Alachua County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Alachua County
Arrest records in Alachua County are public documents pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Under § 119.01, Florida maintains a strong public policy in favor of open government records, which includes arrest records created and maintained by law enforcement agencies. This statute establishes that 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.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available to the public in accordance with state law. It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings
An arrest record alone does not indicate guilt, as individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Under § 119.071, certain information within arrest records may be exempt from disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Information related to ongoing investigations
- Information about victims of certain crimes
- Records pertaining to juveniles (with specific exceptions)
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Criminal History Information guidelines that govern how arrest record information may be accessed and used throughout the state, including in Alachua County.
What's in Alachua County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested within the county's jurisdiction. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
- Charge description
- Multiple charges if applicable
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Release eligibility
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility location if incarcerated
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment information
- Medical alerts or special needs notations
- Immigration status or holds
Pursuant to § 119.071(2)(h) of the Florida Statutes, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy rights or sensitive information as prescribed by law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Alachua County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Alachua County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for public access to these records in compliance with Florida's Public Records Law. Individuals may pursue the following options:
In-Person Requests:
Requesters may visit the Alachua County Sheriff's Office Records Division to submit a request for arrest records:
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
2621 SE Hawthorne Road
Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 367-4000
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
When making an in-person request, individuals should:
- Provide the full name of the subject
- Include date of birth if known
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to complete a public records request form
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail, email, or fax to the Records Division:
By Email: publicrecordsrequest@alachuacounty.us By Mail: Address to Records Division at the address listed above By Fax: (352) 367-4041
Written requests should include:
- Requestor's contact information
- Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Specific information being requested
- Preferred method of receiving records
Online Requests:
The Alachua County Clerk of Court provides an online portal for requesting certain public records, including arrest records that have been processed through the court system. Users can search by:
- Name
- Case number
- Date range
- Charge type
For arrest records specifically maintained by law enforcement, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office provides information on their website about submitting public records requests.
Fees for record retrieval and reproduction are established pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, which permits agencies to charge:
- Up to $0.15 per one-sided copy (letter size)
- Up to $0.20 per two-sided copy (letter size)
- Actual cost for other sizes or formats
- Special service charges for extensive requests
How To Find Alachua County Arrest Records Online
Alachua County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems allow for efficient searching of public information while maintaining compliance with Florida's public records laws. The following online resources are available:
Alachua County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent arrests. This resource provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Court dates
- Mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals
To use this system:
- Navigate to the Inmate Search portal
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review the search results
- Select specific records for detailed information
Alachua County Clerk of Court Records Search:
The Alachua County Clerk of Court maintains court records related to arrests and criminal cases. Their online system allows users to:
- Search by name, case number, or date range
- View case summaries
- Access court dockets
- Review case dispositions
- Obtain information about scheduled hearings
To access these records:
- Visit the Clerk's Court Records Search
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search criteria
- Review available records
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search:
For comprehensive criminal history information that may include arrests across multiple jurisdictions, the FDLE Certified Records Check provides:
- Statewide arrest history
- Disposition information
- Certified records for official purposes
This service requires:
- Payment of statutory fees
- Submission of fingerprints for certain searches
- Consent of the subject for some types of searches
Users should note that pursuant to § 943.053, Florida Statutes, certain fees apply for criminal history information obtained through FDLE.
How To Search Alachua County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to Alachua County arrest records have several options available. Florida's Public Records Law ensures that basic arrest information remains accessible without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:
Alachua County Sheriff's Office Website:
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate search function that provides:
- Current inmate information
- Recent booking data
- Basic charge information
- Custody status
- Mugshots of currently detained individuals
This resource is accessible at no cost through the Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal.
Public Access Terminals:
Free public access terminals are available at the following locations:
Alachua County Clerk of Court
201 E University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-3636
Alachua County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
These terminals allow visitors to:
- Search court records related to arrests
- View case information
- Access public criminal case files
- Review court calendars and hearing schedules
Public Libraries:
Several Alachua County public libraries offer free internet access that can be used to search public records websites:
Alachua County Library District Headquarters
401 E University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 334-3900
Alachua County Library District
Daily Arrest Reports:
The Gainesville Police Department and Alachua County Sheriff's Office both maintain daily arrest logs that are available for public inspection at no cost. These logs typically include:
- Names of arrested individuals
- Dates of arrests
- Charges
- Basic booking information
While inspection of records is free, agencies may charge statutory fees for copies pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes. Additionally, while basic searches are free, extensive searches requiring significant staff time may incur special service charges as permitted by Florida law.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Alachua County
Florida law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public view under certain circumstances. In Alachua County, individuals may pursue either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records. These processes are governed by Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes, specifically § 943.0585 for expungement and § 943.059 for sealing.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement: Physical destruction of arrest records, making them inaccessible to the general public. Some government agencies may still maintain confidential records.
- Sealing: Records remain intact but are confidential and unavailable to the general public. Certain government agencies retain access.
Eligibility Requirements:
Pursuant to Florida law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement or sealing if:
- Charges were dropped, dismissed, or not filed
- The individual was acquitted or found not guilty
- The case was completed through a diversion program
- The record has been previously sealed for at least 10 years (for expungement)
- The offense is not among those listed as ineligible under § 943.0584
Ineligible Offenses:
Certain offenses cannot be sealed or expunged under Florida law, including:
- Sexual offenses
- Violent felonies
- Dangerous crimes
- Acts of domestic violence
- Violations involving minors
Application Process:
-
Obtain Certificate of Eligibility: Apply through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) by submitting:
- Completed application form
- Fingerprints
- Certified disposition of the case
- Processing fee ($75)
-
File Petition with Court: Once the Certificate of Eligibility is received, file a petition with the Alachua County Clerk of Court including:
- Completed petition form
- Certificate of Eligibility
- Affidavit attesting to eligibility
- Filing fee
-
Court Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing to determine if the petition should be granted.
-
Order of Expungement/Sealing: If approved, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record.
Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records are advised that the process is complex and may benefit from legal assistance. The Eighth Judicial Circuit provides information about self-help resources for those unable to afford an attorney.
What Happens After Arrest in Alachua County?
Following an arrest in Alachua County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Florida law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages from initial custody through case disposition:
Booking Process:
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Alachua County Jail located at:
Alachua County Department of the Jail
3333 NE 39th Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32609
(352) 491-4444
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
The booking process includes:
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
First Appearance:
Within 24 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge for First Appearance, where:
- Probable cause for the arrest is reviewed
- Bail/bond amounts are set or pretrial release conditions established
- Indigent defendants may be appointed public defenders
- Preliminary hearing dates may be scheduled
Formal Charges:
The State Attorney's Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit reviews arrest information and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Modify charges from the arrest
- Decline prosecution
- Refer the case to diversion programs
This decision typically occurs within 21 days for misdemeanors or 40 days for felonies, pursuant to Florida's speedy trial provisions.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, defendants:
- Are formally informed of charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- May have counsel appointed if eligible
- Receive future court dates
Pretrial Process:
The pretrial period may include:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial conferences
- Case management hearings
Trial:
If the case proceeds to trial:
- Misdemeanor trials occur in Alachua County Court
- Felony trials take place in Circuit Court
- Defendants have the right to jury trial or bench trial
- The prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
Sentencing:
Following conviction through plea or trial:
- The court imposes sentence based on Florida sentencing guidelines
- Penalties may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions
- Victims may provide impact statements
- Defendants have the right to appeal within 30 days
Throughout this process, arrest records are updated to reflect case progression and are maintained as public records subject to Florida's public records laws, with certain exceptions for confidential information as provided in § 119.071, Florida Statutes.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Alachua County?
Arrest records in Alachua County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These retention periods are mandated by state law under § 119.021, Florida Statutes, which requires public agencies to comply with established records management requirements.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the following general guidelines:
- Arrest Reports: Retained for a minimum of 100 years from the date of the arrest
- Booking Information: Maintained for at least 4 years after the release of the subject
- Criminal Investigative Records: Retained for a minimum of 4 years after case closure or statute of limitations expires
- Fingerprint Records: Permanently maintained
- Mugshots: Retained for the same period as the corresponding arrest records
These retention periods are established in the General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners.
Court Records Retention:
The Alachua County Clerk of Court maintains court records related to arrests according to the following schedule:
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for a minimum of 5 years after final judgment
- Felony Case Files: Maintained for a minimum of 10 years after final judgment
- Capital Felony Cases: Permanently maintained
- Court Minutes and Judgments: Permanently maintained
These retention periods are established in the General Records Schedule GS11 for Clerk of Court.
Different Agency Requirements:
It is important to note that different agencies maintain separate records systems with varying retention requirements:
- Law enforcement agencies maintain arrest and booking records
- Clerk of Court maintains court case records
- Florida Department of Corrections maintains incarceration records
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal history information
The long-term retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Maintains accountability within the criminal justice system
- Provides historical documentation of law enforcement activities
- Supports statistical analysis and research
- Enables background checks for employment and licensing purposes
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact the Records Custodian at the relevant agency. For the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, the Records Division can be reached at (352) 367-4006.
How to Find Mugshots in Alachua County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Alachua County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the public arrest record, subject to certain limitations under Florida law.
What Mugshots Are:
Mugshots typically consist of:
- Front-facing (portrait) photograph
- Side-profile (profile) photograph
- Booking information board showing the arrestee's name and booking number
- Date of booking
- Agency identification
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Alachua County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
2621 SE Hawthorne Road
Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 367-4000
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
Gainesville Police Department
545 NW 8th Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 393-7500
Gainesville Police Department
Finding Mugshots:
Members of the public may access mugshots through several methods:
-
Online Inmate Search: The Alachua County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals and those recently arrested.
-
Public Records Request: Submit a formal request to the arresting agency's records division:
- Provide the full name of the subject
- Include date of arrest if known
- Specify that you are seeking booking photographs
- Submit request in person, by mail, or through the agency's online request system
-
Clerk of Court Records: For older cases, mugshots may be included in court files accessible through the Alachua County Clerk of Court.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online:
While current mugshots are available through the Sheriff's Office website, historical mugshots may not be accessible online. Additionally, pursuant to § 119.071(2)(c), Florida Statutes, certain mugshots may be exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Photographs of law enforcement officers
- Images of certain crime victims
- Juvenile booking photographs (with limited exceptions)
Obtaining Mugshots Officially:
To obtain official copies of mugshots:
- Contact the Records Division of the arresting agency
- Complete a public records request form
- Pay applicable reproduction fees
- Provide identification if requesting in person
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Florida law has enacted certain protections regarding mugshot publication. Under § 943.0583, Florida Statutes, websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal may be subject to legal action. Additionally, individuals whose arrests resulted in:
- Charges being dropped or dismissed
- Acquittal or finding of not guilty
- Successful completion of diversion programs
May have additional rights regarding the publication and dissemination of their booking photographs.
Lookup Arrest Records in Alachua County
Alachua County Court and Public Records
Alachua County Sheriff's Office