Warrants don't expire in Florida. If there's one with your name on it in Polk County, it's not going away on its own. The good news? You can check, and you have options. Here's how.
Warrants in Polk County
In Polk County, Florida, a warrant is an official legal document signed by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual. The Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court maintain these official records. There are two primary types of warrants: an arrest warrant, which is issued when law enforcement presents probable cause that a crime was committed, and a bench warrant, which a judge issues directly from the bench, most commonly when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date.
Once a warrant is active in Florida, it is entered into statewide and federal databases, including the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC). This means that any routine contact with law enforcement—such as a minor traffic stop anywhere in the state or country—will instantly reveal the active warrant and lead to an immediate arrest. Warrants do not simply expire or go away on their own; they must be resolved through the legal system.
What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant
If you discover there is an active warrant for your arrest in Polk County, the best approach is to address it proactively. By working with a bail bond agent beforehand, you can arrange your bond in advance. This allows you to turn yourself in for a "walk-through" booking, significantly speeding up the process so you can be released almost immediately.
How to Check for Warrants in Polk County
1. Polk County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court maintains all case records including active warrants. Search their online portal by name to see if there are any open cases or bench warrants. Bench warrants are issued when someone misses a scheduled court date.
2. Polk County Sheriff's Office
Some sheriff's offices publish active warrant lists online. You can also call the non-emergency line and ask if there's a warrant for a specific person. They'll need the full legal name and date of birth.
3. FDLE Statewide Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at offender.fdle.state.fl.us shows criminal records statewide. While it doesn't always show active warrants in real-time, it shows prior arrests and open cases that might indicate a warrant.
4. Hire a Lawyer to Check
This is the smartest option if you think YOU might have a warrant. A criminal defense attorney can check confidentially and, if a warrant exists, arrange for you to turn yourself in under controlled conditions — during business hours when bail can be posted immediately so you spend minimal time in jail.
Types of Warrants in Polk County
Bench Warrant
Issued when you miss a court date. These usually have a preset bail amount — often $500 to $5,000. You can usually post bail right away without seeing a judge.
Arrest Warrant
Issued when law enforcement has probable cause that you committed a crime. These result from police investigations. Bail may or may not be preset — for serious felonies, you'll need to wait for a judge at first appearance.
Capias Warrant
Similar to a bench warrant but issued by the court for various reasons — failure to pay fines, probation violations, or contempt of court. Bail varies.
What to Do If You Have a Warrant
- Don't panic — Having a warrant doesn't mean SWAT is coming to your door tomorrow.
- Get a lawyer — They can research the warrant details and advise on next steps.
- Consider turning yourself in — Judges look more favorably on voluntary surrender. Your lawyer can arrange it during business hours.
- Arrange bail in advance — Call QuickBail at (941) 477-6888 before turning yourself in. We can have a bondsman ready to post bail immediately so you spend hours in jail instead of days.
Don't Ignore It
The worst thing you can do is pretend the warrant doesn't exist. You'll get arrested eventually — at a traffic stop, during a background check, at the airport, or even when a cop runs your plates in a parking lot. Handle it on your terms, not theirs.
Related: Polk County Jail | Arrest Records | First Appearance