St. Lucie County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in St. Lucie County
Arrest records in St. Lucie County are public documents pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, specifically under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. According to § 119.01, Florida maintains a strong public policy in favor of open government records, stating that "all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This statutory framework establishes that arrest records maintained by St. Lucie County law enforcement agencies are generally accessible to the public.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Florida law. An arrest record documents the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Under § 119.071, certain exemptions exist that may limit access to specific information within arrest records, particularly when investigations are active or when juvenile records are involved.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains policies governing the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records. These policies establish protocols for how St. Lucie County agencies must handle and provide access to such records.
What's in St. Lucie County Arrest Records
St. Lucie County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Home address
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
- Charge description
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing facility
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where detained
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Medical alerts
- Risk assessment scores
- Behavioral notes
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest, as outlined in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal History Information Manual.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Lucie County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in St. Lucie County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Visit the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office in person:
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office
4700 West Midway Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34981
772-462-7300
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office
Requestors should:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide the name and date of birth of the subject
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($0.15 per one-sided page, $0.20 per two-sided page)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
- Submit a written request by mail:
- Address the request to the Records Division
- Include the subject's full name and date of birth
- Provide a return address and contact information
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail to the Sheriff's Office address listed above
- Request records from the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court:
St. Lucie County Clerk of Circuit Court
201 South Indian River Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
772-462-6900
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court
The Clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests and can provide:
- Case dockets
- Court proceedings
- Disposition information
- Sentencing records
- Submit a request to the arresting agency: If the arrest was made by a municipal police department within St. Lucie County, requestors should contact that specific agency:
Fort Pierce Police Department
920 South US Highway 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
772-467-6800
Fort Pierce Police Department
Port St. Lucie Police Department
121 SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard
Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
772-871-5000
Port St. Lucie Police Department
Pursuant to § 119.07 of the Florida Statutes, agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond within a reasonable time. Fees for copies are statutorily limited, and agencies may not charge more than the actual cost of duplication.
How To Find St. Lucie County Arrest Records Online
St. Lucie County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following online methods are available to the public:
-
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Navigate to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review current inmate information, including charges and booking dates
-
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court Records Search:
- Visit the St. Lucie County Clerk's Public Search portal
- Select "Court Case Search" from the available options
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review case information, including criminal cases stemming from arrests
-
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- Access the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- Enter the individual's name or DC number
- Review information for individuals who have been sentenced to state prison or supervision
-
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search:
- Visit the FDLE Criminal History Information website
- Create an account if required
- Pay the required fee ($24 per record search)
- Submit the subject's name and date of birth
- Receive comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests
When conducting online searches, users should note that pursuant to § 119.071(2)(h), certain information may be redacted from public records available online, including the home addresses of law enforcement officers, judges, and other protected classes of individuals.
How To Search St. Lucie County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access St. Lucie County arrest records without cost through several available channels:
-
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Website:
- The Sheriff's Office maintains a free inmate lookup tool that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals
- Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status
- This resource is updated regularly but only includes current inmates
-
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court Public Access System:
- The Court Case Search function on the Clerk's website is available at no cost
- Users can search by name, case number, or date range
- The system provides case summaries, charge information, and court dates
- While document viewing may incur fees, basic case information is free
-
In-Person Record Inspection:
- Florida law permits individuals to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge
- Visit the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request to inspect specific arrest records
- Take notes on the information (fees apply only if copies are requested)
-
Florida Department of Corrections Website:
- The Florida DOC Offender Information Search is free to use
- Provides information on individuals sentenced to state prison or supervision
- Includes offense information, sentence details, and custody status
-
County Jail Inmate Search:
- The Florida Department of State maintains links to county jail inmate searches
- St. Lucie County's jail information is accessible through this resource
- Provides current inmate status and basic arrest information
When utilizing these free resources, requestors should be aware that the information provided may be limited compared to official records obtained through formal requests. Additionally, pursuant to § 119.07(4), while inspection of records is free, agencies may charge for copies or extensive use of agency resources.
How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Lucie County
Florida law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement physically destroys the record, though certain government agencies maintain a confidential copy
- Sealing removes the record from public view but preserves it for certain government entities
- Both processes allow individuals to legally deny the existence of the record in most circumstances
Eligibility Requirements: Arrest records may be eligible for expungement or sealing if:
- Charges were dropped, dismissed, or never filed
- The individual was acquitted or found not guilty at trial
- The case was completed through a diversion program
- The individual has no prior convictions for criminal offenses
- The offense is not among those listed as ineligible under Florida law
Ineligible Offenses: Certain offenses cannot be sealed or expunged, including:
- Sexual offenses
- Violent crimes
- Dangerous crimes
- Offenses against children
- Domestic violence
Application Process:
-
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement:
- Submit fingerprints
- Complete FDLE application form
- Provide certified disposition of the case
- Pay the $75 application fee
-
File a petition with the St. Lucie County Circuit Court:
- Submit the Certificate of Eligibility
- Complete the petition for sealing or expungement
- File with the Clerk of Court
- Pay applicable filing fees
-
Attend a hearing if required by the court:
- Present arguments for why the record should be sealed or expunged
- Respond to any objections from the State Attorney
Automatic Expungement: Pursuant to recent amendments to Florida law, certain arrest records may qualify for automatic expungement if:
- The arrest was for a misdemeanor offense
- The charges were dismissed or not filed
- The individual has no prior criminal history
- A specified waiting period has elapsed
For detailed guidance on the expungement or sealing process, individuals may contact:
St. Lucie County Clerk of Circuit Court
201 South Indian River Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
772-462-6900
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court
What Happens After Arrest in St. Lucie County?
Following an arrest in St. Lucie County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
1. Booking Process:
- The arrestee is transported to the St. Lucie County Jail
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial criminal history check is performed
2. First Appearance Hearing:
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Judge reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Defendant is informed of charges
- Determination of counsel (public defender appointment if qualified)
- Initial bail/bond decision is made
- This hearing is held at:
St. Lucie County Courthouse
218 South 2nd Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
772-462-6900
3. Formal Charging Decision:
- The State Attorney's Office reviews the case
- Determines whether to file formal charges
- May decline to prosecute ("no file")
- May file different charges than the initial arrest
- Decision typically made within 21 days for misdemeanors or 40 days for felonies
4. Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Court dates are established
- Pretrial release conditions may be modified
5. Pretrial Process:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing of motions (suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial conferences
- Case management hearings
6. Resolution Pathways:
- Plea Agreement: Defendant pleads guilty or no contest in exchange for specific sentencing recommendations
- Trial: Case proceeds to bench or jury trial
- Diversion Programs: First-time or low-level offenders may qualify for alternative programs
- Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence or other factors
7. Sentencing (if convicted):
- Occurs after guilty plea or trial conviction
- Judge imposes penalties based on:
- Florida sentencing guidelines
- Criminal history
- Nature and severity of the offense
- Victim impact
- Mitigating factors
8. Post-Conviction:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Payment of fines, costs, and restitution
- Completion of court-ordered programs
- Appeal process if applicable
Throughout this process, the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court maintains the official court record, documenting each stage of the proceedings.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Lucie County?
Arrest records in St. Lucie County are maintained according to Florida's records retention schedules, specifically General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners. These retention requirements are established pursuant to § 119.021, Florida Statutes, which mandates that public records be maintained according to retention schedules approved by the Division of Library and Information Services.
Criminal History Records:
- Arrest records are maintained permanently by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Local law enforcement agencies retain criminal history information for a minimum of 100 years
- Electronic records systems have effectively created permanent retention in most cases
Booking Records:
- Jail booking records must be retained for 5 years after the inmate's release
- Booking photographs (mugshots) are retained for 5 years
- Fingerprint records are maintained permanently
Arrest Reports and Case Files:
- For capital felonies: Permanent retention
- For first-degree felonies: 100 years
- For other felonies: 25 years after case closure
- For misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- For juvenile records: Until the subject reaches age 24
Warrant Information:
- Active warrants: Until served or recalled
- Served warrants: Same retention period as the associated case file
- Recalled/unserved warrants: 3 years after recall
Disposition Information:
- Court disposition records follow the same retention schedule as the associated case files
- Records of acquittals or dismissed charges: 5 years after disposition
Different agencies within St. Lucie County maintain separate records systems with varying retention requirements:
- The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to law enforcement schedules
- The Clerk of Court maintains court records related to arrests according to judicial retention schedules
- The State Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records according to legal office schedules
These retention periods ensure the preservation of evidence, maintain accountability, and provide historical documentation of law enforcement activities. The retention of these records also serves important public safety functions by allowing for background checks and supporting ongoing criminal investigations.
How to Find Mugshots in St. Lucie County
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images are created for identification purposes and become part of the official arrest record. In St. Lucie County, mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: Mugshots in St. Lucie County are primarily maintained by:
- The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office
- Fort Pierce Police Department
- Port St. Lucie Police Department
- The St. Lucie County Jail
These photographs are stored in agency databases and are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law, subject to certain exemptions.
Finding Mugshots: To obtain mugshots in St. Lucie County, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the arresting agency:
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4700 West Midway Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34981
772-462-7300
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office
Request should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable fees
- Visit the agency in person:
- Go to the records division during business hours
- Complete a public records request form
- Present identification
- Pay applicable fees
- Receive copies of requested mugshots
Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Mugshots may be available through several online sources:
-
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- The Sheriff's Office website may display mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals
- These images are typically removed once the person is released
-
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court Records:
- In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files accessible through the Clerk's online portal
- Not all court records include booking photographs
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: For certified copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Submit a notarized request to the arresting agency
- Provide specific identifying information
- Pay certification fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are generally confidential under § 985.04, Florida Statutes
- Mugshots related to active criminal investigations may be temporarily exempt
- Images of certain protected classes (undercover officers, domestic violence victims) may be redacted
- Expunged or sealed records will not include accessible mugshots
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are public records, their publication and use may be subject to legal restrictions under Florida law.