Police records in Florida are public files held by local, county, and state law enforcement agencies. These files include incident reports, arrest logs, crash reports, and booking records.
Florida law gives every person the right to view and copy most police records. This page explains how to get police records in Florida, who keeps them, what they cost, and how to file a request online, by mail, or in person.
Who Keeps Police Records in Florida
Police records in Florida sit at three levels: city police, county sheriff, and state agencies. Each level keeps its own files. The agency that created the record is the one that holds it. Florida has more than 400 police agencies across 67 counties. Knowing which agency to contact saves time.
City and Municipal Police Departments
City police departments handle incidents inside city limits. Tampa Police, for example, holds reports for crimes, traffic crashes, and arrests within Tampa. Tampa Police Records Section is located at 411 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602. You can also file a police report online or request body camera video and other public records through the Tampa city website.
County Sheriff Offices
Each Florida county has one elected sheriff. Sheriffs handle law enforcement in unincorporated areas and run county jails. Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, for example, lists its Custodian of Public Records at 4055 41st Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960. You can reach the office at 772-978-6215 or by email at publicrecordsrequest@ircsheriff.org. Large counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Hillsborough run their own online systems for booking logs and incident reports.
State Law Enforcement Agencies
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or FDLE, runs the central criminal history database. FDLE collects arrest and conviction data from all Florida agencies. The Florida Highway Patrol, part of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, handles crash reports on state highways. The Florida Crime Information Center, or FCIC, holds statewide criminal data for law enforcement use.
Types of Police Records You Can Get
Police records in Florida come in many forms. The type of record you need depends on the event. Most agencies release copies after removing personal details like Social Security numbers and financial account info.
Incident and Offense Reports
Incident reports document crimes, calls for service, and other events handled by police. These reports list the date, time, location, names of people involved, and a written account of what happened. Most Florida agencies give redacted copies to the public once the case is closed. The Hollywood Police Records Unit, for example, maintains offense reports, supplemental reports, accident reports, arrest reports, and incident reports under Florida State Statute 119.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest reports show when someone was taken into custody, the charges filed, and the arresting officer. Booking records come from county jails and include a photo, fingerprints, charges, and bond information. Many Florida sheriffs post booking logs online that update daily. You can search these logs by name or date in most counties.
Traffic Crash Reports
Florida law requires crash reports for any crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. The Florida Highway Patrol investigates serious crashes on state roads. Local police investigate crashes within city limits. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles keeps a statewide crash report database that you can search online.
Body Camera and 911 Recordings
Body camera footage and 911 audio recordings fall under police records in many cases. Some agencies release these files after a public records request. Tampa Police, for example, lets you request body camera video through its online records system. Each agency has its own rules on when these files become public.
How to Request Police Records in Florida
Florida law lets any person request police records. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to give a reason. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes covers this right. The agency must respond within a reasonable time unless a specific exemption applies.
Identify the Right Agency First
Start by figuring out which agency handled the incident. If the event happened inside a city, contact that city’s police department. If the event happened in an unincorporated area, contact the county sheriff. For state highway crashes, contact the Florida Highway Patrol. For statewide criminal history, contact FDLE.
Submit Your Request Online
Many Florida agencies now use online portals for records requests. The FDLE Public Records Portal at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal lets you submit requests for FDLE documents and track them online. You can also use the Florida Executive Office of the Governor public records request form. Most county sheriff offices have their own online forms as well.
Request by Mail or Email
For state criminal history records, FDLE accepts mail requests at P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302. You can also reach the FDLE Public Records office at (850) 410-8109. For local records, you can mail a written request to the agency’s records unit. Include your name, contact details, and a clear description of the records you want.
Visit the Agency in Person
You can also walk into a police station or sheriff’s office and ask for records in person. Tampa Police Records Section, for example, accepts in-person requests at 411 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it. The fee for a Tampa police report is $2.00.
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives every person the right to inspect and copy public records made or received by government agencies. Police records fall under this law unless a specific exemption covers them.
What Florida Law Says
Under Florida Statute section 119.07, any person can request public records. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to say why you want the records. The agency must respond in a reasonable time. Most agencies respond within a few business days for simple requests.
Records That Stay Private
Some police records are exempt from public release. Active criminal intelligence information, ongoing investigation files, and confidential informant details can be withheld. Personal data like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted before release. Juvenile records have extra privacy protections under Florida law. Each agency must cite the exact legal reason if it denies a request.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
If an agency denies your records request, you can challenge the denial in court. Florida courts generally side with public access. The agency must prove that a specific exemption applies. You can also contact the FDLE Office of Open Government for help with state-level records issues.
Fees and Processing Times for Police Records
Most Florida agencies charge a small fee for copies of police records. Some records are free. Processing times depend on the agency and the type of record. The more detail you give, the faster the agency can fill your request.
Common Fees by Record Type
The table below shows typical fees for common police records in Florida. Fees can change, so always check with the agency before you send payment.
| Record Type | Typical Fee | Where to Order |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal history background check (statewide) | $24.00 per check | FDLE |
| Local police report copy | $2.00 per report (example: Tampa) | City police department |
| Traffic crash report | Small fee (varies) | FLHSMV online portal |
| Fingerprint-based check | Additional fee applies | FDLE authorized vendor |
| Body camera footage | May include redaction fees | Local agency records unit |
Processing Times You Can Expect
Simple requests for one report often take one to three business days. Complex searches that cover many records can take several weeks. Florida law does not set a strict deadline, but agencies must respond within a reasonable time. If you do not hear back within two weeks, follow up with the agency by phone or email.
How to Search Police Records Online
Many Florida agencies now post police records online. The level of online access varies by county and city. Some agencies offer full search portals. Others only post booking logs or crash reports. Statewide tools fill in the gaps for criminal history checks.
Statewide Online Tools
FDLE runs the main statewide tools. The Florida Crime Information Center, or FCIC, provides authorized access to criminal history data for law enforcement. The Comprehensive Case Information System, or CCIS, run by Florida’s Clerks of Court, lets authorized users search statewide court case data. Private citizens can use the FDLE public records portal to request state-level records.
County and City Online Portals
Most large Florida counties have their own online records portals. Broward Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office all run searchable databases for incident reports, arrest logs, and inmate rosters. Many cities also use third-party platforms like JustFOIA or GovQA to manage records requests online.
What You Can and Cannot Search
Online portals usually let you search by name, date, or case number. You can view basic booking info, incident locations, and charges. You often cannot download full reports without filing a formal request. Active investigation files and sealed records stay offline. Juvenile records and expunged records do not appear in public searches.
Criminal History and Background Checks
FDLE keeps the central criminal history database for Florida. This database holds arrest and conviction data from all Florida law enforcement agencies. Background checks pull from this database. You can request your own record or authorize someone else to get it for you.
How to Order a Florida Background Check
To request a criminal history check from FDLE, mail a completed application to the FDLE Applicant Services Unit, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Include your fingerprints and a $24 check or money order. You can also submit fingerprints electronically at approved locations across Florida. Call (850) 410-8161 for help with criminal history questions.
Walk-In Service in Tallahassee
You can visit the FDLE office in person at 2331 Phillips Road in Tallahassee. Walk-in service runs during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and payment. Same-day results may be available for in-person requests. Check the FDLE website for current hours before you go.
Checks for Employment and Licensing
FDLE also processes background checks for employers, licensing boards, and volunteer groups. These checks go through approved channels and need the subject’s written consent. Contact FDLE directly for details on becoming an authorized requester. Effective July 1, 2020, FDLE stopped accepting mailed Florida Criminal History Information Request forms and moved to electronic methods only.
Florida Highway Patrol and Crash Reports
The Florida Highway Patrol, or FHP, is part of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. FHP enforces traffic laws on state highways and investigates serious crashes. FHP records cover crashes, arrests, citations, and DUI cases across Florida.
How to Get a Crash Report
You can order crash reports online through the FLHSMV crash reports portal. This includes reports filed by FHP and local police. Reports for crashes involving injury, death, or property damage over $500 must be filed under Florida law. You will need the report number or the date and location of the crash.
Contacting FHP for Other Records
For FHP records that are not crash reports, file a public records request. You can reach FHP at (850) 617-2000. The FLHSMV website also has a contact page for FHP records questions. FHP responds to records requests within the timeframes required by Florida law.
Records from Florida County Sheriffs
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has an elected sheriff. Sheriffs run law enforcement in unincorporated areas and operate county jails. Sheriff records cover arrests, bookings, incidents, and inmate information for the county.
Large County Sheriff Portals
Large counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Hillsborough have advanced online systems. You can search booking logs, incident reports, and inmate rosters on their websites. These portals update daily. Most let you search by name, date, or charge. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, for example, handles email and mail requests for police records.
Smaller County Sheriff Requests
Smaller counties may not have full online portals. You may need to call, email, or visit the sheriff’s office in person. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, for example, lists its public records contact at 4055 41st Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960, phone 772-978-6215, email publicrecordsrequest@ircsheriff.org. Most sheriffs respond to records requests within a few business days.
Jail Booking Logs
Sheriff websites often post jail booking logs that update in real time. These logs show the arrestee’s name, charges, bond amount, and booking photo. You can search by name or booking date. Most counties make this data public as soon as the booking is processed.
Records from City Police Departments
Florida cities with their own police departments keep separate records from the county sheriff. Major cities like Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Petersburg have large records units that handle thousands of requests each year.
Contacting City Police Records Units
Most city police departments have a public records office or a public information officer. You can call the main number or visit the department’s website to find the records unit. Many cities have dedicated public records request pages with online forms. Tampa Police, for example, runs a full records section at 411 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602.
Response Times for City Records
Response times depend on the size of the department and the type of record. Simple requests often take a few business days. Complex searches can take longer. City police may charge fees for copies and search time. Always ask about fees before you submit your request. Some cities offer free access to basic records like crash reports and booking logs.
Official Contact Information for Florida Police Records
The list below shows the main contact points for police records in Florida. Save these for future reference.
| Agency | Address | Phone | Email / Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDLE Public Records | P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302 | (850) 410-8109 | fdle.state.fl.us |
| FDLE Criminal History | 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL | (850) 410-8161 | fdle.state.fl.us |
| Tampa Police Records | 411 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602 | See city website | tampa.gov/police |
| Indian River Sheriff | 4055 41st Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | 772-978-6215 | publicrecordsrequest@ircsheriff.org |
| Florida Highway Patrol | See FLHSMV website | (850) 617-2000 | flhsmv.gov |
| FL Dept. of State | 500 South Bronough Street, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 | See website | dos.fl.gov |
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Even with strong public records laws, getting police records in Florida can hit snags. Below are the most common issues and how to handle them.
Request Is Too Vague
Agencies reject vague requests because they cannot find the records. Always include the date of the incident, names of people involved, the location, and the case number if you have it. The more detail you give, the faster the agency can respond. A clear request also reduces search fees.
Records Are Marked Exempt
If an agency says a record is exempt, ask for the specific legal citation. Florida law requires agencies to cite the exact exemption. If you think the exemption does not apply, you can challenge the denial in court. Many denials are reversed on appeal.
No Response from the Agency
If you do not get a response within two weeks, follow up. Send a polite email or call the records unit. Keep a written record of every contact. Florida law requires a reasonable response time. Persistent follow-up usually gets results.
Fees Are Higher Than Expected
Agencies can charge for copies and for the time it takes to search records. If the fee seems too high, ask for an itemized cost breakdown. You can also ask the agency to narrow the search to reduce costs. Some agencies will waive fees for small requests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Police Records
Below are answers to the most common questions about police records in Florida. These cover searches, costs, denials, and the laws that govern public access to police files.
Can anyone request police records in Florida?
Yes. Florida law gives every person the right to request police records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to give a reason for the request. The agency must respond unless a specific legal exemption covers the record you want.
How much does a Florida criminal background check cost?
A statewide criminal history check from FDLE costs $24.00 per check. You can mail a request with your fingerprints and payment to the FDLE Applicant Services Unit, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. In-person requests at the FDLE office in Tallahassee may get same-day results. Effective July 1, 2020, FDLE stopped accepting mailed Florida Criminal History Information Request forms and moved to electronic methods only.
How long does it take to get police records in Florida?
Simple requests for one report often take one to three business days. Complex searches can take several weeks. Florida law does not set a strict deadline, but agencies must respond within a reasonable time. If you do not hear back within two weeks, follow up by phone or email. Online portals usually process requests faster than mail.
Can I get body camera footage from Florida police?
Yes, in most cases. Body camera footage is a police record under Florida law. You can request it through the agency’s records unit. Tampa Police, for example, lets you request body camera video through its online records system. Some agencies charge redaction fees to blur faces and personal details before release.
What if my police records request is denied?
Ask the agency for the specific legal citation that supports the denial. Florida law requires agencies to cite the exact exemption. If you believe the denial is wrong, you can challenge it in court. You can also contact the FDLE Office of Open Government for help with state-level denials. Florida courts generally side with public access.
Are juvenile police records public in Florida?
No. Juvenile records have extra privacy protections under Florida law. Most juvenile arrest records, booking photos, and incident reports are not released to the public. Some juvenile records become public if the case is transferred to adult court. Expunged or sealed records also stay private.
Where can I search Florida crash reports online?
You can order crash reports online through the FLHSMV crash reports portal at flhsmv.gov. This includes reports filed by the Florida Highway Patrol and local police. You will need the report number or the date and location of the crash. Reports are usually available a few days after the crash is filed.