Seminole County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Seminole County
Arrest records in Seminole County are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Florida Statutes § 119.01, which establishes the state's policy that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any person. This statute, commonly known as Florida's "Sunshine Law," provides broad public access to governmental records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Seminole County.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document the apprehension and charging of an individual but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, document the formal adjudication of guilt following legal proceedings. Under Florida law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.071.
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Records Retention Policy, which establishes standardized procedures for the maintenance, storage, and accessibility of law enforcement records throughout the state.
It should be noted that certain arrest records may be exempt from public disclosure, particularly those involving juveniles, active criminal investigations, or cases where a court has ordered records sealed or expunged pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585.
What's in Seminole County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Seminole County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of arrests and include several categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Home address
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Victim information (with certain privacy protections)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Projected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Immigration status
- Medical alerts or special needs
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with Florida's public records laws and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office records management protocols.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Seminole County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Seminole County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each with specific procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Records Section during regular business hours.
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (fees vary based on document type and format).
Seminole County Sheriff's Office Records Section
100 Bush Boulevard
Sanford, FL 32773
407-665-6600
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written Requests:
- Submit a detailed written request via mail to the Records Section address listed above.
- Include specific information about the requested records (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known).
- Provide contact information for response.
- Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount).
Electronic Requests:
- Submit requests via the Seminole County Sheriff's Office online public records portal.
- Complete all required fields in the electronic form.
- Provide an email address for response.
- Electronic payment options are available for applicable fees.
For arrest records related to cases prosecuted in Seminole County, requestors may also contact:
Seminole County Clerk of Court
301 North Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Court
When requesting arrest records, it is advisable to provide as much specific information as possible, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate timeframe of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Arresting agency
Pursuant to Florida's public records law, agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond within a reasonable timeframe. Complex requests may require additional processing time. Fees for record reproduction are established in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4).
How To Find Seminole County Arrest Records Online
Seminole County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These online systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:
Seminole County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Navigate to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office website.
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search fields.
- Review results for current inmates and recent bookings.
- Access basic arrest information, charges, and custody status.
Seminole County Clerk of Court Records Search:
- Visit the Seminole County Clerk of Court website.
- Select "Court Records" or "Case Search" from the navigation menu.
- Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration).
- Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range.
- Review results for criminal cases, which often include arrest information.
- Access available documents related to the case.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search:
- Access the FDLE Criminal History Information website.
- Select the appropriate search type (name-based or fingerprint-based).
- Complete the required fields and payment information.
- Submit the request electronically.
- Receive results via secure electronic delivery.
Considerations for Online Searches:
- Information available online may be limited compared to complete records available through formal requests.
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases due to processing time.
- Some online systems may require registration or payment of fees.
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records in accordance with privacy laws.
- Official certified copies of records typically require formal requests rather than online retrieval.
Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency while balancing privacy considerations as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.01(2)(a).
How To Search Seminole County Arrest Records for Free?
Seminole County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several public resources:
Seminole County Sheriff's Office Current Inmates Database:
- Visit the Seminole County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the "Inmate Population" or "Current Bookings" section.
- Use the search function to query by name.
- Access basic information about currently detained individuals.
- View recent booking information, charges, and custody status.
This resource is provided as a public service and does not require payment for basic searches.
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Seminole County Courthouse or Sheriff's Office in person.
- Use designated public access computer terminals to search court and arrest records.
- Access is typically available during regular business hours at no cost.
- Printing fees may apply if hard copies are requested.
Seminole County Clerk of Court Public Records:
- Access the Seminole County Clerk of Court website.
- Navigate to the "Records Search" section.
- Utilize the public access portal for court records.
- Search by name, case number, or date range.
- View basic case information at no charge.
Seminole County Sheriff's Office Records Section
100 Bush Boulevard
Sanford, FL 32773
407-665-6600
Seminole County Clerk of Court
301 North Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Important Considerations:
- While basic searches are free, fees may apply for certified copies or extensive research.
- Free resources typically provide limited information compared to formal record requests.
- Some records may not be available through free search options due to legal restrictions.
- Historical records may not be included in free online databases.
- In-person viewing of public records at government offices is guaranteed by Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), which states that "every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so."
How To Delete Arrest Records in Seminole County
Florida law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through two distinct legal processes: expungement and sealing. These processes are governed by Florida Statutes § 943.0585 (expungement) and Florida Statutes § 943.059 (sealing).
Expungement vs. Sealing - Key Distinctions:
Expungement results in the physical destruction of arrest records by most criminal justice agencies, though certain agencies maintain confidential records. Sealing preserves the records but removes them from public access, making them confidential and available only to specific government entities under limited circumstances.
Eligibility Requirements:
Individuals may qualify for expungement or sealing if:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- Adjudication was withheld and any probation has been completed
- The case was dismissed or nolle prossed
- The individual was acquitted or found not guilty
- The individual has no prior sealed or expunged records in Florida
- The offense is not among those ineligible for relief under Florida law
Ineligible Offenses:
Certain offenses cannot be sealed or expunged, including:
- Sexual offenses
- Violent felonies
- Trafficking offenses
- Child abuse charges
- Domestic violence offenses
- Various other serious crimes listed in statute
Application Process:
-
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- Submit fingerprints through an approved provider
- Complete FDLE application form
- Provide certified disposition of the case
- Pay applicable processing fee ($75 as of current fee schedule)
-
File a Petition with the Seminole County Court
- Prepare petition and supporting affidavit
- File documents with the Clerk of Court
- Pay filing fees (approximately $42 plus service fees)
- Serve copies on the State Attorney and arresting agency
-
Attend Court Hearing (if required)
- Present case before a judge
- Respond to any objections from the State Attorney
- Receive judicial determination
Seminole County Clerk of Court - Criminal Division
301 North Park Avenue
Sanford, FL 32771
407-665-4330
Seminole County Clerk of Court
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
850-410-8109
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Legal representation is advisable but not required for this process. The timeline for completion typically ranges from 6-12 months depending on case complexity and court scheduling.
What Happens After Arrest in Seminole County?
The post-arrest process in Seminole County follows a structured sequence of events within the criminal justice system:
Initial Booking and Processing:
- Transportation to Seminole County Jail or holding facility
- Administrative processing (fingerprinting, photographing, personal information collection)
- Medical screening
- Property inventory and storage
- Criminal history check
- Initial charge determination
First Appearance Hearing:
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Presided over by a judge
- Formal notification of charges
- Determination of probable cause
- Appointment of public defender if defendant qualifies
- Initial bail/bond determination
- Conducted at the Seminole County Courthouse or via video conference from jail
Pretrial Release Determination:
- Evaluation of flight risk and public safety concerns
- Consideration of criminal history and charge severity
- Possible outcomes include:
- Release on own recognizance
- Cash or surety bond
- Supervised release with conditions
- Pretrial detention (no bond)
Formal Charging Decision:
- State Attorney's Office reviews evidence
- Determines whether to file formal charges
- May upgrade, downgrade, or dismiss charges
- Must file decision within 21 days for misdemeanors or 40 days for felonies
- Failure to file within timeframe may result in release from custody
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Pretrial motions may be scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial conferences
- Case management hearings
Trial Process (if case proceeds to trial):
- Jury selection (except in bench trials)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
- Florida sentencing guidelines
- Statutory requirements
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
- Criminal history
Post-Conviction Options:
- Appeal
- Motion for reduced sentence
- Motion for new trial
- Post-conviction relief
Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Florida law.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Seminole County?
Arrest records in Seminole County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Florida law, specifically Florida Statutes § 119.021, which governs the custody and maintenance of public records. The Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services establishes detailed retention schedules that all law enforcement agencies must follow.
Standard Retention Periods:
-
Arrest Records (Adults): Maintained permanently by the arresting agency and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
-
Booking Information: Retained for a minimum of 4 years after the arrest date, though many agencies maintain these records permanently as part of the master arrest record.
-
Criminal History Information: Maintained permanently in the state's central repository operated by FDLE.
-
Arrest Warrants: Retained for 4 years after execution or cancellation.
-
Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special retention rules under Florida Statutes § 985.04, with many records eligible for earlier destruction or confidential status.
-
Investigative Records: Retained for 4 years after case closure for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies, though homicide investigations are maintained permanently.
Agency-Specific Retention Requirements:
Different agencies within Seminole County maintain arrest records according to their specific functions:
-
Seminole County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records permanently in both physical and digital formats.
-
Municipal Police Departments: Follow the same state retention schedules but may have supplemental policies for administrative purposes.
-
Seminole County Clerk of Court: Maintains court records related to arrests according to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, with most criminal case records retained permanently.
-
State Attorney's Office: Retains prosecution files for varying periods based on case type and disposition.
The Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS2 provides the comprehensive framework for law enforcement records retention throughout the state, including Seminole County.
Records retention serves several critical purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
- Facilitates research and historical documentation
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention periods should contact the custodian agency directly, as retention may vary based on the nature of the case and the specific documents involved.
How to Find Mugshots in Seminole County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographic records taken during the arrest booking process. These images serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and become part of the official arrest record. In Seminole County, mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often with identifying information such as a booking number visible in the photograph.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Seminole County are primarily maintained by:
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
100 Bush Boulevard
Sanford, FL 32773
407-665-6600
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
As the agency responsible for operating the county jail and processing most arrests within the county, the Sheriff's Office maintains the most comprehensive collection of booking photographs. Municipal police departments may also maintain copies of mugshots for arrests they process before transferring individuals to county custody.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Seminole County have several options:
-
Submit a public records request to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Records Section:
- In person at the address above
- By mail with a written request
- Through the online public records request portal
-
Contact the arresting agency directly if the arrest was made by a municipal police department.
-
Check the Seminole County Clerk of Court records for cases that have proceeded to prosecution, as mugshots may be included in court files.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Seminole County provides limited online access to mugshots through:
- The Seminole County Sheriff's Office inmate database, which displays mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals
- The Sheriff's Office recent booking log, which may include mugshots from recent arrests
It should be noted that Florida's public records laws, particularly Florida Statutes § 119.01, make mugshots generally available as public records. However, recent legislative changes have placed some restrictions on commercial websites that publish and charge for removal of mugshots.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To obtain official copies of mugshots:
- Provide specific identifying information about the arrestee (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
- Submit a completed public records request form
- Pay applicable reproduction fees (typically $1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Allow processing time (varies based on request volume and complexity)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are generally confidential under Florida Statutes § 985.04
- Mugshots related to active criminal investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure
- Images of arrestees who have had their records sealed or expunged are not available to the public
- Certain victim categories have protections under Florida law that may restrict release of their booking photos
- Individuals in witness protection programs or undercover law enforcement personnel may have restricted mugshot access
Requests for mugshots should be directed to the Records Section of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.