Okaloosa County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Okaloosa County
Arrest records in Okaloosa County are considered public records pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state law. The Florida Constitution and statutory provisions establish a right of access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within Okaloosa County jurisdictions.
Under Florida Statute § 119.07, government agencies must provide access to public records upon request, with reasonable accommodations for inspection and copying. However, certain exemptions apply to protect sensitive information, including:
- Active criminal investigations
- Juvenile arrest records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Information that would compromise ongoing law enforcement operations
- Personal identifying information of certain protected classes
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to adult arrest records through various methods, including in-person requests and online databases. Interested parties may contact:
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office 50 2nd Street Shalimar, FL 32579 Phone: (850) 651-7400 Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
What's in Okaloosa County Arrest Records
Okaloosa County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include several standard elements as required by Florida Statute § 119.071.
Standard information contained in Okaloosa County arrest records includes:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and physical description
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Charges filed (including Florida statute numbers)
- Arresting agency information
- Case or booking number
- Bond information and status
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition of the case (if available)
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Florida law, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information
- Information about victims of certain crimes
- Home addresses of specified protected individuals
The level of detail in arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Okaloosa County inmate services provide additional information about individuals currently in custody, including housing location and scheduled release dates when applicable.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Okaloosa County in 2025
Okaloosa County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in 2025, accommodating both electronic and in-person inquiries. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize several official channels to obtain these public records.
The primary methods for looking up arrest records in Okaloosa County include:
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Online Database Access: The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains the Archonix XJail Public database, which provides current and recent booking information. This system is updated regularly and allows searches by name, booking date, or case number.
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In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division at the Sheriff's Office headquarters to request physical copies of arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees apply for document reproduction.
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Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division by mail or in person. Requests should include the subject's full name, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement: For statewide arrest information, including Okaloosa County arrests, the FDLE wanted persons database provides information on individuals with active warrants.
For official arrest record requests, contact:
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Records Division 50 2nd Street Shalimar, FL 32579 Phone: (850) 651-7410 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
How To Find Okaloosa County Arrest Records Online
Okaloosa County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official government portals. These online systems offer convenient access to public information while maintaining compliance with Florida public records laws.
The following online resources are available for locating Okaloosa County arrest records:
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Okaloosa County Jail Inmate Search: The county maintains a comprehensive jail inmate database that includes current inmates and recent bookings. This system allows searches by name, booking number, or arrest date and provides basic arrest information and custody status.
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Okaloosa County Clerk of Court Records: The Clerk's online portal provides access to court records related to criminal cases, including information about arrests that have proceeded to court proceedings. Case information includes charges, court dates, and disposition information.
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Florida Department of Corrections Website: For individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction, the Florida Department of Corrections maintains an offender search database that includes arrest information and current custody status.
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Public Records Request Portal: For records not readily available online, Okaloosa County maintains an electronic public records request system where specific arrest records can be formally requested.
When utilizing these online resources, users should note that information is provided in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.071, which may limit certain details based on privacy exemptions or active investigation status.
Can You Search Okaloosa County Arrest Records for Free?
Okaloosa County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information in compliance with Florida's Public Records Law. These free resources offer varying levels of detail and accessibility to the public.
Free arrest record search options in Okaloosa County include:
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Online Inmate Lookup: The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office provides free access to their current inmate database, which includes recent booking information and basic arrest details.
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals available at the Okaloosa County Courthouse and Sheriff's Office provide free on-site access to public records, including basic arrest information. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Okaloosa County Courthouse 101 E James Lee Blvd Crestview, FL 32536 Phone: (850) 689-5800 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement Website: The FDLE maintains a free public access system for wanted persons and certain criminal history information.
While basic arrest information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of arrest records
- Comprehensive criminal history reports
- Records requiring extensive research or redaction
- Multiple copies or large document requests
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4), agencies may charge a reasonable fee for duplication costs and extensive use of agency resources when fulfilling public records requests.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Okaloosa County
Florida law provides specific legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public view under certain circumstances. These processes are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 943, which establishes criteria for sealing and expungement of criminal records.
Eligible individuals may pursue the following options to remove arrest records from public access:
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Record Sealing: Pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.059, individuals who have not been convicted of the charges may petition to have their records sealed. This process restricts public access but maintains the records for certain government agencies.
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Record Expungement: Under Florida Statute § 943.0585, eligible individuals may petition for expungement, which physically destroys most copies of the arrest record. Eligibility typically requires that charges were dismissed or not filed.
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Administrative Expungement: In cases of mistaken arrests or identity errors, Florida Statute § 943.0581 provides for administrative expungement through the arresting agency.
To initiate these processes, individuals must:
- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- File a petition with the court in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred
- Attend any required hearings
- Pay applicable filing fees
For assistance with record sealing or expungement, contact:
Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court 101 E James Lee Blvd Crestview, FL 32536 Phone: (850) 689-5800 Okaloosa County Clerk
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
What Happens After Arrest in Okaloosa County?
Following an arrest in Okaloosa County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Florida law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages from initial custody through case disposition.
The standard post-arrest procedure in Okaloosa County includes:
- Booking Process: Arrestees are transported to the Okaloosa County Jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection. The jail is located at:
Okaloosa County Department of Corrections 1200 E James Lee Blvd Crestview, FL 32539 Phone: (850) 689-5690 Inmate Services & Programs
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First Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge who reviews probable cause, sets bail if applicable, and addresses representation by counsel. First appearances typically occur at the Okaloosa County Courthouse.
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Formal Charging: The State Attorney's Office determines whether to file formal charges, typically within 21 days for misdemeanors or 40 days for felonies.
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Arraignment: If formally charged, defendants appear for arraignment to enter a plea and establish future court dates.
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Pre-Trial Proceedings: May include discovery, motion hearings, and plea negotiations.
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Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases proceed to trial or are resolved through plea agreements.
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Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes penalties according to Florida sentencing guidelines.
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. The Okaloosa County Public Defender's Office provides representation for qualifying individuals at:
Office of the Public Defender 302 N Wilson Street, Suite 301 Crestview, FL 32536 Phone: (850) 689-5580 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Okaloosa County?
Arrest records in Okaloosa County are maintained in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules as established by Florida Statute § 119.021 and the Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services. These records are typically preserved for extended periods due to their administrative and historical value.
The standard retention periods for arrest records in Okaloosa County are:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections.
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Criminal History Information: Retained for 75 years from the date of arrest or until notification of death, pursuant to General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies.
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Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions under Florida Statute § 985.04, but generally maintained until the subject reaches 24 years of age.
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Arrest Photographs and Fingerprints: Maintained permanently in law enforcement databases, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's central repository.
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Court Records Related to Arrests: Maintained permanently by the Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts, with certain exceptions for sealed or expunged records.
Records that have been legally sealed or expunged are removed from public access but may be maintained in restricted government databases for specific authorized purposes as permitted by Florida Statute § 943.059.
For questions regarding records retention policies, contact:
Okaloosa County Records Management 302 N Wilson Street Crestview, FL 32536 Phone: (850) 689-5800 County Records Request
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
How to Find Mugshots in Okaloosa County
Booking photographs, commonly known as mugshots, are considered public records in Okaloosa County under Florida's Public Records Law. These images are created during the booking process and are maintained as part of the official arrest record.
Mugshots may be accessed through several official channels:
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Online Inmate Database: The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains current and recent booking photos in their public inmate database. This searchable system displays mugshots alongside basic arrest information.
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Records Request: For mugshots not available in the online system, individuals may submit a formal records request through the Okaloosa County public records portal or by using the appropriate county government forms.
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In-Person Request: Physical copies of mugshots may be obtained by visiting the Records Division at:
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Records Division 50 2nd Street Shalimar, FL 32579 Phone: (850) 651-7410 Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07, reasonable fees may be charged for reproduction of these records. Standard fees include:
- $0.15 per one-sided copy (8.5" x 11")
- $0.20 per two-sided copy (8.5" x 11")
- $1.00 per certified copy
- Additional fees for special formats or extensive research
It should be noted that certain mugshots may be exempt from public disclosure, including those related to active investigations or protected categories of individuals as specified in Florida Statute § 119.071.
Lookup Arrest Records in Okaloosa County
Okaloosa County inmate database
Submit public records requests
Florida Department of Corrections offender search
Florida wanted persons database
Florida Sheriff's Office directory