Sarasota County Public Records /Sarasota County Criminal Records

Sarasota County Criminal Records

What Is Sarasota County Criminal Records

Sarasota County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Sarasota County, Florida. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.011(3)(c), which defines public records to include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency."

Criminal records in Sarasota County encompass several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments. These records typically contain the date of arrest, charges, and booking information.
Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, whether for felonies (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year) or misdemeanors (lesser offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration).
Court Records: Documentation of criminal proceedings in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court or Sarasota County Court, including arraignments, motions, trial transcripts, and case dispositions.
Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in the Sarasota County Jail or commitment to state correctional facilities.

It is important to distinguish between various types of criminal records:

Arrest vs. Conviction Records: An arrest record documents that a person was taken into custody but does not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through trial or plea.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes (e.g., robbery, assault, drug trafficking) while misdemeanors are less severe offenses (e.g., petty theft, simple battery, minor drug possession).
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for offenders 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed or confidential under Florida Statute § 985.04.
Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Sarasota County include:

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
6010 Cattleridge Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 861-5800
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400
Sarasota County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office, 12th Judicial Circuit
2071 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-4400
State Attorney's Office

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

Comprehensive criminal records typically include information about charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole status. These records serve multiple purposes, including public safety, background checks, and maintaining transparency in the criminal justice system.

Are Criminal Records Public In Sarasota County

Criminal records in Sarasota County are generally public under Florida's robust public records laws. Florida's commitment to government transparency is codified in Florida Statute Chapter 119, commonly known as the "Public Records Law" or "Sunshine Law." This statute establishes that most government records, including criminal records, are accessible to the public.

According to Florida Statute § 119.01(1), "it is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency." This statutory language creates a presumption of openness for government records in Florida, including those maintained by Sarasota County agencies.

The following types of criminal records are typically available to the public:

Adult arrest records
Court dockets and case files for adult criminal proceedings
Conviction records
Sentencing information
Incarceration records
Probation and parole records
Sex offender registry information

However, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access:

Active criminal investigations, pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071(2)(c)
Juvenile records (with certain exceptions), as protected under Florida Statute § 985.04
Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
Information that would reveal the identity of victims of certain crimes, including sexual offenses
Records containing confidential informant information
Grand jury proceedings and records

The Florida Constitution further reinforces the public's right to access government records. Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution states: "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."

For criminal records specifically, the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller serves as the custodian of court records, while the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records. Both agencies provide public access to these records in accordance with state law, though specific procedures and potential fees may apply.

It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of such information is regulated by various state and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for employment purposes and other anti-discrimination statutes.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Sarasota County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Sarasota County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing various types of criminal justice information.

For in-person requests at the courthouse:

Visit the Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller's office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400
Sarasota County Clerk of Court

Complete a public records request form, available at the public service counter.
Provide specific information about the records being sought, such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and case number if available.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies).
For extensive searches requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time, additional special service charges may apply.

For mail requests:

Submit a written request to the Records Management Department at the address listed above.
Include specific details about the records being sought.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
Allow 3-5 business days for processing, plus mail delivery time.

For criminal history background checks:

Visit the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Records Section during regular business hours.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
6010 Cattleridge Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 861-4110
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

Complete a Criminal History Request form.
Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay the required fee (currently $25.00 per name search).
Receive results, typically available within 3-5 business days.

For statewide criminal history information:

Contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a comprehensive criminal history check.
Submit fingerprints through an approved Livescan vendor.
Pay the required fee (currently $24.00 for a state check, plus vendor processing fees).
Results are typically provided within 72 hours.

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.053, criminal history information is available to the public upon payment of appropriate fees. However, sealed or expunged records are not accessible without a court order.

How To Find Criminal Records in Sarasota County Online?

Sarasota County offers several digital platforms that provide public access to criminal records information. These online resources allow members of the public to conduct searches remotely, without the need to visit government offices in person. Each system contains different types of records and offers varying search capabilities.

The primary online resources for accessing Sarasota County criminal records include:

Sarasota County Clerk of Court Public Records Search This comprehensive database provides access to court records, including criminal cases filed in Sarasota County.
- Navigate to the Sarasota County Clerk's Court Records Search
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Records available include case information, charges, hearing dates, and case status
- Documents filed after 2004 are generally available as digital images
- No registration is required for basic searches, but user registration is needed to view document images
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Jail Population Search This database provides information on current inmates in the Sarasota County Jail.
- Visit the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Search by name or booking number
- Information includes booking date, charges, bond amounts, and next court date
- Mugshots are typically included with inmate records
- No registration is required to access this information
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search For individuals sentenced to state prison or under state supervision:
- Access the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- Search by name, DC number, or other identifiers
- Results include current location, sentence information, and release date
- Historical incarceration records are also available
- No registration is required
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sexual Offender/Predator Search For registered sexual offenders and predators:
- Visit the FDLE Sexual Offender and Predator Search
- Search by name, neighborhood, or other criteria
- Information includes offender photos, addresses, and offense details
- Email notification options are available for community awareness
- No registration is required
Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS) This statewide system provides access to court records from all Florida counties:
- Access requires registration and approval
- Available to certain professionals and agencies
- Contains detailed case information and document images
- Subscription fees may apply

When using these online systems, users should note that:

Not all criminal records are available online, particularly older cases
Some sensitive information may be redacted from public view
Document images may require payment to view or download
System maintenance may occasionally limit availability
Results should be verified through official channels for employment or legal purposes

These online resources operate pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.01(2)(a), which states that "agencies must provide reasonable public access to records electronically maintained and must ensure that exempt or confidential records are not disclosed."

Can You Search Sarasota County Criminal Records for Free?

Sarasota County provides several options for members of the public to access criminal records at no cost, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a) establishes that "every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records."

Free in-person inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:

Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-7400
Sarasota County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
6010 Cattleridge Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 861-4110
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The following online resources are available at no cost:

Sarasota County Clerk's Court Records Search
- Basic case information is available without charge
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Provides case types, filing dates, party information, and docket entries
- While viewing document images may require payment, the case information itself is free
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Jail Population Search
- Complete access is free
- Provides current inmate information, including charges and booking details
- Includes mugshot images
- Updated regularly throughout the day
Sarasota County Sheriff's Daily Arrest Reports
- Free access to recent arrest information
- Updated daily
- Includes arrestee information and charges
- Available on the Sheriff's Office website
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Free statewide database of current and former inmates
- Includes Sarasota County residents sentenced to state prison
- Provides sentence information and release dates
Florida Sexual Offender and Predator Public Registry
- Free comprehensive database of registered sexual offenders
- Includes address information and offense details
- Searchable by location, including Sarasota County

While basic record searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for:

Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page, $2.00 for certified copies)
Extensive research requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time
Specialized searches or certified criminal history reports
Background checks requiring fingerprint verification
Rush processing of record requests

According to Florida Statute § 119.07(4), agencies may charge "up to 15 cents per one-sided copy for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 8½ inches" and "no more than an additional 5 cents for each two-sided copy." For larger documents, "the actual cost of duplication of the public record" may be charged.

It is important to note that while inspection of records is free, the agencies may charge a reasonable fee for the extensive use of agency resources or technology. The statute defines "extensive" as any request requiring more than 15 minutes of agency resources to fulfill.

What's Included in a Sarasota County Criminal Record?

Sarasota County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statute § 28.2221, which governs the electronic access to court records. A typical Sarasota County criminal record includes several categories of information:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Mugshot or booking photograph
Last known address
State Identification (SID) number
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification
Social Security Number (partially redacted in public records)
Driver's license number (partially redacted in public records)

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency (e.g., Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Sarasota Police Department)
Booking number and facility
Charges filed at arrest, including Florida Statute citations
Probable cause affidavit summary
Bail or bond amount and status
Pre-trial detention information
Arresting officer's name
Incident report number

Court Case Information:

Case number and filing date
Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or County)
Judge assigned to the case
Charges filed by the State Attorney's Office
Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
Statutory citations for each charge
Plea information
Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
Motion filings and rulings
Hearing dates and outcomes
Trial information (if applicable)

Disposition and Sentencing:

Final disposition (e.g., guilty, not guilty, nolle prosequi, dismissed)
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
Post-conviction motions and appeals
Probation/parole status and violations
Completion or termination of sentence

Additional Information:

Active warrants (if any)
Protective or restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
Habitual offender designations
DUI/DWI history and license suspensions
Traffic violations related to criminal charges
Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Prior criminal history references
Domestic violence indicators
Firearm ownership restrictions

The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the specific circumstances of the criminal matter. Records created after the implementation of digital case management systems (approximately 2004 in Sarasota County) tend to be more detailed and accessible than older records.

It is important to note that pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071, certain information within criminal records may be exempt from public disclosure or redacted, including:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Information identifying victims of certain crimes
Information that would compromise an ongoing investigation
Medical information
Information about minors

Criminal records in Sarasota County are maintained by multiple agencies, with the Clerk of Circuit Court serving as the official custodian of court records and the Sheriff's Office maintaining arrest and jail records.

How Long Does Sarasota County Keep Criminal Records?

Sarasota County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statute § 257.36. These schedules dictate the minimum period for which different types of records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or transferred to archives.

Criminal records in Sarasota County are generally maintained for extensive periods, with many records kept permanently. The retention periods vary based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the final disposition of the case.

For court records maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court:

Felony Case Files: Retained for 75 years from the date of final disposition.
Capital Felony Case Files: Maintained permanently.
Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 10 years from the date of final disposition.
Traffic Criminal Case Files: Retained for 10 years from the date of final disposition.
Domestic Violence Case Files: Retained for 5 years after last activity or until the court order expires.
Juvenile Delinquency Case Files: Generally retained until the subject reaches 26 years of age, unless sealed or expunged earlier.
Court Dockets and Indexes: Maintained permanently as these serve as finding aids to case files.
Court Minutes and Judgments: Maintained permanently as official records of court proceedings.

For law enforcement records maintained by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office:

Arrest Records: Retained for 100 years.
Offense Reports: Retained for 4 years after clearance or closure of the case.
Homicide Investigation Records: Maintained permanently.
Sexual Offense Investigation Records: Retained for 100 years.
Booking Information: Retained for 3 years after release from custody.
Jail Records: Retained for 7 years after the inmate's release.
Criminal Intelligence Information: Reviewed every 5 years for relevance; may be purged if no longer useful.
Criminal Investigative Information: Retained for 4 years after the case is closed or cleared.

For records maintained by the State Attorney's Office:

Felony Case Files: Retained for 5 years after final disposition.
Capital Felony Case Files: Maintained permanently.
Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 3 years after final disposition.

It is important to note that these retention periods represent the minimum time records must be kept. In practice, many criminal records in Sarasota County are maintained for longer periods or indefinitely, particularly since the implementation of electronic record-keeping systems.

The Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS2 for law enforcement agencies and GS11 for clerk of courts offices provide detailed information about retention requirements. These schedules are periodically updated to reflect changes in law and administrative needs.

Even after physical records reach the end of their retention period, information about criminal cases may continue to exist in various databases and indices. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed (such as through media reports or commercial background check services) may persist beyond official retention periods.

Individuals seeking to limit access to their criminal records may be eligible to petition for sealing or expungement under Florida Statute § 943.0585 and Florida Statute § 943.059, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.