Contact us at Florida Booking and Release Records to get the right phone number, address, and office hours for booking records, release records, and inmate lookups across the state. This page lists every public office that holds these records, what you need before you call, how much it costs, and how fast you get the file back.
You can reach county jails, the Florida Department of Corrections, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Clerk of Court in your area using the details below.
About Florida Booking and Release Records
Florida booking and release records are public files kept by law enforcement. A booking record is created when a person is taken into custody and processed at a jail. It lists the person’s name, date of birth, charges, fingerprints, and the time of arrest. A release record shows when that person left the jail, the reason for release, and any bond that was paid. Both records are open to the public under Florida’s Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
What Is a Booking Record
A booking record is the first set of paperwork created at a county jail after an arrest. It contains the arrest date, the arresting agency, the booking number, the charges filed, and a photo called a mugshot. It also lists the suspect’s full name, address, date of birth, and physical details like height, weight, and eye color. Each county jail in Florida keeps its own booking records, and most jails post them online within 24 hours of booking.
What Is a Release Record
A release record shows the end of a jail stay. It tells you the release date, the release type (such as bond, time served, or transfer), and the agency that handled the release. Release records are often kept by the same jail that created the booking record. State prison release records are held by the Florida Department of Corrections. The two file types work together to track a person from arrest through the end of custody.
Which Florida Law Covers These Records
Florida Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, says any record made or kept by a public agency in connection with official business is open for public review. Booking and release records fall under this law because jails, sheriff’s offices, and the Department of Corrections are public agencies. You have the right to ask for copies, and the agency must respond in a reasonable time. The law also requires the agency to provide records in the format you ask for if the format already exists.
Who Keeps the Records
Booking and release records are kept at three main levels in Florida. The county jail or sheriff’s office holds records for people in county custody. The Florida Department of Corrections holds records for people in state prison. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a statewide criminal history database that pulls from both. Knowing which agency holds the record you need saves time and gets you the right file faster.
How to Contact Florida Booking and Release Records
You can contact the right office by phone, by mail, in person, or through a public records request form on the agency’s website. Most Florida sheriff’s offices have a records unit that handles these requests during business hours. State agencies also accept email and online form requests. Pick the contact method that fits your timeline and the type of record you need.
Statewide Contact: Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also called FDLE, runs the state’s criminal history system. You can contact FDLE for statewide background checks and criminal history reports. FDLE does not hold every booking and release record, but it does hold the master criminal history file that pulls from all counties. The main office is in Tallahassee, and you can call, write, or submit an online request.
FDLE contact details:
- Phone: (850) 410-7000
- Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
- Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
State Prison Records: Florida Department of Corrections
The Florida Department of Corrections, also called FDC, keeps booking and release records for people who enter the state prison system. If you need to know the custody status, release date, or current location of a state inmate, FDC is the right agency. You can search the FDC inmate database online or submit a public records request for older files.
FDC contact details:
- Phone: (850) 488-5021
- Address: 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
- Website: www.dc.state.fl.us
- Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
County Jail and Sheriff Records
For county booking and release records, you must contact the sheriff’s office or county jail in the county where the arrest took place. Each of Florida’s 67 counties runs its own records unit. The clerk of court in that county also holds court records tied to the booking, such as the charging document and bond info. Both offices work together to give you a full file.
Large county contact list:
| County | Sheriff’s Office Phone | Main Address |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | (786) 331-5300 | 9105 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33172 |
| Broward | (954) 831-8300 | 2601 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 |
| Orange | (407) 254-7000 | 2500 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 |
| Hillsborough | (813) 247-8200 | 2008 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 |
| Duval | (904) 630-7600 | 501 East Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Pinellas | (727) 582-6200 | 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778 |
| Lee | (239) 477-1000 | 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912 |
| Palm Beach | (561) 688-3000 | 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 |
| Polk | (863) 298-6200 | 1891 Jim Keene Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL 33880 |
| Volusia | (386) 254-1537 | 123 West Indiana Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720 |
Clerk of Court Contact for Court Records
The Clerk of Court in each county holds court records linked to booking, such as the arrest affidavit, bond orders, and final case files. The clerk does not hold the booking photo or fingerprint card, but it does hold the case number, court dates, and the end result of the case. You can contact the clerk to get a certified copy of a court document tied to a booking.
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers main contact:
- Phone: (850) 922-5080
- Address: 3544 Maclay Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32312
- Website: www.flclerks.com
- Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
How to Request Booking and Release Records
You can ask for booking and release records by submitting a public records request, by searching the agency’s online inmate search tool, or by visiting the office in person. The exact steps depend on the agency and the type of record. Most requests ask for a name, date of birth, and a date range to help the agency locate the file. Some requests need a signed form or a small fee.
Step 1: Pick the Right Agency
Start by figuring out which agency holds the record. If the person was in a county jail, contact that county’s sheriff’s office. If the person is in or was released from state prison, contact the Florida Department of Corrections. For a full criminal history, contact FDLE. Picking the right agency from the start saves you time and money.
Step 2: Gather the Person’s Details
Write down the full legal name, date of birth, and the booking date if you know it. Race, gender, and the case number also help the search run faster. The more facts you have, the less time the records unit spends looking through files. Always double-check the spelling of the name before you send the request.
Step 3: Submit the Request
Most agencies let you submit a public records request online, by email, by mail, or in person. Online requests get the fastest reply. Mailed requests take longer because of mail time plus processing. In-person requests can be filled the same day if the file is small and already on the computer system.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Florida law lets agencies charge a fee that covers the actual cost of copying and staff time. A single page copy is often one dollar. A full record set can cost more if it has many pages. Some agencies offer a free online search and charge only for printed or certified copies. Always ask the fee before you send the request so you know the final cost.
Step 5: Get the Record
Once the agency finishes your request, you can pick up the record in person, get it by mail, or download it from a secure link. Turnaround time ranges from the same day to two weeks based on the file size and the agency’s workload. For large file requests, the agency may ask for more time under Florida law.
Information You Need Before You Contact
Before you call or fill out a request form, have the basic facts ready. Most agencies will not search without enough detail to make sure they pull the right file. Having the right facts at the start also cuts down on back-and-forth phone calls and mailed forms.
Required Facts for a Booking Record
To get a booking record, you need the full name, date of birth, and the county where the booking took place. A booking date or booking number makes the search faster. Some agencies also ask for the last four digits of the person’s Social Security number or a state ID number to confirm identity.
Required Facts for a Release Record
For a release record, you need the same basic facts as a booking record plus the booking number if you have it. If you only know the name, the agency can still search its release log. State prison release records can be searched using the FDC inmate number or the Department of Corrections ID.
Optional Facts That Help
A photo of the person, the arrest agency, the case number, and the court name all help the records unit find the right file. A mugshot or booking photo speeds up the search if the person has a common name. The more facts you provide, the less likely the agency is to send you the wrong file.
Fees and Processing Times for Florida Records
Fees and processing times change by agency and by record type. Florida law sets the rules for what an agency can charge, but each agency sets its own price within those rules. The size of the file and the type of copy you want also affect the cost.
Copy Fees in Florida
Under Florida law, a one-sided copy of a paper record is usually one dollar. A two-sided copy is two dollars. A certified copy has an extra fee, often a few dollars per page or a flat fee per record. Electronic copies sent by email or through a download link are often free or charged at a small per-page rate.
Staff Time for Large Requests
If a request takes more than 15 minutes of staff time, the agency can charge for that time based on the hourly pay of the lowest paid staff member who can do the work. The agency must give you a cost estimate before it starts if the fee will be over a set amount. You can then accept the cost, narrow your request, or drop the request.
Standard Processing Times
Small requests often come back the same day or the next business day. Medium requests take three to five business days. Large requests can take two to four weeks. Court records from the Clerk of Court may take longer if the case is still open. Always ask for a timeline estimate when you submit the request.
Online Search Tools for Florida Booking and Release
Many Florida agencies post booking and release records online at no cost. These tools let you search by name, booking date, or release date. They are the fastest way to confirm a person is in custody or has been released without calling or writing the agency.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The FDLE offers a paid criminal history search on its website. You can search by name and date of birth to get a record of arrests, charges, and dispositions across the state. The fee is small, and results are available right after payment. The search covers all 67 counties and the state prison system.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The FDC inmate search is free and open to the public. You can search by name, Department of Corrections ID, or state ID number. The search shows current inmates, release dates, and facility locations. Records go back many years, so older releases are also covered.
County Jail Inmate Search Tools
Most large Florida counties run their own inmate search tools on the sheriff’s website. These tools show current inmates, recent bookings, and recent releases. The data is often refreshed every hour. For smaller counties, you may need to call the sheriff’s records unit to ask for a search.
How to Get Records by Mail or In Person
If you cannot use an online tool or you need a certified copy, you can send a written request by mail or visit the office in person. This works well for older records that may not be online, sealed files that need a court order, or records that need a raised seal for legal use.
What to Put in a Mail Request
A mail request should include a clear written request, the full name and date of birth of the person on the record, the record type you need, your contact details, and a check or money order for the fee. Sign the letter and keep a copy for your own file. Send it by certified mail so you have proof it was delivered.
What to Bring for an In-Person Visit
For an in-person visit, bring a photo ID, the name and date of birth of the person on the record, and a way to pay the fee. Cash, check, money order, and credit cards are accepted at most offices. Some offices also accept debit cards. Ask the office ahead of time which forms of payment they take.
Common Issues With Florida Booking and Release Records
Some requests hit common problems that slow the process or lead to a denied file. Most of these issues come from wrong agency, missing facts, or sealed records. A short checklist can help you fix most of them before you submit your request.
Records That Have Been Sealed or Expunged
A sealed or expunged record is not open to the public. To get one, you need a court order. The court order must come from the county where the case was closed. Without the order, the agency will tell you the record exists but will not release it. Sealed records also do not show up in most online searches.
Records at the Wrong Agency
Many people contact a state agency for a county record or a county agency for a state record. This leads to a redirect and lost time. Always check the booking location or prison location before you submit your request. If you are not sure, call the agency and ask which office holds the file.
Common Name Mix-Ups
A common name can lead to the wrong file. To cut this risk, add the date of birth, race, gender, and any middle name. A booking number or case number almost always rules out any mix-up. If the agency sends you a file that is not the right person, contact the records unit right away so they can pull the correct file.
Old Records That Have Been Purged
Florida law lets agencies destroy or purge records after a set time period. Older booking and release records may no longer be on file. If your record has been purged, the agency will tell you in writing. You can still get a copy from a private record service that saves older public files, but these copies cannot be used for certified or legal purposes.
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, gives you the right to ask for copies of public records. You do not need to give a reason for the request. The agency must reply in a reasonable amount of time. If the agency denies the request, it must give the legal reason in writing.
What You Can Ask For
You can ask for any record that is made or kept by a public agency in connection with official business. This includes booking logs, release logs, incident reports, arrest affidavits, and jail records. You can also ask for the record in the format you want if that format already exists. For example, you can ask for a PDF if the file is already on a computer.
What Can Be Withheld
Some records can be withheld under Florida law. These include active criminal intelligence files, sealed or expunged records, juvenile records, victim details in certain cases, and any record that would put a witness or law enforcement officer at risk. Each denial must cite the specific law that allows the record to be withheld.
What to Do if Your Request Is Denied
If your request is denied, you can ask for the denial in writing, then file a complaint with the agency’s general counsel. You can also contact the First Amendment Foundation, a Florida group that helps citizens with public records issues. If the agency still does not release the record, you can file a lawsuit in circuit court to force the release.
Helpful Florida Public Records Resources
Several state offices and nonprofit groups help the public with records requests. These groups do not hold the records but can help you figure out the right office, fill out the right form, or push back if a request is denied. They are free to contact and are a good first stop if you are stuck.
Florida First Amendment Foundation
The First Amendment Foundation is a nonprofit that promotes open government in Florida. The group offers free guides on how to file a public records request, sample request letters, and legal help for denied requests. You can contact the foundation by phone or visit its website for the latest guides.
First Amendment Foundation contact:
- Phone: (850) 224-4555
- Address: 336 East College Avenue, Suite 101, Tallahassee, FL 32301
- Website: www.floridafaf.org
- Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers office runs a statewide portal for court records. You can use the portal to search court cases linked to a booking, view the case status, and order certified copies. The portal is free to search, but certified copies have a small fee.
Sunshine Law Hotline
Some Florida newspapers and public interest groups run a public records hotline for citizens. The hotline can answer basic questions about the Florida Public Records Law, the Florida Sunshine Law, and the right way to file a request. The hotline is not a state office but a free service for the public.
Quick Contact Reference for Florida Booking and Release Records
Use the list below as a quick way to find the right phone number, address, and website for booking and release records across Florida. The list covers the main state agencies, the large county sheriff’s offices, and the court clerks office. If your county is not listed, call the statewide clerk’s office for a direct line.
Main state contacts:
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): (850) 410-7000, 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308, www.fdle.state.fl.us
- Florida Department of Corrections (FDC): (850) 488-5021, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399, www.dc.state.fl.us
- Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers: (850) 922-5080, 3544 Maclay Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32312, www.flclerks.com
- First Amendment Foundation: (850) 224-4555, 336 East College Avenue, Suite 101, Tallahassee, FL 32301, www.floridafaf.org
Hours for all state offices above: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, closed on state holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Booking and Release Records
The questions below cover the most common things people ask about Florida booking and release records. Each answer gives a clear, direct response based on Florida law and current state office rules as of 2026. Use the answers to plan your request, fix a stuck file, or check your rights under the public records law.
How long does a Florida jail keep booking and release records?
Each county jail sets its own retention schedule, but most Florida jails keep booking and release records for at least five to seven years. State prison records are kept longer, often for the life of the inmate plus several years after release. Some booking photos are purged faster if the case is closed and no appeal is filed. If the record has been purged, the agency will tell you in writing and you can still look for a copy through a private service, but that copy will not be a certified one.
Can I view booking photos online for free in Florida?
Yes, many Florida sheriff’s offices post booking photos on their public website at no cost. You can search by name and booking date, then view the photo, charges, and bond amount. The photos are usually taken down after the inmate is released, but the booking log often stays online for a longer time. If a photo is not online, you can submit a public records request to the sheriff’s office for a printed copy.
Do I need a reason to ask for booking or release records in Florida?
No, Florida Public Records Law does not require you to give a reason for your request. You can ask for any record that is not sealed or exempt under the law. The agency must release the record as long as it is open to the public. If the agency asks for a reason, you can simply state that the request is made under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
How do I get a certified copy of a Florida release record?
To get a certified copy, submit a public records request to the agency that holds the file. Pay the certified copy fee, which is often a few dollars more than a regular copy. The agency will stamp or seal the document and sign it by an authorized records officer. Certified copies are often used in court cases, immigration matters, and job background checks.
Can I remove my booking record from the internet in Florida?
You can ask websites that post booking photos to take down your photo, but they are not required to do so. A few mugshot sites will remove a photo for a fee. If your record was sealed or expunged by a court, the agency will pull it from public search tools, and any website that wants to stay in line with the court order will also pull it. Talk to a lawyer if you want to seal or expunge an old record.
What is the difference between the county jail and the Florida Department of Corrections?
The county jail holds people who are waiting for trial or who have been sentenced to less than one year. The Florida Department of Corrections runs state prisons for people sentenced to one year or more. Booking and release records at the county level cover county jail stays. State prison records are kept by the Department of Corrections. Pick the agency that matches the level of the case.
What should I do if a Florida agency denies my public records request?
Ask the agency for the denial in writing. The denial must cite the specific Florida law that allows the agency to withhold the record. If the law does not apply or the citation is wrong, you can send a written appeal to the agency head. You can also contact the First Amendment Foundation for free help. As a last step, you can file a lawsuit in the local circuit court to force the release of the record.