Miami Dade County warrant records are public files that show active arrest warrants, bench warrants, and capias orders issued by courts in the county. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts keep these records.
About 2.7 million people live in this county, making it the largest county in Florida. Each year, the court system processes thousands of warrant records. Most of these records are open to the public under Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law.
What Are Miami Dade County Warrant Records
A warrant record is an official court order. A judge signs it when there is probable cause to arrest someone or bring them to court. These records list the person’s name, the charge, the case number, and the agency that asked for the warrant. In Miami Dade County, the court system issues many types of warrants. Each type works a little differently.
Types of Warrants in Miami Dade County
Several kinds of warrants show up in the Miami Dade County system. An arrest warrant tells law enforcement to take a person into custody. A judge signs it after police show probable cause under Florida Statute 901.02. A bench warrant comes from a judge when someone misses a court date. A capias is similar to a bench warrant. The Clerk of Circuit Court can also issue it. Violation of probation warrants happen when someone breaks the rules of their probation. Fugitive warrants cover people wanted in other states.
- Arrest warrant (felony or misdemeanor)
- Bench warrant for failure to appear
- Capias warrant from the clerk
- Violation of probation warrant
- Fugitive warrant from another state
- Search warrant (expires after 14 days under Florida Statute 933.07)
Who Maintains These Records
Two main offices keep warrant records in Miami Dade County. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office runs the Warrants Bureau. This bureau files, tracks, and serves warrants across the county. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts keeps the court case files. These files include warrant activity in each criminal docket. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also runs a statewide database. That database pulls data from all 67 Florida counties, including Miami-Dade.
How to Search Miami Dade County Warrant Records
You can search for warrants in Miami Dade County using three main tools. Each tool gives you different results. Some tools show only active warrants. Other tools show court case history that includes warrants. The best results come from checking more than one source.
FDLE Public Access System
The fastest way to check for active warrants statewide is the FDLE Public Access System. This system is free. You do not need an account. Go to the FDLE Wanted Persons search page. Type in the first and last name. The system shows active warrants reported by law enforcement across Florida, including Miami Dade County. Results show the warrant type and the issuing agency. Some warrants take time to reach the FDLE database, so the clerk’s system may show newer entries.
The FDLE pulls data from sheriffs, police departments, and state agencies. Miami Dade County warrant records may not show up on the FDLE system right away. Local agencies can take several days to enter data into the statewide system. For the most current data, contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office directly.
Miami Dade Clerk of Courts Online Search
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts runs a free online case search tool. You can search by defendant name, case number, citation number, or jail number. Bench warrants and capias orders show up in the case docket once the judge signs them. This system works best when you already know the court case number. The clerk’s office adds new entries every business day.
You can request copies of court documents by mail. Send your request to Records Management at P.O. Box 14695, Miami, FL 33101. You can also email the clerk at cocpubreq@miamidadeclerk.gov. Each copy has a small fee under Florida public records law. The clerk’s office responds to public records requests within a few business days.
Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office Records Request
The sheriff’s office does not have a public warrant search tool on its website. You can still reach the Warrants Bureau by phone at (305) 471-1700. For record requests, email recordsrequest@mdso.com. The office takes in-person visits by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The main address is 9105 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172.
Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office Warrants Bureau
The Warrants Bureau is one of the largest in the state of Florida. It runs several units that track down people with outstanding felony warrants. The bureau operates a desk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It gives warrant checks to law enforcement agencies across the country. Any police officer in the United States can call the desk to confirm if someone has a warrant in Miami Dade County.
Felony Apprehension Squads
Felony Apprehension Squads are active units. They locate and arrest people who have active felony warrants in the county. These squads work with local police departments and federal agencies. They focus on violent felons, repeat offenders, and people who have avoided arrest for a long time. The squads respond to tips from the public and leads from other law enforcement agencies.
Extraditions Unit
The Administration and Extraditions Unit handles the return of felony suspects. They work with law enforcement in other states and countries. When someone with a Miami Dade County warrant gets arrested in another state, this unit coordinates the transport back to Florida. Florida follows the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act. This law lets the governor order the return of fugitives from other states.
Federal Task Force Partnerships
The Warrants Bureau works with federal partners too. Miami Dade County partners with the U.S. Marshals Service through the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. They also work with FDLE on the Florida Fugitive Task Force. These joint efforts help track down wanted persons who may have left the county or the state. The task forces focus on violent offenders, gang members, and people on the state’s most wanted list.
Public Access Laws and the Florida Sunshine Law
Warrant records in Miami Dade County are public under Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law. Florida Statute 119.07 says anyone can view and copy public records held by state and local agencies. You do not need to be the person named on the warrant. You do not need to give a reason for your search. The law applies to the sheriff’s office and the clerk of courts in Miami Dade County.
What Records Are Public
Most warrant records are open to the public. The public can see the name on the warrant, the charge, the case number, the issuing court, and the bond amount. Court dockets are public. Sheriff’s press releases about fugitives are public. The FDLE public database is open to anyone with internet access. Local newspapers often publish lists of people with active warrants in Miami Dade County.
What Records Stay Private
Some warrant records have limits. Active criminal intelligence and investigative data can be held back under Florida Statute 119.071. Search warrants and their affidavits stay private until the warrant is served. Some officers hold “pocket warrants” that have not been entered into any database. If a warrant is in this status, it will not show up in any public search. A criminal defense attorney can check with the investigating agency for warrants not in the public system.
What to Do If You Have a Warrant in Miami Dade County
If you find a warrant in your name, the first step is to talk to a criminal defense attorney. Do not go to the police station or jail on your own without legal advice. Under Florida law, if you turn yourself in on a warrant, you must go into custody before you can post bond. A licensed bail bondsman can help you with the steps. Some lawyers can arrange a walk-through surrender. This process can take a few hours rather than sitting in jail overnight.
Capias vs Bench Warrant in Florida
Many people confuse capias and bench warrants. Both come from a judge or clerk. A bench warrant comes from a judge when you miss a court date. A capias is the formal name for a writ that tells the sheriff to arrest you. The Clerk of Circuit Court can issue a capias without a judge in some cases. In Florida, the term “capias” is used more often in criminal cases. The term “bench warrant” is used more often in civil cases. Both lead to arrest if you have contact with law enforcement.
Florida does not put a time limit on arrest warrants. A warrant from 20 years ago can still lead to an arrest today. The only way to clear a warrant is for a judge to recall it. A judge can recall a warrant when the case is resolved, the defendant dies, or new facts come to light. The Florida statute of limitations does not apply to most arrest warrants once they are signed.
Clearing a Warrant in Miami Dade
You can clear a warrant in a few ways. The most common way is to appear before the judge who issued the warrant. Your attorney can file a motion to set aside the capias or recall the bench warrant. Some warrants get cleared when you pay a fine or complete a court-ordered program. The clerk’s office can tell you what steps your specific case needs.
Florida also runs warrant amnesty and safe surrender programs from time to time. These programs let people with minor warrants clear their cases without going to jail. The Miami Dade County court system has held Operation Safe Surrender events in the past. Check the clerk’s website for current programs. A warrant attorney can also help you apply for the Florida governor’s warrant review process in special cases.
Miami Dade County Court and Warrant Lookup Details
Miami Dade County sits in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers all felony and major civil cases in the county. County court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and small civil cases. Each court division can issue warrants. The clerk’s office files all of them in the same case docket system.
Florida Circuit Court Warrant Search
The Florida circuit court warrant search uses the same clerk system. You can look up felony and misdemeanor cases through the clerk’s online portal. The portal shows the warrant status of each case. Some warrants show as “issued” in the docket. Others show as “executed” when the person is arrested. The system updates within one business day in most cases.
Florida Sheriff Warrant Search by Name
You can search by name through the FDLE Wanted Persons page. Type the last name first, then the first name. The system looks for matches across all Florida counties. Results show the person’s photo, the charge, and the agency that issued the warrant. The FDLE system does not cover every Florida warrant. Some local agencies enter data faster than others.
Third Party Warrant Search Services
Many third party websites offer Florida warrant searches. These sites pull data from public sources. Some sites charge a fee for full reports. Free state resources work for most basic checks. A third party site can be useful when you need records from many counties at once. Always check the date of the data. Old data can lead to wrong results. Official government sites are the most current source.
Nearby Counties and Warrant Search Options
Miami Dade County borders Broward, Monroe, and Collier counties. Warrants are filed in the county where the case was opened. If you are not sure which county holds the warrant, check the address where the offense took place. Each nearby county has its own warrant search tools and clerk offices.
Broward County Warrant Records
Broward County is just north of Miami Dade. The Broward Sheriff’s Office runs the warrant system there. The FDLE database covers Broward warrants too. The Broward Clerk of Courts has its own online search for case dockets. Many warrants cross between the two counties because people live and work across the border.
Other Florida County Warrant Lookups
Florida has 67 counties. Each one has its own warrant records. The FDLE public database covers all of them. You can also check each county clerk’s website for local court records. The largest counties by population include Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Orange, and Pinellas. Each one processes thousands of warrants every year. Use the same search method for any county in Florida.
Miami Dade Clerk of Courts Public Records
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts keeps all court case files. When a judge signs a warrant, the clerk enters it into the case record. You can search these records online for free at the clerk’s website. The system lets you search by defendant name, case number, citation number, or jail number. Warrant activity appears in the case docket once the court files it.
The clerk’s main office is at 20 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33128. The phone number is (305) 275-1155. You can request public records by mail or email. The clerk’s office charges a small fee per page for copies under Florida law. Most requests get processed within 3 to 5 business days.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Warrant Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the Public Access System. This system shows wanted persons across the state. Law enforcement agencies from all 67 counties enter their warrant data into the system. The data covers arrest warrants, felony warrants, and missing persons. The system is free to use. You do not need to register.
FDLE Wanted Persons Database
The FDLE Wanted Persons database is the most complete statewide list. The system updates every day. New warrants show up within a few days of being entered. Old warrants can stay in the system for years until the person is arrested or the warrant is recalled. The database also lists the most wanted fugitives in Florida. Photos and physical descriptions help the public identify suspects.
Florida Most Wanted Fugitives
FDLE publishes a Florida most wanted fugitives list. This list covers dangerous offenders who have avoided arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service also runs a similar list. Miami Dade County fugitives can show up on either list. The lists include photos, last known addresses, and the charges. Rewards are often offered for tips that lead to an arrest.
Warrant Types and Florida Law
Florida law defines each type of warrant in state statutes. The court system issues thousands of warrants each year. Knowing the type of warrant helps you understand the legal process and your rights.
Arrest Warrants Under Florida Statute 901.02
Florida Statute 901.02 covers arrest warrants. A judge signs an arrest warrant after a sworn complaint or police affidavit shows probable cause. The warrant tells any law enforcement officer in the state to arrest the person named. The warrant must include the person’s name, the charge, and the judge’s signature. Arrest warrants in Florida do not expire. They stay active until the court recalls them.
Capias Warrants and Failure to Appear
A capias is a writ issued when someone fails to appear in court. Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.790 covers capias in criminal cases. The clerk can issue a capias without a judge when the person misses a required court date. A capias leads to an immediate arrest if you have any contact with law enforcement. Bonds on capias cases are often higher than the original bond.
Search Warrants Under Florida Statute 933.07
Search warrants are different from arrest warrants. A search warrant lets officers search a specific place for evidence. Florida Statute 933.07 says search warrants must be carried out within 14 days. If not, the warrant expires. Search warrant affidavits stay private until the warrant is served. Most search warrants never appear in public databases.
Background Checks and Florida Warrants
Many employers and landlords run background checks. A Florida warrant can show up on a background check. The check pulls data from court records, the FDLE database, and sheriff’s offices. A warrant on your record can affect jobs, housing, and travel. You should check your own record before applying for a job or apartment.
Florida Name-Based Warrant Search
A name-based search uses your full legal name. The FDLE system searches for matches in the wanted persons database. The clerk’s system searches court dockets. A name-based search can return false matches when common names appear. Always check the date of birth and photo to confirm the right person. A criminal defense attorney can run a more thorough search.
Warrant Check Before Traveling
You should always check for warrants before you travel. An outstanding warrant can lead to arrest at the airport, during a traffic stop, or at a checkpoint. The TSA does not check for warrants, but local police often work checkpoints near airports and train stations. A simple online check before your trip can prevent a major problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common issues people face with Miami Dade County warrant records. Each answer gives you the facts you need to handle your situation the right way. Use these answers as a starting point. Talk to a licensed attorney for legal advice on your specific case.
How long do warrants last in Florida?
Arrest warrants in Florida do not expire. A warrant from 10, 20, or even 30 years ago can still lead to an arrest. The warrant stays active until a judge recalls it, the person is arrested, or the case is dismissed. Search warrants are different. They expire after 14 days if not served under Florida Statute 933.07. The clerk’s office cannot recall an arrest warrant. Only a judge can do that through a court motion.
Can I check for a Florida warrant for free?
Yes. The FDLE Public Access System lets you search for wanted persons at no cost. The Miami Dade Clerk of Courts also offers free case searches. You can call the Warrants Bureau at (305) 471-1700 to ask about a specific case. Some third party websites charge fees for full reports. Free state resources cover most basic checks you need.
What is the difference between a capias and a bench warrant in Florida?
A bench warrant is issued by a judge when you miss a court date. A capias is a writ that the clerk can issue without a judge in some criminal cases. Both lead to your arrest if you have contact with law enforcement. The bond amount on a capias is often higher than the original bond in the case. Your attorney can help you clear either type of warrant.
How do I clear a warrant in Miami Dade County?
You can clear a warrant by appearing in court with an attorney. Your lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. The court will set a hearing date. In some cases, the warrant gets cleared when you pay a fine or complete a court program. The clerk’s office cannot clear warrants. Only a judge has the power to recall a warrant under Florida law.
Will a Florida warrant show up in other states?
Yes. A Florida warrant can show up in any state through the FDLE database, the NCIC system, and the National Crime Information Center. Other states can honor a Florida warrant and arrest you. You can be extradited back to Florida under the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act. The governor of Florida can sign an extradition order to bring you back to face the charge.
What should I do if I have an outstanding warrant in Miami Dade?
Contact a criminal defense attorney right away. Do not go to the police station or jail on your own. Your attorney can arrange a walk-through surrender. This process can take a few hours rather than sitting in jail overnight. A bail bondsman can help you post bond after you are booked. A lawyer can also look for ways to resolve the case without jail time in some situations.
Can I get a warrant expunged in Florida?
You cannot expunge an active warrant. A warrant is an open court action. The court must recall the warrant first. After the warrant is cleared and the case ends, you may qualify to seal or expunge the record. Florida Statute 943.059 covers expungement. You must meet the eligibility rules and file a petition with the court. A criminal defense attorney can help you with the paperwork.