Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table Of Content
Why Are Florida Mugshots So Easy to Find?
Florida has long been known as a “sunshine state” not just for its beaches—but for its transparency laws. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, most arrest records, including mugshots, are considered public records. This means they are accessible to anyone unless sealed or expunged.
Key Reasons Mugshots Are Public in Florida:
- Florida Statute Chapter 119 (Public Records Law)
- Mugshots are included in arrest records
- Law enforcement agencies publish them on their own websites
- Mugshot websites scrape and republish them for profit
- Local media often repost mugshots for news stories
This public access was intended to foster government accountability but has been widely criticized for enabling exploitation and reputational harm.
The Problem with Online Mugshots
Even if you were never convicted, your mugshot may remain online indefinitely. These photos can appear on:
- Third-party mugshot websites
- Local news sites and crime blotters
- Search engine image results
- Social media accounts
- Public data aggregators
- Online arrest databases
Harmful Effects Include:
- Employment rejection during background checks
- Housing denials from landlords or management companies
- Damaged personal and professional relationships
- Loss of business clients and opportunities
- Emotional distress and mental health struggles
These consequences can persist for years—even after your record is expunged or sealed—unless action is taken.
Florida Mugshot Laws: What You Should Know
Florida Statute § 901.43 – The “Mugshot Law”
Florida became one of the first states to crack down on mugshot exploitation. Under Florida Statute 901.43, mugshot sites must:
- Remove a mugshot within 10 days of receiving a written request
- Not charge a fee for removal
- Comply or face statutory damages of $1,000 per day plus legal costs
📘 Read the full text of Florida Statute 901.43
This law gives Floridians powerful leverage against mugshot websites, but many still struggle to enforce their rights without guidance.
Who Qualifies for Mugshot Removal in Florida?
You may qualify to have your mugshot removed under the law if:
- Your case was dismissed
- You were acquitted
- Charges were dropped or nolle prosequi
- You were granted a record expungement or sealing by a Florida court
What About Convictions?
If you were convicted, the mugshot removal process becomes more difficult. Florida’s law does not mandate removal in these cases. However, takedown requests and SEO suppression strategies can still help minimize online exposure.
How to Remove Your Florida Mugshot: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Search Your Name
Use search engines like Google and Bing to identify where your mugshot appears. Use:
- Your full name
- Common aliases or nicknames
- County or state with your arrest
- Image search tabs
Step 2: Determine Eligibility
Check if your case qualifies under FL 901.43. If your charges were dropped, dismissed, or expunged, you’re entitled to free removal.
Step 3: Send a Statutory Removal Request
Send a written notice to the website. It should include:
- Your full name and arrest date
- Name of the arresting agency
- The county and case number
- A statement asserting your rights under FL Statute 901.43
- Proof of dismissal or expungement
Use certified mail or email with a read receipt to document delivery.
Step 4: Wait 10 Business Days
Sites must comply within 10 days. If they don’t, you have the right to sue and claim $1,000 per day in damages.
Step 5: Escalate if Needed
If the site doesn’t respond:
- Consult an attorney familiar with Florida privacy and defamation law
- Hire a professional reputation management company like Defamation Defenders to handle legal and SEO strategies
💼 Contact Defamation Defenders to assist with Florida mugshot removal.
Common Florida Mugshot Websites
These websites frequently publish Florida arrest photos:
- Mugshots.com
- BustedNewspaper.com
- ArrestFacts.com
- Florida.Arrests.org
- Mugshots Zone
- Local sheriff and police department websites
Many of these operate from outside Florida or attempt to bypass the law, making enforcement difficult without legal or professional help.
What If the Mugshot Is on Google?
Google doesn’t host mugshots—it indexes them from other sites. Once the photo is taken down from the source, use Google’s Removal Tool:
1. Go to: https://support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061
2. Select “Remove information you see in Google Search”
3. Paste the outdated or deleted image URL
4. Submit for reviewGoogle typically processes removal requests within 1–2 weeks. For immediate suppression, publish fresh positive content optimized for your name.
Can You Remove a Mugshot If You Were Convicted?
Yes, although Florida law doesn’t require it. Options include:
- Contacting the website directly and requesting voluntary removal
- Negotiating content de-indexing
- Hiring a removal expert
- Using SEO to push the mugshot off Google’s first page
- Filing suit if the site violates Florida consumer protection or extortion laws
In some cases, pressure from law firms or third-party intermediaries like Defamation Defenders can persuade sites to comply.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Mugshot?
Estimated Timeframes:
- FL Statute 901.43 Compliance: 10 business days
- Voluntary Removal: 7–21 days
- Google De-Indexing: 1–2 weeks after takedown
- Reputation Suppression via SEO: 30–90 days
Factors affecting time include the number of websites, location of servers, and legal complexity.
Florida Expungement and Record Sealing
If your arrest record qualifies, sealing or expungement can help eliminate mugshot exposure.
Key Differences:
- Expungement: Removes the record completely
- Sealing: Restricts access to the public but allows law enforcement to view the record
How to Apply:
- Visit the FDLE website
- Submit fingerprints
- Complete required forms
- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility
- File with the court
These legal tools often support stronger removal claims under 901.43.
Can You Sue a Website for Posting Your Mugshot?
Yes—under specific circumstances:
- If the site fails to remove your photo within 10 days of a valid 901.43 request
- If the site demands payment in violation of Florida law
- If the content violates extortion, privacy, or consumer protection statutes
Legal Remedies Include:
- $1,000/day statutory damages
- Attorney’s fees
- Court-ordered injunction
Some Florida residents have successfully sued for tens of thousands in damages when their removal rights were ignored.
Defamation Defenders: Your Mugshot Removal Partner
Defamation Defenders provides comprehensive mugshot removal and reputation repair services for Florida residents:
- Locating all instances of your mugshot
- Preparing and sending statutory removal requests
- Suppressing content through proven SEO strategies
- Assisting with expungement and record sealing referrals
- Pursuing legal remedies if websites don’t comply
We help individuals restore their names, regain privacy, and protect their futures.
📞 Schedule a free consultation and take control of your reputation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Mugshots are public under Florida’s Sunshine Law unless sealed or expunged.
You may request free removal under FL Statute 901.43 if your case was dropped, dismissed, or expunged.
Not always—but for complex or ignored cases, legal help ensures your rights are enforced.
Yes—via takedown, legal enforcement, and SEO suppression.
You can sue for damages under Florida law.
If a website violates FL 901.43, you may be awarded $1,000 per day and legal costs.
Only if the source site removes the image. Then, you can request Google to remove the cached version.
Search your name, gather legal documentation, send a written request, and follow up. Or hire a professional.
Related Contents:
