Miami Dade Police Records Search gives you direct access to official law enforcement documents from one of Florida’s largest counties. Whether you need a police report, arrest record, incident log, or mugshot, the system provides both online and in-person options. The Records Division handles around 12,000 requests each month and operates by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 305-235-4610 to schedule, stay in your vehicle, and wait for confirmation. For filing new reports, dial 305-476-5423. The main office is located at 11711 NW 44th St., Miami, FL 33178. Most records since January 2020 are available online through free portals that update nightly at 2:00 a.m. EST.
How to Request Police Records in Miami-Dade County
There are three main ways to get police records: online, by mail, or in person. The fastest method is using the free County Office portal, which shows reports, officer notes, booking details, and mugshots for incidents after January 2020. This database refreshes every night and links to verified third-party sites like StateRecords.com and PublicAccessMiami.com. For older records or certified copies, you must submit a formal request. In-person visits require an appointment due to high volume—call ahead and arrive prepared with valid ID. Mail requests should include full name, date of birth, case number if known, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Free Online Portal for Recent Records
The County Office offers a no-cost digital tool that lets anyone search recent police activity across Miami-Dade. Results show incident reports, logs, officer observations, arrest bookings, and photos. All data comes directly from the Miami-Dade Police Department’s internal system called PSIS. Each PDF is checked against the original department file to ensure accuracy. The site updates automatically at 2:00 a.m. EST daily, so information stays current. Users can filter by date, location, or type of incident. No login or payment is needed for basic searches.
Advanced Searches Using the Unit System
For deeper research, the county uses a pay-per-query model. Each search costs one unit, priced at $0.50. You must buy at least 10 units ($5.00) using credit card, PayPal, or county purchase order. As you run searches in the Traffic Online System, units deduct automatically. A receipt emails instantly. This system supports Boolean logic (AND, OR, NOT), date ranges, and geographic filters. It covers deeds, permits, court files, and more dating back to 1975. Ideal for investigators, journalists, or legal professionals needing precise data.
City of Miami vs. County Records: Know the Difference
Not all police records in Miami come from the same source. The City of Miami Police Department handles its own records separately from Miami-Dade County. Their Record Custodian is at 400 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33128. Requests go through their online portal, email (records@miamipolice.org), or mail. Phone inquiries use (305) 603-6477. Responses take up to 10 business days. Paper copies cost $0.10 per page; digital files are free via secure download. Always confirm which agency handled the incident before submitting a request.
Central Records Bureau: County-Wide Repository
The Central Records Bureau at 9105 NW 25th St., Doral, FL 33172, stores over half a million documents yearly. This includes arrest reports, incident summaries, and forensic photos. Commander Oliver S. Spicer, Jr. serves as Public Records Custodian. Call 305-471-2070 for specific requests or 305-471-3220 for general questions. Fax uses 305-471-2072. Email is protected by obfuscation—visible as [email protected]. Records can be picked up in person or delivered electronically. Processing time varies based on request complexity.
Accessing Criminal Records and Certified Copies
Felony and misdemeanor cases from 1990 onward are searchable online through the Clerk of Courts. However, certified copies require extra steps. You must submit a notarized request form, government-issued ID, and a $5.00 fee by mail or email. These certified documents are legally valid for employment, immigration, or court use. The same portal explains how to seal or expunge records via a five-step process involving the State Attorney’s Office. Always allow extra time for certification—it adds 3–5 business days.
Track Your Request in Real Time
Miami-Dade’s online Public Records Request system lets you submit, monitor, and download documents seamlessly. After logging in with county credentials, choose your record type, upload any needed forms, and agree to the $0.15 per-page fee. The status page updates live with stages like “Received,” “In Review,” and “Ready for Download.” Safari users on macOS 10.13+ or iOS 11+ must enable cookies and cross-site tracking or submissions will fail. Most requests are fulfilled within 7–10 business days.
Three Official Sources for Criminal History
Miami-Dade criminal records come from three authorized agencies: the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Clerk of Courts, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Background checks should include the subject’s full legal name, race, date of birth, sex, and your contact info. Send requests to records@miamidade.gov or any district office. FDLE processes about 120,000 fingerprint-based checks annually. Call 850-410-6041 to verify results. Never rely on a single source—cross-check all three for complete accuracy.
Clerk of Courts: Civil, Probate, and Criminal Dockets
The Clerk of Courts maintains searchable dockets for civil lawsuits, probate matters, and criminal cases. Each request gets a unique control number within 24 hours. An automated email confirms receipt, and document prep usually finishes in three business days. The site also connects to Code Enforcement and the Official Record Search for property deeds and building permits. This cross-referencing helps researchers link criminal activity to real estate or code violations.
Real-Time Inmate Lookup Through MDCR
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation (MDCR) Inmate Search tool shows live data on people in county jails. Search by name, booking number, or birth date to see charges, bond amounts, court dates, and release estimates. The database refreshes every 15 minutes and logs more than 1,200 entries daily. All info follows Florida Public Records Law. A clear disclaimer notes that details may change without warning—always verify before making decisions based on this data.
Special Accommodations and Legal Deadlines
For court-related records or ADA support, contact Bibiana Candame, the Clerk of Courts’ ADA Coordinator, at 22 NW 1st St., 3rd Floor, Miami, FL 33128. Call 305-679-1000 or fax 305-679-1022. Requests for case files, bail bonds, or sentencing summaries must be submitted at least seven days before a hearing. If less than seven days remain, call immediately. Hearing-impaired individuals can use TTY line 711 for assistance. Always plan ahead to avoid missing critical deadlines.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
Costs vary by request type. Basic online searches are free. Advanced queries cost $0.50 per unit (minimum $5). Certified criminal records carry a $5 fee plus $0.15 per page for copies. City of Miami charges $0.10 per paper page. Payments accept credit cards, PayPal, or county purchase orders. Most standard requests take 7–10 business days. Rush services aren’t available, so factor in mailing time if sending physical documents. Always keep receipts and reference numbers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people delay their requests by forgetting key details. Always include full legal name, date of birth, and incident date if known. Don’t assume walk-ins are allowed—appointments are mandatory. Avoid using unofficial websites that charge high fees for public data. Never submit incomplete forms or missing IDs for certified copies. Double-check which agency holds your record: city vs. county vs. state. Lastly, remember that mugshots and arrest photos don’t prove guilt—only courts determine innocence or conviction.
Legal Rights and Privacy Considerations
Under Florida Statute 119, most police records are public unless sealed by a judge. However, active investigations, juvenile records, and victim identities may be redacted. You have the right to request corrections if information is inaccurate. Expungement or sealing requires court approval and often legal help. Be aware that posting mugshots online can have serious consequences for individuals, even if they’re later cleared. Always use records responsibly and respect privacy laws.
How to Verify Record Authenticity
All official PDFs from Miami-Dade include watermarks and digital signatures. Third-party sites like StateRecords.com and PublicAccessMiami.com verify each document against the original department file. If you receive a record by mail, check for the official seal and case number. For extra assurance, call the issuing agency with the control number. Never accept screenshots or photocopies as proof—only originals or certified copies hold legal weight.
Mobile Access and Browser Requirements
The county’s portals work on phones and tablets, but some features require specific settings. Safari users on macOS High Sierra or iOS 11 must allow cookies and cross-site tracking. Otherwise, forms won’t submit. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge work without adjustments. For best performance, use Wi-Fi and close unused tabs. The inmate search updates every 15 minutes, so refresh your screen to see the latest status. Bookmark official links to avoid fake sites.
Contact Information Summary
Main Records Division: 11711 NW 44th St., Miami, FL 33178 | 305-235-4610 (appointments) | 305-476-5423 (reports)
Central Records Bureau: 9105 NW 25th St., Doral, FL 33172 | 305-471-2070 (Commander Spicer) | 305-471-3220 (general)
City of Miami Police: 400 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33128 | (305) 603-6477 | records@miamipolice.org
Clerk of Courts ADA Coordinator: 22 NW 1st St., 3rd Fl., Miami, FL 33128 | 305-679-1000
FDLE Verification: 850-410-6041
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about costs, timing, and eligibility when searching for police records in Miami-Dade. Below are detailed answers based on current policies and user experiences.
How long does it take to get a police report from Miami-Dade?
Most standard requests are processed within 7 to 10 business days. Online searches for incidents since January 2020 return results instantly. Certified copies take longer—add 3 to 5 days for notarization and mailing. Rush options aren’t available, so plan ahead if you need documents for court or travel. Always use your control number to track progress. Delays happen during holidays or high-volume periods like summer months.
Can I search Miami-Dade police records for free?
Yes. The County Office portal provides free access to reports, logs, notes, bookings, and mugshots for incidents after January 2020. No login or payment is required. However, advanced searches in the Traffic Online System cost $0.50 per query with a $5 minimum. Certified copies always require fees. Avoid third-party sites that charge for public data—stick to official sources to save money and ensure accuracy.
What do I need to request someone else’s arrest record?
You must provide the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and race. Include your own contact information and relationship to the subject. For certified copies, a notarized form and government ID are mandatory. Some records may be restricted if they involve minors or ongoing investigations. Always check Florida’s public records law before requesting sensitive data. Misuse can lead to legal penalties.
Are mugshots and booking photos public in Miami-Dade?
Yes, mugshots are public records under Florida law unless sealed by a court. They appear in online searches and can be downloaded freely. However, publishing them online may harm reputations, even if charges are dropped. The county doesn’t endorse sharing these images. Use them responsibly and only for legitimate purposes like background checks or legal research.
How do I correct an error in my police record?
Contact the agency that created the record—usually the Miami-Dade Police Department or Clerk of Courts. Submit a written correction request with proof, such as a court dismissal or amended report. Include your control number and case details. The agency has 30 days to respond. If denied, you may appeal to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.
Can I get records from before 2020 online?
Not through the free portal. Records prior to January 2020 require a formal request to the Central Records Bureau or Clerk of Courts. These older files may only be available in paper format or on microfiche. Expect longer processing times and possible retrieval fees. For deeds and permits dating back to 1975, use the paid unit-based search system.
Is fingerprinting required for background checks in Miami-Dade?
Only for certain jobs, licenses, or volunteer roles. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) handles fingerprint-based checks. You’ll need to visit an approved location, pay a fee, and wait for results. County police don’t process fingerprints directly. Call FDLE at 850-410-6041 to confirm requirements. Non-fingerprint name checks are faster but less thorough.