Lake County, Florida Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lake County, Florida?
Yes, arrest records are public in Lake County, Florida. This is in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, also known as the Sunshine Law, which is codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law stipulates 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 the Florida Legislature.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.01, arrest records, being documents created by law enforcement agencies during the course of their official duties, fall under this category of public records. The purpose of this law is to ensure transparency in government operations and to allow citizens access to information about law enforcement activities. The Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations under Florida law.
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally public, certain exceptions exist under Florida Statutes § 119.071, which provides exemptions for specific categories of records to protect individual privacy, ongoing investigations, and certain vulnerable populations. These exemptions may include records related to juvenile arrests, active criminal investigations, or victims of certain crimes.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lake County?
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Lake County. The Lake County Sheriff's Office provides online access to certain arrest record information through their official website. This online availability enhances public access to these records and facilitates easier information retrieval for interested parties.
The Lake County public records system allows citizens to search for and request various public records, including arrest information. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, government agencies are required to provide reasonable access to public records, and many agencies fulfill this obligation by offering online search capabilities.
Online arrest records typically include basic information about arrests made within Lake County jurisdiction. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided under Florida Statutes § 119.071. For comprehensive arrest records that may not be available online, individuals may need to submit formal requests through alternative methods.
How to Look Up Lake County Arrest Records in 2025
To obtain Lake County arrest records in 2025, individuals can utilize several methods, including online resources. The following options are available for accessing arrest records:
- Online Search: Visit the Lake County Sheriff's Office website to access their online inmate search tool
- In-Person Request: Visit the Lake County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Mail Request: Submit a written request for arrest records to the Lake County Sheriff's Office
- Lake County Clerk of Courts: Search their online database for related court cases and arrest information
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Request a criminal history record check
- Local Police Departments: Contact individual police departments within Lake County for specific arrest information
- Public Access Terminals: Use computer terminals available at the Lake County Courthouse for record searches
- Third-Party Websites: Utilize reputable background check services that compile public records
The primary agencies responsible for maintaining arrest records in Lake County include:
Lake County Sheriff's Office
360 W. Ruby Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 343-2101
Lake County Sheriff's Office
Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
550 W. Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4100
Lake County Clerk of Courts
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), agencies may charge a reasonable fee for the duplication of records. Current fees for record requests typically include $0.15 per one-sided copy for pages up to 8.5 x 14 inches, $0.20 per two-sided copy, and $1.00 per certified copy. Additional charges may apply for extensive use of agency resources.
Contents of a Lake County Arrest Record
A Lake County arrest record typically includes comprehensive information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.021, which establishes requirements for the maintenance of public records.
Standard information contained in Lake County arrest records includes:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Gender and race identifiers
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Detailed charges filed, including Florida Statute violations
- Unique booking number assigned to the case
- Biometric data including fingerprints
- Booking photograph (commonly known as a mugshot)
- Warrant information and case numbers (if applicable)
- Bond amount and status information
- Scheduled court appearances and locations
- Case disposition information when available
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Identifying physical characteristics such as scars, marks, or tattoos
The Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Florida Department of Law Enforcement standards and retention schedules established under Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-24.003. These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including identification, case processing, and statistical analysis.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lake County
In Lake County, Florida, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged or sealed under certain circumstances. The process of expungement allows for the removal of arrest records from public view, while sealing restricts access to these records.
Eligibility for expungement or sealing in Lake County is determined by Florida state law, specifically Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059. Generally, individuals may qualify if:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The charges were dismissed or the individual was found not guilty
- The individual successfully completed a diversion program
- The record has been sealed for at least 10 years (for expungement)
- The offense is eligible under Florida Statutes
To initiate the expungement or sealing process, eligible individuals must:
- Obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- File a petition with the Lake County Clerk of Court
- Pay the required filing fees (currently $75.00 for the FDLE certificate and additional court filing fees)
- Provide all necessary documentation, including fingerprints and court documents
- Attend a hearing before a judge, if required
The petition must be filed in the court where the charges were originally filed at:
Lake County Courthouse
550 W. Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4100
Lake County Court Services
The State Attorney's Office will have an opportunity to object to the expungement or sealing. If the expungement is granted, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585(4), the arrest record will be physically destroyed by any agency holding such record. If sealing is granted under Florida Statutes § 943.059(4), the record will be made confidential and only accessible to specific government agencies under limited circumstances.
It is important to note that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement or sealing under Florida Statutes § 943.0584, including sexual offenses, dangerous crimes, and offenses involving minors. Additionally, individuals with prior criminal records may face additional restrictions under Florida Statutes § 943.0585(2) and § 943.059(2).
Search Arrest Records in Lake County
