Okaloosa County Criminal Records
What Is Okaloosa County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Okaloosa County are official documents maintained by various county and state agencies that document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, which governs public records in the state. Criminal records typically originate when an individual is arrested by law enforcement agencies operating within Okaloosa County jurisdictional boundaries.
The Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the primary custodian of court-related criminal records, including:
- Case filings
- Court proceedings
- Judgments
- Sentencing information
- Disposition records
These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 regarding public access to court records.
Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
101 E James Lee Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 689-5800
Okaloosa County Clerk
Additional criminal record information is maintained by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, which documents arrests, bookings, and initial charges. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains statewide criminal history information that includes Okaloosa County arrests and dispositions as required by §943.053, Florida Statutes.
Are Criminal Records Public In Okaloosa County
Criminal records in Okaloosa County are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. Members of the public may access most criminal records through various county and state agencies without demonstrating a specific purpose or relationship to the subject of the records.
However, certain exceptions and exemptions to public disclosure exist under Florida law:
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders may be confidential or have restricted access pursuant to §985.04, Florida Statutes
- Records that have been sealed or expunged under §943.0585 and §943.059, Florida Statutes
- Information related to ongoing investigations as provided in §119.071(2)(c), Florida Statutes
- Victim information protected under Marsy's Law (Article I, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution)
- Records containing information exempt under federal laws such as HIPAA
The Okaloosa County Clerk's Office provides access to public criminal records through their online portal and in-person services, subject to these statutory exemptions. Requestors seeking criminal records should be aware that while most information is public, certain personal identifying information may be redacted in accordance with §119.071, Florida Statutes.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Corrections
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Okaloosa County in 2025
Okaloosa County residents and other interested parties may access criminal records through multiple official channels. The procedures outlined below reflect the current processes established for 2025, pursuant to Florida Statutes and local administrative regulations.
To obtain criminal records in person, individuals may visit:
Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court - Crestview Office
101 E James Lee Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 689-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court - Fort Walton Beach Office
1940 Lewis Turner Blvd
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone: (850) 651-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For in-person requests, requestors should:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide the full name of the subject and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies, $2.00 per page for certified copies)
Online access to criminal records is available through the Clerk's public records portal. Users must register for an account and may incur fees for certain searches or document downloads. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains a separate database for arrest records, active warrants, and inmate information.
For statewide criminal history information that includes Okaloosa County records, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides criminal history searches for a fee of $24.00 per record as authorized by §943.053(3), Florida Statutes.
How To Find Criminal Records in Okaloosa County Online?
Okaloosa County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online. These electronic resources have been established pursuant to Florida Statutes §28.24 and §28.2405, which authorize clerks of court to provide electronic access to public records.
The primary online resources for criminal records include:
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Okaloosa County Clerk of Court Records Search - This official portal allows users to search court cases by name, case number, or citation number. Access is available at the Okaloosa County Clerk's website. Users may search basic case information at no cost, while document downloads may incur fees.
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Okaloosa County Inmate Records - The Archonix XJail Public portal provides current inmate information, including booking photos, charges, and custody status. This system is updated regularly by the Okaloosa County Corrections Department.
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement Wanted Persons Search - This statewide database includes active warrants for individuals in Okaloosa County.
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Florida Sexual Offender and Predator Registry - Maintained by FDLE, this database allows searches for registered sexual offenders and predators residing in Okaloosa County.
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Some records may require registration or payment of statutory fees
- Certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- The most current and complete records may require verification through in-person requests
- Online systems may experience periodic maintenance or downtime
Can You Search Okaloosa County Criminal Records for Free?
Okaloosa County provides limited free access to criminal records in compliance with Florida's Public Records Law. Pursuant to §119.07, Florida Statutes, agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication for records, though certain statutory fees apply to specific record types.
Free criminal record search options include:
- Basic case information through the Okaloosa County Clerk's online portal, which provides case numbers, charges, and status information without charge
- Current inmate lookup through the Okaloosa County Inmate Records system
- Public access terminals located at the Clerk's offices in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach, where visitors may search records without charge (printing fees apply)
- Sex offender registry searches through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website
However, certain limitations apply to free searches:
- Document downloads and certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees
- Comprehensive criminal history reports from FDLE require payment of a $24.00 fee per §943.053, Florida Statutes
- Records that have been sealed or expunged are not available through public searches
- Some municipal police departments, such as the Niceville Police Department, may charge fees for local criminal record checks
Individuals seeking extensive criminal record information may find that while basic searches are free, obtaining complete documentation will likely involve payment of statutory fees.
What's Included in a Okaloosa County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Okaloosa County agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are compiled in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 and relevant Florida Statutes governing court and law enforcement records.
A typical Okaloosa County criminal record contains:
- Demographic information: Full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical descriptors
- Arrest information: Date of arrest, arresting agency, location, and circumstances
- Booking data: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprints, and processing information
- Charge details: Specific criminal statutes violated, charge severity (misdemeanor or felony), and charge descriptions
- Case progression: Court appearances, hearing dates, and procedural developments
- Disposition information: Final outcomes including dismissals, plea agreements, trial verdicts, and case closures
- Sentencing data: Imposed penalties including incarceration terms, probation requirements, fines, and other sanctions
- Post-conviction information: Compliance with sentencing terms, probation violations, and completion of requirements
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and booking information, while the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court preserves court proceedings and case dispositions. For juvenile offenders, records may be maintained by the Okaloosa Regional Juvenile Detention Center under the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, though these records have restricted public access pursuant to §985.04, Florida Statutes.
What Are the Penalties for a Okaloosa County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Okaloosa County is prosecuted under Florida Statutes §810.08 and §810.09, which define trespass in structure or conveyance and trespass on property other than structure or conveyance, respectively. Penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and any aggravating factors present.
The standard penalties for criminal trespass in Okaloosa County are:
Trespass without Warning (§810.09, F.S.)
- Classification: Second-degree misdemeanor
- Maximum jail sentence: 60 days
- Maximum fine: $500
- Possible probation: Up to 6 months
Trespass after Warning (§810.09, F.S.)
- Classification: First-degree misdemeanor
- Maximum jail sentence: 1 year
- Maximum fine: $1,000
- Possible probation: Up to 1 year
Trespass in Structure or Conveyance (§810.08, F.S.)
- Classification: Second-degree misdemeanor
- Maximum jail sentence: 60 days
- Maximum fine: $500
- Possible probation: Up to 6 months
Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:
- Trespass while armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon (third-degree felony)
- Trespass on construction sites (first-degree misdemeanor)
- Trespass on agricultural property (first-degree misdemeanor)
- Trespass on school property (enhanced penalties under §810.097, F.S.)
The Okaloosa County Court typically handles misdemeanor trespass cases, while the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony trespass charges. Defendants may be eligible for pretrial diversion programs for first-time offenses at the discretion of the State Attorney's Office.
How Long Does Okaloosa County Keep Criminal Records?
Okaloosa County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services pursuant to §257.36, Florida Statutes. These retention periods ensure proper documentation of criminal proceedings while balancing administrative needs with public access rights.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Okaloosa County are:
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Felony case files: Minimum of 10 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Arrest records: 75 years from date of arrest
- Inmate records: 7 years following release from incarceration
- Criminal history information: Permanent retention by FDLE
It should be noted that while physical records may be destroyed after the mandatory retention period, electronic indices and basic case information are typically maintained for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained indefinitely even after physical copies are destroyed.
Records that have been sealed pursuant to §943.059, Florida Statutes, or expunged under §943.0585, Florida Statutes, are removed from public access but may still be maintained with restricted access for certain governmental or criminal justice purposes. The Okaloosa County Inmate Services department maintains records related to incarceration and inmate programs according to these statutory requirements.
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