Miami Dade County public records include arrest logs, booking sheets, mugshots, and inmate rosters. The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) runs the county jail system.
The 11th Judicial Circuit Clerk of Courts holds court records. Florida law makes all these records open to the public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
This page covers how to search arrest records, who got arrested in Miami Dade, how to view mugshots, and how to do a free inmate lookup. You will learn which agency holds which type of record and how to request copies online or in person.
What Miami Dade County Public Records Include
Miami Dade County public records cover every document made or received by a government agency. The main record types are arrest records, court records, property records, and official records like deeds and liens. Arrest records show who was taken into custody. Booking records show what happened at the jail after the arrest. Court records show charges, pleas, and case outcomes.
Arrest records in Miami Dade are maintained by the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. Court records for criminal cases are held by the Clerk of Courts. Police incident reports are held by the Miami-Dade Police Department or the local city police. Sheriff’s records cover arrests made by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida’s public records law is in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law says any person can ask for records from a government agency. You do not need to give your name. You do not need to explain why you want the record. Agencies must give you copies unless a specific exemption applies.
Miami Dade County follows this law across all departments. If an agency denies your request, the denial must cite a specific exemption. You can challenge improper denials through the Florida Attorney General’s Office at (850) 245-0140. The Attorney General also offers free mediation for records disputes.
Miami Dade County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts holds court records for the 11th Judicial Circuit. This includes criminal cases, civil cases, family law, probate, and traffic cases. The current Clerk is Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq. The Clerk’s office is at 73 W Flagler Street, Suite 242, Miami, FL 33130. The phone number is (305) 349-7333. Email is cocpubreq@miamidadeclerk.gov.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq. |
| Address | 73 W Flagler Street, Ste 242, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Phone | (305) 349-7333 |
| cocpubreq@miamidadeclerk.gov | |
| Mail Requests | Records Management, Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 14695, Miami, FL 33101 |
| Website | miamidadeclerk.gov |
The Clerk’s online portal gives free access to court records, official records, and the public records request system. You can search by name, case number, or date range. The system covers civil, family, criminal, and probate cases. You can also view official records like deeds, mortgages, and marriage licenses.
The image above shows the Clerk’s main page. From here you can reach the court records search, the official records search, and the public records request portal.
How to Search Court Records Online
The Clerk’s records page at miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/records.page is the main hub for court record searches. The system lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney. You can filter by case type, date filed, and court division. The portal covers cases from 1970 to the present for most case types.
The records page above gives you access to the full Clerk database. You can set up a free account to bookmark cases, save searches, and get email alerts when a case changes.
How to Submit a Public Records Request
For records not available online, you can submit a public records request through the Clerk’s portal. The portal gives you a tracking number. You can check the status online. The agency must respond within a reasonable time. Most requests get a response within 5 to 10 business days.
The request portal above lets you file new requests and follow up on old ones. You can attach documents, upload images, and send messages to the records custodian.
Miami Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
The Miami Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) runs the county jail system. The main address is 1320 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125. The main phone is (305) 545-3020. The department operates three main facilities plus several smaller holding centers.
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center | 7000 NW 41st Street, Miami, FL 33166 | (305) 471-2040 |
| Metro West Detention Center | 13850 NW 41st Street, Doral, FL 33178 | (305) 594-1600 |
| Pretrial Detention Facility | 1320 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125 | (305) 545-3020 |
Turner Guilford Knight (TGK) is the largest jail facility. It holds pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. Metro West is a newer facility. It focuses on higher security inmates. The Pretrial Detention Facility (PTDF) is in the same complex as the MDCR main office. It holds people awaiting their first court appearance.
How to Search Miami Dade Arrest Records
Miami Dade arrest records show who was taken into custody by law enforcement. The Miami-Dade Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and city police departments all make arrests. The arrest log is updated regularly. You can search recent arrests by name or date.
The MDCR inmate booking search is the main tool for arrest records. It shows current inmates, recent bookings, and release dates. The search is free. You can search by name or booking number. Results show the charge, booking date, facility, and bond amount.
Using the Inmate Search
Go to the MDCR website at miamidade.gov/corrections. Click on “Inmate Search” or “Jail Roster.” Enter the last name and first name. You can also enter the booking number if you have it. The system returns matching inmates with their current status.
The jail roster is updated every 15 minutes. It shows who is currently in custody. It does not show people who were released. For older arrest records, you need to contact the MDCR Records Section or the arresting agency.
Miami Dade Booking Records and Mugshots
Booking records are created when someone is brought to a jail facility. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a medical screening. The booking record has the arrest report, the charges, and the person’s photo (mugshot).
Florida law makes mugshots public record. You can view mugshots through the MDCR inmate search. The mugshot is taken at booking and added to the inmate’s record. You can also request copies of mugshots through a public records request to MDCR.
To get a copy of a mugshot, send a written request to MDCR Records. Include the inmate’s name, booking date, and booking number. The cost is $0.15 per page for standard copies. A certified copy costs $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Recent Arrests in Miami Dade County
Recent arrests in Miami Dade County are posted on the MDCR jail roster. The roster is updated in real time. You can sort by booking date to see the most recent arrests. You can also filter by facility to see arrests at a specific jail.
For arrest information beyond the jail roster, contact the arresting agency. The Miami-Dade Police Department has its own records request system. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office also takes records requests. City police departments like Miami Police, Hialeah Police, and Miami Beach Police hold their own arrest records.
Free Arrest Search Options
You can do a free Miami Dade arrest search through the MDCR inmate lookup. The Clerk’s online records system is also free to view. Both systems let you search by name without paying a fee.
Third-party websites also offer arrest searches. Some are free, some charge a fee. The official government sources are always free and have the most accurate, up-to-date data. Third-party sites may have older data or incomplete records.
Sheriff’s Arrest Records
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office makes arrests in unincorporated Miami Dade and on county property. Sheriff’s arrest records include the arrest report, the probable cause affidavit, and the booking record. You can request sheriff’s arrest records through the Sheriff’s Office records unit.
The Sheriff’s Office also has an online search for active warrants. You can search by name to see if a warrant is outstanding. Warrant searches are free and available 24 hours a day.
Fees for Miami Dade Public Records
Florida law sets the fee structure for public records. The standard cost is $0.15 per single-sided page or $0.20 per double-sided page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee from the Clerk.
Research fees apply when a request takes more than 15 minutes of staff time. The county bills the hourly rate of the lowest paid staff member who can do the work. For large requests, the agency must give you a cost estimate before starting work.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Copy (single-sided) | $0.15 per page |
| Standard Copy (double-sided) | $0.20 per page |
| Certified Copy (Clerk) | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification |
| Court Record Certified Copy | $1.00 per page |
| Online Search | Free (view only) |
| Inmate Booking Search | Free |
County Department Record Custodians
Each Miami Dade department has its own records custodian. The county publishes a full directory at miamidade.gov. The directory lists the person responsible for records at each agency. You can send your request directly to the right office.
The image above shows the custodians directory. You can click on any department to see the contact person, phone number, and email for records requests.
Records Not Available to the Public
Some records are exempt from public disclosure. Juvenile criminal records are confidential. Active criminal intelligence records are exempt. Social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account numbers are redacted before release. Medical records and personnel files are also exempt.
Sealed or expunged criminal records are not available. If a court ordered a record sealed, the Clerk will not release it. Expunged records are destroyed. You can check the status of a case through the Clerk’s e-filing system to see if a record is sealed.
How to Request Older Arrest Records
Arrest records older than 5 years may not be in the online system. For older records, contact MDCR Records at (305) 545-3020. You can also submit a written request to the MDCR Records Section. Include the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date.
The cost for older records is the same as current records. Most requests are processed within 10 business days. If the record cannot be found, the agency will tell you in writing.
How Long Records Are Kept
Florida law sets retention rules for public records. Arrest records are kept for at least 5 years. Court records are kept permanently for felonies and 10 years for misdemeanors. Traffic records are kept for 5 years after the case closes.
The MDCR keeps booking records for 7 years. After that, records are archived or destroyed. For very old records, you may need to contact the Florida State Archives.
Visiting Hours and Jail Information
Each jail facility has its own visiting hours. Video visits are available 7 days a week from 8 AM to 11 PM. In-person visits are by appointment only. You must schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance through the MDCR website.
To visit an inmate, you must be on the approved visitor list. Visitors must be 18 or older. Bring a valid photo ID. All visitors go through a metal detector. Children under 18 must be with a legal guardian.
Contact for Miami Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation
Miami Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
1320 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125
Phone: (305) 545-3020
Main Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Website: miamidade.gov/corrections
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
73 W Flagler Street, Suite 242, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 349-7333
Email: cocpubreq@miamidadeclerk.gov
Website: miamidadeclerk.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Dade County Public Records
Below are answers to common questions about Miami Dade arrest records, booking records, and inmate searches. These questions come from real user searches and cover the most asked topics about the Miami Dade public records system.
How do I find out if someone was arrested in Miami Dade?
Use the MDCR inmate search at miamidade.gov/corrections. Enter the person’s full name. The system shows current inmates with booking date, charges, and bond. For arrests in the past 24 hours, check the daily arrest log. For older arrests, submit a public records request to MDCR or the arresting police agency. The search is free and updated every 15 minutes. The search does not include people who were released without being booked.
Are Miami Dade arrest records free to search?
Yes, the MDCR inmate search is free. The Clerk of Courts online records system is also free to view. You can search arrest logs, court records, and jail rosters without paying. Copies of records have a fee. The fee is $0.15 per page for standard copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies. Third-party websites may charge fees but the government sites are always free.
How do I get a copy of a Miami Dade mugshot?
Submit a written request to MDCR Records at 1320 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125. Include the inmate’s name, booking date, and booking number if known. The mugshot is part of the booking record. The cost is $0.15 per page or $1.00 per page for a certified copy. The request is processed within 10 business days. You can also view the mugshot for free through the inmate search if the person is still in custody.
Can I view Miami Dade booking records online?
Yes, the jail roster shows current inmates with booking details. The roster includes booking date, charges, and facility location. For older booking records, you must request them through MDCR or the Clerk. The online system covers the last 30 days in detail. Records older than 30 days require a formal request. The system does not show records that have been sealed or expunged by court order.
What is the difference between arrest records and court records?
Arrest records show the arrest itself, the charges, and the booking. They are held by MDCR and the arresting police agency. Court records show the legal case after the arrest. They are held by the Clerk of Courts. Court records include arraignment, plea, motions, and final judgment. An arrest does not always lead to a court case. Charges can be dropped before filing. To get a full picture, check both arrest records and court records.
How long does it take to get public records from Miami Dade?
Simple requests are processed in 3 to 5 business days. Complex requests take 10 to 15 business days. Large requests may take 30 days or more. The agency must tell you the expected time when you submit the request. If the request is delayed, the agency must give a reason in writing. You can check the status of your request online through the Clerk’s portal.
Can I seal my Miami Dade arrest record?
You may be able to seal or expunge your record under Florida law. You must meet certain conditions. You cannot have been convicted of the charge, or the conviction must be eligible. You apply through the Clerk of Courts. The process takes 6 to 12 months. A court hearing is required. If the court grants the request, the record is sealed from public view. Some employers and agencies can still access sealed records.
Where can I find the Miami Dade jail roster?
The jail roster is at miamidade.gov/corrections. Click on “Inmate Search” to see current inmates. The roster shows name, booking number, charges, and bond amount. The list is updated every 15 minutes. You can also call MDCR at (305) 545-3020 to check if someone is in custody. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.