Holmes County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Holmes County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Holmes County may access publicly available information through official government channels, court systems, and third-party aggregators such as HolmesRecords.org. Criminal records maintained by Holmes County agencies may include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, disposition records, sentencing information, and warrant data. Access to these records is governed by Florida's public records laws, and the availability of specific documents depends on the nature of the record, the status of the case, and whether any sealing or expungement orders have been issued.
Records that may be available through official sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit and county court case filings
- Criminal dispositions and sentencing orders
- Active and recalled warrants
- Sex offender registration data
- Jail inmate rosters
1. County Court Records
The Holmes County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal court records for cases filed in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject and a case number.
Holmes County Clerk of Courts
201 N. Oklahoma Street, Suite 130
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-1100
Holmes County Clerk of Courts
Public access terminals are available at the clerk's office for in-person case searches. Staff may assist with locating records, though fees apply for printed copies.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Holmes County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking logs, and jail inmate information. Members of the public may submit public records requests in person or in writing. Arrest logs and inmate rosters are subject to disclosure under Florida's public records statute.
Holmes County Sheriff's Office
107 E. Virginia Avenue
Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: (850) 547-3645
Holmes County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Clerk's online case search tool allow members of the public to search for criminal case records by name or case number. Users may access case status, hearing dates, and filed documents for cases that are not sealed or restricted.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Formal background check requests may be submitted through the FDLE's Criminal History Information portal. Fingerprint-based searches are required for certified background checks and carry a processing fee. Results are returned electronically within a few business days for name-based searches.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written public records requests may be submitted to the Holmes County Clerk of Courts or the Sheriff's Office by mail. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Florida Statute § 119.07, agencies are required to acknowledge requests promptly and provide records within a reasonable time.
What Is Holmes County Criminal Records
A criminal record is an official government document that reflects an individual's history of contact with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions. In Holmes County, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies as a case moves through the justice system, from initial law enforcement contact through final court disposition.
Key distinctions within criminal records include:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are more serious offenses carrying potential sentences exceeding one year; misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both are documented in court records.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public disclosure under Florida law. Juvenile records are confidential under Florida Statute § 985.04 and are not available to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current outstanding orders for arrest; historical records document past proceedings regardless of current status.
Agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Holmes County include:
- Holmes County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, booking records, jail records
- Holmes County Clerk of Courts — court case files, charging documents, dispositions
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement — statewide criminal history repository
- Bonifay Police Department — local arrest and incident records
Records are created at the point of arrest, updated as charges are filed and modified, and finalized upon disposition. The Holmes County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of court records within the county.
Are Criminal Records Public In Holmes County
Criminal records in Holmes County are subject to public disclosure under Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.01, "it is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This broad mandate applies to adult criminal records, including arrest logs, court filings, and final dispositions.
Records that are available to the public include adult conviction records, court case filings, sentencing orders, and booking information. However, certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (confidential under § 985.04)
- Active criminal investigative information
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to court-issued protective orders
The Florida Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public records access and exemptions through its Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual. Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI or federal courts operate under separate rules and are not subject to Florida's public records law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Holmes County Online
Official County Resources
The Holmes County Clerk of Courts provides an online case search tool through its official website, allowing members of the public to search for criminal cases by name or case number. The portal includes case status, hearing information, and available filed documents. The Holmes County Sheriff's Office publishes a current jail inmate roster on its website.
State-Level Resources
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers a public-facing criminal history search tool for name-based inquiries. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal provides access to statewide court case information. These tools allow searches across multiple counties and jurisdictions.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases to confirm record completeness
- Be aware that records sealed or expunged by court order will not appear in public searches
- Older records predating electronic filing may not be available online
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not substitute for certified background checks required for employment, licensing, or housing purposes.
Can You Search Holmes County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Florida law mandates that public records be available for inspection at no charge. Under Florida Statute § 119.07, agencies must allow inspection of public records free of cost. Copying fees apply when physical or electronic copies are requested. In-person inspection is available at the Holmes County Clerk of Courts and the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases
The following resources are currently available at no cost:
| Resource | What's Free |
|---|---|
| Holmes County Clerk Case Search | Case status, filings, dispositions |
| Holmes County Sheriff Inmate Roster | Current jail population |
| FDLE Public Criminal History Search | Name-based criminal history summary |
| Florida Courts E-Filing Portal | Case docket information |
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the Holmes County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure and may be reviewed at no charge during business hours.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the clerk's office (at present, Florida law authorizes up to $1.00 per page for copies under § 119.07)
- Official FDLE certified background checks: currently $24.00 per name-based search
- Fingerprint-based background checks: additional processing fees apply
- Staff-assisted research beyond standard inspection
- Expedited processing requests
What's Included in a Holmes County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Holmes County criminal record at present may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, Florida State Identification (SID) number, and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges as formally filed (including felony or misdemeanor classification and applicable statutes), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (type, length, fines, restitution, probation or parole conditions), and any appeals filed.
Additional Record Types
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable through the FDLE Sex Offender Registry)
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under § 985.04)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed pretrial diversion program records (where sealed by court order)
Accuracy Note
Criminal records may contain clerical errors or outdated information. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their records may petition the originating agency or the FDLE for correction through the criminal history record challenge process.
How Long Does Holmes County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Florida's records retention requirements for criminal justice records are established under the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies and GS1 for County Governments. These schedules set minimum retention periods that agencies must follow.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Minimum 5 years |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 21; destruction timelines vary by offense |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- Holmes County Clerk of Courts: Court records are retained permanently in accordance with Florida court records retention rules.
- Holmes County Sheriff's Office: Arrest and booking records are retained per the General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies.
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Conviction records are maintained permanently in the statewide repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for the full required period and in many cases indefinitely. Physical paper records may be destroyed after scanning and digitization, provided the electronic copy meets archival standards.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic deletion of a record at the end of its retention period.
- Sealing restricts public access to a record while preserving it for law enforcement use.
- Expungement results in the physical destruction of the record by the custodial agency, though the FDLE retains a confidential notation. Eligibility and procedures are governed by Florida Statute § 943.0585, which outlines the petition process, eligibility criteria, and the effect of an expungement order. Petition forms are available through the FDLE expungement and sealing portal.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are subject to federal retention rules and exist independently of county or state records.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions that remain in the public record will appear on background checks conducted for employment, housing, or professional licensing. Consumer reporting agencies conducting employment background checks are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which at present limits reporting of most criminal records to seven years for certain positions, though no such limit applies to positions with salaries above a defined threshold. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record. Even where a county agency has destroyed physical records, electronic copies may persist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to § 943.0585.