Warrant records in Okaloosa County, Florida are classified as public records pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Under Florida Statute § 119.01, all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material made or received in connection with the official business of any public agency are considered public records. This statutory framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records as part of its official duties in accordance with Florida Statute § 30.15, which outlines the powers and responsibilities of county sheriffs. These records typically contain information about individuals for whom the courts have issued arrest warrants, bench warrants, or other judicial orders authorizing law enforcement action. Members of the public may access these records through established procedures, subject to certain exemptions provided by law.
Warrant records maintained by Okaloosa County law enforcement agencies contain specific information as required by Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.121. These records typically include:
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071, certain information within warrant records may be redacted if it falls under specific exemptions, such as information that might compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger the safety of law enforcement personnel.
Members of the public seeking to verify the existence of warrants in Okaloosa County may utilize several no-cost resources established under Florida's commitment to governmental transparency. The following methods are available:
Individuals may visit the Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office located at:
Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
101 E James Lee Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
(850) 689-5800
Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Alternatively, citizens may contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at:
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
50 2nd Street
Shalimar, FL 32579
(850) 651-7400
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a statewide database of wanted persons that includes warrant information reported by law enforcement agencies throughout Florida, including Okaloosa County.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division is responsible for the processing, maintenance, and execution of all warrants issued within the jurisdiction. This division operates under the authority granted by Florida Statute § 30.15(1)(b), which empowers sheriffs to "execute all process of the courts and board of county commissioners of the county."
The Warrants Division maintains records of several types of warrants:
The Sheriff's Office coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to execute warrants across jurisdictional boundaries in accordance with Florida Statute § 901.04, which authorizes the execution of arrest warrants throughout the state. The Warrants Division also participates in the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems to facilitate the sharing of warrant information across jurisdictions.
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Okaloosa County may utilize several official channels established for public access to this information. The following procedures are available:
Citizens may conduct an online search through the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office warrant database, which is updated regularly to reflect current warrant status. This resource requires basic identifying information such as name and date of birth to perform a search.
Individuals may also submit a public records request to the Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts using the official request form pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically.
For those unable to access online resources, telephone inquiries may be directed to:
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division
50 2nd Street
Shalimar, FL 32579
(850) 651-7410
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Persons concerned about potential warrants are advised that Florida Statute § 901.15 authorizes law enforcement officers to make arrests based on valid warrants at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Okaloosa County is facilitated through multiple official channels established by local law enforcement and judicial authorities. Citizens seeking this information may utilize the following resources:
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons Search provides a comprehensive database of active warrants reported by law enforcement agencies throughout Florida, including those from Okaloosa County.
Individuals may also access the Okaloosa County Jail Inmate Search system to determine if a person has been arrested on an outstanding warrant. This system is maintained by the Okaloosa County Department of Corrections in accordance with Florida Statute § 951.23, which governs county detention facilities.
In-person inquiries may be directed to:
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Records Division
50 2nd Street
Shalimar, FL 32579
(850) 651-7420
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Niceville Police Department
212 N Partin Drive
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 729-4030
Niceville Police Department
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a), agencies are required to provide reasonable access to public records during normal business hours. Standard identification may be required when requesting warrant information in person.