Walton County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Walton County?
A search warrant in Walton County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to conduct a search of a specified location, person, or property and to seize evidence related to criminal activity. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.02, search warrants may be issued when there is probable cause to believe that:
- Laws relating to narcotics or drug abuse are being violated
- Stolen or embezzled property is being concealed
- Property is being used to commit a crime
- Evidence relevant to proving a felony has been committed is present
Search warrants in Walton County must specifically describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized. The Walton County Sheriff's Office is typically responsible for executing search warrants within county jurisdiction, operating under strict constitutional guidelines established by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution.
Walton County Sheriff's Office 752 Triple G Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 (850) 892-8111 Walton County Sheriff's Office
Are Warrants Public Records In Walton County?
Warrants in Walton County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), with certain exceptions. The public status of warrants is governed by the following provisions:
- Active warrants become public records once they have been executed or served
- Unexecuted search warrants may remain confidential until executed to prevent interference with law enforcement activities
- Arrest warrants are typically public records accessible through the Clerk of Courts
- Certain warrants may be sealed by court order if public disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the Walton County Clerk of Courts, which maintains official court records including executed warrants. Florida Statute § 119.071 provides specific exemptions for certain records related to active criminal investigations.
Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller 571 US Highway 90 East DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 (850) 892-8115 Walton County Clerk of Courts
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Walton County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Walton County have several official methods available to them. The most direct approaches include:
- Contacting the Walton County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at (850) 892-8186
- Visiting the Walton County Clerk of Courts website to search court records
- Utilizing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
- Appearing in person at the Clerk's Office during regular business hours
Individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and potentially other identifying information when making inquiries. It should be noted that if an active warrant exists, appearing in person at a law enforcement agency may result in immediate arrest.
South Walton Courthouse Annex 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 267-3066 Court Records Search
How To Check for Warrants in Walton County for Free in 2025
As of 2025, Walton County residents and visitors have access to several no-cost resources for checking warrant status. These free services include:
- The Walton County Sheriff's Office website provides a searchable database of active warrants
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons Search contains statewide warrant information
- Public access terminals at the Walton County Courthouse allow free searches of court records
- The Walton County Clerk of Courts online portal offers free basic searches
Users of these services should note that while basic searches are free, certain detailed records may require nominal fees for certified copies. Pursuant to Florida Statute § 28.24, the Clerk of Courts is authorized to charge fees for certain record searches and certifications.
What Types of Warrants In Walton County
Walton County's judicial system issues several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes. The primary categories include:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime
- Bench Warrants: Ordered by a judge when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specific locations for evidence
- Capias Warrants: Issued for failure to comply with court orders or probation violations
- Civil Warrants: Related to non-criminal matters such as child support enforcement
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements under Florida law. For example, arrest warrants require sworn affidavits establishing probable cause as mandated by Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.121, while search warrants must meet the particularity requirements of Florida Statute § 933.04.
What Warrants in Walton County Contain
Warrants issued in Walton County contain specific legally required information to ensure their validity. Standard elements include:
- The name of the person to be arrested or location to be searched
- A detailed description of the alleged offense or items to be seized
- The statutory authority under which the warrant is issued
- The signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
- The date of issuance and expiration timeframe
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Instructions for law enforcement regarding execution
Search warrants specifically must contain "a particular description of the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized" as required by Florida Statute § 933.05. Arrest warrants must include sufficient identifying information about the subject to allow for proper identification by law enforcement officers.
Who Issues Warrants In Walton County
The authority to issue warrants in Walton County is vested exclusively in judicial officers. The following officials may issue warrants:
- Circuit Court Judges of the First Judicial Circuit of Florida
- Walton County Court Judges
- Magistrates specifically authorized by the court
The issuance process requires the judicial officer to review sworn affidavits or testimony establishing probable cause. Under Florida Statute § 901.02, all arrest warrants must be based on a sworn complaint filed with the court. The Walton County government maintains information about the county's judicial system and court operations.
Walton County Courthouse 571 US Highway 90 East DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 (850) 892-8115 Walton County Government
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Walton County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Walton County may utilize several official channels. The most reliable methods include:
- Searching the Walton County Sheriff's Office warrant database
- Consulting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
- Contacting the Walton County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division directly at (850) 892-8186
- Reviewing court records through the Clerk of Courts
When searching for warrant information, users should provide complete and accurate identifying information. Florida Administrative Code Rule 11C-4.008 governs the dissemination of criminal history information, including active warrants, to ensure accuracy and proper identification.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Walton County
Federal warrants differ from state and local warrants and require specific procedures to verify. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants in Walton County should:
- Contact the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
- Consult with the United States Marshals Service, which maintains federal warrant information
- Request information through the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Seek assistance from a licensed attorney with federal court access
Federal warrants are not typically accessible through local county databases. The execution of federal warrants falls under the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement agencies, though local agencies like the Walton County Sheriff's Office may provide assistance.
United States District Court - Northern District of Florida 1 North Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 435-8440
How Long Do Warrants Last In Walton County?
Warrants issued in Walton County remain valid until they are executed, recalled by the court, or otherwise terminated through legal proceedings. Key considerations regarding warrant duration include:
- Arrest warrants do not expire and remain active until served
- Search warrants in Florida must be executed within 10 days of issuance per Florida Statute § 933.05
- Bench warrants remain active until the subject appears before the court
- Warrants may be recalled or quashed by judicial order
The statute of limitations for the underlying offense does not affect the validity of an issued warrant. Once a warrant is issued, it remains in the Florida Crime Information Center database until it is formally cleared from the system.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Walton County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Walton County varies based on circumstances and urgency. The standard process includes:
- Preparation of an affidavit establishing probable cause by law enforcement
- Review of the affidavit by the State Attorney's Office
- Presentation to a judge for review and signature
- Issuance of the warrant upon judicial approval
Under normal circumstances, this process may take several hours to complete. However, in emergency situations, expedited procedures exist. Florida Statute § 933.07(2) permits electronic transmission of search warrant applications and authorizations in urgent cases. The Walton County Sheriff's Office coordinates with judicial officers to process warrant applications according to established protocols.