Martin County Public Records / Martin County Arrest Records

Martin County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Martin County in 2026

MartinRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Martin County, Florida. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and inmate roster entries. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Martin County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Martin County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that allows members of the public to search the current jail roster. Available information includes the arrestee's full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The roster is updated on a continuous basis as bookings and releases occur.

2. Local Police Departments

The Stuart Police Department, which serves the county seat, publishes arrest-related press releases and maintains a public records request process for arrest logs. Members of the public may submit requests through the department's records division for incident-based arrest information.

Stuart Police Department
121 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 288-5300
Stuart Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Martin County Clerk of Court provides an online case search portal through which members of the public may search criminal court cases by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests are accessible and include case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the Florida Crime Information Center, which includes statewide criminal history records. Members of the public may request a criminal history check through FDLE's public records portal. A processing fee of $24.00 currently applies to public criminal history requests submitted through the FDLE system.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Martin County Sheriff's Office
800 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 220-7000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Martin County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, or booking number. Fees for copies are assessed at the standard rate established under Florida law.

Clerk of Court:

Martin County Clerk of Court
100 E Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 288-5576
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Martin County Clerk of Court

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's office. Copy fees apply per page as established under Florida law.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Martin County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 800 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart, FL 34994. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Martin County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (772) 220-7000. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may refer callers to the online inmate search system or direct them to submit an in-person or written request for detailed records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings, subpoena, or direct records requests submitted on behalf of a client. Detailed investigative materials not available to the general public may be accessible through these legal channels.

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, Stuart PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Martin County

Arrest records in Martin County are public records under Florida law. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Florida's broad public records framework, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Law, establishes that arrest records are presumptively open to public inspection absent a specific statutory exemption.

As the Florida First District Court of Appeal has noted, "The Public Records Act reflects a policy of open government, requiring that official acts of government be open to public scrutiny." Arrest records serve the public interest by promoting government transparency, enabling community awareness of law enforcement activity, supporting journalism and academic research, and facilitating background screening processes.

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
Custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Florida law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information that would compromise an ongoing case
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Information pertaining to witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution guarantees every person the right of access to public records. This provision reflects the balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy interests. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern, while due process principles underscore that an arrest record does not constitute proof of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Florida does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Martin County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
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 such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Florida Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if 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 set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, 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
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate exemptions
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

Florida law governs the fees that public agencies may charge for public records. Under Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), agencies may charge up to $0.15 per one-sided copy or $0.20 per two-sided copy for documents of standard size. For records requiring extensive use of information technology resources or clerical labor, agencies may assess additional charges.

Current Fee Structure:

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (one-sided, up to 8.5" x 14")	$0.15 per page
Standard copy (two-sided)	$0.20 per page
Certified copy	Varies by office
Electronic records (extensive IT use)	Actual cost of duplication
FDLE criminal history check (public request)	$24.00 per subject

Accepted Payment Methods:

The Martin County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court accept cash, check, and money order for records requests. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods when submitting requests, as electronic payment options may vary.

Fee Waivers:

Florida law permits agencies to waive fees in certain circumstances, including where the request is determined to serve a public benefit and the requester is a nonprofit organization or member of the media. Inspection of records at a public terminal, where no copies are made, is available at no charge.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster searches through the Sheriff's Office website
Online case searches through the Clerk of Court portal
In-person inspection of public records (no copy fee for viewing only)

How To Delete Arrest Records in Martin County

Florida law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: 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 remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.

Expungement results in the 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. Sealing restricts public access to the record but does not result in destruction; the record remains accessible to law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, and certain licensing bodies.

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
Charges were not filed, were dismissed, or the person was acquitted
The person has not previously had a record expunged or sealed in Florida
The offense is not among those statutorily ineligible for expungement or sealing (such as certain violent felonies, sexual offenses, and domestic violence offenses)

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE by submitting an application and the required $75.00 processing fee
File a petition in the circuit court in the county where the arrest occurred, along with the Certificate of Eligibility
Serve the petition on the State Attorney's Office
Attend a hearing if required by the court
If granted, the court order is forwarded to FDLE and the arresting agency for compliance

Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Expungement Unit
P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: (850) 410-8109
FDLE Expungement and Sealing

Martin County Clerk of Court – Criminal Division
100 E Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 288-5576
Martin County Clerk of Court

Nineteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office
250 NW Country Club Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Members of the public seeking expungement or sealing are advised to consult with a licensed Florida attorney, as eligibility determinations involve legal analysis specific to each case.

What Happens After Arrest in Martin County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Martin County Jail, which is operated by the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Martin County Jail
800 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 220-7000
Martin County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standard intake process that includes recording of personal information, photograph (mugshot), fingerprinting, criminal history check, outstanding warrants check, personal property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification. The booking process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Florida law, a person arrested without a warrant must be brought before a judge for a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of arrest. At this hearing, the court formally advises the individual of the charges, determines bond, and appoints the public defender if the individual is indigent. First appearance hearings in Martin County may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: The individual retains a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond amount. The bondsman charges 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. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of 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, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision compliance.

4. Release or Continued Detention

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

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who are determined to be indigent are entitled to representation by the Public Defender's Office for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.

Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office
415 Avenue D, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-1620
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Florida Bar provides a lawyer referral service accessible through the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The State Attorney's Office for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an Information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges than those listed at booking. As the Florida Supreme Court has stated, "The decision to prosecute is particularly ill-suited to judicial review."

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:

Pretrial Phase:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, may be filed and heard during this phase. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies
Diversion Programs: Eligible individuals may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if the verdict is guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court may impose a sentence that includes 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
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: May extend to one year or longer depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: 90 days for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies under Florida law

Rights Throughout 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:

Martin County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
800 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 220-7000
Martin County Sheriff's Office

Martin County Clerk of Court
100 E Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 288-5576
Martin County Clerk of Court

Nineteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office
250 NW Country Club Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office
415 Avenue D, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-1620
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Public Defender

What to Do If You're 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 to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Martin County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Martin County is governed by Florida law and the records retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State. Under Florida Statutes § 119.021, public agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with retention schedules approved by the Division of Library and Information Services. The Florida General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, FDLE, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
Retained by FDLE as part of the statewide criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records retained per the applicable General Records Schedule

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum period per the General Records Schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in FDLE's repository unless expungement is granted

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records are often retained permanently
Local law enforcement records retained per schedule
May be eligible for sealing or expungement under Florida law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained per the applicable schedule
May be eligible for expungement in certain circumstances

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the Florida General Records Schedule for law enforcement
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods
Court electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis in many categories
Mugshot databases maintained by law enforcement are subject to the same retention schedules as physical records

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest record information indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy

Retention by Agency:

Martin County Sheriff's Office
800 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 220-7000
Martin County Sheriff's Office

Booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files are retained per the Florida General Records Schedule GS2 for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Martin County Clerk of Court
100 E Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 288-5576
Martin County Clerk of Court

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained per the applicable Florida court records retention schedule. Electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis in most categories.

State Repository:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all law enforcement agencies in Florida. Retention is governed by FDLE policy and applicable state law.

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

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by participating agencies. Federal retention is permanent in most categories. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; part of the subject's permanent criminal history
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expungement is granted; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; FDLE updates the state repository; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be eligible for expungement

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are available through the online inmate search and Clerk of Court case portal
Older arrests may require an in-person request to the Sheriff's Records Division or Clerk of Court
Records that predate digitization may exist only in paper form and may require additional processing time and fees
Very old records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Florida does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a specified period. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not reportable as convictions, though the arrest record itself may appear in certain searches.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Martin County Sheriff's Records Division at (772) 220-7000 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.