Search Florida booking and release records through state databases, county jail rosters, and public records portals. Florida law makes these records open to the public.
You can look up booking dates, release dates, charges, and custody status for free or for a small fee. This page explains how to search, what each agency does, and what you will see in the results.
Florida Booking Records Explained
Booking and release records show when a person entered jail or prison. They also show when that person left. These records are public under Florida law. Each county and the state keep their own copies.
What Are Booking Records
A booking record is created when someone is taken into custody. It includes the person’s name, date of birth, booking date, charges, and bond amount. The record also lists the arrest agency and the holding facility. Booking happens at a county jail or a state prison after an arrest.
What Are Release Records
A release record shows when a person leaves jail or prison. It lists the release type, such as bail, time served, or transfer. It also shows the date and time of release. Some release records include the supervising officer for people who leave on probation or parole.
Who Keeps These Records
County sheriff offices keep records for county jails. The Florida Department of Corrections keeps records for state prisons. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a central database that combines both. Each agency has its own search tools and rules for public access.
Florida State Agencies
Three state agencies handle booking and release data. Each one serves a different role. Knowing which agency to contact saves time and money.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE runs the central criminal history database. It collects arrest and booking data from every county. You can search this database online for a fee. Results show arrests, charges, court outcomes, and release dates across the state.
Florida Department of Corrections
FDC runs state prisons. Its database covers people sentenced to state time. You can search current inmates and people released from FDC custody. County jail inmates are not in this database.
FDLE vs FDC
FDLE holds statewide arrest records. FDC holds state prison records. If you need county jail data, contact the sheriff. If you need a full background across all agencies, use FDLE. FDC only shows people in or released from state prison.
| Agency | Records Held | Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| FDLE | Statewide arrests and bookings | Online instant search |
| FDC | State prison inmates and releases | Online offender search |
| County Sheriff | County jail inmates and releases | County inmate search |
How to Search Booking Records Online
Online search is the fastest way to get booking and release data. Each agency runs its own portal. The tools are free for basic lookups. A fee applies for full criminal history reports.
FDLE Instant Search
Go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us and create an account. Pay the fee and enter the name and date of birth. Results come back right away. You can print or email the report.
FDC Offender Database
Go to pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch/search.aspx. Type the last name and first name. You can also search by DC number. The database shows current inmates and people released from state prison.
County Jail Search Tools
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has its own jail roster. Most sheriff offices post a current inmate list online. You can search by name. Records are updated daily or hourly.
Public Records Laws
Florida’s public records law is one of the strongest in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes most government records open to the public. Booking and release records fall under this law.
Chapter 119 Explained
Chapter 119 says all records made or received by a government agency are public. This includes booking data, release dates, charges, and court outcomes. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
What Records Are Public
The time, date, location, and nature of a crime are public. The name, sex, age, and address of an arrested person are public. Booking photos, charges, and bond amounts are public. Release dates and release types are public.
What Records Are Exempt
Some records are not public. Active criminal intelligence is exempt. Social security numbers are exempt. Home addresses of law enforcement officers are exempt. Information about juveniles is exempt. Sealed or expunged records are exempt.
Search Fees and Costs
Most inmate rosters are free. Full criminal history reports cost a small fee. County copy fees also apply for printed records.
FDLE Search Costs
Each FDLE instant search costs $24.00. A $1.00 credit card processing fee applies. Mail searches take longer. Certified copies cost more and take up to seven business days.
Copy and Processing Fees
Most agencies charge $0.15 per page for copies. Digital records may have a flat fee. Staff time for research can be billed at an hourly rate. Narrow your request to keep costs low.
Common Search Results
Your search will return specific data points. Knowing what each field means helps you read the results.
Booking Date and Charges
The booking date shows when the person was processed into jail. The charges list shows the alleged crimes. Each charge has a statute number and a degree, such as felony or misdemeanor.
Release Date and Type
The release date shows when the person left custody. The release type shows how. Common types include bail, time served, court order, transfer, and parole.
Court Outcomes
Court outcomes show the result of each charge. Outcomes include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, and deferred adjudication. Sentences may include probation, fines, or prison time.
Personal Record Review
You have the right to see your own criminal record. FDLE offers a personal review service. This lets you check what shows up when someone searches your name.
How to Review Your Record
Go to fdle.state.fl.us/criminal-history-records/personal-review. Fill out the form and pay the fee. You will get a copy of your criminal history report by mail.
How to Fix Errors
If you find an error, you can challenge the record. FDLE has a formal challenge process. You must provide proof that the information is wrong. The agency has 30 days to respond.
Florida Counties
Florida has 67 counties. Each one keeps its own jail records. The largest counties handle the most bookings. You can search county websites for local records.
Major Counties
Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Orange, and Pinellas are the largest counties by population. These counties also have the most booking activity. Each sheriff office has a dedicated inmate search portal.
Major Cities
Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Petersburg have the most arrests. City police make arrests, but booking happens at the county jail. City police records are separate from county jail records.
Florida Department of Corrections Records
FDC processes public records requests under state law. You can request records by mail, phone, or email. The agency must respond within a set time period.
The Custodian of Public Records is James Best. You can reach FDC records at (850) 717-9774. The mailing address is 501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. FDC follows Chapter 119, Florida Statutes and Section 945.10, F.S.
Public records law does not require FDC to create new records. It also does not require FDC to answer questions or do free research. A narrow request with specific dates, names, or case numbers gets faster results.
Legal Resources
The full text of Florida law is at leg.state.fl.us/Statutes. This site lets you search statutes by chapter or keyword. The law is updated each year after the legislative session.
If an agency denies your request, you can appeal. Legal aid groups in Florida help with public records disputes. The Florida Bar also offers attorney referrals for these cases.
Contact Details
Use the details below to reach the right agency. Office hours and contact methods are listed for quick reference.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE is the central source for criminal history data. The public records office handles search requests and record disputes. You can contact them by email, phone, or mail during business hours.
- Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Email: publicrecords@fdle.state.fl.us
- Phone: (850) 410-7676
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
- Records Custodian: Brittany Auclair
Florida Department of Corrections
FDC handles state prison records and inmate searches. The public records office answers questions about offender data. Contact them for state-level booking and release information.
- Address: 501 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
- Phone: (850) 717-9774
- Records Custodian: James Best
- Website: pubapps.fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Florida booking and release records. Each answer gives clear facts about how the system works. Use these answers to plan your search or records request.
How Do I Search Florida Booking Records for Free?
You can search Florida booking records for free through county sheriff websites. Each of the 67 counties in Florida runs an online inmate roster. These rosters show current inmates, recent bookings, and recent releases. The data is updated daily or hourly. You only need a name to begin. The Florida Department of Corrections also offers a free offender search for state prison inmates. This database covers current inmates and people released from state prison. Neither tool requires a fee for basic lookups. A fee only applies if you need a full criminal history report from FDLE.
What Is the Difference Between Booking Records and Arrest Records?
Booking records and arrest records are related but different. An arrest record shows when a person was taken into custody by police. A booking record shows what happened after the arrest at the jail. Booking includes fingerprinting, photos, and charge entry. The arrest record comes first. The booking record follows. Both are public under Florida law. FDLE combines both into a single criminal history report. County jail rosters show the booking side. Police blotters show the arrest side.
Can I Remove My Booking Record from Public View in Florida?
You cannot remove a valid booking record from public view in most cases. Florida law only allows removal through expungement or sealing. You must qualify under Florida Statute Section 943.0585 or 943.059. Eligibility depends on the outcome of your case. A dismissed charge or a not guilty verdict may qualify. A guilty verdict usually does not qualify. The process requires a court filing and a judge approval. After expungement, the record is hidden from public searches. Until then, the booking record stays visible.
How Long Do Florida Counties Keep Booking Records?
Florida counties keep booking records based on state retention rules. The retention period depends on the case outcome. Misdemeanor records are kept for at least five years. Felony records are kept for at least 75 years. Juvenile records have different rules. These minimums come from the Florida Department of State retention schedules. Many counties keep records longer than the minimum. Digital records stay online through jail roster portals. Physical records move to state archives after the retention period ends.
What Shows Up on a Florida Criminal History Search?
A Florida criminal history search shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, and custody data. It includes the arrest date, the agency that made the arrest, and the charges filed. It also shows the booking date, the holding facility, and the release date. Court outcomes include guilty verdicts, not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and deferred adjudications. Sentences show up as probation, fines, or prison time. The report is based on data submitted by county courts and law enforcement agencies across Florida.
Are Out-of-State Arrests in the Florida Database?
No, out-of-state arrests are not in the Florida database. FDLE only collects data from agencies within Florida. If someone was arrested in another state, that arrest does not show up in a Florida search. You would need to contact the other state for that data. The FBI does run a national database called the National Crime Information Center. NCIC data is not available through public FDLE searches. It is only available to law enforcement agencies and through formal FBI background checks for specific purposes like firearms or immigration.
Can I Search for Someone’s Release Date Before They Are Released?
You cannot get an exact release date before it happens. County jails and FDC estimate release dates based on sentence calculations. These dates can change due to good time credits, disciplinary actions, or court orders. You can see the current status and scheduled release date on inmate rosters. FDC posts a tentative release date for state inmates. County jails post expected release dates based on bond or time served. Check the roster again closer to the date for the most current data.