Orange County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Orange County
Arrest records in Orange County, Florida 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 and bookings.
Under § 119.01, Florida Statutes, 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 arrest records maintained by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Orange County Corrections Department. However, certain exemptions may apply to specific information within these records, particularly in cases involving:
- Ongoing investigations
- Juvenile offenders (pursuant to § 985.04, Florida Statutes)
- Victims of certain crimes
- Records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court
The primary custodians of arrest records in Orange County include:
Orange County Sheriff's Office 2500 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: (407) 254-7000 Orange County Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Orange County Clerk of Courts 425 North Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 836-2000 Orange County Clerk of Courts Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
What's in Orange County Arrest Records
Orange 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 Statutes § 119.021, which establishes requirements for the maintenance, preservation, and retention of public records.
Standard information contained in Orange County arrest records includes:
- Demographic information (full legal name, date of birth, address, physical description)
- Booking photograph (commonly known as a "mugshot")
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Criminal charges filed (including Florida Statute citations)
- Case number and booking number
- Bond information and current custody status
- Court dates and hearing schedules
- Disposition of charges (if resolved)
More detailed arrest records may also contain:
- Narrative reports from arresting officers
- Witness statements
- Evidence inventories
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Fingerprint records
- Prior criminal history within the jurisdiction
It should be noted that pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or exempt from public disclosure. This includes social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to victims of certain crimes as specified in § 119.071(2)(h).
The Orange County Corrections Department maintains booking information and inmate status records at:
Orange County Corrections Department 3723 Vision Boulevard Orlando, FL 32839 Phone: (407) 836-3400 Orange County Government Florida Hours: 24 hours daily (Records Division: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Orange County in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Orange County in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law. The county has implemented several systems to facilitate public access to these records.
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Orange County Sheriff's Office Records Section 2500 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: (407) 254-7000 Orange County Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting records in person, requestors should:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, case number if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees (pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes)
For telephone requests, individuals may contact:
- Orange County Sheriff's Records Unit: (407) 254-7350
- Orange County Clerk of Courts Criminal Division: (407) 836-2066
Written requests may be submitted via mail to either agency listed above or via email to the Sheriff's Office Records Unit at records@ocso.com.
The most efficient method for accessing recent arrest records is through the county's online portals. The Orange County inmate search system provides current booking information and custody status. For court records related to arrests, the Orange County Clerk of Courts online system offers comprehensive case information.
For statewide arrest information, the Florida Department of Corrections offender database provides records of individuals sentenced to state prison or supervision.
How To Find Orange County Arrest Records Online
Orange County provides several digital platforms for accessing arrest records online, in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. These resources allow for remote access to public records 24 hours a day.
The primary online resources for accessing Orange County arrest records include:
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Orange County Inmate Search Portal This database, maintained by the Orange County Corrections Department, provides real-time information on currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released. The system is accessible at Orange County Inmate Search and includes booking information, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled court dates.
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Orange County Clerk of Courts Records Search The Clerk's office maintains the MyEClerk portal which contains court records related to arrests, including case progression, hearing dates, and final dispositions. Users can search by name, case number, or date range.
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Orange County Sheriff's Office Website The Sheriff's Office portal provides access to recent arrest logs, active warrants, and public notices related to law enforcement activities.
When conducting online searches, users should note:
- Full legal name searches yield the most accurate results
- Date of birth information helps distinguish between individuals with similar names
- Case numbers, if known, provide the most direct access to specific records
- Some records may require registration or the creation of a user account
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with § 119.071, Florida Statutes
For historical arrest records that may not appear in current online databases, requestors should contact:
Orange County Records Management 400 East South Street Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 836-7000 Orange County Government Florida Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Can You Search Orange County Arrest Records for Free?
Access to Orange County arrest records is available at no cost through several public platforms, in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07, which permits agencies to charge only the actual cost of duplication for public records. Basic online searches of arrest information are provided free of charge to promote transparency and public access.
The following free resources are available to the public:
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The Orange County inmate search database provides complimentary access to current booking information and custody status.
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The Orange County Sheriff's Office website offers free access to recent arrest logs and public notices.
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Basic searches through the Orange County Clerk of Courts online system are available without charge, though fees may apply for certified copies or extensive records.
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The Florida Department of Corrections offender database provides free statewide searches for individuals sentenced to state supervision.
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement sexual offender registry offers free searches related to registered sexual offenders and predators.
While basic searches are free, fees may apply in the following circumstances:
- Certified copies of records (typically $1.00 per page plus certification fee)
- Extensive research requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time
- Records requiring significant redaction prior to release
- Specialized formats (USB drives, CDs, etc.)
Pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, agencies may charge up to $0.15 per one-sided copy for standard letter-size documents. For certified copies, the Orange County Clerk of Courts charges $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Orange County
Under Florida law, arrest records cannot be deleted but may be eligible for sealing or expungement under specific circumstances outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 943. The process is administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and requires court approval.
To initiate the sealing or expungement process, individuals must:
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Obtain a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE by submitting:
- A completed application form
- Fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency
- A certified disposition of the case from the Orange County Clerk of Courts
- A $75.00 processing fee
- A written statement from the prosecuting attorney (for expungements)
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File a petition with the court that handled the original case after receiving the certificate of eligibility
Eligibility criteria for sealing records (pursuant to § 943.059, Florida Statutes):
- The charges must have been dismissed or the individual found not guilty
- Adjudication must have been withheld and all court-ordered sanctions completed
- The offense cannot be on the list of disqualifying offenses in § 943.0584
Eligibility criteria for expungement (pursuant to § 943.0585, Florida Statutes):
- Charges must have been dismissed before trial or the individual received a no information/nolle prosequi
- No prior sealed or expunged records in Florida
- No adjudication of guilt for any criminal offense
For assistance with the sealing or expungement process, individuals may contact:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Seal and Expunge Section P.O. Box 1489 Tallahassee, FL 32302 Phone: (850) 410-7870 FDLE Seal and Expunge Process Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Orange County Clerk of Courts Criminal Division 425 North Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 836-2066 Orange County Clerk of Courts Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
What Happens After Arrest in Orange County?
Following an arrest in Orange County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process established by Florida law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages that occur in a prescribed sequence.
The post-arrest procedure typically includes:
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Booking Process Upon arrival at the Orange County Corrections facility, arrestees undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Assignment of a booking number
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Initial Appearance/First Appearance Within 24 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judge who:
- Reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Considers pretrial release conditions
- Sets bail amounts if applicable
- Appoints public counsel if the defendant qualifies
- Schedules subsequent court dates
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Formal Charging Decision The Orange County State Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Modify the charges
- Decline prosecution (nolle prosequi)
This decision typically occurs within 21 days for misdemeanors and 33-40 days for felonies.
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Arraignment At this court appearance, the defendant:
- Is formally informed of charges
- Enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- May request discovery of evidence
- May have pretrial release conditions reviewed
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Pretrial Proceedings These may include:
- Discovery exchanges
- Motion hearings
- Pretrial conferences
- Plea negotiations
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Trial or Plea Resolution Cases conclude through:
- Negotiated plea agreements
- Jury or bench trials
- Dismissal of charges
The Orange County Corrections Department processes approximately 36,000 bookings annually. First appearance hearings are conducted daily at:
Orange County Courthouse 425 North Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 836-2000 Orange County Clerk of Courts Hours: First Appearance Court operates 365 days per year at 9:00 AM
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Orange County?
Arrest records in Orange County are maintained in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established under Florida Statutes § 119.021 and the guidelines set forth by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These records are preserved as permanent historical documents within the criminal justice system.
The retention periods for various components of arrest records are as follows:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information These records are maintained permanently by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts. Digital versions are preserved indefinitely in county databases.
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Fingerprint Records Fingerprints are transmitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI, where they are maintained permanently in state and national databases.
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Photographs/Mugshots Booking photographs are retained permanently as part of the arrest record. Digital versions remain in law enforcement databases indefinitely.
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Court Records Related to Arrests Case files maintained by the Orange County Clerk of Courts are preserved permanently, with older records eventually transferred to the State Archives of Florida.
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Jail Records Inmate confinement records are maintained for 7 years after the inmate's release date, per General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement.
It is important to note that even when physical records may be transferred to archives after extended periods, digital records are typically maintained indefinitely in modern record-keeping systems. Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are removed from public access but may still be maintained for limited access by criminal justice agencies.
For inquiries regarding historical arrest records, contact:
Orange County Records Management 400 East South Street Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 836-7000 Orange County Government Florida Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to Find Mugshots in Orange County
Booking photographs, commonly referred to as mugshots, are considered public records in Orange County pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. These photographs are taken during the booking process at Orange County Corrections facilities and become part of the official arrest record.
Members of the public may access mugshots through several official channels:
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Orange County Inmate Database The Orange County inmate search system includes booking photographs of currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released. This database is updated regularly and provides the most current mugshots available.
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Orange County Sheriff's Office Records Section For mugshots not available online or for historical bookings, individuals may submit a public records request to:
Orange County Sheriff's Office Records Section 2500 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: (407) 254-7350 Orange County Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Florida Department of Corrections Website For individuals sentenced to state prison, mugshots may be available through the Florida Department of Corrections offender database.
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Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators Registry Photographs of registered sexual offenders and predators are available through the FDLE sexual offender search portal.
When requesting mugshots, requestors should provide:
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
Standard fees for copies of mugshots are:
- $0.15 per page for paper copies
- $1.00 per certified copy
- Actual cost of duplication for electronic formats
It should be noted that pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, mugshots associated with sealed or expunged records are not available to the general public.
Lookup Arrest Records in Orange County
Orange County inmate search database
Orange County Clerk of Courts records search
Orange County Sheriff's Office arrest information
Orange County Government resources
Florida Department of Law Enforcement seal and expunge process
Florida sexual offender registry search