FOIA Request to Highlands County Sheriff’s Office regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
The Sunshine Sentinel has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. The request, sent on September 24, 2025, seeks comprehensive data on all arrest records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The requested information includes detailed data points such as the arrestee’s name, sex, race, age, date of birth, and citizenship status. Additionally, the request seeks booking IDs, dates of arrest, booking photos, names of arresting officers, types of crimes committed, locations and dates of crimes.
This request is made under Article I, section 24 of the Florida Constitution and chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The Sunshine Sentinel emphasizes the importance of accessing public records to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions. As a media organization dedicated to providing accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, they are seeking these records preferably in electronic format.
Furthermore, the Sunshine Sentinel has requested a fee waiver for this FOIA request due to their role as a media professional organization involved in disseminating information to the public. They highlight their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
