Miami City Warrant Records are public court and law enforcement files that show active warrants issued in Miami, Florida. Every arrest warrant, bench warrant, capias, and fugitive warrant in the city of Miami goes through the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Warrants Bureau because the city does not run its own warrant database.
This page covers how to search for a warrant for free, which state statutes apply, what each warrant type means, and what to do if a warrant shows up in your name.
Who Handles Miami City Warrant Records
Three agencies control every step of a Miami warrant. Each one keeps a different piece of the file. Knowing which agency covers which step saves time when you need answers fast.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Warrants Bureau
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) Warrants Bureau is the central record holder for all active warrants in Miami-Dade County, including the city of Miami. The bureau receives new warrants from judges, enters them into the statewide system, and assigns deputies to serve them. The Warrants Bureau phone line is (305) 471-1700. Staff can confirm whether a specific warrant is active, what charge it is tied to, and what bond amount a judge has set.
Miami Police Department
The Miami Police Department (MPD) serves warrants inside the city limits. Officers can arrest a person on an active warrant during a traffic stop, a call for service, or a routine patrol check. MPD does not store its own warrant list. Every arrest flows back through the county system. The Miami Police Department sits at 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128. The non-emergency phone number is (305) 579-6111.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court keeps the case docket for every criminal case filed in the 11th Judicial Circuit. The docket shows when a warrant was filed, what type it was, and whether it has been served or recalled. The clerk’s office is at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. The phone number is (305) 275-1155. Online docket search is free at the clerk’s website.
How to Search for a Miami Warrant for Free
Anyone can search for a Miami warrant without paying a fee. Florida law makes these records public under the Sunshine Law. Three free search options cover nearly every case.
FDLE Public Access System (Statewide Search)
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the FDLE Public Access System. This system lists active warrants submitted by all 67 Florida counties. Miami-Dade warrants appear here once the sheriff’s office files them with the state. Search by last name and first name. No account is needed. The database is open 24 hours a day. Warrants that law enforcement has not yet entered into the statewide system will not show up, so this is not a complete list of every outstanding warrant.
Miami-Dade Clerk Online Docket Search
The clerk’s online case search lets you pull a criminal case by name or case number. The case docket shows every document filed, including arrest warrants, bench warrants, capias orders, and motions to recall. Search the docket when you already know a case number or want to see the full history of a court case. The clerk’s search is free and works on phones and computers.
Direct Call to the Warrants Bureau
Calling the Warrants Bureau at (305) 471-1700 is the fastest way to confirm a single warrant. Have a full legal name and date of birth ready. Staff will not give criminal history, but they will confirm whether a warrant is active in the system. Call between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Types of Warrants in Miami, Florida
Florida law recognizes several warrant types. Each one starts in a different way and ends in a different court action. The four most common types in Miami are listed below.
Arrest Warrants (Florida Statute 901.02)
An arrest warrant is signed by a judge after a sworn complaint or affidavit shows probable cause that a person committed a crime. Once signed, the warrant is active in every Florida county. Officers can arrest the named person at any time, day or night. Arrest warrants in Miami do not expire. They stay active until the person is taken into custody or a judge recalls the warrant.
Bench Warrants (Failure to Appear)
A judge issues a bench warrant when a person fails to show up for a scheduled court date. Missing a hearing in Miami-Dade County triggers a bench warrant right away. The court sends the warrant to the sheriff’s office for service. A bench warrant can lead to arrest at any law enforcement contact, including a traffic stop or a check-in at the courthouse.
Capias Warrants
A capias is similar to a bench warrant but is issued by the clerk of court or directly by the court. Common reasons include a failure to pay a fine, a violation of a court order, or a missed bond hearing. The capias tells officers to bring the person before the court. Capias warrants stay active until the judge recalls them or the person resolves the underlying issue.
Fugitive from Justice Warrants
A governor’s warrant or fugitive warrant applies to a person wanted by another state who is believed to be in Florida. Miami sits on a major travel route, so the Warrants Bureau works with the U.S. Marshals Service on interstate pickup. Extradition rules depend on the severity of the out-of-state charge and the distance between the two states.
Violation of Probation Warrants
A violation of probation (VOP) warrant is issued when a probation officer believes a person broke probation rules. Examples include a failed drug test, a missed check-in, or a new arrest. The judge reviews the violation and decides whether to issue a warrant. Many VOP cases in Miami can be resolved without jail time if the person turns in voluntarily with a lawyer.
Florida Statutes That Control Miami Warrants
Florida law sets clear rules on how warrants are issued, served, and recalled. Each statute carries its own requirements. Knowing the statute behind a warrant helps you or your attorney handle the case correctly.
Florida Statute 901.02 — Arrest Warrants
This statute defines when a judge may issue an arrest warrant. It requires a sworn complaint, an affidavit, or sworn testimony that establishes probable cause. The warrant must name the person or give a clear physical description. The warrant gives any officer in Florida the power to arrest the named person.
Florida Statute 901.04 — Procedure After Arrest
Under Florida Statute 901.04, an officer who arrests a person on a warrant must tell the person the cause of arrest and show the warrant if asked. The officer must take the person before a judge without delay. If no bond has been set, the person must be brought back to the issuing court in Miami-Dade County.
Florida Statute 901.16 — Officer Must State the Cause
This statute protects people from secret arrests. The officer must state the cause of arrest at the time of the arrest or as soon as possible. The officer does not need the physical warrant in hand but must produce it on request after the arrest.
Florida Statute 933.07 — Search Warrant Time Limit
This statute applies to search warrants, not arrest warrants. A search warrant must be executed within 14 days of issuance. After 14 days, the search warrant is void. This is a separate process from arrest warrants, which have no time limit.
Florida Statute 119.07 — Florida Sunshine Law
Florida’s public records law gives any person the right to inspect warrant records that are not exempt. You do not need to be the person named on the warrant. You do not need to give a reason. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Court must provide access unless the file falls under a specific exemption.
Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure
The Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure set the court process for issuing and recalling warrants. Rule 3.121 covers the issuance of arrest warrants. Rule 3.790 covers the issuance of a capias. The Rules of Criminal Procedure work alongside the statutes to control how a warrant moves through the system.
How to Read a Miami Warrant Record
A warrant record contains several pieces of data. Each piece tells part of the story. Reading the record correctly helps you understand what step comes next.
Key Fields on a Warrant Record
- Full legal name: The name on the warrant must match the person’s legal ID. A small spelling error can sometimes lead to a wrongful arrest.
- Date of birth: Used to confirm the right person. The Warrants Bureau always asks for a date of birth before confirming a warrant.
- Charge and statute number: The warrant lists the charge, such as “battery” or “failure to appear,” and the Florida statute (for example, 784.03 or 901.02).
- Case number: Every warrant is tied to a court case. The case number links the warrant to the docket in the clerk’s system.
- Bond amount: Some warrants have a preset bond. Others list “no bond” until the person sees a judge.
- Issuing judge: The name of the judge who signed the warrant appears on the record. This matters when a lawyer files a motion to quash.
- Service status: The record shows whether the warrant has been served, recalled, or is still outstanding.
What the Record Does Not Show
Some parts of a warrant file are sealed by law. Active criminal intelligence, search warrant affidavits before service, and juvenile records stay sealed. The State Attorney’s Office may also seal records during a pending investigation. If a record is sealed, the clerk and the sheriff’s office will tell you the record is not public, but they will not give the underlying reason.
What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant in Miami
An active warrant does not go away on its own. The longer the warrant stays open, the higher the risk of arrest at a checkpoint, a traffic stop, or during a routine ID check. The steps below outline the safe path forward.
Hire a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal defense lawyer who handles Miami-Dade cases can review the warrant, contact the State Attorney’s Office, and file a motion to recall or quash. Many attorneys offer a free first consultation. A lawyer can also appear in court for you on certain minor warrants, which can avoid time in jail.
File a Motion to Quash a Bench Warrant
If the warrant is a bench warrant for a missed court date, your attorney can file a motion to quash and reset the hearing. Judges in Miami-Dade often grant these motions when the person has a clean record since the missed date. Quashing a warrant removes it from the active list and brings the case back to court.
Turn Yourself In With a Surrender Plan
For arrest warrants where recall is not an option, a lawyer can arrange a controlled surrender at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center or the Pre-Trial Detention Center. A planned surrender often results in a faster bond hearing and fewer holds. A bail bondsman in Miami can help post bond once the booking is complete.
Post Bond in Another County
If a Miami warrant is active and the person is arrested in another Florida county, the person can post bond in that county if a bond has been set. If no bond has been set, the officer must transport the person to Miami-Dade County for the first appearance before a judge.
Public Access Rights and Florida Sunshine Law
Florida Statute 119.07 gives the public a right to inspect warrant records. The law covers arrest warrants, capias orders, and bench warrants once they are filed with the clerk. The law also covers arrest reports and booking records after the arrest.
Records Open to the Public
- Active arrest warrant lists filed with the sheriff’s office
- Docket entries for criminal cases in the clerk’s system
- Bond amounts and conditions of release
- Final disposition of criminal cases
Records That Stay Sealed
- Search warrant affidavits before service
- Active criminal intelligence and investigative notes
- Juvenile criminal records
- Records sealed by court order under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.692
How to Make a Public Records Request
Send a public records request in writing to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office or the Clerk of Court. Include the name, case number, and date of birth if known. The agency must respond within a reasonable time under the Sunshine Law. A small fee may apply for copies.
Warrant Lookup by Florida County
Each Florida county runs its own warrant list, but FDLE pulls them together into one statewide database. The list below covers the most searched counties near Miami.
Miami-Dade County Warrant Search
Miami-Dade uses the same Warrants Bureau that serves the city of Miami. Search FDLE or call (305) 471-1700. The clerk’s case search covers all 11th Judicial Circuit cases filed in Miami-Dade County.
Broward County Warrant Search
Broward County is north of Miami-Dade. The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) runs warrants for Fort Lauderdale and other Broward cities. Use the BSO website or call BSO Communications. Broward cases are filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
Palm Beach County Warrant Search
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) handles warrants for West Palm Beach and the rest of Palm Beach County. Search the PBSO online database or call the main office. Palm Beach cases are filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit.
Orange County Florida Warrant Lookup
Orange County covers Orlando. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) handles warrants. Search the OCSO online database or call the main office. Orange County cases are filed in the 9th Judicial Circuit.
Hillsborough County Warrant Search
Hillsborough County covers Tampa. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) handles warrants. Search the HCSO online database or call the main office. Hillsborough cases are filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit.
Duval County Warrant Search
Duval County covers Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) handles warrants. Search the JSO online database or call the main office. Duval cases are filed in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Florida Capias Warrant vs. Failure to Appear Warrant
Many people confuse a capias with a failure to appear warrant. Both relate to missed court dates, but they work differently. A capias is issued by the clerk or the court for a violation of a court order. A failure to appear warrant is a type of bench warrant issued by a judge. The court treats both the same way once the person is in custody, but the issuing officer is different.
When a Capias Is Issued
The clerk issues a capias when a person fails to pay a fine, fails to complete a court-ordered program, or fails to meet other conditions of a sentence. The capias acts like a bench warrant for arrest purposes.
When a Failure to Appear Warrant Is Issued
A judge issues a failure to appear warrant at the time the person misses the hearing. The clerk enters the warrant into the docket, and the Warrants Bureau enters it into the active system.
The Florida Warrant Recall Process
A warrant recall removes the warrant from the active list. Recall is not automatic. The person or the lawyer must take action to get the recall granted. The process depends on the warrant type.
Recall for a Bench Warrant
The attorney files a motion to quash the bench warrant. The judge reviews the motion and decides whether to recall the warrant. In many cases, the judge recalls the warrant and resets the court date without a new arrest.
Recall for an Arrest Warrant
Recall of an arrest warrant is harder. The State Attorney’s Office may agree to a recall if the person turns in voluntarily or if new facts show the warrant should not have been issued. The judge must sign the recall order.
Recall for a Capias
A capias is recalled when the person resolves the underlying issue, such as paying a fine or completing a program. The clerk or the judge signs the recall, and the Warrants Bureau removes the capias from the active list.
Impact of a Miami Warrant on Daily Life
A warrant in Miami affects more than criminal court. The warrant can trigger consequences at work, at the airport, and during routine law enforcement contact. The list below covers the main areas.
Employment Background Checks
Many employers run a background check before a job offer. A warrant shows up on the check, and the offer is often pulled. Resolving the warrant before the check is the best option.
Travel and Airport Stops
TSA does not check the warrant database. A warrant does not stop a person from boarding a plane. A police stop at the airport, or a stop in another state, can lead to arrest and extradition back to Miami.
Gun Rights and Firearm Purchases
Florida law bars a person under indictment from buying a firearm. An active arrest warrant can count as an indictment for this purpose. The ATF background check at the gun store will flag the warrant.
Driver License Renewal
Some failure to appear warrants can lead to a driver’s license suspension. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports the suspension to the sheriff’s office. Resolve the warrant and pay the reinstatement fee to lift the suspension.
Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and Warrant Defenses
Defense attorneys challenge warrants under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Constitution. Common defenses include lack of probable cause, faulty identification, and stale warrants. A judge can dismiss the warrant if the defense is valid.
Lack of Probable Cause
An arrest warrant needs probable cause. If the affidavit does not show probable cause, a defense attorney can file a motion to dismiss the warrant. The judge reviews the affidavit and the warrant.
Faulty Identification
If the warrant names the wrong person, the defense attorney files a motion to recall. The judge can recall the warrant based on new identification evidence.
Stale Warrant Challenge
Florida arrest warrants do not expire, but a defense attorney can argue that a delay in prosecution violates due process. The court looks at the reason for the delay and the prejudice to the defendant.
How Long an Arrest Warrant Stays Active in Miami
Arrest warrants in Miami stay active indefinitely until the person is arrested or a judge recalls the warrant. Even a 20-year-old warrant can lead to arrest during a routine traffic stop. The only way to clear the warrant is to resolve the underlying case or get a judicial recall.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami City Warrant Records
The questions below cover the most common search topics people ask about Miami warrants. Each answer links back to the law, the agencies, and the steps that apply in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
How do I check if I have a warrant in Miami for free?
Search your name on the FDLE Public Access System at the FDLE website. The search is free and works for all 67 Florida counties, including Miami-Dade. You can also call the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Warrants Bureau at (305) 471-1700 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your full legal name and date of birth ready. The clerk’s online docket search is another free option if you know the case number.
What is the difference between a bench warrant and a capias in Florida?
A bench warrant is signed by a judge after a missed court date. A capias is signed by the clerk or the court for a violation of a court order, such as a missed fine payment or a failed program. Both lead to arrest, but the issuing officer and the legal basis differ. The Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.790 covers capias, while bench warrants fall under the court’s general authority.
Can a Miami warrant be searched by name online?
Yes. The FDLE Public Access System lets you search by name. The clerk’s docket search also lets you search by name and pull the full case history. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office website also lists active warrant information for warrants already in the statewide system. Note that some warrants are not yet in the database, so a phone call may be needed.
How do I clear a failure to appear warrant in Miami-Dade?
Hire a Miami criminal defense attorney. The attorney files a motion to quash the warrant and resets the court date. Many judges in Miami-Dade grant these motions quickly. If the warrant is for a serious charge, the court may require a court appearance or a surrender before clearing the warrant.
Does a Florida warrant ever expire?
Arrest warrants in Florida do not expire. They stay active until the person is arrested or a judge recalls the warrant. Search warrants are different. Under Florida Statute 933.07, a search warrant must be executed within 14 days or it becomes void.
Can I post bond for a Miami warrant in another county?
Yes. If a bond has been set, a person arrested on a Miami warrant in another Florida county can post bond in that county and be released. The case stays in Miami-Dade County. If no bond has been set, the officer must transport the person to Miami-Dade County for the first appearance before a judge.
Are Miami warrant records public under the Sunshine Law?
Yes. Florida Statute 119.07 makes warrant records public unless a specific exemption applies. Sealed search warrant affidavits, active criminal intelligence, and juvenile records are the main exemptions. The public has the right to inspect active arrest warrant lists and case dockets without giving a reason.
Contact Information for Miami Warrant Records
Before you start a search by phone or in person, use the contact details below. Each agency handles a different part of the warrant process.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Warrants Bureau
Phone: (305) 471-1700. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Warrants Bureau confirms active warrants and bond amounts.
Miami Police Department
Address: 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128. Phone: (305) 579-6111. Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency and non-emergency calls.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court
Address: 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Phone: (305) 275-1155. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The clerk handles criminal case dockets for the 11th Judicial Circuit.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Phone: (850) 410-7000. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. FDLE runs the Public Access System for statewide warrant searches.
Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation
Address: 1321 NW 13th Street, Miami, FL 33125. Phone: (305) 545-3100. The Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center handles bookings for Miami-Dade warrants.
Meta Title and Meta Description
Meta Title: Miami City Warrant Records: Search Free, Florida Statutes, and Recall Process Meta Description: Search Miami City Warrant Records for free. Look up active arrest warrants, bench warrants, capias orders, and fugitive warrants in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Use the FDLE database, the clerk’s docket, and the Warrants Bureau at (305) 471-1700.