Tampa City criminal records are the official court files maintained by the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Court for every criminal case filed in the Tampa area. Each record contains the case number, defendant name, charges, hearing dates, pleas, and final outcome.
These records cover felony cases heard in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court and misdemeanor cases heard in the Hillsborough County Court. Florida law makes these records public so anyone can review them through online portals, in-person visits, or mail requests.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court serves as the official keeper of all court records for Tampa and the surrounding county. The Clerk’s office handles thousands of new criminal filings each year. Every felony, misdemeanor, and traffic criminal case filed in Hillsborough County gets entered into the Clerk’s database. This database powers the public search tools people use to look up Tampa criminal court records.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Clerk’s main office sits in the County Courthouse building in downtown Tampa. The address is 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33602. The general phone number is (813) 276-8100. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Clerk’s official website at hillsclerk.com provides direct access to online services and contact forms for specific departments.
Online Court Records Search System
The Hillsborough County Clerk operates a free online search system that runs twenty-four hours a day. Anyone can access the portal at hillsclerk.com from any computer or mobile device with internet. The system allows searches by defendant name, case number, citation number, or court date. Results show case status, charges, next hearing dates, and disposition details. Basic searches cost nothing, but certified copies require a fee.
In-Person Records Requests at the Courthouse
Walk-in visitors can request criminal records at the Clerk’s public records window on the first floor of the courthouse. Staff members help locate case files and provide printed copies on request. People should bring a valid photo ID and any known case details, such as a case number or full legal name. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for copy fees.
Types of Cases in the Clerk Database
The Clerk database stores records for all criminal cases filed in Hillsborough County. This includes felony indictments, misdemeanor charges, criminal traffic offenses, and ordinance violations. Each case record lists the original charges, any amendments, plea agreements, sentences, and post-conviction motions. Older case files from before 1990 may exist only in physical paper form and require special retrieval requests.
Search Methods for Tampa Criminal Records
Different search methods work better for different situations. Knowing which method to use saves time when looking up Tampa criminal court case status or historical filings. The Clerk’s online portal supports several search fields, and each one produces slightly different results.
Search by Defendant Name
Name searches are the most common method for public users. The search field accepts a full legal name or a last name combined with a first name. Results list all matching cases with the defendant name, birth year, case number, and filing date. Users should verify the match by checking the birth year and case details, since common surnames can produce many results.
Search by Case Number
Case number searches return precise results when the exact number is known. Case numbers follow a standard format that includes the year, court type, and sequence number. For example, a case number beginning with “24-CF” indicates a 2024 felony case in circuit court. Knowing the case number eliminates any confusion with similarly named defendants.
Search by Citation Number
Citation number searches work for criminal traffic cases and some misdemeanor charges. The citation number appears on the ticket issued at the time of the offense. Entering this number pulls up the specific case tied to that citation. This method helps people check the status of a traffic ticket they received within Hillsborough County.
Search by Date Range
Date range searches help users narrow down results when they only know when a case was filed. The portal allows custom date ranges from a single day to several years. This works well for research projects or background checks involving multiple cases. Users can sort results by date, name, or case type after the search completes.
Tampa Police Department Records
The Tampa Police Department (TPD) maintains arrest records and police reports for incidents within Tampa city limits. TPD records differ from court records because they document the law enforcement side of a case. These records include incident reports, arrest affidavits, and booking photographs. TPD records become part of the court file once a case moves forward to prosecution.
Police Report Requests
People can request police reports from TPD through the Central Records Division. Requests can be made in person at the TPD headquarters, by mail, or through the department’s online portal. A standard report request requires the incident number, date, location, and names of involved parties. Reports are usually ready within five to ten business days after the incident. Some reports remain confidential while investigations continue.
TPD Online Resources
The Tampa Police Department website at tampagov.net provides limited public access to records. Users can view crime statistics by neighborhood, file non-emergency reports, and check wanted persons. The site also lists contact information for the Central Records Division. For full police reports, users must submit a formal records request through the official channels.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) covers areas outside the Tampa city limits. HCSO handles arrests, jail operations, and incident reports for unincorporated Hillsborough County. Like TPD, HCSO maintains its own records system that operates separately from the Clerk’s court records.
Arrest Records and Booking Data
HCSO arrest records show the date, time, location, and charges for each arrest made by deputies. Booking data includes the arrestee’s name, date of birth, booking number, and bond amount. These records feed into the court system once the State Attorney files formal charges. The public can request arrest reports through HCSO’s Records Bureau.
Jail Inmate Search Tool
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office operates an online inmate search tool at hcso.tampa.fl.us. Users can search current inmates by name or booking date. The tool shows current charges, bond amount, housing location, and projected release date. The database updates regularly as new bookings and releases occur. Past inmate records require a separate records request.
Statewide Criminal History Search
Statewide searches cover criminal records beyond just Hillsborough County. Two state agencies offer online portals that include Tampa criminal records as part of a larger Florida-wide database. These tools work well for background checks that need to cover all Florida jurisdictions.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. Anyone can run a name-based search through the CCHInet portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The search costs $24 per name plus a $1 credit card processing fee. Users need the full legal name and date of birth to run a search. Results appear instantly after payment and show arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by Florida law enforcement agencies.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks all inmates serving state prison sentences. Their offender search at fdc.myflorida.com lists current inmates and people on community supervision. Users can search by name or Department of Corrections (DC) number. Results show the offense, sentence length, incarceration start date, and current custody status. This tool covers anyone from Tampa who received a state prison sentence.
Felony vs Misdemeanor Records in Tampa
Criminal cases in Tampa split into two main categories based on severity. Felonies carry potential sentences of more than one year in state prison, while misdemeanors carry sentences of up to one year in county jail. The court division that handles each case type differs, which affects where records are stored.
Tampa Felony Court Records
Felonies filed in Hillsborough County go to the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. Circuit court cases carry case numbers starting with “CF” followed by the year and sequence number. Tampa felony court records include more serious charges like aggravated assault, burglary, drug trafficking, and homicide. These cases typically involve longer proceedings and more extensive documentation.
Tampa Misdemeanor Case Search
Misdemeanors filed in Hillsborough County go to the County Court division. County court case numbers start with “MM” for misdemeanors or “TC” for criminal traffic. Tampa misdemeanor case search results include charges like simple battery, petty theft, DUI first offense, and criminal traffic violations. These cases usually resolve faster than felonies and may have fewer court filings.
Circuit Court vs County Court Records
The Clerk’s online portal separates circuit and county court records into different search categories. Users must select the correct court type before running a search. Felony case searches show only circuit court cases, while misdemeanor searches show county court cases. This separation prevents confusion between cases with similar defendant names but different charge levels.
Fees and Copy Costs for Tampa Criminal Records
The Clerk’s office charges specific fees for different types of records. Knowing these costs ahead of time helps users plan their requests. The table below shows the standard fee structure for criminal records in Hillsborough County.
| Service Type | Fee Amount | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online case search (basic view) | Free | Instant |
| Printed case summary (per page) | $1.00 | Same day |
| Certified copy of court document | $7.00 (first page) + $2.00 each additional page | Same day to 3 business days |
| Audio recording of court proceeding | $25.00 per CD | 5 business days |
| FDLE state criminal history search | $25.00 ($24 search + $1 processing) | Instant (online) |
| Seal/expunge certificate application | $75.00 | 12 weeks |
Sealing and Expungement of Tampa Criminal Records
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. Sealed records remain in the system but hide from public view. Expunged records get physically destroyed or returned to the defendant. Both options limit who can see the record in the future.
Eligibility Requirements
A person qualifies for sealing or expungement if they have never been convicted of a criminal offense, have no prior sealed or expunged records, and the charge they want to hide resulted in a dismissal, acquittal, or no information filed. Certain serious offenses like murder, sexual battery, and child abuse cannot be sealed or expunged. People with prior felony convictions also do not qualify.
Certificate of Eligibility Process
The first step involves applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application costs $75 and requires a full set of fingerprints, a sworn statement, and a certified copy of the disposition for the case. FDLE processes applications in about twelve weeks. Approved certificates stay valid for twelve months from the issue date.
Filing the Court Petition
After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, the applicant must file a petition with the Hillsborough County court. The petition asks the judge to order sealing or expungement based on the FDLE approval. A court hearing may be required if the State Attorney or arresting agency objects. Once granted, the court order goes to all agencies holding the record, and they must comply within a set timeframe.
Public Access Laws for Tampa Criminal Records
Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law gives the public broad access to government records. This law applies to criminal court records in Tampa and Hillsborough County. Section 119.07 of Florida Statutes establishes the right to inspect and copy public records.
Florida Public Records Act
The Florida Public Records Act requires government agencies to provide access to records during regular business hours. Agencies cannot ask why someone wants the records. They must provide copies at a reasonable cost based on actual duplication expenses. The law applies to all Hillsborough County criminal court records unless a specific exemption applies.
Records Exempt from Public Access
Some criminal records do not appear in public searches. Sealed records get removed from public view by court order. Expunged records get destroyed and no longer exist in the system. Active criminal investigations may remain confidential while ongoing. Juvenile records have separate protections and stay sealed from public view. Victim identity information may get redacted in publicly released files.
Hillsborough County Clerk Contact Information
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court serves as the primary source for Tampa criminal records. The office handles all official requests for court documents, certified copies, and record searches. Contact details and operating hours are listed below for direct reference.
Office Address: 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33602
Phone Number: (813) 276-8100
Website: hillsclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Public Records Window: First floor of the County Courthouse
Online Portal Access: Available 24 hours at hillsclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have specific questions about Tampa criminal records that go beyond basic search instructions. The questions below address common concerns about access, accuracy, and legal use of these records. Each answer provides direct, practical details based on current Florida law and Hillsborough County procedures.
How Long Does It Take to Get Tampa Criminal Court Records?
Online records appear instantly in the Clerk’s portal after a search completes. Walk-in requests for printed copies get processed the same day in most cases. Certified copies take one to three business days to prepare. Mail requests add transit time on both ends, so total processing can take one to two weeks. Complex searches requiring archive retrieval may take longer if the case is older than ten years and stored off-site.
Are Tampa Criminal Records Free to Access Online?
Basic case searches and viewing records online are free through the Hillsborough County Clerk portal. Users can run unlimited searches without paying anything. Fees only apply when someone requests printed copies, certified documents, or full audio recordings of court proceedings. The FDLE state criminal history search costs $25 per name search, separate from the Clerk’s free service.
Can Someone Remove Their Criminal Record from Public View in Tampa?
Florida law allows record sealing or expungement for eligible cases. The process requires a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE, then a court petition to a Hillsborough County judge. Approved petitions hide the record from public searches. The record still exists in the system but only certain agencies can see it. Serious felonies and certain offenses cannot be sealed or expunged under state law.
What Information Shows Up in a Tampa Criminal Record Search?
A standard search shows the defendant name, case number, charges, filing date, court division, judge assigned, plea entered, sentence imposed, and current case status. Older cases may only show the final disposition if the case is closed. The search does not include Social Security numbers, full addresses, or DNA profile information. Photos and fingerprints stay in separate law enforcement databases.
Can I Search Tampa Criminal Records by Name Without a Date of Birth?
Yes, the Clerk’s online portal accepts name-only searches. Results will include anyone with a matching name in the database. Common surnames may produce many results, so users should review each match carefully to find the correct person. Adding a date of birth or middle name narrows results significantly. The FDLE state search requires a date of birth for all name-based queries.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Criminal Court Record?
Arrest records document the law enforcement side of a case, including the arrest date, location, and booking details. Criminal court records document the court proceedings, including charges filed, hearings held, pleas entered, and final sentences. Not every arrest leads to a court case if charges get dropped. Court records only exist after the State Attorney files formal charges.
Do Federal Criminal Cases Show Up in Tampa Criminal Records?
No, federal cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida do not appear in the Hillsborough County Clerk database. Federal court records get maintained separately by the federal court clerk. The PACER system at pacer.uscourts.gov provides access to federal case files. The Clerk’s database only covers state criminal cases filed in Hillsborough County courts.