About Osceola County
Osceola County is located in Central Florida, with Kissimmee serving as Osceola County Seat. Established in 1887, Osceola County was named after Seminole warrior Osceola and includes approximately 1,506 square miles. As of the 2020 Census, Osceola County had a population of over 388,000 residents, making it one of Florida's fastest-growing counties. Osceola County is uniquely positioned adjacent to Walt Disney World Resort and other major theme parks, which profoundly shapes its economy and culture.
Major landmarks include Lake Tohopekaliga (locally known as Lake Toho), the Shingle Creek Regional Park, and historic downtown Kissimmee. Osceola County features diverse geography ranging from wetlands and prairies to suburban developments. Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court is located at 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2600, Kissimmee, FL 34741, and is the official record-keeper for court proceedings and county documents.
Osceola County Property Appraiser's office, responsible for property assessments, is located at 2501 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744. Osceola County's unique cultural diversity, with significant Puerto Rican and Hispanic populations, distinguishes it from many other Florida counties. Osceola County Tax Collector maintains offices throughout Osceola County to serve residents with vehicle registrations, business tax receipts, and property tax collections.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Osceola County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of Osceola County. It operates Osceola County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in various community outreach programs and specialized divisions, including a narcotics unit and a SWAT team, to address specific public safety concerns. The Sheriff's Office is committed to maintaining public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage across Osceola County.
Police Departments
In addition to Osceola County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Osceola County is provided by several municipal police departments. The Kissimmee Police Department and the St. Cloud Police Department are the primary city agencies, each responsible for policing within their respective city limits. These departments work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office, particularly on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries. This collaboration ensures a full approach to law enforcement across Osceola County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Osceola County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services. The agency's main office is located at 2601 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744, and can be reached for The official website is www.osceolasheriff.org, where residents can access various public information services. Osceola County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences.
- Inmate lookup services are available online through the Sheriff's website, providing current custody status, booking photos, charges, and bond information.
- Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, known as the Florida Public Records Law, citizens have the right to request arrest records from any law enforcement agency.
- Arrest records and booking reports can be requested through the Sheriff's Office Records Section, either in person, by mail, or through their online portal.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public record in Florida and are typically available through the online inmate search system or by submitting a formal public records request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documents.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Osceola County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Osceola County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. To run a background check in Florida, residents can request records through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Osceola County are maintained by Osceola County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, either in person or via their online portal. According to the Florida Sunshine Law, arrest records are public information, and the process for obtaining them is straightforward, for public access and accessibility If you need information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Osceola County Jail, also known as Osceola County Correctional Facility, is where individuals arrested in Osceola County are booked and held. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Inmate information can be accessed through Osceola County Sheriff's Office website, which provides details on current inmates and their charges. Visitation rules at the facility require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Florida allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail's administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Osceola County are taken and retained by Osceola 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. Florida law allows for the public release of mugshots, and individuals seeking these images can search the online database provided by the Sheriff's Office. While Florida does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serves Osceola County with Osceola County Courthouse located at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. The court can be reached for This Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and juvenile cases. Osceola County Court, operating within the same facility, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims cases up to $8,000.
- Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains all court records and provides public access services.
- The public can search civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases free of charge online, though certified copies require fees typically ranging from $1.00 per page for copies plus $2.00 for certification.
- The Clerk's Records Division provides in-person assistance during business hours for document retrieval, and remote access is available for many case types.
- Traffic citations and violations can be researched online, and payments can be made through the Clerk's online payment portal.
- Historical court records and archived documents may require additional research time and fees.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Osceola County are maintained by Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Official Records Division, located at 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2600, Kissimmee, FL 34741, phone. The Official Records Department records and maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, easements, plat maps, condominium declarations, uniform commercial code (UCC) filings, and various other legal instruments affecting real property.
- Most documents can be viewed and printed at no charge online, while certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus applicable mailing fees.
- The Property Appraiser's website offers a free GIS mapping system and parcel search allowing users to research ownership, assessed values, exemptions, sales history, and property characteristics.
The Clerk's website at www.osceolaclerk.org provides free online access to the Official Records Search system, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or official record number dating back several decades. Property tax information and assessment records are maintained separately by Osceola County Property Appraiser at 2501 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744, phone, website www.property-appraiser.org/osceola. Tax payment records and collection information are available through Osceola County Tax Collector at www.osceolataxcollector.com.
To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requests can be made in person, by mail with proper payment, or through the Clerk's online ordering system with credit card payment and delivery via email or postal mail.
Vital Records
Vital records for Osceola County are handled through multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Osceola County can be obtained from the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County, located at 1875 Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744, phone. Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy.
- Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks for mail requests and can be immediate for walk-in requests if records are readily available.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees and expedited shipping options.
- The marriage license fee is $93.50, reduced to $30.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course.
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville is the statewide repository for all Florida vital records and can be reached at or through www.floridahealth.gov/certificates. Marriage licenses are issued by Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741, phone. Divorce records (dissolution of marriage) are maintained by the Clerk of Court as court records and can be searched through the court records system.
Florida Statute 382 governs vital statistics and establishes requirements for obtaining certified copies, including valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or tangible interest for restricted records. Birth records less than 100 years old are confidential and available only to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Osceola County are accessible through multiple governmental agencies depending on the business type and regulatory requirements. Osceola County Tax Collector's office issues local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) and maintains a searchable database of registered businesses operating within Osceola County. The Tax Collector's main office is at 2501 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744, phone, website www.osceolataxcollector.com.
- Business tax receipt fees vary based on business classification and gross receipts.
- Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA) are filed with Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court and can be searched online through the Official Records system.
- This system includes officer information, registered agent details, and annual report filing status.
The Florida Department of State Division of Corporations maintains the statewide business entity database at www.sunbiz.org, providing free searches for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and trademarks registered in Florida. Professional licenses such as contractors, real estate agents, and health professionals are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at www.myfloridalicense.com. Building permits, zoning information, and development approvals are handled by Osceola County Development Services Department, located at 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 1100, Kissimmee, FL 34741, phone.
The Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, located at 1425 East Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744, website www.kissimmeechamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for the local business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Osceola County Supervisor of Elections, located at 2509 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34744, administers all federal, state, county, and municipal elections within Osceola County. The office can be reached, and the official website is www.voteosceola.com. Voter registration in Florida is available online through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, or through numerous county agencies including driver license offices and public libraries.
- Registered voters can find their polling place through the Supervisor of Elections website by entering their address or by calling the main office.
- In the November 2024 general election, Osceola County recorded approximately 63% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in presidential election years.
The voter registration deadline in Florida is 29 days before any election, and residents must be U.S. Citizens, Florida residents, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Online voter registration requires a Florida driver license or ID card.
Osceola County operates numerous early voting sites typically open 10-14 days before elections at locations including libraries, city halls, and the Supervisor of Elections office. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding certain protected information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and historical turnout data. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Florida Governor and Cabinet positions, state legislative seats, and various county offices. Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) can be requested online through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, in writing, or in person, and the request remains valid through the end of the calendar year for general elections or through two election cycles.
Florida law (Florida Statute 101) provides substantial transparency in election administration, allowing citizens to request records regarding voter history, election procedures, ballot design approvals, voting equipment testing reports, and canvassing board proceedings, promoting accountability and public confidence in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Osceola County's economy is heavily influenced by its proximity to Walt Disney World Resort and the Central Florida tourism corridor, making hospitality and tourism the dominant economic sector. Major employers include Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Gaylord Palms Resort, and numerous hotels along the US Highway 192 corridor. Osceola County has experienced significant economic diversification in recent years with growth in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and simulation/training industries. AdventHealth and HCA Florida Osceola Hospital represent major healthcare employers.
- Median household income in Osceola County is approximately $56,000 according to recent U.S.
Census estimates, slightly below the state average but rising with economic development initiatives. The tourism sector generates billions in annual economic impact, supporting restaurants, retail, entertainment venues, and service industries. Agriculture remains economically significant in rural areas, particularly cattle ranching and citrus production, though development pressure has reduced agricultural acreage.
Osceola County Seat area Heritage Park, a 515-acre multi-purpose facility, hosts events, conventions, and the Silver Spurs Rodeo, contributing to the local economy. Unemployment rates in Osceola County typically track slightly above state averages due to the seasonal nature of tourism employment. Major economic development projects include the NeoCity Advanced Manufacturing initiative in southeast Osceola County, designed to attract high-tech manufacturing and research facilities.
Osceola County has invested in infrastructure improvements including the Poinciana Parkway toll road to support residential and commercial growth. Osceola County Economic Development and Tourism Department actively recruits businesses offering incentives for job creation and capital investment in targeted industries including aviation, life sciences, and digital media.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 9/10, Osceola County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online portals for courts, property, business, and elections; vital records require in-person or mail requests.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Osceola County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Osceola County, Florida.