What are Lakeland Public Records?
The Florida Sunshine Law describes public Lakeland records as documents, audio, tapes, photographs, and all other data generated, received, or maintained in the performance of a government agency's official duties. Although many records are presumed public, the following are a few examples of records exempt from public disclosure:
- Records that contain information about a confidential informant
- Records of active criminal intelligence cases or investigative details
- Sealed bids or proposals
- Security procedures
- Records that contain information where disclosure would be an unnecessary intrusion into a person's private life
Lakeland Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publishes annual crime statistics for Lakeland through its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. In 2019, Lakeland recorded a total of 3,580 crimes, including 350 violent crimes and 3,230 property crimes. Reported violent crimes include 63 rape cases and 97 robberies. With 183 reported cases, aggravated assault was the most common violent crime. The least common was murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, with 7 cases.
Lakeland also recorded property crimes, including 203 motor vehicle thefts, 7 arson cases, and 438 burglaries. The most committed property crime was larceny-theft, with 2,589 cases. Compared to reported crime statistics for 2018, Lakeland's crime rate fell by more than 5%.
Are Lakeland Criminal Records Public?
Under Florida law, Lakeland criminal records are considered public information. All residents may request and obtain copies of criminal records, except the record has been sealed or expunged. Furthermore, members of the general public may not access juvenile criminal history information except the juvenile was apprehended for an offense that would be considered a felony if committed by an adult.
Persons interested in Lakeland criminal records may request from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). To find a record, conduct an instant search or a certified/non-certified search. Each search costs $24, payable by a credit or debit card. Residents may also call (850) 410-7810 or send an email for more information.
How to Obtain Lakeland Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Lakeland Police Department (LPD) maintains police reports and arrest records, and issues copies through its Records Section. Anyone interested in obtaining a Lakeland police report may visit the LPD or send a written request. Ensure that the written request contains information on the desired record, including any related names, time and date of incident or arrest, charge information, and other relevant details. Note that fees may vary according to the records request fee schedule. Contact the Records Section using the following information:
Lakeland Police Department
Records Section
219 North Massachusetts Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 834-6936
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lakeland
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a database of all registered sex offenders in the state. Persons interested in finding Lakeland sex offenders may use the FDLE's sexual offenders and predators search. Residents may find offenders by name or by neighborhood. The name search provides search fields for the offender's first and last names. For the neighborhood search, a user may find sex offenders by address, city, zip code, and also specify a search radius.
The search result displays each offender's full name, known aliases, current status, Department of Corrections number, date of birth, and physical description. The result also displays the offender's address, vehicles owned, information on the person's crime, a photograph, and general details on the offender's victim. Interested persons may also register to track each offender through the Florida Offender Alert System. The system sends email alerts to registrants when an offender moves close to an address of interest.
How to Find Lakeland Inmate Records
The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) provides access to inmate information via its jail information search. Persons interested in finding Lakeland inmate records may use the search tool to find inmates by name, booking date, or by conducting an AKA search. Users may also restrict search results to current inmates.
Available information includes each inmate's full name, booking number, race, sex, date of birth, physical description, and a booking photograph. The result also shows a booking date, location, current status, and bond information. Details on all charges leveled against the person are also obtainable. If the individual is no longer in custody, the search result displays a release date.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Polk County Jails?
The PCSO'S Department of Detention operates two jail facilities, including the Central County Jail and the South County Jail. Visitation at both facilities is held from Sunday through Saturday at different times from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. Each visit may not last more than 20 minutes.
Visitors should be at least 18 years old and must present one of the following current and valid means of identification:
- Passport
- State ID card
- Military identification
- State driver's license
Persons under 18 years old may only visit in the company of a parent or legal guardian. The legal guardian or parent must present a certified or original copy of the juvenile's birth certificate from the Department of Vital Statistics. The certificate should carry the name of the juvenile's parents. For both juveniles and adults, photocopies of IDs are not acceptable.
Each visit may include a maximum of three persons, including two adults and one juvenile. Juveniles may also visit on Mondays through Fridays, after 4:00 pm. All persons must adhere to posted rules and any additional instructions given by officials. Persons who do not follow instructions may have their visits canceled and may be banned from visitation. Visitors must follow a strict dress code before checking in. Any visitor wearing a clothing item deemed inappropriate will not be allowed to visit.
The PCSO also provides access to video visitation through a third-party vendor. Each visitation costs $10 for a 20-minute session.
Court Records
As part of the Florida Court System, Polk County has a Circuit Court and a County Court, with branches in Lakeland. The Polk County Circuit Court is the highest in the county, with general jurisdiction over all cases. The court handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, general civil, family, probate, juvenile, and mental health matters.
The Polk County Court has limited jurisdiction over some criminal, civil, and equity cases. The County Court also runs a Small Claims procedure for claims, depending on the financial limit.
Locations of Courts in Lakeland
Polk County Circuit Court – Lakeland Branch
Polk County Government Center
930 East Parker Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 534-4000
County Court of Polk County – Lakeland Branch
Polk County Government Center
930 East Parker Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 534-4000
Are Lakeland Court Records Public?
Most Lakeland court records are public records and are accessible by all requestors. Interested persons may contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for access to desired records. However, the general public cannot access sealed or expunged court records. Furthermore, the court may deny access to records, especially in criminal proceedings, if disclosure would:
- Threaten the administration of justice
- Endanger the safety of lives and property
Can You Look up a Lakeland Court Case Online?
The Polk County Circuit Court Clerk's Office provides online access to its court records. Interested persons may find records by providing a uniform case number (UCN), citation number, the full name of an involved party, and a case filing date range. The search result displays information on cases that match the inputted queries, including docket, party, hearing, bond, citation, financial, and disposition details.
How to Obtain Lakeland Court Case Records
The Polk County Circuit Clerk allows Lakeland residents to obtain certified and uncertified copies of court case records. To obtain a Lakeland court record, send a request to the Clerk of Courts' records custodian. An interested party may write a request and include all available details of the sought record. Details may include the names of parties to the case, court dates, attorney details, a citation number, and the court's disposition. Send the request to the Circuit Court or visit using the following details:
Polk County Circuit Court – Lakeland Branch
Polk County Government Center
930 East Parker Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 534-4000
What are Lakeland Vital Records?
Lakeland vital records contain recorded information on life events that occur anywhere in the city. Vital records are created by government agencies and include divorce certificates, divorce decrees, marriage licenses, birth records, and death records.
Where and How to Obtain Lakeland Divorce Records
The Polk County Clerk of Courts maintains records of divorces finalized in the county. Any person interested in obtaining a Lakeland divorce decree may send a written request to the Clerk of Court. The request should include the divorced parties' names, the divorce date, and other relevant information. Send the request to:
Polk County Circuit Court – Lakeland Branch
Polk County Government Center
930 East Parker Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 534-4000
Requestors may also obtain dissolution of marriage certificates from the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. To order, complete an application for dissolution of marriage report. Each certificate costs a non-refundable $5 search fee, which covers a one-calendar-year search and one certified copy if a record is found for that year. Each additional copy of the same certificate costs $4 if ordered at the same time. If the divorce date is unknown, the requestor will be charged $2 for each year searched. Send the record by mail or visit in person using the details below:
Mailing requests:
Florida Department of Health
Polk County Office of Vital Statistics
1290 Golfview Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830-6740
Phone: (863) 519-8446
Alternatively, visit the Lakeland office at the address below. Residents are advised to call the office before visiting:
Lakeland Vital Statistics Office
Lakeland Health Clinic
3241 Lakeland Hills Boulevard
Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone: (863) 519-8446
Email: polkcommunications@flhealth.gov
Where and How to Get Public Lakeland Marriage Records
The Polk County Circuit Court Clerk entertains requests for countywide records of solemnized marriages. Marriage records are public records, accessible to all requesters. To order a Lakeland marriage record, send a written request to the Lakeland Branch of the Polk County Circuit Court. In the request, include the names of the married parties and the date of marriage. Send the request to the Clerk of Courts or visit the courthouse in person at:
Polk County Circuit Court – Lakeland Branch
Polk County Government Center
930 East Parker Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 534-4000
Interested persons may also find marriage records online using the clerk's official records search. Users may search by party name and date range after selecting one of the available marriage record types.
Where and How to Find Lakeland Birth Records
The Lakeland Vital Statistics Office maintains records of all births in the city, and is responsible for issuing copies. However, birth records are not public records. Access is restricted to the following persons:
- The registrant if 18 years old or older
- Either parent listed on the birth record
- A legal guardian with official guardianship documents
- A person with a court order specifying access to the record
- A legal representative of any of the above eligible persons
- Anyone with an affidavit to release birth certificate, completed by an authorized person
Eligible persons may order Lakeland birth records by mail or in person. To order by mail, complete a birth record application in English or Spanish. The first copy costs $15, while each additional copy of the same record costs $5 if ordered on the same day. Fees are payable by cashier's checks or money orders made out to FDHPC. Request fees are non-refundable. The requestor must also submit one of the following government-issued IDs:
- State identification card
- Passport
- Driver's license
- Military identification card
Enclose the required documents and send by mail to:
Florida Department of Health
Polk County Office of Vital Statistics
1290 Golfview Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830-6740
Phone: (863) 519-8446
For an in-person request, visit the Lakeland Vital Statistics Office. Requestors are advised to call before visiting:
Lakeland Vital Statistics Office
Lakeland Health Clinic
3241 Lakeland Hills Boulevard
Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone: (863) 519-8446
Email: polkcommunications@flhealth.gov
Where and How to Find Lakeland Death Records
Lakeland death records are considered public records and are available to all city residents. However, access to a death record that carries the cause of death is restricted if the record is less than 50 years old. Only the following persons may access restricted Lakeland death records:
- The decedent's child, grandchild, or sibling if at least 18 years old
- The decedent's spouse or parent
- A private person that can prove an interest in the deceased person's estate
- Anyone representing an eligible person, with relevant documentation to prove the representation
Each copy of a Lakeland death record costs $10. Cashier's checks or money orders should be made out to FDHPC. Allow up to 2 business days for processing. To order, send a completed death certificate application to:
Florida Department of Health
Polk County Office of Vital Statistics
1290 Golfview Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830-6740
Phone: (863) 519-8446
In-person requestors may visit the following address and pay with cash or credit card:
Lakeland Vital Statistics Office
Lakeland Health Clinic
3241 Lakeland Hills Boulevard
Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone: (863) 519-8446
Email: polkcommunications@flhealth.gov
