What are North Port Public Records?
According to Florida's Sunshine Laws, North Port's public records are any records created, received, or stored by its agencies regardless of form, characteristics, or method of transfer. These records are made and maintained as instructed by law in connection with the execution of an entity's official duties. Public records appear in numerous physical forms such as documents, papers, maps, photographs, books, video or audio recordings, letters, and computer software. However, some records may be classified as confidential by law and will be exempt from public record laws. These types of records include by are not limited to the following:
- Any information that reveals the identity of a victim of child abuse or a minor who is a victim of human trafficking is exempt.
- Any criminal intelligence that reveals the personal assets of a victim of a crime, excluding accepts taken or destroyed during the crime, is exempt.
- Any examination answers and questions that are used by the government agencies to conduct tests for employment, licensing, or certification.
- Any record or information relating directly to physical security and fire safety of a facility operated by a government agency. This includes blueprints, diagrams, schematics, floor plans, threat assessments, and emergency evacuation and sheltering plans.
- Any medical information pertaining to a prospective, current, or former officer or employee of a government agency which, if disclosed, would identify that officer or employee.
The sunshine laws also state that some confidential records and may be released under certain situations such as the following:
- If the consent of the subject of the record is given.
- During health or other emergencies or to a health research facility for research purposes.
- Upon the requester showing good cause before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may either opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
North Port Crime Statistics
The North Port City Police Department compiles crime statistics for the city and submits it to the FBI for the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Database. These statistics and data are gathered nationwide and used to spot crime trends and coordinate crime-fighting strategies. According to the FBI UCR for 2019, cases of assault, vehicle theft, and arson increased by 4.9%, 10.7%, and 300%, respectively from the previous year. In contrast, murder, rape, robbery, property crime, burglary, and larceny decreased by 75%, 35.3%,55.5, 18.5%, 32.6%, and 17.4% respectively. Total violent crime in the city also reduced by 18.% between 2018 and 2019.
Are North Port's Criminal Records Public?
In North Port, Florida, criminal records are usually open to the public except for records considered exempt or sealed by a court. Residents can obtain a local criminal background check for Sarasota County and its municipalities from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. Requests for background checks can be made either in person or by mail. Requests in person are accepted in the records section at:
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Records Section
Criminal Justice Center, First Floor
2071 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
Criminal background checks can be obtained during office hours of Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at no charge. Request can also be made by sending a written request by mail to:
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Attention: Records
P.O. Box 4115
Sarasota, FL 34230-4115
For any inquiries and more information, the Records Section can be contacted by calling (941) 861-4025.
For a statewide background check, residents may contact the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The Criminal History Section of the CJIS provides the service for both individuals and government agencies. North Port Police Department also offers Fingerprinting Services for use in background checks.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Residents can obtain police reports and other records from the North Port Police Department. Users will be required to register on the website to be able to make requests using the records request function on the website. To make a records request, requesters should either email a written request to records@northportpd.com. Records requests can also be made by visiting the records section in person or mailing them a written request at:
North Port Police Department
4980 City Hall Blvd.,
North Port, FL 34286
Fees are usually charged for copies of any reports and records. A research fee may apply if extensive research is necessary to locate the document. Residents can also request police records online from the North Port Public Records Center operated by the City Clerk's Office. Any questions about records can be directed to:
City Clerk Office
4970 City Hall Blvd.
North Port FL, 34286
Office Phone: (941) 429-7270
Email: htaylor@cityofnorthport.com
How to Find Sex Offender Information in North Port
Sex offender information for North Port City can be obtained online by visiting the Sex Offenders and Predators Search website. This is the official sex offender and predator website maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The search page on the website allows the users to search for sex offenders using criteria like name, internet identifier, neighborhood, and university campus. Requesters may register on the website to receive an alert when an offender moves and obtain alerts and information on absconded and missing offenders. The FDLE Enforcement and Investigative Support allows users to make inquiries by their office by emailing expred@fdle.state.fl.us or calling (888) 357-7332.
How to Find North Port Inmate Records
Information and records for inmates from North Port City can be obtained from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. Inmates from North port are usually housed at the Sarasota County Jail Facility operated by the Corrections Department of the Sheriff's Office. An online inmate search page allows residents to search “who's in jail” and obtain inmates' information and arrest records. Inmates can be looked up using different criteria such as name, arrest date, and case number. The current inmate section will also provide a list of all inmates currently housed in the county jail. Requesters can obtain a variety of information from the inmate search, such as name, date of birth, physical descriptions, charges, and the arresting agency.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in North Port City Jail?
The Sarasota County Jail provides inmates and their loved ones with on-site visitation and video visitation via the internet. Inmates arrested in North Port City are housed in the Sarasota County Jail Facility located at:
2020 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
On-site and video visits can be scheduled online using the GTL website and creating an account or using the kiosks available in the jail lobby. Visitors may also download the GTL VISmobile application on their computer and phone and schedule a visit from there or call the facility at (941) 861-4692. Inmates are allowed three 50-minute on-site visits per week, each with a maximum of three visitors. Visits can be scheduled between two weeks and 4 hours to their preferred time and canceled up to 48 hrs before the visit.
What are North Port Vital Records?
North Port City Vital Records refer to the records documenting the life events in the city which have been cataloged by the city's agencies. These records include birth and death certificates, divorce decrees, and marriage licenses. Not all these records are public records in Florida. For example, birth records only become public after 100 years, and death records become public 50 years after the event. Before those times have expired, these records will only be issued to eligible individuals who show valid documentation. These records can be obtained from their respective custodians at the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Sarasota County Department of Health branch. On the state level, these vital records can be obtained from the Florida Department of Health.
Where and How to Obtain North Port Divorce Records
To obtain divorce records for North Port City, requesters must contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller of Sarasota County. These records are classified as public records and can be accessed by anyone. Copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the clerk of courts at:
2000 Main Street, Room 102
Sarasota, FL 34237
Eligible parties can also request divorce records by phone, fax, or mail. Authorized parties can request the records by calling in the request by phone. Phone requests should provide the case name, years to search, case number (if applicable), and any additional information which will help staff locate the record.
Requests can also be made by filling a records search request form and faxing it to (941) 861-7738 or mailing it to the office at:
Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller
Public Access Department,
P.O. Box 3079
Sarasota, FL 34230-3079
Requesters will be required to pay a search fee of $2 per name per year, copy fees of $1 per page and specify if they want plain or certified copies. Certification will cost an additional $2 per document. Payment is accepted in credit cards for phone and fax requests and checks or money orders payable to Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller for mailed requests.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Florida Department of issues a divorce record called a certificate of dissolution of marriage. This is a document containing a summary of the information on a divorce decree and serves as an official document and proof a divorce was finalized. The certificate can be obtained by submitting an application for a dissolution of marriage report form in person or by mail to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Requesters are required to pay a non-refundable search fee of $5, which includes one certified copy of the record when the date of the divorce is known. If the date is not provided, requesters will be charged a search fee of $2 per calendar year to a maximum of $50. Any additional certified copies ordered at the same time will cost $4 each. For any inquiries, requesters may call the bureau at (904) 359-6900, ext. 9000.
Where and How to Get Marriage Records for North Port
Copies of marriage records for North Port City can be obtained from the Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. As marriage records are considered public information, these records can usually be accessed by members of the public. Marriage records from the Sarasota County Clerk from June 5th, 1982 to the present can be found on the official records website. To obtain a marriage record, requesters will need to simply fill in the details on the Marriage Section of the site. Images and documents printed from the website are not certified as true official copies of the document. Certified true copies can be obtained by submitting a records search request to the Public Access Department in person or by mail, fax, and telephone. Requests can be submitted in person, by phone, and fax by contacting:
Sarasota Main Office
Historic Courthouse
2000 Main Street, Room 103
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: (941) 861-7400
Fax: (941) 861-7738
The completed record search form can also be mailed along with the fees to the public access department using their mailing address at:
Public Access Department,
P.O. Box 3079,
Sarasota, FL 34230-3079
Certified copies of a marriage license from the public access department will cost $3 per copy. Payment can be made in checks and money orders made payable to the Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller for mailed requests. Fax and telephone orders can be paid for using credit cards.
Provided that all information and fees have been received, a record request will usually be processed and returned three business days from when the department received it.
Residents can also obtain a marriage record for North Port by completing a marriage record application form and submitting it to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The request can be submitted in person at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 during office hours or mailed to:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics,
P.O. Box 210,
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
All vital records requests from the bureau have a $5 search fee attached for locating the record, and one certified copy and extra copies cost $4 each. If there is information to find the record, a $2 per calendar year search fee can be charged up to $50. Fees can be paid by including a check or money order for the fees in mailed requests and cash and credit cards during in-person requests. Requesters may call the Bureau of Vital Statistics at (904) 359-6900, ext. 9000 for any inquiries about requesting records.
Where and How to Find North Port Birth Records
North Port City birth records can be obtained from the Sarasota County branch of the health department or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. In Florida, birth records are not initially public information but become public 100 years after birth. After 100 years, any member of the public may request and access a birth record. Until that time has passed, birth records can only be requested from eligible persons such as:
- The registrant named on the record is 18 years old or older
- The parents listed on the record
- A legal guardian of the registrant with guardianship documentation
- A legal representative of any of the above persons with documentation
- An individual with a court order granting authority to request the record
All applicants are required to show or include a copy of a valid government identification during their request for a birth record.
Obtaining Copies of North Port Birth Certificates
Birth records for North Port can be ordered in person from any of these two branches of the Office of Vital Records located in Sarasota County:
- Office of Vital Records, Sarasota
William L. Little Health and Human Services Center
2200 Ringling Blvd, Room 131
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: (941) 861-2810
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Office of Vital Records, Venice
Robert L Anderson County Administration Center
4000 Tamiami Trl S, Venice 34293
Phone: (941) 861-3528
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Closed for lunch 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.)
The request can be made by filling the Birth Record Application form and mailing it or bringing it in person to any of the above addresses. Requesters using the form are advised to read the instructions and information given on the second page of the form before making the request. All requests must show valid government-issued identification. Mailed requesters must include a copy of the identification and the appropriate fees in the request. Acceptable photo-identification for record requests are:
- Driver's License
- State-issued Identification Card
- U.S passport
- Military Identification Card
Birth records from Sarasota County cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time for the same person. Payments for in-person requests can be made in cash or credit cards, while mailed requests should include a check or money order for the appropriate fees. All checks and money orders should be made payable to the Sarasota County Health Department (SCHD). Eligible parties can also request birth records on the state level from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Where and How to Find North Port Death Records
North Port City death certificates can be obtained from any of the Sarasota County Health Department, Office of Vital Records. Death records that do not include the cause of death in Florida can be accessed by anyone of legal age. Records that include cause of death, however, are not public records and can only be requested by eligible persons until 50 years after the death. These eligible persons include:
- Parents of the deceased
- Spouse or domestic partner of the deceased
- Siblings, children, or grandchildren of the deceased if of legal age
- Any person who provides a will, insurance policy, or other document demonstrating their interest in the deceased estate.
- Any person who provides documentation providing they are acting on behalf of any of the previously listed persons.
Any person requesting a death certificate that includes cause of death information will be expected to provide current government-issued photo identification. Identification accepted during the application process includes current driver's license, U.S Passport, state-issued identification, or military identification. After the 50 year period has passed any member of the public may request that particular 50-year-old death records which include the cause of death information.
Death records for North Port can be obtained from any of the two branches of the department of health in Sarasota County, namely:
- Office of Vital Records, Sarasota
William L. Little Health and Human Services Center
2200 Ringling Blvd, Room 131
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: (941) 861-2810
Hours: Mon to Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Office of Vital Records, Venice
Robert L Anderson County Administration Center
4000 Tamiami Trl S, Venice 34293
Phone: (941) 861-3528
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Closed for lunch 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.)
Requesters are required to submit a death certificate application in person or by mail to any of the addresses given above. Requesters are instructed to read the full application form including the instructions and information on the second page before making their request. Death certificates from Sarasota County cost $10 per copy. The fee can be paid in cash and credit cards for in-person transactions. Mail requests should include a check or money order made payable to the Sarasota County Health Department (SCHD).
Death records from 2009 to the present can be purchased at any county department of health. To obtain death records prior to 2009, requesters should contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. For information about obtaining death records from the bureau, requesters may visit the website or call at (904) 359-6900, ext. 9000.
