Milton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Milton, Florida?
Arrest records are public documents in Milton, Florida, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Act. This legislation establishes the right of any person to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office and Milton Police Department maintain these records as part of their official duties. Under Florida Statute § 119.01, there is a presumption of openness that provides citizens with broad access to governmental proceedings and records, including those pertaining to arrests, bookings, and criminal charges.
The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right by declaring that all persons have the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state. Exceptions to disclosure exist only as provided by law or by the Florida Constitution, and these exceptions are narrowly construed to fulfill the public policy of open government.
How to Look Up Milton Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple avenues exist for accessing arrest records in Milton, Florida, reflecting the state's commitment to governmental transparency. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
- Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Records Division: Members of the public may request arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office headquarters. Proper identification is required, and fees may apply for document reproduction.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office
5755 East Milton Road
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 983-1100
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office
- Milton Police Department Records Unit: The department maintains records of arrests within city limits and provides public access during regular business hours.
Milton Police Department
5451 Alabama Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 983-5420
Milton Police Department
- Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court: Court records related to arrests, including case dispositions, are available through the Clerk's office.
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
6865 Caroline Street
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 981-5676
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): The state's central repository for criminal history information provides certified records for a fee.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-8109
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07, agencies may charge a reasonable fee for the duplication of records, not to exceed 15 cents per one-sided copy for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 8½ inches. Additional charges may apply for certified copies or extensive research time.
Contents of a Milton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Milton typically contain comprehensive information as prescribed by Florida Statute § 119.071. Standard elements include:
- Demographic Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, location, and circumstances of the arrest
- Criminal Charges: Specific Florida Statutes allegedly violated, including felony or misdemeanor classification
- Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprints, and booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
- Case Disposition: Status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction
- Bond Information: Amount set, if posted, and conditions of release
- Arresting Agency: Name and badge number of the arresting officer and the law enforcement agency involved
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records pursuant to exemptions under Florida Statute § 119.071, such as the home addresses and telephone numbers of active or former law enforcement personnel, the identity of sexual offense victims, and information regarding juvenile offenders in certain circumstances.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Milton
Florida law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059. Individuals seeking to have their arrest records expunged in Milton must meet statutory eligibility requirements, which generally include:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The individual has not been adjudicated guilty of any criminal offense
- The individual has not previously secured an expungement or sealing of another arrest record
- The offense is not among those specifically excluded by statute from eligibility for expungement
The expungement process requires:
- Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Filing a petition for expungement with the court in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred
- Serving copies of the petition on the State Attorney's Office and the arresting agency
- Attending a hearing if required by the court
Upon successful expungement, pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585(4), the subject of the expunged record may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the arrests covered by the expunged record, except when applying for certain positions or licenses as specified by law.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process, as procedural requirements are stringent and technical in nature. The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court can provide the necessary forms, but cannot offer legal advice regarding eligibility or procedure.
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