In response to the concern for missing children in Florida, the 1982 Florida Legislature appropriated funds to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the establishment of the first state Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) in the nation. The program provides liaison among citizens, private organizations and law enforcement officials regarding missing endangered persons information.

The Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC), formerly known as Missing Children Information Clearinghouse is located within the Division of Criminal Justice Information Services and is a central repository of information regarding missing children. The information is collected and disseminated to assist law enforcement agencies, public and private organizations and the citizens of Florida in locating missing children. The MEPIC is utilized as a resource center and information exchange service, and complements the state and federal computerized missing persons' files.

As part of the MEPIC's services, a toll-free telephone line (1-888-356-4774) is available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Additional services provided by the MEPIC include a directory of resources available for additional assistance in locating a child; emergency flyers requested by law enforcement agencies containing descriptors of missing children believed to be in immediate danger; training for law enforcement agencies and public/private organizations regarding the operations of the MEPIC; and a child safety guide which includes a list of precautions which outlines programs to insure our children's safety.

MEPIC accepts cases that meet the following criteria:

• The person has been reported missing to a law enforcement agency and entered into the National Crime Information Center database;
• Any missing child who is seventeen (17) years of age or younger; or
• Any missing adult between the ages of 18-25; or
• A missing persons 26 years of age or older who is suspected by law enforcement of being endangered or the victim of criminal activity;
• The child or adult is missing from Florida

If you would like to report a missing person, please contact your local law enforcement agency first and then call MEPIC at (850)410-8585 or toll free at 1-888-FL-MISSING(356-4774). For TTY accessibility, call 1-866-414-7496.

If any additional information is desired about the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse, please contact: