Bradford County Warrant Records

Bradford County warrant records are maintained by the sheriff's office and the Clerk of Courts in Starke. With a population of about 28,000, Bradford County is one of the smaller counties in north central Florida. Despite its size, the county handles all warrant types including arrest warrants, bench warrants, and capias orders through the 8th Judicial Circuit. Most warrant records in Bradford County are open to the public under Florida's Sunshine Law, and you can search the FDLE statewide database for free to check on active warrants. The clerk's office also keeps court docket records that show warrant activity.

Bradford County Sheriff Warrants

The Bradford County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. They handle warrant service and keep records on outstanding warrants. The office is located at 945-B N. Temple Avenue in Starke. You can call (904) 966-6176 with questions about warrants or records. The sheriff's office works with the 8th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Alachua, Baker, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties.

When a judge in Bradford County signs an arrest warrant, the sheriff's deputies are tasked with finding and arresting the person named on it. Under Florida Statute 901.04, warrants go out to all sheriffs across the state. That means someone wanted in Bradford County can be picked up anywhere in Florida. The sheriff's office refers people to the FDLE Public Access System for warrant lookups. It is free and covers all 67 counties.

Note: Bradford County shares the 8th Judicial Circuit with five other counties, so warrant records from any of those areas may appear in related searches.

Bradford County Clerk of Courts

The Bradford County Clerk of Courts keeps court case records that include bench warrants, capias orders, and other warrant-related entries. The clerk's office is at 945 N. Temple Avenue in Starke, right near the sheriff's office. Phone is (904) 966-6280. You can go in person to ask about court records or request copies of documents tied to warrant cases in Bradford County.

When a judge issues a bench warrant in Bradford County for a missed court date, the clerk logs it in the case docket. These entries become part of the public record under Florida Statute 119.07. Anyone can ask to inspect or copy public records from the clerk. You do not need to be the person named in the case. Standard copy fees apply for printed documents.

How to Search Bradford County Warrants

The FDLE Public Access System is the best free tool for checking warrants in Bradford County. Go to the wanted persons page and enter a name. The system searches warrant data from all 67 Florida counties. It is free and does not require a login. Results show the warrant type and the agency that filed it. If Bradford County has entered a warrant into the statewide system, you will find it here.

You can also call the Bradford County Clerk at (904) 966-6280 for case-specific warrant information. Their docket records will show bench warrants and capias entries. For more urgent questions, contact the sheriff's office directly. They may be able to confirm whether an active warrant exists, though details are sometimes limited over the phone.

The FDLE runs the statewide database that law enforcement and the public both use. You can access the FDLE Public Access System homepage to start a search.

The database pulls data from local agencies. Bradford County warrants appear once the sheriff's office enters them into the system, which can sometimes take a day or two.

Warrant Types in Bradford County

Arrest warrants in Bradford County are issued after a judge reviews an affidavit and finds probable cause. This process follows Florida Statute 901.02. Bench warrants come into play when someone misses court. The judge orders the person picked up. Capias warrants are similar and get issued through the clerk's office. All of these are part of Bradford County's court records.

Search warrants are handled differently from arrest warrants. Under Florida Statute 933.07, a search warrant expires after 14 days if it has not been carried out. Arrest warrants have no such limit in Bradford County. They stay on the books until the person is found or the judge decides to recall the warrant.

Public Access to Bradford Warrants

Florida's Sunshine Law makes warrant records in Bradford County available to the public. Under Florida Statute 119.07, any person can inspect and copy public records from government agencies. This applies to both the Bradford County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts. You do not need to be a party in the case, and you do not need to explain why you want the information.

Some exceptions apply. Active investigations may have sealed components. Search warrant affidavits can stay confidential until the warrant is served. Under Florida Statute 901.16, the officer making an arrest on a warrant must inform the person of the reason for the arrest and that a warrant has been issued. The officer is not required to have the warrant in hand at the time of arrest, but they must produce it upon request.

Note: Some warrant records in Bradford County may take longer to appear online because of the county's smaller staff and resources.

What to Do About a Warrant

If you learn there is a warrant for you in Bradford County, contact a lawyer before doing anything else. An attorney can help you understand the charges and plan the best way to handle the surrender. Going to jail without advice can result in staying longer than needed. A bail bondsman in the Starke area can assist with posting bond once the amount is set.

Warrants in Bradford County do not expire. They stay active no matter how much time passes. A traffic stop, a background check, or any contact with law enforcement can bring an old warrant to light. Taking care of it sooner gives you better options.

Nearby Counties

Bradford County is in north central Florida. If you need to check a warrant but are not sure which county to search, look at where the incident happened. Warrants are filed in the county where the case originated.