Arrests.org FL – Florida Arrest, Inmate & Mugshot Records

Arrests.org FL serves as a search tool for individuals seeking to access Florida arrest records, mugshots, and booking logs. This website collects data from local law enforcement agencies and displays it in one place. Users visit this site to see who the police took into custody recently. While this third-party site offers a quick way to look up names, the official data always comes from government sources. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), county sheriff offices, and the Department of Corrections create the actual records. Anyone who needs to verify a criminal history or check for jail inmates should compare results with these official government databases. This ensures the details are correct and current.

Florida laws allow the public to see most crime data. This is why sites like Arrests.org FL can exist. The state calls this the “Sunshine Law.” It means police reports, jail rosters, and court files remain open for citizens to read. You do not need a special license to look at these files. You only need a name and sometimes a date of birth. This page explains how to use these tools, where the data comes from, and how to spot errors. It also lists the exact steps to find inmates in county jails and state prisons.

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Florida Arrest Records and Public Data Sources

Public records in Florida come from many different places. When police arrest someone, they generate a report. Then, the jail creates a booking log. Later, the court creates a case file. Arrests.org FL takes this public data and puts it on its website. This helps people search many counties at once. However, the site might not update instantly when a case changes. A person might get released, but the website still shows them in jail. Always check the timestamp on any record you find.

Official sources are the best place to confirm facts. The county sheriff manages the local jail. They have the most recent list of people in cells. The Clerk of Court has the judge’s notes and the final verdict. The FDLE keeps a list of all crimes a person committed in the state over their lifetime. Each agency holds a different piece of the puzzle. To get the full story, you must look at all of them.

How Data Moves from Police to Websites

The path of an arrest record starts on the street. A police officer detains a suspect. They take the person to a county jail. The jail staff takes a photo, known as a mugshot. They also take fingerprints. They write down the person’s name, height, weight, and the charges. This is the “booking” process. Once the jail enters this data into their computer, it becomes a public record.

Sheriff’s offices publish this list online automatically. This is where third-party sites get their content. They use software to copy the new names and photos from the sheriff’s site. This process is fast, but it is not perfect. Sometimes the software misses a name. Sometimes it copies the wrong photo. If the sheriff removes a name because the person was innocent, the third-party site might not remove it right away. This confuses. Users must check the original sheriff’s site to see if the person is still in custody.

Difference Between Arrests and Convictions

An arrest is not the same as a conviction. This is a vital fact to know. An arrest means the police think a person broke the law. It is an accusation. A conviction means a court decided the person is guilty. Many people get arrested but never get convicted. The prosecutor might drop the charges. The judge might dismiss the case. A jury might find the person not guilty.

Arrests.org FL and similar sites show arrests. They show the start of the legal process, not the end. You cannot assume a person is a criminal just because their photo is on a website. They might be innocent. To see the final result, you must look at court records. The court records show if the person went to prison, paid a fine, or walked away free. Employers and landlords look for convictions, not just arrests.

Searching County Sheriff Databases

Every county in Florida has its own sheriff. The sheriff runs the county jail. They maintain a website with a “Jail Roster” or “Inmate Search” tool. This is the most direct way to find someone who has been arrested recently. These sites update very fast. Often, you can see a booking record within one or two hours of the arrest. These sites are free to use.

The search tools vary by county. Some ask for a full name. Others allow you to see a list of everyone booked in the last 24 hours. This is helpful if you do not know the spelling of the name. The results usually show the bond amount. This is the money a person must pay to get out of jail while waiting for court. If the bond says “$0” or “No Bond,” the person must stay in jail.

Miami-Dade County Corrections Search

Miami-Dade is a large county with many arrests. The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department runs the jails there. Their online search tool is specific. You need the last name and at least the first initial. The system shows the inmate’s location, like “TGK” (Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center). It also lists the case number. You can use this case number to look up court files later.

Broward County Sheriff’s Office Search

The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has a simple search page. You can type a name to see current inmates. BSO also lets you search for people released recently. This helps if you want to know if a friend or family member is out of jail. The BSO site lists the specific charges and the statute numbers. You can copy the statute number and search for it on the Florida Legislature website to read the exact law the person allegedly broke.

Orange County Inmate Database

Orange County, where Orlando is, has a large jail system. The Orange County Corrections Department provides a database that updates frequently. Their search results show the booking date and the release date. If the release date is blank, the person is still in custody. The site also lists the “booking number.” This is a unique ID for that specific arrest. Keep this number safe if you need to send money to the inmate or visit them.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) serves the Tampa area. Their inquiry tool is very detailed. It allows users to search by booking number or name. The results often include physical details like tattoos or scars. This helps identify people with common names. HCSO also lists the next court date. This tells family members when the inmate will stand before a judge.

Duval County (JSO) Inmate Search

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) covers Duval County. Their “Department of Corrections” page has an inmate search feature. JSO includes a feature that shows the total bond amount. This is useful for bail bondsmen or family members trying to calculate the cost to get someone out. The page also links to strict visitation rules. You must follow the dress code and time limits listed on the JSO site.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

The FDLE keeps the master list of criminal history for the whole state. Local police send their reports to the FDLE. This agency connects all the data. If a person gets arrested in Miami and then later in Jacksonville, the FDLE connects those two events. This creates a “RAP sheet.” This document shows the person’s full history in Florida.

The FDLE website offers a public search called the “Criminal History Information” search. This is not free. You must pay $24.00 for each search. This fee pays for the staff who maintain the records. The results from the FDLE are more complete than those from a local sheriff’s site. The sheriff only knows about arrests in their county. The FDLE knows about arrests in every county. This is the best source for a formal background check.

Types of FDLE Searches

The FDLE offers different ways to ask for data. The most common is the “Instant Search.” You enter the name and pay with a credit card. The results appear on your screen right away. You can print them or save them as a PDF. This is an uncertified record. It is good for personal use or quick checks.

The second type is a “Certified Search.” This takes longer. The FDLE staff reviews the record to make sure it is perfect. Then they put an official seal on it. You received this document by mail. You need a certified record for legal reasons. For example, if you want to adopt a child or get a specific job, the agency might ask for a certified FDLE report. This proves the document is real and has not been altered.

ORI Search Explained

Some users see a term called “ORI Search.” ORI stands for Originating Agency Identifier. This is a code used by government agencies. Schools, hospitals, and daycares use ORI numbers to run background checks on employees. This is a special type of search. The general public does not use ORI numbers. If an employer asks you to get a background check, they will usually give you instructions on how to submit your fingerprints. The results go directly to the employer, not to you.

Department of Corrections (DOC) Offender Network

The Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) manages state prisons. Prisons are different from jails. Jails hold people waiting for trial or serving short sentences (under one year). Prisons hold people convicted of felonies with long sentences (over one year). If you cannot find a person in the county jail, they might be in a state prison.

The DOC website has a tool called the “Corrections Offender Network.” This is a free database. It lists everyone currently in prison. It also lists people on probation or parole. The search allows you to look for “Inmates,” “Releasees,” or “Fugitives.” The results show the person’s photo, their current location, and their scheduled release date. It also lists every crime they were convicted of. This is a permanent record of their time in the state system.

Searching for Releasees

The DOC database keeps records even after a person leaves prison. You can search for “Releasees” to see past offenders. This is useful for checking the history of a person who is no longer in custody. The record shows when they got out and if they completed their sentence. It serves as a historical archive of felony convictions in Florida.

Probation and Parole Checks

Many people serve their sentence outside of prison. This is called probation or community control. The DOC supervises these people. You can search the Offender Network to see if someone is on active probation. The record lists their probation officer and the local office they report to. If a person violates their probation rules, the officer can arrest them. This will show up as a “VOP” (Violation of Probation) on the county jail roster.

Florida Public Record Laws

Florida is famous for its open records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes outlines these rules. It says that all government records are open for inspection unless a specific law closes them. This applies to emails, letters, maps, and tapes. It definitely applies to arrest reports. This law is why you see so many “Florida Man” news stories. Reporters can easily get arrest reports and mugshots every day.

The law has a few exceptions. It protects the identity of certain victims. It protects the home addresses of police officers and judges. It also protects some juvenile records. But for the average adult arrested for a crime, the record is public. Anyone can ask to see it. You do not need to say why you want to see it. The agency must provide it.

Juvenile Record Privacy

Records for people under 18 are usually private. Florida law wants to give young people a chance to fix their mistakes without a permanent stain on their name. If a minor commits a misdemeanor, the public cannot see the record. Police do not publish their mugshots. However, if a minor commits a very serious felony, the court might charge them as an adult. In that case, the record becomes public. The name and photo will appear on search sites just like an adult’s record.

Mugshot Publication Laws

In recent years, Florida passed new laws about mugshots. Some websites used to charge money to remove mugshots. This is now illegal. A website cannot demand a fee to take down a photo. If you ask them to remove it, they must do so for free if you meet certain conditions. For example, if the court dismissed your case, you can send the dismissal papers to the website. They must remove your photo. This protects people who were arrested but not convicted.

Accuracy and Errors in Records

Public records can have mistakes. A clerk might type a name wrong. A police officer might write down the wrong birth date. Third-party sites like Arrests.org FL might link a record to the wrong person. This happens when two people have the same name. It is common for a father and son with the same name to get their records mixed up. This is a serious problem.

If you find an error on a government site, you must contact that agency. If the error is on the Sheriff’s site, call the Sheriff’s records division. If the error is on the FDLE site, you must file a challenge. The FDLE has a process for this. You might need to submit your fingerprints to prove you are not the person in the record. This is called a “Personal Review.” It helps clear your name.

Identity Theft Issues

Sometimes a criminal lies to the police. They might use a stolen ID or give a fake name when arrested. If they use your name, the arrest goes on your record. This is “Criminal Identity Theft.” It is very damaging. If this happens, you must act fast. You should contact the arresting agency and explain the fraud. They will take your prints and compare them to the prints from the arrest. When they see that they do not match, they will fix the record. They will issue a “Certificate of Clearance” or a similar document to prove you were not the one arrested.

Warrants and Safety

A warrant is an order from a judge to arrest someone. If you have a warrant, you can be arrested at any time. You might get stopped for a broken taillight and end up in jail because of an old warrant. It is smart to check for warrants if you think you might have missed a court date or an unpaid fine.

The FDLE has a “Wanted Persons Search.” This is a public database of active warrants. You can search by name. Not every warrant is in this system immediately. Local warrants might only show up on the county sheriff’s site. If you find a warrant for yourself, do not go to the police station to “ask about it” unless you are ready to be arrested. You should contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help you arrange a surrender or ask the judge to recall the warrant.

Civil vs. Criminal Warrants

Most arrest warrants are for crimes. But sometimes a judge issues a warrant for civil matters. This often happens in child support cases. If a parent refuses to pay support, the judge can order their arrest. These are “Writs of Bodily Attachment.” They function like arrest warrants. The police will take the person to jail until they pay a certain amount of money. These records also appear in the sheriff’s database.

Sealing and Expunging Records

A criminal record can hurt your chances of getting a job. Florida allows people to hide these records in some cases. This is called “Sealing” or “Expunging.” Sealing means the public cannot see the record, but police and some government agencies still can. Expunging means the agency destroys the record physically. It is gone forever.

You can only seal or expunge a record if you were not convicted. If you pleaded guilty or a jury found you guilty, you cannot expunge that case. You can generally only do this once in your life. The process takes time. You must apply to the FDLE for a “Certificate of Eligibility.” Then you must file a petition with the court. If the judge signs the order, you must send copies to all the agencies. They will then remove your record from public view.

Removing Records from Third-Party Sites

When a court seals your record, the Sheriff and FDLE hide it. But private websites might still have a copy. They downloaded the data when it was public. They do not automatically know the judge sealed it. You have to tell them. You must send a copy of the court order to the website administrator. Legally, they should remove it. It can be hard to find the contact info for some of these sites. You may need to be persistent.

Inmate Communication and Money

If a friend or family member is in a Florida jail, you might want to talk to them. You cannot call the jail and ask to speak to an inmate. Inmates can only make outgoing calls. They call you collect, or you set up a prepaid account. Each county uses a different phone company. Common companies are Securus, GTL, or PayTel. You have to go to the company’s website and add money to the number.

You can also send money to the inmate’s “commissary” account. The commissary is a store inside the jail. Inmates buy soap, snacks, and paper. You can deposit money online using the inmate’s booking number or name. Be careful with fees. These services often charge a fee for each deposit. Never send cash through the mail to a jail. They will reject it.

Video Visitation

Many Florida jails now use video visitation. You do not go to jail to see the person through glass. You use your computer or phone at home. You schedule a time and log in. The inmate uses a kiosk in their housing unit. This service costs money per minute. Some counties still allow free face-to-face visits, but this is becoming rare. Check the specific sheriff’s website for the rules in that county.

Using Records for Employment

Employers often check arrest records. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that sets rules for this. If an employer uses a company to run a background check, they must ask for your permission first. If they decide not to hire you because of the record, they must tell you. They must give you a copy of the report. This gives you a chance to fix any mistakes.

Using a site like Arrests.org FL for employment decisions is risky for employers. These sites are not “Consumer Reporting Agencies” under the FCRA. The data might be wrong or old. If an employer denies you a job based on a random website search without following the FCRA, they might be breaking the law. Professional background checks use the FDLE and county court records directly to ensure fairness.

Ban the Box

Some cities in Florida have “Ban the Box” policies. This means the city government cannot ask about criminal history on the initial job application. They have to wait until the interview or the job offer. This gives people with a record a fair chance to show their skills. However, this rule usually applies to government jobs, not private companies. Private companies can usually ask about criminal history right away.

List of Florida County Sheriff Contacts

Below is a list of major counties in Florida. It includes the main phone number for the Sheriff’s Office. You can call these numbers to ask about jail records or warrants. Always be polite and have the person’s full name and date of birth ready.

Final Points on Search Strategies

Searching for arrest records in Florida requires patience. You must check multiple sources to be sure. Start with the local Sheriff’s website for recent events. Use the FDLE for a full state history. Use the DOC for prison records. Remember that an arrest is just an accusation. The court record holds the truth about guilt or innocence. Always treat the information with care, especially if you plan to use it for business or legal matters.

Keep in mind that data on the internet lives forever, but people change. A record from twenty years ago might not reflect who the person is today. Laws regarding privacy and expungement change often. Stay informed about your rights to access data and your rights to privacy.

Official Agency Contact Points

For direct inquiries or to request official records, you can contact the primary state agencies. Please note that visiting in person may require an appointment, and fees are often required for record requests.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
Phone: (850) 410-8161 (Criminal History Services)
Mailing Address: Attn: Criminal History Services, PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302
Visiting Hours: Standard business hours, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Florida Department of Corrections (DOC)
Website: www.dc.state.fl.us
Phone: (850) 488-5021 (Central Office)
Mailing Address: 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500
Visiting Hours: Office hours are generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Prison visitation hours vary by facility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

This section answers specific questions about Florida arrest records. These answers help clarify the rules and tools available to the public. Read these to solve common problems regarding record searches.

What does “Adjudication Withheld” mean on a Florida arrest record?

Adjudication Withheld is a special legal term in Florida. It means the judge decided not to formally convict the person of the crime, even though the person might have pleaded no contest or been found guilty. The court imposes a sentence, like probation or a fine, but the person does not have a formal conviction on their record. This is very important for civil rights. A person with “Adjudication Withheld” usually keeps their right to vote and own a firearm, which they would lose with a felony conviction. However, the arrest and the case still appear on background checks. It is not the same as a dismissal. The record shows the plea and the sentence. Employers can see it, but they cannot say the person was “convicted” of a felony. This status allows some people to seal their records later.

Why can I find the arrest record but not the mugshot?

You might find a text record of an arrest without a photo for several reasons. First, some counties do not publish mugshots for minor crimes or traffic offenses. They want to protect privacy. Second, Florida law now prohibits agencies from soliciting fees to remove mugshots, and some third-party sites stopped publishing them to avoid legal trouble. Third, the person might have been issued a “Notice to Appear” instead of being booked into jail. In this case, the officer gives the person a ticket to come to court, but does not take them to the station for a photo. Finally, if the person is a juvenile or a protected officer, the agency will hide the photo. If you need the photo for a valid reason, you can submit a public records request to the sheriff’s office directly.

How do I correct a mistake on my Florida criminal history report?

If you see an error on your FDLE report, you must fix it to avoid problems with jobs or housing. You cannot just call and ask them to change it. You must undergo a “Personal Review.” You contact the FDLE Criminal History Services Section. They will send you a packet. You must get your fingerprints taken at a police station or an authorized vendor. You send the prints and the packet back to the FDLE. They compare your prints to the prints on the bad record. If they do not match or if they find a clerical error, they will update the database. They will send you a corrected copy. If the error comes from the court, you might need to get a certified copy of the court order and send it to the FDLE to prove the outcome of the case.

Is it legal to post someone’s mugshot on social media?

Yes, it is generally legal for a private person to post a mugshot on social media in Florida. The mugshot is a public record. Once the sheriff releases it, the public can share it. However, using the mugshot to harass, threaten, or extort money from the person is illegal. Also, if the person in the photo later gets their record sealed or expunged, sharing the photo might cause legal issues. It is best to be careful. Posting the photo does not prove the person is guilty. If you post it and claim they are a criminal, and they are later found innocent, they might sue you for defamation (libel). Stick to the facts provided by the law enforcement agency and do not add your own unproven accusations.

What is the difference between the “Arrest Date” and “Booking Date”?

These two dates are often close, but they mean different things. The Arrest Date is the exact moment the police officer detained the person. This usually happens at the crime scene or during a traffic stop. The Booking Date is when the jail staff processed the person into the facility. There is always a delay. The officer has to drive to the jail and complete paperwork. Sometimes, a person goes to a hospital before jail. In that case, the Arrest Date might be days before the Booking Date. The jail roster usually shows the Booking Date because that is when the system created the file. The police report will show the actual Arrest Date. For legal deadlines, the Arrest Date is usually the one that matters.

Does a “Nolle Prosequi” mean the arrest is deleted?

“Nolle Prosequi” is a Latin term used by prosecutors. It means “unwilling to pursue.” It means the State Attorney decided to drop the charges. This is good news for the defendant. It means the case is over and there is no conviction. However, it does not delete the arrest record automatically. The history still shows that the police arrested the person, and the prosecutor dropped the case. The record remains public. To remove it, the person must file for an expungement. Since the case was dropped, the person is usually eligible to expunge the record, as long as they have no other disqualifying history. Until they do that, the “Nolle Prosequi” status stays visible on the clerk of court website and background checks.

How far back do Florida arrest records go online?

The availability of older records depends on the county and the agency. The FDLE computerized its system in 1995. Records before that date might exist on paper or microfilm, but not in the instant online search. You might have to order a manual search for very old cases. County websites vary. Some keep data for decades, while others remove jail records as soon as the person leaves custody. Court records usually stay online for a long time, often going back to the 1980s or 1990s. However, just because you cannot find it on Google does not mean the record is gone. It likely exists in a government archive. A dedicated researcher can almost always find a record if it was never expunged, no matter how old it is.