>Sarasota County Arrest Records Online

Sarasota County, Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sarasota County, Florida?

Arrest records are public documents in Sarasota County, Florida, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Act. This legislation 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. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right of access to public records. Law enforcement agencies in Sarasota County maintain these records as part of their statutory obligations under Florida Statute § 119.07, which mandates that custodians of public records shall permit records to be inspected and examined by any person desiring to do so.

Members of the public may access these records through various governmental agencies, including the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court. This transparency in record-keeping serves multiple public interests, including community awareness of law enforcement activities, accountability of public officials, and the ability of citizens to monitor the administration of justice within their community.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Sarasota County?

Sarasota County arrest records are accessible through multiple online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office provides a searchable database of recent arrests pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(f), which encourages agencies to provide reasonable access to records by remote electronic means. The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Sarasota County also maintains an online portal where case information, including arrest records that have resulted in formal charges, can be accessed by the public.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) offers statewide criminal history information through their online system, which includes arrest data from Sarasota County law enforcement agencies. These online resources comply with Florida Administrative Code Rule 11C-4, which governs the dissemination of criminal history information. While certain records may be exempt from public disclosure under Florida Statute § 119.071, such as those pertaining to ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders, the majority of adult arrest records remain accessible to the public through these digital platforms.

How to Look Up Sarasota County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Sarasota County arrest records in 2025 have several methods available to them, as prescribed by Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a), which requires custodians of public records to provide access to records at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions. The following options are available:

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Online Database: The Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive digital repository of arrest records that can be searched by name, date of arrest, or case number. This service is available 24 hours per day through the agency's official website.
Clerk of Circuit Court Records Search: The Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court provides access to court records, including those related to arrests, through their online portal ClerkNet 3.0.
In-Person Requests: Physical copies of arrest records may be obtained by visiting the Records Division of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office located at 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34232. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (941) 861-4110.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(b), written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Statewide criminal history information, including Sarasota County arrests, can be accessed through the Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators Search or by contacting FDLE at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Telephone: (850) 410-7000.

Contents of a Sarasota County Arrest Record

Sarasota County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Florida Statute § 119.021, which mandates that public records be maintained according to professional standards. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Residential address at time of arrest (may be redacted in certain circumstances under Florida Statute § 119.071(4))
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed, including Florida Statute citations
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint information and unique identification numbers
Case disposition information, if available
Bond or bail information, including amount set and conditions
Court appearance dates and locations within the 12th Judicial Circuit Court

These records are maintained in accordance with retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, as required by Florida Statute § 257.36.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sarasota County

Under Florida Statute § 943.0585, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Sarasota County. Expungement is the court-ordered process by which an arrest record is removed from public view, though certain governmental agencies retain access to the information. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is the central repository for all expungement applications, pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 11C-7.006.

To qualify for expungement in Sarasota County, applicants must meet several statutory requirements:

The arrest must not have resulted in a conviction
The applicant must not have been adjudicated guilty of any criminal offense
The applicant must not have previously secured an expungement or sealing of another arrest record
The offense must not be among those enumerated in Florida Statute § 943.0585(2) as ineligible for expungement

The expungement process involves multiple steps:

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Filing a petition for expungement with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Sarasota County at 2000 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237. Telephone: (941) 861-7400
Serving copies of the petition on the State Attorney's Office for the 12th Judicial Circuit and the arresting agency
Attending a hearing before a Circuit Court judge, if required

Upon approval of the petition, the court will issue an order directing all agencies holding the record to physically destroy it, with the exception of FDLE, which maintains a confidential record accessible only to specific entities enumerated in Florida Statute § 943.0585(4)(a).

Legal Implications of Arrest Records in Sarasota County

Arrest records in Sarasota County carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 112.011, these records may impact employment opportunities, particularly for positions requiring background checks or security clearances. While the statute prohibits disqualification from public employment solely on the basis of an arrest without conviction, private employers in Florida maintain broader discretion in their hiring practices.

The Second District Court of Appeal, which has jurisdiction over Sarasota County, has established precedent regarding the use of arrest records in various legal contexts. In cases involving professional licensing, housing applications, and educational opportunities, the court has generally held that arrest records may be considered as part of a comprehensive evaluation, but should not serve as the sole basis for adverse decisions.

Florida Statute § 768.095 provides qualified immunity to employers who disclose information about a former employee's job performance, which may include arrest information obtained through public records. However, the dissemination of arrest information by private citizens for commercial purposes may be subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., particularly when such information is used for employment screening purposes.

Individuals with arrest records in Sarasota County should be aware that these records may be accessed during background checks conducted by:

Potential employers
Educational institutions
Housing authorities and private landlords
Professional licensing boards
Financial institutions for certain transactions
Immigration authorities for visa and citizenship applications

The Sarasota County Courthouse, located at 2000 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237, houses the Sarasota County Court where many cases related to arrest records are adjudicated. Telephone: (941) 861-7400.