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:
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.
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:
Holmes County Clerk of Court 201 N Oklahoma Street Bonifay, FL 32425 (850) 547-1100 Holmes County Clerk of Court
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:
Third-party commercial services aggregate public records from multiple sources, though users should verify information obtained through these channels with official county records.
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:
Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with statutory exemptions, particularly when records involve:
The Holmes County Court maintains the official judicial records associated with arrests, including charging documents, court proceedings, and case dispositions.
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:
The expungement process requires:
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.