>Highlands County Arrest Records Online

Highlands County, Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Highlands County, Florida?

Arrest records are public in Highlands County, Florida, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Act. This legislation mandates 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 and state statutes establish a right of access to government records, including arrest records maintained by the Highlands County Sheriff's Office and the Highlands County Clerk of Courts. This accessibility ensures transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations within the county.

Members of the public may request arrest records in person, by mail, or through designated online platforms. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with § 119.071, Florida Statutes, which provides exemptions for confidential information such as social security numbers, information related to ongoing investigations, and details concerning certain victims of crimes.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Highlands County?

Arrest records can be found online in Highlands County through several official government portals. The Highlands County Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive inmate search database that provides access to current and recent arrest information. Additionally, the Highlands County Clerk of Courts offers an online court records search system where case information related to arrests can be accessed.

These digital resources are provided in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency as outlined in § 119.01(2)(a), Florida Statutes, which states that agencies must provide reasonable access to records electronically. The online availability of these records enhances public access while reducing administrative burden on county offices. Users should note that while basic information is typically available at no cost, fees may apply for certified copies or extensive searches as permitted under § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes.

Highlands County Sheriff's Office
400 S Eucalyptus St
Sebring, FL 33870
(863) 402-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website

Highlands County Clerk of Courts
590 S Commerce Ave
Sebring, FL 33870
(863) 402-6565
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website

How to Look Up Highlands County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for accessing Highlands County arrest records in 2025, each designed to accommodate different public needs. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize any of the following options:

Visit the Highlands County Sheriff's Office in person at 400 S Eucalyptus St, Sebring, FL 33870, where designated terminals are available for public record searches during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
Access the Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal, which provides information on current inmates and recent arrests, including booking photos, charges, and custody status.
Submit a public records request to the Records Division by calling (863) 402-7200 or by email to the designated records custodian.
Visit the Highlands County Clerk of Courts at 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870, where court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings can be accessed.
Utilize the Clerk's online court records search system, which provides case information including arrest details, court dates, and disposition information.

Pursuant to § 119.07, Florida Statutes, requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for duplication of records. The standard fee for copies is $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 per two-sided page for documents not exceeding 8½ by 14 inches. Additional charges may apply for certified copies or special document processing.

Contents of a Highlands County Arrest Record

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

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known nicknames
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address at time of arrest (may be redacted in certain circumstances)
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of all charges filed, including Florida Statute numbers and charge descriptions
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during the intake process
Fingerprint information and unique identification numbers
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency information
Narrative description of the circumstances leading to arrest
Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions
Custody status and housing location if detained
Court case numbers and scheduled appearance dates

These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Department of Law Enforcement standards and Highlands County record retention schedules. Certain information may be exempt from public disclosure pursuant to § 119.071, Florida Statutes, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Highlands County

Individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of arrest records in Highlands County under specific circumstances defined by Florida law. The process is governed by §§ 943.0585 and 943.059, Florida Statutes, which establish eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

To qualify for expungement in Highlands County, applicants must meet the following conditions:

The arrest must not have resulted in a conviction
The applicant must not have been adjudicated guilty or delinquent of any criminal offense
The applicant must not have previously secured an expungement or sealing of another criminal history record
The offense must not be among those listed as ineligible for expungement under § 943.0585(2), Florida Statutes

The expungement process requires:

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Filing a petition with the Highlands County Clerk of Courts
Serving copies of the petition on the State Attorney's Office and any arresting agencies
Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court

If granted, an expungement order requires all criminal justice agencies to physically destroy the record, while sealing places the record under highly restricted access. Applicants should be aware that certain government agencies may still access sealed or expunged records for specific purposes, including law enforcement hiring, judicial appointments, or licensing for certain regulated occupations.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process, as requirements are stringent and procedures must be followed precisely.