Holmes County, Florida Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Holmes County, Florida?
Arrest records in Holmes County, Florida are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, commonly known as the Florida Sunshine Law, establishes that all government records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be made available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The Holmes County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations.
The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including:
- Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
- Enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in compliance with § 119.071, Florida Statutes, which protects specific categories of information such as social security numbers, information about victims of certain crimes, and details about active criminal investigations.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Holmes County?
Holmes County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency. The Holmes County Clerk of Court maintains an online database that provides access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Additionally, the Holmes County Sheriff's Office provides limited booking information through their official website.
Online access to these records is governed by the provisions outlined in § 119.01(2)(a), Florida Statutes, which states that agencies must provide reasonable access to records electronically if such records are maintained in electronic format. The statute further requires that the custodian of public records provide copies of such records upon payment of the prescribed fee.
Users seeking arrest records online should be aware of the following considerations:
- Records available online may not be comprehensive and might require supplementation with in-person requests
- Some older records may not be digitized and remain available only in physical format
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions in accordance with statutory exemptions
- Official verification of online records may require contacting the Holmes County Clerk of Court directly
Holmes County Clerk of Court 201 N Oklahoma Street Bonifay, FL 32425 (850) 547-1100 Holmes County Clerk of Court
How to Look Up Holmes County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Holmes County have multiple methods available for conducting searches in 2025. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with Florida's public records statutes:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Holmes County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours. Requestors should complete the standard public records request form and provide identification. Fees for copying and certification may apply in accordance with § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes.
Holmes County Sheriff's Office 211 N Oklahoma Street Bonifay, FL 32425 (850) 547-3681 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Holmes County Sheriff's Office
Written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Division. Requests should include specific information about the desired records, including names, approximate dates, and case numbers if available. Response times typically range from 3-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request.
Online searches can be conducted through:
- The Holmes County Clerk of Court case search system
- The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search for incarcerated individuals
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement criminal history database (requires payment of statutory fees)
Third-party commercial services aggregate public records from multiple sources, though users should verify information obtained through these channels with official county records.
Contents of a Holmes County Arrest Record
Holmes County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Florida law and administrative regulations. These documents serve as the official record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement authorities at the time of apprehension. Pursuant to § 119.071(2)(h), Florida Statutes, arrest records must include specific elements while protecting certain categories of confidential information.
Standard components of a Holmes County arrest record include:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, physical description)
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of booking
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint data and other biometric identifiers
- Case number and tracking information
- Initial appearance and bond information
- Property inventory from time of booking
Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with statutory exemptions, particularly when records involve:
- Juvenile offenders (subject to provisions in Chapter 985, Florida Statutes)
- Victims of sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
- Confidential informants or undercover personnel
The Holmes County Court maintains the official judicial records associated with arrests, including charging documents, court proceedings, and case dispositions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Holmes County
Florida law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. In Holmes County, these procedures are administered in accordance with § 943.0585 and § 943.059, Florida Statutes. Expungement physically destroys records, while sealing removes them from public view but preserves them for certain governmental entities.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Holmes County include:
- No prior convictions for criminal offenses
- No previous record sealings or expungements (with limited exceptions)
- Case disposition resulting in dismissal, nolle prosequi, or acquittal
- Completion of pretrial diversion program (for certain offenses)
- No pending criminal charges at time of application
The expungement process requires:
- Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Filing a petition with the Holmes County Clerk of Court
- Serving copies on the State Attorney's Office and arresting agency
- Attending a judicial hearing if required by the court
- Receiving a court order directing expungement of records
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including violent crimes, sexual offenses, and violations involving minors. The Holmes County Probation and Community Intervention Program can provide guidance on eligibility for juvenile records.
Even after expungement, certain governmental agencies retain access to sealed or expunged records, including law enforcement agencies, the Florida Bar, and licensing boards for specific professions. Individuals with expunged records may lawfully deny the existence of the arrest in most circumstances, except when applying for certain licenses or employment positions specified in § 943.0585(4), Florida Statutes.
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