Highlands County people search records give the public access to court files, property data, voter rolls, and arrest reports in Sebring, Florida. The county has about 106,000 residents.
Its records are held at several government offices along Commerce Avenue. Florida law makes most of these records open to anyone who asks. You do not need to live in the county. You do not need to give a reason. This page explains where to search, what each office holds, and how to request copies.
How the Highlands County Records System Works
Highlands County stores its records at the county and state level. Each office keeps a different set of files. Some offices share data. Others keep it separate. The Clerk of Court holds court files. The Property Appraiser holds land records. The Tax Collector holds tax bills. The Sheriff holds arrest data. The Supervisor of Elections holds voter rolls. Together, these offices form a complete people search network.
What People Search Records Include
People search records in Highlands County cover court cases, deeds, mortgages, marriage licenses, tax payments, voter status, and arrest logs. Each record type holds different facts about a person. Court files show legal history. Property files show land ownership. Tax files show billing addresses. Voter files show home addresses and party. Arrest files show custody status and charges. A full search uses more than one office.
Who Maintains These Records
Six main offices hold people search records in Highlands County. The Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main records keeper. The Property Appraiser owns real estate data. The Tax Collector owns tax billing data. The Sheriff’s Office owns arrest and inmate data. The Supervisor of Elections owns voter data. The Board of County Commissioners links all departments on the county website.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida law requires all government records to be open to the public. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes covers state agencies. Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution covers all branches. Section 28.222 names the Clerk of Court as the official records custodian. These laws mean anyone can view, copy, or request most records held by county offices. Some records are sealed or redacted.
Highlands County Clerk of Court Records
The Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the main office for court records. The office is at 590 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870. The phone number is (863) 402-6600. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The website is highlandscountyclerk.org.
Court Case Search Portal
The Clerk’s website has a free online case search. You can look up cases by name or case number. The portal shows civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family law, probate, and traffic cases. Each entry lists the parties, filing date, and current status. You can also see court calendars and docket schedules. Many files have digital images you can view online.
Official Document Recording
The Clerk records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents. These records go back many decades. You can search the Official Records database by name, document type, or recording date. Each record shows the buyer, seller, and legal description. You can buy certified copies for a per-page fee. Online view access is free.
Marriage and Probate Files
Marriage licenses and probate case files are also held by the Clerk. Marriage records list full names, ages, and the date of the license. Probate records list heirs, assets, and the executor. Both are open to the public. Older files may need an in-person visit. The Clerk also handles passport applications and notary services.
Highlands County Property Appraiser Database
The Highlands County Property Appraiser is at 430 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870. The phone is (863) 402-6603. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The website is hcpao.org. The office tracks every piece of land in the county. It also tracks buildings, mobile homes, and business property.
Owner Name Search
You can search property records by the owner’s last name. The search returns all parcels linked to that person. Each parcel shows the address, legal description, assessed value, and tax exemptions. You can see sales history for the last ten years. You can also see building sketches, photos, and square footage data.
Parcel ID and Address Search
If you know the address or parcel ID, the search is faster. The parcel ID is a 17-digit number. It appears on tax bills and deeds. Address search works for current and past owners. The site also shows neighborhood maps and zoning data. Each record includes a link to the GIS map view.
GIS Map Tools
The GIS map is a free online tool. It shows parcel lines on a satellite or street base. You can click any parcel to see the owner, value, and structure details. The map covers the whole county. You can measure distances, print views, and save images. The GIS tool is helpful when you have an address but no name.
Highlands County Tax Collector Records
The Highlands County Tax Collector is at 470 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870. Phone is (863) 402-6590. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The website is highlandstaxcollector.com. This office collects property taxes, vehicle fees, and other local payments.
Tax Bill Lookup
The Tax Collector site has a bill lookup tool. You can search by owner name, address, or account number. Each bill shows the current owner, mailing address, and amount due. You can see if taxes are paid or unpaid. Old bills are kept for several years. Paid and unpaid records both appear in the system.
Payment History
You can view the full payment history for any parcel. The site shows annual tax bills, payment dates, and amounts. Delinquent taxes are marked. The Tax Collector also handles tax deed sales. These sales list parcels with unpaid taxes. Bid records are open to the public.
Combining Tax and Property Data
Property Appraiser data and Tax Collector data work together. The Appraiser shows who owns land. The Tax Collector shows who pays the bill. Sometimes the owner and the bill payer are different. Cross-checking both offices gives a clearer picture of the person’s address and property status.
Highlands County Sheriff and Inmate Records
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is at 4345 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875. Phone is (863) 402-7200. The website is hcsofl.org. The Sheriff’s Office holds arrest records, inmate data, incident reports, and sex offender data. Most of these files are open to the public under Florida law.
Current Inmate Search
The Sheriff’s site has a free online inmate search. You can look up a person by name or booking date. The search shows the current facility, booking photo, charges, and bond amount. You can see release dates and court dates. The list updates every few hours. The tool covers only people held in the Highlands County jail.
Arrest and Incident Reports
Closed arrest reports and incident reports are public. You can request copies through the Records Division. Reports from active investigations may be exempt. The Records Division staff can confirm what is open. Reports cost a per-page fee. Some reports are free to view on site.
Sex Offender Registry
The Sheriff’s Office runs the local sex offender registry. You can search by name, address, or zip code. The search shows photos, addresses, and offense details. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also runs a statewide search. Both tools are free and open to the public.
Highlands County Voter Registration Data
The Highlands County Supervisor of Elections is at 500 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870. Phone is (863) 402-6592. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The website is highlandselections.com. The office runs voter registration, early voting, and election day operations.
Voter Roll Search
Voter rolls are public records in Florida. You can request a single name lookup at the elections office. The search shows the voter’s name, home address, date of birth, and party. You can also see the voter’s status and history. Some personal data, like phone numbers and email, is not public.
Requesting Voter Data Files
You can request the full voter file for research or business use. The request goes to the Supervisor of Elections. There is a fee for the file. The file comes in a standard format. Florida law requires the requester to follow data use rules. Voter rolls are updated every quarter.
Chapter 119 Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes makes most voter data open. The same law covers all government records. Exempt data includes Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and protected party data. Most people search records in Highlands County are open under this law. If an office denies a request, they must cite the rule that exempts the record.
Statewide Florida Search Tools
State databases add to local Highlands County records. These tools cover data from every county in Florida. You can use them to check if a person has records in other parts of the state. State searches are free for most tools.
Florida Department of Corrections
The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search covers state prisons. The search is free and online. You can look up an inmate by name or Department of Corrections number. The search shows the facility, release date, and offense. People in state prison are not in the Highlands County jail. Both systems must be checked.
Florida Court System Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal covers the 10th Judicial Circuit. Highlands County is part of this circuit. The circuit also covers Hardee and Polk counties. The portal lets you search cases across all three counties. This is helpful when a person lived or worked in another county in the circuit.
Business Entity Records
The Florida Department of State Division of Corporations tracks business filings. You can search for a business by name or registered agent. The search shows officers, agents, and the business address. The tool is free and online. It can help link a person to a business in Highlands County.
How to Request Records Step by Step
Requesting records in Highlands County is simple. You can go in person, apply online, or send a written request. Each office has its own form. Most requests are free. Copies and certified copies cost a small fee.
In Person Request
Visit the office during business hours. Bring a photo ID. State the record you want. Staff will pull the file or show you the public access terminal. You can take notes or pay for copies. Same-day service is common for simple lookups.
Online Request
Most offices have an online portal. Create an account or log in. Search by name or case number. View or download the file. Some offices charge a small fee for downloads. Payment is by credit card or online check.
Mail and Email Requests
You can send a written request by mail or email. Include the person’s full name, date of birth (if known), and record type. Add your contact details. Include a check for any fees. Mail requests take longer. Email requests may go to a general inbox for routing.
What Records Are Exempt
Some records are not open to the public. Florida law lists the exemptions. Each office applies the rules to its own files. Common exemptions apply to sealed cases, juvenile files, and personal data like Social Security numbers.
Sealed Court Cases
Court cases that are sealed by a judge are not open. You cannot view the file. You cannot get a copy. The court order lists who can see the file. Most sealed cases involve juveniles, adoptions, or personal safety. Expunged records are also removed from public view.
Redacted Personal Data
Public records often have personal data removed. Common redactions include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s names. Redacted sections appear as black bars or blanks. The rest of the file stays open.
Juvenile Records
Most juvenile records are not open. The Clerk’s office keeps these files sealed. You cannot view them without a court order. Some juvenile records are expunged after the person turns 18. Adult convictions for acts committed as a juvenile may still appear in adult court files.
Nearby Counties for Extended Search
Highlands County borders several counties. A person may have records in a nearby county. Checking nearby offices can help fill in the picture. Each neighboring county has its own records system.
Polk County
Polk County is the most populated neighbor. It is part of the same 10th Judicial Circuit. Court cases filed in Polk may involve people who live in Highlands County. The Polk County Clerk’s website has its own search portal.
Hardee County
Hardee County is also in the 10th Judicial Circuit. The Hardee County Clerk’s office holds court files for the county. Property and tax records are kept by the Hardee County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector.
DeSoto County
DeSoto County borders the southern edge of Highlands County. The DeSoto County Clerk’s office holds local court records. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office holds arrest data. Property and tax data are at the county offices in Arcadia.
Government Office Directory
The main government offices in Highlands County are along Commerce Avenue in Sebring. Most offices are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. All offices are closed on state and federal holidays.
| Office | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Court | 590 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870 | (863) 402-6600 | highlandscountyclerk.org |
| Property Appraiser | 430 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870 | (863) 402-6603 | hcpao.org |
| Tax Collector | 470 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870 | (863) 402-6590 | highlandstaxcollector.com |
| Sheriff’s Office | 4345 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875 | (863) 402-7200 | hcsofl.org |
| Supervisor of Elections | 500 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870 | (863) 402-6592 | highlandselections.com |
| Board of County Commissioners | 600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870 | (863) 402-6500 | hcbcc.net |
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover common issues people face when running a people search in Highlands County. The answers below reflect the latest Florida public records law and current office procedures as of 2026. Use the contact details above to confirm any changes before you make a request.
Can I search for someone in Highlands County without paying?
Yes. Most online search tools in Highlands County are free. The Clerk of Court case search, the Property Appraiser owner search, the Tax Collector bill lookup, the Sheriff’s inmate search, and the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search are all free. You can view records at public access terminals inside each office. You only pay if you want printed copies or certified copies. Each office sets its own copy fees. The fee is small, usually a dollar or less per page. Certified copies cost more.
Do I need to give my name to request records in Highlands County?
No. Florida law does not require you to give your name for most public records requests. You do not need to say who you are. You do not need to say why you want the record. The only exception is when you request a full voter file or other bulk data. For bulk data, the office may ask for your name and how you will use the data. Single-record lookups stay anonymous.
What if a record I want is sealed or redacted?
You cannot view sealed records without a court order. Redacted records still let you see the open parts. If you need a sealed file, you can ask a lawyer to file a motion in court. The court will decide if the file should be opened. Redacted data is permanent unless the redaction is challenged. The office that holds the file can tell you which law applies to the redaction.
How far back do Highlands County court records go?
Many Highlands County court records go back to the early 1900s. Older files are on microfilm or in paper archives. The Clerk’s office keeps the records as long as the law requires. Some case types have shorter retention rules. Traffic and misdemeanor files may be purged after a set time. Felony and probate files are kept longer. The Clerk can confirm the retention period for any case type.
Can I find out if someone is in jail right now in Highlands County?
Yes. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office inmate search is free and online. You can search by name or booking date. The search shows the current facility, charges, and bond. The list updates every few hours. The search covers only the Highlands County jail. To check state prison, use the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search. To check federal custody, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate search.
Are Florida voter records public?
Most Florida voter records are public. You can see the voter’s name, home address, date of birth, and party. You cannot see phone numbers, email, or Social Security numbers. You can look up a single voter at the Supervisor of Elections office. You can also request the full voter file for a fee. Florida law allows the use of voter data for political, journalistic, and academic purposes.
How do I check if someone owns property in Highlands County?
Use the Property Appraiser search at hcpao.org. Search by the owner’s last name. The search returns all parcels linked to that person. Each record shows the address, parcel ID, assessed value, and tax exemptions. You can also search by address or parcel ID if you do not know the owner’s name. The data is free and updates yearly after the property tax roll is set.