Hillsborough County Arrest Inquiry gives everyone free access to adult arrest records under Florida Statute 119.071. These records stay public unless a judge seals them. The Sheriff’s Office keeps an electronic archive from January 1, 1995, forward. Each entry shows the arrestee’s full legal name, birth date, booking number, charge codes, and which agency made the arrest. Data updates every night from the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Detention Center, and other law enforcement partners. Every record includes Florida Department of Law Enforcement UCR codes for accuracy.
How to Use the Official Arrest Inquiry System
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office runs a free online portal for arrest inquiries. You can search by name, booking number, or date of birth. Results show current charges, bond amounts, court dates, and housing location if the person is in jail. The system refreshes nightly so you see the latest bookings. For people without internet, in-person kiosks are available at the Records Division. Each search result links directly to official sources and includes mugshots when available. This tool helps attorneys, employers, families, and researchers get fast, accurate information.
What Information Appears in an Arrest Record
Every arrest record in Hillsborough County includes key details. You’ll see the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and booking number. The charge section lists each offense with its Florida statute code. The arresting agency name appears clearly, whether it’s HCSO, Tampa PD, Plant City PD, or another partner. Bond amount and type (cash, surety, or none) are shown if set. Court appearance dates and locations are included when scheduled. Mugshots display if the booking photo was taken and released. All data matches the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Uniform Crime Reporting standards.
Accessing Records in Person or by Phone
If you can’t use the online system, visit the Records Division at 306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Staff help with searches Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (813) 274-8211 during business hours for phone assistance. Email records@hcso.tampa.fl.us and expect a reply within one business day. In-person kiosks offer public terminals for free searches. The 24-hour hotline at (813) 274-8200 gives live updates on inmate location, cell block, and release dates. All requests are logged to follow Florida’s Sunshine Law.
Understanding Mugshot Availability and Updates
The Hillsborough County arrest database holds over 280,000 mugshots. These photos come from bookings across Tampa, Plant City, Riverview, and unincorporated areas. New images appear within four hours of processing. Each mugshot links to the full arrest record with charges, dates, and bond info. Photos remain online unless a court orders removal. The system lets you filter by offense type, arrest date range, or bond status. Printable summaries help with background checks or legal filings. All data pulls from the Sheriff’s Detention Center and partner agencies.
Jail Inquiry vs. Arrest Inquiry: Key Differences
Arrest inquiry shows when someone was booked and charged. Jail inquiry tells you if they’re still in custody, where they’re held, and when they might be released. The jail system updates every four hours with housing assignments, cell blocks, and projected release dates. It also lists visitation hours, mail rules, and ID requirements for visitors. Use the 24-hour hotline (813) 274-8200 for real-time status changes. Both systems draw from the same inmate management software connected to the Florida Department of Corrections network.
Agency-Specific Searches: HCSO Patrol and Special Units
You can filter arrests by specific agencies using code 63 for Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office patrol, special units, and marine patrol. This view adds columns for warrant type, statute numbers, and release conditions like electronic monitoring or counseling. Records stay online for seven years before moving to state archives. This helps prosecutors track repeat offenders and researchers study crime patterns. Each entry shows whether the suspect was released on personal recognizance or required to post bond.
Court Records and Final Dispositions
Arrest records don’t show case outcomes. For convictions, dismissals, or plea deals, contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Visit 401 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602, call (813) 272-3510, or use their online docket search. Certified copies require a formal request by mail or in person. Attorneys can access electronic files after verifying bar credentials. Some details may be hidden if they involve juveniles or active investigations. Always check both arrest and court records for complete legal history.
Warrant Searches and Active Alerts
The Warrant Inquiry tool shows active criminal and civil warrants in Hillsborough County. Search by name, birth date, or warrant number. Results display the judge who issued it, the law it’s based on, bond amount, and next court date. If you think a warrant is wrong, request a confidential review. Specialists are available weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (813) 274-8211. Data refreshes hourly to reflect new filings. Never use this info alone for legal action—always verify with the court.
Employee Access and Secure Login
HCSO staff use a secure login portal with employee numbers and passwords. Passwords must be eight characters with letters and numbers, changed every 90 days. Multi-factor authentication protects remote access. Logins are tracked for security. After signing in, users can export CSV reports, view detailed logs, and request bulk data. IT support is at (813) 274-8000 ext. 42 during office hours. This system is not for public use—only authorized personnel.
Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida Statute 119.071 makes adult arrest records public by default. Only a court order can seal or expunge them. The Sheriff’s Office must provide records upon request unless exempt. All searches are logged to ensure transparency under the Sunshine Law. You have the right to correct errors by submitting proof to the Records Division. Misuse of data may violate state laws. Always use records responsibly and respect privacy.
Marriage Licenses and Other Vital Records
Marriage licenses from 1972 onward are online through the Clerk of Court. Each record shows both names, birth dates, residence, officiant, and a scanned license image. Pre-2000 records are on microfilm at 419 Pierce Street, Room 140, Tampa, FL 33602. Call (813) 276-8100 for help. The site also links related court files like divorces or property settlements when available. Access is free and complies with Florida Public Records Law.
Community Engagement and Transparency
The Sheriff’s Office hosts events like the Hispanic Advisory Council’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet. These build trust and support youth programs. Proceeds fund scholarships for future officers. Events are streamed live on HCSO’s YouTube channel. The office shares updates through press releases, social media, and public meetings. This openness strengthens community relations and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to correct wrong info, get certified copies, or understand charge codes. Below are common questions with clear answers based on current Florida law and HCSO policy.
How do I remove my mugshot from the Hillsborough County arrest website?
Mugshots stay online unless a court orders removal. Florida law allows expungement only for certain dismissed or acquitted cases. If your record qualifies, file a petition with the Clerk of Court. Once approved, the Sheriff’s Office will take down the photo and record. This process takes weeks or months. Contact the State Attorney’s Office or a lawyer for help. There’s no automatic removal—you must prove eligibility under Florida Statute 943.0585.
Can I get a certified copy of an arrest record for employment?
Yes, but not from the Sheriff’s Office. Arrest records are public, but certified copies come from the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Visit 401 North Florida Avenue, call (813) 272-3510, or mail a request with ID and fee. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Some employers accept printouts from the online portal, but legal filings need certification. Always check what your employer requires before ordering.
Why doesn’t the arrest record show if someone was convicted?
Arrest records only show charges, not outcomes. Courts handle convictions, dismissals, or plea deals. The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t track case results. To see final dispositions, search the Clerk’s docket or request certified court documents. This protects people who were arrested but not guilty. Always verify both arrest and court records for full accuracy.
Is it legal to use arrest records for tenant screening?
Yes, but with limits. Landlords can check arrest records, but federal fair housing laws ban discrimination based on arrests alone. You must consider convictions, not just charges. Florida also requires written notice if you deny housing based on criminal history. Always follow EEOC guidelines and state laws. Misuse could lead to lawsuits or penalties.
How often does the inmate search update?
The inmate database refreshes every four hours. New bookings, releases, and housing changes appear within that window. The 24-hour hotline (813) 274-8200 gives real-time updates between cycles. Data comes directly from the Sheriff’s Detention Center software, synced with Florida DOC systems. For urgent needs, call the hotline instead of relying on the website.
What if I find an error in an arrest record?
Contact the Records Division at (813) 274-8211 or records@hcso.tampa.fl.us. Provide proof like a court order or ID showing the mistake. Staff will review and correct errors within one business day if verified. For major issues, you may need to file a formal correction request with the court. Keep copies of all communication for your records.
Can juveniles see their own arrest records online?
No. Juvenile records are sealed by law and not on public websites. Only parents, attorneys, or court officials can access them with proper authorization. If a juvenile was tried as an adult, their record may appear, but it’s rare. Always consult a lawyer before seeking juvenile records. Florida protects youth privacy strictly.
Official Contact Information:
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Records Division
306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 274-8211 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
24-Hour Inmate Hotline: (813) 274-8200
Email: records@hcso.tampa.fl.us
Website: https://webapps.hcso.tampa.fl.us/ArrestInquiry