Palm Beach County Criminal Records
What Is Palm Beach County Criminal Records
Palm Beach County criminal records are official documents maintained by county law enforcement agencies and the court system that document the criminal history of individuals within the jurisdiction. These records serve as the official account of arrests, charges, and case dispositions for individuals who have interacted with the criminal justice system in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Criminal records in Palm Beach County are maintained by several governmental entities, including:
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Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
3228 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
(561) 688-3000
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office -
Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller
301 North Olive Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-2996
Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, these records are considered public records and are maintained in accordance with state retention schedules. The records typically include information related to felonies, misdemeanors, and other criminal violations that have occurred within Palm Beach County's geographical boundaries.
Are Criminal Records Public In Palm Beach County
Criminal records in Palm Beach County are public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," establishes a presumptive right of access to most government records, including criminal records.
Members of the public may access Palm Beach County criminal records through various means:
- In-person requests at the Palm Beach County Courthouse
- Online through the Clerk of Courts public access system
- Written requests to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
- Background check services provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
While most criminal records are accessible to the public, certain exceptions do exist under Florida law. Records that may be exempt from public disclosure include:
- Records sealed or expunged pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059
- Juvenile records (with certain exceptions)
- Active criminal intelligence information
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Information that would reveal the identity of victims of certain crimes
The custodian of public records in Palm Beach County must provide reasonable access to records during normal business hours, with the requestor being responsible for any applicable copying fees as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.07(4).
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Palm Beach County in 2025
Palm Beach County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through multiple official channels. The process has been streamlined for 2025 to provide more efficient service delivery.
To look up criminal records in person, individuals may visit:
Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Complex
3228 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(561) 688-3000
The following steps are required for in-person criminal record searches:
- Complete a Public Records Request Form (available at the service counter)
- Provide identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Pay applicable fees ($0.15 per one-sided page, $0.20 per two-sided page)
- Allow processing time (typically 3-5 business days for complex requests)
For electronic access, the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's Office maintains a comprehensive online records system. Users may search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Date range
- Case type
Certified copies of criminal records require additional verification and fees. Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 11B-27.0022, fingerprint-based criminal history searches provide the most comprehensive results and may be obtained through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a fee of $24.00 per record check.
How To Find Criminal Records in Palm Beach County Online?
Palm Beach County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online. These electronic resources are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.2221, which governs electronic access to court records.
The primary online resources for criminal record searches include:
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Palm Beach County Clerk's Public Records Search
This system allows searches of court records, including criminal cases filed in the county. Users may search by name, case number, or date range. -
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Booking Blotter
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of recent arrests and bookings, updated daily. -
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Offender Search
The FDLE Sexual Offender and Predator System provides information on registered sexual offenders and predators residing in Palm Beach County.
To conduct an effective online search, users should:
- Gather identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth if available)
- Select the appropriate database based on information needs
- Enter search criteria according to the system's requirements
- Review results carefully, noting case numbers for further research
- Follow instructions for obtaining certified copies if needed
Online access is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Technical support for online systems is available during regular business hours by contacting the respective agency's IT department.
Can You Search Palm Beach County Criminal Records for Free?
Palm Beach County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic criminal record information. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, while agencies may charge reasonable fees for extensive use of resources, many basic search functions remain free of charge.
Free criminal record search options include:
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Palm Beach County Clerk's Public Access System
Basic case information is available at no cost through the online portal. Users may search by name or case number to view docket information. -
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Booking Blotter
Recent arrest information is freely accessible through the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office website. -
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
Information about individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision is available at no cost.
Limitations of free searches include:
- Limited historical data (typically recent records only)
- Basic information rather than complete case files
- No certified copies (required for official purposes)
- Possible name variations or incomplete records
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers official criminal history searches for a fee of $24.00 per record. These searches provide statewide information and are based on fingerprint matching for greater accuracy.
What's Included in a Palm Beach County Criminal Record?
Palm Beach County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.213 regarding court records and § 943.053 regarding criminal history information.
A complete Palm Beach County criminal record typically includes:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, address, physical description)
- Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency, charges)
- Booking details (booking number, date, time, facility)
- Case information (case number, court, judge assigned)
- Charging documents (information, indictment)
- Court proceedings (hearing dates, continuances, motions)
- Disposition information (plea, verdict, sentence)
- Probation or supervision details (if applicable)
- Incarceration information (facility, release date)
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Information identifying victims of certain crimes
- Medical or mental health information
The level of detail available may vary based on the age of the record, the severity of the offense, and whether any sealing or expungement orders have been issued by the court.
What Are the Penalties for a Palm Beach County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Palm Beach County is prosecuted under Florida Statutes § 810.08 (trespass in structure or conveyance) and § 810.09 (trespass on property other than structure or conveyance). The penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's criminal history.
Standard penalties for criminal trespass in Palm Beach County include:
Trespass on Property (Misdemeanor of the First Degree)
- Maximum of 1 year in county jail
- Fine of up to $1,000
- Probation for up to 1 year
- Possible community service hours
Trespass on Property with a Dangerous Weapon (Felony of the Third Degree)
- Maximum of 5 years in state prison
- Fine of up to $5,000
- Probation for up to 5 years
- Possible restitution to property owner
Trespass on Construction Site (Enhanced Penalties)
- Increased fines
- Mandatory minimum sentences in some cases
- Extended probationary periods
Adjudication is handled by the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Complex:
Palm Beach County Criminal Court
205 North Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-2996
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Factors that may influence sentencing include prior criminal history, presence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and whether the trespass was committed in conjunction with other criminal offenses.
How Long Does Palm Beach County Keep Criminal Records?
Palm Beach County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. These schedules determine the minimum period for which different types of criminal records must be preserved.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Palm Beach County are:
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor case files: Maintained for a minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Criminal court records: Permanently maintained
- Arrest records: Maintained for a minimum of 4 years after arrest
- Booking photographs: Maintained for a minimum of 4 years after booking
Records may be maintained beyond these minimum periods at the discretion of the records custodian. Digital conversion of older paper records is ongoing, with priority given to records with permanent retention requirements.
Individuals seeking to limit access to their criminal records may petition for sealing or expungement under Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059 if they meet eligibility requirements. This process does not destroy records but restricts public access to them.
The Palm Beach County Records Management Division oversees compliance with retention schedules:
Palm Beach County Records Management
301 North Olive Avenue, 9th Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-2912
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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