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Hernando County, Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hernando County, Florida?

Arrest records are public documents in Hernando County, Florida, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right of access to public records.

Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction. These records typically become available shortly after an arrest is processed through the county's booking system. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental purposes, including:

  • Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
  • Facilitating public oversight of governmental functions
  • Providing information relevant to public safety
  • Supporting the integrity of the criminal justice system

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or exempt from public disclosure under § 119.071, Florida Statutes, including social security numbers, information related to ongoing investigations, and details concerning certain victims of crimes.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hernando County?

Hernando County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office maintain digital databases that allow for remote access to arrest information.

Pursuant to § 119.01(2)(a), Florida Statutes, agencies are encouraged to provide reasonable public access to records electronically. The Hernando County Sheriff's Office fulfills this statutory obligation by maintaining an online records search portal where members of the public may query arrest data. This system is updated regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of information.

Online access to arrest records is subject to the same exemptions and redactions that apply to physical records under Florida law. The electronic availability of these records does not alter their legal status as public documents or the protections afforded to certain categories of information contained therein.

How to Look Up Hernando County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing Hernando County arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, public records custodians must permit records to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions. The following methods are available for record retrieval:

  • Submit a public records request directly to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Records Division, located at 18900 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34601. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (352) 754-6830.
  • Access the Hernando County Sheriff's Office online records portal, which provides 24-hour access to booking information and arrest reports.
  • Visit the Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller at 20 North Main Street, Room 362, Brooksville, FL 34601. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (352) 754-4201.
  • Utilize the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's statewide criminal history database for comprehensive background information.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, such as full name, date of birth, or case number to facilitate accurate record retrieval. Fees may apply for copies of records pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, which permits agencies to charge up to $0.15 per one-sided copy for pages not exceeding 8½ by 14 inches.

Contents of a Hernando County Arrest Record

Hernando County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Florida Statutes § 119.021, which requires public records to be maintained according to professional standards. A typical arrest record includes the following components:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed, including Florida Statute numbers and offense descriptions
  • Booking information, including booking number and processing details
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Agency case number and incident report references
  • Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
  • Fingerprint classification data
  • Bond information, including type and amount
  • Court appearance dates and judicial assignment

These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Department of State retention schedules, specifically General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners. Arrest records are typically retained for a minimum of 100 years from the date of arrest or until the subject reaches age 100, whichever occurs first.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hernando County

Florida law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, individuals may petition for expungement or sealing if they meet statutory eligibility requirements. The expungement process effectively removes arrest records from public view, while sealing restricts access to authorized governmental entities.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Hernando County 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
  • The offense must not be among those enumerated in § 943.0585(2) as ineligible for expungement

The expungement procedure requires:

  1. Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  2. Filing a petition with the Hernando County Circuit Court
  3. Serving copies of the petition on the State Attorney's Office and arresting agency
  4. Attending a judicial hearing if required by the court

Successful expungement results in the physical destruction of records held by the clerk of court, while other agencies must seal their records and prevent disclosure. Individuals with expunged records may lawfully deny the existence of the expunged arrest except in specific circumstances enumerated in § 943.0585(4)(a), Florida Statutes.

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