Bradford County Public Records / Bradford County Arrest Records

Bradford County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bradford County in 2026

BradfordRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Bradford County, Florida. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal court case filings, and inmate rosters. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and the method of access.

Records may be searched through the Bradford County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Circuit Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and several online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Bradford County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster and booking records accessible through its official website. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. Members of the public may search the Bradford County Sheriff's Office inmate information portal to locate recent arrests.

2. Local Police Departments

The Starke Police Department serves the county seat and publishes arrest-related press releases through its official channels. Arrest logs and incident summaries may be requested directly from the department's records division. The department handles records requests pursuant to Florida's public records law.

Starke Police Department 1000 N Temple Ave Starke, FL 32091 Phone: (904) 964-5616 Starke Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Bradford County Clerk of Circuit Court provides online case search functionality through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Clerk's own case management system. Members of the public may search by name to locate criminal court cases associated with an arrest. The Florida Courts case search system connects arrest records to formal charging documents and court proceedings.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), which serves as the state's central repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may submit a request for a Florida criminal history record check through FDLE's online portal. A standard public records request for a name-based criminal history check currently carries a fee of $24.00 per subject searched.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Bradford County Sheriff's Office 945 N Temple Ave Starke, FL 32091 Phone: (904) 966-2276 Bradford County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID
Specific information such as the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date will expedite the search
Copy fees apply per page as established under Florida law

Clerk of Court:

Bradford County Clerk of Circuit Court 945 N Temple Ave, Suite 1 Starke, FL 32091 Phone: (904) 966-6280 Bradford County Clerk of Courts

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Case files may be inspected at no charge; certified copies carry a per-page fee
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for non-certified copies; $2.00 per page for certified copies

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted to the Bradford County Sheriff's Office at 945 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for copies should accompany the request. Processing time varies but is handled within a reasonable time as required under Florida Statutes § 119.07.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (904) 966-2276
Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed records and certified copies require an in-person visit or written request

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal public records requests or obtain records through discovery in active criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be directed to the Clerk of Court or the Sheriff's Office for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Starke Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Bradford County

Arrest records in Bradford County are public records under Florida law. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.011, public records include all documents, papers, and electronic data made or received in connection with official agency business. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, independently guarantees the public's right of access to government records, reinforcing the statutory framework.

As the Florida Attorney General's Office has stated, "Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials or employees about state business are public records available to anyone who asks." This principle extends to arrest records maintained by county sheriffs, municipal police departments, and the Clerk of Court.

Arrest records serve several recognized public interests:

Government transparency: Documenting law enforcement activity and accountability
Public safety: Informing the community about individuals taken into custody
Community awareness: Enabling residents to stay informed about local criminal activity
Journalism and research: Supporting press coverage and academic study of the criminal justice system
Background screening: Assisting employers, landlords, and licensing agencies in making informed decisions
Legal proceedings: Providing parties in civil and criminal matters with relevant information

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Florida law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions by consumer reporting agencies. Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute proof of guilt.

What's in Bradford County Arrest Records

Bradford County arrest records contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and updated as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public-facing records

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Starke Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
Florida statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following formal charging
Court jurisdiction (County Court or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted under Florida law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Bradford County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Bradford County depends on the requesting method and the originating agency. Under Florida Statutes § 119.07, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of duplication, not to exceed the statutory limits established by the Florida Legislature.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Non-certified copies (paper)	$0.15 per one-sided page
Non-certified copies (two-sided)	$0.20 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$2.00 per page
FDLE criminal history (name-based)	$24.00 per subject
Extensive use of agency resources	Actual cost of labor and overhead

Additional Fee Information:

Inspection of public records at the agency's office is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies
Certification fees are charged by the Clerk of Court for documents requiring an official seal
Electronic format fees may apply when records are provided in a format requiring special programming or computer services
Search fees are not permitted under Florida law unless the request requires extensive use of agency resources
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit cards
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the information is primarily in the public interest, at the agency's discretion

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster inspection through the Sheriff's Office website
Online case search through the Clerk of Court's public portal
In-person inspection of public records at the agency's office during business hours

How To Delete Arrest Records in Bradford County

Under Florida law, the removal of arrest records from public access is accomplished through either expungement (physical destruction or obliteration of the record) or sealing (restricting public access while the record is retained by the agency). These are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.

Expungement results in the physical destruction of the criminal history record maintained by the arresting agency, the Clerk of Court, and FDLE. Sealing restricts public access to the record but does not destroy it; the record remains accessible to certain government agencies and employers in sensitive fields.

Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:

Under Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, a person may be eligible to have a record expunged or sealed if:

The charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or the person was acquitted
The person has not previously had a record sealed or expunged in Florida or any other jurisdiction
The person has not been adjudicated guilty of the offense sought to be expunged or sealed
The offense is not among those statutorily ineligible for expungement or sealing (which include many violent felonies, sex offenses, and offenses against children)

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE by submitting an application, a certified disposition of the case, and the required fee ($75.00 at present) through the FDLE expungement and sealing application portal
File a petition in the circuit court where the arrest occurred, attaching the Certificate of Eligibility
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit
Attend a hearing if the State Attorney objects; if no objection is filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing
Upon entry of the court order, provide certified copies to FDLE, the arresting agency, and the Clerk of Court for compliance

Relevant Contacts:

Bradford County Clerk of Circuit Court 945 N Temple Ave, Suite 1 Starke, FL 32091 Phone: (904) 966-6280 Bradford County Clerk of Courts

State Attorney's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit 220 S Main St Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 374-3670 State Attorney's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit

Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Criminal History Records 2331 Phillips Rd Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: (850) 410-8109 Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Public Defender's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit 220 S Main St, Suite 301 Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 374-3635 Public Defender's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit

What Happens After Arrest in Bradford County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Bradford County, the arrested individual is transported to the Bradford County Jail, which is operated by the Bradford County Sheriff's Office. The facility is located at 945 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Bradford County Jail, the booking process begins. The process involves the following steps:

Personal information is recorded, including full legal name, date of birth, and address
Miranda rights are read if not already administered at the scene
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to FDLE and the FBI
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked at the local, state, and federal levels
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
Housing classification is determined based on charges and criminal history

The booking process at the Bradford County Jail takes approximately one to four hours depending on volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Florida law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge for a first appearance within 24 hours of arrest. At the first appearance:

The judge formally notifies the defendant of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
The defendant is advised of constitutional rights

First appearance hearings in Bradford County are conducted at the Bradford County Courthouse and may be held via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Clerk of Court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Florida law. The Florida Department of Financial Services maintains a list of licensed bail bond agents.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The defendant is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours following payment. The defendant receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The defendant remains in custody at the Bradford County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit 220 S Main St, Suite 301 Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 374-3635 Public Defender's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Defendants may also retain private counsel; the Florida Bar's lawyer referral service connects individuals with licensed attorneys.

Charging Decision:

The State Attorney's Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the State Attorney may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, a diversion program such as pretrial intervention or drug court, a plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, the defendant proceeds to a sentencing hearing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by charge complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
Florida's speedy trial rule requires misdemeanor trials to commence within 90 days and felony trials within 175 days of arrest under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.191

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Bradford County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 945 N Temple Ave Starke, FL 32091 Phone: (904) 966-2276 Bradford County Sheriff's Office

Bradford County Clerk of Circuit Court 945 N Temple Ave, Suite 1 Starke, FL 32091 Phone: (904) 966-6280 Bradford County Clerk of Courts

State Attorney's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit 220 S Main St Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 374-3670 State Attorney's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit

Public Defender's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit 220 S Main St, Suite 301 Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 374-3635 Public Defender's Office, Eighth Judicial Circuit

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney, including cellmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bradford County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Bradford County is governed by Florida law and the records retention schedules established by the Florida Division of Library and Information Services. As the Florida Department of State notes, "All public records must be retained and disposed of in accordance with retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services." The applicable schedule for law enforcement records is General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, FDLE, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by FDLE and the Clerk of Court
Local law enforcement retains records in accordance with the General Records Schedule GS2

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains arrest records for a minimum of four years under General Records Schedule GS2
Court records are retained based on case disposition
Records may remain in databases unless expunged by court order

Acquittals:

Court records are often retained permanently
Local law enforcement retains records per the applicable retention schedule
Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of four years
May be eligible for expungement under Florida law

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement retains records per the applicable schedule
Often eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per General Records Schedule GS2
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of two years
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Court electronic records are retained permanently in most cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update when records are expunged
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy and to update records when notified of changes

Retention by Agency:

Bradford County Sheriff's Office 945 N Temple Ave Starke, FL 32091 Phone: (904) 966-2276 Bradford County Sheriff's Office

Booking records: Minimum four years per General Records Schedule GS2
Arrest reports: Minimum four years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome

Bradford County Clerk of Circuit Court 945 N Temple Ave, Suite 1 Starke, FL 32091 Phone: (904) 966-6280 Bradford County Clerk of Courts

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years
Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of five years
Electronic records: Retained permanently

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (State Repository) 2331 Phillips Rd Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: (850) 410-8109 Florida Department of Law Enforcement

FDLE maintains the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), which retains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Florida law enforcement agencies
Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated or removed following expungement

FBI Database:

The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; FDLE updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or upon petition

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Florida law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction arrest records in private employment background checks, though the FCRA's accuracy requirements apply to all consumer reporting agencies.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Bradford County Sheriff's Records Division at (904) 966-2276 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.