Washington County Public Records / Washington County Arrest Records

Washington County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026

WashingtonFLRecords.us provides publicly available data related to arrest records in Washington County, Florida. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access to records does not guarantee completeness, and some information may be restricted by law.

Official arrest records in Washington County may be searched through the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, state law enforcement databases, and authorized online portals. The following resources and methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a jail roster for individuals currently or recently held at the Washington County Jail. Members of the public may access the active inmate roster and recent arrest information through the Washington County Sheriff's Office website. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Chipley Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Washington County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official channels. Members of the public may contact the Chipley Police Department directly for records requests related to arrests occurring within city limits.

Chipley Police Department 1445 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428 Phone: (850) 638-6341 Chipley Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in the Washington County Circuit Court. Members of the public may search for associated court cases through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or the Clerk of Court's online case search system. Searching by the arrestee's name will return any associated criminal case filings, charge information, and court dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), which serves as the state-level repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may request a criminal history check through the FDLE Criminal History Records portal. A standard public records request for a name-based criminal history search currently carries a fee of $24.00 per subject. The database includes arrests from all Florida jurisdictions and reflects dispositions when reported by the courts.

In-Person Access:

Washington County Sheriff's Office 1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428 Phone: (850) 638-6111 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Washington County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply to printed records.

Washington County Clerk of Court 1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428 Phone: (850) 638-6285 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Washington County Clerk of Court

Criminal case files may be inspected in person at the Clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Florida law.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

Members of the public may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (850) 638-6111 for general arrest inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written public records request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process in active litigation.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Chipley PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County

Arrest records in Washington County are public records under Florida law. Pursuant to § 119.011, Florida Statutes, arrest records constitute public records subject to inspection and copying by any person. The Florida Public Records Law reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability in law enforcement activities.

Arrest records are made publicly accessible for several recognized purposes, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic and academic research, employment and housing background screening, and use in legal proceedings. As the Florida Legislature has stated, "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person."

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Florida law. These include:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted pursuant to § 985.04, Florida Statutes
Expunged arrest records removed from public access by court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover law enforcement officers
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution guarantees every person the right of access to public records. This constitutional provision, combined with the Florida Public Records Law, establishes the legal framework for public access to arrest records. Courts have consistently recognized that the public's interest in government transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where arrests have not resulted in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Professional licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when obtaining records through consumer reporting agencies. Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local ordinances. A critical legal distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and may not be used as a basis for adverse employment action in certain regulated contexts.

What's in Washington County Arrest Records

Washington County arrest records contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the associated court process.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public records)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Chipley Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Florida Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information where applicable
Release date and time if the subject has been released
Conditions of release where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks represent comprehensive screening drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Washington County?

Under Florida law, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of duplication when providing copies of public records. The following fee structure applies to arrest records requests in Washington County.

Record Type	Fee
Printed copies (8.5" x 11")	$0.15 per one-sided page
Printed copies (legal size)	$0.20 per one-sided page
Certified copies	$1.00 per page (Clerk of Court)
Electronic records (where available)	Actual cost of duplication
FDLE criminal history search	$24.00 per subject
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge

Florida law, specifically § 119.07, Florida Statutes, governs the fees that public agencies may charge for copies of public records. Agencies may charge a special service charge when the nature or volume of the request requires extensive use of information technology resources or clerical or supervisory assistance.

Members of the public may inspect arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order at most offices; electronic payment options vary by agency.

Fee waivers are not broadly available under Florida law for standard public records requests. Journalists and researchers are subject to the same fee schedule as other members of the public, though agencies retain discretion to waive fees in certain circumstances.

Active inmate roster information available through the Sheriff's Office website is accessible at no charge. Court case information available through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is also accessible online without a fee for basic case searches.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County

Florida law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which involves the physical destruction or sealing of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. These are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.

Expungement results in the physical destruction of the criminal history record maintained by FDLE and the return or destruction of records held by the arresting agency and Clerk of Court. Following expungement, the subject may lawfully deny the existence of the arrest in most circumstances.

Sealing restricts public access to the criminal history record but does not result in physical destruction. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain licensing bodies retain access to sealed records. The subject may deny the existence of the arrest in most circumstances, with specific exceptions.

Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:

Under Florida law, a person may be eligible to have an arrest record expunged or sealed if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or the subject was acquitted
The subject has not previously had a record expunged or sealed in Florida
The offense is not among those statutorily ineligible for expungement or sealing
The subject has no prior criminal convictions

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement or sealing under Florida law, including most violent felonies, sexual offenses, and offenses against children.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE by submitting an application and the required $75.00 fee through the FDLE Expungement and Sealing portal
File a Petition to Expunge or Seal with the Washington County Circuit Court
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit
Attend a hearing if required by the court
If the court grants the petition, the order is served on all agencies holding records

Washington County Circuit Court (Fourteenth Judicial Circuit) 1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428 Phone: (850) 638-6285 Washington County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office, Fourteenth Judicial Circuit 152 Putnam Dr, Bonifay, FL 32425 Phone: (850) 547-0040 Fourteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Florida Department of Law Enforcement 2331 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: (850) 410-7000 FDLE Criminal History Records

Following a court-ordered expungement or sealing, FDLE updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to court orders and may retain records independently; individuals must contact those entities separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?

The post-arrest process in Washington County follows a structured sequence governed by Florida law and local court procedures.

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Washington County Jail, which is operated by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The facility is located at 1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history check, checking for outstanding warrants, inventorying personal property, conducting medical and mental health screenings, and assigning housing classification. The booking process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Florida law, an arrested person must be brought before a judge for a first appearance within 24 hours of arrest. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent. First appearances in Washington County may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the Clerk of Court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Florida law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violations of probation or parole, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office, Fourteenth Judicial Circuit 152 Putnam Dr, Bonifay, FL 32425 Phone: (850) 547-0030 Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Public Defender

Eligibility for public defender representation is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. The Florida Bar provides a lawyer referral service accessible through the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service.

Charging Decision:

The State Attorney's Office for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The State Attorney may file an Information (for felonies and misdemeanors), request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. For serious felonies, the case may be presented to a grand jury for indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Washington County is served by the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court.

Sentencing (if convicted):

Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these options. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felony cases: Resolved within several months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: 90 days for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies under Florida law

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Washington County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428 Phone: (850) 638-6111 Washington County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Clerk of Court 1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428 Phone: (850) 638-6285 Washington County Clerk of Court

State Attorney's Office, Fourteenth Judicial Circuit 152 Putnam Dr, Bonifay, FL 32425 Phone: (850) 547-0040 Fourteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Public Defender's Office, Fourteenth Judicial Circuit 152 Putnam Dr, Bonifay, FL 32425 Phone: (850) 547-0030 Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?

Records retention in Washington County is governed by Florida law and the records retention schedules established by the Florida Division of Library and Information Services. The General Records Schedule GS1-SL for State and Local Government Agencies establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions: Arrest records associated with felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the FDLE state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records constitute a permanent part of the individual's criminal history.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Records associated with misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and the FDLE state repository. Local law enforcement records are retained in accordance with the applicable General Records Schedule.

Dismissed Charges: Arrest records where charges were dismissed remain in law enforcement and court databases unless the subject obtains a court order for expungement or sealing. These records may remain accessible through public records searches absent such an order.

Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal at trial are retained by the Clerk of Court and may remain in the FDLE repository. These records are eligible for expungement under Florida law.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records where the State Attorney declined to file charges are retained by the Sheriff's Office for a period established by the applicable records retention schedule. These records are among those most readily eligible for expungement.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the General Records Schedule. Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are often retained permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Washington County Sheriff's Office Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Florida General Records Schedule GS1-SL. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case. Phone: (850) 638-6111 Washington County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Clerk of Court Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period established by the General Records Schedule. Electronic court records are retained permanently. Phone: (850) 638-6285 Washington County Clerk of Court

FDLE State Repository The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Florida law enforcement agencies. The state repository retains records in accordance with Florida law and updates records when dispositions are reported by the courts. Members of the public may access the FDLE Criminal History Records portal for information on state retention policies.

FBI Database: The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records reported by Florida agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may result in the record remaining in databases unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs the physical destruction or sealing of local records and the update of the FDLE state repository; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record even following expungement. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by expungement orders and must be contacted separately.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Florida law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction arrest records in the private employment context. Certain professional licensing boards and government employers are not subject to the seven-year limitation.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (850) 638-6111 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.