Surfside Public Records Directory

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

  About Surfside City Government
Government Type City Council

Surfside is a city in Miami-dade County, Florida. Use the official town and county resources on this page to reach the clerk, court, assessment, public-records, and Freedom of Information request pages serving residents and researchers.

  About Surfside, Florida

Nestled along the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Surfside, Florida, embodies a unique blend of small-town charm and coastal sophistication. This serene town, approximately 6,200 strong, is situated in Miami-Dade County, just north of the bustling city of Miami Beach. Founded in the 1930s, Surfside has retained its quaint character, boasting an array of neighborhoods that include the picturesque North Surfside and the vibrant Waterfront District. With its close proximity to major urban centers, Surfside attracts residents and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat from the frenetic pace of city life. The local economy thrives on tourism, hospitality, and real estate, with several hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops drawing both locals and tourists. The town's pristine beaches, lush parks, and commitment to community events make it a distinctive destination for families and individuals alike.

Law enforcement in Surfside is primarily served by the Surfside Police Department, which is dedicated to maintaining public safety and fostering community relations. For more serious matters, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office also provides support, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage. In the event of a need for criminal records, individuals can obtain arrest records, mugshots, and booking records by first contacting the Surfside Police Department’s Records Unit. For more extensive searches, such as obtaining a complete criminal history, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office serves as a pivotal resource. For statewide criminal background checks, residents can reach out to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Bureau of Criminal Justice Information Services, which maintains the state criminal repository. In many instances, online lookup portals may be available, enabling easier access to certain records such as arrest logs or incident reports, thereby streamlining the process for those seeking information.

Surfside falls under the jurisdiction of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, which handles various court cases, ranging from civil disputes to criminal proceedings. For those looking to request court records, the Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Courts provides an online portal where many records can be accessed. Alternatively, individuals can visit the clerk's office in person, where staff members can assist in locating specific documents. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can be obtained from the Miami-Dade County Clerk-Recorder or through the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. Property records are managed through the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's office, which also offers online access for convenience. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, public records requests can be submitted for a wide range of documents not covered in the aforementioned categories, typically receiving a response within 5 to 10 business days, thereby ensuring transparency and community engagement in this charming coastal town.

  Surfside, Florida Public Records & Government Resources

About Surfside

Surfside, Florida is located in Dade and is served by the county government. Miami Dade County, established in 1836, is located in the southeastern part of Florida and is the most populous county in the state. The county seat is Miami, a major center for finance, culture, and international trade. Miami Dade County encompasses a diverse range of geographic features, including the Atlantic coastline, the Everglades, and numerous islands. The county is a significant administrative hub, housing the Miami Dade County Courthouse, which serves as the central judicial facility for the area.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Surfside, Miami Dade County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Miami Dade Police Department and various municipal police departments. The Miami Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department, and Hialeah Police Department are among the key city departments operating within the county. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective city, while the Miami Dade Police Department covers unincorporated areas. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center is the primary jail facility in Miami Dade County. It handles the booking and processing of individuals arrested within the county. Inmates can be located through the Miami Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation at the facility is subject to specific rules, including scheduled times and identification requirements. The bond and bail process in Florida allows for the release of inmates pending court proceedings, with bail amounts set according to the severity of the charges.

Court Records

The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court serves Miami Dade County, with its main courthouse located in Miami. This court has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, and probate cases within the county. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the Miami Dade Clerk of Courts' online portal, which provides comprehensive information on ongoing and past cases. The court's facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of legal matters, serving as a critical component of the county's judicial system.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Miami Dade County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Miami Dade Police Department and the Miami Dade Clerk of Courts maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Florida Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Miami Dade residents seeking detailed criminal records, ensuring transparency and access to public safety information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Miami Dade County are maintained by the Miami Dade Police Department. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the department's public records request process, in accordance with the Florida Sunshine Law. An arrest record in Miami Dade County typically includes the individual's name, charges, booking date, and arresting agency. The process for obtaining these records involves submitting a formal request, either online or in person, to the police department's records section.

Public Records Access

Public records in Miami Dade County are accessible under Florida's Sunshine Law, which promotes transparency in government. The Miami Dade County Clerk of Courts is the primary office for accessing court records, including civil and criminal case files. The office provides online portals for efficient record retrieval, with typical turnaround times varying based on the complexity of the request. The county's records system ensures that residents have access to vital information, supporting informed civic engagement and accountability.

Economy & Demographics

Miami Dade County's economy is characterized by its diversity and international influence, with major industries including tourism, international trade, finance, and healthcare. The Port of Miami, known as the 'Cruise Capital of the World,' plays a significant role in the county's economic activity, alongside Miami International Airport, which is a major hub for international flights. The county is home to numerous multinational corporations and financial institutions, making it a key economic driver in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Surfside, Miami-dade County, Florida to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Surfside, Florida, you will be transported to the 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 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 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 school district for Surfside, Miami-dade County, Florida is Miami-Dade County Public Schools. 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 81.2%, and the district's average SAT score was 1020.
According to the Miami-Dade County Police Department, the total number of reported crimes in Surfside, Miami-Dade County, Florida in 2019 was 1,845. Of those, 1,619 were property crimes and 226 were violent crimes.
The Surfside Public Library in 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 Surfside Florida Archives and Genealogy at https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/genealogy/. Contact the Surfside Public Library reference desk at (305) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Surfside, Miami-Dade County, Florida Library is located at 9537 Harding Avenue, Surfside, FL 33154.
Fingerprinting services for Surfside, Florida residents are provided at the Surfside Police Department, which serves 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 Surfside Police Department at (305) 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.
In order to obtain vital records from Surfside, Miami-dade County, Florida, you must contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. You can do this by visiting their website or by calling their office.

The vital records that can be obtained from the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. All of these records will include the address of the individual or individuals involved.
Police reports from Surfside, Florida can be obtained from the Surfside Police Department, located in 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 Surfside Police Department Records Division at (305) 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 Surfside, 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 Miami-dade County, Florida

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Aventura Coral Gables Hialeah Bay Harbor Islands Miami Lakes Hialeah Gardens