Glades County police records are official documents kept by the Glades County Sheriff’s Office in Moore Haven, Florida. These records cover incident reports, arrest logs, crash reports, and booking details for the entire county.
The sheriff’s office is the main agency that creates and stores these records. Florida state law makes most police records open to the public. Anyone can ask for copies by phone, in person, by mail, or online.
Glades County Sheriff’s Office Records Division
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office runs the Records Division in Moore Haven. This office handles all requests for police documents in the county. The Records Division keeps reports going back many years. Staff members help people look up case details, get copies, and check on request status. Walk-in service is open during regular business hours at the main office on State Road 78.
Records Division Contact Details
The Records Division sits at the main sheriff’s office building in Moore Haven. You can reach the office by phone or by mail for any records request. The staff answers questions about fees, processing times, and which records exist for a specific case. Phone calls are the fastest way to start a request before visiting in person.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Glades County Sheriff’s Office – Records Department |
| Street Address | 1297 E. SR 78, Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 39, Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Main Phone | (863) 946-1600 |
| Fax Line | (863) 946-0845 |
| Business Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.gladessheriff.org/administration/records.php |
For email requests, the sheriff’s office FAQ page lists the records contact line at (863) 946-1600. Staff direct email inquiries to the right person on the team. You should always call first to confirm the email address is current before sending sensitive details.
SmartWEB Inmate Search Portal
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office runs a free online inmate search called SmartWEB. This tool lets you look up people held at the Glades County Detention Center. You can search by name or booking date. The system shows current inmates and recent releases. It updates multiple times each day with new booking data.
To use SmartWEB, visit smartweb.gladessheriff.org/smartwebclient/. Type the person’s full name into the search box. Results show the booking photo, charges, bond amount, and housing location. For questions about a search result, call (863) 946-1600 to speak with staff.
How to Request Glades County Police Records
You can ask for Glades County police records in several ways. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the records and what type you want. Most people start with a phone call to confirm the records exist. Then they choose in-person, mail, or online service based on their needs.
In-Person Records Requests
Going to the sheriff’s office in person is the fastest way to get simple records. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Fill out a public records request form at the front desk. Staff will search their database and tell you what they find. Many requests finish the same day for basic reports.
The Moore Haven office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for your request. Payment for copies is due at pickup. Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted forms of payment at the office.
Phone and Mail Requests
You can also request records by calling (863) 946-1600. Staff take your request over the phone and start the search. They call you back when the records are ready. You then pick up copies in person or ask about mailing options.
Mail requests go to the Records Department at P.O. Box 39, Moore Haven, FL 33471. Your letter should include your name, phone number, mailing address, and details about the records you need. Include the date, location, and names of people involved in the incident. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the copy fees.
Online Records Search Options
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office website has links to online records tools. The SmartWEB inmate search handles jail records. For incident and crash reports, the site links to state and county portals. Always check the official website first for the most current links and forms.
To speed up your online request, have key details ready before you start. You need the date of the incident, the case number if you have it, and the names of people involved. This helps staff pull the right file from the system without extra back-and-forth.
What to Include in Your Request
Every records request needs certain details so staff can locate the right file. Missing pieces slow down the process. Put as much data as you know in your request. If you do not have a case number, the date and location are the next best details for finding a report.
- Your full name and contact phone number
- Your mailing or email address for delivery
- Type of record you want (incident report, arrest log, crash report)
- Date or date range of the incident
- Location of the incident (street, city, or address)
- Full names of people involved in the case
- Case number if you have one
- Preferred delivery method (pickup, mail, or email)
Types of Police Records Available
Glades County police records cover many categories of documents. Each type has its own rules for who can get a copy and how fast it is released. Most records become public once the case is closed. Active investigations may have parts blocked out to protect the work.
Incident Reports
Incident reports are created when a deputy responds to a call for service. These reports cover theft, assault, vandalism, trespassing, burglary, and similar crimes. The report includes the date, time, location, names of people involved, what deputies found, and any items collected as evidence.
You can ask for an incident report if you were involved in the case or if the investigation is closed. The fee for a standard copy follows Florida state guidelines. Many reports are released within a few business days after the request is filed. You can pick up the report in person or get it by email when it is ready.
Arrest Records and Booking Logs
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody in Glades County. The record lists the charges, arrest date, arresting deputy, and booking details. Once a person is booked into the Glades County jail, a booking log is created. This log has the mugshot, fingerprints, and bond amount.
Booking logs are public records unless a judge seals the case. The SmartWEB portal lets you search current inmates online. For older arrest records, contact the Records Division by phone or in person. Sealed cases require a court order before the sheriff’s office can release any details.
Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports in Glades County are filed by the responding agency. Reports written by sheriff’s deputies go through the Records Division. Reports written by the Florida Highway Patrol go through the state system. Each report costs a small fee and is sent by email or mail within a few days.
To order a crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol, visit www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/. You need the crash date, county, and the people involved. The report shows the crash diagram, witness list, and the deputy’s narrative of what happened. This is useful for insurance claims and court cases.
Background Check Records
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office offers fingerprinting for background checks. You can schedule a time through Access Systems, the vendor listed on the sheriff’s website. The fee covers the fingerprinting service and the state check. Results are sent to you and to the agency that asked for the check.
For statewide criminal history checks, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a central database. You can request a check for $24 per person. The search covers all Florida counties. Results come back in about one week by mail or email. Call FDLE at (850) 410-8161 for questions about the process.
Fees and Processing Times for Glades County Police Records
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office follows Florida law on records fees. Standard paper copies cost 15 cents per page. Electronic records sent by email are often free. Certified copies cost more because they require a notary seal and extra staff time.
Standard Copy Fees
Most basic police reports cost a small fee per page. The sheriff’s office gives you a price estimate before making copies. If the total cost goes above $200, the agency must give you a written estimate. You can narrow your request to keep costs down.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copy (per page) | 15 cents |
| Electronic record by email | Often free |
| Certified copy | Higher fee plus notary cost |
| Crash report (state system) | Small state fee |
| FDLE state background check | $24 per person |
Processing Time Estimates
Simple requests often finish in two to three business days. Larger or older requests can take a week or more. Active investigations take longer because parts of the report may be blocked out. The sheriff’s office will tell you if they need extra time and give you a new estimate.
You can inspect records for free before paying for copies. This lets you confirm the records are what you need. Then you pay only for the pages you want. If you are not sure what to ask for, call the Records Division first to narrow down your search.
Florida Public Records Law and Glades County
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes controls access to police records across the state. This law says all government records are open to the public. The law only blocks records that fall under a specific exemption. Most police reports become public once the case is closed.
Chapter 119 Public Records Rules
Florida Statute 119.07 gives you the right to inspect and copy public records. The agency can charge for the actual cost of copying. They cannot charge for the time it takes to pull the record. If a fee goes above $200, the agency must give you a written estimate first.
You can challenge a denial by asking the agency to cite the specific law that blocks the record. Most issues get solved by talking with the records custodian. If the agency still denies your request, you can take the case to court. The court can order the agency to release the records and may award legal fees to you.
Common Exemptions
Some records are blocked from public view under Florida law. Active criminal investigations are often exempt to protect the work. Confidential informants have their names blocked out. Juvenile cases are usually sealed. Home addresses of law enforcement officers and judges are also exempt.
If part of a record is exempt, the agency releases the rest of the document. They block out only the parts that fall under an exemption. The released portion is still a public record. You can ask for the released portion in full at the standard copy rate.
Glades County Clerk of Court Records
The Glades County Clerk of Court keeps records that go through the court system. These include criminal case files, traffic cases, civil suits, and official records like deeds and liens. The clerk’s office works with the sheriff’s office but is a separate agency. Their online portal lets you search many records from home.
Court Records Search Portal
The Glades County Clerk runs an online records search at gladesclerk.com/online-services/records-search/. You can look up court cases, official records, and plat maps. Search by name, case number, or date range. The portal shows case status, charges, court dates, and final outcomes.
The clerk’s portal covers the 20th Judicial Circuit, which includes Glades County. You can view case details and download documents for a small fee. Payment is by credit card through the secure portal. For questions about a court record, call the clerk’s office during business hours.
Court Services at the Clerk’s Office
The clerk’s office handles many services beyond records. They process marriage licenses, passports, tax deeds, and foreclosure filings. They also run e-filing for court cases and handle jury duty questions. The clerk’s office is in the Glades County Courthouse in Moore Haven.
For official records like deeds, mortgages, and liens, the clerk’s office is the official custodian. You can search the official records index online or visit the courthouse. Certified copies of official records require a small fee and are available the same day in most cases.
Statewide Florida Records Resources
Some records go beyond the local sheriff’s office. State agencies keep criminal history, crash reports, and offender data. These state tools cover all Florida counties, including Glades County. Use them when you need a broader search.
FDLE Public Records Portal
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a public records portal at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal. This portal handles requests for state-level police documents. Use it when you need records from multiple agencies or statewide background data on a person.
FDLE also runs the state’s sex offender registry and the criminal history database. The agency processes background checks for $24 per person. Submit fingerprints through an approved vendor like Access Systems, which serves the Glades County area. Results arrive in about one week.
Florida Highway Patrol Crash Reports
Crash reports written by the Florida Highway Patrol go through the state system. FHP patrols US 27, State Road 78, and other major roads through Glades County. If a state trooper responded to your crash, order the report at www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/.
You need the crash date, the county where it happened, and the names of drivers to start the search. The fee is small and you can pay by credit card. The report is sent by email within a few days. For questions about an FHP crash report, call the FHP regional office.
Glades County Detention Center Inmate Search
The Glades County Detention Center holds people arrested in the county. The center is run by the sheriff’s office. You can look up current inmates through the SmartWEB portal. The system shows people who are still in custody and those released in the last few days.
For questions about an inmate, call (863) 946-1600. Staff can confirm if a person is in custody, their bond amount, and their next court date. Visitations are scheduled through the detention center. Bond payments are accepted at the center or through a licensed bondsman.
Federal inmates held under contract at the Glades County Detention Center are listed on the ICE website. Visit www.ice.gov/detain/detention-facilities/glades-county-detention-center for the federal detainee locator. This page has visitation rules, phone hours, and mail rules for federal inmates.
Glades County Quick Facts
Glades County is a small rural county in south-central Florida. It sits along the western shore of Lake Okeechobee. The county has a population near 13,000 people. Moore Haven is the county seat. The Glades County Sheriff’s Office is the main law enforcement agency for the entire county.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | About 13,000 |
| County Seat | Moore Haven |
| Judicial Circuit | 20th Judicial Circuit |
| Year Established | 1921 |
| Main Law Enforcement Agency | Glades County Sheriff’s Office |
Official Contact Details and Location
Use the contact details below to reach the Glades County Sheriff’s Office Records Division. You can call, visit, or write to the office for any police records request in the county. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone line is staffed during business hours for questions about records, inmates, and active cases.
Glades County Sheriff’s Office
Street Address: 1297 E. SR 78, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 39, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Main Phone: (863) 946-1600
Fax: (863) 946-0845
Website: www.gladessheriff.org
Records Page: www.gladessheriff.org/administration/records.php
Inmate Search: smartweb.gladessheriff.org/smartwebclient/
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common things people ask about Glades County police records. Each answer gives you the key facts you need to start your request. Use this section as a quick check before you call the sheriff’s office or visit in person. The answers reflect current Florida law and the policies of the Glades County Sheriff’s Office as of 2026.
How long does it take to get a police report in Glades County?
Most basic Glades County police reports are ready in two to three business days. Simple requests for closed incident reports often finish the same day. Larger requests or reports tied to active investigations take longer. The sheriff’s office will give you a written time estimate if the request is complex. You can speed up the process by including the date, location, and case number in your first request. Phone calls during business hours at (863) 946-1600 are the fastest way to start a request and get a same-day answer for simple records.
Can I get Glades County police records for free?
You can inspect Glades County police records for free at the sheriff’s office before paying for copies. This lets you confirm the records are what you need. Electronic records sent by email are often free if the file is already in digital form. Paper copies cost 15 cents per page under Florida state guidelines. Certified copies cost more because they require a notary seal. The sheriff’s office will not charge you for the staff time to pull a record, only for the actual copy and certified copy fees.
What records are not public in Glades County?
Active criminal investigations are exempt from public release under Florida law. Records that identify confidential informants are blocked out. Juvenile case records are usually sealed by the court. Home addresses of sworn law enforcement officers, judges, and their families are also exempt. If a record has both public and exempt parts, the sheriff’s office releases the public portion with the exempt parts blacked out. You can ask for the redacted version at the standard copy rate.
How do I check if someone is in jail in Glades County?
Use the SmartWEB inmate search at smartweb.gladessheriff.org/smartwebclient/ to look up current inmates in the Glades County Detention Center. Search by full name to see booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and housing locations. The system updates multiple times each day. You can also call (863) 946-1600 during business hours to ask about a specific inmate. For federal inmates held at the Glades County facility, use the ICE detainee locator at www.ice.gov.
Can I get a Glades County crash report online?
Yes, you can order Glades County crash reports online. Reports written by sheriff’s deputies go through the Glades County Sheriff’s Office Records Division. Reports written by the Florida Highway Patrol go through the state portal at www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/. You need the crash date, county, and the names on the report. The fee is small and you can pay by credit card. The report is sent by email within a few business days after the order is placed.
Who do I call about an old arrest record in Glades County?
Call the Glades County Sheriff’s Office Records Division at (863) 946-1600 for any old arrest record. Have the person’s full name, date of birth, and the year of the arrest ready before you call. Staff can check both the sheriff’s records and the court records. Some very old records may have been moved to the state archives. The clerk of court at gladesclerk.com also has criminal case files going back many years for the 20th Judicial Circuit.
What is the difference between the sheriff’s office and the clerk of court for records?
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office keeps police records like incident reports, arrest logs, jail records, and crash reports. The Glades County Clerk of Court keeps court records like criminal case files, traffic cases, civil suits, deeds, and liens. The two agencies work together but store different types of records. For a full picture of a case, you often need records from both offices. Start with the sheriff’s office for the police report, then check the clerk’s portal for the court outcome.