Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), arrest records are public documents in Madison County, Florida. The Florida Public Records Act establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for public inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. This legislation ensures governmental transparency and accountability by providing citizens with access to records maintained by public agencies, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.
Members of the public may access these records regardless of citizenship status or purpose of the request. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with § 119.071, F.S., which provides exemptions for confidential information such as the personal information of certain government employees, victims of specific crimes, and minors.
Madison County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Florida's commitment to public information accessibility. The Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records of arrests that occur within their jurisdiction. These records are regularly updated in compliance with Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(a), which encourages agencies to provide remote electronic access to public records when feasible.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also maintains a comprehensive database that includes arrest information from Madison County. This database is accessible through the Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators registry for specific offense categories. Additionally, the Madison County Clerk of Court provides access to court records related to arrests through their online portal.
Digital access to these records is subject to the same exemptions and redactions as physical records, in accordance with state privacy laws and judicial administrative orders.
Madison County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in compliance with Florida's Public Records Law. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Submit a records request in person at the Madison County Sheriff's Office located at 2364 US 90, Madison, FL 32340. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (850) 973-4001.
Access the Madison County Clerk of Court located at 125 S.W. Range Avenue, Madison, FL 32340. Telephone: (850) 973-1500. The office maintains court records related to arrests and criminal proceedings.
Submit a written request via mail to the Records Division, Madison County Sheriff's Office, 2364 US 90, Madison, FL 32340. Include the full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest of the subject.
Utilize the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's online services for statewide criminal history information. FDLE charges a statutory fee of $24.00 per record search as authorized by § 943.053(3)(e), F.S.
Access public terminals available at the Madison County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM).
Requestors should note that pursuant to § 119.07(4), F.S., agencies may charge a reasonable fee for the duplication of records, not to exceed $0.15 per one-sided copy for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 8½ inches.
Madison County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Florida Statute § 943.051 and administrative regulations. These official documents typically include:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Certain information may be exempt from public disclosure in accordance with § 119.071, F.S., particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
The expungement of arrest records in Madison County is governed by Florida Statute § 943.0585. Individuals may petition for expungement if their case was dismissed or if they were acquitted at trial. The process requires compliance with specific statutory requirements and administrative procedures.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Madison County include:
The expungement process requires:
Upon court approval, the Madison County Clerk of Court will forward the expungement order to all relevant agencies, including the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice if applicable. These agencies must comply with the order by physically destroying or obliterating the record within a specified timeframe.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that certain government agencies, including law enforcement and the Florida Department of Children and Families, may still have access to expunged records under limited circumstances as provided in § 943.0585(4), F.S.