Glades County warrant records are official court and law enforcement documents that show active arrest orders issued by judges in Glades County, Florida. These records are managed by the Glades County Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Moore Haven.
Anyone can search these records for free through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) public database or by contacting local offices directly. Glades County sits along the western shore of Lake Okeechobee and follows the same legal procedures as all 67 counties in Florida for issuing, serving, and recalling warrants.
Who Maintains Glades County Warrant Records
Two local agencies hold the main files for warrant records in Glades County. Each agency plays a different role in the warrant process. One agency creates the warrant, and the other carries it out.
Glades County Sheriff’s Office
The Glades County Sheriff’s Office serves every arrest warrant that a judge signs in the county. The office is located at 1297 East State Road 78 in Moore Haven, Florida 33471. You can call the office at (863) 946-1600 to ask about a specific warrant, request records, or schedule a surrender. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Because Glades County has a small population of about 12,000 people, the sheriff’s office operates with limited staff, so records requests by phone or mail may take a few business days to process.
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Agency Name | Glades County Sheriff’s Office |
| Address | 1297 E. State Road 78, Moore Haven, FL 33471 |
| Phone | (863) 946-1600 |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | gladessheriff.org |
Glades County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Clerk of Courts keeps all court case files, including documents tied to active warrants. Bench warrants, capias orders, and arrest warrants are filed with the clerk after a judge signs them. The clerk’s office is at 500 Avenue J in Moore Haven, Florida 33471. You can reach the clerk at (863) 946-6010. Glades County does not have a full online case search tool on its website, so most people must call or visit the office in person to get case-level details.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the statewide wanted persons database. This system collects warrant data from every county in Florida, including Glades County. The search is free, and no account or login is required. FDLE pulls data directly from local law enforcement agencies, so the results reflect the most current records available through official channels.
How to Search Glades County Warrant Records Online
Searching for warrant records in Glades County takes only a few minutes when you use the right tools. Below are the main methods to check for active warrants in the county.
Using the FDLE Public Access System
The FDLE Public Access System is the fastest way to search for active warrants in Glades County. Follow these steps to complete a search:
- Go to the FDLE Wanted Persons search page at pas.fdle.state.fl.us.
- Enter the full name of the person you are looking for.
- Click the search button to run the query.
- Review the results for any active warrants listed in Glades County or other Florida counties.
If a person has an active warrant in Glades County, the system will display the name, the issuing county, the offense, and sometimes a photo. The search is free and open to the public 24 hours a day.
Searching by Name Through Local Agencies
If the FDLE system does not show results, the next step is to call the Glades County Sheriff’s Office or the Clerk of Courts. The staff can run a name check in their internal system. You will need to provide the full legal name and date of birth if possible. Phone checks are usually faster than written requests, but written requests are required for certified copies under Florida public records law.
Searching the Clerk of Court Records
Court records for Glades County are filed with the Clerk of Courts. While the local website does not have a full online portal, the 20th Judicial Circuit (which includes Glades, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee counties) provides some case lookup tools through the Florida Courts website. You can search by case number or party name to find court orders, including warrants that are part of an open case file.
Types of Warrants in Glades County
Florida law recognizes several types of warrants. Each one has a specific legal purpose. Knowing the differences helps you understand what a record means and what steps to take next.
Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is a court order signed by a judge that gives law enforcement the legal power to detain a person. Under Florida Statute 901.02, a judge can issue an arrest warrant only after law enforcement presents probable cause that the person committed a crime. The warrant must clearly identify the person by name or physical description, and it must state the specific offense. Arrest warrants in Glades County do not expire. They stay active until the person is taken into custody or a judge recalls the warrant.
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is issued directly by a judge from the bench. Judges issue bench warrants in Glades County for several reasons:
- A person fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- A person violates the terms of probation or community control
- A person does not follow a court order, such as paying a fine
- A person fails to complete a required program, like traffic school
Bench warrants are common in misdemeanor cases. Even a missed court date for a traffic ticket can lead to a bench warrant in Glades County.
Capias Warrants
A capias is a written order issued by a clerk or a judge that commands law enforcement to arrest a person. Capias warrants are often used when a defendant fails to appear in court or when a judge orders an arrest after a violation. In Glades County, capias orders are filed directly in the court record and remain active until the court clears them.
Search Warrants
Search warrants give law enforcement permission to search a specific place for evidence. Under Florida Statute 933.07, a search warrant must be executed within 14 days of the date a judge signs it. After 14 days, the warrant expires and must be returned to the court. Search warrant affidavits are kept sealed until the warrant is served or law enforcement decides not to use it.
Fugitive Warrants
A fugitive warrant is issued when a person flees to avoid prosecution. In Glades County, fugitive warrants are often coordinated with other states through the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These warrants stay active across state lines.
Probation Violation Warrants
When a person on probation breaks the rules set by the court, a judge can issue a probation violation warrant. The warrant directs the sheriff to arrest the person and bring them back to court. Probation violation warrants in Glades County are common in cases involving drug offenses, theft, and driving violations.
Florida Public Records Law and Warrant Access
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the United States. Warrant records in Glades County fall under these laws, which means most warrant data is open to the public.
Florida Statute 119.07
Florida Statute 119.07 gives any person the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies. You do not need to give a reason for the request. You do not need to live in Florida. The agency can charge a fee for copies, but the fee must be reasonable. The agency cannot charge you just for looking at records.
Florida Statute 901.04
Florida Statute 901.04 states that arrest warrants are directed to “all and singular the sheriffs of the state.” This means a warrant issued in Glades County can be served by any sheriff in Florida. A person with a Glades County warrant can be arrested anywhere in the state.
Records That Stay Sealed
Some warrant-related records are not open to the public. Search warrant affidavits stay sealed until the warrant is served or until law enforcement decides not to use it. Active investigation files and criminal intelligence data are also kept from public view under certain conditions. Once a warrant is served and an arrest is made, the arrest report, booking information, and the warrant itself become public.
How to Clear or Resolve a Glades County Warrant
Clearing a warrant takes time, but the process is straightforward. Here are the main steps to resolve an active warrant in Glades County.
Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
The first step is to hire a criminal defense attorney who is licensed in Florida. An attorney can review the warrant details, contact the court on your behalf, and advise you on the best legal options. In many cases, an attorney can arrange a voluntary surrender that reduces the time you spend in custody. The Florida Bar website allows you to search for licensed attorneys by county and practice area.
Request a Bond Hearing
After an arrest on a warrant, the person has the right to a bond hearing. A judge reviews the warrant, the offense, and the person’s history to set a bond amount. In some cases, a judge may release the person on their own recognizance without a bond. A bail bondsman can post the bond for a fee, usually 10 percent of the total bond amount in Florida.
Request a Warrant Recall
A judge can recall (cancel) a warrant under certain conditions. Common reasons for a warrant recall in Glades County include:
- The person was already in custody in another county
- The case was dismissed or resolved
- New evidence shows the warrant was issued in error
- The person completes a required program, such as paying a fine
An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant. The court then schedules a hearing to decide whether to cancel the warrant.
Surrender at the Sheriff’s Office
Turning yourself in at the Glades County Sheriff’s Office can sometimes help your case. A judge may see it as a sign of cooperation, which can lead to a lower bond or a more favorable outcome. You can call (863) 946-1600 in advance to set up a surrender time. Bring a photo ID and any court paperwork related to the case.
Do Not Ignore the Warrant
Warrants in Glades County do not go away on their own. Ignoring a warrant leads to more legal problems. A routine traffic stop, a job background check, or even a visit to a government office can result in an arrest. Old warrants from years ago are still valid and can lead to arrest at any time.
What Happens After an Arrest on a Glades County Warrant
Once a person is arrested on a Glades County warrant, the court process begins. Each step has legal deadlines and rights that apply.
First Appearance Before a Judge
Florida law requires that every arrested person see a judge within 24 hours of arrest. This is called a first appearance. The judge reviews the warrant, informs the person of the charges, and decides on bond. In Glades County, first appearance hearings are held at the Glades County Jail in Moore Haven or through video from the county courthouse.
Arraignment
At the arraignment, the person enters a formal plea of guilty, no contest, or not guilty. The judge sets future court dates and reviews the conditions of release. A defense attorney can represent the person at this stage and may be able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor.
Trial or Plea Agreement
If the person pleads not guilty, the case moves toward trial. If the person pleads guilty or no contest, or reaches a plea agreement with the prosecutor, the judge sentences the person according to Florida sentencing guidelines. Sentences can include fines, probation, jail time, or a combination.
Glades County Judicial Circuit and Court Information
Glades County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit includes five counties: Glades, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee. Warrant cases in Glades County are handled by judges who serve the entire 20th Circuit.
| Court Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit | 20th Judicial Circuit |
| Circuit Counties | Glades, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Lee |
| Circuit Court Website | ca.cjis20.org |
| Main Courthouse | Glades County Courthouse, Moore Haven, FL |
| Court Phone | (863) 946-6010 |
Warrant Records in Neighboring Counties
Glades County borders Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee, Charlotte, and Lee counties. If you are not sure which county issued a warrant, the offense location determines the right jurisdiction. You can search each county’s records separately or use the FDLE statewide system to cover all Florida counties at once.
Hendry County
Hendry County shares the western border of Glades County. The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office is in LaBelle, Florida. Warrant records in Hendry County are filed with the Hendry County Clerk of Courts.
Highlands County
Highlands County borders Glades County to the north. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is in Sebring, Florida. Warrant records in Highlands County are available through the Highlands County Clerk of Courts and the local sheriff’s office.
Okeechobee County
Okeechobee County sits northeast of Glades County, across Lake Okeechobee. The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office and the Okeechobee County Clerk of Courts manage warrant records for that county.
Charlotte County
Charlotte County borders Glades County to the west. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is in Punta Gorda, Florida. The Charlotte County Clerk of Courts keeps court records, including warrant files.
Lee County
Lee County borders Glades County to the southwest. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is in Fort Myers, Florida. Lee County has a larger population and offers an online warrant search tool through its sheriff’s office website.
Common Offenses That Lead to Warrants in Glades County
Warrants in Glades County are issued for many types of offenses. Some are more common than others. Knowing the most common types helps you understand what kind of warrant you or someone else might face.
Failure to Appear
Failure to appear is the most common reason for a warrant in Glades County. When a person misses a court date without notifying the court, the judge issues a bench warrant. This can happen for any type of case, from traffic tickets to felony charges.
Probation Violations
People on probation who break the rules of their supervision can face a probation violation warrant. Common violations include failing a drug test, missing a meeting with a probation officer, or committing a new offense.
Felony Charges
Felony warrants in Glades County are issued for serious crimes such as burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and fraud. Felony warrants are entered into the FDLE and NCIC databases, which means they are visible to law enforcement across the country.
Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor warrants cover less serious offenses such as petty theft, simple battery, and disorderly conduct. These warrants are often the result of missed court dates or unpaid fines.
Traffic Offenses
Warrants for traffic offenses are common in Glades County. Driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving can all lead to arrest warrants. Unpaid traffic fines can also lead to a bench warrant.
Important Contact Details for Glades County Warrant Records
Below is a summary of the main offices and contact numbers you may need when searching for or resolving a warrant in Glades County.
| Office | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glades County Sheriff’s Office | 1297 E. State Road 78, Moore Haven, FL 33471 | (863) 946-1600 | gladessheriff.org |
| Glades County Clerk of Courts | 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471 | (863) 946-6010 | gladesclerk.com |
| FDLE Public Access System | Tallahassee, FL (Statewide) | (850) 410-7000 | pas.fdle.state.fl.us |
| 20th Judicial Circuit Court | 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | (239) 533-5000 | ca.cjis20.org |
Frequently Asked Questions About Glades County Warrant Records
Below are answers to common questions people ask about warrant records in Glades County, Florida. These answers cover search methods, legal rights, and what to do if you find a warrant in your name.
How do I check if I have a warrant in Glades County?
You can check for a warrant in Glades County by searching the FDLE Public Access System at pas.fdle.state.fl.us. Enter your full name and run the search. You can also call the Glades County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 946-1600 or the Clerk of Courts at (863) 946-6010 to ask about warrant status. A criminal defense attorney can run a name check for you and explain the results.
Are warrant records free to search in Glades County?
Yes. The FDLE search is free and does not require an account. Phone inquiries to the sheriff’s office or clerk of courts are also free. If you need a certified copy of a court record, the clerk’s office may charge a small fee per page under Florida public records law. Copies of arrest reports from the sheriff’s office may also carry a fee.
Can I search Glades County warrant records by name?
Yes. The FDLE system lets you search by first and last name. Local agencies can also run a name check if you provide a date of birth. For exact matches, it helps to know the person’s full legal name, including any middle names or aliases. The more details you have, the more accurate the search results will be.
How long do warrants stay active in Florida?
Arrest warrants, bench warrants, capias warrants, and fugitive warrants stay active indefinitely in Florida until the person is arrested, the warrant is recalled by a judge, or the case is resolved. Search warrants are different. They expire 14 days after a judge signs them. After that, law enforcement must return the warrant to the court.
What is the difference between a bench warrant and an arrest warrant in Florida?
A bench warrant is issued by a judge directly, usually for failing to appear in court or violating a court order. An arrest warrant is issued after law enforcement shows probable cause that a person committed a crime. Both types of warrants give law enforcement the power to arrest the person, but they come from different court actions.
Can a Glades County warrant be dropped or dismissed?
Yes. A judge can dismiss or recall a warrant under certain conditions. These include proof that the person was already in custody, that the case was resolved, that new evidence clears the person, or that the warrant was issued in error. An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant and request a hearing before the court.
Will a warrant from Glades County show up on a background check?
Yes. Active warrants entered into the FDLE or NCIC system show up on most background checks. This includes employment screenings, firearm purchase checks, and immigration checks. Clearing the warrant as soon as possible is the best way to avoid problems with background checks for jobs, housing, or loans.