Miami-Dade County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Miami-Dade County
Arrest records in Miami-Dade County are considered public records pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Members of the public may access these records through various county agencies and online portals. The Florida Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness regarding government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within Miami-Dade County jurisdiction.
Under Florida Statute § 119.01, all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. This includes:
- Booking information
- Arrest reports
- Mugshots
- Criminal history information
- Court records related to arrests
Certain exemptions do exist under Florida Statute § 119.071 that may limit access to specific information within arrest records, particularly in cases involving:
- Juvenile offenders (except as provided in § 985.04)
- Active criminal investigations
- Victims of certain crimes
- Information that would reveal the identity of confidential informants
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts maintains the official repository of criminal case records for the county, while the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and Corrections and Rehabilitation Department maintain arrest and booking information.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts 73 W. Flagler Street Miami, FL 33130 305-275-1155 Miami-Dade County Clerk Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
What's in Miami-Dade County Arrest Records
Miami-Dade County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.021, which requires public agencies to systematically maintain all records in their custody.
Standard information contained in Miami-Dade County arrest records includes:
- Demographic information of the arrested individual (name, date of birth, address, physical description)
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Criminal charges filed, including Florida statute citations
- Booking number and inmate identification information
- Bond information and custody status
- Court case number (if formal charges were filed)
- Disposition of the case (if resolved)
- Fingerprint information
- Photograph (mugshot) of the arrested individual
Additional documentation that may be associated with arrest records includes:
- Arrest affidavits detailing the probable cause for arrest
- Incident reports describing the circumstances of the alleged offense
- Property and evidence inventories
- Miranda rights acknowledgment forms
- Medical screening information (with certain privacy protections)
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department maintains booking and custody records, while the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports and related documentation.
Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department 2525 NW 62nd Street Miami, FL 33147 786-263-6000 Miami-Dade Corrections Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Miami-Dade County in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Miami-Dade County as of 2025. The county has implemented enhanced digital access systems while maintaining traditional in-person services pursuant to Florida's commitment to government transparency.
To obtain arrest records in Miami-Dade County, individuals may utilize the following methods:
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Online Database Searches:
- The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Search provides current custody information
- The Miami-Dade Clerk's Criminal Justice Information System offers case information for arrests that resulted in formal charges
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In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Records Section of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office
- Request records at the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Criminal Division
- Obtain booking information from the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
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Written Requests:
- Submit a public records request form to the appropriate agency
- Include specific information such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Provide contact information for response
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to pay applicable fees as authorized under Florida Statute § 119.07(4). Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter.
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Records Section 9105 NW 25th Street Doral, FL 33172 305-471-2900 Sheriff's Office Records Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
How To Find Miami-Dade County Arrest Records Online
Miami-Dade County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms have been developed in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(a), which encourages agencies to provide remote electronic access to public records.
The primary online resources for accessing Miami-Dade County arrest records include:
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Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Search Portal: This database allows users to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released. The system provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and custody status. Users can search by name or booking number at the Inmate Search Portal.
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Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS): This comprehensive database contains court records related to criminal cases, including those stemming from arrests. The system provides case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions. Access is available through the CJIS Portal.
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Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Records Request System: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online portal for requesting arrest reports and other law enforcement records. Requests can be submitted through the Sheriff's Records Portal.
When utilizing these online systems, users should note:
- Some records may not be immediately available online, particularly for recent arrests
- Certain information may be redacted in accordance with exemptions under Florida Statute § 119.071
- Electronic convenience fees may apply to some record requests
- Official certified copies typically require in-person requests
For technical assistance with online record systems, users may contact:
Miami-Dade Information Technology Department 5680 SW 87th Avenue Miami, FL 33173 305-596-8200 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Can You Search Miami-Dade County Arrest Records for Free?
Miami-Dade County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.07, which permits agencies to provide records at no charge when feasible. However, certain detailed records or certified copies may incur statutory fees.
Free arrest record search options in Miami-Dade County include:
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Online Inmate Search: The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Search provides free access to current inmate information, including booking details and charges.
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Public Access Terminals: Self-service computer terminals are available at the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts locations for free on-site searches of court records related to arrests.
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Basic Case Information: The Miami-Dade Clerk's Criminal Justice Information System offers free access to basic case information, including charges and court dates.
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Public Records Reading Room: The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office maintains a public reading room where individuals may review certain arrest reports without charge during designated hours.
Fees may apply in the following circumstances:
- Requests for certified copies of records (typically $1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee)
- Extensive record searches requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time (special service charge based on labor costs)
- Copies exceeding 25 pages (15¢ per one-sided copy)
- Records requiring redaction of exempt information
Individuals experiencing financial hardship may request a fee waiver by submitting Form MDC-PRR-1 to the records custodian, though approval is discretionary based on demonstrated need.
Miami-Dade Public Records Center 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1800 Miami, FL 33128 305-375-5611 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
How To Delete Arrest Records in Miami-Dade County
The process for removing arrest records from public access in Miami-Dade County is governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 943, specifically §§ 943.0585 and 943.059, which provide for expungement and sealing of criminal history records under certain circumstances.
Individuals seeking to delete arrest records must follow these established procedures:
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Determine Eligibility: Not all arrest records qualify for expungement or sealing. Generally, eligibility requires that:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The individual has no prior sealed or expunged records in Florida
- The offense is not among those enumerated in § 943.0584 as ineligible for expungement
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Obtain Certificate of Eligibility: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) by submitting:
- Completed FDLE application form
- Certified disposition of the case from the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
- Fingerprint card processed by a law enforcement agency
- $75 processing fee
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File Petition with Court: Once the Certificate of Eligibility is received, file a petition for expungement or sealing with the Miami-Dade Circuit Court, including:
- Completed petition form
- Certificate of Eligibility (valid for 12 months)
- Affidavit attesting to eligibility requirements
- Filing fee (approximately $42.00)
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Attend Hearing: If scheduled by the court, attend a hearing where a judge will determine whether to grant the petition.
If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record. This process does not physically destroy records but restricts their accessibility to the public.
For assistance with this process, individuals may contact:
Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office - Seal and Expunge Unit 1350 NW 12th Avenue Miami, FL 33136 305-547-0100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What Happens After Arrest in Miami-Dade County?
Following an arrest in Miami-Dade County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process established under Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and local administrative orders. This process includes several key stages that affect how arrest records are created and maintained.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
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Booking Process: Arrestees are transported to a Miami-Dade Corrections facility where they are:
- Photographed and fingerprinted
- Searched and personal property inventoried
- Medically screened
- Entered into the jail management system
- Assigned a booking number
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First Appearance Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge who:
- Reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Sets bail or conditions of release
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies
- Addresses any immediate protective orders
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Formal Charging Decision: The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges (information)
- Decline prosecution (no action)
- Refer for diversion program participation
- Present to grand jury (for capital or life felonies)
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Arraignment: If formally charged, defendants appear for arraignment where they:
- Receive formal notice of charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Receive trial dates if pleading not guilty
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Case Disposition: The case proceeds to resolution through:
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Plea agreement
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion program completion
Each stage generates official records maintained by different agencies, including the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, State Attorney's Office, and Corrections and Rehabilitation Department.
Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office 1350 NW 12th Avenue Miami, FL 33136 305-547-0100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Miami-Dade County?
Arrest records in Miami-Dade County are retained according to retention schedules established under Florida Statute § 119.021(2) and the General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners published by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
The standard retention periods for arrest-related records are as follows:
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Arrest Reports: Retained for a minimum of 100 years from the date of the arrest.
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Booking Information: Maintained permanently in electronic format, with physical booking cards retained for 3 years after the arrest.
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Criminal History Information: Retained permanently by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and indefinitely by Miami-Dade County agencies.
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Fingerprint Records: Maintained permanently in both physical and electronic formats.
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Mugshot Photographs: Retained for the life of the related criminal record.
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Case Files: For misdemeanors, retained for 5 years after final disposition; for felonies, retained for 25 years after final disposition; for capital felonies, retained permanently.
These retention periods apply regardless of case disposition, including cases where charges were dropped or the individual was acquitted, unless a court order for expungement or sealing has been issued pursuant to Florida Statutes §§ 943.0585 or 943.059.
Digital conversion of older physical records is ongoing, with priority given to records with legal, historical, or administrative value as determined by the Miami-Dade County Records Management Section.
Miami-Dade County Records Management Section 5680 SW 87th Avenue Miami, FL 33173 305-596-8695 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to Find Mugshots in Miami-Dade County
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process in Miami-Dade County are considered public records under Florida Statute § 119.011(12), subject to specific exemptions outlined in § 119.071. These photographs document the appearance of arrested individuals at the time of booking.
Members of the public may access mugshots through several authorized channels:
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Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department: The department maintains booking photographs as part of inmate records. Limited information and recent mugshots may be viewed through the Inmate Search Portal.
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Public Records Request: Formal requests for specific mugshots can be submitted to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Records Section. Requests should include the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. A standard fee of $1.00 per photograph applies.
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Clerk of Courts Criminal Records Division: For cases that proceeded to court, mugshots may be included in the case file accessible through the Criminal Justice Information System.
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In-Person Inspection: Individuals may view mugshots without charge by visiting the Records Section of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
Important limitations regarding mugshot access include:
- Photographs of juveniles processed as minors are generally exempt from public disclosure
- Mugshots of certain protected classes (e.g., law enforcement officers, judges) may be exempt
- Images from active criminal investigations may be temporarily unavailable
- Photographs older than 7 years may require additional processing time
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Records Section 9105 NW 25th Street Doral, FL 33172 305-471-2900 Sheriff's Office Records Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lookup Arrest Records in Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Search
Criminal records search through Miami-Dade Clerk