Orlando City Police Records are official files kept by the Orlando Police Department (OPD). These files cover crimes, traffic crashes, arrests, and calls for service inside Orlando city limits.
Florida law says most of these files are open to the public. Anyone can ask for a copy, even people who live outside Florida. OPD writes thousands of reports each year. Residents, lawyers, insurance groups, and media all use these files for many reasons.
What Are Orlando City Police Records
Orlando City Police Records are written accounts made by sworn police officers. They show what happened, where it happened, who was there, and how officers responded. OPD keeps these files in a central records system. The Records Division runs the office that handles all public requests. Each file has a case number, a date, a location, and a written story from the officer who handled the event.
Types of Records Available
OPD keeps many kinds of files. Each kind covers a different event. The main types you can ask for are listed below.
- Incident reports – cover crimes, disturbances, and calls for service
- Arrest reports – show when officers took someone into custody
- Crash reports – detail vehicle accidents on city streets
- Offense reports – list specific crimes like theft or assault
- 911 call records – capture emergency and non-emergency calls
- Body camera footage – video from officer-worn cameras
- Field interview cards – short notes from officer contacts
- Warrant records – show active and cleared warrants
Who Can Request These Records
Any person can ask for Orlando City Police Records. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The only rule is that you must follow the steps OPD sets for the request. People who often ask for these files include crime victims, witnesses, lawyers, journalists, employers, and insurance companies.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives every person the right to see and copy government files. Police files are part of this law. The only files that stay hidden are ones that fall under a specific legal exemption. Active criminal probes, child victim names, and secret witness details are common examples of exempt files.
How to Request Orlando Police Records
There are four main ways to ask for Orlando City Police Records. You can call, email, visit in person, or send a letter by mail. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the file and what kind of file you want. Phone calls work best for simple questions. Written requests work best for detailed searches.
Submit a Request by Phone
Call the OPD Records Division at (407) 246-2470. The phone line is open during normal business hours. Have your case number, date, and names ready before you call. A staff member will write down your request and tell you the next steps. Phone requests move fast for single, simple files.
Submit a Request by Email
Send your request to the OPD public records email. Write your name, phone number, and a clear description of the file you want. Include the case number, date, location, and names if you have them. Email requests leave a paper trail. They are good for requests that need detail or for people who live far from Orlando.
Submit a Request In Person
Visit the Orlando Police Department headquarters at 100 South Hughey Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Go to the Records Division window on the first floor. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff will help you fill out a request form. In-person visits are best for large requests or when you need to pay fees right away.
Submit a Request by Mail
Mail a written request to the OPD Records Division. Include your name, address, phone number, and email. Describe the file you want with as much detail as possible. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the file mailed back. Mail requests take the longest but create a strong record of your ask.
Information Found in Orlando Police Reports
Each Orlando police report has a set of basic details. These details help people understand what happened. The exact list depends on the type of file, but most reports share common fields.
Incident Reports
Incident reports are the most common type of Orlando City Police Records. They cover everything from minor calls to serious crimes. Each report has a case number, a date and time, a location, the type of event, and the names of people involved. The report also includes a written story from the officer who responded. This story explains what the officer saw, heard, and did at the scene.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when OPD officers took someone into custody. Each record has the arrest date, the charges, the arresting officer, the booking number, and bond details. The record also lists the agency that holds the person after arrest. In Orange County, that is usually the Orange County Corrections Department.
Accident Reports
Accident reports cover vehicle crashes inside Orlando city limits. These reports are made by OPD officers who respond to the scene. Each report has the crash date, location, vehicles involved, people involved, injuries, and a diagram of the scene. Officers also note any tickets given out and the cause of the crash as they saw it.
911 Call Records
911 call records show the audio and details of emergency calls. Each record has the call time, the location, the type of emergency, and the dispatcher notes. Audio recordings of 911 calls are public files in Florida. The caller’s name is sometimes removed for safety. OPD keeps these files for several years.
Fees and Processing Times
Orlando City Police Records are not free, but the fees are low. Florida law sets a base copy fee for all public records. OPD can also charge for staff time when a request takes a lot of work. The total cost depends on the size and type of the file you want.
Copy and Search Fees
OPD charges $0.15 per page for paper copies of single-sided pages. Double-sided pages cost $0.20 each. Digital files sent by email often have a lower cost or no copy fee at all. If staff must spend more than 15 minutes searching for a file, the agency can charge for that time. The hourly search fee is set by Florida law and may change each year.
How Long Requests Take
Simple requests for one short report usually take 3 to 5 business days. Requests that need a lot of search time or redaction take longer. Body camera and audio requests can take 30 days or more. Florida law gives agencies a reasonable time to respond. If a request will take more than a few weeks, OPD will tell you the expected timeline.
Payment Methods
OPD accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person payments. Credit and debit cards may be accepted for some requests. Mail requests should include a check or money order. Always ask about payment options before you send money. Fees must usually be paid before the file is released.
Searching Orlando Police Records Online
Some Orlando City Police Records are open to search online. These tools help people find basic details without filing a full request. Online searches are fast and free, but the data may not be complete. For full reports, you still need to file a public records request.
Online Records Portals
OPD and partner agencies run online portals where you can search for recent calls, arrests, and reports. The Orange County Corrections Department runs a jail lookup tool. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles runs a crash report portal. These portals let you search by name, date, or case number.
Case Number Lookups
A case number is the fastest way to find a specific file. Each Orlando police report has a unique case number. If you have the case number, you can ask OPD staff to pull the file quickly. You can find case numbers on citation slips, court papers, and insurance letters.
Name-Based Searches
Name searches are useful when you do not have a case number. You can search arrest logs and recent calls by name through county and state portals. Name searches return a list of possible matches. You then need to file a full request to get the full report.
Orange County and Statewide Resources
Orlando sits inside Orange County. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) covers the areas outside Orlando city limits. State agencies cover statewide data. These other agencies keep their own files. Knowing the right agency for your area is the key to a fast request.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
OCSO handles calls in unincorporated Orange County and runs the county jail. OCSO keeps its own police records. If your event happened outside Orlando city limits, OCSO is the right agency. OCSO also has a public records request process and an online inmate lookup tool.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps statewide criminal history data. FDLE runs background checks for the whole state. The fee is $24 per check. You can ask FDLE for a copy of your own Florida criminal record. FDLE also runs a public records portal for state-level files.
Florida Highway Patrol Crash Reports
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) handles crashes on state roads and highways. If your crash happened on a state road, FHP wrote the report. FHP crash reports are available through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles online portal. There is a small fee per report.
Common Reasons People Request Records
People ask for Orlando City Police Records for many reasons. Each reason has a slightly different need. Knowing the reason can help OPD staff find the right file faster.
Legal and Court Use
Lawyers and people without lawyers often need police reports for court. A report can support a civil case, a criminal defense, or a personal injury claim. Reports are also used at hearings and trials. Court staff may ask for certified copies, which cost a bit more than regular copies.
Insurance Claims
Insurance companies ask for police reports after car crashes, thefts, and vandalism. The report helps the insurer decide what to pay. Insurers usually ask for the full report, not just a summary. They may also ask for photos and diagrams from the file.
Personal Background Checks
People run personal background checks on themselves. This helps them see what police files exist about them. A personal check is also useful before applying for a job or a license. Florida lets you ask FDLE for a copy of your own state criminal record for a $24 fee.
Background Checks for Employment
Some jobs require a police background check. Employers in schools, healthcare, and security often run these checks. The employer usually asks you to sign a release form. The employer then files the request with FDLE or a private screening company.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The OPD Records Division is the main place to file requests for Orlando City Police Records. The office is open during normal business hours. You can call, email, or visit in person. Always have key details ready before you reach out. This helps staff find your file faster.
Office Address and Map
The Orlando Police Department headquarters sits at 100 South Hughey Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. The Records Division is on the first floor. Free public parking is available near the building. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID to enter the building.
Phone and Hours
The main OPD phone number is (407) 246-2470. The Records Division phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. After hours, you can leave a voicemail. Staff will return your call on the next business day.
Official website: www.orlando.gov/Police
Phone: (407) 246-2470
Address: 100 South Hughey Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Orlando City Police Records. These questions come up often from people who need files for legal, personal, or work reasons. Each answer gives clear, direct facts based on Florida law and OPD rules.
How long does it take to get an Orlando police report?
Most simple requests for Orlando City Police Records take 3 to 5 business days. Requests that need a lot of search time or redaction can take longer. Body camera footage, audio files, and large requests can take 30 days or more. Florida law gives agencies a reasonable time to respond. If your request will take extra time, OPD staff will tell you the expected timeline. You can speed up the process by including a case number, full names, and exact dates. Vague requests slow things down because staff must spend more time searching.
Can I get Orlando police records for free?
Viewing public files in person at OPD is free. You can read the file at the office without paying a copy fee. You must still pay if you want a paper or digital copy. Florida law sets the copy fee at $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page. Search time may also be billed at an hourly rate. Some online portals let you search basic arrest and call data at no cost, but the full report still requires a paid request.
Are Orlando arrest records public?
Yes, most arrest records are public files under Florida law. Anyone can ask for a copy of an Orlando arrest record. The record shows the arrest date, charges, arresting officer, booking number, and bond details. Active criminal probes and juvenile records are exempt from public view. Personal details like Social Security numbers are always removed before release. You can also search recent arrests for free through the Orange County Corrections Department online inmate lookup tool.
Can I get a police report if I am not the victim?
Yes, Florida law lets any person ask for a police report. You do not need to be the victim, a witness, or a Florida resident. You do not need to give a reason for your request. Some details may be redacted to protect victims, witnesses, and juveniles. Personal identifiers like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and home addresses are removed before release. The redacted copy is still a public file you can keep and use.
What if my request is denied?
If OPD denies your request for Orlando City Police Records, the agency must cite a specific legal exemption. Common exemptions include active criminal probes, child victim names, and secret witness details. You can challenge the denial by writing a letter to the OPD Records Division. If that does not work, you can file a lawsuit in Florida court. Florida courts favor public access, and denials are often reversed when no clear exemption applies.
How do I find a case number?
You can find a case number on a citation slip, a court paper, an insurance letter, or a victim notification. If you do not have any of these, call OPD at (407) 246-2470 and give the date, location, and names involved. Staff can search the system and give you the case number. Having the case number speeds up your full records request because staff can pull the file right away.
Can I get body camera footage from Orlando police?
Yes, body camera footage is a public file under Florida law. You must file a written request that names the officer, date, time, and location of the event. OPD must review the video and redact faces and voices of victims, juveniles, and private people. This review can take 30 days or more. There is also a fee for the time staff spend on the review. Body camera footage is one of the slowest types of police records to get.