DeSoto County

The with circuit and county court serves Desoto County, Florida and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located in the county seat of Desoto County. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Florida online court portal.

The local court system handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, with circuit and county courts located in Arcadia. The with circuit and county court also processes requests for court records, case filings, and legal documents under Florida public records law.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Within DeSoto County, the Arcadia Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services for the city of Arcadia and can be reached, located at 12 South Polk Avenue, Arcadia, FL 34266.
• Under Florida Statute Chapter 119 (Florida Public Records Law), arrest records are public documents and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments.
• Written requests should specify the individual's name and date of arrest.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in arrest records and are accessible through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a public records request.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process in Florida allows for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release, and this can be coordinated through the jail's administrative office.

• DeSoto County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, small claims up to $8,000, traffic violations, and eviction proceedings.
• Court records can be searched online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the 12th Circuit's case management system.
• Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page, while non-certified copies are $0.15 per page.
• Under Florida Statute 28.24, the Clerk is authorized to collect these fees.

• Images of recorded documents from approximately 1987 forward are available online at no charge for viewing, though printing or downloading may incur fees.
• For older records, researchers must visit the office in person or submit written requests.
• Recording fees are established by Florida Statute 28.24 and vary based on document type and page count; typical deed recordings cost $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page.
• Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for additional pages.
• DeSoto County Tax Collector, located at 120 West Oak Street, Suite A, Arcadia, FL 34266, phone, handles property tax payments and provides tax payment history online.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for mail requests and can be obtained the same day for in-person visits if the record is on file locally.
• The marriage license fee is $93.50, reduced to $30.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course.
• Divorce records (dissolution of marriage) are court records maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court and can be requested from the same office.
• Florida offers online ordering of vital records through www.vitalchek.com for an additional service fee, with delivery times of approximately 7-10 business days.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Permit applications and inspections records are available upon request.