>Suwannee County Arrest Records Online

Suwannee County, Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Suwannee County, Florida?

Arrest records are public documents in Suwannee County, Florida, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that all government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statutory provision. The Florida Public Records Act operates under the principle that government transparency and accountability are essential to democratic governance, thereby enabling citizens to obtain information about law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings within the county.

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 protected classes of individuals. However, the general presumption favors disclosure, with the burden of proving exemption resting with the custodial agency.

Suwannee County Sheriff's Office
200 S. Ohio Avenue
Live Oak, FL 32064
386-362-2222
Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Suwannee County?

Suwannee County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office provides a digital database through which members of the public may access current and historical arrest information. This online accessibility is consistent with Florida's commitment to government transparency as codified in Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(a), which states that agencies must provide reasonable access to records electronically.

The Suwannee County Clerk of Court maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests, which may be accessed through their official website. Additionally, the Florida Department of Corrections provides online access to information regarding individuals currently in state custody or under community supervision following arrest and conviction.

Online access to these records is subject to the same statutory exemptions that apply to physical records, and certain information may be redacted in accordance with applicable privacy laws. Users of these online systems should be aware that while basic arrest information is typically available, supporting documentation may require additional requests or in-person visits to the appropriate agency.

How to Look Up Suwannee County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Suwannee County arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple channels to obtain this information:

Online Database Access: The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive digital repository of arrest records accessible through their official website. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division of the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required.
Third-Party Aggregators: Several authorized private entities compile and provide access to Suwannee County arrest records through subscription-based services. These services often include records from multiple jurisdictions.
Clerk of Court Office: The Suwannee County Clerk of Court maintains records of all court proceedings, including those related to arrests. These records may be accessed at:

Suwannee County Clerk of Court
200 S. Ohio Avenue, Room 106
Live Oak, FL 32064
386-362-0500
Official Website

Written Requests: Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07, written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the custodial agency. Such requests should include specific information to identify the desired records and the requestor's contact information.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: For statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Suwannee County, requests may be submitted to:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
850-410-8109
Official Website

Contents of a Suwannee County Arrest Record

Suwannee County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Florida law and administrative regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:

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, including Florida Statute citations and offense descriptions
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and processing information
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Detention facility information
Bond or bail determination and status
Case disposition information, if available
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction

The Suwannee Correctional Institution and local detention facilities maintain these records in accordance with Florida Department of Corrections regulations and Suwannee County Sheriff's Office policies. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.021, these records must be maintained in a manner that reasonably protects them from alteration, damage, or destruction.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Suwannee County

Florida law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Suwannee County. Expungement refers to the court-ordered physical destruction of a criminal history record, while sealing renders the record confidential and inaccessible to the general public.

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585, expungement may be granted when:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
The individual was acquitted or found not guilty
The arrest was made contrary to law or constitutional provisions

The Suwannee County Probation and Community Intervention Program provides guidance to eligible individuals regarding the expungement process. Applicants must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement before petitioning the court that handled the original case.

The expungement process requires submission of:

Completed Application for Certificate of Eligibility
Processing fee as established by statute
Certified disposition of the case
Completed fingerprint form
Supporting documentation as required by the court

Upon successful expungement, agencies are required to physically destroy all records related to the arrest, though certain governmental entities retain confidential records pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585(4).

State Attorney's Office - Third Judicial Circuit
243 SE Hernando Avenue
Lake City, FL 32025
386-758-0470
Official Website