Miami-Dade County Criminal Records
What Is Miami-Dade County Criminal Records
Miami-Dade County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that document the criminal history of individuals who have been arrested, charged, or convicted of crimes within Miami-Dade County jurisdiction. These records serve as the official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system in Miami-Dade County.
Criminal records in Miami-Dade County typically include:
- Arrest reports
- Booking information
- Criminal charges
- Court proceedings
- Case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration details
These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.01, which establishes the state's public records law. The primary agencies responsible for maintaining these records include:
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
305-275-1155
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
Miami-Dade Police Department
9105 NW 25th Street
Doral, FL 33172
305-476-5423
Miami-Dade Police Department
Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
2525 NW 62nd Street
Miami, FL 33147
786-263-6000
Miami-Dade Corrections
Are Criminal Records Public In Miami-Dade County
Criminal records in Miami-Dade County are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This statute, commonly referred to as Florida's "Sunshine Law," establishes a presumption of openness regarding government records.
Members of the public may access most criminal records through various county agencies with the following considerations:
- Records are available during normal business hours at public access terminals
- Pursuant to § 119.07, Florida Statutes, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records
- Certain records may be exempt from public disclosure under specific statutory provisions
- Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to § 943.0585 or § 943.059, Florida Statutes, are not accessible to the general public
Exemptions to public disclosure may include:
- Active criminal intelligence information (§ 119.071(2)(c), F.S.)
- Records pertaining to juveniles in certain circumstances
- Information that would reveal the identity of victims of certain crimes
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
The custodian of public records in Miami-Dade County must comply with requests for records unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Requests may be made in person, by mail, or through electronic means depending on the agency maintaining the records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Miami-Dade County in 2025
Miami-Dade County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records in 2025. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts Criminal Division at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125
- Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Present a valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete a records request form specifying the information sought
- Pay applicable fees ($1.00 per page for copies, $2.00 per document for certification)
Online Access:
- Access the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Criminal Justice Information System for case information
- Utilize the Miami-Dade Corrections inmate search portal for current inmate information
- Search for criminal court case information through the Clerk's online portal
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
Records Request Section
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130 - Include specific information about the records sought
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 11C-6.004, requestors seeking certified criminal history information must submit fingerprints and pay the statutorily mandated processing fee of $24.00 per record check.
How To Find Criminal Records in Miami-Dade County Online?
Miami-Dade County provides comprehensive online resources for accessing criminal records through official government portals. Members of the public may access these digital resources 24 hours per day, subject to occasional system maintenance.
The primary online resources include:
-
Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS): The Miami-Dade Clerk's CJIS portal allows users to search for criminal cases by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Citation number
- Arrest number
- Filing date range
-
Inmate Information Search: The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department maintains a searchable database of:
- Current inmates
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Expected release dates
-
Criminal Court Records: The Criminal Court division of the Clerk's office provides access to:
- Case dockets
- Court calendars
- Hearing schedules
- Case dispositions
When conducting online searches, users should note:
- Some records may require registration or the creation of a user account
- Certain detailed information may only be available through in-person requests
- Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in online searches
- The information provided online is for informational purposes and is not certified unless specifically requested through official channels
Pursuant to § 28.24(2)(e), Florida Statutes, the Clerk may charge a fee of up to $1.00 per page for records accessed electronically.
Can You Search Miami-Dade County Criminal Records for Free?
Miami-Dade County does provide several options for searching criminal records at no cost, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Members of the public should be aware of the following free access options:
Free Online Resources:
- Basic inmate custody searches through the Miami-Dade Corrections portal
- Limited case information through the Miami-Dade Clerk's public access system
- General court calendars and hearing schedules
Free In-Person Access:
- Public access terminals at the Clerk's Office located at:
Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building
1351 NW 12th Street
Miami, FL 33125
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Self-service kiosks at Miami-Dade County libraries (limited information)
While basic searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies ($1.00 per page pursuant to § 28.24(5)(a), F.S.)
- Certified copies ($2.00 per document pursuant to § 28.24(4), F.S.)
- Comprehensive background checks ($24.00 per search)
- Expedited service requests
- Records requiring extensive staff time to compile
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts, in accordance with § 28.24, Florida Statutes, maintains a fee schedule for various services related to criminal records. While viewing records on public access terminals is free, obtaining physical or certified copies incurs statutory fees.
What's Included in a Miami-Dade County Criminal Record?
Miami-Dade County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the county's criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes § 943.045 and typically include the following components:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Fingerprint identification number
- State identification number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Case Information:
- Arrest date and location
- Arresting agency
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Criminal charges filed
- Case numbers
- Court of jurisdiction
Judicial Proceedings:
- Arraignment details
- Plea information
- Trial proceedings
- Verdict or case disposition
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms
- Incarceration details
Additional Elements:
- Protection orders or restraining orders
- Probation violations
- Parole information
- Warrant status
- Sex offender registration status (if applicable)
Criminal records maintained by Miami-Dade County do not typically include juvenile records (unless the juvenile was tried as an adult), sealed or expunged records, or records that have been ordered removed by judicial decree.
The completeness of criminal records may vary based on the specific agency maintaining the record and the age of the case. Records dating prior to digital recordkeeping (approximately 1990) may contain less detailed information than more recent cases.
What Are the Penalties for a Miami-Dade County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass charges in Miami-Dade County are prosecuted pursuant to Florida Statutes § 810.08 and § 810.09, with penalties varying based on the specific circumstances and classification of the offense. The Miami-Dade County criminal justice system applies the following penalties for trespass violations:
Trespass in Structure or Conveyance (§ 810.08):
- Second-degree misdemeanor (basic violation):
- Up to 60 days in county jail
- Maximum fine of $500
- Up to 6 months probation
- First-degree misdemeanor (if occupied or with warning):
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Maximum fine of $1,000
- Up to 1 year probation
- Third-degree felony (if armed):
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Maximum fine of $5,000
- Up to 5 years probation
Trespass on Property (§ 810.09):
- First-degree misdemeanor (basic violation):
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Maximum fine of $1,000
- Up to 1 year probation
- Third-degree felony (if armed):
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Maximum fine of $5,000
- Up to 5 years probation
Additional consequences may include:
- Court costs and fees
- Restitution to property owners if damage occurred
- No-contact orders with the property
- Community service hours
- Impact on employment opportunities
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
The Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office, located at 1350 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136 (305-547-0100), prosecutes these cases. First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs at the discretion of the State Attorney's Office.
How Long Does Miami-Dade County Keep Criminal Records?
Miami-Dade County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and case disposition.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Arrest records: 75 years from date of arrest
- Booking photographs: Permanent retention
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 5 years after termination of probation
Special Considerations:
- Records of capital felonies: Permanent retention
- Records involving minors: Typically sealed upon reaching majority unless tried as adults
- Records ordered sealed pursuant to § 943.059, F.S.: Physically segregated but maintained
- Records ordered expunged pursuant to § 943.0585, F.S.: Physically destroyed
It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, many records remain accessible through various databases and archives. Digital records systems implemented since the 1990s have significantly extended the practical availability of criminal records beyond their statutory retention periods.
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts maintains the official repository of court records at:
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
305-275-1155
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lookup Criminal Records in Miami-Dade County
Search for inmates in Miami-Dade custody
Access the Criminal Justice Information System
Find current inmate information