Holmes County Public Records / Holmes County Arrest Records

Holmes County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Holmes County in 2026

HolmesRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Holmes County, Florida. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying 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 in Holmes County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Holmes County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Holmes County Sheriff's Office website. Available information includes arrestee name, charges, booking date, bond amount, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, reflecting current detainee information.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Bonifay Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Holmes County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be obtained by contacting the department directly. The Bonifay Police Department does not maintain a publicly accessible online arrest log at present; members of the public are directed to submit written requests or contact the records division by phone.

Bonifay Police Department
310 W. Washington Street
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-4421
City of Bonifay

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Holmes County Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or through the Clerk's public access terminal located at the courthouse. Searching by arrestee name will return associated court case numbers, charge information, and case disposition data.

Holmes County Clerk of Court
201 N. Oklahoma Street
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-1100
Holmes County Clerk of Court

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 request a Florida criminal history record check through the FDLE Criminal History Records portal. A standard public records request for a name-based criminal history search currently carries a fee of $24.00 per subject. The state repository includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Holmes County Sheriff's Office
107 E. Virginia Avenue
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-3645
Holmes County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
Specific information about the arrest, including full name and approximate date, is required
Copy fees: $0.15 per page for standard copies; $1.00 per page for certified copies

Clerk of Court:

Holmes County Clerk of Court
201 N. Oklahoma Street
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-1100
Holmes County Clerk of Court

Criminal records division is located within the main courthouse
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Case file inspection is available during regular business hours
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for certified copies; $0.15 per page for non-certified copies

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted to the Holmes County Sheriff's Office at 107 E. Virginia Avenue, Bonifay, FL 32425. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time is subject to the volume of pending requests and the nature of the records sought.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (850) 547-3645
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Limited information is available by phone; callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal public records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery in active criminal proceedings is governed by the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest and jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Holmes County

Arrest records in Holmes County are public records under Florida law. Pursuant to § 119.07, Florida Statutes, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made available to support government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

As stated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, "Criminal history information is public record in Florida and is available to the public upon request." This policy reflects the state's commitment to open government and the public's right to access information about law enforcement activity.

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 including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Florida law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain cases
Witness protection participant information is exempt

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, guarantees the public's right of access to government records. This provision balances transparency with individual privacy interests. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information, and due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records and records of conviction.

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 must comply with applicable federal and state law when using arrest information. Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Holmes 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 limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some cases)
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 by 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 typically included in public records releases

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

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

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
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 exemptions
Court records: Document legal proceedings following arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Holmes County varies by agency and record type. Under § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, agencies may charge fees for duplication of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of duplication.

Record Type	Fee
Non-certified copies (paper)	$0.15 per page
Certified copies	$1.00 per page
FDLE criminal history (name-based)	$24.00 per subject
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
Inspection of records	No charge

Inspection of public records at the agency's office is available at no charge during regular business hours
Fees for extensive requests involving staff time may be assessed at the agency's established rate
Accepted payment methods at the Holmes County Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requestors should inquire directly with the agency
The FDLE criminal history search fee of $24.00 applies to public requests; law enforcement agencies access the database at no charge

How To Delete Arrest Records in Holmes County

Florida law provides two primary mechanisms for the legal removal or restriction of arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction of the record by the custodial agency, while sealing restricts public access to the record without destroying it. Under § 943.0585 and § 943.059, Florida Statutes, eligible individuals may petition the court for expungement or sealing of qualifying arrest records.

Eligibility for Expungement:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The individual has not previously had a record expunged or sealed in Florida
The charge was dismissed, nolle prossed, or the individual was acquitted
The individual has no prior convictions for a disqualifying offense

Eligibility for Sealing:

The individual was not convicted of the offense (adjudication withheld)
The individual has not previously had a record sealed or expunged in Florida
The offense is not among those statutorily disqualified from sealing

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement by submitting the required application and a $75.00 processing fee
File a Petition to Expunge or Seal with the Holmes County Clerk of Court, along with the Certificate of Eligibility and a sworn statement
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office for the 14th Judicial Circuit
Attend the scheduled hearing before the circuit court judge
If the court grants the petition, the order is served on all agencies holding the record, which are then required to expunge or seal the record accordingly

Holmes County Clerk of Court
201 N. Oklahoma Street
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-1100
Holmes County Clerk of Court

Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Expungement Unit
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: (850) 410-8109
FDLE Expungement and Sealing

State Attorney's Office – 14th Judicial Circuit
185 4th Avenue
Blountstown, FL 32424
Phone: (850) 674-5645
14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Important limitations apply: expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases, and law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for specified purposes. Certain offenses are permanently disqualified from expungement or sealing under Florida law.

What Happens After Arrest in Holmes County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Holmes County Jail, the county's primary detention facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Holmes County Jail
107 E. Virginia Avenue
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-3645
Holmes County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical and 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 within 24 hours of arrest. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed

The hearing may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules for the 14th Judicial Circuit are available through the Florida Courts website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
Amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or by a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

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

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

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

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office – 14th Judicial Circuit
185 4th Avenue
Blountstown, FL 32424
Phone: (850) 674-4545
14th Judicial Circuit Public Defender

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney visits at the jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

The State Attorney's Office for the 14th Judicial Circuit reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.

For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings between prosecution and defense
Pretrial motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
Pretrial conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to assess case status and explore resolution

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a negotiated plea to charges with an agreed or recommended sentence
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict

Sentencing Options (if convicted):

Incarceration in county jail or state prison
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Substance abuse treatment
Combination of the above

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May extend to a year or more
Florida's speedy trial rule requires trial within 90 days for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure

Rights Throughout the Process:

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

Important Contacts:

Holmes County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
107 E. Virginia Avenue
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-3645
Holmes County Sheriff's Office

Holmes County Clerk of Court
201 N. Oklahoma Street
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-1100
Holmes County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office – 14th Judicial Circuit
185 4th Avenue
Blountstown, FL 32424
Phone: (850) 674-5645
14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Public Defender's Office – 14th Judicial Circuit
185 4th Avenue
Blountstown, FL 32424
Phone: (850) 674-4545
14th Judicial Circuit Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent in a polite and clear manner
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends regarding bail assistance
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Holmes County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Holmes County is governed by Florida law and applicable local agency policies. The Florida Department of State establishes records retention schedules for law enforcement and court records under the authority of § 257.36, Florida Statutes. The Florida General Records Schedule for Law Enforcement Agencies provides specific retention periods applicable to sheriff's offices and police departments statewide.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, FDLE state repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most databases
Court records are maintained permanently by the Clerk of Court
State repository retains records indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years under the Florida General Records Schedule
Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository: Records remain unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Retained per the applicable retention schedule
Court records: Retained permanently
May be sealed or expunged upon successful petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of five years
Local arrest logs: Retained per agency schedule
May be eligible for expungement petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per the Florida General Records Schedule
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of five years
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who have obtained an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Holmes County Sheriff's Office
107 E. Virginia Avenue
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-3645
Holmes County Sheriff's Office

Booking records: Minimum five years per Florida General Records Schedule
Arrest reports: Minimum five years; longer for serious offenses
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome

Holmes County Clerk of Court
201 N. Oklahoma Street
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-1100
Holmes County Clerk of Court

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of ten years
Electronic records: Retained permanently

State Repository:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition data submitted by all law enforcement agencies in Florida. Records are retained in accordance with FDLE policy and applicable state law.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by participating agencies. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; local retention varies by agency schedule
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; FDLE updates the state repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period; eligible for expungement petition in most cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are available online through the Sheriff's Office website and the Clerk of Court's case search portal
Older arrests may require an in-person request at the records division and may involve a retrieval fee
Records that have not been digitized may exist only in paper form in agency archives
Members of the public should contact the Holmes County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (850) 547-3645 for information about specific historical records

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Florida does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA's provisions. Individuals subject to background checks should be aware that arrests without convictions may appear and that the distinction between arrest and conviction is legally significant.

Records That Cannot Be Destroyed:

Felony conviction records
Records related to serious violent offenses
Sex offense records
Records in cases with ongoing appeals or post-conviction proceedings