SPD Records Unit

2099 Adams Lane
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-263-6045
Fax: 941-263-6047
Email: spdpublicrecords@sarasotafl.gov

The Records Unit is open to the public:
Monday through Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

The Records Unit is responsible for maintaining and distributing offense reports, supplemental reports, accident reports (vehicular and marine), arrest reports, and miscellaneous incident reports in accordance with Florida State Statute (FSS) 119. This division handles approximately 80,000 police reports per year that occur within Sarasota city limits. The records unit also handles the processing of citations, subpoenas, and requests from the State Attorney’s Office.

Reports may be requested either by mail, email or in person. Public Record Requests (OTHER THAN TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS) can also be made using our online portal (see below). Requests by mail must include any required fees if applicable, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Prior to mailing your request, call Records to confirm the report has been received and obtain a cost for the report. Please be sure to include as much information as possible when making your request such as the case number, date, location of incident and type of incident. There is NO COST for records or reports under $5.00.

To make a public records request (OTHER THAN TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS) online, please click the link to our online portal below:

PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST PORTAL (Powered by JustFOIA)

Please note that in accordance with F.S.S. 119.07(4)(d), an applicable service charge may be assessed for certain requests. 

***ATTENTION*** PLEASE DO NOT ORDER TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS THROUGH THIS PORTAL. Information about how to obtain copies of crash reports can be found in the “Traffic Crash Reports” section below.

Traffic Crash Reports

Traffic crash reports are confidential for the first 60 days after the crash, and can only be obtained by certain parties, per F.S.S. 316.066(2). The State requires that anyone requesting a traffic crash report within the first 60 days of its occurrence must complete an affidavit specifying why you are entitled to that report. You may use the link provided to print an Adobe PDF copy of the affidavit.

Crash Report Affidavit 

Traffic crash reports can be requested and obtained in person at the records window for a cost of $5.00.

If you are requesting your report by mail, please provide Records with a signed and notarized copy of the crash report affidavit along with your request, along with a check or money order for $5.00. After 60 days the affidavit is not required to obtain a crash report.

To request a crash report online, please visit https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/. The fee is $10.00 for online crash reports.

Background Checks

Immigration and Background checks can only be conducted for the jurisdiction handled by the Sarasota Police Department.  The cost for local background checks is $5.00.

Sarasota County background checks may be obtained from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Records Unit located at 2071 Ringling Blvd. 

State of Florida statewide background checks can be obtained from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/

Nationwide background checks can be obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). http://www.Fbi.gov/             

Sarasota Police Department
Custodian of Records:

Daniel C. Engram, Records Supervisor
Phone: 941-263-6802
Email: Daniel.Engram@sarasotaFL.gov