Homestead City criminal records are the official court files, arrest logs, and case dockets tied to criminal cases filed inside the city of Homestead, Florida. These records cover felony charges, misdemeanor charges, bond hearings, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentencing orders handled through the Miami-Dade County court system.
Anyone can search Homestead criminal case files online through the Miami-Dade Clerk portal, in person at the South Dade Justice Center, or through statewide databases run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Department of Corrections. This page explains where the records sit, what they contain, who can view them, and the fastest way to pull them in 2026.
What Homestead City Criminal Records Include
Homestead City criminal records cover every criminal case that passes through the local court system. They start with the arrest and continue through every hearing until the final outcome. Because Homestead sits inside Miami-Dade County, every criminal case is filed at the county level, even when the offense happened inside city limits.
Court Case Files
Court case files are the core of Homestead criminal court records. Each file holds the charging document, the arrest affidavit, court minutes, defense motions, plea paperwork, and the final judgment. Felony files sit with the Circuit Court. Misdemeanor files sit with the County Court. Both are stored at the South Dade Justice Center and digitally through the Clerk online portal for fast public access.
Police and Arrest Reports
Police reports come from the Homestead Police Department and from Miami-Dade Police for cases that crossed jurisdictions. These reports cover incident details, probable cause statements, witness lists, and booking photos. They show the first contact between law enforcement and a suspect before the case reaches a courtroom. Most reports are public, though active investigations are shielded for a set period under Florida law.
Docket Sheets and Case Calendars
A docket sheet is a running list of every event in a criminal case. It shows each filing, each hearing date, the judge assigned, the attorney of record, and the most recent status. The Miami-Dade Clerk docket search updates within 24 hours of a new entry, so the docket gives an accurate snapshot of where a case stands on any given day.
How the Court System Handles Homestead Criminal Cases
Homestead criminal cases are handled at the county level because Florida runs a unified trial court structure. Homestead falls under the 11th Judicial Circuit, which covers all of Miami-Dade County. The Circuit Court hears felonies. The County Court hears misdemeanors. Both courts run satellite operations at the South Dade Justice Center for residents who live south of Kendall and Cutler Bay.
11th Judicial Circuit and Miami-Dade County
The 11th Judicial Circuit is the largest trial court circuit in Florida. It hears every felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and criminal traffic case arising in Miami-Dade, including those in Homestead. Judges are assigned by the Chief Judge based on case type and division. For someone searching Homestead felony court records or Homestead misdemeanor court records, the case number prefix tells the user which court heard the case.
South Dade Justice Center
The South Dade Justice Center is the main courthouse for Homestead criminal cases. It sits at 10710 SW 211st Street, Miami, FL 33189. This building hosts misdemeanor arraignments, felony first appearances, bond hearings, pretrial motions, and violation-of-probation hearings for south Miami-Dade defendants. The Clerk satellite office inside the building lets the public pull criminal court documents on public terminals during business hours.
Where to Search Homestead City Criminal Records
Three main places handle Homestead criminal case searches. Each one covers a different slice of the record, so the right choice depends on the need. A name lookup at the Clerk portal works for most users. The police department works for incident reports. The jail database works for current custody status.
Online Miami-Dade Clerk Portal
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts runs the official criminal court record search for the whole county, including Homestead. The portal accepts a name, case number, citation number, or party type. Results show case type, current status, court date, division, and judge. Documents linked to the case open as PDF files for free viewing. Certified copies carry a per-page fee. The portal address is miami-dadeclerk.com.
In-Person at the South Dade Justice Center
Walk into the Records Department at the South Dade Justice Center during business hours and use the public access terminals. Staff can pull a case by name or case number and print copies on request. Payment options are cash, money order, or credit card depending on the request. The Records Department opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except court holidays.
Homestead Police Department Records Division
The Homestead Police Department keeps its own reports separate from court records. The Records Division at 4 South Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030 handles public records requests for police incident reports and arrest affidavits. Reports can be picked up in person or requested by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a small per-page fee. The division can be reached at 305-247-1535.
How to Run a Homestead Criminal Case Search Online
The Miami-Dade Clerk portal is the most direct way to pull Homestead criminal docket search results. It is free, open 24 hours a day, and returns the same data shown on courthouse terminals. Users do not need an account to run a basic search.
Searching by Name
A name search asks for a last name, first name, and either a date of birth or approximate age. The wider the search, the more results come back. A date of birth narrows the list down to a single record. The system searches active and closed cases across all Miami-Dade divisions. Users should filter for “Criminal” case type only when sorting through results.
Searching by Case Number
A case number search returns one result. Homestead criminal case numbers follow a fixed format: a two-letter prefix, two digits for the year, a letter for the court division, and a six-digit sequence. A 2024 felony case looks like F24M012345. The full number is printed on any court paper, citation, or bond receipt. Entering the full number into the Clerk portal opens the docket page right away.
Reading the Results
Each result row shows the case number, party name, case type, filing date, current status, division, and judge. Clicking the case number opens the docket sheet, which lists every event in order. Filed documents appear as PDF links. Free viewing is open to the public. Certified copies have to be ordered through the Clerk and carry a per-page fee plus the certification stamp fee set by Florida law.
Types of Criminal Records Available in Homestead
Three main categories of Homestead criminal records exist, and each serves a separate need. Knowing the difference helps a user pick the right database for the question at hand.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest records come from the moment a person is taken into custody. They show the booking photo, fingerprints, charges at the time of arrest, and bond amount. Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation holds current inmate records, including those booked for offenses in Homestead. Recent arrest logs are public under Florida law, though some details get redacted while a case is still under investigation.
Court Dispositions and Sentencing
Court disposition records show the final outcome of a case. They list whether the person pleaded guilty, no contest, was found guilty at trial, or had the case dismissed. Sentencing records show the prison term, probation, fine, or other penalty handed down by the judge. These records are part of the official Homestead court documents and remain on the public file unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged.
Warrants and Bond Records
Active warrants are listed through the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office warrant search. The portal allows a name-based lookup of outstanding warrants issued anywhere in the county, including Homestead. Bond records show whether a defendant posted bond, the bond type (cash, surety, or personal recognizance), and the current custody status. Bond records refresh every time a new court order enters the system.
Fees, Certified Copies, and Turnaround Times
Viewing Homestead criminal public records online is free, but copies and certifications carry set fees. The Clerk sets these fees each year under Florida law, and the rate applies across the entire county. Anyone budgeting for a records request should plan for both the per-page cost and any certification stamp fee.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular printed copies cost $1.00 per page. Digital copies downloaded from the Clerk portal are free. The Clerk charges no fee for viewing a case docket or a list of hearings. Self-service search time on the public portal is also free. Mailing fees are added when copies are requested by mail and shipped to a home or office address.
Certified Copy Fees
A certified copy of a Homestead criminal court record costs $7.00 for the certification, plus $1.00 per page. The certification includes a raised seal and a clerk signature. A certified copy is required for most legal filings, immigration cases, and name-change petitions. Expedited certified copies are available for an extra fee when picked up in person the same day at the South Dade Justice Center.
| Service | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Online docket view | Free | Instant |
| Public terminal search | Free | Same day |
| Standard printed copy | $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Certified copy | $7.00 certification + $1.00 per page | 1 to 3 business days |
| Expedited certified copy | Extra $10.00 fee | Same day, in person |
| Statewide FDLE background check | $24.00 per name | Instant online |
Sealing and Expungement of Homestead Criminal Records
Florida law allows certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged. A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in agency files. An expunged record is destroyed by court order. Both options require a court order, and both can only be used a limited number of times under Florida statutes.
Who Qualifies
A person qualifies for a Homestead record seal or expungement if the case ended in a withhold of adjudication or a dismissal, and the person has no prior convictions. Charges that ended in a guilty plea or guilty verdict do not qualify. Certain serious offenses, including sexual battery and crimes against children, are never eligible. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issues a Certificate of Eligibility that confirms the charge and disposition meet the legal standard before a judge can sign off.
How to File a Petition
Once the FDLE certificate is in hand, the next step is filing a Petition to Seal or Expunge with the Clerk of Court. The petition must be filed in the same court that handled the original Homestead criminal case. A judge reviews the petition and either grants or denies it. If granted, the Clerk forwards the order to law enforcement, the State Attorney, and FDLE so each agency updates its files.
Miami-Dade Jail and Florida Inmate Records for Homestead Offenders
People arrested in Homestead for felony or misdemeanor charges are booked into the Miami-Dade County jail system, then transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center or the Pre-Trial Detention Center. State prison inmates whose offenses happened in Homestead are tracked by the Florida Department of Corrections.
Miami-Dade Inmate Search
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department runs an inmate lookup at miamidade.gov/corrections. The search accepts a name or booking number. Results show the current facility, charge list, bond amount, and next court date. This database refreshes every 30 minutes, so it reflects the current custody status of any Homestead arrest.
Statewide DOC Search
Offenders who have been transferred to a Florida state prison are searchable through the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search at dc.myflorida.com. The search accepts a name or DC number and shows the current institution, release date, supervision status, and prior record. This is a free public service and works for any inmate incarcerated in Florida, including those whose cases started in Homestead.
How to Run a Homestead FL Felony Case Search vs. Misdemeanor Case Search
Felony and misdemeanor case searches are run the same way, but the case number prefix and the court division differ. A felony is punishable by more than one year in state prison. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in the county jail. Both record types sit in the same Clerk portal, but the filter changes.
Felony Court Records
Homestead felony court records are filed in the Circuit Court. Case numbers begin with the letter “F.” Felonies include charges like aggravated assault, burglary, drug trafficking, and robbery. The Clerk portal allows a case-type filter of “Criminal Felony” to narrow the results. Felony cases move slower than misdemeanors, and the docket can run for years before final disposition.
Misdemeanor Court Records
Homestead misdemeanor court records are filed in the County Court. Case numbers begin with the letter “M.” Common misdemeanors include simple battery, petit theft, driving under the influence, and simple drug possession. The Clerk portal has a “Criminal Misdemeanor” filter for this category. Misdemeanor dockets close faster, often within 90 to 180 days from arrest.
Common Errors That Block a Homestead Record Search
Search errors slow down record pulls. The list below covers the most common mistakes users make and how to fix them.
- Spelling the name wrong. Use the full legal name, not a nickname or alias.
- Skipping the date of birth. A date of birth narrows a name search to a single person.
- Using the wrong case-type filter. A felony case is filed under “Criminal Felony,” not “Criminal Misdemeanor.”
- Searching a sealed or expunged case. Sealed cases do not show up in public search results.
- Looking at the wrong county. Homestead sits in Miami-Dade, not Broward or Monroe.
Official Contact for Homestead City Criminal Records
Anyone needing Homestead criminal case files, certified copies, or warrant checks can reach the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts, the South Dade Justice Center, and the Homestead Police Department using the contact details below. The Clerk main office handles mail requests, while the South Dade Justice Center handles walk-in service for the Homestead area.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts (Main Office)
73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-275-1155
Website: https://www.miami-dadeclerk.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
South Dade Justice Center (Records Department)
10710 SW 211st Street, Miami, FL 33189
Phone: 305-252-5800
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Homestead Police Department Records Division
4 South Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030
Phone: 305-247-1535
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homestead City Criminal Records
The questions below cover what users ask most often about Homestead criminal records, the search process, and related public access rules. Each answer reflects the current Miami-Dade Clerk procedures and Florida public records law as of 2026.
How Do I Check If Someone Has a Criminal Record in Homestead FL?
You can check if someone has a criminal record in Homestead FL by running a name search on the Miami-Dade Clerk online portal at miami-dadeclerk.com. The portal covers every criminal case filed in Homestead, including active and closed cases. For statewide background checks that cover all Florida counties, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers a $24.00 name-based search through its CCHInet system. Federal charges and out-of-state convictions do not show up in either Miami-Dade or FDLE results.
Are Homestead Criminal Records Public Under Florida Law?
Yes, Homestead criminal records are public under Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law. Most court files, docket sheets, dispositions, and police reports are open to anyone who asks. Three exceptions apply. Sealed records are removed from public view by court order. Expunged records are destroyed. Records tied to active investigations or involving juveniles may also be exempt from disclosure for a set period.
What Is the Difference Between a Sealed and Expunged Record in Florida?
A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in the system and can be viewed by law enforcement, the courts, and certain licensing agencies. An expunged record is destroyed so that even law enforcement cannot see it without a special court order. Florida allows only one expungement per lifetime, while sealing has more flexibility and can be granted multiple times if each case meets the legal standard.
How Long Does a Criminal Case Stay on a Homestead Public Record?
Most Homestead criminal cases stay on the public record permanently unless they are sealed or expunged. A case that ended in a dismissal can be sealed, and a case that ended in a withhold of adjudication can also be sealed. A case that ended in a guilty verdict generally cannot be sealed or expunged under Florida law, with a few narrow exceptions for first-time offenders under specific statutes.
Can I View Homestead Criminal Court Documents for Free?
Yes, you can view Homestead criminal court documents for free through the Miami-Dade Clerk online portal. Basic case data, docket entries, and most filed documents are open to the public at no charge. Printed copies, certified copies, and full background reports do carry set fees, and only certified copies are accepted for official legal use in other court cases or by federal agencies.
Does a Dropped Charge Show Up in a Homestead Criminal Record Search?
Yes, a dropped or dismissed charge still shows up in a Homestead criminal record search. The public docket shows the entire case history, including the original charge, the State Attorney’s motion to drop or nolle prosequi, and the judge’s order of dismissal. The arrest stays on the record unless the person goes through the full seal or expungement process and receives a court order removing it from public view.
Can I Run a Homestead Criminal Case Number Search Without a Lawyer?
You can run a Homestead criminal case number search without a lawyer using the Miami-Dade Clerk online portal. The portal accepts case numbers, party names, and citation numbers, and returns docket sheets, hearing calendars, and filed documents. If the case is sealed or expunged, the portal will not return a result to the public. For legal filings or certified copies, the Records Department at the South Dade Justice Center can walk you through the next steps in person.