>Sumter County Arrest Records Online

Sumter County, Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sumter County, Florida?

Arrest records are public documents in Sumter 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. Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose or relationship to the case, ensuring governmental transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Florida Statute § 119.071, which protects specific categories of information such as ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal identifying information of certain individuals including victims of specific crimes. However, the general presumption favors disclosure, with the burden of proof for exemption resting with the custodial agency.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Sumter County?

Sumter County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to recent arrest information through their official website. Additionally, the Sumter County Clerk of Courts maintains an online case search system where arrest-related court documents may be accessed.

Online accessibility is governed by Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(a), which states that agencies must provide reasonable access to records electronically maintained. The statute further requires that electronically available records be provided in a format that is compatible with information technology systems.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, complete case files or documents with redacted information may require in-person requests. Some records may also require payment of statutory fees for reproduction or certification as outlined in Florida Statute § 119.07(4).

How to Look Up Sumter County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Sumter County as of 2025:

Visit the Sumter County Sheriff's Office in person:

Sumter County Sheriff's Office
7361 Powell Road
Wildwood, FL 34785
(352) 569-1600
Official Website
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Request records from the Sumter County Clerk of Court:

Sumter County Clerk of Court
215 E. McCollum Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33513
(352) 569-6600
Official Website
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Access the Florida Department of Corrections database for information on individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities:

Florida Department of Corrections
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-5021
Official Website
Submit a public records request pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07 by completing the standardized form available on the Sumter County website or in person at any county office.

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, approximate date of birth, and if possible, the date of arrest. Fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.07(4), which permits charging up to $0.15 per one-sided copy for documents not more than 8½ by 14 inches.

Contents of a Sumter County Arrest Record

Standard arrest records in Sumter County contain comprehensive information as mandated by Florida Administrative Code Rule 11C-4.006. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest with corresponding Florida Statute citations
Case number and arresting agency identifier
Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing
Fingerprint information and unique identifiers
Bail or bond amount set, if applicable
Custody status and detention facility information
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071(5), certain personal identifying information such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information may be redacted from publicly available versions of these records. Additionally, information related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure under Florida Statute § 119.071(2)(c).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sumter County

Individuals meeting statutory criteria may petition for expungement or sealing of arrest records in Sumter County pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585 and § 943.059. The expungement process legally removes arrest records from public access, while sealing restricts access to specific authorized entities.

Eligibility requirements for expungement include:

No prior adjudications of guilt for any criminal offense
No prior sealing or expungement of another criminal history record
Charges must have been dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in acquittal
Completion of all court-ordered sanctions and conditions

The application process requires:

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Filing a petition with the Sumter County Court where the case was processed
Attending a judicial hearing if required by the court
Payment of all applicable filing fees (approximately $75 for the FDLE certificate and $42 for court filing)

Applicants should be aware that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement under Florida Statute § 943.0584, including sexual offenses, dangerous crimes, and violations involving minors. Even when records are expunged, certain government agencies retain access to the information for specific purposes as outlined in Florida Statute § 943.0585(4).

Legal Implications of Arrest Records in Sumter County

Arrest records in Sumter County carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. Under Florida law, specifically Florida Statute § 112.011, public employers and licensing agencies are prohibited from disqualifying a person from employment solely because of a prior conviction unless the conviction is directly related to the position or occupation. However, these protections do not prevent employers from considering arrest records during the hiring process.

The presence of an arrest record may affect:

Employment opportunities, particularly in sensitive sectors such as education, healthcare, and financial services
Professional licensing through state regulatory boards
Housing applications with private landlords
Eligibility for certain government benefits and programs
Immigration status for non-citizens
Firearm purchase and possession rights under Florida Statute § 790.23

It is important to note that under Florida Statute § 768.095, employers who disclose information about a former employee's job performance to a prospective employer upon request are presumed to be acting in good faith and are immune from civil liability unless clear and convincing evidence of malice is shown.