What are Alachua County Public Records?
The Florida Sunshine Law defines Alachua public records as data and information generated, maintained, or received by a government body in the performance of its official duties. According to Chapter 199.011(12) of the Florida Statutes, public records include all such data, regardless of characteristics, physical form, or means of transmission. Most Alachua County government records are accessible to the public. However, state law requires government agencies to restrict access to certain information. Restricted documents include:
- Sealed proposals or bids
- Official security procedures
- Records containing details of active investigations or criminal intelligence cases
- Some medical records
- Trade secrets
- Records containing details where disclosure would breach a person’s right to privacy
- Juvenile records
- All records considered private by law
Alachua County Crime Statistics
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) publishes annual crime statistics for all counties in the states. The FDLE’s 2020 report showed a total crime index of 8,714, including 2,025 violent crimes and 6,689 property crimes. Violent crimes include 16 murders, 236 rape incidents, 350 robberies, and 1,423 aggravated assaults. Recorded property crimes were 853 burglaries, 715 motor vehicle thefts, and 5,121 larcenies, the county’s most committed crime. In the same year, the crime rate per 100,000 persons was 3,208.5, dropping 4.8% from the 3,370.7 recorded in the previous year. Furthermore, 2020’s total crime index is a 3.3% reduction from 9,010 published in 2019.
Are Alachua County Criminal Records Public?
Alachua criminal records are open to the public, unless the record was sealed or expunged. Also, state law does not allow public access to juvenile criminal history records. However, this restriction may not hold if the juvenile was arrested for an offense that would be a felony if the person was an adult. Interested persons may obtain Alachua County criminal records from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The agency provides instant and certified/non-certified search options.
The instant search displays results immediately. Searchers may then print or email results as desired. Each search costs $24 plus a credit card processing fee of $1, payable by debit or credit card. The certified/non-certified search is available to requestors who register accounts with the FDLE. Users may also choose to receive notarized results by regular US Mail. While certified results are processed within 6-7 business days, non-certified records take 5 business days. Both time frames do not include mail delivery times. Requestors may also contact the FLDE using the following information:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-8161
Fax: (850) 410-8201
Email: backgroundchecks@fdle.state.fl.us
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST), Monday through Friday
How to Obtain Alachua County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Persons seeking Alachua arrest records and police reports may request them from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office entertains in-person, email, or phone requests using the following contact information:
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
2621 SE Hawthorne Road
Gainesville, FL 32641
Phone: (352) 367-4006
Email: recordsrequests@alachuasheriff.org
Requestors must provide details of the records, including names of involved persons, dates, times, location details, and offense information. Record seekers do not have to explain the reason or purpose for the request. Requestors are also not required to disclose their names, telephone numbers, addresses, or other contact information unless specifically required by law.
All persons requesting Alachua County arrest records or police reports may inspect records before requesting copies. However, this inspection is not free. Persons requesting physical copies are charged if the desired request results in at least 20 pages, requires more than 15 minutes of an employee’s time, or both. Applicable fees depend on the employee’s hourly salary and include an assessment fee of 20 cents for each double-sided page, or 15 cents for each single-sided page. The Sheriff’s Office accepts cash, money orders, or business checks made out to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Requestors must make payments before receiving desired records.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Alachua County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a public online database of all registered sex offenders in Alachua County. To find Alachua sex offenders, interested persons can use the FDLE’s offender search by providing the sex offender’s first or last name. The page also offers a neighborhood search for record seekers who can provide related details, such as an address, city, and zip code. Persons may also specify a radius search from ¼ of a mile to 5 miles.
From the results, searchers can view each offender’s primary information, including their name, photograph, alias, status, Department of Corrections number, date of birth, race, sex, and other physical descriptors. Other obtainable details include address information, crime and offense details, victim information, and vehicle details. The FDLE also allows interested persons to use the Florida Offender Alert System to track registered sex offenders or receive notifications when there is an update on a sex offender’s status.
How to Find Alachua County Inmate Records
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office provides an inmate search for public access to inmate records. Users may select “View All” for a list of all incarcerated persons, or search by providing an inmate’s last name, first name, or booking number. Searchers can view each inmate’s full name, photograph, MNI number, booking number, race, sex, age, and the inmate’s assigned pod. Details also include charge descriptions, case numbers, the agency in charge, bond amount, status, and court case number.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Alachua County Jail
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office allows inmates to receive friends and family at the county jail. All interested visitors must schedule visits 24 hours in advance. Prospective visitors may schedule visits online, use the kiosks at the jail lobby, or call (352) 491-4511.
Except for disciplinary confinement, all inmates may enjoy two hours of non-contact visitation every week, from Sunday through Saturday. Visits may be on-site or remote. Remote visits cost $7.95 for 30 minutes, payable by check cards, credit cards, and Visa gift cards. Visitors should note that a visitation schedule may apply in some cases.
Inmates may split visitations into two 1-hour sessions, with a maximum of 2 visitors per session. Children less than 2 years old do not count towards the allowed number of visitors per session. Each child should be supervised by an adult at all times.
The county jail enforces a strict dress code posted in the jail lobby. The dress code prohibits revealing, see-through, or otherwise inappropriate clothing items. In addition, visitors may not wear hoodies, sweaters, jackets, coats, hats, scarves, caps, or other head coverings. Staff at the facility reserve the right to deny entry to persons inappropriately dressed. Officials will also remove any visitor who is rude, uses abusive or vulgar language, or breaks any other facility rules.
Each visitor may visit one inmate per day and should only visit the inmate they signed up to visit. All visitors must also successfully clear the metal detector search before entry and should provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, valid passport, or military photo identification.
Court Records
The Alachua County court system features Circuit and County Courts. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases and handles all cases, not within the County Court’s jurisdiction. The Circuit Court handles civil cases such as probate matters, juvenile cases, mental health matters, and prevention orders. On the other hand, the County Court has limited jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, mostly hearing misdemeanors and violations of county and municipal ordinances.
Locations of Courts in Alachua County
Alachua County Circuit Court
Alachua County Criminal Justice Center
220 South Main Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3636
Fax: (352) 338-3201
Alachua County Circuit Court
Alachua County Family/Civil Justice Center
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3636
Fax: (352) 338-3201
County Court of Alachua County
Alachua County Family / Civil Justice Center
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3636
Fax: (352) 338-3201
County Court of Alachua County
Alachua County Criminal Justice Center
220 South Main Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3636
Fax: (352) 338-3201
Are Alachua County Records Public?
Florida law provides public access to most Alachua County court records. All record seekers may inspect court records or obtain copies by submitting requests to the Alachua County Court Clerk. Although anyone may submit a request, not all Alachua court records are open to public disclosure. Access to records that contain private or sensitive details is restricted. Sealed or expunged court records are also unavailable. Furthermore, third parties may not obtain juvenile court records.
Can You Look up an Alachua County Court Case Online?
Alachua County court records are available online. The County Clerk’s Office maintains a searchable online database that contains court records not considered public. Interested persons can find records using the general index search or the case/name information search. The general index search allows parties to specify the type of record sought, including civil, juvenile, criminal, and civil traffic records. Searchers should provide known names, case numbers, case types, file date ranges, and citation numbers. Persons who opt for the case/name information search may provide a case type group, file date range, and at least one of the following:
- Last name
- First or middle name
- Company name
- MNI number
- Case number - Only valid for juvenile delinquency and criminal cases
How to Obtain Alachua County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court records are available at the Clerk of Court’s office. Parties may obtain records by visiting the office in person, sending mail applications, or requesting over the phone. Each page costs $1 plus an additional $2 for certifying documents. Requestors must provide all known details of the desired record, such as names, court dates, offense details, case description, and the court’s final disposition if the case is over. Requestors may submit in-person, mail, or phone requests using the following details:
Alachua County Clerk of the Court
Attention: Official Records
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3625
Hours: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
How to Obtain Alachua County Criminal Court Case Records
The Alachua County Clerk of Court provides copies of Alachua criminal records to the general public. Parties may submit names, offense details, case numbers, and other available information to the Clerk’s Office in person or in writing. The Clerk’s Office charges $1 per page and $2 to certify a document. All requests should be submitted using the following information:
Alachua County Clerk of the Court
Attention: Official Records
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3625
Hours: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Alachua County?
As provided under the Florida State Sunshine Law, Alachua County property records are accessible by the public. Almost anyone can obtain Alachua property records upon request to the Alachua County Clerk. Record seekers may also have to pay prescribed fees to obtain copies of requested property documents
Where and How to Find Property Records in Alachua County
The Alachua County Clerk of Court records and issues copies of deeds, mortgages, and other property instruments in the county. All property records are accessible to the public by the Florida Law. However, requesters may have to pay a prescribed fee of $1 per page for copying requested property documents. They can also purchase certified copies of property records by calling (352) 374-3625 or in person at the Clerk of Court's office located at:
East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
The Clerk's office is open for business every weekday from 8:15 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
How to Look Up Alachua County Property Records
The Alachua County Property Appraiser's Office maintains an online inventory of real property found within the county. Information on the online inventory is compiled from recorded deeds, plats, and other public records and data. People can filter searches for property records using the:
- Owner's name
- Property address
- Property identification
- Parcel Identification
- Legal information
- Section/town/range
- Subdivision
- Neighborhood
- Neighborhood code
People can conduct different searches on the platform like real property search, tangible property search, sales search, sale list, and comp search. Record seekers can obtain copies by visiting the office of the Alachua County Property Appraiser at:
North Main Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-5230
Fax: (352) 374-5278
The Alachua County Property Appraiser's Office also maintains an online platform where requesters can view and download geospatial data and pre-published map data. Requesters can also download data extracted from the Alachua County's Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system on the site.
People can also look up recorded plat, condominium, and minor subdivision indexes and images on the Clerk of Court's website. The site contains recorded images for Plat Maps recorded from 1884 to October 2014. Images for plat maps, condominium maps, minor maps, maintenance maps, and right-of-way maps registered after October 2014 are available on the online Public records search platform.
Location of Alachua County Township Property Assessor
North Main Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 374-5230
Fax: (352) 374-5278
What are Alachua County Vital Records?
Alachua County vital records are records that contain information about life events that happen in the county. Alachua vital records include documents confirming births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Not all vital records are public. Access to birth and death records is restricted to the subject of the record and a few other related persons.
Where and How to Obtain Alachua Divorce Records
The Alachua County Clerk of Court maintains records of all divorces finalized in the county. Requestors seeking Alachua County divorce decrees may visit the Clerk of Court or send written applications. Requests should describe the record and include details such as the names of both former spouses, date of divorce, and all other known information. Interested persons should submit requests to the:
Alachua County Clerk of the Court
Attention: Official Records
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3625
Hours: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Alachua County divorce records are also obtainable from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each divorce certificate costs a non-refundable $5 fee which covers a search of one calendar year and one certified copy of a record found for that year. Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each if ordered simultaneously. The Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $2 per year for each additional year searched or if the record year is unknown. Parties may visit in person or submit an application for dissolution of marriage report to:
Physical Address:
1217 N Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Mailing Address
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Where and How to Get Public Alachua County Marriage Records
Alachua County marriage records are considered public records and are obtainable from the Clerk of Court’s Office. All interested persons may request and obtain these records in person or by mail. Requests for Alachua County marriage certificates should include partners’ names, marriage dates, and marriage locations. Applications should be submitted to the:
Alachua County Clerk of the Court
Attention: Official Records
201 East University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 374-3625
Hours: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Where and How to Find Alachua County Birth Records?
Birth records are obtainable from the Alachua office of the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. According to state law, all records less than 100 years old are considered private. Access is restricted to the following persons:
- The registrant named on the record if at least 18 years old
- The registrant’s parents listed on the record
- A legal guardian with valid guardianship papers
- A legal representative of any of the above persons if proper documentation is available
- Anyone with a court order granting access
- A spouse, sibling, child, or grandchild of legal age with the registrant’s death certificate
All persons not listed above may only obtain Alachua County birth records older than 100 years. To request, parties must complete an Application for a Florida Birth Record. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy of the same record requested at the same time. Payment is accepted via cash, money order, or credit card. Cash and check payments are only accepted for in-person requests. Requests for Alachua County birth certificates should be submitted to the:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics - Alachua Office
15530 NW US HWY 441
Suite 10010
Alachua, FL 32615
Phone: (386) 462-2542
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Where and How to Find Alachua County Death Records
Requestors may obtain death records from the Alachua County Health Department. Records are available for deaths that occurred in the county since 2009. All persons may obtain copies of Alachua County death certificates not showing the cause of death. Access to certificates that show the cause of death is restricted to the following persons:
- An immediate family member of the decedent, including a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or grandchild. The requestor should be at least 18 years old
- A beneficiary of the decedent’s life insurance policy with applicable documentation
- An estate administrator with applicable documentation
All interested persons must submit a completed Death Certificate Request Form. Persons seeking death certificates with the cause of death must provide valid ID, such as a passport, military ID, or driver’s license. Each copy costs $10, payable by checks, money orders, credit cards, or cash. Requestors must return applications to:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics - Alachua Office
15530 NW US HWY 441
Suite 10010
Alachua, FL 32615
Phone: (386) 462-2542
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
