Hillsborough County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Hillsborough County?
A search warrant in Hillsborough County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specified location for evidence of a crime. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.02, search warrants may be issued when there is probable cause to believe that:
- Evidence relating to a crime exists at a specific location
- Contraband, stolen property, or property used to commit a crime is present
- The premises are being used for illegal activities
- A person for whom an arrest warrant has been issued is present at the location
Search warrants in Hillsborough County must meet strict constitutional requirements under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution, which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. The warrant must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or items to be seized.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is responsible for executing many search warrants within the county jurisdiction.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office 2008 E. 8th Avenue Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 247-8000 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Are Warrants Public Records In Hillsborough County?
Warrants in Hillsborough County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). However, access to warrant information may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Active warrants that are part of an ongoing investigation may be temporarily exempt from public disclosure
- Warrants related to juvenile offenders may have limited public access
- Sealed warrants ordered by a judge remain confidential until unsealed
Members of the public may access warrant information through several official channels:
- The Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains records of executed warrants that have been returned to the court
- The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office provides an online warrant inquiry system
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a statewide database of wanted persons
Once a warrant has been executed and the case has proceeded to court, the associated court records typically become available through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court's online records system.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court George E. Edgecomb Courthouse 800 E. Twiggs Street Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 276-8100 Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court Records
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Hillsborough County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Hillsborough County may utilize several official methods to obtain this information. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office provides a warrant inquiry service accessible to the public. This service allows individuals to search for active warrants by name.
To check for warrants in Hillsborough County, members of the public may:
- Visit the online warrant inquiry system provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
- Contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Warrants Section directly at (813) 247-8140
- Visit the Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can conduct a search on your behalf
- Check the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and potentially other identifying information to ensure accurate results.
How To Check for Warrants in Hillsborough County for Free in 2025
In 2025, Hillsborough County residents and other interested parties may check for active warrants at no cost through several government-provided resources:
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The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online warrant inquiry system accessible through their official website. This database is updated regularly and provides information on active warrants issued within the county jurisdiction.
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) offers a statewide Wanted Persons Search that includes warrant information from Hillsborough County. This database contains Florida warrant information as reported by law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
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The Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court provides public access to court records, which may include information about warrants that have been executed and returned to the court.
To conduct a free warrant search:
- Visit the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Warrant Inquiry" section
- Enter the required identifying information
- Review the search results
For the most comprehensive results, individuals may need to check multiple databases, as warrants may be issued by different jurisdictions within Hillsborough County, including municipal police departments and state agencies.
What Types of Warrants In Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County courts issue several types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose. The primary categories of warrants include:
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Arrest Warrants: Issued when there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody.
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Bench Warrants: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date, violates probation terms, or fails to comply with a court order.
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Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence related to criminal activity, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 933.
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Capias Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants but typically issued after criminal charges have been filed or when a defendant fails to appear for arraignment.
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Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, such as for contempt of court in civil cases or for failure to pay court-ordered financial obligations.
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Fugitive Warrants: Issued when an individual is wanted in another jurisdiction and is believed to be in Hillsborough County.
Each type of warrant must meet specific legal requirements under Florida law and may be subject to different procedures for execution and service.
What Warrants in Hillsborough County Contain
Warrants issued in Hillsborough County contain specific information as required by Florida law. Pursuant to Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.121 and Florida Statutes § 933.04, warrants typically include:
- The name of the person to be arrested or the precise description of the location to be searched
- Date and time of issuance
- The specific offense(s) charged or suspected
- The judge's signature
- The court's seal
- For search warrants: a detailed description of the items to be seized
- For arrest warrants: identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, or last known address when available
- The name of the law enforcement agency authorized to execute the warrant
- Any special instructions regarding execution (such as time restrictions)
Search warrants must particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized with sufficient specificity to meet constitutional requirements. Arrest warrants must identify the individual with enough detail to ensure the correct person is taken into custody.
All warrants must be based on probable cause, which must be supported by sworn affidavits or testimony before the issuing judge or magistrate.
Who Issues Warrants In Hillsborough County
In Hillsborough County, warrants are issued by judicial officers with proper jurisdiction and authority under Florida law. The following officials may issue warrants:
- Circuit Court Judges of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Hillsborough County
- County Court Judges of Hillsborough County
- Magistrates who have been granted authority by the court
The process for issuing warrants typically begins with a law enforcement officer or prosecutor presenting evidence establishing probable cause to a judge. This evidence may be presented in the form of:
- A sworn affidavit detailing the facts and circumstances supporting probable cause
- Sworn testimony before the judge
- A combination of documentary evidence and testimony
The Second District Court of Appeal has jurisdiction to review warrant-related matters from Hillsborough County when challenged through proper legal channels.
Judges issuing warrants must determine that the constitutional and statutory requirements have been met, including the existence of probable cause and proper specificity in the warrant's language.
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida George E. Edgecomb Courthouse 800 E. Twiggs Street Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 272-5555
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Hillsborough County
Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Hillsborough County may utilize several official resources. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of active warrants within the county jurisdiction.
To search for outstanding warrants:
- Visit the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office warrant inquiry portal
- Search the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Wanted Persons database
- Contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Warrants Section at (813) 247-8140
- Check the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court records for information about warrants that have been executed
When searching for warrant information, individuals should provide:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Any aliases or former names
- Social Security Number (for more accurate results)
Individuals with outstanding warrants should consult with a qualified attorney regarding their legal options. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office advises that individuals with active warrants surrender voluntarily rather than risk arrest in unpredictable circumstances.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Hillsborough County
Federal warrants differ from state and local warrants as they are issued by federal courts for violations of federal law. To check for federal warrants that may be active in Hillsborough County, individuals should be aware that federal warrant information is not typically available through local county databases.
The process for checking federal warrants includes:
- Contacting the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which has jurisdiction over Hillsborough County
- Consulting with a federal criminal defense attorney who can make appropriate inquiries
- Contacting the United States Marshals Service, which is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants
Federal warrant information is generally more restricted than local warrant data. The federal system does not provide a public-facing database similar to those maintained by county agencies.
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse 801 North Florida Avenue Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 301-5400
United States Marshals Service - Tampa Office 801 North Florida Avenue Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 301-5600
Individuals with reason to believe they may be subject to a federal warrant should seek legal counsel promptly.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Hillsborough County?
Warrants issued in Hillsborough County generally remain active until they are executed, recalled by the court, or the subject of the warrant is deceased. Unlike some legal documents, warrants do not typically have an expiration date under Florida law.
Key points regarding warrant duration:
- Arrest warrants remain in effect indefinitely until served or recalled
- Bench warrants stay active until the person appears before the court or the warrant is withdrawn
- Search warrants, however, must typically be executed within 10 days of issuance, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 933.05
The statute of limitations for the underlying offense does not affect the validity of an existing warrant. Even if the statute of limitations expires for prosecuting the original crime, an individual can still be arrested on an outstanding warrant and brought before the court.
Warrants issued in Hillsborough County are entered into local, state, and sometimes national databases, including:
- The Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
These entries ensure that the warrant remains active and visible to law enforcement agencies throughout Florida and potentially nationwide.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Hillsborough County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Hillsborough County varies based on several factors, including the urgency of the situation and the availability of judicial officers. Under normal circumstances, the process typically includes:
- Preparation of the warrant application and supporting affidavit by law enforcement (1-2 days)
- Review by the State Attorney's Office, if required (1-2 days)
- Presentation to a judge for review and signature (same day to 1 day)
In emergency situations, expedited procedures exist that can significantly reduce this timeline. Florida law recognizes exigent circumstances where evidence might be destroyed or public safety is at immediate risk.
For standard investigations, law enforcement officers should anticipate:
- 2-5 business days for the complete warrant process
- Additional time if the initial application requires revision or supplementation
- Potential delays if additional evidence is needed to establish probable cause
The Florida Department of Corrections and other state agencies may also be involved in certain warrant processes, particularly those involving probation violations or inmates.
Electronic warrant systems have streamlined this process in recent years, allowing for faster preparation and review of warrant applications in Hillsborough County.
Search Warrant Records in Hillsborough County
Check Hillsborough County warrant records online
Search Florida's wanted persons database