>DeSoto County Arrest Records Online

DeSoto County, Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in DeSoto County, Florida?

Arrest records in DeSoto County, Florida are public documents accessible to all citizens. This accessibility is mandated by Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, which establishes that all government records, with specific statutory exemptions, must be available for public inspection. The law, commonly known as the Florida Sunshine Law, ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within DeSoto County.

Members of the public may access arrest records through various official channels. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right by establishing that all records of governmental bodies shall be open for inspection by any person. This constitutional provision, along with statutory requirements, creates a robust framework for public access to arrest information in DeSoto County.

Certain exemptions do exist under Florida Statutes § 119.071, which may restrict access to specific information within arrest records. These exemptions typically apply to active criminal investigations, confidential informant identities, and records involving juveniles. However, the general rule remains that arrest records are public documents available for inspection by any person without demonstrating a specific purpose or need.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in DeSoto County?

DeSoto County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows public access to current and historical arrest information. This online accessibility is provided in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.01(2)(a), which encourages agencies to provide remote electronic access to public records.

The DeSoto County Clerk of Circuit Court also maintains an online records system where case information related to arrests can be accessed. This system, part of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, provides information on criminal cases that have been filed with the court following arrests in the county.

Additionally, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a statewide database that includes arrest information from DeSoto County. This comprehensive system allows for searches across jurisdictional boundaries within Florida, providing a more complete picture of an individual's arrest history throughout the state.

Online access to these records is typically available 24 hours a day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Users should be aware that while basic information is often available without charge, fees may apply for certified copies or extensive searches in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4).

How to Look Up DeSoto County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing DeSoto County arrest records in 2025. Members of the public seeking this information may utilize the following methods:

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office: The primary law enforcement agency maintains comprehensive arrest records. Requests may be submitted in person at the Sheriff's Office located at 208 East Cypress Street, Arcadia, FL 34266. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (863) 993-4700.
DeSoto County Clerk of Circuit Court: As the official custodian of court records, the Clerk maintains information on arrests that have proceeded to court action. The office is located at the DeSoto County Courthouse, 115 East Oak Street, Arcadia, FL 34266. Public access hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (863) 993-4876.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: The FDLE maintains the Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators database which includes arrest information for specific offenses. Additionally, comprehensive criminal history information may be requested through their Criminal History Information services.
Online Court Records Access: The 12th Judicial Circuit provides online access to court records, including criminal cases stemming from arrests in DeSoto County. This system allows for searches by name, case number, or date range.

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records. Standard fees include $0.15 per one-sided copy for pages up to 8½ × 14 inches, and $1.00 per certified copy. Additional special service charges may apply for extensive use of agency resources.

Contents of a DeSoto County Arrest Record

DeSoto County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Florida law and administrative procedures. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and address of residence.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer; and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific Florida Statutes allegedly violated, including statute numbers and descriptions of the offenses. Both misdemeanor and felony charges are documented with their respective classification levels.
Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of booking, fingerprint identification number, and mugshot photographs taken during the booking process.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether the individual was released on bail, the bail amount, court dates, and eventual resolution of the charges if available.
Physical Identifiers: Distinguishing physical characteristics such as tattoos, scars, or other identifying marks documented during the booking process.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement establishes standards for arrest record documentation through its Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division, ensuring consistency across all Florida counties, including DeSoto. These standards comply with both state requirements and federal FBI record-keeping protocols.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access in DeSoto County

While Florida's Public Records Law provides broad access to arrest records, several important legal restrictions limit disclosure in specific circumstances. These restrictions are designed to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable populations.

Juvenile arrest records receive special protection under Florida Statutes § 985.04. Records pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age are generally confidential, with limited exceptions for serious offenses or repeat offenders. Law enforcement agencies in DeSoto County must adhere to these protections when responding to public records requests.

Expunged or sealed records are removed from public access pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059. Individuals who have successfully petitioned the court for expungement or sealing of their arrest records are legally permitted to deny the existence of these records in most circumstances, and the records become unavailable through standard public records requests.

Active criminal intelligence and investigative information is exempt from disclosure under Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(c). This exemption protects information that could compromise ongoing investigations if released to the public.

Victims of certain crimes receive additional protections under Florida's Constitution, Article I, Section 16 (known as Marsy's Law). This provision allows crime victims to prevent the disclosure of information that could be used to locate or harass them.

The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court are responsible for applying these exemptions when processing public records requests. Individuals seeking access to records that may fall under these exemptions should be prepared to provide additional information or documentation to support their request.

Expungement of Arrest Records in DeSoto County

DeSoto County residents may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances defined by Florida law. This legal process removes eligible arrest records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in DeSoto County include:

The arrest must not have resulted in a conviction
The case must have been dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in an acquittal
The petitioner must not have been adjudicated guilty of any criminal offense
The petitioner must not have previously sealed or expunged another Florida criminal history record
Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement regardless of case outcome

The expungement process begins with obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Applicants must submit fingerprints, application forms, and required fees to FDLE headquarters at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Current application fees are $75 for the certificate.

After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, petitioners must file a Petition for Expungement with the DeSoto County Clerk of Court. This petition must be accompanied by supporting documentation and filed at the DeSoto County Courthouse, 115 East Oak Street, Arcadia, FL 34266. A filing fee of approximately $42 applies to these petitions.

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585, the court will review the petition and may schedule a hearing before making a determination. If granted, the expungement order requires all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access. The entire process typically takes 4-6 months from initial application to final order.