Crime Numbers
The Florida Statistical Analysis Center (FSAC) of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) compiles the annual Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data for the state. In 2019 Monroe County recorded 1,704 incidences of index crimes involving 282 violent crimes and 1,422 property crimes. A breakdown of violent crimes showed there were 2 homicides, 36 rapes, 34 robberies, and 210 aggravated assaults. The property crimes breakdown revealed 159 burglaries, 1,154 larcenies, and 109 incidents of motor vehicle theft.
Comparison with the UCR data for 2015 indicated a drop in the total rate of index crimes for 2019 by 40%, with violent crimes dropping by 22.7% and property crimes dropping by 42.5%. Further analysis of the trends showed increases in the rates of rape (+2.9%) and robbery (+13.3%), but overall reductions in the rates of aggravated assault (-29.5%), burglary (-62.7%), larceny, (-39.4%), and motor vehicle theft (-24.3%). The rate for homicides showed no changes.
How do I Find Criminal Records?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains all criminal history information for the state through the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division which is also responsible for providing the public with access to this information. The CJIS enables the general public access to criminal history information online or by mail. Request criminal history information records by mail by completing the Florida Criminal History Information Request form and submitting it, along with a check or money order for the $24 fee to:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Criminal History Services
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489.
Mail requests should include the address where the results should be sent and the requester should provide enough information to enable the record search. The requestor should also indicate if the results of the record search should be certified or translated to Spanish.
The FDLE will cease the use of the Florida Criminal History Information Request form by mail from July 1, 2020.
Individuals or their attorneys are able to request for personal criminal history reviews. When submitting requests for personal reviews, a copy of the subject’s fingerprints must also be included. These can be obtained from the local law enforcement or criminal justice agency. Results from personal review requests are not certified and are only for personal records. To conduct a personal review complete the Personal Review of Florida Criminal History Record form and mail it along with the fingerprint card to:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
ATTN: Criminal History Record Maintenance Section
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489
The FDLE provides electronic means of requesting criminal history information records through the Instant Search, Certified/Non-Certified Search, or ORI Search. There is a fee of $24 for each searched record plus a $1 processing fee. All payments should be by credit or debit card.
The Instant Search is facilitated via a website maintained by the FDLE where users can perform a search of the FDLE’s computerized criminal history files for record matches. Search results will be returned immediately and users are able to print results or have them emailed. If record searches return multiple matches, users will have the option to select which matches to view. Please note that each record viewed will attract a search fee which will be debited from the user’s card. This option does not provide certified records and records obtained cannot be used for legal or identification purposes.
The Certified/Non-Certified Search allows users to submit electronic requests for criminal history record checks which will be uploaded to the FDLE’s SHIELD system. Upon receipt FDLE staff will process the request and mail the results to the user. Requesters are required to provide information which will include details about the search subject, return mailing address, and payment information when making the request and may also specify if the results should be certified or not.
The ORI Search is similar to the Certified/Non-Certified Search with the exception being the requester must provide an Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number to conduct the search. These types of searches are typically performed when an organization or agency is mandated by law to perform a criminal history check for employment or licensing purposes.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Records Division responds to requests for copies of accident and incident reports that occurred in Monroe County. Complete the Public Records Request and submit to the County Sheriff. A response regarding the status of the request should be received by the end of the next business day.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Monroe County
The Florida State sex offender registry is managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The general public may access available information about registered sex offenders in Monroe County by using the Sexual Offenders and Predators Search (SOPS).
How do I Visit or Contact an inmate in Monroe county jail?
There are 3 detention facilities located in Monroe County and all are administered by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. They are:
Monroe County Detention Center
5501 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 293-7300
Monroe County Detention Facility
3981 Ocean Terrace
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-2420
Plantation Key Detention Center
53 High Point Road
Tavernier, FL 33070
(305) 853-3266
Deposit funds in an inmate’s account using the deposit options provided by TouchPay Services. TouchPay Services facilitates deposits of funds online, by calling the toll-free phone number (866) 232-1899, or by using the kiosks located in the lobby of the main detention center in Key West. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office provides a roster of all current inmates in its facilities on its website.
What are Monroe County Court Records?
The Florida trial court system comprises Circuit Courts and County Courts. Circuit Courts have the general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, but will typically handle cases beyond the scope of County Courts. These will include felonies and lesser-included offenses, general civil claims above $15,000, family law cases, probate matters, mental health cases, juvenile cases, cases seeking injunctive relief, and all actions involving the title or boundaries of real property. There are 4 Circuit Courts for Monroe County and these are:
Monroe County Circuit Court
Key West Courthouse
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3458 (Civil)
Phone: (305) 294-4641 (Criminal)
Phone: (305) 295-3952 (Traffic)
Monroe County Circuit Court
Roth Office Building
50 High Point Road
Plantation Key, FL 33070
(305) 852-7145
Monroe County Circuit Court
Plantation Key Government Center
88820 Overseas Highway
Plantation Key, FL 33070
(305) 852-7145
Monroe County Circuit Court
Marathon Courthouse
3117 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-6027
County Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases. These include most misdemeanors, violations of municipal and county ordinances, juvenile traffic offenses, civil cases with amounts under $15,000, uncontested divorces, and civil dissolutions. They also offer small claims procedures for general claims with financial limits. The 4 County Courts in Monroe County are:
County Court of Monroe County
Roth Office Building
50 High Point Road
Plantation Key, FL 33070
(305) 852-7145
County Court of Monroe County
Marathon Courthouse
3117 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-6027
County Court of Monroe County
Plantation Key Government Center
88820 Overseas Highway
Plantation Key, FL 33070
(305) 852-7145
County Court of Monroe County
Key West Courthouse
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 292-3458 (Civil)
Phone: (305) 294-4641 (Criminal)
Phone: (305) 295-3952 (Traffic)
The Monroe Circuit Court Clerk provides Clerk Online Search Services which facilitates electronic access to redacted court records and non-confidential information available from the Monroe County court system. Available docket information is for most cases filed from 1990 to the present. Users have access to view all available records, with the exception of records that have been sealed or expunged or are considered confidential by statute.
Contact the Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court for copies of court records and case files. There are restrictions on the type of records available to the general public. Submit requests for copies of records at any of the Court Clerk’s office locations. Office hours are between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, except for public holidays. The Clerk of Court charges $2 for each year for record searches, $1 per page for copying records, and $2 per page for certification of records.
The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for keeping all records related to lands and property for the county. Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court for information about land and property in Monroe County.
Vital Records
How Do I Find Divorce Records in Monroe County?
Dissolution of marriages decrees for divorces finalized in Monroe County are retained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Obtain a certified copy of a marriage dissolution decree by submitting a request at any of the office locations of the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk of the Court charges a fee of $10.50 for certified copies of marriage dissolution decrees.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health issues certified abstracts of all marriage dissolution decrees from June 6, 1927, to the present on request. Requests for record copies can be made online, by mail, or walk-in. There is a $5 charge for the search of one calendar year and the provision of a certified copy of a record. Any additional copies required cost $4 each if ordered at the same time. If the exact year of the marriage dissolution is unknown, there is a $2 fee for every extra calendar year that is searched (up to $50). Fees are payable by check or money order made out to Vital Statistics. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted for walk-in requests. Complete the Application for a Dissolution of Marriage Report form and mail to:
Florida Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Walk-in requests are made at 121 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Where and how to get Monroe County Marriage records
Licenses for marriages that occurred in Monroe County are recorded by the Clerk of the Circuit Court before being sent to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Request a certified copy of a Monroe County marriage record from any of the office locations of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics issues certified abstracts of all marriage licenses in the state from 6 June 1927 to the present on request. The public can submit requests for copies of records online, by mail, or in person. The Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 for a one-year record search and the issuance of one certified record copy. There is a $2 fee for each additional year search, up to $50. This is typically for when the exact year of the marriage is not known. Any additional copies of a record ordered at the same time will cost $4. Mail requests are payable by check or money order made out to Vital Statistics, while cash and cards are accepted for in-person requests. Complete the Application for a Marriage Record form and return to the Bureau of Vital Statistics by mail or in person.
Where and how to get Monroe County Birth records.
Birth records are issued by the Florida Department of Health and are not public records until 100 years have passed from the date of birth. Individuals eligible to obtain copies of confidential birth records are:
- Registrants (must be 18 years or older)
- Parents (must be listed on the record)
- Legal guardians (with evidence)
- Legal representatives of the above
- Other family members of the registrant only if the registrant is deceased and a death certificate must be included when submitting a request.
- Persons with a Court Order
Any other person requesting a copy of a birth record must also present a notarized Application to Release a Birth Certificate form signed by an eligible person along with any supporting documents. Valid copies of IDs for both the applicant and the person authorizing the release must also be included with the request. The Bureau of Vital Statistics retains records dating back to 1850, but records between 1850 and 1917 are incomplete.
Birth records cost $9 for computer-generated certificates and $14 for photocopy certificates. Additional copies of either type cost $4. There is a $2 fee for every additional yearly search if the exact year of the birth is not known. Requests for record copies can be made online, in person, or by mail. Mail requests can only be paid for by check or money order made out to Vital Statistics, but cash and cards will also be accepted for in-person requests. Complete the Application for Birth Record form, enclose a valid copy of a photo ID and payment for the fee, and return to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in person or by mail.
Birth records from 1930 to the present are also available from the Monroe County Department of Health and copies can be requested in person or by mail. There is a fee of $16 each for these requests. Submit completed application forms and all other relevant documents to:
Florida Department of Health - Monroe County
Office of Vital Statistics
1100 Simonton Street
Room 176
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 676-3840
Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays excluding public holidays.
Where and how to get Monroe county Death records.
The Department of Health in Monroe County issues copies of death records from 2009 to the present and requests for copies can be made in person or by mail. These records cost $13 each. Completed application forms and other supporting documents should be submitted to the Monroe County office of the Department of Health. Death records which contain causes of death and complete social security numbers are confidential records unless 50 years have passed since the date of the death, and will only be issued to:
- Immediate family of the deceased person, of legal age
- Authorized representatives of eligible persons
- Persons who provide evidence of personal or property rights
- Persons with an order of a court
Any other persons must also present notarized Affidavit to Release Cause of Death Information forms signed by eligible persons and valid IDs for both parties. Otherwise, they may only obtain copies of death records without cause of death information and the social security numbers will be partly redacted. The Bureau of Vital Statistics retains death records from 1877 to the present, but records from 1877-1917 are incomplete.
Death records cost $5 for a search of one calendar year and a certified copy of a record, and there is a $4 fee for additional copies ordered at the same time. If the exact year of death is not known, there will be a $2 fee (up to $50) for every additional year searched. Copies can be requested online, by mail, or in person. In-person requests can be paid for by cash, checks, money orders, or cards while checks or money orders are only accepted for mail requests. Make checks and money orders payable to Vital Statistics. Submit the completed Application for a Death Record form to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in person or by mail.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
