>Union County Arrest Records Online

Union County, Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County, Florida?

Arrest records are public documents in Union 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 and the Public Records Act create a right of access to records in the custody of public officials and agencies throughout the state. This statutory framework ensures transparency in government operations and accountability in law enforcement activities within Union County.

Members of the public should be aware that while most arrest records are accessible, certain exceptions exist under Florida Statutes § 119.071, which protects specific categories of information from disclosure. These protected categories may include ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and records pertaining to victims of certain crimes. The custodian of public records in Union County is obligated to provide reasonable access to and copies of such records during normal business hours.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Union County?

Union County arrest records are available through various online platforms as part of Florida's commitment to public information accessibility. The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records of arrests and incarcerations that can be accessed remotely. This digital availability is consistent with Florida Statutes § 119.01(2)(a), which encourages agencies to provide reasonable access to records by remote electronic means.

Online access to arrest records is provided through several official channels:

The Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS) maintained by the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's public access system
The Union County Clerk of Court's online records portal

These electronic systems allow for searches based on name, date of arrest, case number, and other identifying information. While basic arrest information is typically available online, obtaining complete records may require additional steps or formal requests in accordance with established procedures under Florida's public records laws.

How to Look Up Union County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Union County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Union County Sheriff's Office located at 55 West Main Street, Room 102, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff can assist with records requests during normal business hours.
Online Database Access: The Union County jail inmate search provides current detention information. Additionally, the Florida Department of State maintains a comprehensive database of county jail information.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, written public records requests may be submitted to:

Union County Sheriff's Office
55 West Main Street, Room 102
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: (386) 496-2501
Official Website

Clerk of Court: Court records related to arrests may be obtained from:

Union County Clerk of Circuit Court
55 West Main Street, Room 103
Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: (386) 496-3711

Requestors should provide specific information including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information to facilitate record retrieval. Fees for copies may apply in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which permits agencies to charge reasonable costs for duplication of records.

Contents of a Union County Arrest Record

Union County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Florida Statutes § 119.021, which requires public agencies to maintain records in accordance with established retention schedules. A typical arrest record includes the following components:

Demographic Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), gender, race, and any documented aliases or nicknames
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Criminal Charges: Florida Statutes citation numbers, description of alleged offenses, and classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, court case number, and disposition status
Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process
Detention Information: Bail or bond amount, custody status, and scheduled court appearances
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions within the jurisdiction, if applicable

These records are maintained in accordance with retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. The standardized format ensures consistency in record-keeping across law enforcement agencies within Union County and facilitates information sharing with state and federal criminal justice information systems.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Union County

Florida law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, individuals may petition for expungement or sealing if their case meets statutory eligibility requirements. The expungement process removes arrest records from public view, while sealing limits access to specified government entities.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Union County include:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program
The court withheld adjudication and the individual has no prior convictions
The individual received a pardon

The formal process requires:

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Filing a petition with the Union County Clerk of Court
Serving copies on the State Attorney's Office and arresting agency
Attending a judicial hearing if required by the court

Applicants should be aware that certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement or sealing, including sexual offenses, violent crimes, and offenses involving minors. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains final authority on eligibility determinations in accordance with Florida Statutes § 943.0585(2).

Legal assistance is advisable when navigating the expungement process due to its procedural complexity. The Union County Clerk of Court can provide standardized forms and procedural information, but cannot offer legal advice regarding individual cases.