Santa Rosa County Criminal Records
What Is Santa Rosa County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Santa Rosa County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.011(3)(c), which defines public records to include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material" made or received in connection with official business.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Adult Records: Criminal documentation for individuals 18 years and older, generally accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Documentation for offenders under 18 years old, typically sealed from public access under Florida Statute § 985.04
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions
Several agencies maintain these records in Santa Rosa County:
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office
5755 East Milton Road
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 983-1100
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Boulevard
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5552
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing decisions, and probation or parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Santa Rosa County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Santa Rosa County
Criminal records in Santa Rosa County are generally accessible to the public under Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the Sunshine Law. This statute, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, establishes that most government records, including criminal records, are available for public inspection and copying.
Section 119.01(1) of the Florida Statutes specifically states: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."
However, certain categories of criminal records maintain restricted access:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations are temporarily exempt from public disclosure until the investigation concludes
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Court-ordered sealed or expunged records are not accessible to the general public
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are generally confidential under Florida Statute § 985.04, with limited exceptions
- Victim Information: Personal identifying information of crime victims may be redacted, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
- Intelligence Information: Records containing sensitive security or intelligence information
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and most arrest records remain publicly accessible through various county agencies. The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and incarceration records. These agencies must comply with public records requests pursuant to state law, though reasonable fees may apply for searching, copying, or certifying records.
Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while most records are accessible, certain statutory exemptions protect sensitive information from disclosure. Additionally, the process for obtaining records may vary depending on the specific type of record sought and the maintaining agency.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Santa Rosa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Santa Rosa County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, both in-person and through electronic means.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Boulevard
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5552
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
To obtain criminal records in Santa Rosa County, follow these steps:
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Determine the appropriate agency: Identify which agency maintains the records you seek (Sheriff's Office for arrests, Clerk of Court for case dispositions)
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Submit a public records request: Requests may be submitted through the Santa Rosa County Public Records Portal or by completing the county's standard public records request form
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Provide specific information: Include the subject's full name, date of birth, case numbers (if known), and approximate date of incident to facilitate record location
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Pay applicable fees: Standard fees include:
- $1.00 per page for standard copies
- $2.00 per page for certified copies
- Additional fees may apply for extensive research (over 30 minutes)
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Present identification: For in-person requests, government-issued photo identification is required
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Receive records: Records will be provided in the requested format (electronic or paper) once the request is processed and fees are paid
For expedited service, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office offers an online records request system through their website. Additionally, the Clerk of Court provides access to court records through their online case search portal, which is updated daily with new case information.
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought. Simple requests may be fulfilled within 3-5 business days, while more complex requests may require additional time.
How To Find Criminal Records in Santa Rosa County Online?
Santa Rosa County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, allowing members of the public to search for and retrieve criminal record information remotely.
The primary online resources include:
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Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court Records Search
- Access at: Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
- Contains: Court case information, dockets, judgments, and dispositions
- Search parameters: Name, case number, citation number, or date range
- Registration: Not required for basic searches; account creation needed for document viewing
- Updated: Daily by 5:00 PM
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Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Jail View
- Access at: Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office
- Contains: Current inmate information, booking photos, charges, bond amounts
- Search parameters: Name, booking number, or booking date
- Registration: Not required
- Updated: Real-time
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Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Access at: Florida Department of Corrections
- Contains: State prison inmate information, supervision status, release dates
- Search parameters: Name, DC number, or birthdate
- Registration: Not required
- Updated: Daily
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sexual Offender Registry
- Access at: FDLE Sexual Offender Registry
- Contains: Registered sexual offenders and predators in Santa Rosa County
- Search parameters: Name, address, or zip code
- Registration: Not required
- Updated: As registrations occur
To conduct an effective online search:
- Gather identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, case numbers if available)
- Select the appropriate database based on the type of record sought
- Enter search criteria using exact spelling when possible
- Review search results carefully, as common names may return multiple records
- Note that some detailed documents may require in-person requests or additional fees
Users should be aware that while many records are available online, certain documents may only be accessible through formal public records requests. Additionally, sealed or expunged records will not appear in public databases.
Can You Search Santa Rosa County Criminal Records for Free?
Santa Rosa County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. Under Florida Statute § 119.07(4), agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication and extensive labor costs, but inspection of records remains free of charge.
Free inspection options include:
In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine criminal records without charge at:
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Boulevard
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5552
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office
5755 East Milton Road
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 983-1100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
No appointment is necessary for record inspection, though identification is required. Staff will retrieve requested records for on-site review at no cost.
Free Online Resources: Several digital platforms offer free access to criminal record information:
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Santa Rosa County Clerk's Online Records Search
- Basic case information available without registration
- Includes case types, filing dates, party names, and case status
- Document viewing may require registration or fees
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Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Jail View
- Free access to current inmate information
- Includes booking photos, charges, and custody status
- Updated in real-time
-
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- Free statewide database of current and former inmates
- Includes supervision status and release information
-
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sex Offender Registry
- Free searchable database of registered sex offenders
- Includes residential addresses and offense information
While inspection and basic searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies ($1.00 per page, $2.00 for certified copies)
- Research requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time
- Special document processing or certification
- Background checks through FDLE ($24.00 per name search)
Requestors seeking extensive records may find that fees accumulate, but the county's commitment to transparency ensures that basic record inspection remains accessible without cost to all members of the public.
What's Included in a Santa Rosa County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Santa Rosa County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as mandated by Florida Statute § 943.045, which defines criminal history information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest with corresponding statute numbers
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Pre-trial detention information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and prosecutor information
- Formal charges filed (including Florida statute references)
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor with degree)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Court appearance dates
- Motion and hearing records
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or capias orders
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on case complexity and age. Recent records typically contain more detailed information than older cases. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy exemptions under Florida law.
How Long Does Santa Rosa County Keep Criminal Records?
Santa Rosa County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These schedules, authorized under Florida Statute § 257.36, mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
The retention periods for common criminal record types include:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained for capital felonies; 75 years from case closure for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 5 years after case closure
- Traffic Criminal Case Files: 5 years after case closure
- Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports: 100 years
- Booking photographs: 30 years
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years after creation
- Court Dockets: Permanently maintained
- Judgments and Sentences: Permanently maintained
- Warrants:
- Executed warrants: 3 years after execution
- Unexecuted warrants: Until recalled or withdrawn
- Probation Records: 5 years after termination of probation
- Criminal Investigation Records:
- For cases resulting in conviction: 5 years after case closure
- For unsolved cases: Indefinitely until solved
- Juvenile Records: Generally until the subject reaches 24 years of age, with exceptions for serious offenses
These retention periods represent minimum requirements; many records, particularly those with historical significance or involving serious crimes, are maintained for longer periods or permanently. The Florida Records Management Program provides comprehensive guidance on retention schedules.
Digital conversion has extended the practical retention of many records beyond their scheduled destruction dates. The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court has digitized many older records, making them accessible even after the required retention period for physical documents has expired.
It is important to note that sealed or expunged records follow different retention guidelines. While physically maintained by the clerk's office, these records are removed from public access pursuant to court orders under Florida Statute § 943.0585 and § 943.059.