Florida Public Records (2026 Guide)

Finding public records in the State of Florida is more straightforward than most people realize — if you know where to look. Under Florida law (Title X, Chapter 119), virtually all records created or maintained by a public agency are open and accessible to any person. This sweeping transparency standard — among the strongest in the nation — means you have the legal right to request, review, and copy government records at the municipal, county, and state level. Whether you need someone’s criminal history, a court judgment, sex offender status, or a copy of a vital record, Florida’s public records framework gives you a clear path to that information. This 2026 guide walks you through every major category of Florida public records and shows you exactly which agencies to contact.

What Are Florida Public Records?

Under Florida Statute Chapter 119 — known formally as the Public Records Law — a “public record” is any document, paper, letter, map, book, tape, photograph, film, sound recording, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received in connection with the official business of any public agency. That definition is intentionally broad.

Public records exist at every level of government. A city council agenda from Miami-Dade County qualifies. So does a felony arrest record processed in Duval County or a marriage certificate filed in Orange County. The law covers both paper documents and digital files, meaning electronic emails and text messages sent by government employees in their official capacity are also public records in Florida.

There are two major legal frameworks governing Florida public records:

• The Sunshine Law — Governs open government, ensuring that public meetings, legislative sessions, and governmental decision-making processes are accessible to the public. Anyone can attend or request materials related to public meetings under the Sunshine Law.
• The Public Records Law (Ch. 119) — Governs access to documents and records produced by government agencies, including personal records like criminal histories, court filings, and vital records.

Both laws are enshrined in the Florida State Constitution, making Florida one of the most transparent states in the country. However, certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure — including medical records, active criminal intelligence information, and most juvenile records. Understanding what is and is not public is the first step to a successful records search.

How to Access Florida Public Records

One common misconception is that Florida operates a single, centralized public records portal. It does not. Records are maintained by the agencies that created them, which means you will often need to contact different offices depending on the type of record you need. The sections below identify exactly which agency manages which type of record and how to request access.

Generally speaking, you can request public records in Florida in the following ways:

• Online — Many agencies now offer web-based search portals.
• In person — Visit the relevant agency’s office during business hours.
• By mail — Submit a written request to the appropriate agency.
• By phone or email — Some agencies accept verbal or electronic requests.
• Via third-party tools — Services like TruthFinder aggregate records from multiple public sources into a single report.

Florida law requires agencies to acknowledge requests and respond within a reasonable time. Agencies may charge fees to cover the actual cost of producing copies, but they cannot charge for simply reviewing records. If a request is denied, the agency must cite the specific exemption under Florida law that justifies withholding the record.

Criminal Records, Arrest Records & Background Checks

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is the central repository for all criminal history records in Florida. The FDLE maintains a comprehensive database of arrests, charges, dispositions, convictions, and sentences for misdemeanors and felonies committed in the state.

How to Search Florida Criminal Records

The fastest way to search is through the FDLE’s online criminal history search portal. Each name search costs $25, payable by credit card. The fee applies whether or not a record is found. You may also contact the FDLE by:

• Phone: 850-410-7676
• Email: publicrecords@fdle.state.fl.us
• Mail: Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Attn: Office of General Counsel Public Records, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489

The $25 fee applies regardless of how you submit your request. Submitting by mail may result in slower turnaround times compared to online searches.

What Is Included in a Florida Criminal Record?

A Florida criminal history record can include the following information:

• Arrest date, charges, and arresting agency
• Felony and misdemeanor convictions
• Disposition of charges (acquitted, convicted, dismissed)
• Sentencing information, including probation and incarceration
• Mugshot photos in some counties

Juvenile Records in Florida

Juvenile records are generally sealed and not considered public in Florida. However, there is an important exception: if a juvenile was charged with or arrested for an offense that would have been classified as an adult felony, that record can become public — even if the juvenile was not ultimately convicted. Additionally, if a juvenile is tried as an adult for a violent felony, the full record is publicly accessible. Expunged records are no longer considered public regardless of age at the time of the offense.

Common Reasons to Run a Florida Criminal Background Check

• Screening employees or job applicants
• Vetting potential business partners
• Firearms or concealed weapons permit applications
• Background checks for childcare, daycare, or foster care licensing
• Healthcare and senior care worker screening
• Due diligence on elected or appointed officials
• Personal safety research before dating or renting property

Jail and Prison Records

Jail and prison records — also called inmate records — are maintained by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). The FDC oversees all state prisons, work release centers, and community corrections programs in Florida.

Searching for a Florida State Inmate

You can search for a current or former Florida state inmate using the FDC Offender Search tool. To search, you can use:

• First and last name
• DC number (a six-digit inmate identification number)
• Known aliases

The FDC database also includes photographs of most inmates, current housing location, tentative release date, and supervision status for those on parole or probation.

County Jail Inmate Searches

If the person you are looking for is in a county jail rather than a state prison, you will need to contact that county’s jail or sheriff’s office directly. A directory of Florida county jails and inmate search tools is available through the Florida Department of State.

Federal and VINE Inmate Searches

For inmates housed in federal facilities, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator. Crime victims can also monitor the custody status of an offender through the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) service, which sends automatic alerts when an offender is released, transferred, or escapes.

Common reasons to search inmate records include locating a family member, sending commissary funds, arranging legal counsel, or — for crime victims — monitoring release status.

Court Records

Florida Courts is the administrative body overseeing the state’s judicial branch. Florida has a multi-tiered court system: county courts, circuit courts, district courts of appeal, and the Florida Supreme Court. Each level maintains its own records.

Where to Find Florida Court Records

For the broadest statewide search, the MyFloridaCounty.com portal aggregates court records across county and circuit courts. You can search for affidavits, civil judgments, criminal case dockets, lien records, and much more. For county-specific records, a directory of Florida county court websites is maintained by the National Center for State Courts.

What Court Records Are Available?

• Civil case filings and judgments
• Criminal case dockets and dispositions
• Probate and estate records
• Family court records (some sealed)
• Small claims court decisions
• Appellate court opinions
• Lien and encumbrance filings

Note that while most court records are public in Florida, certain categories — including adoption records, mental health proceedings, and some domestic violence filings — may be sealed or restricted.

Sex Offender Records

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Sexual Offenders and Predators Search database, which is publicly accessible to anyone. Florida law requires registered sex offenders and sexual predators to report their current address, place of employment, and school enrollment to local law enforcement, which then shares this information with the FDLE.

How to Search the Florida Sex Offender Registry

Using the FDLE sex offender search tool, you can look up registered offenders by:

• Full name or partial name
• County or city of residence
• School or college campus
• ZIP code proximity

The database includes photographs, physical descriptions, registered addresses, and details about the offense that led to registration