Monroe County police records are public documents created by law enforcement agencies across the Florida Keys. These records include incident reports, arrest logs, crash reports, booking photos, and dispatch calls.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Key West Police Department create most of these records. Florida law gives every person the right to view and copy these records. This page explains how to get Monroe County police records, what each agency keeps, and what you can search online for free.
Who Keeps Monroe County Police Records
Three main agencies create police records in Monroe County. The agency that handled the case holds the original report. You need to contact the right office based on where the event happened. The Florida Keys stretch from Key Largo to Key West over 120 miles.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office covers all areas of the county except the city of Key West. The Sheriff serves Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, Sugarloaf Key, Cudjoe Key, Stock Island, and the unincorporated areas. The Sheriff’s Office handles patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and jail operations. They create incident reports, arrest reports, crash reports, and booking records for their jurisdiction.
The main office sits at 5525 College Road on Stock Island, just east of Key West. Phone lines stay open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Records Division handles all public record requests. Call (305) 292-7000 to reach the main line or (305) 292-7050 for the records section.
Key West Police Department
The Key West Police Department serves only the city limits of Key West. Key West covers the southernmost area of the county. KWPD keeps its own police records separate from the Sheriff. They handle all incidents within city limits including Duval Street, Old Town, Bahama Village, and the Historic District. The department also handles calls at the Key West International Airport.
The Key West Police Department is at 1604 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida 33040. The Records Unit takes requests Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (305) 809-1111 for the main line or (305) 809-1056 for records. Email requests go to kwrecords@keywest-fl.gov.
Florida Highway Patrol
The Florida Highway Patrol handles crashes and traffic stops on US-1, the Overseas Highway. FHP troopers cover the entire 113-mile stretch of highway through the Keys. They also respond to incidents on Card Sound Road in northern Key Largo. FHP creates its own crash reports that you can order through the state.
For FHP records, call *FHP (*347) from any phone. This routes you to the nearest dispatch center. FHP headquarters in Tallahassee handles all public records requests by mail or email at FHP-PublicRecords@flhsmv.gov.
Types of Monroe County Police Records
Monroe County law enforcement creates several different kinds of records. Each type serves a different purpose. Some records become public right away. Others must wait until a case closes. Florida law lists specific exemptions that block certain records from public view.
Incident Reports
Incident reports cover calls for service that do not always lead to arrests. These include theft reports, vandalism, lost property, suspicious activity, and disturbances. An officer writes a report after responding to a call. The report has the time, location, names of people involved, and a written narrative. Most incident reports become public once the case closes or becomes inactive.
Active investigations stay sealed until the case reaches a clear endpoint. Florida Statute 119.071 lists the exemptions. You can still ask for the record. The agency will tell you when it will become available.
Arrest Records and Booking Logs
Booking records show who is in the Monroe County Jail. The Sheriff runs the jail on Stock Island. Booking records show the name, photo, charges, bond amount, and booking date. Florida law makes these records public right away. You can view them as soon as the person gets booked.
Arrest reports contain more detail. They include the officer’s narrative, witness statements, and evidence lists. The agency that made the arrest holds the report. You must request it from that specific agency.
Traffic Crash Reports
Florida law requires a crash report for any incident with injury, death, or property damage over $500. Monroe County sees many crashes on the Overseas Highway. Crash reports include the diagram, witness info, and fault determination. The agency that responded writes the report.
You can order crash reports online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Visit flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports to use the search tool. Reports cost $10 each plus a small service fee. Most reports post to the system within 5 to 7 days.
Calls for Service and Dispatch Logs
Dispatch logs show every call that comes into 911 or the non-emergency line. These logs show the time, location, and type of call. They do not include personal details about the people involved. Monroe County publishes dispatch logs through the Sheriff’s Office and Key West PD.
Dispatch records help you check if officers responded to a specific address on a specific date. They work for background checks on rental properties or neighborhood research. The logs show call types like traffic stop, domestic, alarm, or medical aid.
How to Request Police Records
You can request Monroe County police records in person, by mail, by email, or by phone. The process follows Florida public records law. You do not need to show ID or explain why you want the records. The agency must respond within a set time period.
What to Include in Your Request
A complete request helps the agency find records faster. Include as many details as you know. The more facts you provide, the quicker staff can locate the right document. Keep your request clear and direct.
- Full name of the person involved
- Date of birth if you know it
- Date or date range of the incident
- Location including island name and street
- Type of incident (arrest, theft, crash, etc.)
- Case number or report number if available
- Name of the agency that responded
- Your contact information
- Preferred delivery method (email, mail, pickup)
Processing Times and Fees
Florida law requires agencies to respond to records requests quickly. Simple requests get filled within a few business days. Complex requests that need extensive search time take longer. The agency can charge for copies and staff time.
Standard copy fees are 15 cents per one-sided page and 20 cents per two-sided page. If the total cost will exceed $200, the agency must give you a written estimate before doing the work. You can agree to pay or narrow your request. Some agencies charge less for electronic copies sent by email.
Florida Public Records Law
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes governs access to government records. The law gives every person the right to inspect and copy public records. Police records fall under this law unless a specific exemption applies. Monroe County agencies must follow these rules.
What Is Public
Most police records become public once a case closes. Booking photos and arrest details are public right away. Incident narratives become public after the investigation ends. Crash reports post to the state database within days. Body camera footage may be exempt in some cases under Florida law.
What Stays Sealed
Some records stay confidential. Active investigations remain sealed until the case closes. Juvenile records stay sealed under Florida law. Confidential informant identities never get released. Personal details like Social Security numbers get redacted. Medical records stay private under HIPAA rules.
Exemptions Under Florida Law
Florida law lists many specific exemptions. Section 119.071 covers most law enforcement exemptions. These include undercover officer identities, surveillance techniques, and home addresses of law enforcement personnel. Some court records stay sealed by judge order. Victim information in sexual assault cases stays private.
You can still ask for records even if an exemption might apply. The agency will tell you why they cannot release the record. They will release the parts that are public and redact the parts that fall under exemptions.
Online Access to Monroe County Records
Several online tools let you search Monroe County police records for free. These tools connect to live databases maintained by the agencies. You can search by name, date, or location. The results show recent activity and sometimes link to full reports.
Sheriff’s Online Tools
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office runs an online portal. You can search active warrants, recent bookings, and the daily blotter. The blotter shows arrests from the past 24 to 48 hours. Warrant lists show people wanted for active charges. Visit keysso.net to access these tools.
The Sheriff also posts a jail roster. This shows every person currently in the Monroe County Jail. The roster updates every few hours. You can see charges, bond, and scheduled court dates.
Key West Police Online Tools
Key West PD posts a daily activity log on their website. The log shows calls for service from the past 24 hours. It includes traffic stops, arrests, and incidents. The city also publishes a crime map through a third-party service. Visit keywestcity.com to find these resources.
The Key West crime map shows reported incidents by type and location. You can filter by date range and incident type. The map pulls data from KWPD reports and shows patterns over time.
Statewide Search Tools
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a public records portal. You can create a free account at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal. The portal handles criminal history requests and public records requests. FDLE responds within a few business days.
The state also runs a sex offender registry. You can search by name or address. The registry shows registered offenders living in Monroe County. Visit offender.fdle.state.fl.us to use the search tool.
Background Checks and Criminal History
Florida offers statewide criminal history checks through FDLE. These checks show arrests and dispositions from all Florida counties. Monroe County records appear in these checks. The cost is $24 per search.
How to Get a Florida Background Check
You can request a Florida criminal history check three ways. Mail requests need fingerprints on a specific card. Walk-in service is available at FDLE headquarters in Tallahassee. The office sits at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You can also use an FDLE-approved LiveScan vendor. These vendors take your fingerprints electronically and send them to FDLE. Results come back faster than mail requests. Visit fdle.state.fl.us for a list of approved vendors in Monroe County.
What Shows Up on a Background Check
A Florida criminal history shows arrests, charges, and final court outcomes. It includes information from all Florida counties. The report shows the agency that made the arrest, the charges filed, and the case status. Sealed or expunged records do not appear.
Federal arrests do not show up on a Florida check. You need an FBI check for federal records. Out-of-state arrests also do not appear. You would need a national check through a private service.
Monroe County Police Records by Record Type
The table below shows the main record types, who holds them, and how to get them. Use this as a quick reference when you need a specific document.
| Record Type | Agency | How to Get It | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incident Report | Sheriff or KWPD | Records request by email, mail, or in person | $0.15 per page |
| Arrest Report | Arresting agency | Records request after case closes | $0.15 per page |
| Booking Photo | Sheriff (jail) | Online jail roster or request | Free |
| Crash Report | FLHSMV state database | Online order at flhsmv.gov | $10 plus fee |
| Warrant Check | Sheriff or KWPD | Online warrant search | Free |
| Dispatch Log | Sheriff or KWPD | Public records request | Free or $0.15 per page |
| Background Check | FDLE | Mail, walk-in, or LiveScan | $24 |
Common Issues and Solutions
People run into problems when requesting Monroe County police records. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them. These tips save time and reduce frustration.
Records Sealed or Expunged
Sealed records are not available to the public. Expunged records are destroyed. You cannot get these records through a public records request. The only way to access them is through a court order. Florida law allows sealing or expungement for certain first-time offenders.
Active Investigations
Open cases are exempt under Florida law. The agency will not release records while the investigation continues. They will tell you when the case closes. You can check back later. Some agencies let you request notification when the case becomes public.
Wrong Agency Contacted
Monroe County has two main police agencies. If you contact the wrong one, they will redirect you. Make sure you know which agency responded to the call. Check the location and decide if it falls inside Key West city limits or not.
Important Contact Details
Here are the main offices that hold Monroe County police records. Save these contacts for your records request.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
The Sheriff’s Office Records Division is your contact for most county records. The main office handles walk-in requests during business hours.
- Address: 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040
- Phone: (305) 292-7000
- Records Phone: (305) 292-7050
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: keysso.net
Key West Police Department
The KWPD Records Unit handles all city police records. Contact them for any incident within Key West city limits.
- Address: 1604 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040
- Phone: (305) 809-1111
- Records Phone: (305) 809-1056
- Email: kwrecords@keywest-fl.gov
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE handles statewide criminal history checks and public records.
- Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Phone: (850) 410-8161
- Public Records: (850) 410-7676
- Email: publicrecords@fdle.state.fl.us
- Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Monroe County police records. These questions come from real searches and user needs. Each answer gives you clear, direct help.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Monroe County?
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail on Stock Island. You can check the online jail roster at keysso.net. The roster updates every few hours. It shows the name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. You can also call the jail at (305) 292-7050 during business hours. Florida law makes booking records public right away. You do not need to give your name or explain why you want the information. The roster shows current inmates only. People who already posted bond or got transferred will not appear.
Can I get a police report for a car accident in the Keys?
Yes. You can order crash reports online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Visit flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports and search by date and county. Reports cost $10 each plus a small service fee. Most reports post to the system within 5 to 7 days of the crash. You need the date of the crash and the county name. If the report is not in the system yet, contact the agency that responded. The Sheriff handles most Keys crashes. Key West PD handles crashes in the city. Florida Highway Patrol handles major highway incidents on US-1.
Are Monroe County arrest records free to view?
Booking records are free. You can see the name, photo, charges, and bond amount on the Sheriff’s jail roster. The arrest report itself has a fee. The agency charges 15 cents per page for copies. If you want a certified copy, the fee is higher. You can view most arrest records in person at the agency office for free. You just pay for copies if you need them. Email copies cost less than printed copies in most cases. Active investigation arrest reports stay sealed until the case closes.
How long does it take to get police records in Monroe County?
Simple requests take 3 to 5 business days. Complex requests that need extensive search time can take 2 to 4 weeks. The agency must respond within a reasonable time under Florida law. If your request will cost more than $200, the agency sends a written estimate first. You pay the estimate or narrow your request. Email requests often come back faster than mail requests. In-person requests for simple records can get filled the same day. Plan ahead if you need records for a court date or deadline.
What information gets redacted from police records?
Florida law requires agencies to redact certain information. Social Security numbers get removed. Driver license numbers get redacted. Medical information stays private under HIPAA. Bank account and credit card numbers get redacted. Home addresses of law enforcement officers stay private. Names of juvenile suspects stay confidential. Victim information in sexual assault cases stays sealed. You will receive the record with these items blacked out. The rest of the record stays intact and readable.
Can I get police records from another state about a Monroe County case?
You can get the Monroe County record from Monroe County agencies. If another state agency helped with a case that started in Monroe County, you need to request that part from the other state. Each state has its own public records law. You can use Florida’s records to find out which other agencies were involved. Then contact those agencies directly. Some federal agencies also hold records for cases that crossed state lines. Federal records fall under the Freedom of Information Act, not Florida law.
Can I seal or expunge my Monroe County arrest record?
Florida law allows sealing or expungement for certain cases. You must meet eligibility requirements. Most cases that did not result in a conviction qualify. Some felonies do not qualify. You file a petition with the court in the county where the arrest happened. Monroe County cases go to the Monroe County Clerk of Court. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the petition. If approved, the court orders the record sealed or expunged. After that, the record no longer shows up on background checks. You can only seal or expunge a record once in your lifetime in most cases.