Arrest records in Dixie County, Florida are public documents accessible to all citizens. Pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Act, government agencies are required to make all official records, including arrest documentation, available for public inspection. This legislation ensures transparency in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities. The statute specifically states that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are public records, which includes booking information, arrest reports, and related documentation maintained by the Dixie County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies.
Public access to these records serves multiple purposes:
Exceptions to public disclosure exist for certain protected information, such as the identities of sexual assault victims or ongoing investigation details, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.071.
Dixie County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by government agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a comprehensive database that includes arrest information from Dixie County and can be accessed through their official website. Additionally, the Dixie County Clerk of Court provides an online portal where members of the public may search for case information related to arrests within the jurisdiction.
Online access to these records is governed by Florida Statutes § 119.01(2)(a), which states that agencies must provide reasonable access to records electronically. The statute further requires that the custodian of public records provide these records in the requested format when feasible.
Dixie County Clerk of Court
214 NE Highway 351
Cross City, FL 32628
352-498-1200
Dixie County Clerk's Office
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-410-7000
FDLE Public Records
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Dixie County, each with specific procedures established by Florida law. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, public records requests must be honored by custodial agencies with reasonable promptness. The following options are available to individuals seeking arrest information:
Online Database Searches: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a searchable database of arrest records and wanted persons. Users may search by name, date of birth, or case number to locate relevant information.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Dixie County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court during regular business hours to request arrest records. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the records custodian. Requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including the subject's full name, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Third-Party Services: Commercial background check services aggregate public records, including arrests, and may provide comprehensive reports for a fee. These services must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act when providing information for employment purposes.
Dixie County Sheriff's Office
16701 SE 19 Highway
Cross City, FL 32628
352-498-1220
Dixie County Sheriff's Office
Arrest records maintained by Dixie County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Florida Statutes § 119.021, which mandates the proper documentation of all official actions. These records typically include comprehensive details about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their detention. Standard components of an arrest record include:
The Florida Records Retention Schedule, established under Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-24.003, requires that arrest records be maintained for a minimum period of four years following the final disposition of the case. However, many records are retained for substantially longer periods, particularly those involving serious offenses.
Florida law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059. The Dixie County Probation and Community Intervention Program offers guidance on this process. Individuals may petition for expungement if:
The expungement process requires:
Upon successful expungement, the arrest record is removed from public view, though certain government agencies retain limited access for specific purposes as permitted by statute. Individuals who have had records expunged may lawfully deny the existence of the arrest in most circumstances, with exceptions for certain professional licensing applications and employment with criminal justice agencies.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Expungement Section
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
850-410-8300
FDLE Seal and Expunge Process