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Miami Gardens Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Miami Gardens, Florida?

Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), arrest records are public documents in Miami Gardens, Florida. This legislation, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," establishes that all government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The statute ensures citizens have the right to obtain, inspect, and copy arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction.

The Miami Gardens Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law, which mandates transparency in government operations. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through various official channels. This public access framework serves to foster accountability within the criminal justice system and provides citizens with important information regarding law enforcement activities within their community.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Florida Statutes § 119.071, which protects specific categories of information such as ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain personal identifying information of law enforcement officers. These exemptions are narrowly construed to balance transparency with privacy and security concerns.

How to Look Up Miami Gardens Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Miami Gardens provides multiple official channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Miami Gardens Police Department Records Unit to submit formal requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with the completion of necessary forms and to process requests during regular business hours.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts: The Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. These records may be accessed through the Clerk's public terminals or online portal.
Online Public Access Services: The City of Miami Gardens provides limited online access to certain public records through its official website. Users may search for specific arrest information using the individual's name and other identifying information.
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Unit. All requests must include specific information regarding the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual, date of arrest, and case number if available.

Miami Gardens Police Department Records Unit
18611 NW 27th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Phone: 305-474-1413
Official Website

Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-275-1155
Official Website

Contents of a Miami Gardens Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Miami Gardens Police Department contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances of an individual's arrest and subsequent processing through the criminal justice system. Standard arrest records typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, address, and other identifying information of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations for which the individual was arrested, including Florida Statute citations and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony).
Incident Report: Narrative description of the circumstances leading to the arrest, including witness statements, evidence collected, and other pertinent details.
Booking Information: Fingerprints, mugshot photographs, and processing details from the time of booking into the detention facility.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including court dates, plea information, and final disposition if available.
Bond Information: Details regarding bail amount, conditions of release, and whether the individual was released pending trial.

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(h), certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect victims of specific crimes, confidential informants, or ongoing investigations. The Records Unit reviews all requests to ensure compliance with applicable exemptions before release.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Miami Gardens

The State of Florida provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by the Miami Gardens Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. This process is governed by Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, which establish specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals seeking expungement must meet the following statutory requirements:

The arrest must not have resulted in a conviction or adjudication of guilt.
The petitioner must not have been adjudicated guilty or delinquent for any criminal offense within five years preceding the filing of the petition.
The petitioner must not have previously secured an expungement or sealing of another criminal history record.
The offense for which expungement is sought must not be among those enumerated in Florida Statutes § 943.0585(2) as ineligible for expungement.

The expungement process requires submission of a formal petition to the court of original jurisdiction, accompanied by:

A certificate of eligibility issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Certified copies of disposition documents
A processing fee as established by statute
Fingerprint card for verification purposes

Upon judicial approval of an expungement petition, the Miami Gardens Police Department and other agencies are required to physically destroy or otherwise remove from public access all records pertaining to the arrest. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny or fail to acknowledge the arrest except in specific circumstances enumerated in Florida Statutes § 943.0585(4).

Miami-Dade County Courthouse
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-275-1155
Official Website

Legal Implications of Arrest Records in Miami Gardens

Arrest records maintained by the Miami Gardens Police Department carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. These records, even in the absence of conviction, may impact various aspects of a person's life, including:

Employment Opportunities: Many employers in Miami Gardens and surrounding communities conduct background checks that reveal arrest histories. Florida Statutes § 768.096 provides employers with a presumption against negligent hiring claims when proper background screening is conducted.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies frequently review arrest records when evaluating rental applications. The Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601-3619) prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records without consideration of other factors.
Professional Licensing: Regulatory boards governing professional licenses in Florida may consider arrest records when evaluating applications for licensure or certification. Each licensing authority maintains specific standards regarding the relevance of criminal history to professional practice.
Educational Opportunities: Institutions of higher education may request disclosure of arrest records as part of the admissions process, particularly for programs leading to careers requiring background checks.
Immigration Status: Non-citizens residing in Miami Gardens may face immigration consequences for certain arrests, regardless of whether conviction occurs. Federal immigration authorities maintain independent access to arrest records through intergovernmental information sharing agreements.

The Miami Gardens Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with retention schedules established by Florida law. These records remain accessible to the public and authorized agencies unless formally expunged or sealed through judicial order as provided by statute.