Lake County police records are public documents kept by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and city police departments in Central Florida. These records include arrest reports, incident reports, crash reports, booking logs, and calls for service.
The county seat is Tavares, and the population is around 383,956 people. Anyone can request these records under Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119. This page covers how to find, request, and use Lake County police records through the right agencies and online systems.
Agencies That Keep Lake County Police Records
Several law enforcement agencies create and store police records in Lake County. Each agency keeps records for the areas they serve. Knowing which agency handled the case is the first step to getting the right records.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the main law enforcement agency. It patrols unincorporated areas of the county, runs the county jail in Tavares, and answers emergency calls outside city limits. The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest reports, incident reports, crash reports, booking records, and calls for service. Their main office is at 360 West Ruby Street, Tavares, FL 32778. The public records unit handles all record requests for the Sheriff’s Office.
Clermont Police Department
The Clermont Police Department serves the city of Clermont. They handle police reports for incidents inside Clermont city limits. This includes arrests, traffic stops, and crash reports on local roads. Records from Clermont PD must be requested directly from that agency. Clermont PD does not share its records with the Sheriff’s Office.
Leesburg Police Department
The Leesburg Police Department covers the city of Leesburg. They keep police records for crimes, arrests, and crashes that happen inside Leesburg. The department files its own case numbers and stores reports in a separate system. Leesburg PD responds to calls through its own dispatch center.
Other City Police Departments
Smaller cities in Lake County also have their own police departments. These include Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares, Mascotte, Minneola, Groveland, and Umatilla. Each department keeps records only for incidents in its own city limits. Records from these agencies are not stored in the Sheriff’s Office system. You must contact each city police department separately for their records.
| Agency | Area Served | Main Records Kept |
|---|---|---|
| Lake County Sheriff’s Office | Unincorporated Lake County | Arrests, crashes, incidents, jail bookings |
| Clermont Police Department | City of Clermont | Arrests, incidents, city crash reports |
| Leesburg Police Department | City of Leesburg | Arrests, incidents, city crash reports |
| Eustis Police Department | City of Eustis | Arrests, incidents, city crash reports |
| Mount Dora Police Department | City of Mount Dora | Arrests, incidents, city crash reports |
| Florida Highway Patrol | State highways and interstates | Highway crashes, traffic crimes |
How to Request Lake County Police Records
Florida law gives the public the right to see and copy police records. The process depends on which agency keeps the record. Most agencies accept requests by mail, phone, in person, or online.
What You Need Before You Request
Gathering key details before you start speeds up the request. Records staff need basic facts to locate the right file. The more you know, the faster the search.
- Full name of the person involved
- Date or approximate date of the incident
- City or area where the incident happened
- Case number or report number if you have it
- Type of record (arrest, incident, crash, booking)
Requesting Records from the Sheriff’s Office
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office does not have a public online search portal for police reports. You must contact the records unit directly. Call (352) 343-2100 during business hours to start a request. You can also visit the main office at 360 West Ruby Street, Tavares, FL 32778. For mail requests, send a written request to the records unit at the same address. Include the details listed above and a daytime phone number. The Sheriff’s Office charges a small fee for copies based on Florida law.
Requesting Records from City Police Departments
Each city police department has its own process. Most city departments in Lake County accept phone and in-person requests. Some have online request forms on their city websites. Fees and response times vary by agency. Always contact the specific department for incidents that happened inside city limits.
Types of Lake County Police Records
Lake County law enforcement agencies keep several kinds of records. Each type of record has its own rules for access and sharing. Knowing the difference helps you get the right document.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody. They include the person’s name, date of birth, charges, booking date, and arresting agency. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office files arrest reports for cases in unincorporated areas. City police file arrest reports for cases inside their cities. Arrest reports are public once the case is closed or the person is charged.
Incident Reports
Incident reports cover non-criminal calls and minor crimes. They include theft reports, vandalism, lost property, and suspicious activity. These reports are filed by the agency that responded to the call. Incident reports are public under Florida law unless an active investigation exemption applies.
Crash Reports
Crash reports document traffic accidents. Any crash with injury, death, or property damage over $500 must be reported. The agency that responds to the crash files the report. You can order crash reports online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Visit the FLHSMV crash report ordering system at flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports to search and buy copies. You need the crash date and county name. The FLHSMV site charges a fee per report.
Booking Records and Jail Rosters
Booking records show who is in the Lake County jail. The jail is run by the Sheriff’s Office in Tavares. The jail roster updates daily and shows current inmates and recent bookings. Booking records include name, photo, charges, bond amount, and booking date. These records are public immediately under Florida law. You can view the jail roster on the Sheriff’s Office website or request copies by phone.
Calls for Service Logs
Calls for service logs list every call the agency answered. They show the date, time, location, and type of call. Lake County agencies keep these logs for internal review. They are public records and can be requested from the agency. Logs do not include full details of what happened. They only show that a call was made.
Florida Public Records Law and Lake County
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives citizens the right to see and copy government records. Police records fall under this law.
Your Rights Under Chapter 119
You do not need to explain why you want police records. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to be a lawyer or a journalist. Any person can ask for public records. Agencies must respond within a reasonable time. Most Lake County agencies respond within 3 to 10 business days. If a request is large, the agency can charge for the time it takes to search and copy records.
Records That Are Exempt
Some police records are exempt from public release. Active criminal investigations can be kept private. Information that could harm an investigation is exempt. Personal details like Social Security numbers are redacted. Juvenile records have extra privacy rules. Confidential informant identities are protected. Home addresses of law enforcement officers and judges are exempt in many cases. If an agency denies a request, it must cite the specific legal exemption.
Fees for Copies and Searches
Florida law sets fees for public records. Copy fees are usually 15 cents per page for single-sided copies. Agencies can charge for the actual cost of copies. For large requests, agencies can charge for the staff time spent searching and copying. The agency must give you a cost estimate before filling a large request. You can narrow your request to lower the cost.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is the state agency that keeps criminal history records. FDLE collects data from all county and city law enforcement agencies in Florida, including Lake County.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
FDLE runs a central database of arrests and convictions in Florida. A criminal history check pulls records from this system. The fee is $24 per check. You need the person’s name, date of birth, and consent. Results take 5 to 10 business days. You can request a check by mail, online, or in person at the FDLE office in Tallahassee.
Contact FDLE
Call FDLE at (850) 410-8161 for criminal history requests. The public records unit can be reached at (850) 410-7676. Email questions to publicrecords@fdle.state.fl.us. The mailing address is FDLE, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. The office is at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Florida Highway Patrol Records in Lake County
The Florida Highway Patrol handles crashes and traffic crimes on state highways. In Lake County, FHP covers Interstate 75, US Highway 27, State Road 50, State Road 19, and the Florida Turnpike. FHP reports are public records.
How to Get FHP Records
All Florida crash reports go through the FLHSMV online system. The process is the same whether the report was filed by FHP, the Sheriff, or a city police department. Order crash reports at flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports. You need the crash date and the name of at least one driver. The system charges a fee for each report.
Contact FHP
Call *FHP (*347) from a cell phone to reach the nearest FHP dispatch. For non-emergency questions about FHP reports, visit the FHP contact page at flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/contact-fhp. FHP troop headquarters serving Lake County is in the Orlando area. FHP reports can also be requested through the FLHSMV system.
What Records Are Free and What Cost Money
Some Lake County police records are free to view. Others have a fee. The cost depends on the type of record and the size of your request.
Free Records
The Lake County jail roster is free to view online. Calls for service logs are often free if you view them in person. Press releases and crime statistics are usually free. Most agencies let you inspect records for free before you pay for copies.
Records with a Fee
Copies of police reports have a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Crash reports through FLHSMV have a set fee. Criminal history checks through FDLE cost $24 each. Large requests may include a search fee based on staff time.
| Record Type | How to Get It | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jail roster | Sheriff’s Office website | Free |
| Arrest report copy | Records unit request | Per-page copy fee |
| Crash report | FLHSMV online system | Set fee per report |
| Incident report copy | Records unit request | Per-page copy fee |
| Criminal history check | FDLE mail or online | $24 per check |
| Certified record copy | Records unit request | Higher per-page fee |
Tips for Faster Lake County Police Record Requests
A few simple steps can save you time and money. Always have key details ready before you contact the agency. Narrow your request to a specific time and place. Ask for the exact record type you need.
Use the Right Agency
Check the location of the incident before you request. Incidents in unincorporated areas go to the Sheriff’s Office. Incidents inside city limits go to the city police department. Highway incidents on state roads go to FHP. Sending your request to the wrong agency causes delays.
Get Case Numbers First
If you already have a case number, your request is much faster. Case numbers are on most police documents. Court records also have case numbers. Include the case number in your request to skip the search step.
Keep Your Request Simple
Ask for one record or one type of record at a time. A narrow request gets faster results. Large requests take longer and cost more. If you need many records, break your request into smaller batches.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
Agencies must follow Florida law. If your request is denied, the agency must give a written reason. The reason must cite a specific law that allows them to keep the record private. You have the right to challenge a denial.
Steps to Challenge a Denial
First, ask the agency for the specific exemption in writing. Second, contact the agency’s legal department or public information officer. Third, file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Fourth, you can file a lawsuit in circuit court. Florida courts favor public access. The agency must prove the exemption applies. Many denials are reversed when challenged.
Lake County Police Records by City
Each city in Lake County has its own police records. Here is a quick list of the main cities and their police departments. Contact the correct city for records inside that city.
- Clermont Police Department – serves city of Clermont
- Leesburg Police Department – serves city of Leesburg
- Eustis Police Department – serves city of Eustis
- Mount Dora Police Department – serves city of Mount Dora
- Tavares Police Department – serves city of Tavares
- Mascotte Police Department – serves city of Mascotte
- Minneola Police Department – serves city of Minneola
- Groveland Police Department – serves city of Groveland
- Umatilla Police Department – serves city of Umatilla
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Contact Details
Use the contact details below to reach the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for police record requests, jail records, and public records questions. The Sheriff’s Office is open 24 hours a day for emergency calls. The records unit has set business hours.
- Address: 360 West Ruby Street, Tavares, FL 32778
- Main Phone: (352) 343-2100
- Sheriff Dispatch: 911 for emergencies, (352) 343-2100 for non-emergencies
- Records Unit Phone: (352) 343-2100
- Website: lcso.org
- Office Hours: Records unit open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Jail Address: 551 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778
- Jail Phone: (352) 343-2100
For Florida Highway Patrol crash reports, order online at flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports or call *FHP (*347). For statewide criminal history, contact FDLE at (850) 410-8161 or visit fdle.state.fl.us.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers the most common questions about Lake County police records. It covers search methods, request forms, fees, and what to do when records are sealed. Each answer gives you clear steps based on Florida law and current agency practice.
How do I search Lake County police records by name?
You can search Lake County police records by name through the agency that handled the case. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office does not have a public online search portal. You must call the records unit at (352) 343-2100 or visit the office at 360 West Ruby Street, Tavares, FL 32778. Give the full name, date of birth, and approximate date of the incident. Staff will search the system and tell you if a record exists. City police departments in Lake County use the same process. Provide the same details when you contact them. For statewide criminal history, use FDLE’s online system or mail a request with fingerprints and the $24 fee.
Where can I find Lake County police incident reports online?
Most Lake County police incident reports are not posted online. The Sheriff’s Office and city police departments require a direct request. You can call, visit in person, or mail a request. Crash reports are the exception. You can order traffic crash reports online through the FLHSMV system at flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports. You need the crash date, county, and a driver’s name. The site charges a fee per report. Some agencies post recent arrest logs on their websites. Check the Lake County Sheriff’s Office website at lcso.org for the daily jail roster.
Can I get a Lake County police report by case number?
Yes, a case number makes your request faster. The case number is the unique ID assigned to each report. Include the case number, the agency name, and the year. Staff can pull the file quickly without a full search. Case numbers are printed on police documents, court papers, and traffic citations. If you do not have the case number, the agency can still search using the date, location, and names involved.
How long does it take to get a Lake County police report?
Most Lake County police report requests are filled within 3 to 10 business days. Simple requests with a case number take less time. Large requests may take longer. Active investigations can delay release under Florida exemptions. Crash reports through FLHSMV are available online within a few days of the crash. The Sheriff’s Office will give you a time estimate when you submit your request.
What does a Lake County police records request form include?
A Lake County police records request form includes your name, contact details, and a description of the records you want. It also includes the agency name, the date or range of dates, the case number, and the names of people involved. Many agencies accept a written letter in place of a form. The form must be signed and dated. Include a phone number or email so the agency can reach you with questions or a cost estimate.
Are Lake County police records free to view?
Viewing records in person at the agency is usually free. You pay only for copies. The Sheriff’s Office charges 15 cents per page for single-sided copies under Florida law. Certified copies cost more. Large requests may include a search fee based on staff time. Crash reports through FLHSMV have a flat fee. Criminal history checks through FDLE cost $24 each. Always ask for a cost estimate before approving a large request.
What if my Lake County police record is sealed or expunged?
Sealed and expunged records are not public. You cannot get them through a normal public records request. To seal or expunge a record, you must file a petition with the Lake County Clerk of Court. The process is governed by Florida Statute 943.059. You may need a lawyer. Some expunged records are available only to specific agencies for law enforcement purposes. FDLE keeps a record of sealed cases but does not release them to the public.