About Highlands County
Highlands County is located in south-central Florida, occupying approximately 1,028 square miles of land and water. Highlands County Seat is Sebring, which is the administrative and commercial hub of Highlands County. Established in 1921 from DeSoto County, Highlands County has a population of approximately 106,000 residents as of recent estimates. Highlands County is named for its hilly terrain, which is notably higher in elevation than much of Florida, with some areas reaching over 200 feet above sea level.
Major landmarks include Lake Istokpoga, one of Florida's largest freshwater lakes covering approximately 27,000 acres, and the Sebring International Raceway, home to the famous 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. Highlands County's economy has historically been anchored by agriculture, particularly citrus groves and cattle ranching, though tourism and retirement communities have grown in importance. Highlands County Clerk of Courts maintains offices at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, and handles court records, official records, and certain public documents.
Highlands County Property Appraiser, located at 535 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, assesses property values for taxation purposes. Highlands County's natural beauty includes portions of the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient sand dune system that supports unique scrub ecosystems. Avon Park and Lake Placid are other incorporated municipalities within Highlands County, each contributing to Highlands County's small-town character and agricultural heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Highlands County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Highlands County. It operates Highlands County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention initiatives.
Police Departments
In addition to Highlands County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Highlands County is provided by municipal police departments in cities like Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid. Each city department is responsible for policing within its municipal boundaries, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives, making sure of full coverage and cooperation across Highlands County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Highlands County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Paul Blackman, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including detention operations. The official website is www.highlandssheriff.org, where citizens can access various public safety resources. Highlands County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Inmate lookup services are available online through the Sheriff's Office website, providing information on current inmates including booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly, either in person, by mail, or through written request.
- Most agencies charge nominal fees for copies.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through the Sheriff's Office online inmate search or by specific public records request.
- Processing times for formal public records requests typically range from immediate to several business days depending on the complexity and volume of records requested.
Municipal police departments include the Sebring Police Department at 368 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870 (863-471-5108), the Avon Park Police Department at 110 East Main Street, Avon Park, FL 33825, and the Lake Placid Police Department serving that county. Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, the Florida Public Records Law, arrest records and booking information are generally public records.
All law enforcement agencies in Highlands County are subject to Florida's sunshine laws, making sure of public access to most non-confidential law enforcement records.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Highlands County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the FDLE's online portal, which offers access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Highlands County are maintained by Highlands County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the Sheriff's Office, either in person or via written request. An arrest record in Highlands County typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. Florida's public records law, known as the Sunshine Law, ensures transparency and accessibility to these records, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Highlands County Jail, located in Sebring, is the primary detention facility for Highlands County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours and regulations to ensure security. The bond and bail process follows Florida state guidelines, allowing for the release of inmates under certain conditions.
- Information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the online inmate search tool provided by the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Highlands County are taken and retained by Highlands County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. The availability of mugshots online is subject to Florida's public records laws, which allow for public access while also providing mechanisms for people to request removal under specific circumstances, such as expungement or wrongful arrest.
Courts & Case Records
Highlands County Circuit Court, part of Florida's Tenth Judicial Circuit, handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and appeals from county court. The Circuit Court is located at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870 Highlands County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims cases up to $8,000. Both courts are administered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Court, an elected constitutional officer.
- Court records can be searched online through the Clerk's official website, which provides access to case dockets, judgments, and court calendars.
- Florida Statute 28.24 establishes fee schedules for court records, with certification fees typically $2.00 per document plus copy charges.
- Online access to most civil and criminal case information is provided free of charge, though certified copies require payment and in-person or mail requests.
- The Clerk's Office accepts requests for court records in person, by mail at P.O.
- Jury services for both Circuit and County Court trials are coordinated through the Clerk's Office, with jury duty summonses issued to registered voters and licensed drivers within Highlands County.
The Clerk's Records Division maintains full archives of court proceedings dating back to Highlands County's founding. Box 1749, Sebring, FL 33871, or online for certain document types. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 governs public access to judicial branch records, balancing transparency with privacy protections for certain confidential information such as social security numbers, minor children's identities in dependency cases, and sealed records.
Traffic court and small claims matters are typically heard in the County Court division, with procedures designed for self-represented litigants.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Highlands County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, who is the ex-officio Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Official Records Division at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870 (863-402-6565) records and preserves documents affecting real property including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgages, liens, lis pendens, easements, restrictive covenants, and plat maps.
- The Clerk's office provides an online Official Records Search accessible through Highlands County's website, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or date range.
- Most searches are free to conduct online, though certified copies require fees established under Florida Statute 28.24, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus $2.00 certification fee.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail with prepayment, or through the online ordering system with credit card payment.
- Documents are typically recorded the same day if submitted before cutoff times, with recording fees varying by document type and page count as prescribed by Florida law.
Highlands County Property Appraiser, located at 535 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870 (863-402-6659), maintains property tax records, ownership information, assessed valuations, exemption applications, and parcel data. The Property Appraiser's website offers a full GIS mapping system and property search tool where users can search by owner name, parcel ID, or address to view property characteristics, sales history, tax assessment information, and aerial photography. Highlands County Tax Collector, situated at 505 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, handles property tax payments, delinquent tax certificates, and tax deed sales.
Vital Records
Vital records for Highlands County, Florida are maintained by both Highlands County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth certificates for births occurring in Highlands County can be requested from the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County, located at 7205 South George Boulevard, Sebring, FL 33875 Florida Statute Chapter 382 governs vital statistics and establishes who may obtain certified copies. Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures and fees, available through the same Health Department office or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are readily available; mail requests generally take 2-4 weeks.
- The marriage license fee is $93.50, reduced to $30.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course.
- Older vital records (historical records) may require special research and additional processing time, particularly for events occurring before statewide registration systems were fully implemented.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest (parent listed on certificate, person named on certificate if 18+, legal guardian, or authorized legal representative). The Florida Department of Health also offers online ordering through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, at www.floridahealth.gov, with additional service fees and processing times of approximately 7-10 business days plus shipping. Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870.
Both parties must appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers. Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of court records and can be searched and obtained through the Clerk's Records Division.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Highlands County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations and also file locally with the Clerk.
- This searchable database includes corporate documents, annual reports, registered agent information, and status of business entities.
The Florida Secretary of State Division of Corporations maintains the statewide Sunbiz database at www.sunbiz.org, providing free online searches of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and fictitious names registered in Florida. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare professionals are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, not at Highlands County level, and can be searched at www.myfloridalicense.com. Highlands County Building Department, part of the Development Services Division at 505 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870 (863-402-6896), issues building permits, conducts inspections, and maintains records of construction permits and certificates of occupancy.
Business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) are issued by Highlands County Tax Collector at 505 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, and are required for most businesses operating in unincorporated Highlands County, with municipalities issuing their own local business tax receipts. Highlands County Economic Development Commission promotes business development and can be contacted for information about starting or expanding businesses in Highlands County. The Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, located at 309 South Circle Street, Sebring, FL 33870 (863-385-8448, www.sebring.org), provides business resources, networking opportunities, and community information for local businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Highlands County are administered by Highlands County Supervisor of Elections, an elected constitutional officer responsible for voter registration, conducting elections, and maintaining election records. The Supervisor of Elections office is located at 115 North Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, phone, with the official website at www.votehighlands.com.
- Registered voters can find their polling place by visiting the Supervisor of Elections website and using the precinct finder tool, which requires entering name and date of birth or residential address.
- In the November 2024 general election, Highlands County experienced voter turnout of approximately 72% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of presidential election years.
- Florida law allows any registered voter to vote by mail without providing a reason.
Voter registration in Highlands County can be completed online through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, at any Florida driver license office, or by mail using a paper application. Florida law requires voter registration applications to be submitted at least 29 days before an election for eligibility to vote in that election. Florida Statutes Chapter 97 and Chapter 101 govern elections and voter registration, establishing that voter registration records are public records including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history (whether someone voted, not how they voted).
Campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees are public records available through the Supervisor of Elections office and the Florida Division of Elections website for state-level races. The next major election is November 4, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, Florida Governor (if applicable to cycle), Cabinet positions, state legislative seats, and various county offices. Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) can be requested through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, in writing, or in person, with requests valid through the end of the calendar year in which two general elections have been held. Precinct-level election results are published on the Supervisor of Elections website on election night and in subsequent certified reports, providing detailed transparency into voting patterns across Highlands County.
Early voting is offered at designated locations for approximately two weeks before each election, with dates, times, and locations publicized on the Supervisor's website and through local media. The Supervisor of Elections office conducts voter education programs, coordinates poll worker recruitment and training, and ensures compliance with state and federal election laws including the Help America Vote Act and the Florida Election Code.
Economy & Demographics
Highlands County's economy is diverse, traditionally anchored by agriculture but increasingly supported by tourism, healthcare, and retirement-related services. Agriculture remains a significant economic driver, with citrus production historically dominant, though the industry has faced challenges from citrus greening disease and hurricanes in recent years. Cattle ranching continues as a major agricultural activity, with Highlands County ranking among Florida's top counties for beef cattle production.
- The median household income in Highlands County is approximately $45,000, below the state average, reflecting Highlands County's rural character and significant retiree population.
- Highlands County benefits from its proximity to larger metropolitan areas while maintaining lower costs of living and doing business.
- South Florida State College provides workforce training and educational opportunities supporting economic development initiatives throughout Highlands County.
Highlands County also produces nursery plants, tropical fish farming operations, and various row crops. Tourism contributes substantially to the local economy, centered around the Sebring International Raceway, which hosts the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race each March, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and generating millions in economic impact. Lake fishing, particularly on Lake Istokpoga, Lake Josephine, and Lake Jackson, draws recreational anglers year-round.
Major employers include Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center (now AdventHealth Sebring), South Florida State College, the School Board of Highlands County, Highlands County government, and various citrus processing and agricultural operations. Highlands County unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above state averages, fluctuating seasonally with agricultural cycles and tourism patterns. Retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, accommodation and food services, and educational services constitute major employment sectors.
Economic development efforts focus on attracting light manufacturing, logistics operations taking advantage of Highlands County's central Florida location, and expanding tourism infrastructure.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Highlands County provides strong digital access to most public records through the Clerk of Court and Supervisor of Elections websites, with online property search and court docket systems. Vital records require in-person, mail, or third-party vendor requests, typical of Florida counties.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Highlands County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Highlands County, Florida.