Miami City Police Records are public documents created by the Miami Police Department, also called MPD. These records cover crimes, arrests, traffic crashes, and other events handled by MPD officers inside Miami city limits.
Florida law lets almost anyone view or copy these records. You do not need to live in Florida, and you do not need to give a reason for your request. This page explains what records exist, how to get them, what they cost, and who to contact at MPD.
What Are Miami City Police Records
Miami City Police Records are written reports, logs, and files kept by the Miami Police Department. MPD writes these records every time an officer responds to a call, makes an arrest, or files a report. The records show what happened, who was involved, and how the case ended. Most records become public after a case closes. Some stay sealed to protect victims, witnesses, or open investigations.
Types of Police Records in Miami
MPD keeps many kinds of records. Each one serves a different purpose. Knowing the type helps you ask the right question when you call or write to the records division.
- Incident reports for crimes, disturbances, and calls for service
- Arrest reports showing charges, dates, and officer names
- Traffic crash reports for vehicle accidents on city streets
- Offense reports for theft, fraud, and property crimes
- Use-of-force reports when officers use weapons or physical force
- Booking photos and jail intake records from MPD custody
Who Maintains Miami Police Records
The Miami Police Department keeps records for events that happen inside Miami city limits. The Miami-Dade Police Department handles records for unincorporated areas of the county. The Florida Highway Patrol covers state roads and highways. Each agency only releases its own records. You must send your request to the right agency to get a response.
Florida Public Records Law Overview
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives every person the right to see and copy government records. This right applies to police records at MPD. The law says agencies must respond quickly. They can only deny access for specific legal reasons listed in the statute.
How to Request Miami Police Records
You can request Miami City Police Records in three ways: by phone, in person, or in writing. Each method works for different record types. Phone requests work best for simple questions and basic reports. Written requests work best for older files or large record sets. In-person visits help when you need certified copies or want to review files before paying copy fees.
Request by Phone or In Person
Call the MPD records division at (305) 579-6111 during business hours. Staff will ask for details to find your record. Have the case number ready if you have one. If you do not, give the date, address, and names of people involved. You can also visit MPD headquarters at 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128 to make your request in person.
Submit a Written Request
Written requests go through the City of Miami public records office. Send a clear letter or email that lists the records you want. Include your name, address, phone number, and a way to reach you. Be specific about dates, locations, and report types. The records office will reply with cost details and a timeline for delivery.
Online Records Request Options
MPD does not host a full public records search portal. You can submit requests online through the City of Miami public records form at miamigov.com. Traffic crash reports are the one exception. You can buy crash reports online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at flhsmv.gov.
Required Information for Your Request
Strong requests get fast results. Weak requests get slow or no response. Gather these details before you contact MPD so the records staff can locate your file without delay.
- Report or case number if you have one
- Date of the incident, arrest, or crash
- Address or nearest cross street where it happened
- Full names of people involved, including officers if known
- Type of record you need, such as incident or arrest
- Your contact details for follow-up questions
Miami Police Report Types
Each report type covers a different kind of event. The report you need depends on what happened. MPD writes a new report number for every event. Report numbers help the records staff find your file in seconds. If you do not have a number, the other details above help narrow the search.
Incident Reports
Incident reports document crimes, disturbances, and other calls for service. An officer writes the report at the scene or shortly after. The report lists the location, time, people involved, and what the officer saw or learned. Most incident reports become public after the case closes or after a set time passes.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest records show when MPD took someone into custody. They list charges, bond amounts, and arresting officers. Booking records come from the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department once the suspect moves to county jail. You can search recent county bookings online through the Miami-Dade Corrections website.
Traffic and Accident Reports
Traffic crash reports come from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles system, not directly from MPD. You can buy a crash report online at flhsmv.gov once the officer files it. Reports usually post within five to ten days after the crash. Each report costs a small fee set by state law.
Criminal Case Files
Criminal case files are larger sets of records that include incident reports, witness statements, evidence logs, and court filings. MPD keeps the police side of the file. The State Attorney’s Office keeps the court side. You may need to file separate requests for each part. Case files take longer to release and cost more to copy.
Costs and Processing Times
Florida law caps the fees agencies can charge for public records. MPD follows the same fee rules used by other state and local agencies. Simple copies cost a few dollars. Large or complex requests can cost much more. Always ask for a cost estimate before you approve the work so you do not face surprise charges.
Copy and Search Fees
Standard copy fees in Florida are fifteen cents per page for paper copies. Digital copies sent by email often cost less because the agency does not print or mail them. Agencies can charge for staff time spent searching, redacting, or reviewing records. Hourly search fees are set by the Florida Department of Management Services each year.
Processing Timeframes
Simple requests often finish within three to five business days. Complex requests that need redaction or legal review can take thirty days or longer. Florida law requires a prompt response, but the law does not set a strict deadline. If your request stalls, follow up in writing and keep a record of every contact.
Fee Waivers and Payment Methods
MPD may waive fees if the request serves a public purpose, such as news reporting or academic research. Indigent requesters can also ask for a fee waiver based on financial need. MPD accepts cash, money orders, and sometimes credit cards for in-person payments. Online crash report purchases accept major credit cards through the state portal.
Miami Police Records Division Contact
The records division is the team that handles all police records requests for MPD. They sit inside MPD headquarters and work regular business hours. You can reach them by phone, mail, email, or in person. The contact details below are current as of August 2026 and come from the City of Miami website.
MPD Headquarters Location and Hours
The Miami Police Department headquarters sits at 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128. The building is just north of the Miami River, near the county courthouse and government center. Public counter hours for records run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The lobby closes on city holidays.
Phone Numbers and Email
Call the MPD main line at (305) 579-6111 to start a records request. The City of Miami public records office also handles written requests and can be reached at (305) 416-1897. Email requests go to publicrecords@miamigov.com. Include your full name, contact details, and a clear description of the records you want.
Public Records Custodian
Every government agency in Florida must name a public records custodian. The City of Miami has a central custodian who oversees all departments, including MPD. The custodian tracks open requests, resolves disputes, and certifies copies. If MPD delays your request, you can contact the city custodian for help.
Background Checks and Criminal History
Police records and background checks are not the same thing. A police record is one report from one event. A background check pulls records from many sources to build a full history. You can run different types of background checks depending on why you need the results.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs statewide criminal history checks. The check covers arrests, charges, and convictions from every Florida county. The fee is $24 per check. You submit fingerprints and an application to FDLE in Tallahassee. Results come back in five to ten business days for most requests.
FBI Background Checks
The FBI runs national background checks through the Interstate Identification Index. These checks pull records from all fifty states and federal agencies. You need to submit fingerprints through an approved FBI channeler. FBI checks take longer and cost more than state checks. Employers and immigration offices often ask for FBI results.
Employment Background Checks
Private employers often hire third-party companies to run background checks. These checks may include criminal history, driving records, and credit reports. Florida law limits how employers can use criminal records in hiring decisions. Local ban-the-box rules may also apply inside Miami-Dade County.
What Records Are Restricted in Miami
Not every police record is open to the public. Florida law lists specific exemptions that allow agencies to withhold or redact records. The most common exemptions protect victims, witnesses, and active investigations. MPD redacts sensitive information before releasing any report that falls under an exemption.
Active Investigation Exemptions
Records tied to open criminal investigations stay sealed until the case ends. The exemption prevents suspects, witnesses, and defense lawyers from learning too much too soon. Once the case closes through arrest, court ruling, or dropped charges, the records usually become public.
Juvenile Record Protections
Juvenile records get extra protection under Florida law. Most juvenile arrest records stay confidential even after the case closes. Only certain people can view them, including the juvenile, parents or guardians, defense lawyers, and judges. Adult records of crimes committed as a juvenile may also stay sealed.
Personal Information Redactions
MPD redacts personal details from public records to protect privacy. Common redactions include social security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, phone numbers, and bank or credit card data. The names of confidential informants, undercover officers, and sexual assault victims also stay redacted in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many of the same questions about Miami City Police Records. The questions below cover the most common ones. Each answer gives clear, direct facts based on Florida law and current MPD practice as of August 2026. If your question is more specific, contact the MPD records division for help.
Can I View Miami Police Records for Free?
Yes, you can view most Miami police records for free at MPD headquarters during business hours. You may look at files in person without paying. You only pay if you want copies. Digital copies sent by email often cost less than paper copies. Always ask about fees before approving any work on your request.
How Long Does MPD Keep Police Records?
MPD keeps incident reports and arrest records for many years. Most adult arrest records stay in the system forever unless a court orders them expunged or sealed. Traffic crash reports stay on file for several years. Older paper records get scanned into digital format so they remain available for future requests.
What If My Request Gets Denied?
If MPD denies your request, they must cite the specific Florida Statute that allows the denial. You have the right to challenge the denial in court. Many denials get reversed because Florida courts favor public access. You can also contact the city public records custodian for help with the dispute.
Can I Get Records If I Live Outside Florida?
Yes, out-of-state residents have the same right to Miami police records as Florida residents. Florida law does not limit who can file a records request. You can call, write, or email from anywhere. You will need to pay any copy or search fees that apply. MPD will mail or email copies to your out-of-state address.
How Do I Get an Expunged or Sealed Record?
You must file a petition with the Clerk of Courts in the county where the case ended. The court decides whether to grant expungement or sealing. If the court approves, FDLE and MPD will update their records. The process can take six months or longer. You should talk to a lawyer if your case is complex.
Are Body Camera Footage and 911 Calls Public?
Body camera footage and 911 calls have specific rules in Florida. Some footage is public, and some is exempt. The agency must review each recording for exemptions before release. Redaction takes time and adds cost. You can request body camera footage through the same MPD records process as any other record.
Can I Get a Copy of My Own Police Record?
Yes, you can get a copy of your own arrest or incident report directly from MPD. You must show a valid photo ID to prove your identity. The records division will pull the file and copy the pages you want. Fees follow the same rules as any other records request under Florida law.