Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: Florida's broad public records law that makes most government records — including arrest records, booking photos, and court documents — accessible to the public. Florida has one of the most expansive open records laws in the country.
Category: FL-Specific Laws · Statute: F.S. 119, Article I Section 24 FL Constitution · Source: Florida Legislature
What the Sunshine Law Means for Arrests
In Florida, the following are public record:
- Arrest reports — Available immediately after booking
- Mugshots — Public from the moment they are taken
- Probable cause affidavits — Detailed description of the alleged crime
- Court filings — Charges, motions, plea agreements
- Jail booking records — Inmate databases are public
Why This Matters
Florida's open records law is why arrest information appears on Google searches so quickly. The media and mugshot websites can legally access and publish this information immediately. This is also why expungement (F.S. 943.0585) is so important in Florida — it's the only way to remove arrest records from public view.