Highlands County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Highlands County
Arrest records in Highlands County are public documents pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Under this comprehensive transparency framework, arrest records created or maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, are presumptively open to public inspection and copying.
The Florida Constitution, Article I, § 24, establishes that "every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf." This constitutional provision forms the foundation for public access to arrest records in Highlands County.
It is important for members of the public 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, but do not indicate guilt
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
Under § 119.071, Florida Statutes, certain exemptions exist that may limit access to specific information within arrest records, particularly when disclosure would compromise active investigations, reveal confidential informants, or endanger individuals. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different confidentiality provisions under § 985.04, Florida Statutes.
The Highlands County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to arrest records in accordance with these state laws and regulations.
Highlands County Sheriff's Office
434 Fernleaf Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-7200
Highlands County Sheriff's Office
What's in Highlands County Arrest Records
Highlands County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Race and gender
- Home address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Identifying numbers (booking number, case number, inmate ID)
- Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant or probable cause
- Use of force documentation (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed (Florida statute numbers and descriptions)
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
- Degree of each charge (e.g., first-degree felony)
- Enhancement factors (if applicable)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing court
- Date warrant was issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual was processed
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information (limited in public versions)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Pre-trial release conditions (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned judge
- Scheduled court appearances
- Attorney information (if represented)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Projected release date (if applicable)
- Housing location within detention facility
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history in Highlands County
- Known gang affiliations (if documented)
- Special classification notes (medical, security)
- Immigration holds or detainers
The Highlands County Clerk of Courts maintains the official court records associated with arrests, while the Highlands County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and custody records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Highlands County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Highlands County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
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Online Search Options
- Visit the Highlands County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal to access current booking information
- Access the Highlands County Clerk of Courts online records search for case information related to arrests
- Search is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
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In-Person Requests
- Visit the Records Division at the Highlands County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete a public records request form specifying the information sought
- Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees
Highlands County Sheriff's Office Records Division
434 Fernleaf Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Highlands County Sheriff's Office -
Written Requests
- Submit a written public records request via mail, email, or fax
- Include specific information to identify the record (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Provide contact information for response
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
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Court Records Related to Arrests
- Visit the Highlands County Clerk of Courts office
- Request case files related to specific arrests
- Provide case numbers if available
Highlands County Clerk of Courts
590 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6565
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Highlands County Clerk of Courts
Pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, fees may apply for copies of records. The current fee schedule includes $0.15 per one-sided copy for pages up to 8.5 x 14 inches and $1.00 per certified copy. Special service charges may apply for extensive requests requiring significant staff time.
How To Find Highlands County Arrest Records Online
Highlands County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official government portals. The following online search methods are available to the public:
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Highlands County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office inmate search database
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results showing current inmates and recent bookings
- Access basic arrest information, charges, and custody status
- Mugshots may be available for viewing and download
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Highlands County Clerk of Courts Records Search
- Visit the Clerk's online court records portal
- Create a free user account if required
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Access court documents related to arrests including:
- Charging documents
- Court minutes
- Disposition information
- Sentencing records
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Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
- For individuals sentenced to state prison or supervision
- Visit the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- Search by name or DC number
- Access information about current inmates and those under community supervision
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search
- For official criminal history records including arrests
- Visit the FDLE Criminal History Information
- Requires payment of statutory fee ($24 per record)
- Provides comprehensive criminal history information
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes
- Some records may be restricted from public view pursuant to exemptions in Florida law
- Complete case files may require in-person requests
- Official certified copies cannot be obtained online
The Highlands County government website provides additional guidance on requesting public records that may not be available through these online portals.
How To Search Highlands County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access Highlands County arrest records without cost through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:
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Highlands County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Sheriff's Office inmate search function is available at no cost
- Provides current booking information and recent arrest data
- Includes mugshots, charges, and custody status
- No registration or fees required to access this basic information
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Highlands County Clerk of Courts Public Access
- The Clerk's online records search is free for basic searches
- Provides access to court cases related to arrests
- May require creation of a free user account
- Some documents may be viewable online without charge
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In-Person Inspection
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Florida law permits free inspection of public records
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Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours:
Highlands County Sheriff's Office Records Division
434 Fernleaf Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Or visit the Clerk of Courts office:
Highlands County Clerk of Courts
590 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
-
-
Public Access Terminals
- Computer terminals at the Clerk's office provide free access to court records
- Available during regular business hours
- Staff assistance may be available for search guidance
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Public Records Request
- Submit a public records request to the appropriate agency
- Inspection of records is free under Florida's Public Records Law
- Only copying fees apply if physical copies are requested
It is important to note that while inspection of records is free, pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, agencies may charge for copies of records. Additionally, extensive requests requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time may incur special service charges based on the actual cost of the personnel providing the service.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Highlands County
Under Florida law, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. These processes do not technically "delete" records but rather restrict public access to them. The following information outlines the distinction between sealing and expungement and the procedures for each:
Sealing vs. Expungement:
- Record Sealing: Makes records confidential and available only to specific government agencies and in limited circumstances
- Record Expungement: Physically destroys court records and requires criminal justice agencies to remove information from their databases (though a confidential record remains with FDLE)
Eligibility Requirements: Pursuant to § 943.0585 and § 943.059, Florida Statutes, eligibility is limited to individuals who:
- Have no prior criminal convictions (including juvenile adjudications)
- Have not previously had a record sealed or expunged in Florida
- Meet specific case outcome requirements (generally, charges must have been dismissed, dropped, or resulted in acquittal)
- Are not seeking to seal or expunge certain disqualifying offenses
Process for Sealing or Expunging Arrest Records:
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Obtain Certificate of Eligibility
- Request an application packet from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- Submit completed application with:
- Fingerprints taken by law enforcement agency
- Certified disposition of the case from Highlands County Clerk of Courts
- $75 processing fee to FDLE
- Wait for FDLE to issue Certificate of Eligibility (valid for 12 months)
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File Petition with Highlands County Court
- Once Certificate of Eligibility is received, prepare petition for sealing or expungement
- File petition with Highlands County Clerk of Courts
- Pay applicable filing fees
- Serve copies on State Attorney's Office and arresting agency
Highlands County Clerk of Courts
590 South Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6565
Highlands County Clerk of Courts -
Court Hearing (if required)
- The court may schedule a hearing on the petition
- Attend hearing and present case for sealing/expungement
- Judge will make final determination
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Implementation of Order
- If granted, the Clerk will distribute the order to all relevant agencies
- Agencies have specific timeframes to comply with the order
Automatic Expungement for Minors: Under § 943.0515, Florida Statutes, juvenile arrest records may be automatically expunged when the individual reaches 21 years of age (or 26 for serious offenses), provided certain conditions are met.
Administrative Sealing: Pursuant to § 943.0595, Florida Statutes, FDLE may automatically seal certain arrest records where no charges were filed, charges were dismissed, or the defendant was acquitted.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the sealing or expungement process due to its complexity and the strict statutory requirements.
What Happens After Arrest in Highlands County?
Following an arrest in Highlands County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Florida law. This process typically progresses through the following stages:
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Booking and Initial Detention
- Arrestee is transported to the Highlands County Jail
- Booking procedures include:
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial detention period begins
Highlands County Jail
434 Fernleaf Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-7200 -
First Appearance Hearing
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Judge reviews probable cause for arrest
- Defendant is informed of charges
- Determination of bail/bond conditions
- Appointment of public defender if defendant qualifies
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Formal Charging Decision
- State Attorney's Office reviews evidence
- Decides whether to file formal charges within 21 days (for defendants in custody)
- May file:
- Information (formal charging document)
- No Information (declining to prosecute)
- Refer for diversion program (if eligible)
State Attorney's Office, 10th Judicial Circuit
411 South Eucalyptus Street
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6549 -
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Court sets schedule for future proceedings
- Typically occurs 3-4 weeks after arrest
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Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences
- May last several months depending on case complexity
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Trial
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Presentation of evidence by both sides
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict (guilty or not guilty)
- Right to speedy trial within 90 days for misdemeanors or 175 days for felonies under § 918.015, Florida Statutes
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Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence which may include:
- Incarceration (county jail or state prison)
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Treatment programs
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Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Potential post-conviction relief motions
- Supervision under probation or community control
- Incarceration in county jail or transfer to state prison
Throughout this process, court proceedings are documented in records maintained by the Highlands County Clerk of Courts, while custody information is maintained by the Highlands County Sheriff's Office.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Highlands County?
Arrest records in Highlands County are subject to retention requirements established by Florida law and implemented through the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services. The General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners governs the retention of these records.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest Records (Adults): Permanently maintained by law enforcement agencies
- Booking Records: 5 years after last entry or release from custody
- Criminal History Records: Permanently maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- Offense Reports: 4 years after clearance or closure of case
- Fingerprint Records: Permanently maintained
- Mugshot Photographs: Permanently maintained
- Warrant/Capias Records: 1 year after execution or withdrawal
The permanent retention of adult arrest records means that, absent court-ordered sealing or expungement, these records remain available indefinitely. This practice serves several important public policy objectives:
- Law Enforcement Purposes: Historical arrest data assists in investigations and establishing patterns
- Public Safety: Provides information about individuals' prior interactions with law enforcement
- Judicial System Efficiency: Supports sentencing decisions and risk assessments
- Historical Documentation: Preserves records for statistical analysis and research
It is important to note that different agencies maintain different components of arrest records:
- The Highlands County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, arrest reports, and jail records
- The Highlands County Clerk of Courts maintains court case records related to arrests
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the central repository of criminal history information
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to § 943.0515, Florida Statutes, juvenile arrest records are subject to different retention schedules:
- Records may be automatically expunged when the individual reaches 21 years of age
- For serious offenses, records may be retained until age 26
- If the juvenile is transferred to adult court, records are maintained as adult records
Digital Records Retention: Electronic arrest records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records. The Florida Electronic Records and Records Management Practices establish standards for maintaining the authenticity and accessibility of these digital records throughout their required retention period.
How to Find Mugshots in Highlands County
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Highlands County, these photographs are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law, with certain exceptions.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement that typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
- Agency identification
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: The primary custodian of mugshots in Highlands County is the Sheriff's Office. These photographs are:
- Stored in the jail management system
- Linked to booking records
- Maintained according to state records retention schedules
- Considered part of the official arrest record
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public may access mugshots through several methods:
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Online Inmate Search
- The Highlands County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal displays mugshots for current inmates and recent bookings
- Search by name or booking number
- Photographs are typically available within hours of booking
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Public Records Request
- Submit a formal request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Request can be made in person, by mail, or through the county's public records request system
Highlands County Sheriff's Office Records Division
434 Fernleaf Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Clerk of Courts Records
- In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files
- Search court records through the Clerk's online portal
- Request to view physical court files at the courthouse
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: While mugshots are generally public records, certain limitations exist:
- Juvenile Mugshots: Protected from public disclosure under § 985.04, Florida Statutes
- Sealed/Expunged Records: Mugshots associated with sealed or expunged cases are not publicly accessible
- Specific Exemptions: Certain individuals (e.g., undercover officers, domestic violence victims) may have their mugshots protected under § 119.071, Florida Statutes
- Commercial Use Restrictions: Florida law § 943.0525 prohibits county detention facilities from electronically providing arrest booking photographs to a person for commercial use
It is important to note that while mugshots are public records, their publication and use by third-party websites is subject to increasing regulation. Florida law requires commercial mugshot publishers to remove photographs upon request under certain circumstances.
Lookup Arrest Records in Highlands County
Inmate Search | Highlands County Sheriff's Office
Court Records Search | Highlands County Clerk of Courts
Public Records | Highlands County Sheriff's Office