Search Lakeland Warrant Records

Lakeland warrant records are processed through the Polk County Sheriff's Office and tracked in the county court system. With about 125,000 residents, Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County. The Lakeland Police Department handles local law enforcement, but all warrant records flow through the county sheriff and the Clerk of Court. You can search for active warrants in Lakeland using the free FDLE statewide database or by contacting the Polk County Sheriff directly. The Polk County Clerk of Court also maintains criminal case dockets that show warrant and capias activity for Lakeland cases.

Lakeland Warrant Records at PCSO

The Polk County Sheriff's Office handles warrant records for Lakeland and the rest of Polk County. The sheriff's Warrants Division processes arrest warrants, tracks active cases, and works with fugitive units to locate people with outstanding warrants. While the Lakeland Police Department patrols the city and can make arrests on warrants, the warrant itself is filed and maintained at the county level.

The Lakeland Police Department is located at 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Lakeland. You can reach them at (863) 834-6900. Officers will direct you to the Polk County Sheriff or the FDLE statewide system if you call about a specific warrant. Lakeland PD works closely with the sheriff's office on warrant service throughout the city.

The Lakeland Police Department coordinates with Polk County on warrant execution. Officers can serve warrants during routine patrol in the city.

How to Search Lakeland Warrants

Start with the FDLE Wanted Persons search page. Enter the name you want to check. The search is free. No account is needed. The system shows active warrants from all 67 Florida counties, including Polk County which covers Lakeland. Results include the warrant type, issuing agency, and case details. The FDLE database updates every 24 hours, so very recent Lakeland warrants may not be listed yet.

The Polk County Clerk of Court has an online case search where you can find bench warrants and capias entries in criminal dockets. Search by party name or case number. Warrant activity shows up in the docket once the clerk enters it. This is useful when you need details about a specific Lakeland case rather than just a list of active warrants. The clerk's site is free to search. You can also visit the courthouse in Bartow in person to look at case files.

Note: Lakeland warrant records may appear on the county sheriff or clerk site before they show on the statewide FDLE system.

Types of Warrants in Lakeland

Several types of warrants affect Lakeland residents. Arrest warrants are the most common. A judge signs one after reviewing a sworn complaint and finding probable cause under Florida Statute 901.02. The warrant tells all sheriffs in the state to arrest the named person. It can be served any day, any time. Arrest warrants do not expire in Florida. They stay active until the person is picked up or a judge recalls the warrant.

Bench warrants come out when someone misses a court date in Lakeland. A capias is similar. The Clerk of Circuit Court can issue a direct capias in some cases. Violation of probation warrants go out when probation terms are broken. Fugitive warrants cover people wanted in another state who are found in Polk County. All of these types appear in Lakeland warrant records.

Search warrants are separate. Under Florida Statute 933.07, they expire after 14 days if not served. These give officers the right to search a specific address in Lakeland for evidence tied to a criminal case.

Public Access to Lakeland Warrants

Lakeland warrant records are public under Florida's Sunshine Law. Florida Statute 119.07 gives anyone the right to inspect and copy public records held by state and local agencies. This includes warrant records at the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court. You do not have to be the person named on the warrant. You do not need to give a reason for your search. The records are open to all.

Some exceptions exist. Active criminal intelligence and investigative information is exempt under Florida Statute 119.071. Search warrants and their supporting affidavits stay private until served. Officers may hold "pocket warrants" that have not been entered into a database yet. If you think a warrant exists but cannot find it online, a defense attorney in Lakeland can make inquiries with the relevant agency.

What to Do About a Lakeland Warrant

If you find a warrant in your name in Lakeland, talk to a lawyer first. Do not show up at the Polk County Jail or the Lakeland Police station without legal advice. Under Florida law, surrendering on a warrant means going into custody before posting bond. A licensed bail bondsman in Lakeland or Bartow can walk you through the steps and help speed up the process.

Under Florida Statute 901.07, if you are arrested on a warrant in a different county, the arresting officer must tell you about your right to bail. If you can post bail right away, you may do so in that county. If not, the officer brings you before the judge who issued the warrant. Under Florida Statute 901.16, the officer must explain why you are being arrested. The physical warrant does not need to be on the officer at the time, but you can ask to see it.

Note: Warrants in Lakeland do not expire and can lead to arrest at any time, even years later.

Polk County Warrant Records

Lakeland is in Polk County. All warrants go through the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the 10th Judicial Circuit. The county covers about 725,000 residents across Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, and many other cities. For more details on the county court system, sheriff contacts, and warrant resources, visit the Polk County page.

View Polk County Warrant Records

Nearby Florida Cities

These cities are near Lakeland and also have warrant records pages. All are served by their respective county sheriff's offices for warrant processing.