Access Indian River County Warrant Records

Indian River County warrant records are managed by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Vero Beach. The county has roughly 160,000 residents and sits along the Treasure Coast in east-central Florida. It is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. Warrant records here are public and can be searched online through state and local databases.

Indian River County Sheriff's Office Warrants

The Indian River County Sheriff's Office handles all warrant service within the county. The agency is based at 1801 27th Street, Building A, in Vero Beach. You can reach them at (772) 569-6700. The sheriff's office employs hundreds of personnel, making it the largest law enforcement agency in the county. Warrant service falls under their patrol and criminal investigations divisions.

When a judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit signs a warrant for someone in Indian River County, the sheriff's deputies are responsible for executing it. Under Florida Statute 901.04, warrants are directed to all sheriffs in the state. A warrant issued in Indian River County can be served in any county. The reverse is true as well. Someone wanted in another county can be arrested by Indian River deputies.

The sheriff's office enters warrant data into the state system, where it becomes searchable through FDLE.

The FDLE system is the primary online tool for checking active warrants in Indian River County and across Florida.

Indian River Clerk of the Circuit Court

The Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all court records in the county. This includes criminal case files where warrants are issued. Bench warrants and capias orders appear in the case docket as part of the court record. The clerk's office is at 2000 16th Avenue in Vero Beach. Call (772) 770-5185 for questions.

The Indian River County Clerk has an online case search tool on their website. You can look up criminal cases by name or case number. If a bench warrant or capias has been filed in a case, it will show in the docket entries. This is a useful tool when the FDLE system does not have what you need, especially for bench warrants tied to missed court dates. Not all bench warrants make it into the statewide FDLE database, but they do show up in the clerk's local records.

Note: The clerk's online system shows case activity but may not label every entry as a "warrant" since the data comes from court filings and docket entries.

How to Search Warrants in Indian River County

You have two main options for searching warrant records in Indian River County. The first is the FDLE Public Access System. Visit the site, go to the Wanted Persons page, and type in a name. It is free. No sign-up needed. The results show active warrants from all Florida counties including Indian River.

The second option is the Indian River County Clerk's online case search. Go to the clerk's website and use their search tool. Look for criminal cases by name. Open the case record and check the docket for warrant entries. This method picks up bench warrants that might not appear on the FDLE system.

For in-person requests, visit the sheriff's office or clerk's office during business hours. You can also call either office by phone. Under Florida Statute 119.07, both agencies must provide access to public records. They can charge for copies but not for inspection.

Types of Warrants in Indian River County

Arrest warrants are the most common type in Indian River County. A judge issues one after law enforcement files a probable cause affidavit. Under Florida Statute 901.02, the warrant must name the person and describe the offense. These warrants stay active with no expiration date.

Bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court. In Indian River County, the judge enters a bench warrant at the hearing when the defendant does not show. These are common in traffic cases, misdemeanor cases, and probation violation matters. A capias serves a similar function and can be issued by the clerk or the judge.

Search warrants authorize law enforcement to search a specific place. They are time-limited. Florida Statute 933.07 says a search warrant must be executed within 14 days or it becomes void. Search warrant records in Indian River County become public after execution, but the affidavit can be sealed during an active investigation.

Note: Violation of probation warrants are common in Indian River County and often carry no bond, meaning the person stays in custody until a hearing.

Public Access to Indian River County Warrants

Florida's Sunshine Law gives the public broad access to government records. Under Florida Statute 119.07, anyone can request and inspect public records in Indian River County. No reason is needed. You do not have to be the person named in the record, and you do not have to live in the county.

Both the sheriff's office and the clerk of court are subject to public records law. If you submit a request in writing, the agency must respond within a reasonable time. They can charge for copies. Standard rates are usually around $0.15 per page for the first copy. Certified copies cost more. If an agency denies your request, they must cite a specific legal exemption.

Active criminal intelligence records and certain investigation files can be withheld while a case is open. Once an arrest is made on a warrant, the arrest report and warrant details become public. The Florida Courts website has information about the court system in the 19th Judicial Circuit if you need more detail on how cases move through Indian River County.

What to Do About an Indian River County Warrant

Talk to a lawyer. This is the first and most important step if you find out there is a warrant for your arrest in Indian River County. A criminal defense attorney can verify the warrant, check the charges, and guide you through the next steps. Under Florida Statute 901.16, an arresting officer must inform you that a warrant has been issued. They do not have to carry the physical warrant during the arrest.

Surrendering on a warrant means going into custody. A bail bondsman can help post bond after booking. In Indian River County, the process typically goes through the county jail on 45th Street in Vero Beach. Some warrants carry no bond, which means the person stays in jail until the next court hearing. Violation of probation warrants are usually no-bond.

Leaving a warrant unresolved is risky. Arrest warrants in Florida do not expire. They stay in the system and can lead to an arrest at any time during a traffic stop, at an airport, or during any interaction with law enforcement. The Florida Sheriffs Association website has links to all 67 county sheriff offices if you need contact info for agencies outside Indian River County.

Nearby Counties

Indian River County borders several other counties along the Treasure Coast and central Florida. If you are not sure where a warrant was filed, check which county covers the address where the incident occurred.