Homestead City Felony Records include arrest reports, court filings, case dockets, and conviction outcomes for serious criminal cases filed in this southern Miami-Dade County city. These public records help residents, employers, attorneys, and journalists check the legal history of individuals charged with felony offenses.
The Homestead Police Department creates initial arrest documents, while the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court maintains all official court paperwork. Florida’s broad public records laws under Chapter 119 give citizens the right to inspect and copy most felony case files. This page explains exactly where to search, what you need, and how much each method costs.
What Homestead City Felony Records Contain
Felony records in Homestead cover any criminal charge punishable by more than one year in state prison. These files track each step from arrest through final court resolution. Anyone needing background details for housing, employment, or personal reasons can request this data through official channels.
Types of Documents in a Felony Case File
A complete felony record in Homestead includes several specific document types. Each document serves a different legal purpose and provides unique details about the case.
- Arrest affidavits and police incident reports
- State attorney’s charging documents called informations
- Arraignment minutes and plea entries
- Motion filings from defense and prosecution
- Court orders issued by the assigned judge
- Final disposition and sentencing records
- Probation violation reports if applicable
- Appeal filings through Florida District Courts
Differences Between Felony Levels in Florida
Florida law divides felonies into five distinct categories based on severity. Each level carries different maximum prison sentences and fine amounts. Understanding these levels helps you interpret what a record actually means.
| Felony Level | Maximum Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Felony | Life or Death Penalty | $15,000 |
| Life Felony | Life Imprisonment | $15,000 |
| First Degree | 30 Years | $10,000 |
| Second Degree | 15 Years | $10,000 |
| Third Degree | 5 Years | $5,000 |
Official Sources for Homestead Felony Records
Three main government agencies hold Homestead felony records. Each agency stores different parts of the case file. Checking all three sources gives you the most complete picture of any criminal history.
Homestead Police Department Records Division
The Homestead Police Department holds the earliest documents in any felony case. Their records division stores arrest reports, booking photos, and incident details. You can contact them directly during business hours to request copies of specific police files.
- Phone: (305) 247-1535
- Address: 4 South Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Website: cityofhomestead.com/police
Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Courts
The Clerk of Courts office maintains the complete court file for every Homestead felony case. This includes charging papers, hearing transcripts, motions, rulings, and final judgments. The Clerk operates under the Florida 11th Judicial Circuit and serves all of Miami-Dade County, including Homestead.
Online Court Records Search Portal
The Miami-Dade Clerk offers a free online search tool called the Criminal Justice Online System. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. Basic case details appear at no charge, but certified copies require payment of statutory fees set by Florida law.
In-Person Records Request at Courthouse
You can visit the Miami-Dade Courthouse located at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. The clerk’s office handles public records requests Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Bring valid photo identification and know the full legal name and birth date of the person you are researching.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database covering all Florida counties, including Homestead. This database combines arrest data from every law enforcement agency with court outcomes reported by all 67 county clerks. A statewide search through FDLE shows felony convictions regardless of which Florida county handled the original case.
FDLE Criminal History Search Costs and Process
The FDLE online portal charges $24.00 per search plus a $1.00 convenience fee. Payment requires a valid credit or debit card. Search results appear immediately after payment clears and include all reportable Florida arrests and convictions on file. Sealed or expunged records will not show up in this search result.
Step-by-Step Search Process for Homestead Felony Case Lookup
Searching for Homestead felony records follows a logical sequence. Starting with the right information saves time and prevents wasted effort. Below is the exact process most researchers use to locate these public files.
Step One: Gather Required Identifying Details
Before contacting any agency, collect all available identifying information about the subject. Full legal names including middle names help distinguish between people with common first and last names. Dates of birth eliminate confusion between individuals who share names. Case numbers, when available, provide the fastest route to specific files.
- Full legal name as it appears on court documents
- Date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format
- Approximate year of the arrest or filing
- Case number if known from previous contact
- Driver license number if available
Step Two: Start with the Miami-Dade Clerk’s Website
Open the Miami-Dade Clerk online portal at miamidadeclerk.gov. Navigate to the criminal records search section. Enter the subject’s full name and date of birth. Review the results list for matching cases. Click on any case number to view the docket entries, hearing dates, and final disposition information.
Step Three: Check the FDLE Statewide Database
Visit the FDLE criminal history search at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. Create a user account or proceed as a guest. Enter the required identifying information and pay the $24 fee. Download or print the results immediately, as the system may not store your search history for later retrieval.
Step Four: Request Police Reports if Needed
Contact the Homestead Police Department records division for arrest reports and incident details. Submit a written request including the case number or approximate date of arrest. Pay any applicable copying fees, which typically run $0.15 per page for standard copies. Allow 5 to 10 business days for processing.
Fees and Processing Times for Each Records Source
Different agencies charge different fees and have different turnaround times. Knowing the costs upfront helps you budget for your search and set realistic expectations for when you will receive your records.
| Record Type | Agency | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Docket Search | Miami-Dade Clerk | Free | Instant |
| Certified Court Copy | Miami-Dade Clerk | $1.00 per page | Same day in person |
| Statewide Criminal History | FDLE | $24.00 + $1.00 fee | Instant online |
| Statewide Criminal History (Mail) | FDLE | $24.00 per search | 5 to 7 business days |
| Police Arrest Report | Homestead Police | $0.15 per page | 5 to 10 business days |
| Fingerprint-Based Search | FDLE or FBI | $24.00 to $18.00 | 3 to 5 business days |
Florida Public Records Laws and Felony Access Rights
Florida has some of the strongest public records laws in the country. The state constitution and Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes establish the public’s right to access government documents. Felony records fall under these broad disclosure rules with limited exceptions.
What Records Remain Public Under Florida Law
Most adult felony records stay open to public inspection permanently. Even cases that ended in acquittal or dismissal remain in the public domain. Arrest records, charging documents, plea agreements, and sentencing orders are all available without restriction.
Exceptions and Restricted Records
Some felony records carry legal protections that limit public access. Sealed records exist when a court has issued a valid sealing order. Expunged records have been physically destroyed by court order. Juvenile felony records follow different rules and generally stay confidential until the person turns 24. Active grand jury proceedings remain secret under Florida law.
Penalties for Wrongful Use of Felony Records
Florida law prohibits using felony records for certain purposes. The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs background checks for employment. Using criminal history to discriminate based on race, religion, or disability violates federal civil rights laws. Always consult an attorney before using felony records for legal decisions.
Sealed and Expunged Homestead Felony Records
Florida allows certain eligible individuals to seal or expunge their felony records. These processes remove records from public view, though law enforcement agencies retain access for official purposes.
Eligibility Requirements for Record Sealing
An individual must meet specific criteria to qualify for a felony seal or expungement. The case must have ended in a specific way, and the applicant must have completed all sentencing requirements. Prior criminal history affects eligibility and may disqualify some applicants.
- Case dismissed with no conviction
- Completion of all court-ordered sentences
- No prior felony convictions on record
- No pending criminal charges anywhere
- At least 10 years passed since final disposition
How to Petition for Record Sealing in Homestead
File a petition with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. The petition must include a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. Pay the required filing fee and attend a brief court hearing. A judge reviews the petition and either grants or denies the request based on statutory criteria.
Common Felony Case Types Filed in Homestead
Homestead sees a specific mix of felony cases each year. Understanding the most common charges helps you interpret record entries you might find. Local crime patterns reflect the city’s location in southern Miami-Dade County near agricultural zones and major transportation corridors.
Drug-Related Felony Charges
Drug trafficking and possession with intent cases make up a significant portion of Homestead felony filings. Florida’s strict drug laws create felony charges for possession of controlled substances above certain weight thresholds. Trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum sentences under Florida Statute 893.
Property and Theft Felonies
Burglary, grand theft, and fraud cases appear frequently in Homestead court records. Grand theft involves property or money valued at more than $750. Burglary charges can apply even without theft if someone enters a structure with criminal intent. Fraud cases include check fraud, credit card fraud, and identity theft.
Violent Crime Felony Records
Assault, battery, and weapon-related charges represent serious felony filings. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon carries felony penalties. Firearm possession by a convicted felon creates automatic felony charges. Domestic violence cases resulting in injury qualify as felony battery in Florida.
How Long Felony Records Stay Available in Homestead
Felony records in Florida remain accessible indefinitely unless formally sealed or expunged. There is no automatic expiration date for adult criminal records. The Clerk of Court retains files permanently, and FDLE updates its database as new information becomes available.
Retention Rules for Paper Court Files
The Miami-Dade Clerk follows Florida Records Retention Schedules. Felony case files receive permanent retention status under state guidelines. Microfilmed or digitized records remain available through the Clerk’s archives for historical research purposes.
Digital Availability of Older Records
Records from before 2000 may not appear in online databases. Older files require in-person visits to the Clerk’s office or formal records requests. The Clerk’s office continues digitizing historical files, but coverage remains incomplete for cases from the 1980s and 1990s.
Contact Details for Homestead Felony Records Offices
Below are the verified contact details for the three primary agencies handling Homestead felony records. Use these direct lines and addresses to request files or ask questions about specific cases.
Homestead Police Department
4 South Krome Avenue
Homestead, FL 33030
Phone: (305) 247-1535
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: cityofhomestead.com/police
Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Courts
73 West Flagler Street, Room 133
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 275-1155
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Website: miamidadeclerk.gov
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Post Office Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Online Search: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
Frequently Asked Questions About Homestead City Felony Records
These common questions cover the most searched topics about Homestead felony records. Each answer provides specific details based on current Florida law and Miami-Dade County procedures as of July 2026. Review these before contacting any agency to avoid delays in your records request.
Can I view Homestead felony records online for free?
Yes, the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts offers a free online portal at miamidadeclerk.gov. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, charges filed, and final dispositions without charge. Certified copies and complete file images require payment of statutory fees. The FDLE statewide search costs $24.00 but provides broader coverage across all Florida counties, not just Miami-Dade.
How do I find out if someone was arrested in Homestead recently?
Check the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department online inmate search tool. This database updates every 15 minutes with current inmates. You can also call the Homestead Police Department’s non-emergency line at (305) 247-1535 to ask about recent arrests. Police will confirm whether someone is in custody but cannot share detailed case information over the phone due to active investigation rules.
What shows up on a Florida felony background check?
A Florida background check through FDLE shows all reportable arrests, charges, and convictions on file with the state. It includes case numbers, charge descriptions, and final dispositions. Sealed and expunged records will not appear. Juvenile records do not appear on standard adult background checks. Traffic infractions and most misdemeanors may or may not appear depending on the search type requested.
Can I remove a felony from my record in Homestead?
Florida allows sealing or expungement of certain felony records. You must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. Then file a petition with the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court. A judge reviews each case individually. The court grants sealing when statutory requirements are met, including the nature of the original charge and the time elapsed since case closure.
Are Homestead arrest records the same as conviction records?
No, arrest records and conviction records are different document types. An arrest record only shows someone was taken into custody. A conviction record requires proof that a court found the person guilty or that they entered a guilty plea. Many people arrested for felonies in Homestead are never convicted. Reviewing the court disposition section of any record tells you which category applies.
How long does the Miami-Dade Clerk take to respond to a felony records request?
Online searches return results instantly. Mailed written requests typically take 5 to 10 business days. Complex requests requiring file retrieval from archives may take up to 30 days. Certified copies requested in person at the courthouse are usually available the same day. The Clerk’s office provides receipt confirmations for all written requests to track processing status.
Do I need an attorney to obtain felony records in Homestead?
No, you do not need an attorney for public records requests. Any member of the public can request and receive felony records under Florida law. Attorneys do have access to additional tools like the Florida ePortal Attorney System. They can also request records on behalf of clients and receive responses faster through their bar-registered accounts. For complex cases involving sealed records, consulting a criminal defense attorney helps clarify your options.