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Hillsborough County Criminal Records

What Is Hillsborough County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Hillsborough County are official documents maintained by various county agencies that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, which governs public records in the state. Criminal records typically originate when an individual is arrested by law enforcement agencies operating within Hillsborough County jurisdiction.

The primary custodians of criminal records in Hillsborough County include:

These records document various stages of the criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition of cases. Pursuant to §119.07 of the Florida Statutes, most criminal records are considered public records and are accessible to members of the public, with certain exceptions for sealed or expunged records as provided under §943.0585 and §943.059, Florida Statutes.

Are Criminal Records Public In Hillsborough County

Criminal records in Hillsborough County are generally public pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, which establishes a right of access to records made or received in connection with official government business. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right by guaranteeing public access to government records.

The following types of criminal records are typically available for public inspection:

  • Arrest reports and booking information
  • Criminal charges filed by the State Attorney's Office
  • Court dockets and case information
  • Judgments and sentencing documents
  • Probation records

However, certain exceptions to public access exist under Florida law:

  • Records that have been sealed pursuant to §943.059, Florida Statutes
  • Records that have been expunged pursuant to §943.0585, Florida Statutes
  • Juvenile records (with certain exceptions) as provided in §985.04, Florida Statutes
  • Records pertaining to ongoing investigations as outlined in §119.071(2)(c)
  • Information that would reveal the identity of victims of certain crimes as specified in §119.071(2)(h)

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records may contact:

Hillsborough County Public Records Department
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 276-2606
County Public Records Search

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county holidays.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hillsborough County in 2025

Hillsborough County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records in 2025, pursuant to Florida's commitment to government transparency. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following procedures:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court's Criminal Records Division at 419 N. Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602
  • Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Present a valid government-issued photo identification
  • Complete a public records request form specifying the information sought
  • Pay applicable fees as established by Florida Statute §28.24 ($1.00 per page for standard copies)

Online Access:

  • Navigate to the Hillsborough County Clerk's Court Records Search
  • Create a user account if required for certain detailed records
  • Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range
  • Review available records, noting that some documents may require in-person inspection due to redaction requirements

By Mail:

  • Submit a written request to:
    Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court
    Attn: Criminal Records Division
    P.O. Box 3360
    Tampa, FL 33601
  • Include specific information about the records sought
  • Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees

For arrest records specifically, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Arrest Inquiry system provides a searchable database of recent arrests. Users should note that pursuant to §119.071, Florida Statutes, certain information may be redacted from publicly available records to protect confidential information.

How To Find Criminal Records in Hillsborough County Online?

Hillsborough County provides comprehensive online access to criminal records through several official portals, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. Members of the public may access these digital resources without physically visiting government offices.

The primary online resources include:

  • Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Records Search
    This system provides access to court cases filed within the county's jurisdiction. Users may search by:

    • Name (last name, first name)
    • Case number
    • Citation number
    • Date range

    The system is accessible at Hillsborough County Court Records Search and operates 24 hours per day, with occasional maintenance periods.

  • Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Arrest Inquiry
    This database contains information on recent arrests and is updated daily. The system allows searches by:

    • Name
    • Booking number
    • Date of arrest

    Access is available through the HCSO Arrest Inquiry Portal.

  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal History Search
    For comprehensive statewide criminal history information, the FDLE maintains a fee-based system. Pursuant to §943.053, Florida Statutes, a fee of $24.00 is required for each name search. This service is available at FDLE Criminal History Records.

Users should be aware that pursuant to various privacy provisions in Florida Statutes, certain information may be redacted from online records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information identifying victims of certain crimes.

Can You Search Hillsborough County Criminal Records for Free?

Hillsborough County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, agencies may charge reasonable fees to recover the actual cost of duplication and extensive staff time.

Free access options include:

  • Public Access Terminals
    Located at the Hillsborough County Courthouse
    419 N. Pierce Street
    Tampa, FL 33602
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    These terminals allow free on-site viewing of non-confidential court records.

  • Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Arrest Inquiry
    The HCSO online arrest database provides free access to basic arrest information, including:

    • Name of arrestee
    • Booking date
    • Charges
    • Bond information
    • Booking photograph

  • Clerk of Court Online Records
    Basic case information is available at no cost through the Hillsborough County Clerk's website, including:

    • Case numbers
    • Party names
    • Filing dates
    • Case status
    • Upcoming court dates

Fees may apply for:

  • Certified copies of documents ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
  • Extensive searches requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time ($20.00 per hour)
  • Complete criminal history reports from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement ($24.00 per name search)

Pursuant to §28.24, Florida Statutes, the Clerk of Court is authorized to charge these fees to recover costs associated with maintaining and providing access to records.

What's Included in a Hillsborough County Criminal Record?

Hillsborough County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and typically include the following components:

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and any known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
  • Booking photograph ("mugshot")
  • Fingerprint classification

Case Processing Details:

  • Arrest date and location
  • Arresting agency and officer identification
  • Booking information and inmate number if applicable
  • Charges filed by the State Attorney's Office pursuant to §27.02, Florida Statutes
  • Court case number and assigned judicial division
  • Plea information
  • Trial proceedings and outcomes
  • Judgment and sentencing information
  • Probation or community control terms
  • Incarceration details

Supplementary Documentation:

  • Probable cause affidavits
  • Witness statements (with appropriate redactions)
  • Evidence inventory lists
  • Court transcripts
  • Restitution orders
  • Post-conviction relief petitions and rulings

Pursuant to §119.071, Florida Statutes, certain information may be redacted from publicly available records, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Driver's license numbers
  • Information identifying victims of sexual offenses
  • Information regarding confidential informants
  • Home addresses of certain protected classes of individuals

The Florida Courts system and Florida Department of Corrections may maintain additional records related to court proceedings and post-sentencing supervision or incarceration.

What Are the Penalties for a Hillsborough County Criminal Trespass Charge?

Criminal trespass in Hillsborough County is prosecuted pursuant to Florida Statute §810.08 (trespass in structure or conveyance) and §810.09 (trespass on property other than structure or conveyance). The penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and any aggravating factors present.

Misdemeanor Trespass Penalties:

  • Second Degree Misdemeanor (simple trespass):

    • Maximum 60 days in county jail
    • Maximum fine of $500
    • Up to 6 months probation
    • Possible community service hours

  • First Degree Misdemeanor (trespass with aggravating factors):

    • Maximum 1 year in county jail
    • Maximum fine of $1,000
    • Up to 1 year probation
    • Possible no-contact orders with property owner

Aggravating factors that elevate to first degree misdemeanor include:

  • Trespass in an occupied structure or conveyance
  • Trespass on construction sites with proper signage
  • Trespass on agricultural property with specified signage

Felony Trespass Penalties:

  • Third Degree Felony (trespass with severe aggravating factors):
    • Maximum 5 years in state prison
    • Maximum fine of $5,000
    • Up to 5 years probation
    • Loss of certain civil rights

Circumstances that elevate to felony level include:

  • Trespass while armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon
  • Trespass on property where notice against entering was given by actual communication
  • Trespass on certain critical infrastructure facilities as defined in §810.011(6)

The Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office prosecutes these cases at:

Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office
419 N. Pierce Street
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 272-5400

Defendants may seek legal representation through:

Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office
700 E. Twiggs Street, 5th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 272-5980

How Long Does Hillsborough County Keep Criminal Records?

Hillsborough County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and case disposition.

Standard Retention Periods:

  • Misdemeanor Case Files:

    • 5 years after final disposition for first-degree misdemeanors
    • 3 years after final disposition for second-degree misdemeanors
    • Traffic cases: 5 years after final disposition

  • Felony Case Files:

    • Capital/Life Felonies: Permanent retention
    • Other Felonies: 10 years after final disposition
    • Sexual offense cases: 25 years after final disposition

  • Arrest Records:

    • Booking information: 3 years after arrest
    • Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
    • Arrest photographs: Permanent retention

  • Court Records:

    • Dockets and indices: Permanent retention
    • Judgments and sentences: Permanent retention
    • Court transcripts: Retained according to case type

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period, electronic indices and basic case information are typically maintained permanently. Additionally, pursuant to §943.0585 and §943.059, Florida Statutes, individuals may petition for sealing or expungement of eligible criminal records.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a central repository of criminal history information with the following retention policies:

  • Non-serious offenses: 5 years after all sentences and conditions completed
  • Serious offenses: 75 years from date of collection
  • Sexual offender/predator records: Permanent retention

For specific information regarding record retention, individuals may contact:

Hillsborough County Records Management Department
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 17th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 272-5920

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