Moore Haven, Florida Public Records

In addition to the Glades County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Glades County includes the Moore Haven Police Department, which serves the city of Moore Haven. These agencies work together to address crime and ensure public safety within their respective jurisdictions. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement duties in unincorporated areas, while the Moore Haven Police Department focuses on city-specific issues. Coordination between these agencies is crucial for managing major crimes and emergency situations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to law enforcement across the county.

The Glades County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are processed and held until they post bail or appear in court. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules at the detention center require visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to specific guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Florida state laws, allowing detainees to secure release through cash bonds or bail bondsmen, with details available through the Sheriff's Office.

Moore Haven residents are served by courts located in the Glades County Courthouse at 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471. The Glades County Circuit Court, phone (863) 946-6010, has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $30,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate administration, and juvenile dependency cases. The County Court, also located in the same courthouse complex with the same phone number, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, small claims cases up to $8,000, traffic violations, and county ordinance violations. Moore Haven does not operate a separate municipal court; all criminal and civil matters are heard in the county court system. The Glades County Clerk of Court, phone (863) 946-6010, maintains all court records and serves as the official record keeper. Court records can be searched online through Florida's statewide portal at https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/, which provides access to case information, docket entries, and some filed documents for both civil and criminal cases throughout Florida's court system. However, certain records such as juvenile cases, sealed records, and some family law documents are restricted from public access. The Clerk's office charges fees for certified copies of court documents: $2.00 per page for certified copies with a $2.00 certification fee, plus $1.50 for exemplification if needed. Regular copies are $0.15 per page for single-sided, $0.20 for double-sided. Recording fees for official documents vary by document type. Requests for bulk records or extensive research may incur additional search fees at $1.00 per minute after the first 15 minutes.

The criminal records system in Glades County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Glades County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Court maintain these records, providing access to residents and legal professionals. Background checks in Florida can be conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which offers statewide criminal history information. The Florida Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in providing resources and support for criminal investigations and record-keeping in Glades County.

Arrest records in Glades County are maintained by the Glades County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the charges, arresting officer, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Florida Sunshine Law, which ensures public access to government records. A Glades County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arrest date.

Property and land records for Moore Haven are maintained by Glades County offices. The Glades County Property Appraiser's Office, located at 1000 US Highway 27 SW, Moore Haven, FL 33471, phone (863) 946-6025, website https://www.gladespa.net/, maintains property assessment records for tax purposes. The Property Appraiser's website offers a free online parcel search where residents can search by owner name, address, or parcel identification number to find assessed values, property characteristics, building details, tax exemptions, and sales history. The searchable database includes aerial maps and property photos for most parcels. Official land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other recorded instruments are maintained by the Glades County Clerk of Court - Official Records Division at 500 Avenue J (Glades County Courthouse), Moore Haven, FL 33471, phone (863) 946-6010. The Clerk's office serves as the county's official recorder of deeds. Official records can be searched online for free through the Clerk's website using the Official Records Search portal, which provides access to scanned document images dating back several decades. The database is searchable by grantor/grantee name, document type, recording date, or legal description. Copies of recorded documents can be ordered online or in person; certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. Glades County also provides a GIS mapping system accessible through the Property Appraiser's website, offering interactive parcel maps with property boundaries, ownership information, zoning, and aerial imagery. This GIS viewer allows users to search by address or navigate the map to identify parcels and access associated property data, making it a valuable tool for real estate research, boundary disputes, and due diligence.

Moore Haven's economy is fundamentally agricultural, shaped by its location in the fertile lands surrounding Lake Okeechobee. Major employers in and around Moore Haven include the U.S. Sugar Corporation, one of the largest sugarcane producers in the United States, which operates extensive agricultural lands and processing facilities in Glades County and employs hundreds of workers in farming, harvesting, and processing operations. Cattle ranching remains a significant industry, with numerous large cattle operations throughout the county contributing to Florida's status as a major beef producer. The Glades Correctional Institution, a state prison facility operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and located near Moore Haven, is another major employer providing stable government jobs. Glades County government, headquartered in Moore Haven as the county seat, provides employment in administration, law enforcement, courts, and public services. The Glades County School District also employs teachers, administrators, and support staff. Retail and service businesses along U.S. Highway 27, which runs through Moore Haven, serve local residents and travelers. Tourism related to Lake Okeechobee fishing and outdoor recreation contributes modestly to the local economy, with marinas, fish camps, and lodging establishments serving anglers and boaters. The median household income in Glades County is approximately $41,000, below the state average, reflecting the rural agricultural character of the economy. Recent years have seen investments in improved Lake Okeechobee water management infrastructure and ongoing restoration efforts for the Everglades ecosystem, which impact local agricultural and environmental management. Moore Haven's economy remains closely tied to natural resources, land-based industries, and its role as the governmental and commercial center of one of Florida's most sparsely populated counties.

Law enforcement services in Moore Haven are provided by the Glades County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1297 East State Road 78, Moore Haven, FL 33471, phone (863) 946-1600, website https://www.gladessheriff.org/. The Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction throughout Glades County, including the incorporated city of Moore Haven, and handles patrol, investigations, and detention services. Moore Haven does not maintain a separate municipal police department. To request police reports or incident records, residents can visit the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours or submit written requests citing Florida's Public Records Law. The Glades County Sheriff's Office operates the Glades County Detention Center at the same address, which houses arrestees and inmates serving short sentences. Arrest and jail booking records can be searched online through the Glades County Sheriff's Office website, which provides an inmate roster showing current detainees with information including names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots when available. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, known as the Florida Public Records Act, all records made or received by any public agency in the course of official business are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law. Requests must be made in writing (email is acceptable), and agencies must respond promptly—usually within a few business days. Fees may be charged for extensive searches or copies at $0.15 per page for single-sided copies. Law enforcement agencies may redact certain information related to ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile records as permitted under statutory exemptions, but arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports are generally available once an investigation is complete.

Vital records for Moore Haven residents are managed at both county and state levels. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, phone (904) 359-6900, website http://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/. Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered at the same time; death certificates are $5.00 each. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for additional fees. Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at https://www.vitalchek.com/ with additional convenience fees. Birth records in Florida are confidential for 100 years; eligible applicants include the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, and authorized legal representatives with proper documentation. Death records are public after becoming part of the official state archive. Marriage licenses are issued by the Glades County Clerk of Court at 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, FL 33471, phone (863) 946-6010. The marriage license fee in Florida is $93.50, reduced to $61.00 if both parties complete a premarital preparation course and provide a certificate. There is a three-day waiting period between issuance and use of the license unless the couple completes the premarital course, which waives the waiting period. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance. The Clerk maintains marriage records dating back to the county's formation, and certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of family law case files; final judgments of dissolution of marriage are public record and can be searched through the court records system. Applicants requesting vital records must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate legal eligibility to receive restricted records.

Business licensing in Moore Haven operates at multiple levels. The City of Moore Haven requires business tax receipts (local business licenses) for businesses operating within city limits; applications and renewals are handled through Moore Haven City Hall at 99 Riverside Drive, Moore Haven, FL 33471, phone (863) 946-0711. City business tax receipt fees vary based on business classification and type. Renewal is required annually, typically due by September 30th of each year. For businesses operating in unincorporated Glades County areas, business tax receipts are issued by the Glades County Tax Collector. Fictitious name registrations ("Doing Business As" or DBA filings) in Florida are filed with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and can be completed online at https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/. The fictitious name registration fee is $50.00 and must be renewed every five years. Florida business entity searches, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, are available free online through the Florida Division of Corporations Sunbiz database at http://sunbiz.org/. This searchable database provides information on entity status (active, dissolved, inactive), registered agent name and address, principal office address, officers and directors, filing history, and annual report status. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and can be searched at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements and lien searches in Florida are filed with and searchable through the Florida Department of State UCC system. Commercial property owners can look up property tax assessments through the Glades County Property Appraiser's website at https://www.gladespa.net/, which categorizes properties by use code including commercial, industrial, and agricultural classifications and shows assessed values used for tax calculation.

Moore Haven voters are served by the Glades County Supervisor of Elections, located at 997 US Highway 27 SW, Suite 4, Moore Haven, FL 33471, phone (863) 946-6005, website https://www.gladescountyfl.net/departments/supervisor_of_elections/index.php. Florida residents can register to vote online through the Florida Division of Elections website at https://registertovoteflorida.gov/. The voter registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Florida residents, at least 18 years old by the next election, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or have had voting rights restored if previously convicted of a felony. Acceptable identification includes a Florida driver license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number. Moore Haven holds municipal elections for the Moore Haven City Council and Mayor; city council seats are elected for staggered terms, with some seats up for election in even-numbered years. The next city elections will be held in March 2026 for certain council seats. Information about local candidates, municipal ballot measures, and city election dates can be obtained from Moore Haven City Hall at (863) 946-0711 or the Supervisor of Elections office. Moore Haven voters can find their assigned polling location by using the Voter Information Lookup tool on the Supervisor of Elections website or by calling the elections office directly. The lookup requires name and date of birth or voter registration number. Under Florida law, voter registration lists are public records available for inspection and purchase by political parties, candidates, and committees for election-related purposes. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are searchable through the Florida Division of Elections website. Precinct-level election results are published by the Supervisor of Elections after each election and are posted online. In the November 2024 presidential election, Glades County reported voter turnout of approximately 63%, with about 4,800 ballots cast from approximately 7,600 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, Moore Haven and Glades County voters will decide several important races. Florida will hold elections for Governor and Cabinet officers (Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture), as these offices are up in 2026. One of Florida's U.S. Senate seats will also be on the ballot in 2026, as Senator Marco Rubio's term expires that year. All Florida House of Representatives seats (120 districts) will be contested, including the district representing Glades County. County-level races may include Glades County Sheriff, County Commission seats, School Board members, and other constitutional officers depending on term schedules. Voters can request vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) through the Supervisor of Elections office; requests can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Florida allows any registered voter to vote by mail without providing a reason. Vote-by-mail ballot requests are valid through the end of the calendar year of the second general election following the request, meaning a request made in 2025 would be valid through December 31, 2026. Voted ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted; postmarks do not extend this deadline.