Monroe County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Monroe County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Monroe County may access publicly available information through MonroeCountyRecords.org, which aggregates data drawn from official government sources. Records available through such resources may include arrest logs, court case filings, booking information, conviction histories, and warrant data. The completeness and currency of any record set may vary depending on the originating agency and the date of last update. Monroe County maintains criminal justice records across several agencies, and individuals conducting searches should consult multiple sources to obtain a full picture of any given record.
Relevant record categories that may be found through official and aggregated sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction histories
- Active and recalled warrants
- Jail inmate rosters
- Sex offender registration entries
- Protective and restraining orders
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods describe the primary channels available to the public.
1. County Court Records
The Monroe County Circuit Court maintains case files for criminal proceedings filed within the county. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours.
Monroe County Clerk of Courts
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3423
Monroe County Clerk of Courts
Public access terminals are available in the clerk's lobby. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject or a case number. Staff can assist with locating case files, though certified copies carry a per-page fee.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking logs, and jail inmate information. The public may request records through the agency's records division.
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
5525 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-7000
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Arrest logs and current inmate rosters are available through the sheriff's public records portal. Written requests for specific records may be submitted in person or by mail. Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with Florida law.
3. Online Court Search
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Clerk's online case search tool allow members of the public to search criminal case records by name, case number, or date range. Users should navigate to the Monroe County Clerk's online case search and enter the subject's full legal name. Results display case numbers, charge descriptions, filing dates, and disposition information. Sealed and expunged records do not appear in online results.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the statewide criminal history repository and processes formal background check requests.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-8109
FDLE Criminal History Services
Requests for certified criminal history records require submission of the subject's full name, date of birth, and applicable fees. Fingerprint-based searches, which provide the most accurate results, are processed through authorized LiveScan providers. Processing times and fees are published on the FDLE website.
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for criminal records may be submitted to the Monroe County Clerk of Courts or the Sheriff's Office at the addresses listed above. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Florida's Public Records Law, § 119.07, agencies are required to respond to public records requests in a reasonable time. Mailed requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable copy fees.
What Is Monroe County Criminal Records
A criminal record is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and outcomes. In Florida, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies as a case moves through the justice system, from initial law enforcement contact through final court disposition.
The distinction between record types is significant for legal and practical purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification, carrying potential sentences exceeding one year. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both categories are documented in the county court system.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under Florida law. Juvenile records are confidential under Florida Statute § 985.04 and are not available to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest. Historical records document past proceedings regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Monroe County include:
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, booking records, jail records
- Monroe County Circuit Court — court case files, charging documents, dispositions, sentencing orders
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident reports and arrest records originating from municipal law enforcement
Records are created at the point of arrest, updated as charges are filed or modified, and finalized upon disposition. A complete record may include charges, arraignment information, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Monroe County
Criminal records in Monroe County are public records under Florida law. Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, establishes that all records made or received by a public agency in the course of official business are open to inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Court records, arrest logs, and conviction histories maintained by county agencies are accessible to any member of the public upon request.
As stated in § 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." This broad mandate covers the criminal records held by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts, the Sheriff's Office, and other county agencies.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Sealed and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under § 985.04
- Active criminal investigative information
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
The Florida Attorney General's Office publishes guidance on public records access and exemptions through the Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual, which serves as the authoritative reference for agencies and requestors alike. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal disclosure rules and are not subject to Florida's public records statutes.
How To Find Criminal Records in Monroe County Online?
Official County Resources
The Monroe County Clerk of Courts provides an online case search portal where members of the public may search criminal case records by name or case number. The portal displays case filings, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and dispositions. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office publishes a current jail inmate roster and arrest log on its website, updated on a regular basis. These resources are available without registration.
State-Level Resources
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's criminal history search provides name-based and fingerprint-based background checks for the entire state. The Florida Courts' Online Docket offers access to appellate and circuit court records statewide. These portals supplement county-level searches and may capture records from other Florida jurisdictions.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference county court records with the FDLE repository for a complete history
- Note that online databases reflect records as of the last update and may not capture same-day filings
- Sealed and expunged records do not appear in any public online search
Limitations
Online databases do not contain the complete historical record for all cases. Records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online results do not constitute an official background check for employment or licensing purposes, and older records may not be digitized.
Can You Search Monroe County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Florida law mandates that public records be available for inspection free of charge. Under § 119.07(1), every person has the right to inspect public records. No fee may be charged for inspection alone. Copying fees apply when physical or electronic copies are requested. In-person inspection is available at:
- Monroe County Clerk of Courts, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division, 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040
2. Free Online Databases
The following resources are available at no cost:
- Monroe County Clerk of Courts online case search
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office jail roster and arrest log
- FDLE public sex offender registry at FDLE Sex Offender Search
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports are published by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and are accessible through the agency's public records portal without charge.
What Costs Money
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies of court records | $1.00 per page (first page); $0.15 per page thereafter |
| Official FDLE background check (name-based) | $24.00 |
| Official FDLE background check (fingerprint-based) | $24.00 + LiveScan provider fee |
| Staff-assisted extensive searches | Actual cost of staff time |
| Electronic copies on physical media | Actual cost of media |
Fee amounts are established under Florida law and are subject to revision by the applicable agency. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the custodial agency.
What's Included in a Monroe County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
A criminal record includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, Florida State Identification (SID) number, and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charge descriptions with applicable statute citations, felony or misdemeanor classification, plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
The disposition section reflects the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution orders, probation or parole conditions, and any appeals filed.
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Traffic violations adjudicated in criminal court
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (confidential under § 985.04)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states
- Federal criminal records
- Completed pretrial diversion program records where charges were dismissed
Accuracy Note
Criminal records may contain clerical errors or outdated information. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their own records may petition the originating agency or the FDLE for correction. The FDLE Criminal History Records page provides guidance on the challenge and correction process.
How Long Does Monroe County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
Florida's records retention requirements for criminal justice records are established by the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners. County agencies are required to adhere to these schedules, which set minimum retention periods by record type.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by the court and the FDLE repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently in court records; FDLE retains conviction data indefinitely
- Arrest records without conviction: Retained for a minimum period; subject to expungement petition under Florida law
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Court records are retained and reflect the dismissal or acquittal as the disposition; these records remain accessible unless sealed or expunged
- Juvenile records: Confidential and sealed under § 985.04; destruction timelines are governed by the juvenile records retention schedule
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution of the case
Agency Differences
- Monroe County Circuit Court: Court records are retained permanently in accordance with Florida Supreme Court administrative orders
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office: Arrest and jail records are retained per the General Records Schedule GS2
- FDLE State Repository: Conviction records are retained permanently; the repository is updated as dispositions are reported by courts and agencies
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for the full required period and in many cases indefinitely. Physical paper records may be destroyed after scanning and conversion to electronic format, provided the electronic copy meets archival standards.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record at the end of its retention period. Sealing restricts public access to a record while preserving it for law enforcement use. Expungement, under Florida Statute § 943.0585, results in the physical destruction of the record by the custodial agency, though the FDLE retains a confidential notation. Eligibility for expungement is limited and subject to statutory criteria. Forms and instructions are available through the FDLE expungement and sealing portal.
Old Records Access
Records predating electronic filing systems may require special requests to the clerk's office or the Florida State Archives. Some historical records have been microfilmed or digitized and may be accessible through the clerk or the Florida Department of State.
Federal Records
The FBI maintains a separate national criminal history repository under its own retention rules. Federal records are not subject to Florida's expungement statutes and are governed by federal law.
Practical Implications
Permanent felony convictions appear on background checks indefinitely. Consumer reporting agencies conducting employment background checks are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, which limits reporting of most adverse information to seven years, though convictions may be reported without time limitation for certain positions. Professional licensing boards in Florida may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record. Even where a county agency has destroyed physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to § 943.0585.