Shalimar Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Shalimar, Florida government websites.

  About Shalimar City Government
Annual Budget $1.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

Shalimar, Florida, is governed by the Shalimar City Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large to serve staggered terms of three years each. Elections are held in November during odd-numbered years, allowing residents to participate in selecting their representatives for the council.

For the fiscal year 2022-2023, the City of Shalimar operates with an approximate annual budget of $1.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives. The city’s financial planning is aimed at ensuring sustainable growth while maintaining essential services for its residents.

The Shalimar City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings take place at the Shalimar City Hall, located at 1 Eshleman Avenue, Shalimar, FL 32579. These meetings provide an opportunity for residents to engage with council members and stay informed about local governance and community issues.

  About Shalimar, Florida

Nestled along the scenic shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, the charming town of Shalimar, Florida, offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and coastal allure. This community, home to approximately 1,400 residents, is situated within the heart of Okaloosa County, strategically positioned for both tranquility and convenience. Founded in 1954, Shalimar is easily accessible, located just a few miles from the bustling city of Fort Walton Beach and the popular tourist destination of Destin. The town is characterized by its inviting neighborhoods, including Shalimar Hills and the serene waterfront areas that boast picturesque views and a relaxed lifestyle. While primarily residential, Shalimar's local economy thrives on a mix of small businesses, hospitality services, and proximity to military installations like Eglin Air Force Base, which offers employment opportunities and contributes to the town's vibrant community fabric. The distinctive charm of Shalimar lies not only in its stunning natural surroundings but also in its commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents, making it an attractive destination for families and retirees alike.

Law enforcement in Shalimar is primarily provided by the Shalimar Police Department, a dedicated force focused on ensuring the safety and security of the community. For more extensive law enforcement resources and support, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office serves the area as well, offering additional expertise and investigative capabilities. The county also operates the Okaloosa County Detention Facility, where individuals may be held during the course of legal proceedings. To obtain arrest records, mugshots, and booking records in Shalimar, residents can begin by contacting the Shalimar Police Department directly, where the records unit can assist with specific inquiries. For broader criminal histories, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office can provide access to more extensive records. Additionally, residents can utilize the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal Justice Information Services Division, which serves as the state's repository for criminal records, including requests for background checks and criminal history reports. Online lookup portals are available for some services, allowing individuals to access information conveniently from home, though specific procedures and fees may apply.

The judicial system serving Shalimar falls under the jurisdiction of the Okaloosa County Circuit Court, which handles a range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, and family cases. To request court records, residents can utilize the online portal provided by the Clerk of Courts, which allows for easy access to case information and documents. For those preferring in-person assistance, visiting the clerk's office is also an option, where staff can guide individuals through the request process. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Okaloosa County Clerk-Recorder's office or through the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. Residents seeking property records will find them available through the county's Property Appraiser and the Clerk's office, with online portals facilitating access to these essential documents. Furthermore, under the Florida Sunshine Law, the public has the right to request access to a wide range of government records, typically receiving responses within 5 to 10 business days. This transparency is a vital aspect of the local government’s commitment to accountability and public service, allowing residents to stay informed and engaged with their community.

  Shalimar, Florida Public Records & Government Resources

About Shalimar

Nestled along the scenic shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, the charming town of Shalimar, Florida, offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and coastal allure. This community, home to approximately 918 residents, is situated within the heart of Okaloosa County, strategically positioned for both tranquility and convenience. Founded in 1954, Shalimar is easily accessible, located just a few miles from the bustling city of Fort Walton Beach and the popular tourist destination of Destin.
The town is characterized by its inviting neighborhoods, including Shalimar Hills and the serene waterfront areas that boast picturesque views and a relaxed lifestyle. While primarily residential, Shalimar's local economy thrives on a mix of small businesses, hospitality services, and proximity to military installations like Eglin Air Force Base, which offers employment opportunities and contributes to the town's vibrant community fabric.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Shalimar, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Destin Police Department, and Niceville Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives to ensure comprehensive public safety coverage throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Okaloosa County Jail, also known as the Okaloosa County Department of Corrections, is located in Crestview. The facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested in the county, where they are processed and held until they post bail or appear in court. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond process follows Florida state guidelines, allowing for cash bonds or surety bonds through licensed bail bond agents.

Court Records

The Florida Courts system, accessible at flcourts.gov, serves as the primary resource for accessing court-related public records in Shalimar. This comprehensive platform allows users to search for case information, retrieve court documents, and stay informed about the judicial proceedings taking place within the city and the broader Okaloosa County jurisdiction. Additionally, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Case Locator at pcl.uscourts.gov offers information on bankruptcy filings that may be relevant to individuals or businesses in the Shalimar area.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Okaloosa County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office manages arrest and incident reports. Residents can run a background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Florida Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Okaloosa residents seeking comprehensive background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Okaloosa County are maintained by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the Sheriff's Office, either in person or via their website. An Okaloosa County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and booking information. Florida's public records law, known as the Sunshine Law, ensures transparency and access to these records for the public.

Public Records Access

For those seeking public records in Shalimar, the Florida Department of Revenue provides a comprehensive resource for property records and assessor information at floridarevenue.com/property/. This includes details on real estate ownership, property values, and tax assessment data. The city's archives and genealogy records can be accessed through the Florida Division of Library and Information Services at dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/genealogy/. These resources offer a wealth of historical information about Shalimar and the surrounding Okaloosa County region.

Economy & Demographics

Shalimar's local economy is characterized by a diverse mix of small businesses, hospitality services, and the influence of nearby military installations like Eglin Air Force Base. While the town is primarily residential, its strategic location and proximity to larger commercial hubs like Fort Walton Beach and Destin contribute to a thriving local economy. Residents here enjoy employment opportunities not only within the city limits but also in the broader Okaloosa County area, which is home to a range of industries, including tourism, aviation, and defense-related sectors.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Shalimar is primarily provided by the Shalimar Police Department, a dedicated force focused on ensuring the safety and security of the community. For more extensive law enforcement resources and support, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office serves the area as well, offering additional expertise and investigative capabilities. Residents can also access the National Sex Offender Registry at nsopw.gov and the FBI's Most Wanted Criminals list at fbi.gov/wanted to stay informed about public safety and law enforcement matters in Shalimar and the surrounding region.

Vital Records

Residents of Shalimar can obtain vital records, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, through the Florida Department of Health at floridahealth.gov/certificates/. This state-level resource provides access to a wide range of personal documentation essential for various legal and administrative purposes. Whether you need to verify a family member's birth details or obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate, the Florida Vital Records portal is the authoritative source for these critical documents.

Business & Licensing Records

For businesses operating in Shalimar, the city's local government offers resources for obtaining the necessary licenses, permits, and zoning information. These can be accessed through the Shalimar USA.gov Public Records Guide at usa.gov/government-records. This federal portal provides direct links to the relevant state and municipal agencies responsible for regulating commercial activities, ensuring compliance with local ordinances, and facilitating the smooth operation of enterprises within the community.

Elections & Voter Records

Shalimar voters are served by the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections, located at 302 North Wilson Street, Suite 102, Crestview, FL 32536 (phone: 850-689-5600, website: https://www.okaloosaelections.gov). The Supervisor of Elections office handles all aspects of voter registration, election administration, early voting, absentee ballots, and precinct operations for Shalimar and all of Okaloosa County. Florida residents can register to vote online through the statewide system at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, which requires a Florida driver license or ID card. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, Florida residents, and not currently adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony (unless rights have been restored). Shalimar conducts municipal elections for mayor and four town council seats, with the mayor serving a two-year term and council members serving staggered four-year terms. Town elections are held on the second Tuesday in March of odd-numbered years. The next Shalimar municipal election is scheduled for March 2025 for mayor and two council seats. Candidate qualifying and local ballot measures are posted on the town website at www.shalimar-fl.gov and through the Supervisor of Elections office. Polling place assignments for Shalimar residents can be found using the precinct finder tool at www.okaloosaelections.gov by entering your residential address. Most Shalimar voters are assigned to the Shalimar Town Hall polling location at 1 Anchor Drive. Florida election records are extensively public under Chapter 97 and 119, Florida Statutes. Voter registration lists showing names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history (which elections voted, not candidate choices) are public records available for purchase. Campaign finance reports for all candidates and political committees are searchable through the Florida Division of Elections website. Candidate qualifying information, precinct-level election results, and voter turnout statistics are all publicly available. In the November 2024 presidential election, Okaloosa County reported approximately 62% voter turnout with over 130,000 ballots cast out of approximately 210,000 registered voters, reflecting the county's typically high engagement in federal elections. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Shalimar and Okaloosa County voters will decide several significant races: Governor of Florida and the full state cabinet (Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture serve four-year terms with 2026 elections); all Florida House of Representatives seats (Shalimar is in District 3); one U.S. Senate seat (Florida's Senate Class III seat is up in 2026); Okaloosa County constitutional officers including Sheriff, Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and Supervisor of Elections; county commissioners for certain districts; and potentially local school board and special district seats. Florida voters can request mail-in ballots (also called absentee ballots) through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, by mail, or in person. Mail ballot requests are valid through the end of the calendar year in which they are made and must be renewed annually. Voted ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Early voting is offered at designated locations for approximately two weeks before Election Day, with dates and times set by the Supervisor of Elections.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Okaloosa County and the State of Florida provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive online databases for court records, property information, business entities, and election data, reflecting Florida's strong Sunshine Law commitment to government transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Shalimar, Okaloosa County, Florida to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Shalimar, Florida, you will be transported to the Okaloosa County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Okaloosa County Court. Under Florida law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.dc.state.fl.us/offenderSearch/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Shalimar area is served by the Okaloosa County School District. According to the Florida Department of Education, the district's overall grade for the 2019-2020 school year was a B. The district's graduation rate was 87.2%, and the district's average SAT score was 1020. The district's average ACT score was 20.7.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Uniform Crime Report, Shalimar, Okaloosa County, Florida had a total of 545 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 4 murders, 8 rapes, 28 robberies, and 505 aggravated assaults. There were also 78 burglaries, 437 larcenies, and 27 motor vehicle thefts.
The Shalimar Public Library in Okaloosa County, Florida provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Florida government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), which governs access to government documents in Florida. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Shalimar Florida Archives and Genealogy at https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/genealogy/. Contact the Shalimar Public Library reference desk at (850) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Shalimar, Okaloosa County, Florida Library is located at:

Shalimar Branch Library

1445 Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579
Phone: (850) 651-7180
Fingerprinting services for Shalimar, Florida residents are provided at the Shalimar Police Department, which serves Okaloosa County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Shalimar Police Department at (850) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
To obtain vital records from Shalimar, Okaloosa County, Florida, you must contact the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court. You can do this by visiting their office in person, or by mail.

In order to obtain vital records, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person whose records you are requesting, and a completed application form. The application form can be found on the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court website.

The vital records that can be obtained from the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees.
Police reports from Shalimar, Florida can be obtained from the Shalimar Police Department, located in Okaloosa County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), most police reports are public records in Florida, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Shalimar Police Department Records Division at (850) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
A background check in Shalimar, Okaloosa County, Florida typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Florida. Criminal background checks are processed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Florida residents. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Okaloosa County, Florida

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Destin Fort Walton Beach Mary Esther Cinco Bayou Niceville Valparaiso