Taylor County Public Records / Taylor County Arrest Records

Taylor County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Taylor County in 2026

TaylorCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Taylor County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness vary by source and record age.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Taylor County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and bond status, through the Sheriff's Office official website. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status. Historical booking records may require a formal public records request submitted directly to the agency.

Taylor County Sheriff's Office 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347 Phone: (850) 838-3500 Taylor County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Perry Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Taylor County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level incidents may contact the Perry Police Department directly.

Perry Police Department 224 S Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347 Phone: (850) 584-5121 City of Perry

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Taylor County Clerk of Court maintains criminal court case records linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records by name through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Clerk's online case search system. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated criminal case filings, charge information, and court dates.

Taylor County Clerk of Court 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347 Phone: (850) 838-3506 Taylor County Clerk of Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), which serves as the state-level repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may submit a request for a Florida criminal history check through the FDLE Criminal History Records portal. A standard public records request for a name-based criminal history search currently carries a fee of $24.00 per subject. The database includes arrest records from all Florida jurisdictions, including Taylor County.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347
Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Phone: (850) 838-3500
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: $0.15 per page for standard copies; $1.00 per page for certified copies

Police Departments:

Perry Police Department, 224 S Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347, (850) 584-5121
Records requests are accepted in person during business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Fees: $0.15 per page for standard copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347
Criminal records division is located on the first floor of the Taylor County Courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Phone: (850) 838-3506
Case files may be inspected at public access terminals during business hours
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for certified copies; $0.15 per page for uncertified copies

By Mail:

Mailing address: Taylor County Sheriff's Office, 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347
Written requests must include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full name and return address
Payment for copies must be included with the request
Processing time: Typically 5–10 business days

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (850) 838-3500
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for complete records

Through Legal Channels:

Licensed attorneys may submit formal public records requests on behalf of clients
Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in active legal proceedings
Discovery requests in criminal cases are governed by the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure

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, Perry Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Taylor County

Arrest records in Taylor County are public records under Florida law. Pursuant to § 119.07, Florida Statutes, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement booking records and arrest logs. Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law reflects a strong legislative policy favoring transparency in government operations, including the documentation of arrests made by public law enforcement agencies.

Arrest records serve multiple recognized public interests, including government accountability, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in 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
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 case types
Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, establishes a constitutional right of access to public records. This provision balances the public's interest in transparency against individual privacy rights. 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 (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law for private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local ordinances
Housing providers must consider applicable fair housing laws when using arrest records
An arrest record does not constitute proof of guilt; the distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant in employment and housing contexts

What's in Taylor 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 such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
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 by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per 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 standard public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests within Taylor 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 from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information beyond what appears in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Taylor County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records. Under § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of duplication, not to exceed $0.15 per one-sided copy for documents of standard size.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.15
Certified copy (per page)	$1.00
FDLE criminal history search	$24.00 per subject
Extensive use of staff time (if applicable)	Actual cost of labor
Electronic records (CD/DVD)	Actual cost of medium

Inspection of public records at a public access terminal is available at no charge
Certification fees apply when an official seal or attestation is required
Search fees are not permitted under Florida law unless the nature or volume of the request requires extensive use of agency resources
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where the request serves a significant public benefit; agencies have discretion in granting waivers
Accepted payment methods at the Taylor County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Taylor County

Under Florida law, arrest records may be removed from public access through either expungement or sealing. These are distinct legal remedies. Expungement results in the physical destruction of the record by the custodial agency, while sealing restricts public access to the record without destroying it. Law enforcement agencies and certain government entities retain the right to access sealed records under § 943.059, Florida Statutes.

Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:

A person may be eligible to have an arrest record expunged or sealed in Florida 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 (such as certain violent felonies, sexual offenses, and domestic violence charges)

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 and the required $75.00 fee through the FDLE Expungement and Sealing portal
File a petition for expungement or sealing in the circuit court in Taylor County where the arrest occurred
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office for the Third Judicial Circuit
Attend a court hearing if required
If the court grants the petition, the order is served on all relevant agencies, which are required to comply within a specified timeframe

Taylor County Circuit Court – Third Judicial Circuit 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347 Phone: (850) 838-3506 Taylor County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office – Third Judicial Circuit P.O. Box 1525, Live Oak, FL 32064 Phone: (386) 362-2557 Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney

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

Following a court-ordered expungement, the arresting agency, the Clerk of Court, and the FDLE are required to update or destroy their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the court order and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Taylor County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Taylor County, the arrested person is transported to the Taylor County Jail, which is operated by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Taylor County Jail 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347 Phone: (850) 838-3500 Taylor County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Taylor County Jail, the arrested person undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical and brief 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 the first appearance:

The arrested person is formally notified of the charges
The court determines eligibility for a public defender
Bond or bail is set or denied
The arrested person is advised of their rights
Hearings may be conducted via video conference

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 applicable fees
The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate at first appearance

Surety Bond:

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

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The defendant is held without bond 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 in applicable cases
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

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

If Bond Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody at the Taylor County Jail
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

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

Public Defender's Office – Third Judicial Circuit P.O. Box 1030, Live Oak, FL 32064 Phone: (386) 362-2708 Third Judicial 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 Taylor County Jail during designated visitation hours, and consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The State Attorney's Office for the Third Judicial Circuit reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The review typically occurs within days to a few weeks of arrest. The State Attorney may file formal charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking.

Grand Jury:

For certain serious felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present. A finding of probable cause results in an indictment.

Arraignment:

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

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 as needed.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the State Attorney for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition 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, waiving the right to trial. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution and defense each present their cases, and a verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights 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 in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Under Florida law, defendants have the right to trial within 90 days for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies

Rights Throughout 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:

Sheriff's Office (Jail): Taylor County Sheriff's Office 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347 Phone: (850) 838-3500 Inmate information: (850) 838-3500 Taylor County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court: Taylor County Clerk of Court 108 N Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32347 Phone: (850) 838-3506 Taylor County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office: State Attorney's Office – Third Judicial Circuit P.O. Box 1525, Live Oak, FL 32064 Phone: (386) 362-2557 Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Public Defender's Office: Public Defender's Office – Third Judicial Circuit P.O. Box 1030, Live Oak, FL 32064 Phone: (386) 362-2708 Third Judicial Circuit Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Taylor County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Taylor County is governed by Florida law and the records retention schedules established by the Florida Division of Library and Information Services. Under § 257.36, Florida Statutes, public agencies are required to follow approved retention schedules for the management and disposition of public records. The Florida General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies establishes minimum retention periods for arrest and booking records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, FDLE state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
Local law enforcement records: Minimum of five years under the Florida General Records Schedule, though many agencies retain these records permanently in digital systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
Court records: Retained as part of the case file, often permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Remains in the FDLE database unless expunged by court order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Remains unless expunged

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of five years at the local level
May be eligible for expungement under Florida law

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Minimum of five years
Often eligible for expungement through the FDLE process

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per the Florida General Records Schedule, minimum five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently or transferred to digital format
Photographs: Retained per agency policy, minimum five years

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of five years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years per Florida General Records Schedule GS2
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (850) 838-3500

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum five years
Incident reports: Minimum five years
Perry Police Department: (850) 584-5121

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Often retained permanently

State Repository:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the state criminal history repository through the FDLE Criminal History Records system
Records include arrests from all Florida jurisdictions
Retention is permanent unless modified by court order

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention is typically permanent
Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

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

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks, though the arrest itself may appear.

Expungement: Physical records are destroyed or sealed at the local level, and the FDLE updates its repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with restricted access. Removal from all systems typically takes several weeks to months following the court order.

No Charges Filed: Records have the shortest typical retention period and may be purged automatically after the minimum retention period. Immediate expungement may be available in some cases.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office website and the Clerk of Court case search system
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (More Than Five Years Ago):

May require an in-person public records request
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Longer processing time may apply

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 Taylor County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (850) 838-3500 for availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period:

Most employment background checks cover seven years of history under the FCRA for positions with salaries below $75,000
Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the seven-year period
Florida does not currently impose a statewide limit on reporting convictions in background checks

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for specified purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate retention rules and are generally not accessible to the public

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Taylor County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (850) 838-3500
Submit a public records request for information about a specific arrest
Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request