Miami Beach city police records are public files kept by the Miami Beach Police Department. They show what officers did, what happened, and who was part of each case.
Any person can ask for a copy of these files under Florida law. This page shows who has the records, what types exist, how to get them, and what they cost. You will also see state and county resources that help you search police files in and around Miami Beach. The process is simple once you know which agency to contact and what details to give.
Who Keeps Miami Beach Police Records
Miami Beach police records are held by one main agency, but other agencies also keep related files. Knowing which agency holds the file you need saves you time. Some cases fall under county or state agencies based on the type of event. The list below explains each agency and what they keep.
Miami Beach Police Department
The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) is the main agency for records made inside the city. The department sits at 1100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Its officers write reports for crimes, traffic crashes, and other events inside city limits. The Records Unit handles all public records requests for the department. MBPD keeps files for arrests, incident reports, traffic citations, and 911 calls made within the city. The unit also handles body camera and dash camera footage requests.
MBPD Records Unit
The MBPD Records Unit is the team that processes all record requests. They work during normal business hours. You can contact them by phone, email, mail, or through the JustFOIA online portal. The unit checks each request for legal exemptions before releasing the file. They also send cost estimates and handle payment for copies. The unit reports to the MBPD Administrative Services Division. Their office sits on the first floor of the main police station.
Other Agencies That May Hold Records
Some events in Miami Beach involve other agencies. Miami-Dade Police Department handles cases outside the city but inside the county. The Florida Highway Patrol covers crashes on state roads like the MacArthur Causeway. The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department keeps jail booking records. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) holds statewide crash reports. You must contact the right agency based on where the event happened and what type of file you need.
What Records You Can Request
Miami Beach police records include many file types. Each one shows different facts about an event. The list below shows the most common record types you can ask for. Some files need redaction before release. Redaction hides names, addresses, and other private data the law protects.
Incident Reports
Incident reports are written by officers who respond to a call. They show the date, time, place, and a summary of what happened. The report also lists names of people involved, witnesses, and any charges filed. You can ask for a copy of an incident report if you were part of the event or have a legal reason to see it. Some active cases stay sealed until the court case ends. Closed cases are open for public view.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when police took someone into custody. They list the person’s name, the charges, the arrest time, and the booking officer. These records are public once the arrest happens. The full booking record with mugshot and charges is held by the county jail. MBPD holds the arrest report from the street side of the arrest. You must give the date and name of the person for a search.
Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports cover car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes. They show the road, weather, vehicles, and people involved. Florida law requires a crash report when someone is hurt, killed, or when damage is over $1,000. Crash reports in Miami Beach go to the state database within 10 days. You can buy them online through the FLHSMV site for a small fee. This is the fastest way to get a crash report.
911 Call Logs and Audio
911 call logs show the time, place, and type of call. Call audio recordings are also public but take longer to release. You must give the date and phone number for call log requests. Audio requests need more time for redaction. MBPD may charge extra for audio due to the time needed to clean up the file. Call audio is stored for a set time based on Florida law.
Body Camera and Dash Camera Footage
Body camera and dash camera videos are public under Florida law. But they often need redaction to hide faces and personal data. You must give the date, time, location, and officer name if you know it. MBPD may charge an hourly rate for video redaction work. Video files take longer to release than written reports. Requests for body camera footage must meet the rules in Florida Statute 119.071.
How to Request Miami Beach Police Records
You can ask for Miami Beach police records in five ways. Pick the method that fits your case. Each method has its own steps and wait times. The list below explains every option with the steps you need to follow.
Online Request Through JustFOIA
The City of Miami Beach uses the JustFOIA online portal for public records. You can create a free account at justfoia.com/miamibeach. Once logged in, you fill out a request form with the date, type of record, and case number if you have it. The portal lets you track your request and get email alerts. This is the fastest way to ask for a record. You can also upload your ID through the portal.
Email Request
You can email the MBPD Records Unit at publicrecords@miamibeachfl.gov. Write a clear subject line like “Police Records Request.” In the email, list the date of the event, address, names, and case number. Attach a photo of your ID. The unit will reply with a cost estimate and payment steps. Email requests take 5 to 7 business days to process. This method works well for people who live outside Miami Beach.
Mail Request
You can mail a written request to the MBPD Records Unit at 1100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Your letter must include your name, address, phone, and details about the record. Include a copy of your photo ID and a check for the fee if you know it. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days. This method is good for non-urgent needs and creates a paper trail for legal use.
In-Person Request
You can visit the MBPD Records Unit at 1100 Washington Avenue during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a photo ID and any details you have. The staff can help you fill out the form on the spot. In-person requests are good for simple reports you need the same week. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card in person.
Phone Request
You can call the MBPD non-emergency line at (305) 673-7900 to ask about a record. Staff can tell you the fee and how to submit your request. Phone calls do not replace a written request. You must still send a written request by email, mail, or in person for the file to be released. Phone calls are useful for quick questions about the process.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has a strong public records law. The law lets any person see files made by government agencies. Police records fall under this law with a few set exceptions. The list below explains the main points of the law and how it applies to your request.
Chapter 119, Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes is the main law on public records. It says all records made or kept by a government agency are open to the public. A person does not need to give a reason to ask for a file. The agency must release the file unless a specific law says it stays closed. Police records fall under this rule like all other government files. The law was first passed in 1909 and updated many times since.
Exempt Records
Some police records are exempt from release. Active criminal investigation files are closed until the case ends or charges are filed. Confidential informant names, surveillance methods, and undercover officer IDs are exempt. Victim names in sexual assault and domestic violence cases are redacted. Juvenile records stay sealed in most cases. Personnel files and internal affairs files are also exempt. Exemptions are listed in Florida Statute 119.071.
Fee Rules
Florida law lets agencies charge a fee for copies. The fee covers the cost of copying and staff time. The agency must give you a cost estimate before doing the work. You pay the fee before the file is released. Victims and people named in the file may get a free copy. Fees cannot be more than the actual cost of producing the record.
Fees and Payment Methods
Miami Beach police records have set fees. The cost depends on the type of file and the work needed. The table below shows the common fees you may face when you ask for a record.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-page copy (regular) | $0.15 per page |
| Single-page copy (certified) | $1.00 per page |
| CD or DVD copy of audio/video | $1.00 per disc |
| Printed photo copy | $0.50 per page |
| Florida crash report (FLHSMV) | $12.00 per report |
| FDLE statewide background check | $24.00 per check |
| Research or redaction time | Hourly staff rate |
Standard Copy Fees
A single-page copy costs $0.15 per page. A certified copy costs $1.00 per page. A CD or DVD copy of audio or video costs $1.00 per disc. A printed photo costs $0.50 per page. These fees match the rates set by Florida law for public records. The MBPD accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card for payment.
Research and Redaction Fees
If your request needs extra research, MBPD may charge staff time. The rate is the hourly salary of the lowest paid staff who can do the work. Redaction of exempt data is also charged at the same rate. MBPD will tell you the cost before starting the work. You can cancel the request if the cost is too high. There is no fee for the first 30 minutes of research for most requests.
Free Copies for Victims
Victims of crime get one free copy of their incident report. You must show proof of victim status. A case number or police report listing your name as the victim is enough. Insurance companies and lawyers do not get free copies. Free copies cover the first copy only. Extra copies cost the standard fee.
Statewide and County Resources
Some police files are not held by MBPD. State and county agencies keep other types of records. The list below shows where to find these files and how to search them.
Florida DHSMV Crash Reports
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) holds all crash reports in the state. You can buy a crash report online at flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports. The cost is $12.00 per report. You get a PDF copy right after payment. Reports are posted within 10 days of the crash. This site is faster than asking MBPD for a crash report.
FDLE Criminal History
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps statewide criminal history records. You can request a background check at fdle.state.fl.us. The cost is $24.00 per check. You must submit fingerprints at an approved location. Results come back in 5 to 10 business days. The FDLE portal at fdle.justfoia.com is for FDLE records only, not local police reports. The main FDLE phone number is (850) 410-7000.
Miami-Dade County Jail Records
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department runs the county jail. You can search current inmates at the county corrections site. The search shows name, booking date, and charges. You can also call (305) 274-5032 for booking data. These records show people booked after an MBPD arrest. Jail records are free to view online.
How Long It Takes to Get Records
The wait time for Miami Beach police records depends on the file type. Simple reports are fast. Complex requests take longer. The list below shows common wait times for each record type.
Standard Processing Time
Simple incident reports take 5 to 7 business days. Arrest records take the same time. Crash reports bought through FLHSMV are instant. Jail booking searches are instant online. Email and in-person requests are faster than mail. JustFOIA requests are processed in the order they are received.
Complex Request Delays
Requests with many pages take longer. Video redaction takes 30 to 60 days. Old reports stored off-site take 2 to 3 weeks. Requests that cover several cases take more time. MBPD will send you updates if the wait is longer than expected. Heavy request months like January and July can cause small delays.
How to Track Your Request
You can track your JustFOIA request online with your account. Email and mail requests do not have a tracking system. You can call (305) 673-7900 to check the status. Give your name and the date you sent the request. Staff can look up the file and tell you where it stands. Always keep a copy of your original request for your records.
Miami Beach Police Department Contact Details
You can reach the MBPD Records Unit using the details below. Save these for your records request. The office sits on Washington Avenue, near City Hall.
Miami Beach Police Department
1100 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305) 673-7900
Non-Emergency: (305) 673-7900
Website: miamibeachfl.gov/police-department
Records Email: publicrecords@miamibeachfl.gov
JustFOIA Portal: justfoia.com/miamibeach
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Miami Beach police records. Each answer gives you clear, direct steps. Read through them to learn the details most people ask about. The questions cover records law, costs, wait times, and request methods. You can use these answers to plan your own records request and avoid common mistakes.
How much does it cost to get a Miami Beach police report?
A standard Miami Beach police report costs $0.15 per page for a regular copy. A certified copy costs $1.00 per page. Crash reports bought through the FLHSMV state site cost $12.00 each. Victims of crime can get one free copy of their own incident report. If your request needs staff time for research or redaction, MBPD will charge an hourly rate. They send you a cost estimate before they start the work. You pay the fee before the file is released to you. Payment can be made by check, money order, cash, or credit card.
Can I look up Miami Beach police records by name?
You cannot search MBPD records by name online. The department does not have a public name search tool. You must submit a public records request with the date, address, and names of people involved. The Records Unit will check the system for files that match. You can search current inmates by name on the Miami-Dade Corrections site. FDLE offers paid statewide criminal background checks for a $24.00 fee. Name searches through MBPD are processed like any other records request.
How long does MBPD take to release police records?
MBPD takes 5 to 7 business days for simple reports. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days. Video redaction requests take 30 to 60 days. Crash reports bought through FLHSMV are available right after payment. Jail booking searches are instant online. MBPD will email you if the wait time is longer than expected. You can ask for a status update by phone if you do not get a reply within the listed time.
Are Miami Beach police records free to the public?
Most Miami Beach police records are not free. Florida law lets agencies charge fees for copies and staff time. Victims of crime get one free copy of their own report. Journalists and lawyers pay the same fees as the public. You must pay before the file is released. Fee waivers are rare and only given in special cases like court-ordered access. The state allows the agency to charge for the actual cost of making the copy.
What police records are exempt from release in Florida?
Active criminal investigation files are exempt. Confidential informant names, surveillance methods, and undercover officer IDs are exempt. Victim names in sexual assault and domestic violence cases are redacted. Juvenile records are sealed. Body camera footage needs redaction before release. Internal affairs files and personnel records stay closed. The full list of exemptions is in Florida Statute 119.071. Each exemption has its own rules on how long the record stays closed.
Can I get a Miami Beach police report by case number?
Yes, a case number makes the request much faster. Give the case number, date, and your ID. MBPD can pull the file in 1 to 3 business days with a case number. Without a case number, the search takes longer because staff must look up the file by date and name. The case number is on the copy of the report you got at the scene. It is also called the report number or incident number.
What is the JustFOIA Miami Beach portal?
The JustFOIA Miami Beach portal is the online public records request system for the city. You can access it at justfoia.com/miamibeach. Create a free account, fill out the request form, and submit it. The portal tracks your request and sends email alerts when the file is ready. JustFOIA is the fastest way to ask for Miami Beach police records. You can upload your ID and any supporting files through the portal.