Bradford County warrant records are public files kept by the sheriff’s office and the Clerk of Courts in Starke, Florida. Anyone can look up these records to see if a person has an open warrant.
Most warrant types are listed for free on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website. This page shows you exactly where to look, what each warrant type means, and what to do if your name shows up in a search.
What Bradford County Warrant Records Include
Bradford County warrant records show every active court order for arrest or pickup. These files include the person’s name, the charge, the issuing judge, and the date the warrant was signed. Some records also list the case number and the bond amount. The sheriff’s office enters new warrants into the statewide system within a few days of signing.
Active Arrest Warrants
An active arrest warrant is a court order that lets police take a person into custody. A judge signs this type of warrant after police show probable cause. Bradford County judges follow Florida Statute 901.02 when issuing arrest warrants. The warrant stays active until the person is arrested or a judge cancels it.
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is issued when someone fails to show up for court. Judges sign these orders from the bench during a hearing. Once a bench warrant is signed, the clerk adds it to the case file. The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office then works to find the person named on the warrant.
Capias Warrants
A capias warrant works the same way as a bench warrant. The clerk’s office issues it after a judge orders the arrest. Capias warrants are common in cases where someone misses a court date or breaks a court rule. The full case history stays in the public file at the courthouse.
Civil Warrants
Civil warrants cover non-criminal court orders. These include child support warrants, eviction orders, and civil contempt findings. Bradford County issues civil warrants through the Clerk of Courts. They also appear in public records unless a judge seals the file.
Search Warrants
A search warrant gives police the right to look through a place for evidence. Under Florida Statute 933.07, a search warrant expires after 14 days if not used. Most search warrants do not appear in public warrant searches because they target property, not people.
How to Search Bradford County Warrant Records
You can search Bradford County warrant records through three main sources. The FDLE Public Access System covers all 67 Florida counties in one place. The sheriff’s office holds the local files for Bradford County. The Clerk of Courts keeps court docket records that show warrant activity tied to each case.
FDLE Public Access System
The FDLE Public Access System is the fastest free tool for a Bradford County warrant search. Go to the FDLE website and click the wanted persons link. Type in a first and last name. The system shows results from every Florida county, including Bradford. The search is free and does not need a login.
Here are the steps for an FDLE search:
- Open the FDLE Public Access System at web.fdle.state.fl.us
- Click “Wanted Persons” on the home page
- Type the full name in the search box
- Review the list of matching records
- Click the name to see the warrant details
Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Lookup
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office answers phone questions about active warrants. Call (904) 966-6176 during business hours. The office staff can confirm if a warrant is on file. They cannot give full case details over the phone for safety reasons. Visit the office at 945-B N. Temple Avenue in Starke for in-person help.
Clerk of Court Case Search
The Bradford County Clerk of Courts keeps docket records for every court case. These records show when judges signed warrants. You can call the clerk at (904) 966-6280 to ask about a case. The clerk’s office can also mail copies of docket pages for a small fee.
In-Person Records Request
You can visit the clerk’s office in person to look at court files. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have one. The clerk staff will pull the file for you to review. You can ask for printed copies at the standard copy rate per page.
Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Role in Warrant Records
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency for serving warrants in the county. Deputies arrest people named on active warrants. The office also enters warrant data into the FDLE system. The sheriff works with other agencies across Florida to find people wanted in Bradford County.
Office Location and Contact
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office sits at 945-B N. Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091. The main phone line is (904) 966-6176. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The lobby stays open during these hours for walk-in questions about warrant records.
Warrant Service Process
When a deputy receives a warrant, they try to find the person at home, work, or other known spots. Deputies can arrest someone with a warrant anywhere in Florida under Florida Statute 901.04. Once arrested, the person goes to the Bradford County Jail for booking and a first court appearance.
Statewide Enforcement
A Bradford County warrant is valid in all 67 Florida counties. If a deputy in Miami stops someone with a Bradford warrant, that deputy can make the arrest. The same rule applies in every U.S. state through the interstate compact. Bradford County works with U.S. Marshals for fugitives who leave the state.
Bradford County Clerk of Court Records
The Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for Bradford County court cases. The clerk files every warrant order signed by a judge. The clerk also keeps the docket that lists each step in a case, including warrant activity. These records are open to the public under Florida law.
Office Location and Contact
The Bradford County Clerk of Courts is at 945 N. Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091. The phone number is (904) 966-6280. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The clerk’s office sits right next door to the sheriff’s office on the same street.
Court Docket Access
A court docket is a list of every event in a case. The docket shows when the judge signed a warrant. It also shows the charge, the bond amount, and the next court date. Anyone can ask to see a docket page. The clerk staff will print or copy the page for a small fee.
Public Records Request
Florida’s public records law lets anyone ask for copies of court files. Under Florida Statute 119.07, you do not need to give a reason for the request. You only need to identify the case or the person. The clerk can take your request in person, by mail, or by phone.
Florida Sunshine Law and Warrant Records
Florida’s Sunshine Law makes most government records open to the public. Warrant records fall under this law in most cases. The law covers both the sheriff’s office and the clerk’s office. Bradford County follows the same rules as every other Florida county.
What Records Are Public
Most warrant records are public. These include the person’s name, the charge, the case number, and the bond amount. Arrest warrants become public once police serve them. Bench warrants are public the moment a judge signs them. The public can copy these records at the clerk’s office.
Records That Stay Sealed
Some warrant records stay sealed for a time. Search warrant affidavits often stay sealed until police serve the warrant. Juvenile case records are not open to the public. Active investigation files can be sealed by a judge. Expunged or sealed criminal records do not appear in public searches.
Types of Florida Warrants Explained
Florida has several types of warrants. Each one has a different purpose and a different process. Knowing the type helps you understand what will happen next. Bradford County handles all of these warrant types through the same court system.
Failure to Appear Warrants
A failure to appear warrant is issued when someone misses a court date. The judge signs the warrant at the next hearing. The clerk adds it to the case file. The person named on the warrant can be picked up at any traffic stop or any contact with police.
Probation Violation Warrants
A probation violation warrant is signed when a probation officer files a violation report. The judge reviews the report and decides if a warrant is needed. Bradford County issues these warrants for missed drug tests, new charges, and other rule breaks. The person stays in jail until a hearing.
Child Support Warrants
A child support warrant comes from a civil court order. The Department of Revenue can ask a judge for a warrant when a parent falls behind on payments. The warrant goes into the NCIC system used by all U.S. police agencies. Bond amounts are based on the amount owed.
Out-of-State Warrants
Out-of-state warrants can be honored in Florida. Other states can send a fugitive request to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff then works to arrest the person and start the transfer process. Some states require a governor’s warrant before the transfer can happen.
Steps to Clear or Recall a Warrant
Warrants do not go away on their own. The person named on the warrant must take action to clear it. The right steps depend on the type of warrant and the charge. Most people need a lawyer to help with the process.
Hire a Defense Lawyer
A defense lawyer knows the local court system. The lawyer can look up the warrant, talk to the prosecutor, and plan the next steps. Many lawyers in Starke and nearby Gainesville handle warrant cases. The lawyer can often appear in court for the client before the client turns in.
File a Motion to Quash
A motion to quash asks the judge to cancel the warrant. The lawyer files the motion with the clerk. The judge reviews the case and may cancel the warrant if the charge is old, minor, or already resolved. A quashed warrant is removed from the FDLE system.
Surrender to the Sheriff
In many cases, the best move is to turn in at the sheriff’s office. The lawyer can set up a time for the surrender. This often leads to a lower bond and a faster release. Walking in with a lawyer looks better to the judge than getting picked up at a traffic stop.
Post Bond
After booking, the person can post bond. The bond amount is set at the first court appearance. A bail bondsman in the Starke area can help with the cost. Most bonds require 10% of the total amount plus a fee. Once the bond is posted, the person can leave jail until the court date.
What Happens During an Arrest on a Warrant
Getting arrested on a warrant is a fast process. Police do not need the warrant in hand to make the arrest. They must tell the person about the warrant at the time of arrest. The person then goes to the Bradford County Jail for booking.
The Arrest Process
Under Florida Statute 901.16, the officer must tell the person the reason for the arrest. The officer must also say that a warrant has been signed. The officer does not have to show the paper warrant at the time of arrest. The person has the right to see the warrant soon after the arrest.
First Appearance Hearing
A first appearance hearing happens within 24 hours of the arrest. A judge reviews the warrant and the charge. The judge sets the bond amount. The judge can also order special conditions like no contact orders or drug testing. The first appearance is a short hearing held by video in most cases.
Bond Conditions
The bond can be a cash bond, a surety bond, or a release on own recognizance. The judge looks at the charge and the person’s history. For minor charges, the judge may allow a release on own recognizance. For serious charges, the judge sets a high cash bond.
Common Mistakes People Make with Warrants
Many people do not know how the warrant system works. Some wait too long to deal with a warrant. Others think the warrant will go away on its own. These mistakes can lead to jail time and lost money.
Believing Warrants Expire
Warrants do not expire in Florida. An arrest warrant signed in 2010 is still active today. A new charge does not cancel an old warrant. Only a judge can cancel a warrant through a quash motion or by dismissing the case. Time does not fix the problem.
Ignoring Out-of-State Warrants
People often think an out-of-state warrant does not matter in Florida. This is wrong. Most states share warrant data through the NCIC system. Any police officer in the U.S. can see the warrant. A Florida traffic stop can lead to an arrest on a warrant from another state.
Driving Through the County
Driving through Bradford County with a warrant is a bad idea. License plate readers and traffic cameras can flag a wanted car. A simple speeding ticket can turn into a warrant arrest. People with active warrants should avoid driving through any county that has a warrant on file.
Free vs Paid Warrant Search Options
You have two main choices for a warrant search. Free government tools cover most needs. Paid third-party services offer extra reports and alerts. Each choice has good points and bad points. The right pick depends on what you need from the search.
Free Government Tools
The FDLE Public Access System is free and covers all 67 Florida counties. The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office takes phone questions at no cost. The Clerk of Courts charges only a small copy fee for printed docket pages. These tools are the best starting point for most people.
Paid Third-Party Services
Paid services pull data from many public sources at once. They often include background checks and address history. The cost ranges from $20 to $100 for a single search. Monthly plans cost more but include alerts when a new warrant shows up. These services are best for lawyers and employers.
| Source | Cost | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDLE Public Access | Free | All Florida counties | Quick public searches |
| Bradford Sheriff’s Office | Free phone lookup | Bradford County only | Local warrant checks |
| Bradford Clerk of Courts | Copy fee per page | Court case dockets | Full case history |
| Third-party websites | $20 to $100 per search | National data | Background checks and alerts |
Bradford County Warrant Records Resources
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office handles warrant service and local warrant records. The office sits at 945-B N. Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091. The main phone line is (904) 966-6176. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Bradford County Clerk of Courts keeps the court case files and docket records. That office is at 945 N. Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091. The phone number is (904) 966-6280. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The FDLE Public Access System is open 24 hours a day at web.fdle.state.fl.us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bradford County Warrant Records
This section answers the most common questions about Bradford County warrant records. Each answer gives you clear steps and current details. The questions cover searches, warrant types, and the recall process. Use these answers to plan your next move if you have questions about a warrant.
How long does it take for a new warrant to show up on the FDLE website?
Most warrants show up on the FDLE website within one to three business days of signing. The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office enters the data after the clerk files the order. Some warrants show up the same day. A delay of up to a week is normal in smaller counties with fewer staff.
Can I check for warrants in Bradford County without giving my name?
No. A warrant search needs the full name of the person you are looking for. The FDLE system and the sheriff’s office both need a first and last name. A date of birth helps narrow the search. Without a name, the system has no way to pull the right file from the database.
Do Bradford County warrants show up on a Florida background check?
Yes. A Florida background check pulls data from the FDLE system. A warrant signed in Bradford County will show up on a state background check. The check also shows the charge and the case number. Some employers run this check before hiring new workers.
Can a warrant be removed from my record without going to court?
Only a judge can remove a warrant. The judge must sign an order to quash the warrant. A lawyer files a motion to quash on your behalf. The judge reviews the case and may cancel the warrant if the charge is old, minor, or already resolved. You cannot remove a warrant on your own.
What happens if I am pulled over and there is a Bradford County warrant?
The officer will arrest you on the spot. You will go to the Bradford County Jail for booking. A first appearance hearing happens within 24 hours. The judge reviews the warrant and sets a bond. You can post bond and leave jail until your next court date. The arrest will also show up on your record.
Are out-of-state drivers subject to Bradford County warrants?
Yes. Warrants in Florida apply to every person in the state. A driver from another state can be arrested on a Bradford County warrant. The arrest happens at the traffic stop. The driver then goes to the local jail for booking before the transfer process starts.
Can I get a copy of my own warrant record in Bradford County?
Yes. You can ask the clerk’s office for a copy of the docket page that lists the warrant. You can also ask the sheriff’s office for a copy of the warrant itself. Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have one. The clerk charges a small copy fee for printed pages.