Holmes County police records are public files kept by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office in Bonifay, Florida. These records show what happened when deputies answered calls, made arrests, or wrote reports.
Anyone can ask for most of these records under Florida law. This page explains what records exist, who keeps them, and how to get copies.
What Are Holmes County Police Records
Holmes County police records are written files made by sheriff’s deputies and jail staff. They include incident reports, arrest records, booking logs, and traffic crash reports. These files tell the story of calls for service, crimes, and arrests in the county. Most records become public once the case is closed or the investigation ends.
Types of Records You Can Request
There are several kinds of police records kept in Holmes County. Each type has its own purpose and may need a different request form. Knowing which type you need helps you get the right file faster.
- Incident reports from calls for service
- Arrest records and booking photos
- Traffic crash reports from the sheriff or Florida Highway Patrol
- Offense reports for criminal cases
- Warrant records for active arrest warrants
- Calls for service logs
Who Keeps These Records
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office keeps all police records made in the county. The Records Division manages requests from the public. The Florida Highway Patrol keeps reports for crashes on state roads. The Holmes County Clerk of Court keeps court records for criminal cases. Each office has its own rules for giving out files.
How to Request Holmes County Police Records
You can ask for Holmes County police records in person, by mail, by email, or online. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the file and what type you want. The sheriff’s office answers most simple requests within a few business days.
In-Person Request Steps
Going to the sheriff’s office in Bonifay is the fastest way to get simple records. Staff can help you fill out the request form and tell you the fee. You can also look at records before paying for copies.
- Visit the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office at 206 North Highway 79, Bonifay, FL 32425
- Go to the Records Division window during business hours
- Show a valid photo ID
- Tell staff the date, location, and names involved in the incident
- Fill out the public records request form
- Pay the copy fee when the file is ready
Mail and Email Request Process
You can send a written request by mail or email for records you do not need right away. This works well for older reports or files you only need for your records. The sheriff’s office has 15 business days to answer under Florida law.
Your written request should include your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email. Describe the record you want with as much detail as you can. Include the date, location, names, and case number if you have one. Mail your request to the sheriff’s office address or email it to the Records Division.
Online Access Options
Some Holmes County police records are available online through state portals. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a public records portal for state-level files. Crash reports can be ordered through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Local arrest logs may be posted on the sheriff’s website or social media pages.
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office Details
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office is the main law enforcement agency for the county. It patrols all areas outside city limits and runs the county jail. The office answers calls for service, investigates crimes, and serves arrest warrants.
Office Location and Hours
The sheriff’s office is on North Highway 79 in Bonifay, which is the county seat. The building is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Call ahead if you plan to visit for records.
The Records Division sits inside the main office. Staff help visitors with public records requests during regular business hours. You do not need an appointment for simple requests. Complex requests may need a scheduled time to review files.
Contact Methods
You can reach the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office by phone, mail, email, or in person. The main phone number is (850) 547-3681. Staff answer calls during business hours. For non-emergency issues after hours, you can call the Holmes County Communications Center.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, 206 North Highway 79, Bonifay, FL 32425 |
| Phone | (850) 547-3681 |
| Business Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Emergency Line | 911 |
| Non-Emergency | (850) 547-3681 |
Search Methods for Police Records
There are several ways to search for Holmes County police records. The best method depends on what you know about the case. Some searches need a name, while others need a case number or date.
Search by Name
You can search Holmes County police records by the name of a person involved. This works for arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports where a name is listed. Provide the full legal name if you can. Middle names and date of birth help avoid wrong matches.
Name searches may return arrest records, warrants, and incident reports. Not every name will have a file. You can ask the Records Division to run a name search for you. There may be a small fee for staff time on long searches.
Search by Case Number
Searching by case number is the fastest and most exact way to find a record. Every incident report and arrest gets a unique case number. If you have the case number from a deputy, court papers, or an old report, give it to staff. They can pull the file right away.
Case numbers start with a year code and a sequence. The format may be different for reports, arrests, and crash files. Staff at the Records Division can match the number to the right file. Keep your case number in a safe place once you get it.
Search by Date Range
You can search Holmes County police records by the date of the incident. This is useful when you do not know a name or case number. Give staff a date range instead of one exact date. Wider ranges may cost more due to staff time.
Date searches work well for traffic crashes, calls for service, and incident reports. The sheriff’s office keeps most files for several years. Older files may be in archive storage and take longer to get.
Statewide and Related Resources
Some police records in Holmes County are kept by state agencies. These include criminal history checks, statewide arrest data, and traffic crash files. State portals can help you find records the sheriff’s office does not keep.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a public records portal for state files. The portal lets you ask for criminal history records and statewide arrest data. It also handles background check requests for jobs and licenses.
The FDLE public records portal is at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal. You can create a free account and submit a records request. State background checks cost $24 each. Results take about one week by mail. Call FDLE at (850) 410-8161 with questions.
Court Records
Court records for criminal cases are kept by the Holmes County Clerk of Court. These files show charges, pleas, sentences, and case outcomes. They are separate from police reports but often linked by case number.
The Holmes County Clerk of Court office sits in the courthouse in Bonifay. You can search case files online through the clerk’s website. You can also visit in person during business hours. Certified copies of court records cost more than regular copies.
Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports in Holmes County can be ordered through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website. This works for crashes handled by the sheriff’s office or the Florida Highway Patrol. You pay a small fee and get the report by email.
The FLHSMV crash report portal is at www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports. You need the crash date, county, and people involved to search. Reports are ready about 10 days after the crash. You can print or save the PDF once you pay the fee.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has strong public records laws that give you the right to see most government files. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes covers police records. This law says any person can ask for records without giving a reason.
Chapter 119 Explained
Chapter 119 of Florida law says government agencies must open their records to the public. The law covers police reports, arrest records, and other law enforcement files. Agencies must answer most requests within a reasonable time. They can charge only for the actual cost of copying.
The law applies to all Florida counties, including Holmes County. Sheriff’s offices, police departments, and state agencies must follow the same rules. If an agency denies a request, it must cite the exact law that allows the denial. You can challenge denials in court.
Common Exemptions
Some police records are exempt from public release under Florida law. These include active investigation files, confidential informant names, and juvenile records. Body camera footage may need extra review before release. Sealed or expunged records cannot be given out.
The sheriff’s office will tell you if a record is exempt and why. Most exemptions are in Chapter 119 of Florida law. Some are in other state laws. If your request is denied, ask for the specific statute that blocks the release.
Costs and Fees for Records
Holmes County police records have set fees under Florida law. The cost depends on the type of record and how you get it. Most fees cover copying and staff time only.
Standard paper copies cost up to 15 cents per page for single-sided pages. Double-sided pages cost up to 20 cents each. Electronic records sent by email may be free. Certified copies with an official seal cost more. Ask staff for a fee estimate before you pay.
Background checks through FDLE cost $24 each. Traffic crash reports from FLHSMV cost a small fee per report. Court records from the Clerk of Court have their own fee schedule. You can pay by cash, check, or money order at most offices.
Background Checks and Special Requests
Some requests for Holmes County police records need extra steps. Background checks for jobs, gun permits, and licenses have their own rules. Sealed and expunged records have strict limits on who can see them.
Background Check Process
A background check shows arrests, convictions, and other police contact. You can run a check on yourself or, in some cases, on another person with their written consent. Florida background checks are run through FDLE or the FBI.
To get a Florida background check, you must submit fingerprints at an approved vendor. The fee is $24 for state checks. Results come back by mail in about one week. Many employers and licensing agencies need both state and FBI checks.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Sealed records are hidden from the public by a court order. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. Only certain people can see sealed records, such as the person named in the record and some law enforcement officers. You cannot get sealed or expunged records through a normal public records request.
If you think a record was sealed or expunged, the court that issued the order can confirm it. You may also check your own criminal history through FDLE. The FDLE response will show if records were removed from public view.
Contact Information for Records Requests
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, 206 North Highway 79, Bonifay, FL 32425. Phone: (850) 547-3681. Business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Official website: holmescosheriff.org. For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency calls, use the main office number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Holmes County police records. These cover searches, fees, and special cases. The answers below reflect current Florida law and sheriff’s office policy.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Record?
Most simple requests for Holmes County police records are answered within a few business days. Florida law gives agencies up to 15 business days to respond. Complex requests that need a lot of staff time or file review may take longer. You can call the Records Division to check the status of your request.
Can I Get Records for Free?
You can look at most public records for free at the sheriff’s office. Copy fees apply if you need paper or electronic copies. The fee is up to 15 cents per single-sided page. Records sent by email may be free. Some special records, like certified copies, cost more.
What If My Request Is Denied?
If the sheriff’s office denies your request, they must cite the Florida statute that allows the denial. You can ask for a written explanation. You may also challenge the denial in court under Chapter 119. Most disputes get fixed through talks with the records custodian.
Are Arrest Photos Public in Holmes County?
Most arrest photos, also called mugshots, become public once the person is booked into jail. You can ask the Records Division for booking photos. Florida law limits when mugshot websites can charge to remove photos. You can ask the sheriff’s office for copies of booking photos.
Can I Get Records From Other Counties Through Holmes County?
No. The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office only keeps records made by their deputies. For records from other counties, contact that county’s sheriff or police department. For statewide records, use the FDLE public records portal.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get Police Records?
No. You do not need a lawyer to ask for most police records. Anyone can file a public records request in Florida. A lawyer can help with complex cases, sealed records, or court challenges. For simple requests, you can do it yourself for free.
How Far Back Do Records Go?
Holmes County keeps most police records for several years. Older files may be in archive storage. The sheriff’s office can pull older records, but it may take more time. Some very old records may have been destroyed under state retention rules.