Wanted Persons Search – Florida FDLE Public Records Lookup

Wanted Persons Search – Florida FDLE Public Records Lookup enables citizens to verify if an individual appears on any active wanted list maintained by the state. By entering a name, case number, or known alias, users can pull records that show photographs, physical description, date of birth, alleged offense, and warrant status. The system updates every 24 hours, so the information reflects the most current active wanted persons. This service helps families confirm safety, assists employers in background checks, and supports community members who may have spotted a suspect. It also answers common questions such as how to search for a wanted person by name, how to check if someone is wanted, and how to find out why a person appears on a wanted list. The portal respects privacy rules, showing only public wanted records while keeping sealed or restricted data unavailable. Users gain confidence by seeing the issuing agency, case reference, and last known location, which together create a clear picture of the wanted individual’s status.

Wanted Persons Search – Florida FDLE Public Records Lookup also guides users through the steps needed to locate a specific wanted person. Begin with a wanted person lookup by name, entering the full legal name or any known alias to retrieve matching entries from the wanted persons list. If the name yields many results, narrow the search using birth date, age, or physical traits such as height, weight, or distinguishing features. The portal also supports a wanted person search by case or reference number, allowing investigators to pull the exact wanted person records public record directly. After the results appear, compare the photograph and description to confirm identity, then review the warrant information to see if the status is active, recently added, or already captured. Should the search reveal a suspect whose location is unknown, the system explains how to report information, submit an anonymous tip, and what to avoid, such as approaching the individual. By following these guidelines, citizens can contribute to public safety while ensuring they respect law‑enforcement protocols and stay informed about updates to the wanted persons database.

How to Search Wanted Persons

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Public Access System lets users search for wanted persons by name or case number. Each record shows a photograph, physical description, date of birth, alleged offense, and current warrant status. Results refresh every 24 hours so users see the latest active listings. Citizens use the portal to check on a person, confirm safety, or report details to local agencies.

Official FDLE Search Website

Official search website: https://pas.fdle.state.fl.us/pas/restricted/PAS/home/home.jsf

Search Instructions

  1. Open the FDLE Public Access System page using the link above.
  2. Choose the wanted persons search category from the menu.
  3. Type the person’s full legal name or known alias in the name field.
  4. Add a date of birth, case number, or other identifying detail if available.
  5. Click the search button to view the matching records.
  6. Review the photograph, physical description, and offense details to confirm identity.
  7. Check the status field to see if the person is active, located, or removed.

Search by Name

Searching by name is the most common method. Users type the last name first, then the first name. The portal accepts partial matches, so a first name alone or a last name alone returns results. When many names match, the user adds a middle name or date of birth to narrow the list.

Search by Case or Reference Number

Police officers and investigators often search by case number. The number appears on court paperwork, arrest records, or agency files. Typing the case number pulls the exact entry tied to that case, which speeds up verification when the name is unknown.

Details Needed for a Search

Users gather as many facts as possible before searching. A full name, date of birth, age, height, weight, and known alias all help confirm identity. Case numbers or warrant numbers produce direct matches. The more facts a person enters, the faster and more accurate the search becomes.

Wanted Person Details

Each wanted person record contains specific fields that help users confirm identity. The FDLE portal displays these details in a consistent format so users can scan records quickly and accurately.

Name and Identifying Details

The legal name appears at the top of each record. Aliases, nicknames, and previous names appear below. These details matter because suspects often use different names in different counties or states. Reviewing every listed name helps confirm whether the record matches the person being searched.

Photograph and Physical Description

A photograph appears when available. The physical description covers height, weight, eye color, hair color, race, and sex. Distinguishing features such as tattoos, scars, or limp may also appear. Users compare these visual clues against the person they are trying to identify.

Date of Birth and Age

Date of birth appears in month/day/year format. The age listed reflects the age at the time of the record’s last update. A birth date that matches the searched person strengthens the match. Mismatched ages suggest a different record.

Alleged Offense Details

Each record lists the alleged offense. Common charges include felonies such as robbery, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, fraud, and homicide. The wording describes the legal charge, not a conviction. Alleged offenses are accusations until proven in court.

Warrant or Case Reference

A warrant or case reference number ties the record to a specific court case. The issuing court and county appear next to the reference. Users can cross-reference this number with court records or agency files to confirm authenticity.

Wanted Status

The status field shows whether the person is currently wanted, recently added, located, captured, or removed. Active listings carry the highest priority. Located listings confirm agencies have made contact but the case remains open. Removed listings mean the person no longer appears as wanted.

Wanted Person Search Results

Search results display in list form, with each entry showing the person’s name, photograph, and basic identifying data. Users review the list to find the correct match and pull up the full record.

Identifying the Correct Person

When multiple names appear, users compare photographs, birth dates, and physical details against the person being checked. The closest match in all three fields is usually the correct person. If still unclear, users should contact the issuing agency for confirmation.

Matching Names and Identifying Details

Matching names alone is not enough. Two different people can share the same name. Birth date, height, weight, and aliases narrow the result. When details differ across records, the user must verify which entry applies to the person of interest.

Reviewing Wanted Status

After locating the right record, users review the status field. Active status means agencies seek the person. Located status means the person has been found but the case continues. Removed status means the warrant has cleared and the person is no longer wanted.

Checking Record Updates

Records update as new facts arrive. A record showing a last known address in one county may update after the person moves. Users should check the record again after a few weeks for fresh details, especially if the case is still active.

Verifying Available Details

Details shown in the portal reflect public records. Some fields may be sealed by court order, especially in cases involving minors or ongoing investigations. Sealed fields appear blank or marked as restricted. Users cannot retrieve sealed details through the public portal.

Wanted Person Status

Status fields explain the current stage of each wanted person case. The FDLE updates these fields regularly based on agency activity across the state.

Currently Wanted Persons

Currently wanted persons carry active arrest warrants. Agencies seek these persons for alleged crimes. The portal shows their photographs, alleged offenses, and last known locations. Anyone spotting these persons should contact agencies immediately.

Recently Added Listings

New listings appear within 24 hours of being entered into the system. Recently added listings often lack complete details because the warrant is fresh. Updates fill in entries as the investigation progresses and agencies gather more data.

Located or Captured Persons

Located persons have been found by agencies but the case remains active until the person is fully processed. Captured persons have been taken into custody. Some captured entries move to inmate records, and others move to removed status once the warrant clears.

Removed Wanted Listings

Removed listings show past entries no longer considered active. Reasons for removal include capture, dismissal of charges, cleared warrants, or court orders. Removed records remain visible for a period but no longer appear in the active wanted persons list.

Status Updates

The portal updates statuses every 24 hours. A status that reads active today may switch to located or removed tomorrow. Users checking the same record on different days may see different results based on fresh agency activity.

Why a Person May Appear on a Wanted List

Several legal reasons can place a person on a wanted list. Each reason ties to a specific court action or violation. Users searching the portal can review the alleged offense to learn why a person appears.

Outstanding Arrest Warrants

An outstanding arrest warrant tells agencies to take the person into custody. Courts issue these warrants after indictments, complaints, or grand jury findings. The warrant stays active until the person is arrested or a judge recalls it.

Failure to Appear in Court

Missing a scheduled court date triggers a bench warrant in most cases. The court issues the warrant automatically when the person does not appear. Failure to appear warrants stay active until the person returns to court or a judge cancels the warrant.

Probation or Parole Violations

People on probation or parole must follow specific rules set by the court or parole board. Breaking those rules can lead to a warrant for their return to custody. Common violations include failing drug tests, leaving the area without permission, or committing new crimes.

Serious Criminal Allegations

Serious crimes such as homicide, sexual assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, and major drug offenses lead to immediate warrants after charges are filed. These cases often receive statewide attention and remain active for long periods until the person is found.

Other Reasons for Wanted Status

Other reasons include unpaid fines, child support arrears, and violations of protection orders. Even minor offenses can lead to a warrant when ignored. Each reason ties to a specific legal action, and the alleged offense field describes the underlying charge.

Wanted Person Records

Wanted person records contain standardized fields that link to legal documents and court systems. Reviewing these fields helps users grasp the full scope of each case.

Warrant Details

Warrant details include the warrant number, type of warrant, and issuing court. Common warrant types include arrest warrants, bench warrants, and fugitive warrants. The warrant date shows when the court issued the order.

Case Details

Case details include the case number, court of jurisdiction, and case status. Active cases move through arraignment, hearings, and trial stages. Closed cases end with dismissal, conviction, or other resolution. Case numbers help users cross-reference records with clerk of court files.

Alleged Offense Summary

Alleged offense summary describes the criminal charge, the date of the alleged incident, and the location. The wording uses legal terminology that matches the state criminal code. Users should review the statute number when available for precise legal reference.

Issuing Agency

The issuing agency is the law enforcement body that requested the warrant. Local sheriff’s offices, municipal police departments, and state agencies all issue warrants through Florida courts. The agency name appears with contact details for verification.

Last Known Details

Last known details include the last known address, city, county, and state. This data helps agencies locate the person. The details may be outdated, especially if the person has moved. Users should not rely on this field for current whereabouts.

Record Publication Date

The record publication date shows when the listing first appeared in the public portal. Older records may have updated multiple times since publication. Users reviewing the date understand how long the listing has been active and how fresh the data may be.

Wanted Persons Outside the Local Area

Not all wanted persons live in the same area where their alleged crime occurred. Florida’s wanted persons list includes persons from other states and other countries. Out-of-area cases require cooperation between multiple agencies.

Persons Located in Other Jurisdictions

Some wanted persons move to other counties, other states, or other countries after a warrant is issued. Agencies coordinate with bodies in those areas to find the person. The portal may show a last known location outside the issuing county.

Out-of-Area Wanted Persons

Out-of-area wanted persons appear on Florida lists when a Florida court issued the warrant. The person may live in Georgia, Alabama, or another state. Agencies work with neighboring jurisdictions to track and arrest these persons.

Extradition Details

Extradition is the legal procedure of returning a wanted person to the state where the warrant was issued. Governors approve extradition requests. Some warrants carry limited extradition, meaning the person may only be returned from nearby states. Full extradition warrants allow returns from anywhere in the country.

Interagency Cooperation

Agencies share facts through interstate databases and task forces. The FDLE works with the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local sheriff’s offices to find wanted persons. This cooperation speeds up arrests and ensures cases move forward.

Reporting Details About a Wanted Person

Citizens who spot a wanted person or have facts about one should contact local agencies. The FDLE and local offices give several ways to report tips safely and anonymously.

How to Submit a Tip

Users submit tips by calling the local sheriff’s office or police department. Many agencies accept tips through online forms, email, or dedicated phone lines. Tips should include the date, time, and location of the sighting, along with any descriptive facts.

Anonymous Tip Options

Anonymous tip lines let citizens share facts without revealing their identity. Crime Stoppers programs operate in most Florida counties and offer cash rewards for tips leading to arrests. Users do not need to give their name when using these services.

Details to Include in a Tip

Useful tip details include the person’s current location, direction of travel, vehicle description, clothing, and any companions. The more specific the facts, the more useful they become. Users should avoid speculation and share only what they witnessed directly.

When to Contact Agencies

Contact local agencies immediately when seeing a wanted person or having fresh facts. Delay can allow the person to move. Emergency sightings of armed or dangerous persons should go straight to 911. Non-emergency tips can go through the agency tip line.

Do Not Approach a Wanted Person

Citizens should never approach a wanted person directly. Wanted persons may be armed, dangerous, or unstable. Leave the area quietly and contact agencies. Following or confronting a wanted person puts the citizen at risk and may interfere with active investigations.

Wanted Person Records That Are Unavailable

Some records do not appear in the public portal for legal or operational reasons. Users searching for these records may find no results or limited data.

Recently Added Persons

Newly added persons may not yet appear in the portal. Agencies sometimes delay publication during active investigations. The record may appear within a few days once the agency enters the complete data.

Removed or Archived Listings

Removed or archived listings no longer appear in active search results. Past records may be available through archived databases or public records requests. The FDLE removes entries once the warrant clears or the case closes.

Sealed or Restricted Data

Sealed records stay hidden from public view by court order. Juvenile cases, active investigations, and sensitive witness matters may fall under seal. Restricted data may appear in the portal but with key fields blank.

Incorrect or Incomplete Details

Records sometimes contain errors in name spelling, birth date, or physical description. Users who find errors should contact the issuing agency with corrections. Incomplete records may lack photographs or last known addresses.

Delayed Status Updates

Status updates can lag behind actual agency activity. A person captured yesterday may still show active status today. The portal refreshes every 24 hours, but local records update faster.

Wanted Persons and Related Records

Wanted persons records differ from other criminal record types. Knowing the difference helps users search the right database for the right data.

Wanted Persons vs. Active Warrants

Wanted persons listings are public notices seeking facts. Active warrants are the underlying legal orders. A person may have an active warrant without appearing on the public wanted list if the warrant is sealed or the agency chooses not to publish it.

Wanted Persons vs. Arrest Records

Arrest records document past arrests. Wanted person listings seek current arrests. A person with old arrest records may not appear on the wanted list, and a person on the wanted list has not yet been arrested on the active warrant.

Wanted Persons vs. Criminal Records

Criminal records include all past charges, convictions, and sentences. Wanted person listings only show current wanted status. A criminal record may show many past cases while the wanted list shows only active open warrants.

Wanted Persons vs. Inmate Records

Inmate records show persons currently held in jails or prisons. Wanted person listings show persons agencies seek. A captured wanted person moves from the wanted list to inmate records once booked into a facility.

FDLE Contact Details

Citizens with questions about wanted person records or portal access can contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement directly using the details below.

Contact MethodDetails
Department NameFlorida Department of Law Enforcement – Public Access System
Official Websitehttps://www.fdle.state.fl.us/
Phone Number(850) 410-7001
Email Addresspublicaccess@fdle.state.fl.us
Physical Address2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302
Office HoursMonday-Friday, state business hours

Frequently Asked Questions

People often wonder how to locate, verify, or share information about wanted persons using public tools. Below are clear answers to the most common questions.

How can I search for wanted persons on the FDLE portal?

Visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Public Access System at https://pas.fdle.state.fl.us/pas/restricted/PAS/home/home.jsf. Enter a full name, alias, or case number in the search box, then click Search. The site returns matching records with a photo, age, height, weight, alleged offense, and warrant status. Results update every 24 hours, so you see the latest active listings. If you need help, call the FDLE office at (850) 410‑7001 during business hours.

What details are shown for each wanted person record online?

Each record displays a portrait, full legal name, known aliases, date of birth or age, physical description (height, weight, distinguishing marks), last known address, and a brief summary of the alleged offense. You also see the issuing agency, warrant type, and whether the warrant is active. A link to the case number lets you view additional court information if it is public. This layout helps citizens confirm identity before contacting law enforcement.

How often does the FDLE update its wanted persons list?

The FDLE refreshes its public wanted list once every 24 hours. New arrests, added warrants, or status changes appear in the next daily update. If a suspect is captured, the record changes to “apprehended” and may be removed after a short grace period. For the most current data, run a fresh search each day rather than relying on previously saved screenshots.

Can I report new information about a wanted person safely?

Yes. Use the FDLE tip line at (850) 410‑7001 or submit an online tip through the portal’s Submit Tip button. All tips are accepted anonymously; you may withhold your name if you prefer. Provide the suspect’s name, location, and any supporting details such as vehicle description or time of sighting. Law enforcement will handle the information confidentially and will not share your identity with the public.

Where can I find a public wanted persons lookup by name?

The FDLE Public Access System offers a name‑based lookup. After opening the portal, select the Name search tab, type the person’s first and last name, and press Enter. The system returns any matching wanted persons, including photographs and warrant data. This tool is free, requires no registration, and is accessible from any web‑enabled device.