Monroe County Public Records / Monroe County Arrest Records

Monroe County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Monroe County in 2026

MonroeFLRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Monroe County, Florida. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories are available for research:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal charge information
Court case filings
Inmate and custody status
Bond and bail records

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster and inmate search tool that is updated regularly. Members of the public may search by name to retrieve booking information, charges, custody status, and bond amounts. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office inmate search provides current and recent booking data. Records are updated on a continuous basis as new bookings are processed.

2. Local Police Departments

Monroe County contains several incorporated municipalities, each with its own police department. The Key West Police Department publishes arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may access the Key West Police Department website for recent arrest announcements. The Marathon Police Department and Islamorada Village of Islands Public Safety Department also maintain records for arrests occurring within their respective jurisdictions.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Monroe County Clerk of Courts. Members of the public may search the Monroe County Clerk of Courts case search by arrestee name to locate associated criminal case numbers, charge information, and hearing dates. Court case records provide additional detail beyond the initial booking record.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request through the FDLE criminal history search portal. A fee of $24.00 per subject applies to public criminal history requests. The state database includes arrests from all Florida jurisdictions and reflects dispositions when reported by the courts.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office
5525 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-7000
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Records Division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Valid government-issued photo identification is required
Copy fees apply per page (see fee section below)

Police Departments:

Key West Police Department
1604 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 809-1000
Key West Police Department

Marathon Police Department
2796 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (305) 289-4777
City of Marathon

Records requests at local police departments are processed through each department's records division. Requestors should present valid identification and provide the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any known case or booking number.

Clerk of Court:

Monroe County Clerk of Courts
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3423
Monroe County Clerk of Courts

Criminal records division is located at the main courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Case files are available for public inspection
Copy fees apply per page

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040. Requests should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests varies and may take several business days to several weeks depending on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office: (305) 292-7000
Inmate information line: (305) 293-7300
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; requestors may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for complete records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal public records requests or obtain records through the discovery process in active legal proceedings. Subpoenas may be directed to the custodian of records at the relevant law enforcement agency or the Clerk of Courts. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials not available through standard public access requests.

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, Key West PD, Marathon PD, etc.)

Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County

Arrest records in Monroe County are public records under Florida law. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, every person has the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by any agency, including law enforcement agencies. Arrest records are classified as public because they document the exercise of government authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, investigative journalism, background screening, and legal proceedings.

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
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Florida law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information that would compromise an ongoing case
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases (e.g., sexual battery)
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution guarantees every person the right of access to public records. This provision reflects the balance between government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

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

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Monroe County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Florida Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (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 (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (County Court or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in Monroe County
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted by 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 imposed by the court
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including state and federal databases

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

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

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Printed copies (one-sided)	$0.15 per page
Printed copies (two-sided)	$0.20 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee
Electronic records (where available)	Actual cost of duplication
FDLE criminal history (public request)	$24.00 per subject
Extensive use of staff time (if applicable)	Actual cost of labor

Inspection of Records:

Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Inspection is available during regular business hours at the Sheriff's Office Records Division and the Clerk of Courts.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Money order (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (where available)
Check payable to the relevant agency

Fee Waivers:

Florida law does not provide a blanket fee waiver for public records requests. However, agencies retain discretion to waive fees in certain circumstances, such as requests from indigent individuals or requests determined to serve a significant public benefit. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate search through the Sheriff's Office website
Online case search through the Clerk of Courts portal
In-person inspection of records (no copy fees if no copies are made)

How To Delete Arrest Records in Monroe County

Under Florida law, arrest records may be removed from public access through two distinct legal processes: expungement (physical destruction or sealing of the record) and sealing (restricting public access while retaining the record). The distinction is significant. A sealed record is maintained by the custodial agency but is not accessible to the general public. An expunged record is physically destroyed or rendered inaccessible, with limited exceptions for law enforcement access.

Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 (expungement) and § 943.059 (sealing), a person may be eligible if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
Charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or the person was acquitted
The person has not previously had a record sealed or expunged in Florida
The offense is not among those statutorily ineligible for sealing or expungement (e.g., certain violent felonies, sexual offenses, domestic violence offenses)
The person has successfully completed any court-ordered conditions

Steps to Expunge or Seal an Arrest Record in Florida:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement by submitting an application, a certified disposition of the case, and a $75.00 processing fee to FDLE.
File a Petition to Expunge or Seal with the Circuit Court in Monroe County, attaching the Certificate of Eligibility.
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office for the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Attend a court hearing if required by the judge.
If the court grants the petition, the order is served on all relevant agencies, which are required to seal or destroy their records accordingly.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Expungement Unit
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: (850) 410-8109
FDLE Expungement and Sealing

Monroe County Clerk of Courts – Criminal Division
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3423
Monroe County Clerk of Courts

State Attorney's Office – 16th Judicial Circuit
530 Whitehead Street, Suite 301
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3400
16th Judicial Circuit State Attorney

After expungement or sealing is granted, the record is removed from public databases maintained by law enforcement and the Clerk of Courts. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to court orders and may retain records independently; individuals should contact those services separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Monroe County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Monroe County, the arrested person is transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, the primary booking facility for the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest, as Monroe County spans a geographically extended area along the Florida Keys.

Monroe County Detention Center
5501 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 293-7300
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to FDLE and FBI databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

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

The arrested person is formally notified of the charges
The court determines bond or bail
Eligibility for a public defender is assessed
Rights are formally advisement

First appearance hearings in Monroe County may be conducted via video conference. The 16th Judicial Circuit Court schedules and conducts these proceedings.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the jail or clerk
Refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Florida law
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

The defendant is held without bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody pending further proceedings
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income at the first appearance hearing.

Monroe County Public Defender's Office – 16th Judicial Circuit
530 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3430
16th Circuit Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the detention facility in confidential consultation rooms.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The State Attorney's Office for the 16th Judicial Circuit reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The options available to the prosecutor include:

File formal charges via Information or Indictment
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute (nolle prosequi)
File different or additional charges based on the evidence

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. The available pleas in Florida are:

Not guilty
Guilty
No contest (nolo contendere)

The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all legal options. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.

Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement offering reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or reject any offer and proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose:

Prison or jail time
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Drug or alcohol treatment
A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence imposed. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

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 case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May take six months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: 90 days for misdemeanors, 175 days for felonies under Florida law

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:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
5501 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-7000
Inmate Information: (305) 293-7300
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Monroe County Clerk of Courts
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3423
Monroe County Clerk of Courts

State Attorney's Office – 16th Judicial Circuit
530 Whitehead Street, Suite 301
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3400
16th Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Public Defender's Office – 16th Judicial Circuit
530 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3430
16th Circuit Public Defender

What to Do If 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 this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
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 Monroe County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Monroe County is governed by Florida law and the records retention schedules established by the Florida Division of Library and Information Services. Under Florida's General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies, retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

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

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently in digital systems
FDLE retains indefinitely in the state criminal history repository

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum five years under Florida retention schedules
Court records: Retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records may remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum five years
Court records: Retained permanently
State repository: Retained unless expunged
Eligible for expungement under Florida law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum five years
Local arrest logs: Minimum five years
May be eligible for expungement upon application to FDLE

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement: Minimum five years
Eligible for expungement under Florida law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per Florida General Records Schedule GS2
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently or transferred to FDLE
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Retained permanently in most agencies
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: Retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules
Records may not be updated when expungement or sealing is granted
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office – Records Division
5525 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-7000
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Booking records: Minimum five years; many retained permanently in digital systems
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome

Clerk of Court:

Monroe County Clerk of Courts
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3423
Monroe County Clerk of Courts

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Retained permanently

State Repository:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all Florida jurisdictions. Records are retained indefinitely unless modified by court order. Members of the public may access the FDLE criminal history records portal for information on state-level retention policies.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records at the federal level. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated activities.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.

Expungement: Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level. FDLE updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement. The timeframe for removal from agency systems following a court order varies but is at present required to be completed promptly upon receipt of the order.

No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; booking records may be purged after the minimum retention period and may be eligible for immediate expungement application.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Last Five Years):

Available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate search and Clerk of Courts case search
Updated on a continuous or daily basis

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

May require an in-person records request
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division at (305) 292-7000 for availability

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Florida does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not reportable as convictions, though the arrest record itself may appear in some searches.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (305) 292-7000 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive documents.

Lookup Arrest Records in Monroe County

County Jails and Inmate Searches – Florida Department of State