Suwannee County Public Records / Suwannee County Arrest Records

Suwannee County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Suwannee County in 2026

SuwanneeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Suwannee County, Florida. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources may include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal case filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records vary by source and the nature of the underlying case.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Circuit Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online government databases. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a current jail roster for individuals held at the Suwannee County Jail. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status. Members of the public may access the jail roster through the Sheriff's Office official website. Information available through this resource includes the arrestee's full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The roster reflects active bookings and recent releases; historical arrest records may require a formal public records request.

Suwannee County Sheriff's Office
1140 SW 11th Street
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 362-2222
Suwannee County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Live Oak Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs and press releases related to local law enforcement activity. Arrest information from city police may appear in press releases published on the department's official website or through the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office when joint operations are involved.

Live Oak Police Department
416 Ohio Avenue South
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 362-1611
Live Oak Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the local court system. Members of the public may search case records by the defendant's name through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or the Clerk's online case search system. Court case records reflect charges formally filed by the State Attorney's Office following an arrest and include case numbers, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information.

Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court
200 South Ohio Avenue
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 362-0500
Suwannee County Clerk of Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), which serves as the state's central repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may request a Florida criminal history record check through the FDLE's public records portal. The state repository includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. A processing fee applies to public criminal history requests submitted through FDLE; the current fee is $24.00 per subject search for a Florida criminal history record.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 1140 SW 11th Street, Live Oak, FL 32064
Records Division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (386) 362-2222
Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the arrestee's full name, date of birth, booking number, and approximate date of arrest
Copy fees: $0.15 per one-sided page; $0.20 per two-sided page, pursuant to § 119.07 of the Florida Statutes

Police Departments:

Live Oak Police Department, 416 Ohio Avenue South, Live Oak, FL 32064; Phone: (386) 362-1611
Records requests are submitted in person or in writing; staff will advise on applicable fees and processing timelines at the time of request

Clerk of Court:

Address: 200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064
Criminal Records Division is located on the ground floor of the Suwannee County Courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (386) 362-0500
Members of the public may inspect case files at public access terminals in the Clerk's office
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for certified copies; $0.15 per page for uncertified copies

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted by mail to the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office at 1140 SW 11th Street, Live Oak, FL 32064. A written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the volume of pending requests and the nature of the records sought; members of the public should allow a minimum of five to ten business days for routine requests.

By Phone:

The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (386) 362-2222 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed arrest record information is not released by telephone; requestors seeking copies of records are directed to submit a written public records request or visit the Records Division in person. The Clerk of Court may be reached at (386) 362-0500 for case status inquiries.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may access arrest records and associated case files through the court's electronic filing system or by presenting credentials at the Clerk's office. Records subject to court-ordered sealing or confidentiality may be accessed through formal discovery in active legal proceedings or by court order. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court are processed in accordance with applicable Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Live Oak Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Suwannee County

Arrest records in Suwannee County are public records under Florida law. § 119.011 of the Florida Statutes defines public records broadly to include all documents, papers, and electronic data made or received in connection with official government business. The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners has affirmed this principle, stating that "openness leads to a better informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy." Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official law enforcement actions taken by government agencies on behalf of the public.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Florida law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active criminal investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is not subject to public release
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain categories of cases
Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution guarantees every person the right to inspect or copy public records. This provision reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and accountability. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution further supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic governance. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges do not result in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal background checks. Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute proof of guilt. Employers and landlords are advised to consult applicable state and federal guidance before making adverse decisions based solely on arrest records.

What's in Suwannee County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited or redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Florida Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected during booking but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests recorded in the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Detailed home address or telephone number
Social Security number (redacted pursuant to Florida law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks: Comprehensive screening products compiled from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Suwannee County?

Florida law establishes the fee structure for public records access. Pursuant to § 119.07(4) of the Florida Statutes, agencies may charge the following standard fees for copies of public records:

Record Type	Fee
Single-sided copy (8.5" x 11")	$0.15 per page
Double-sided copy	$0.20 per page
Certified copy (Clerk of Court)	$1.00 per page
Duplication of non-paper records	Actual cost of duplication
Extensive use of staff time (if applicable)	Special service charge may apply

Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested
Certification fees: Certified copies of court records are available through the Clerk of Court at $1.00 per page
Electronic format fees: Electronic copies are provided at the actual cost of duplication; in many cases, electronic records are provided at no charge when no staff time is required
Search fees: Florida law does not permit agencies to charge a search fee for routine public records requests; however, a special service charge may apply when a request requires extensive use of information technology resources or clerical or supervisory assistance
FDLE criminal history check: $24.00 per subject for a public criminal history record request submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Accepted payment methods at the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. Agencies may specify accepted payment methods at the time of request.

Fee waivers: Florida law does not mandate fee waivers for public records requests; however, agencies retain discretion to waive fees in appropriate circumstances, such as requests from indigent individuals or nonprofit organizations serving the public interest.

What is available at no cost: Members of the public may inspect arrest records and court case files in person at no charge. Online jail roster information and court case search results are available through official government websites without a fee.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Suwannee County

Florida law provides two distinct legal remedies for individuals seeking to limit public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or obliteration of the criminal history record by the arresting agency and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Sealing restricts public access to the record but does not result in its destruction; the record is retained by law enforcement and the courts but is not available to the general public. Both remedies are governed by § 943.0585 (expungement) and § 943.059 (sealing) of the Florida Statutes.

Eligibility for Expungement:

The individual has no prior criminal conviction in Florida or any other jurisdiction
The arrest did not result in a conviction (charges were dropped, dismissed, or the individual was acquitted)
The individual has not previously had a record sealed or expunged in Florida
The offense is not among those statutorily ineligible for expungement (e.g., certain violent felonies, sexual offenses, and offenses against minors)

Eligibility for Sealing:

The individual has no prior criminal conviction
The case was resolved without an adjudication of guilt (e.g., withhold of adjudication)
The individual has not previously had a record sealed or expunged
The offense is not among those ineligible for sealing under Florida law

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement by submitting a completed application, a certified disposition of the case from the Clerk of Court, and the applicable processing fee ($75.00 at present)
File a Petition to Expunge or Seal with the Suwannee County Circuit Court, along with the Certificate of Eligibility, a sworn statement, and the proposed court order
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office for the Third Judicial Circuit, which has the opportunity to object
Attend a court hearing if required by the judge
If the court grants the petition, the signed order is forwarded to FDLE and all relevant agencies for compliance

Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Expungement Unit
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
FDLE Expungement and Sealing

Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court
200 South Ohio Avenue
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 362-0500
Suwannee County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office – Third Judicial Circuit
173 NW Hernando Avenue, Suite 301
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: (386) 758-1005
Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Individuals seeking expungement or sealing are advised to retain qualified legal counsel, as procedural errors may result in denial of the petition. The Public Defender's Office does not handle post-conviction expungement matters; private attorneys or legal aid organizations may assist eligible individuals.

What Happens After Arrest in Suwannee County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Suwannee County Jail, located at 1140 SW 11th Street, Live Oak, FL 32064. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the arresting officer must complete an investigation before departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Suwannee County Jail, the individual undergoes the booking process, which takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

Personal information recorded by jail staff
Miranda rights read, if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to FDLE and the FBI
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and secured
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued uniform
Medical screening administered
Brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Florida law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge for a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of arrest. The first appearance hearing serves the following purposes:

Formal notification of the charges
Appointment of the Public Defender if the individual is indigent and cannot afford private counsel
Determination of bond or bail
Advisement of constitutional rights

First appearance hearings in Suwannee County may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility. The court schedule is maintained by the Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
The bond amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate at first appearance, or by a bond schedule for certain offenses

Surety Bond:

The individual or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman
A non-refundable premium of ten percent of the bond amount is paid to the bondsman
The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the jail
A list of licensed bail bondsmen operating in Suwannee County is available through the Florida Department of Financial Services

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
The court considers ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk in making this determination

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Circumstances warranting no bond include serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration detainer, or an out-of-state warrant

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision by the court

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing time for release is typically one to eight hours following payment
Personal property is returned to the individual
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Suwannee County Jail
A housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who are determined to be indigent at first appearance are eligible for appointment of the Public Defender for the Third Judicial Circuit.

Public Defender's Office – Third Judicial Circuit
173 NW Hernando Avenue
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: (386) 758-1009
Third Judicial Circuit Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Florida Bar's lawyer referral service may assist individuals in identifying qualified criminal defense attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Suwannee County Jail during designated visitation hours; attorney-client consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

Following an arrest, the State Attorney's Office for the Third Judicial Circuit reviews the arrest report and available evidence to determine whether to file formal charges. The State Attorney may:

File formal charges by Information (for felonies and misdemeanors) or seek an Indictment from a grand jury (for capital offenses)
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute if the evidence is insufficient or the public interest does not warrant prosecution
File different or additional charges based on the evidence presented

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant appears before the court for a formal reading of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas in Florida include not guilty, guilty, and no contest (nolo contendere). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings on these motions are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the State Attorney for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept a plea agreement or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the arrest or charging process. A dismissal may make the individual eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may be offered participation in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of the charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to the charges as negotiated, waiving the right to trial. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or, in some cases, a bench trial before the judge. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. The jury or judge returns a verdict of guilty or not guilty. If the verdict is guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include one or more of the following:

Incarceration in the county jail or state prison
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied toward any sentence of incarceration. The defendant is advised of the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution	Months; varies by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases	Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felony cases	May take six months to over one year
Right to speedy trial (Florida)	90 days for misdemeanors; 175 days for felonies

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Suwannee County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1140 SW 11th Street
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 362-2222
Suwannee County Sheriff's Office

Suwannee County Clerk of Circuit Court
200 South Ohio Avenue
Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: (386) 362-0500
Suwannee County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office – Third Judicial Circuit
173 NW Hernando Avenue, Suite 301
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: (386) 758-1005
Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Public Defender's Office – Third Judicial Circuit
173 NW Hernando Avenue
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: (386) 758-1009
Third Judicial Circuit Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Suwannee County?

Records Retention Overview:

Arrest record retention in Suwannee County is governed by Florida law and the records retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State. The General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies, issued by the Florida Department of State Division of Library and Information Services, establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement records statewide. Local agencies must retain records for at least the periods specified in the applicable schedule and may retain records longer at their discretion.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Circuit Court, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent in court records; local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years following case closure under the applicable state schedule
State repository: Retained permanently by FDLE

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years following case closure
Court records: Retained permanently in the Clerk's system unless expunged by court order
State repository: Retained by FDLE unless expunged; may remain in the database and appear on background checks unless a court order directs removal

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
Court records: Retained permanently unless sealed or expunged
State repository: Retained by FDLE; eligible for expungement petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of five years at the local level
Local arrest logs: Minimum of five years
May be eligible for expungement petition following a no-information filing by the State Attorney

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Minimum of five years
Often eligible for expungement under Florida law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable state schedule (minimum five years for most categories)
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently or transferred to FDLE
Photographs (mugshots): Retained per agency policy; minimum five years

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of five years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party platform
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Clerk's electronic system

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and are not required to update records when charges are dismissed or expunged
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information; however, enforcement of this requirement against third-party websites varies

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years following case closure
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type; serious felony files may be retained permanently
Contact: (386) 362-2222

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years following case closure
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Permanent retention in the court's case management system

State Repository (FDLE):

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal history records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in the state
Retention policy: Permanent for all arrest and disposition data submitted to the state repository
Records are updated when dispositions are reported by courts and agencies

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by participating agencies
Federal retention: Permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks, but the arrest itself may appear.

Expungement: Following a court order granting expungement, the arresting agency and FDLE are directed to destroy or seal the record. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from all databases varies; third-party websites are not legally required to remove records upon expungement under current Florida law.

No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires. Individuals in this category are among those most likely to be eligible for expungement.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office jail roster and the Clerk's case search system
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (More than five years ago):

May require an in-person public records request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Archived records may be subject to a retrieval fee and longer processing time

Very Old Arrests (More than ten years ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form in the agency's archives
Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division at (386) 362-2222 for information on specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of public records in Florida must comply with the applicable records retention schedule and requires approval from