Polk County Public Records / Polk County Arrest Records

Polk County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Polk County in 2026

PolkGERecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Polk County. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and inmate roster entries. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Polk County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that allows members of the public to query current and recent booking records. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The inmate roster is updated on a continuous basis, reflecting real-time changes in custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The Lakeland Police Department and the Winter Haven Police Department serve as the primary municipal law enforcement agencies within Polk County. Both departments publish press releases containing arrest information for notable cases. Members of the public may submit public records requests directly to each department for arrest logs and incident-related information.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Polk County Clerk of Courts operates an online case search portal through which members of the public may search criminal court cases by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests are accessible and include charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition. This resource is particularly useful for identifying the court proceedings associated with a specific arrest.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), which serves as the state-level repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may submit a request for a Florida criminal history check through the FDLE's public records portal. A standard fee of $24.00 applies to public criminal history record requests submitted through FDLE.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Polk County Sheriff's Office 1891 Jim Keene Blvd Winter Haven, FL 33880 Phone: (863) 298-6200 Polk County Sheriff's Office

Records Division is located at the main administrative facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
Copy fees: $0.15 per one-sided page; $0.20 per two-sided page, pursuant to § 119.07, Florida Statutes

Police Departments:

Lakeland Police Department 219 N Massachusetts Ave Lakeland, FL 33801 Phone: (863) 834-6900 Lakeland Police Department

Winter Haven Police Department 125 N Lake Silver Dr NW Winter Haven, FL 33881 Phone: (863) 291-5858 Winter Haven Police Department

Both departments accept in-person public records requests during regular business hours. Requestors should provide the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and a valid photo identification. Standard copy fees apply per page.

Clerk of Court:

Polk County Clerk of Courts – Criminal Division 255 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4000 Polk County Clerk of Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Criminal records division handles case file inspection and certified copy requests
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for certified copies; $0.15 per page for uncertified copies

By Mail:

Written requests may be directed to the Polk County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days.

By Phone:

Polk County Sheriff's Office: (863) 298-6200
Inmate information line: (863) 298-6400
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; requestors may be directed to the online inmate search or an in-person visit for complete records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal public records requests on behalf of clients or obtain records through the discovery process in active legal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of detailed arrest and investigative records not otherwise available through standard public access channels.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Lakeland PD, Winter Haven PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Polk County

Arrest records in Polk County are public records under Florida law. Pursuant to § 119.011, Florida Statutes, public records include all documents, papers, and electronic data made or received in connection with official government business. The Florida Public Records Law reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety, and community awareness. Arrest records serve a recognized public interest by enabling journalism, legal research, background screening, and informed civic participation.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Florida law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing law enforcement activity
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution guarantees every person the right of access to public records. This provision reflects the balance between government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction carries no legal finding of guilt and must be treated accordingly in employment and housing contexts.

What's in Polk County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Florida statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests within Polk County
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks: Represent comprehensive screening compiled from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Polk County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the relevant agency. Fees apply when copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current standard rates applicable to Polk County agencies under § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes:

Record Type	Fee
Uncertified copy (one-sided page)	$0.15 per page
Uncertified copy (two-sided page)	$0.20 per page
Certified copy (Clerk of Court)	$1.00 per page
FDLE criminal history check (public)	$24.00 per request
Extensive use fee (staff time)	Actual cost of labor

Inspection fees: No fee is charged for in-person inspection of public records
Copy fees: $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 per two-sided page for standard copies
Certification fees: $1.00 per page for certified copies issued by the Clerk of Courts
Electronic format fees: Agencies may charge the actual cost of duplication for records provided in electronic format
Search fees: Agencies may charge for extensive use of information technology resources or staff time when a request requires more than 15 minutes of staff effort

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts include cash, check, and money order. Some agencies accept credit or debit card payments; requestors should confirm accepted methods prior to submitting payment.

Fee Waivers:

Florida law does not provide a blanket fee waiver for public records requests. However, agencies retain discretion to waive fees in cases where the request serves a clear public benefit and the cost of collection would exceed the amount owed.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster searches through the Sheriff's Office website
Online case searches through the Clerk of Courts portal
In-person inspection of records at agency offices

How To Delete Arrest Records in Polk County

Florida law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction of the record by the arresting agency and the removal of the record from the FDLE repository. Sealing restricts public access to the record but does not result in physical destruction; the record remains accessible to certain government agencies and licensing boards.

Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:

Under § 943.0585 and § 943.059, Florida Statutes, a person may petition for expungement or sealing of an arrest record if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or the person was acquitted
The person has not previously had a record expunged or sealed in Florida
The offense is not among those statutorily ineligible for expungement or sealing (such as certain violent felonies, sexual offenses, and domestic violence offenses)

Steps to Expunge or Seal an Arrest Record in Polk County:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement by submitting an application and the required $75.00 processing fee through the FDLE expungement portal
File a Petition to Expunge or Seal with the Polk County Clerk of Courts, along with the Certificate of Eligibility, a sworn statement, and the applicable filing fee
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office for the Tenth Judicial Circuit
Attend a court hearing if the State Attorney objects to the petition
If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to all relevant agencies for compliance

Relevant Contacts:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Expungement Unit 2331 Phillips Rd Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: (850) 410-8109 Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Polk County Clerk of Courts – Criminal Division 255 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4000 Polk County Clerk of Courts

State Attorney's Office – Tenth Judicial Circuit 255 N Broadway Ave, Suite 3 Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4800 State Attorney's Office, Tenth Judicial Circuit

Public Defender's Office – Tenth Judicial Circuit 255 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4200 Public Defender's Office, Tenth Judicial Circuit

What Happens After Arrest in Polk County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Polk County Jail, operated by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The primary detention facility is located at:

Polk County Jail 1891 Jim Keene Blvd Winter Haven, FL 33880 Phone: (863) 298-6400 Polk County Sheriff's Office

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a structured intake process that typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Florida law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge for a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of arrest. The first appearance serves the following purposes:

Formal notification of charges
Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
Determination of bond or bail
Advisement of constitutional rights

First appearance hearings in Polk County are conducted via video conference from the jail facility. The court schedule is available through the Polk County Clerk of Courts.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate at first appearance, or by a bond schedule for certain offenses

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the total bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's court appearances

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at the time of release may include:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Mandatory drug or alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned upon release
The defendant receives a written notice of court dates
Written conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear at any court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody pending case resolution
A housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to representation by the Public Defender's Office for the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Eligibility is determined based on income at the first appearance hearing.

Public Defender's Office – Tenth Judicial Circuit 255 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4200 Public Defender's Office, Tenth Judicial Circuit

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Polk County Jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The State Attorney's Office for the Tenth Judicial Circuit reviews each arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to a few weeks of the arrest. The State Attorney may:

File formal charges by Information
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute (nolle prosequi)
File different or additional charges based on the evidence

Grand Jury:

For certain serious felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters an initial plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all legal options. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the State Attorney for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or reject any plea offer.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include:

Prison or jail time
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any custodial sentence. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most instances
Felony cases: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Florida law provides a 90-day speedy trial period for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Polk County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 1891 Jim Keene Blvd Winter Haven, FL 33880 Phone: (863) 298-6200 Inmate information: (863) 298-6400 Polk County Sheriff's Office

Polk County Clerk of Courts 255 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4000 Polk County Clerk of Courts

State Attorney's Office – Tenth Judicial Circuit 255 N Broadway Ave, Suite 3 Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4800 State Attorney's Office, Tenth Judicial Circuit

Public Defender's Office – Tenth Judicial Circuit 255 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4200 Public Defender's Office, Tenth Judicial Circuit

Pretrial Services – Polk County 255 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 Phone: (863) 534-4000 Polk County Clerk of Courts

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Polk County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Polk County is governed by Florida law and the policies of the relevant custodial agencies. The Florida Department of State General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, and District Medical Examiners establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement records. Individual agencies may retain records for longer periods at their discretion.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Clerk of Courts, FDLE state criminal history repository, and the FBI

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent at the state repository and Clerk of Courts
Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years, with many agencies retaining records permanently in electronic systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of three to five years
Court records: Retained until the case is closed, then subject to applicable retention schedules
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records may remain in all databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of three to five years
Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged
Eligible for expungement petition under Florida law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of three years at the local level
Local arrest logs: Minimum of three years
May be eligible for expungement petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement: Minimum of three years
Often eligible for expungement petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum retention of three to five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently or transferred to digital format
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
Physical evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of three years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum of three years; electronic records often retained permanently
Arrest reports: Minimum of five years
Investigative files: Varies by offense classification; felony investigations retained permanently
Contact: (863) 298-6200

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum of three to five years; electronic records often retained permanently
Incident reports: Minimum of three years
Retention periods may vary between the Lakeland Police Department and Winter Haven Police Department

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of five years following case closure
Traffic cases: Minimum of five years
Electronic records: Often retained permanently

State Repository:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the state criminal history repository
Retention policy: Permanent for all arrests submitted to the repository, unless expunged by court order
Includes arrests from all law enforcement jurisdictions throughout Florida

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention: Typically permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all major databases
Constitutes part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Appears on background checks indefinitely

Dismissal:

May remain in all databases unless expunged
Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
Local retention varies by agency

Expungement:

Results in physical destruction or sealing of local records
FDLE updates the state repository to reflect the expungement
The FBI database may retain a notation of the record accessible only to law enforcement
Timeframe for removal from all systems: Typically 60 to 90 days following issuance of the court order

No Charges Filed:

Subject to the shortest retention periods
May be purged automatically after three years at the local level
Eligible for expungement petition in most circumstances

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Within the Last Five Years):

Available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate search and Clerk of Courts case portal
Updated on a real-time or daily basis

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

May require an in-person public records request
Some records may be stored in archives or off-site storage
A retrieval fee may apply
Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archival storage
Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Records Division at (863) 298-6200 for information on specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized Destruction:

Destruction is authorized after the applicable retention period expires
Court-ordered expungement authorizes immediate destruction of designated records
Destruction is carried out in accordance with the Florida Department of State records retention schedule
Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency

Records That Cannot Be Destroyed:

Permanent retention is required for felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sexual offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals or post-conviction proceedings

Public Access to Old Records:

Older records may not be available through online search tools
In-person inspection at the relevant agency may be required
Some very old records are permanently archived and accessible only through formal request
Historical research access follows the same public records request procedures as routine searches

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period:

Most employment background checks cover seven years of history under the FCRA for positions paying under $75,000 annually
Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the seven-year period
Florida does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period beyond federal FCRA requirements

"Ban the Box" and Fair Chance Laws:

Florida does not currently have a statewide ban-the-box law applicable to private employers
Certain local ordinances within Polk County municipalities may impose additional restrictions
Arrests without resulting convictions must be distinguished from convictions in employment and housing decisions

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases or commercial background check services
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for specified purposes under Florida law
Immigration records are maintained separately and are subject to different federal retention rules
Juvenile arrest records are subject to distinct retention and access rules under Florida law

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (863) 298-6200
Submit a written public records request specifying the arrest date and subject information
Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request