Yes, arrest records are public in Gulf County, Florida. This accessibility is mandated by Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, which establishes that all government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state law. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.01, it is the policy of the state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. This transparency ensures that members of the public can access these records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, journalistic investigations, and personal information gathering.
The Gulf County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.071, which provides exemptions for specific categories of information such as social security numbers, information related to ongoing investigations, and details concerning victims of certain crimes.
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Gulf County through several official channels. The Gulf County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of arrest records that is updated regularly in compliance with Florida's commitment to government transparency. This online accessibility facilitates easier access for individuals seeking to review arrest records without the necessity of visiting physical government offices.
The online records system, established pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(a), which states that agencies must provide reasonable access to records electronically, allows for remote searches of arrest information. Users should be aware that while basic arrest information is available online, certain documents related to arrests may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.
Gulf County Sheriff's Office
1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd.
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
(850) 227-1115
Official Website
To obtain Gulf County arrest records in 2025, individuals have several options available as prescribed by Florida's public records statutes:
Online Database Access: The Gulf County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable online database of arrest records. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number. This service is available 24 hours per day in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(f).
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Gulf County Sheriff's Office or the Gulf County Clerk of Court to request arrest records in person. Identification may be required, and standard copying fees apply as permitted under Florida Statute § 119.07(4).
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to either the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court. Requests must include sufficient information to identify the records sought, as required by Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(c).
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request records from the FDLE, which maintains statewide arrest data.
Gulf County Clerk of Court
1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd., Room 148
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
(850) 229-6112
Official Website
Gulf County Detention Facility
1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd.
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
(850) 227-1124
Official Website
A Gulf County arrest record typically contains the following information as prescribed by Florida law and standard law enforcement protocols:
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information related to victims of specific crimes. Additionally, records pertaining to juvenile arrests may have restricted access in accordance with Florida Statute § 985.04.
In Gulf County, individuals who meet specific criteria established by Florida law may petition for the expungement or sealing of their arrest records. The process is governed by Florida Statute § 943.0585 for expungement and § 943.059 for sealing. Eligibility requirements include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the 14th Judicial Circuit Court serving Gulf County, along with fingerprints, processing fees, and a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. If granted, an expungement order legally permits the individual to deny the arrest occurred except in specific circumstances outlined in Florida Statute § 943.0585(4).
The Gulf County Probation and Community Intervention Program can provide guidance to eligible individuals seeking information about the expungement process. Legal assistance is strongly recommended to navigate the complex procedural requirements.
Gulf Correctional Institution
500 Ike Steele Road
Wewahitchka, FL 32465
(850) 639-1000
Official Website