Florida Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Florida

Warrants are public records in Florida pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Law. This legislation establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for public inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right of access to public records.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a statewide database of active warrants that is accessible to the public. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including:

Promoting accountability within the judicial system
Enabling individuals to verify their own legal status
Assisting law enforcement agencies in the execution of warrants
Supporting public safety through community awareness

Certain warrant information may be temporarily exempt from public disclosure under specific circumstances outlined in § 119.071, Florida Statutes. These exemptions typically apply to warrants related to ongoing investigations where disclosure might impede law enforcement efforts or compromise public safety.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Florida?

Florida warrant records contain comprehensive information as prescribed by Chapter 933 of the Florida Statutes. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the subject and any known aliases
Date of birth and physical description of the subject
Last known address or location information
Nature of the alleged offense and corresponding Florida Statute violation
Case number and issuing court information
Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable)
Bond amount (if bail has been set)
Judge's signature and court seal
Instructions for law enforcement regarding execution
Any special conditions or cautions for arresting officers

For search warrants specifically, records will also contain detailed information about the location to be searched and items to be seized, as required under § 933.07, Florida Statutes. The level of detail in warrant records ensures proper identification of subjects and provides necessary legal documentation for enforcement actions.

How to Check For Warrants in Florida For Free

Members of the public may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by Florida law enforcement agencies. The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration provide for public access to court records, including warrant information, with certain limitations.

To check for warrants at no cost, individuals may:

Visit the clerk of court office in the county where the warrant may have been issued
Contact the sheriff's office in the relevant county
Access the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's public database
Utilize county-specific online search tools where available

Many county sheriff's offices maintain public terminals at their headquarters where citizens can conduct warrant searches. For example:

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
10750 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33778
(727) 582-6200
Pinellas County Warrants

Hours of operation for public access terminals typically align with administrative office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Florida in 2025

As of 2025, Florida has enhanced its digital infrastructure for warrant verification in accordance with the state's ongoing modernization initiatives. Pursuant to administrative directives from the Florida Supreme Court, several methods are available for individuals to determine if they have an active warrant:

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides secure access to case information, including warrant status
County clerk offices maintain updated records accessible during business hours
The Florida Supreme Court's case information system offers statewide search capabilities
Mobile applications authorized by the Florida Courts Technology Commission provide real-time warrant status updates

For the most accurate information, individuals should contact the clerk of court in the county where the warrant may have been issued:

Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
73 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
(305) 275-1155
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Individuals seeking information about federal warrants should contact the United States District Court for the appropriate district in Florida.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Florida

The verification of outstanding warrants in Florida is governed by procedures established under Florida law and administrative orders of the state court system. Pursuant to § 901.02, Florida Statutes, warrants remain active until executed, recalled by the court, or otherwise resolved through legal proceedings.

To check for outstanding warrants, individuals may:

Submit a formal records request to the relevant sheriff's office
Utilize the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office warrant inquiry system for warrants in that jurisdiction
Contact the clerk of the circuit court in the county of interest
Consult with a licensed attorney who can access comprehensive court records

For in-person inquiries, identification is typically required. Some agencies may limit the information provided to third parties to protect the integrity of law enforcement operations.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
2008 East 8th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 247-8000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants in Florida fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Courts and federal law enforcement agencies. These warrants are issued pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Rule 4 (arrest warrants) and Rule 41 (search warrants).

To conduct a federal warrant search, individuals may:

Contact the United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, or Southern District of Florida
Submit a request to the United States Marshals Service, which is the primary agency responsible for executing federal warrants
Consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) through an authorized law enforcement agency
Engage the services of a licensed attorney with access to federal court records

Federal warrant information may be subject to restrictions under federal privacy laws and judicial policies. Direct inquiries should be made to:

United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
801 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 301-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

United States Marshals Service - Miami Office
Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
400 North Miami Avenue, Room 6-350
Miami, FL 33128
(786) 433-6340

Search Warrant Records in Florida

The following resources are available for searching warrant records in Florida: