Seminole County Public Records / Seminole County Arrest Records

Seminole County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Seminole County in 2026

SeminoleRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Seminole County, Florida. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal court case filings. The completeness and currency of records vary by source and the nature of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, local police department portals, and state-level databases. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records both online and in person.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that allows members of the public to locate individuals currently in custody. The search tool provides booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The jail roster is updated continuously as bookings and releases occur.

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Seminole County operate independent police departments that publish arrest logs and press releases. The Sanford Police Department, the Altamonte Springs Police Department, and the Casselberry Police Department each maintain public information divisions that release arrest-related press notices. Members of the public may submit public records requests directly to each department for arrest logs not published online.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Seminole County Clerk of Court operates an online case search portal through which members of the public may search criminal court cases by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests include charge information, case numbers, hearing dates, and disposition records. This system reflects court filings rather than raw booking data and is updated as court activity occurs.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and provides public access to criminal history records through its Criminal History Information portal. A standard criminal history search costs $24.00 per subject. The database includes arrests, dispositions, and conviction records from agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Seminole County Sheriff's Office – Records Division 100 Bush Boulevard Sanford, FL 32773 Phone: (407) 665-6650 Seminole County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full name, date of birth, and booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fee section below.

Sanford Police Department – Records Division 815 Historic Goldsboro Boulevard Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (407) 688-5070 Sanford Police Department

Seminole County Clerk of Court – Criminal Division 301 North Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (407) 665-4330 Seminole County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page as outlined under Florida law.

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 100 Bush Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32773. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies based on volume but is typically completed within five to ten business days.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office Records Division may be reached at (407) 665-6650 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether a record exists and direct callers to the appropriate access method. Detailed record content is not released by phone; requestors are referred to the online system or an in-person visit.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings, subpoena, or direct public records requests. Records obtained through discovery may include materials not available to the general public, such as detailed police narratives and witness statements.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police department, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Seminole County

Arrest records in Seminole County are public records under Florida law. Pursuant to § 119.07, Florida Statutes, every person has the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made available to support government transparency, public safety awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under § 985.04, Florida Statutes
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are restricted by court order
Active investigation information that would compromise an ongoing case
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Florida's public records framework is grounded in Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which guarantees the public's right of access to government records. This right is balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly for individuals who were arrested but not convicted. The First Amendment further supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, but federal contractors are subject to related requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions carries legal risk under applicable anti-discrimination frameworks.

What's in Seminole County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race/ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Bail bondsman information where applicable
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Conditions of release if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number
Jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Assigned judge if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements and victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Medical or mental health screening results
Social Security number (redacted under Florida law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Document Type	Description
Police report	Detailed incident narrative; not always public in full
Court records	Legal proceedings following arrest
Criminal records	Convictions and sentences
Background checks	Compiled screening from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Seminole County?

Under § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, agencies may charge fees for copies of public records. The following fee structure applies to standard requests:

Record Type	Fee
Single-sided copies (8.5" x 11")	$0.15 per page
Double-sided copies	$0.20 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee
Electronic records (where available)	Varies; may be provided at no charge
FDLE criminal history search	$24.00 per subject
Extensive use of staff time (if applicable)	Actual cost of labor

Inspection of records at a public terminal does not carry a per-page fee. Members of the public may review records on-site without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order at most offices; the Clerk of Court also accepts credit cards.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to serve a public benefit, at the discretion of the custodial agency. Journalists and researchers should inquire directly with the records division regarding applicable waiver provisions.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Seminole County

Florida law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or obliteration of the record by the custodial agency. Sealing restricts public access to the record while allowing law enforcement and certain licensing agencies to retain access. The distinction is significant: a sealed record still exists but is not accessible to the general public, while an expunged record is destroyed.

Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:

Under § 943.0585 and § 943.059, Florida Statutes, an individual may petition for expungement or sealing if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
Charges were not filed, were dismissed, or the individual was acquitted
The individual has not previously had a record expunged or sealed in Florida
The offense is not among those statutorily ineligible (e.g., murder, sexual battery, domestic violence offenses)

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The application fee is $75.00.
File a petition in the circuit court in the county where the arrest occurred — in this case, the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Seminole County.
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office and the arresting agency.
Attend a court hearing if required.
If the court grants the petition, the order is served on all custodial agencies, which must comply within a specified timeframe.

Seminole County Clerk of Court – Criminal Division 301 North Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (407) 665-4330 Seminole County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office – Eighteenth Judicial Circuit 100 East First Street Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (407) 665-6000 State Attorney's Office, 18th Circuit

Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Expungement and Sealing 2331 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: (850) 410-8109 Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Members of the public are advised to consult with a licensed Florida attorney before initiating the expungement or sealing process, as eligibility is case-specific and errors in the petition process may result in denial.

What Happens After Arrest in Seminole County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Seminole County Jail, operated by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

Seminole County Jail 211 Bush Boulevard Sanford, FL 32773 Phone: (407) 665-0400 Seminole County Sheriff's Office

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Mugshot photograph
Fingerprint collection
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventory and storage
Exchange of clothing for jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Florida law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a judge for a first appearance within 24 hours of arrest. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
Bond is set or denied
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Rights are reviewed

First appearance hearings in Seminole County are conducted at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility or via video conference. The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court maintains the court schedule.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant or a co-signer pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at ten percent of the bond amount under Florida law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include regular check-in with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and compliance with pretrial supervision requirements.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours following payment. The defendant receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel. The Seminole County Public Defender's Office serves the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.

Public Defender's Office – Eighteenth Judicial Circuit 190 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773 Phone: (407) 665-6200 Public Defender's Office, 18th Circuit

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed Florida attorneys.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The State Attorney's Office for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. Options include filing an Information, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing modified charges. This review typically occurs within days to a few weeks of arrest.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase: The pretrial phase includes discovery — the exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense — pretrial motions such as motions to suppress or dismiss, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal a conviction.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Typical Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to weeks
Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor)	Weeks to a few months
Arraignment to resolution (felony)	Several months to over a year
Right to speedy trial (Florida)	90 days (misdemeanor) / 175 days (felony)

Important Contacts:

Seminole County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 211 Bush Boulevard Sanford, FL 32773 Phone: (407) 665-0400 Seminole County Sheriff's Office

Seminole County Clerk of Court 301 North Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (407) 665-4330 Seminole County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office – Eighteenth Judicial Circuit 100 East First Street Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (407) 665-6000 State Attorney's Office, 18th Circuit

Public Defender's Office – Eighteenth Judicial Circuit 190 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773 Phone: (407) 665-6200 Public Defender's Office, 18th Circuit

Pretrial Services – Seminole County 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773 Phone: (407) 665-6200 Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or a trusted individual to assist with bail
Appear at all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Seminole County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Seminole County is governed by Florida's General Records Schedule for Law Enforcement Agencies, administered by the Florida Division of Library and Information Services. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency maintaining the record.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, FDLE, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently in digital systems
FDLE retains indefinitely in the state criminal history repository

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum five years under Florida's general records schedule
Court records: Retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records may remain accessible to the public unless expungement is granted

Acquittals:

Court records: Retained permanently
Local law enforcement: Minimum five years
Eligible for expungement under Florida law

Charges Not Filed / No-Information:

Booking records: Minimum five years
Among the most common categories eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum five years
Photographs: Retained in digital systems indefinitely in most agencies

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Retained indefinitely in most agencies
Court electronic records: Permanent
Third-party mugshot databases: Retention varies and is not controlled by law enforcement

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports: Minimum five years; digital records often retained permanently
Contact: (407) 665-6650

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years; electronic records often permanent
Traffic cases: Minimum five years

FDLE State Repository:

Retains arrest and disposition records from all Florida jurisdictions
Retention is indefinite unless modified by court order
FDLE Criminal History Records

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and licensing

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Typical Retention Outcome
Conviction	Permanent in all databases
Dismissal	Retained unless expunged
Acquittal	Retained unless expunged
No charges filed	Shortest retention; eligible for expungement
Expungement granted	Destroyed or sealed at local level; FDLE updated; FBI retains with notation

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report criminal convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to the seven-year reporting limitation for most employment background checks. Florida does not currently impose a shorter reporting window by statute, though employers are cautioned against relying on arrest records without conviction as a basis for adverse employment action.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (407) 665-6650 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.