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DeSoto County Sheriff's Office: Public Records and Services Guide
This document outlines the procedures for requesting public records, traffic crash reports, and vehicle inspections from the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. It details the associated fees, legal requirements for accessing crash reports, and general office hours.
Read the full story at DesotosheriffWhy It Matters
Residents seeking official police reports or vehicle inspections must follow specific state-mandated procedures and pay established fees to obtain these services.
Key Facts
- Public records requests are processed in the order received per Florida State Statute 119.00.
- Standard copy fees are $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page.
- Traffic crash reports are exempt from public disclosure for 60 days following the filing date, except for involved parties.
- Requests for crash reports within the first 60 days require photo identification and a completed Sworn Statement for Traffic Crash Information.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification costs $4.00 per vehicle.
- VIN verification requires pre-payment at the Records Office; deputies can perform off-site checks if the vehicle is in DeSoto County.
- Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
- Unlawful disclosure of confidential personal information in crash reports is a third-degree felony.
- Crash reports can be requested online via BuyCrash.com.
- Motorists cited for faulty equipment under Florida Statute 316.610 may bring their citation to the office for inspection.
Who's Mentioned
other316.610“Florida Statute regarding unsafe vehicle equipment citations.”other119.00“Florida State Statute governing public records requests.”other316.066“Florida Statute governing traffic crash report distribution.”other863“Area code for phone numbers.”other941“Area code for South County non-emergency line.”organizationDeSoto County Sheriff's Office“The governing body providing public records and law enforcement services.”personSheriff Potter“Current Sheriff of DeSoto County.”location208 East Cypress Street, Arcadia, Fl. 34266“Physical address of the Sheriff's Office.”