Osceola County police records include reports, arrest logs, and incident files kept by the sheriff’s office and city police departments in Kissimmee and St. Cloud.
Florida law gives the public the right to see most of these files once a case is closed. This page covers who keeps the records, how to ask for them, what they cost, and what stays sealed by state law. Each agency in Osceola County runs its own records system, so the right office to contact depends on where the incident took place.
How Osceola County Police Records Are Kept
Police records in Osceola County sit in three main places. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office covers the unincorporated parts of the county. Kissimmee Police Department covers the city of Kissimmee. St. Cloud Police Department covers the city of St. Cloud. Each agency writes its own reports, runs its own database, and answers its own public records requests. Florida law makes these files open to the public after active investigations end.
What Police Records Contain
Police records include the basic facts of a call or arrest. An incident report lists the date, time, and place of the event. The names of people involved, witness statements, and officer notes may appear. Photos, diagrams, and evidence logs can be part of the file. Some items, like social security numbers and details about minors, get removed before the file goes out. The level of detail depends on the type of case and how the case ended.
Which Agencies Hold the Files
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office serves as the main law enforcement agency for the county. It runs the county jail, manages booking records, and answers calls outside city limits. Kissimmee Police Department serves residents and visitors in Kissimmee, the county seat. St. Cloud Police Department serves the city of St. Cloud. Other communities like Celebration, Poinciana, and Buenaventura Lakes fall under the sheriff’s office patrol areas.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida public records law, known as Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, sets the rules for police records. The law says government records belong to the public. The law lists a small set of items that stay private, such as active investigation files and victim identities. Most police records become public when an investigation closes or goes cold. People do not need to explain why they want the records.
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office writes reports for calls that happen in unincorporated parts of the county. Deputies handle traffic stops, arrests, and criminal investigations outside city limits. The sheriff’s office also runs the county jail, so booking records, inmate rosters, and arrest reports all come from the same agency. Anyone can ask for these files through the records division.
How to Request Sheriff Records
People can request sheriff records in person, by mail, by phone, or through the online portal. Walk-in requests go to the records office at the main sheriff’s building. Mail requests should include the date, location, and names of people involved. A case number speeds up the search. The sheriff’s office does not require a reason for the request. Staff can help locate the right file once they have the basic details.
Sheriff Office Address and Hours
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office sits at 2601 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744. The main phone number is (407) 348-2222. The records division takes walk-in requests Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors need a photo ID to enter the building. The office closes on weekends and county holidays.
Online Records Request Portal
The sheriff’s office uses an online public records portal that lets people submit requests and track them. Users log in, fill out the request form, and upload payment for any fees. The portal sends status updates by email. Electronic copies of small files often arrive within a few business days. Large requests take longer and may need extra staff time.
Kissimmee Police Department Records
Kissimmee Police Department handles calls that happen inside the city of Kissimmee. Officers write incident reports, arrest reports, and traffic crash reports for events within city limits. The records division keeps these files and answers public records requests. Records from Kissimmee cases do not transfer to the sheriff’s office, so the city department is the only source for those files.
How to Request Kissimmee Police Records
People can request Kissimmee Police Department records in person, by mail, by email, or through the city’s public records portal. Walk-in requests go to the records window at the main police building. Written requests need the date, location, and names involved. The department answers requests in the order received. Fees follow the state rate set in Section 119.07 of Florida Statutes.
Kissimmee Police Contact Details
The Kissimmee Police Department sits at 8 North Stewart Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741. The main phone number is (407) 847-0176. The records division takes in-person requests Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The non-emergency line runs 24 hours a day for general questions about open cases. The department does not take records requests by emergency line.
St. Cloud Police Department Records
St. Cloud Police Department covers the city of St. Cloud and its police district. Officers write reports for incidents that happen within city limits. The records division stores these files and handles public records requests for the department. People with cases in St. Cloud need to contact the city department, not the sheriff’s office.
How to Request St. Cloud Police Records
Requests for St. Cloud Police Department records go through the records clerk at the main station. People can visit in person, send a written request by mail, or use the city’s online form. Each request should include the case number, date, and names of the people involved. The clerk reviews the file and redacts protected details before release.
St. Cloud Police Contact Details
The St. Cloud Police Department sits at 4700 Neptune Road, St. Cloud, FL 34769. The main phone number is (407) 891-6700. The records window takes in-person requests Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The non-emergency line answers general questions 24 hours a day. Mail requests go to the same address with attention to the records clerk.
Florida Public Records Law and Exemptions
Florida public records law is one of the strongest in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all government records are open for viewing and copying. The law lists a small set of items that stay exempt, such as active criminal investigation files, victim identities, and personnel records. Police agencies must cite the exact law when they deny a request.
Records That Stay Public
Most police records become public once an investigation ends. Closed incident reports, arrest logs, booking photos, and traffic crash reports fall into this group. People can ask for these files without giving a reason. The records include the date, location, names of people charged, and a short description of what happened. Agencies remove protected details before release.
- Closed incident reports from the sheriff and city police
- Arrest logs and booking records from the county jail
- Traffic crash reports older than 60 days
- Calls for service logs from each agency
- Warrant lists updated by the clerk of court
Records That Stay Confidential
Some details stay sealed by law to protect victims and officers. Active investigation files do not go out until the case closes. Names of sexual offense victims, child abuse victims, and domestic violence victims stay sealed. Home addresses and phone numbers of sworn officers stay private. Undercover officer photos and informant identities never go out. Body camera video from inside a private home needs written consent from the resident.
Active Investigation Rules
Records from an active criminal investigation stay closed. This includes reports, evidence logs, witness statements, and surveillance records. The exemption lasts as long as the case has a real chance of an arrest or prosecution. When a case closes, goes cold, or ends without charges, the active exemption ends. Some details may still stay protected under other laws even after the case ends.
Types of Police Reports Available
Osceola County police agencies create many types of reports. Each type has its own release rules and fee structure. People who know what they need can save time by naming the exact type of report in their request. Records staff can help pick the right file when the request covers a specific date and place.
Incident Reports
Incident reports document calls for service. The report includes the date, time, and location of the call. It lists the names of people involved, witness names, and a short narrative of what the officer saw. Some details get redacted under state law. The report becomes public when the case closes or goes cold.
Arrest Reports and Booking Records
Arrest reports show who was taken into custody and the charge. Booking records from the Osceola County Jail include the arrest date, charges, and bond amount. Mugshots are public unless a court seals the record. The booking record stays on file even if the charges get dropped. To remove it from public view, the person arrested must file a petition with the court.
Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports show the basic facts of a vehicle accident. The report lists drivers, passengers, vehicle details, and a diagram of the scene. The report stays sealed for 60 days under Florida Statute 316.066. After 60 days, the report goes to the Florida Crash Portal where anyone can buy a copy for a small fee.
911 Audio and Body Camera Footage
911 audio recordings stay closed during active investigations. Once the case ends, the audio may go out with redactions for protected details. Body camera footage from public spaces becomes public under a set of rules spelled out in Florida law. Footage from inside a private home needs written consent from the resident before release. Agencies can charge a special service fee for video redactions.
How to Search Police Records
People can search Osceola County police records in several ways. The fastest method depends on what the person knows about the case. A case number or a full name speeds up the search. A date and location also help narrow the field. Records staff can pull files once they have enough detail to confirm the right file.
Search by Name
To search by name, the request should include the full legal name of the person. A date of birth helps the agency confirm the right person when many people share the same name. The request should also include the year or date range of the incident. Records staff run the name through their system and pull any matching reports.
Search by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to find a specific file. Each agency assigns its own case numbers. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office uses one numbering system. Kissimmee Police Department uses another. St. Cloud Police Department uses a third. The case number appears on any letter, court paper, or release form tied to the case.
Search by Date and Location
People who do not know a name or case number can search by date and location. The request should include the exact date and the street address or intersection. A short description of what happened helps staff match the right file. This method works best for traffic crashes, noise complaints, and other events with a clear place and time.
Fees and Wait Times for Records
Florida law sets the fee limits for public records. Each agency must charge the same base rate. Special services like large copies or database searches can add to the cost. The agency must give a cost estimate before starting work that goes beyond a simple copy. The person asking can agree to pay or withdraw the request.
Standard Copy Costs
Standard paper copies cost up to 15 cents per one-sided page. Two-sided copies cost up to 20 cents per page. Certified copies add up to $1 per document. Electronic copies sent by email or download often have no copy charge. Agencies can charge actual cost for CDs, USB drives, or other storage media.
| Service Type | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| One-sided paper copy | $0.15 per page |
| Two-sided paper copy | $0.20 per page |
| Certified copy | $1.00 extra per document |
| Staff time over 15 minutes | Hourly rate of employee |
| Traffic crash report online | $10.00 plus $2.00 service fee |
Large Request Charges
Requests that need more than 15 minutes of staff time or more than 20 pages can have extra charges. Agencies can bill at the hourly rate of the employee who does the work. The charge covers searching, reviewing, redacting, and copying. The agency must tell the requester the estimated cost before starting. The requester can pay the full amount or narrow the request to fit a smaller budget.
Typical Response Times
Simple requests for closed incident reports often go out within 3 to 5 business days. Requests that need redactions or staff review can take 2 to 4 weeks. Large database requests can take 30 days or more. Traffic crash reports show up in the state portal within 10 days of the crash. The agency must give a written timeline for any request that will take more than a few days.
Sealing or Expunging a Record
People who want to remove an arrest from public view can ask the court to seal or expunge the record. The rules for sealing and expungement sit in Florida Statute 943.059. The clerk of court handles the paperwork. The process takes several months from start to finish. The Osceola County Clerk of Court office gives forms and step-by-step help.
Who Can Seal a Record
People who were arrested but never charged can ask to seal the record right away. People who were charged and later found not guilty can ask to seal the record. People who completed a diversion program or a withhold of adjudication can also ask. People with serious felony convictions cannot seal their record without a governor’s pardon.
How to File a Petition
The petition to seal or expunge goes to the Osceola County Clerk of Court. The clerk’s office gives the right form for the type of request. The person filing must get a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement first. The petition lists the case number, the charge, and the reason for the request. The court sets a hearing date once the petition clears the prosecutor’s review.
Clerk of Court Role
The Osceola County Clerk of Court office processes the petition and sends it to the State Attorney’s Office. The State Attorney can object to the sealing. The court makes the final call at a hearing. Once the court signs the order, the clerk sends the order to every agency that has the record. Each agency then seals its copy. The record no longer shows up in background checks.
Common Reasons People Request Records
People ask for Osceola County police records for many reasons. Background checks, court cases, insurance claims, and personal safety are the most common reasons. The law does not require a reason, so agencies cannot ask why. The type of record needed depends on the reason for the request.
Background Checks for Jobs
Many jobs in Florida need a background check. Employers often run a statewide check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Local incident reports from Osceola County can add details to a check. People who want to see what an employer might see can ask for their own records from each local agency.
Insurance and Accident Claims
Insurance companies need a copy of the crash report to process an auto claim. The Florida Crash Portal has reports older than 60 days. Reports within the 60-day window go directly from the agency that handled the crash. The insurer can ask for the report or the person involved can send a copy.
Court Cases and Legal Matters
Lawyers and people representing themselves often need police records for court cases. The records show the officer’s account of what happened. They also list witness names and other parties. Court cases for personal injury, divorce, and criminal defense all use police records as part of the case file.
Personal Safety Checks
People who want to check on a neighbor, a tenant, or a new partner often run a quick public records check. Local arrest logs, calls for service, and incident reports can show a pattern. The check is not a full background check, but it can flag concerns. The records help people make safer choices for themselves and their families.
Contact Details for Osceola County Police Records
The three agencies in Osceola County handle their own records. Below are the key contact points for each agency, plus the state offices that handle statewide checks and crash reports. People with questions about a specific case should call the non-emergency line for the agency that handled the call.
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 2601 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744. Phone: (407) 348-2222. Website: www.osceolasheriff.org. Records hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kissimmee Police Department
Address: 8 North Stewart Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Phone: (407) 847-0176. Website: www.kissimmee.gov. Records hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
St. Cloud Police Department
Address: 4700 Neptune Road, St. Cloud, FL 34769. Phone: (407) 891-6700. Website: www.stcloud.gov. Records hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Osceola County Police Records FAQ
The questions below cover the most common points people ask about Osceola County police records. Each answer gives a clear path to the right office or state resource. The answers reflect Florida public records law as it stands today, plus the local rules for each agency. People with special cases should call the records division for the right agency.
Can I get police records for free?
Most police records in Osceola County have a small fee. State law sets a copy rate of 15 cents per one-sided page. A short incident report may cost less than a dollar. Large requests that need staff time have a higher cost. Records for personal use, news use, or court use follow the same fee rules. No one has to pay a fee just to view records in person.
How long does the sheriff take to send records?
Simple requests for closed reports go out within 3 to 5 business days. Requests that need redaction or staff review take 2 to 4 weeks. Large database requests can run 30 days or more. The sheriff’s office sends a timeline in writing for any request that needs more than a few days. People who need the file faster can ask for a rush, but a rush fee may apply.
Can I get records about someone else?
Yes. Florida law lets anyone ask for public records about another person. The law does not require a reason. The agency must release the file unless a specific exemption applies. Active cases, victim identities, and officer home addresses stay sealed. Most closed incident reports and arrest logs go out to any requester.
What if my request gets denied?
The agency must cite the exact law that allows the denial. Common reasons include active investigation, victim identity protection, and personnel records. People who think the denial is wrong can ask for a written review. The next step is a written appeal to the agency head. The state also runs an open government hotline through the FDLE Office of Open Government.
Are mugshots public in Osceola County?
Yes. Booking photos from the Osceola County Jail are public records. The sheriff’s office posts current inmates on its website. Photos of people who have been released stay in the booking record unless a court seals the record. Expunged records are not public. Sealed records are not public.
Can I remove my arrest record from public view?
People who meet the rules under Florida Statute 943.059 can ask the court to seal or expunge the record. The process starts with a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. The petition then goes to the Osceola County Clerk of Court. The court holds a hearing before signing the order. Each agency with a copy of the record must then seal its version.
Where do I get crash reports in Osceola County?
Crash reports older than 60 days go to the Florida Crash Portal at www.flhsmv.gov. Reports within the 60-day window go directly from the agency that investigated the crash. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Kissimmee Police Department, St. Cloud Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol all write crash reports. Each report costs $10 plus a $2 service fee in the state portal.