Charlotte County, Florida Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Charlotte County, Florida?
Arrest records are public documents in Charlotte County, Florida, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Public Records Law, commonly known as the Florida Sunshine Laws. This legislation establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for public inspection, unless specifically exempted by statute. The law's fundamental purpose is to ensure government transparency and accountability to the citizens of Florida.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations under Florida Statutes § 119.07, which mandates that custodians of public records shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist, including:
- Active criminal intelligence information
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders
- Information that would reveal the identity of a confidential informant
- Personal identifying information of certain public officials and their families
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, specific components may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Charlotte County?
Charlotte County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to arrest information through their official website, allowing members of the public to search for arrest data without physically visiting county offices.
The online availability of these records is governed by Florida Statutes § 119.01(2)(a), which states that agencies must provide reasonable access to records electronically maintained. The statute further requires that electronically available records be provided in a format that is compatible with information technology systems.
Online arrest record repositories typically include:
- Daily booking reports
- Inmate search functions
- Outstanding warrant information
- Case status updates
Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive case files may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office. Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071, certain information within these records may be redacted from online versions to protect sensitive personal data.
How to Look Up Charlotte County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Charlotte County. Individuals seeking these documents may utilize the following methods:
Visit the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office in person
7474 Utilities Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 639-2101
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMAccess the Charlotte County Clerk of Court
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PMUtilize Public Access Terminals located at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center
4000 South Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMSubmit a Public Records Request through the Charlotte County Records Management Division
18500 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
(941) 743-1400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), agencies may charge a reasonable fee for the duplication of records, not to exceed 15 cents per one-sided copy for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 8½ inches.
Requestors should be prepared to present valid identification when requesting records in person, as required by county policy to verify the identity of individuals accessing potentially sensitive information.
Contents of a Charlotte County Arrest Record
Charlotte County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.021, which requires public agencies to systematically maintain all records in their custody.
Standard components of a Charlotte County arrest record include:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race)
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint data and identification numbers
- Arrest details (date, time, location, arresting agency)
- Enumeration of charges with corresponding Florida Statute citations
- Bail or bond information and conditions of release
- Case disposition if available
- Arresting officer's information and badge number
- Incident report number for cross-reference
Certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in compliance with Florida Statutes § 119.071, which exempts specific categories of information from public disclosure. These exemptions include social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information.
The format of arrest records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the purpose of the request. Records obtained directly from the Sheriff's Office may contain more detailed information than those accessed through third-party providers or public terminals.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Charlotte County
Under Florida law, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Charlotte County. This process is governed by Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, which establish the criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public access.
Eligibility requirements for expungement include:
- The arrest must not have resulted in a conviction
- The petitioner must not have been adjudicated guilty of any criminal offense
- The petitioner must not have previously secured an expungement or sealing
- Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement
The expungement process requires:
Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement 2000 West Edgewood Drive Melbourne, FL 32940 (850) 410-7870
Filing a petition with the Charlotte County Clerk of Court 350 East Marion Avenue Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 637-2199
Attending a judicial hearing if required by the presiding judge
Upon successful expungement, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585(4)(a), the subject of the expunged record may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the arrests covered by the expunged record, except when applying for certain positions or licenses as specified by statute.
The Charlotte County Clerk of Court provides standardized forms for expungement petitions, and applicants may wish to consult with legal counsel to navigate this complex administrative process. Filing fees and processing times vary, with current fee schedules available from the Clerk's Office.
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