Miami Beach City felony records contain court filings, arrest reports, and case outcomes for serious crimes filed in this coastal Florida city. Anyone can look up these public records through the Miami Beach Police Department, the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The 11th Judicial Circuit Court handles all felony cases from Miami Beach because the city sits inside Miami-Dade County. Florida’s Sunshine Law gives the public the right to view most court and arrest records unless a judge has ordered the file sealed or expunged. This page explains exactly where to search, what to prepare, and what fees to expect when pulling felony records in Miami Beach today.
What Are Miami Beach City Felony Records
Miami Beach City felony records are official documents about serious criminal cases filed against people arrested in Miami Beach. A felony in Florida is any crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. These records cover every step from the first arrest through the final court decision. They include charging documents, court motions, plea deals, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. Felony records differ from misdemeanor records because felonies carry heavier penalties and stay on a person’s history for life in most cases.
Felony Categories Under Florida Law
Florida groups felonies into five levels based on how serious the crime is. Each level carries a different maximum prison sentence set by state statute.
- Life felony: punishable by life in prison with no parole (first-degree murder)
- First-degree felony: up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine (armed robbery, drug trafficking)
- Second-degree felony: up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine (aggravated assault, burglary of a dwelling)
- Third-degree felony: up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine (felony DUI, grand theft)
- Capital felony: punishable by death (capital murder)
Agencies That Create and Store Felony Records
Three main agencies handle felony records in Miami Beach. Each one keeps a different piece of the same case file.
- Miami Beach Police Department writes the arrest reports and holds initial incident records
- Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court stores all court filings, dockets, and final judgments
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide criminal history database that combines data from every Florida county
Miami Beach Police Department Felony Records
The Miami Beach Police Department creates the arrest reports that start every felony case. Officers write these reports when they make an arrest or investigate a serious crime on the barrier island. The Records Division keeps these reports for years based on Florida retention rules. Most arrest reports become public once the investigation closes. You can request a copy in person, by mail, or through the city’s online portal for a small fee.
How to Request a Police Report
Anyone can request a Miami Beach police report by following a few clear steps. The Records Division processes requests Monday through Friday during business hours.
- Visit the Miami Beach Police Department at 1100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have it
- Fill out the public records request form at the front desk
- Pay the copy fee of $0.15 per page for standard copies
- Pick up the report the same day for most requests, or wait 3 to 5 business days for mailed copies
Police Department Contact and Hours
The Miami Beach Police Department is open 24 hours a day for emergency calls and walk-in reports. The Records Division handles public records requests during weekday business hours only.
- Address: 1100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Phone: (305) 673-7900
- Records Division Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: miamibeachfl.gov/police
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court Felony Docket
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court maintains the official docket for every felony case filed in the 11th Judicial Circuit. This includes Miami Beach felony cases because the city falls under county court jurisdiction. The Clerk’s office stores charging documents, motions, orders, plea agreements, and final judgments. The public can search these records online through the Clerk’s web portal or visit the courthouse in person to view paper files. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee under Florida statute.
Online Court Records Search
The Clerk’s online portal lets you search felony cases by name, case number, or date range. The system updates daily with new filings and court actions.
- Go to the Miami-Dade Clerk’s official website at miamidadeclerk.gov
- Click on “Court Records Search” or “Criminal Docket Search”
- Enter the full legal name and date of birth if known
- Review the list of cases returned for matches
- Click on a case number to view the full docket and filed documents
Visiting the Courthouse in Person
You can view paper felony files at the Miami-Dade County Courthouse during public counter hours. The clerk staff helps you locate files by case number or party name. Self-service computer terminals at the lobby also provide free access to the same online system.
- Address: 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
- Criminal Division Phone: (305) 275-1155
- Public Counter Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Self-Service Terminals: Free to use, available during all open hours
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Felony Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s central criminal history system. This database stores felony arrest records, dispositions, and sentences from all 67 Florida counties, including Miami-Dade. A statewide search through FDLE costs $24 per name search plus a $1 processing fee. Results arrive within seconds after payment. This is the same database employers and licensing agencies use for background checks.
How to Run a Statewide Criminal History Search
The FDLE online portal accepts search requests 24 hours a day. You need basic personal details about the person you are searching for.
- Visit the FDLE Criminal History Search page at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Create a free user account or log in as a guest
- Enter the full name, date of birth, and gender of the search subject
- Add a Social Security Number if you have it for better match accuracy
- Pay the $24 fee plus $1 processing by credit or debit card
- View, save, or print the results immediately on screen
What Shows Up in an FDLE Report
An FDLE criminal history report covers the full state of Florida. It does not include records from other states or federal courts. Sealed and expunged records will not appear.
- All felony arrests with the booking date and arresting agency
- Final court dispositions for each arrest
- Sentence details, including prison time or probation terms
- Outstanding warrants flagged in the system
- Prior misdemeanor arrests, depending on state reporting rules
Eleventh Judicial Circuit Felony Court Filings
The 11th Judicial Circuit Court handles every felony case in Miami-Dade County, which includes all Miami Beach felony filings. The court has multiple felony divisions located at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building and other county courthouses. Each felony case goes through several stages before reaching a final outcome. The Clerk’s online system pulls live data from this court’s case management system.
Stages of a Felony Case in Miami Beach
A felony case in Miami Beach moves through clear legal stages. Each stage produces new documents that appear in the public record.
- Arrest and booking at the Miami Beach Police Department or county jail
- First appearance before a judge within 24 hours of arrest
- Filing of formal charges by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office
- Arraignment where the defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty
- Pretrial motions, hearings, and discovery exchanges
- Plea negotiations or trial before a circuit court judge or jury
- Sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction at trial
Felony Court Location and Schedule
Miami Beach felony cases are heard at the main criminal courthouse in downtown Miami. Hearing schedules are posted online and at the courthouse the day before each session.
- Main Courthouse: Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125
- Court Phone: (305) 548-5100
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Online Schedule: miami-dadeclerk.gov (look for the court calendar section)
Florida Public Records Law and Felony Access
Florida’s Public Records Law, found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, gives every person the right to inspect and copy government records. This includes most felony arrest and court records. Agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time. Some records are exempt from public view by law, including active criminal investigative data and sealed court files. Agencies can charge fees for copies but cannot charge for the time spent redacting sensitive details such as Social Security numbers.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
A judge can order a felony record sealed or expunged under Florida Statute 943.0585. Sealed records exist but stay hidden from public view. Expunged records are destroyed in a legal sense. Most employers and the public cannot see either type, but courts and law enforcement can still access them in some cases.
- Sealed record: stays in the system but requires a court order to view
- Expunged record: physically destroyed, with limited access for law enforcement
- Eligibility: depends on the case outcome, prior record, and time since the case closed
- Application: file a petition with the Clerk of Court in the county where the case ended
Fees for Certified Felony Records
Florida law sets the standard fees for public records copies. The fees cover the cost of reproduction only. Agencies cannot charge for search time under most circumstances.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copy (each page) | $0.15 |
| Certified copy of court document | $1 per page + $2 certification fee |
| FDLE statewide criminal history search | $24 + $1 processing |
| Federal background check (FBI) | $18 per person |
How to Search Miami Beach Felony Records by Name
A name-based search is the most common way to find felony records in Miami Beach. You can run this search through the Miami-Dade Clerk’s website, the FDLE portal, or in person at the courthouse. The more details you provide, the better the match accuracy. Adding a date of birth reduces errors when common names return many results.
Tips for Accurate Name Searches
Florida record systems search by the full legal name on file. Slight spelling changes or aliases can cause missed records. Use every detail you know to narrow the results.
- Use the full legal name, including middle name if known
- Add date of birth to confirm identity
- Check both “first name” and “last name” fields for swapped entries
- Search for known aliases and maiden names
- Look at every matching result, not just the first one returned
Searching by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to find a specific felony file. The Miami-Dade Clerk assigns a unique number to every criminal case. The format usually shows the year, case type, and sequence number.
- Example format: F-2024-012345 (felony case filed in 2024)
- Example format: CF-2023-009876 (county felony case)
- Found on: arrest papers, court summons, and prior records requests
- Direct lookup: enter the number in the Clerk’s online search box for immediate results
Searching by Date Range
You can limit a name search to a specific date range. This helps when looking for a case filed during a certain year or after a specific event. The Clerk’s system accepts date ranges for both filing dates and disposition dates.
- Open the Miami-Dade Clerk’s criminal search page
- Enter the name and date of birth
- Set the start date in the “from” field
- Set the end date in the “to” field
- Submit the search and review the filtered list of cases
Miami Beach Felony Record Request Form
You can file a formal public records request for felony documents in writing. A written request creates a paper trail and gives the agency a deadline to respond. Florida law requires agencies to answer public records requests within a reasonable time, usually a few business days. Some agencies accept email, fax, or in-person delivery of the request form.
Required Details in a Records Request
A clear records request contains specific details. Missing details cause delays or rejected requests. Include as much data as you can collect before submitting the form.
- Full name of the person on the record
- Date of birth and last known address
- Case number if available
- Specific record type (arrest report, court docket, sentencing order)
- Date range for the records you want
- Your contact details for the response
Where to Send the Request
Send felony record requests to the correct agency. Police records go to the police department. Court records go to the Clerk of Court. Statewide background data goes to FDLE.
- Police reports: Miami Beach Police Department Records Division, 1100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Court records: Miami-Dade Clerk of Court, 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
- Statewide search: FDLE, 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Felony Case Status and History Lookups
A case status search shows where a Miami Beach felony case stands in the court process. You can check whether the case is still open, dismissed, or closed with a sentence. The Clerk’s system updates case status every night after the day’s court hearings. Case history records show every event in the file, from the first filing to the final disposition.
How to Check Live Case Status
The live case status page on the Clerk’s website shows real-time updates. Judges and clerks enter orders throughout the day, and the system refreshes hourly.
- Visit miamidadeclerk.gov and open the criminal case search
- Type the full name or case number into the search box
- Click on the active case to open the docket view
- Scroll to the “Status” field for the current case stage
- Check the next hearing date and assigned judge at the bottom of the docket
Reading a Felony Case History
A case history lists every court event in date order. The first entry shows the original arrest and charges. The last entry shows the final outcome. Each line in between represents a hearing, motion, or order.
- Initial filing: charging document and case number assignment
- Bond hearings: setting of bail amounts and conditions
- Plea entries: guilty, not guilty, or no contest pleas
- Motion filings: defense and prosecution motions
- Trial dates: scheduled court or jury trial days
- Final disposition: sentence, dismissal, or acquittal
Official Resources and Contact Information
The table below lists every official source for Miami Beach City felony records. Use the contact details to call ahead and confirm hours, fees, and document availability before visiting in person.
| Agency | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Beach Police Department | 1100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | (305) 673-7900 | Records: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court | 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 | (305) 275-1155 | Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm |
| Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building | 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125 | (305) 548-5100 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| FDLE Headquarters | 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 | (850) 410-7000 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Beach City Felony Records
The questions below cover the most common legal and procedural questions about felony records in Miami Beach. Each answer pulls from current Florida law and standard Clerk of Court procedures in 2026. These responses help you understand what to expect before you file your records request. They also address common mistakes people make when pulling their own criminal case data.
Can I view Miami Beach felony records online for free?
Yes. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court offers free online access to felony docket entries at miamidadeclerk.gov. You can see the case number, charges, hearing dates, and final dispositions without paying any fee. Printed or certified copies cost extra. The free search results match the public terminal records at the courthouse. You only need the full name and date of birth to start a search. The system updates daily with new filings and court orders.
How long does a felony stay on a Miami Beach record?
Most felony convictions stay on a person’s record for life in Florida. Florida does not offer automatic felony expungement for adult convictions. A judge can order a record sealed or expunged under specific conditions set by Florida Statute 943.0585. Eligible cases include cases that ended in dismissal, acquittal, or a withhold of adjudication for certain crimes. People with prior felony convictions cannot seek expungement. Sealed records stay in the system but require a court order to access.
What is the difference between a sealed and expunged record?
A sealed record stays in the court system but stays hidden from the public. Only judges, law enforcement, and listed agencies can see a sealed file. An expunged record gets destroyed in a legal sense. Law enforcement can still access an expunged record in some narrow cases. The Clerk of Court physically removes the file from the public index after an expungement order. Both types require a formal petition to the court and a background check through FDLE.
Can I get felony records removed from the internet?
Private websites that repost public court records often refuse to remove entries. The official court records stay on government websites based on Florida public records law. Some states have passed “right to be forgotten” laws, but Florida has not adopted a similar rule for adult felony records. You can petition the court to seal or expunge a record that meets legal requirements. Sealed and expunged records disappear from the Clerk’s online search. Private sites do not always update their databases.
Do I need a lawyer to request felony records in Miami Beach?
No, a lawyer is not required to request public felony records in Miami Beach. Anyone can file a public records request with the police department, the Clerk of Court, or FDLE. The forms ask for basic personal details. A lawyer helps when the case involves sealed records, expungement, or complex background check disputes. Most people pull their own records for personal review, job applications, or family research. Agencies cannot deny a request because the requester has no legal training.
How accurate are online felony record searches?
Official government databases run by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court and FDLE reflect court and agency data in near real-time. Private record sites often pull old data and may miss new dispositions. Common errors include outdated addresses, missed expungements, and aliases not linked to the main file. Always confirm online results with a certified copy from the Clerk of Court before making legal decisions. The Clerk’s office charges $1 per page for certified true copies.
Can employers see my Miami Beach felony record?
Yes, most Florida employers can run a criminal background check through FDLE or a private screening company. Florida law allows employers to consider felony convictions when making hiring decisions for most jobs. Some local ordinances restrict criminal history questions on initial job applications in Miami-Dade County. Sealed and expunged records will not show up on a standard employer background check. Government jobs, schools, and healthcare roles require more detailed fingerprint-based FBI checks.