You can search for records by name, date of birth, or social security number.
  • Public Records Request: If you cannot find the arrest record online or in-person, you can submit a public records request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. This will require you to provide specific information about the record you are seeking and pay any applicable fees.

Exceptions to Public Access

While arrest records are generally considered public records in Florida, there are some exceptions to public access:

  • Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been sealed or expunged are not available for public viewing.
  • Juvenile Records: Arrest records for juveniles (those under the age of 18) are generally not available for public viewing, except in limited circumstances.
  • National Security or Law Enforcement Exceptions: Certain records may be withheld from public access due to national security or law enforcement concerns.

What is a Sealed or Expunged Record?

In Florida, a sealed record means that the record is no longer available for public viewing, but it is still considered a part of the arrestee’s criminal history. A expunged record, on the other hand, means that the record is completely destroyed and is no longer available for public viewing or for law enforcement purposes.

Table: Types of Records in Florida

Record TypePublic AccessNotes
Unsealed Arrest RecordPublicAvailable for public viewing
Sealed Arrest RecordRestrictedNot available for public viewing, but still considered part of criminal history
Expunged Arrest RecordNot AvailableCompletely destroyed and no longer available for public viewing or law enforcement purposes
Juvenile Arrest RecordLimitedGenerally not available for public viewing, except in limited circumstances

Conclusion

In conclusion, arrest records are generally considered public records in Florida, and anyone can access and view them, subject to some limitations. However, there are some exceptions to public access, including sealed or expunged records, juvenile records, and records withheld for national security or law enforcement concerns. If you need to access an arrest record in Florida, you can do so in person, online, or through a public records request.

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