Find Public Records in DeSoto County

DeSoto County public records are filed and maintained by the county clerk in Arcadia, serving a rural inland Florida community of about 37,000 people. As required under Florida law, the clerk makes most county records available for public inspection without requiring any justification from the person making the request. This page explains how to access court records, official records, and other documents held by DeSoto County agencies.

DeSoto County Clerk of Courts

The DeSoto County Clerk of Courts is the official custodian of public records in the county. The clerk's office is based in Arcadia and handles all court filings from the 12th Judicial Circuit as well as official records like deeds, mortgages, and liens recorded in DeSoto County. The clerk's website at desotoclerk.com is the primary online resource for searching records and finding contact information for the office.

In-person visits to the clerk's office are the most direct way to access records, especially for older files that have not been digitized. Staff can assist with record lookups, provide certified copies, and explain what documents are available. For records that are exempt from public disclosure, the clerk must tell you which exemption applies rather than simply refusing the request without explanation.

DeSoto County Public Records Under Florida Law

Florida's public records law, found in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, makes the records of all state, county, and municipal agencies open to anyone who asks. DeSoto County is fully subject to this law. You do not need to explain why you want a record, and you do not need to give your name when making a request.

The DeSoto County Clerk's office website serves as the portal for public records requests and online searches in Arcadia.

The site provides access to court case searches, official records, and information on how to request documents from the clerk's office.

Copy fees are capped at $0.15 per one-sided page for most administrative records. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $5 certification statement fee. Research time beyond the first 30 minutes may be billed at the rate of the staff member who handles the work. If an agency has your records, they cannot throw them away or remove them for at least 30 days after receiving a public records request that covers those documents. That rule gives requesters time to follow up if there is a delay.

Court Records Filed in DeSoto County

DeSoto County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Manatee and Sarasota counties. The circuit court in Arcadia handles felony criminal cases, family law matters, civil lawsuits above the county court threshold, and probate cases. County court handles misdemeanors, small claims, and minor civil disputes. Both levels of court file their records with the DeSoto County Clerk.

To search DeSoto County court records online, visit the clerk's website and use the case search tool. You can search by case number or by the names of the parties involved. Results show the case type, filing date, scheduled hearings, and docket entries. Some documents are available to view directly. Others may need to be requested as paper or digital copies from the clerk's office. Fees apply when copies are made, but there is no fee to view records in person.

For cases filed in other circuits or at the state level, the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers directory links to every county's clerk website and online search tools. The myFloridaCounty.com platform is another option for cross-county official records searches.

DeSoto County Official Records

Official records recorded in DeSoto County include property deeds, mortgage documents, recorded plats, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property or creating legal obligations. The clerk records and indexes these documents as they are submitted, making them part of the permanent public record. The index is searchable by grantor or grantee name and by document type.

Property researchers, title companies, and individuals often use the official records system to trace ownership, check for liens, or verify that a mortgage has been satisfied. If you find a document in the index, you can often view it online or order a copy from the clerk. Certified copies are available for a fee and carry the clerk's seal, which gives them legal standing in court or for other official uses.

Criminal Records in DeSoto County

Criminal records in DeSoto County come from two main sources. Court records of criminal cases, including arrest affidavits, charging documents, guilty pleas, and sentencing orders, are held by the clerk. Arrest records and booking data are typically maintained by the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.

Both the clerk and the Sheriff's Office are subject to Chapter 119. Most arrest records are public. Active investigation files and juvenile records are among the common exemptions. If you need records from the Sheriff's Office, contact that agency directly. A request to the clerk does not transfer automatically to the Sheriff, and vice versa. The Florida AG's open government page explains the rules that apply to all agencies, including law enforcement.

Vital Records and Property Records

Birth and death certificates from DeSoto County are held by the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics, not the county clerk. Requests for certified copies go to the state, either online through VitalChek or by mail. The local county health department can also provide guidance. Marriage licenses are an exception. They are issued and recorded by the DeSoto County Clerk, so copies of marriage licenses are available directly from the clerk's office.

Property tax records in DeSoto County are held by the Property Appraiser and the Tax Collector. These are separate from the clerk's office but are also subject to public records law. The Property Appraiser's website typically allows online searches for parcel data, ownership, and assessed values. The Tax Collector keeps payment history and other tax account information. Both offices follow the same Chapter 119 rules for responding to records requests.

Making a Public Records Request in DeSoto County

You can request records from the DeSoto County Clerk by visiting the Arcadia office, submitting a request through the clerk's website, calling the office, or writing a letter. Florida law does not require a specific form. A plain description of the records you want is all that is needed. The clerk's office must acknowledge your request and respond within a reasonable time.

If the records you need involve multiple county agencies, you may need to contact each one separately. The clerk handles court and official records. Other offices, like the Sheriff, the Property Appraiser, or the Board of County Commissioners, each maintain their own records and handle their own requests. If a request is denied in whole or in part, the agency must tell you the specific exemption that applies. Disputes can be referred to the Florida Attorney General's mediation line at (850) 245-0140.

Cities in DeSoto County

No city in DeSoto County meets the population threshold for a dedicated public records page on this site. Arcadia is the county seat and the location of the clerk's office where all county court and official records are filed. It is the main government hub for DeSoto County.

Nearby Counties

DeSoto County sits in south-central Florida and shares borders with several counties across the region.