Arrest records in Port Saint Lucie, Florida are classified as public records pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, commonly known as 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. The statute ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and Port Saint Lucie Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation. These records become available to the public once they are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Under Florida Statute § 119.07, any person has 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.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Florida law, particularly for:
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, specific components may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Port Saint Lucie. The St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of court records, including documentation related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Interested parties may utilize the following methods to obtain arrest record information:
In-Person Requests:
St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court
201 South Indian River Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
(772) 462-6900
Official Website
Online Access:
Law Enforcement Resources:
Port Saint Lucie Police Department
121 SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34984
(772) 871-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office
4700 West Midway Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34981
(772) 462-7300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a), agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond within a reasonable time. Fees for copies may not exceed $0.15 per one-sided copy for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 8½ inches and no more than an additional $0.05 for each two-sided copy.
Arrest records maintained by Port Saint Lucie law enforcement agencies and the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court contain standardized information as required by Florida law. These documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
Arrest Details:
Case Processing Information:
Supplemental Documentation:
In accordance with Florida Statute § 119.071, certain information within arrest records may be redacted, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071(2)(h), the identity of victims of certain offenses is protected from public disclosure.
The State of Florida provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by Florida Statutes § 943.0585 (expungement) and § 943.059 (sealing). Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Port Saint Lucie must comply with state-mandated procedures.
Eligibility Requirements for Expungement:
Eligibility Requirements for Sealing:
Application Process:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Attn: Expunge/Seal Section
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 410-7870
St. Lucie County State Attorney's Office
411 South Second Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
(772) 465-3000
Upon judicial approval, the court will issue an order directing all agencies possessing the arrest record to expunge or seal it accordingly. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585(4), a person who has had an arrest record expunged may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge the arrest covered by the expunged record, except in specific circumstances outlined in the statute.