Highlands County police records are public files kept by the Sheriff’s Office and city police departments in Sebring, Florida. These records include reports on crimes, arrests, traffic crashes, and other police actions.
Most records can be viewed by anyone who asks for them under Florida’s open records law. This page explains how to search, request, and get police reports in Highlands County.
Highlands County sits in central Florida. It has about 106,000 people. The county seat is Sebring. Other cities include Avon Park and Lake Placid. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office serves the whole county. City police departments handle cases inside city limits. Each agency keeps its own set of records.
What You Can Learn From Police Records
Police records show what happened during a call for service. They list the people involved, the location, and the outcome. You can use these records for legal matters, insurance claims, or personal reasons. Most records are free to view, but copies may have a small fee.
Types of Reports You Can Request
Highlands County agencies keep many types of police reports. The most common ones include incident reports, arrest reports, traffic crash reports, and booking logs. You can also request crime statistics, use of force reports, and warrant records in some cases.
- Incident reports and offense reports
- Arrest reports and booking photos
- Traffic citations and warnings
- Crash reports and diagrams
- Warrant records and active warrants
- Use of force reports
- Crime statistics and case outcomes
What Each Report Contains
An incident report tells the story of a call. It has the date, time, and place. It lists the people involved and any witnesses. The deputy writes down what they saw and what actions they took. The report has a case number you can use later.
Arrest reports show when someone was taken into custody. They list the charges, the arresting officer, and the booking details. The report may include a mugshot and fingerprints. Bond amounts and court dates appear on arrest records.
Crash reports describe car accidents. They show the vehicles, the drivers, and the road conditions. The report has a diagram of the crash scene. You can order a crash report for insurance or legal reasons.
Records Exempt From Public View
Some records cannot be released to the public. Florida law lists specific exemptions. Active investigations, juvenile records, and sealed court cases stay private. Confidential informants and ongoing intelligence work also fall under exemptions.
Body camera footage often has limits on who can see it. Some footage is released only after a formal request. Medical records from police response stay private. Home addresses of police officers and judges are often exempt.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is the main police agency in the county. It is led by Sheriff Paul Blackman. The office patrols unincorporated areas, runs the county jail, and serves court papers. All reports filed by deputies go through the Sheriff’s Office records system.
Office Location and Hours
The Sheriff’s Office sits at 434 Fernleaf Avenue in Sebring, Florida. The zip code is 33870. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone number is (863) 402-7200. You can call this number for non-emergency help or to ask about records.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency Name | Highlands County Sheriff’s Office |
| Address | 434 Fernleaf Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870 |
| Main Phone | (863) 402-7200 |
| Non-Emergency | (863) 402-7200 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.highlandssheriff.org |
Records Division Contact
The Records Division handles all public records requests for the Sheriff’s Office. The division keeps copies of incident reports, arrest records, and crash reports. Staff can help you fill out a request form and tell you the cost. You can reach the Records Division by calling the main number and asking for the records clerk.
Email requests go through the public records email on the Sheriff’s Office website. Include your name, contact details, and a clear description of the record you need. The records clerk will reply with a cost estimate and a timeline.
Sheriff Paul Blackman and Command Staff
Sheriff Paul Blackman leads the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. He was elected by county voters. The Sheriff appoints command staff to run divisions like patrol, investigations, corrections, and records. The agency has hundreds of sworn deputies and civilian staff.
The Sheriff’s Office serves the 10th Judicial Circuit. It works with state and federal agencies on major cases. Public records about the agency’s budget, policies, and operations are available through the records office.
How to Request Police Records in Highlands County
You can request police records in person, by mail, by email, or online. Choose the method that fits your needs. Most simple requests get processed in a few days. Complex requests may take longer.
Step 1: Gather Your Details
Before you request a record, write down everything you know. The more details you give, the faster the search. Include the date, time, and place of the incident. List the names of the people involved. Have the case number if you have one.
- Date and time of the incident
- Address or location where it happened
- Names of people involved or arrested
- Type of record you need
- Case or report number if you know it
- Your contact details
Step 2: Choose How to Submit Your Request
You can submit your request four ways. Walk into the Sheriff’s Office during business hours. Mail a written request to the records division. Send an email to the records clerk. Use the online form on the Sheriff’s Office website.
For in-person visits, bring a photo ID. The staff will help you fill out a request form. Same-day service is possible for simple reports. For mail or email requests, include all the details listed above. Keep a copy of your request for your records.
Step 3: Pay Any Required Fees
Florida law allows agencies to charge for copies. The fee is up to 15 cents per page for single-sided copies and 20 cents for double-sided. Electronic records sent by email may be free. Certified copies cost more and need an official seal.
The records clerk will tell you the cost before filling your request. You can pay by cash, check, or money order for in-person visits. Mail requests should include a check or money order. Online payments may be available through the Sheriff’s Office portal.
Step 4: Track Your Request
After you submit a request, the agency has a reasonable time to respond. Simple requests often take a few business days. Complex requests with many pages can take several weeks. The records clerk will give you an estimate.
Keep your request confirmation number. Use it to check the status of your request. Call the records division if you have not heard back within the expected time. Florida law requires agencies to respond to public records requests without delay.
Request Forms and What to Write
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office uses a standard public records request form. You can download it from the Sheriff’s Office website or pick one up at the front desk. The form asks for your name, address, phone number, and email. It also asks for details about the record you need.
Write a clear description of the record. Use the case number if you have it. State the date range for your search. Sign and date the form. Submit it in person, by mail, or by email. Keep a copy for your files.
Florida’s Public Records Law
Florida has a strong public records law. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives you the right to see most government records. You do not need to explain why you want a record. You do not need to be a party to the case.
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 covers all state and local government records. The law applies to police agencies, city departments, school boards, and more. Each agency must follow the law. They must provide records unless a specific exemption applies.
You can read the full text of Chapter 119 at leg.state.fl.us. The law lists the rights of requesters. It also lists the duties of agencies. The law sets limits on fees and response times.
Exempt Records You Cannot See
Some records are exempt from public view. Common exemptions include active criminal investigations, juvenile criminal records, and sealed court cases. Body camera footage often has limits. Some home addresses of officers and judges are protected.
The full list of exemptions is long. Agencies must cite the specific law that exempts a record. If a record is partly exempt, the agency will release the parts that are public. They will black out the exempt parts and show the rest.
How to Appeal a Denial
If your request is denied, the agency must give you a written reason. The reason must cite the specific law that exempts the record. You can ask the agency to reconsider. You can also file a lawsuit in court.
Most disputes get resolved through communication with the records custodian. If you need to file a lawsuit, you can do so in the county circuit court. The court can order the agency to release the record. You may also recover attorney fees if you win.
City Police Departments in Highlands County
Three cities in Highlands County have their own police departments. Each department handles police work inside its city limits. Records from city police are separate from the Sheriff’s Office. Make sure you contact the right agency for your record.
Sebring Police Department
The Sebring Police Department serves the City of Sebring. It is in the same county as the Sheriff’s Office. The department handles calls within city limits. Its records are separate from the Sheriff’s Office records.
You can contact the Sebring Police Department at (863) 471-5100. The department sits at 307 South Commerce Avenue in Sebring. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can request records in person or by mail.
Avon Park Police Department
The Avon Park Police Department serves the City of Avon Park. The department is in the north part of the county. It handles calls within Avon Park city limits. Records are separate from the Sheriff’s Office.
Contact the Avon Park Police Department at (863) 452-4444. The department sits at 304 East Main Street in Avon Park. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can visit the department or send a written request by mail.
Lake Placid Police Department
The Lake Placid Police Department serves the Town of Lake Placid. It handles calls within town limits. Records from the department are kept in Lake Placid. They are separate from county and other city records.
You can reach the Lake Placid Police Department at (863) 699-3757. The department is at 311 West Interlake Boulevard in Lake Placid. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can request records in person, by mail, or by email.
Statewide Search Tools
Some records are kept at the state level. Florida has statewide systems for criminal history, crash reports, and more. These tools help you search records from many agencies at once.
FDLE Public Records Portal
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a public records portal. The portal is at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal. You can use it to request criminal records, background checks, and other state records. FDLE handles requests for the whole state.
The portal is useful when you need records from multiple agencies. It also handles statewide background checks for employment and licensing. You pay a fee for each search. Results come by mail or email within a set time.
Florida Highway Patrol Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports in Florida can be ordered through the state system. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles runs the crash report system. The website is www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports. You pay a fee and get the report by email.
This system works for crashes investigated by the Sheriff’s Office, city police, or the Florida Highway Patrol. The Florida Highway Patrol covers US 27 and other state roads through Highlands County. You can also contact FHP at www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/contact-fhp.
Clerk of Court Records
The Highlands County Clerk of Court keeps court records. This includes criminal case files, traffic case files, and civil records. The Clerk’s office sits in the courthouse in Sebring. You can search case files online or in person.
You can contact the Clerk of Court at (863) 402-6564. The office is at 590 South Commerce Avenue in Sebring. The Clerk’s office has online tools for searching court records. You can also order certified copies of court documents.
Booking, Jail, and Inmate Records
The Highlands County Jail is run by the Sheriff’s Office. The jail holds people who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Booking records, inmate rosters, and release dates are public records.
Highlands County Jail
The Highlands County Jail sits next to the Sheriff’s Office at 434 Fernleaf Avenue in Sebring. The jail has separate areas for men, women, and special needs inmates. The jail staff processes all bookings and releases for the county.
You can call the jail at (863) 402-7200 and ask for the booking desk. The staff can tell you if someone is in custody. They can also tell you the charges and bond amount. Visitation hours and rules are available on the Sheriff’s Office website.
Current Inmate Search
The Sheriff’s Office has an online inmate search tool. You can search by name or booking date. The tool shows current inmates, their charges, and bond amounts. It also shows recent releases.
The inmate search is free to use. You can access it on the Sheriff’s Office website. The tool updates regularly. If you cannot locate someone, call the booking desk for help. Booking photos and full records may require a public records request.
Arrest Logs and Booking Photos
Arrest logs show recent bookings in the county. The logs list the arrest date, charges, and arresting agency. Booking photos are public in most cases. You can request recent arrest logs from the records division.
Juvenile arrest records and sealed cases are not public. Adult arrest records become public after the case is closed. Some arrest records are sealed by court order. You can ask the records clerk about the status of a specific case.
Background Checks and Criminal History
You can run a background check on someone in Highlands County. The check shows arrests, convictions, and case outcomes. Background checks help with employment, housing, and other decisions.
FDLE Criminal Background Checks
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs statewide background checks. The cost is $24 for each check. You must submit fingerprints at an approved vendor. Results take about one week by mail.
You can order a background check through the FDLE website. The website is at www.fdle.state.fl.us. You can also call FDLE at (850) 410-8161. The check covers Florida arrests and convictions only. National checks need a different process.
Local Records for Background Use
For local background checks, contact the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. They can tell you about local arrests and outcomes. Local checks are good for jobs in Highlands County. They may not show records from other counties.
Some employers and licensing boards need both local and state checks. You can run both checks at the same time. The Sheriff’s Office can help you understand what records are available. They can also help you correct errors in your record.
Warrant Searches in Highlands County
Active warrants are public records in most cases. You can search for warrants in Highlands County. The Sheriff’s Office keeps a list of active warrants. The list is updated regularly.
Active Warrants
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office posts active warrants online. The list shows the name of the person, the charges, and the date the warrant was issued. You can search the list by name on the Sheriff’s Office website.
Not all warrants are public. Some warrants are sealed by court order. Juvenile warrants are not public. Federal warrants are kept by federal agencies. The Sheriff’s Office only posts local warrants from Highlands County courts.
How to Check for a Warrant
You can check for a warrant in three ways. Search the online warrant list on the Sheriff’s Office website. Call the Sheriff’s Office at (863) 402-7200. Visit the Sheriff’s Office in person during business hours.
Bring a photo ID if you visit in person. The staff can check the system for you. They can also tell you the charges and the bond amount. If you discover a warrant, talk to a lawyer before going to the jail.
Police Records Request Fees and Timelines
Fees and timelines depend on the type of record. Simple reports are fast and cheap. Complex requests take longer and cost more. Florida law sets the rules for fees and response times.
Copying and Certification Costs
The Sheriff’s Office charges for paper copies. Single-sided copies are 15 cents per page. Double-sided copies are 20 cents per page. Email copies are usually free. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee.
Large requests may need a deposit. The records clerk will tell you the deposit amount. You pay the rest when you pick up the records. Electronic records on a CD or USB drive may have an extra fee.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-sided copy | 15 cents per page |
| Double-sided copy | 20 cents per page |
| Email record | Free in most cases |
| Certified copy | $1 per page plus $2 fee |
| FDLE background check | $24 per check |
| Crash report from state | $10 per report |
How Long Requests Take
Simple requests take 1 to 3 business days. Medium requests take 5 to 10 business days. Complex requests can take several weeks. The records clerk will give you an estimate when you submit your request.
Florida law requires agencies to respond without delay. They can ask for extra time if the request is large. They can also ask for a deposit. If the request takes too long, you can appeal the delay to the court.
Contact Details for Highlands County
Use the contact details below to reach the right agency in Highlands County. Call the main number for non-emergency help. Visit the office in person for fastest service. Send a written request for large or complex searches.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office
434 Fernleaf Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-7200
Website: www.highlandssheriff.org
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sebring Police Department
307 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 471-5100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Avon Park Police Department
304 East Main Street
Avon Park, FL 33825
Phone: (863) 452-4444
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lake Placid Police Department
311 West Interlake Boulevard
Lake Placid, FL 33852
Phone: (863) 699-3757
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Highlands County Clerk of Court
590 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6564
Website: www.highlandsclerkfl.gov
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Highlands County police records. It covers request times, costs, sealed records, and more. If you have a question not answered here, call the records division for help during business hours.
How long does it take to get a police report in Highlands County?
Most simple police reports in Highlands County are ready within 1 to 3 business days after you submit your request. Medium requests with several pages take about 5 to 10 business days to process. Large requests with many pages or old records can take several weeks to complete. The records clerk will give you a time estimate when you submit your request. Florida law requires agencies to respond to public records requests without unreasonable delay. You can check the status of your request by calling the records division at (863) 402-7200. If the request takes too long, you can appeal the delay to the circuit court in Sebring. The court can order the agency to speed up the response.
Are juvenile arrest records public in Highlands County?
No. Juvenile arrest records are not public in Florida under state law. Florida protects the identity of minors involved in the criminal justice system. Sealed juvenile records stay private forever. Expunged juvenile records are destroyed by court order. Some juvenile records may be available to other agencies for police purposes, but the public cannot see them. If you need a juvenile record for a court case, talk to a lawyer about how to request it through the proper legal channels. Parents or guardians of the juvenile may also be able to request records in some cases. The Clerk of Court can explain the rules for your situation.
Can I get a police report online in Highlands County?
Yes. You can request many police reports online through the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office website. The website has a public records request form. You fill it out and submit it with the click of a button. The records clerk will email you when the report is ready. Crash reports are also available online through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles system at flhsmv.gov. Some records are only available in person, including certified copies and records that need ID verification. You can also call the records division to ask if your record is available online before you submit a formal request.
What if I cannot locate the record I need?
If you cannot locate a record, the records clerk can help you search the system. Call the records division at (863) 402-7200 during business hours. The clerk can search by date, name, or case number. They can also tell you which agency keeps the record. The record may be at a different agency than you expected. City police records are separate from the Sheriff’s Office. Court records are at the Clerk of Court. State criminal history is at FDLE. If the record is sealed or expunged, the agency cannot release it even if you ask.
Are booking photos public in Highlands County?
Yes. Most booking photos in Highlands County are public records. You can request them through the records division at the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office charges a small fee for printed photos. Email photos may be free. Some booking photos are sealed by court order and not available to the public. Juvenile booking photos are not public. Expunged records are destroyed and not available for viewing. Recent booking photos may also appear on the Sheriff’s Office website or social media pages. The agency may remove booking photos after a set time period.
How do I seal or expunge a record in Highlands County?
You can apply to seal or expunge a record through the Clerk of Court. The application must meet Florida law requirements. You need a certificate of eligibility from FDLE first. The fee for the certificate is $75. Once you have the certificate, file the petition with the Clerk of Court in Sebring. The court will hold a hearing. A judge will decide if your record can be sealed or expunged. Not all records qualify. You must meet specific criteria under Florida law. Talk to a lawyer if you have questions about your case. The Clerk of Court can give you the forms and explain the steps.
Can I get records from another county through Highlands County?
No. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office only has records from Highlands County. To get records from another county, contact that county’s sheriff or police department. Each Florida county keeps its own records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has statewide criminal history records. You can use the FDLE portal for statewide searches at fdle.justfoia.com. The state system covers all Florida counties. For federal records, contact the FBI or the federal agency that made the arrest.