Hillsborough County police records are public files kept by local law enforcement agencies in Florida. These files include incident reports, arrest records, crash reports, and booking logs.
Anyone can ask for them under Florida’s public records law. This page shows how to get police reports from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, and other local agencies. It also covers fees, timelines, and what records stay sealed.
How Hillsborough County Police Records Work
Hillsborough County has one sheriff’s office and three city police departments. Each agency keeps its own police records. The sheriff covers unincorporated areas. Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace each run their own police departments. You must contact the right agency based on where the incident happened. Records from one agency do not show up in another agency’s database.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, also called HCSO, serves unincorporated parts of the county. These areas include Brandon, Riverview, Town ‘n’ Country, Carrollwood, Valrico, and Sun City Center. The sheriff also runs the county jail and all booking records. Most public records requests go through the HCSO Records Division.
HCSO Records Division and Contact Details
The HCSO Records Division handles all written records requests for the sheriff’s office. You can visit in person, send a letter by mail, or submit an online form. Walk-in requests get processed the same day in most cases. Larger requests may take longer based on staff workload.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency Name | Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) |
| Address | 2008 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 |
| Phone (Non-Emergency) | (813) 247-8200 |
| Records Phone | (813) 247-8200 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Online Portal | Available through the official HCSO website |
What Records HCSO Holds and Releases
HCSO keeps records for incidents in unincorporated Hillsborough County. This includes calls for service, arrest reports, citations, and crash reports. The agency also runs the Orient Road Jail and the Falkenburg Road Jail. Booking photos, fingerprints, and bond amounts come from these facilities. Most records become public after the case is closed or the investigation ends.
How to Submit a Records Request to HCSO
You can request records three ways: in person, by mail, or online. For in-person visits, bring a photo ID. For mail requests, send a written letter that includes your contact details and a description of the record. For online requests, use the public records form on the HCSO website. Always include the date, location, and type of record you need.
- Full name and current address
- Phone number or email
- Date and time of the incident
- Street address or intersection
- Names of people involved
- Report or case number (if known)
- Type of record you want
Tampa Police Department Records
The Tampa Police Department, or TPD, handles law enforcement inside Tampa city limits. Tampa is the largest city in Hillsborough County with over 400,000 residents. TPD has its own Records Division and a separate public records portal. Reports filed by Tampa officers stay with TPD, even if the arrest happens at the county jail.
Tampa PD Records Division Address and Hours
The Tampa Police Records Division sits at police headquarters in downtown Tampa. You can request records in person, by phone, or through the TPD online portal. Walk-in hours run during normal business days. Mailing a written request works for older reports that need archive searches.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency Name | Tampa Police Department (TPD) |
| Address | 411 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone (Non-Emergency) | (813) 276-3200 |
| Records Phone | (813) 276-3200 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Online Portal | Available through the official TPD website |
Records Available from Tampa Police
Tampa Police Department keeps records for all incidents inside city limits. This includes traffic stops, arrests, collisions, and criminal reports. Reports get filed with a case number and stored in the records system. Closed cases are public unless a judge orders them sealed. Active investigations stay exempt under Florida law.
Online Records Portal for Tampa PD
Tampa Police runs an online portal for common records requests. You can search for incident reports, traffic crashes, and arrest logs. The portal asks for the case number or the date of the event. Reports come back as PDF files. Most online reports cost nothing, but certified copies have a fee.
Other Police Agencies in Hillsborough County
Three smaller police agencies also serve Hillsborough County residents. Each keeps separate police records. You need to contact the right one based on the city where the incident happened. The sheriff does not hold records for incidents inside these city limits.
Plant City Police Department Records
Plant City Police Department covers the city of Plant City in eastern Hillsborough County. The agency files its own incident and arrest reports. Records requests go through the Plant City Police Records Section. Contact the agency directly for crash reports, offense reports, and arrest logs from inside city limits.
Temple Terrace Police Department Records
Temple Terrace Police Department serves the small city of Temple Terrace. The agency keeps records for calls, arrests, and crashes within its borders. Records requests go through the Temple Terrace Police Department office. Online requests may be available through the city’s website or in person at the police lobby.
Florida Highway Patrol on Local Roads
Florida Highway Patrol, or FHP, patrols I-4, I-75, and other state roads. Troopers respond to serious crashes and criminal activity on these routes. Crash reports filed by FHP go through the state system, not the county. You can order FHP crash reports online through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles portal.
Types of Police Reports You Can Request
Police reports come in many forms. Each type has its own rules for release. Most reports become public after the case closes. Some stay sealed by court order. Knowing the report type helps you file the right request the first time.
Incident Reports and Offense Reports
Incident reports describe what happened when officers responded to a call. They include the date, time, location, names, and officer notes. Offense reports cover specific crimes listed under Florida statutes. Both types become public once the investigation ends. You can request copies through the agency that filed the report.
Arrest Records and Booking Logs
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody. They list charges, bond amounts, and the arresting officer. Booking logs come from the Hillsborough County jail. They include fingerprints, photos, and release dates. The sheriff’s office posts current inmates online. Older booking records need a written request.
Traffic Citations and Crash Reports
Traffic citations show who got a ticket and what the charge was. Crash reports describe vehicle accidents and list drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Crash reports in Florida can be ordered through the state crash portal. Citations stay with the court system, not the police agency.
Mugshots, Warrants, and Inmate Records
Mugshots are booking photos taken at the county jail. Active warrants are public and posted on sheriff websites. Inmate records show who is in custody, bond amounts, and court dates. Hillsborough County posts current inmates online through the HCSO inmate search tool. Warrants stay active until served or recalled by a judge.
Sealed, Expunged, and Juvenile Records
Sealed records are hidden from public view by court order. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. Both types cannot be released to the public. Juvenile records fall under stricter rules and stay confidential. Only the person named in the record or a court order can open these files.
How to Search Records by Case Number or Name
Searching police records gets faster when you have key details. A case number gives the exact report. A name search pulls all reports linked to that person. Date ranges help narrow the results. Each agency in Hillsborough County uses its own search tools.
Searching Hillsborough County Police Records
You can search Hillsborough County police records through the HCSO online portal. The portal lets you look up calls for service, arrests, and inmate info. Tampa Police has a separate search tool on its website. For older records, you may need to file a written request with the right agency.
Hillsborough County Police Report by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to pull a single report. Each agency assigns its own case numbers. HCSO cases start with a year prefix and a number code. Tampa PD cases follow a similar format. Provide the full case number when you call or visit the records office.
Hillsborough County Police Records by Name
Name searches work for arrest logs and inmate lookups. The HCSO inmate search accepts first and last names. Tampa PD has a public arrest log on its website. For incident reports tied to a name, the agency may need a date range or extra details to pull the right file.
Fees, Timelines, and Florida Public Records Law
Florida’s public records law sets the rules for how agencies must respond. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes covers all state and local agencies. Most police records fall under this law. Some records carry exemptions and stay private. Knowing the law helps you file stronger requests.
Copy Fees and Payment Methods
Florida law limits copy fees for public records. The rate is up to 15 cents per page for single-sided copies. Double-sided copies cost up to 20 cents per page. Electronic records sent by email are often free. Certified copies cost more because they carry an official seal. Large requests may need a deposit before staff start the work.
Agency Response Time and Exemptions
Agencies must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time. Simple requests get filled in a few days. Large or old requests can take several weeks. Active investigations, informant identities, and juvenile cases are exempt. If the agency denies a request, it must cite the specific Florida statute that applies.
Chapter 119 Florida Statutes Explained
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is the main public records law. It says that any record made or received by a public agency is open to the public. Agencies cannot require a reason for the request. They can charge only the fees allowed by law. The law also lists exemptions that block certain records from release.
Statewide and Background Check Resources
Statewide tools help you check records across Florida. These tools pull data from many local agencies. They work for background checks, crash reports, and criminal history searches. Most statewide services charge a small fee.
FDLE Criminal Records Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or FDLE, runs the state criminal history system. You can request a background check for $24 per search. The check covers arrests, dispositions, and sentences across Florida. Results come back by mail or email in about one week. You submit fingerprints at approved vendors in Hillsborough County.
Florida Crash Reports Portal
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles runs the statewide crash report system. You can order crash reports online from any agency, including HCSO, Tampa PD, and FHP. The fee is small, and reports arrive by email. You need the crash date, county, and at least one person’s name to search.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Records
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court keeps court records, not police reports. These include criminal cases, civil suits, marriage licenses, and property records. You can search the clerk’s online database for free. Court records often reference the police report or case number from the original incident.
Common Questions About Local Police Records
Many people ask the same questions about Hillsborough County police records. The next section covers how long agencies keep records, who can request juvenile files, and what to do if a request gets denied. It also covers the cost of crash reports and how to check if someone is in jail.
Official Contacts and Locations
Here are the main agencies that hold Hillsborough County police records. Each agency has its own address, phone, and hours. Save these contacts before you file a request. The right agency depends on where the incident happened.
| Agency | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office | 2008 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 | (813) 247-8200 |
| Tampa Police Department | 411 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602 | (813) 276-3200 |
| Plant City Police Department | 302 North Palmer Street, Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 757-9200 |
| Temple Terrace Police Department | 130 South Bullard Parkway, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 | (813) 506-6500 |
| Florida Highway Patrol (Tampa) | 110 South 34th Street, Tampa, FL 33611 | (813) 558-1800 |
Official websites: hcsosheriff.com for HCSO, tampagov.net for Tampa PD, plantcitygov.com for Plant City, templeterrace.com for Temple Terrace, and flhsmv.gov for the Florida Highway Safety portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Hillsborough County police records. Each answer covers a specific topic, from arrest logs to expungement. The answers reflect the most current Florida public records law and local agency rules. Use them as a quick reference before filing a records request.
How do I get a copy of a police report in Hillsborough County?
Contact the agency that handled the incident. HCSO handles unincorporated areas. Tampa PD handles incidents inside Tampa city limits. Plant City and Temple Terrace have their own departments. Bring a photo ID for in-person visits. Online portals work for most recent reports. Older reports may need a written request by mail. The agency charges a small copy fee per page. Most reports arrive in a few business days.
Are Hillsborough County arrest records public?
Yes, most arrest records are public after the booking is complete. HCSO posts daily arrest logs and current inmate lists online. Tampa PD also publishes arrest data on its website. Active investigations or sealed cases stay private. You can search by name, date of birth, or booking date. The records show charges, bond, and the arresting agency. Booking photos come with the record unless a court seals them.
How much does a Florida crash report cost?
Florida crash reports cost $10 per report when ordered online. The fee goes to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. You can order reports from any agency that filed the crash, including HCSO, Tampa PD, and FHP. You need the crash date, county, and at least one driver’s name. Reports arrive by email in PDF format. Certified copies cost more.
Can I check if someone is in jail in Hillsborough County?
Yes. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate search tool. You can search by name or booking date. The tool shows current inmates at the county jail. It lists charges, bond amounts, and court dates. The site updates every few hours. For older releases, you need to file a records request with HCSO or the booking facility.
What police records are sealed in Florida?
Sealed records are closed by court order. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. Both stay hidden from public searches. Juvenile records fall under stricter rules and stay sealed in most cases. Active criminal investigations are also exempt. You can only open sealed or expunged records through a new court order. Police agencies cannot release these files, even on request.
Do I need a reason to request police records in Florida?
No. Florida law does not require a reason to ask for public records. Any person can file a request with a local agency. The agency must respond within a reasonable time. They can charge only the fees allowed by law. If the agency denies the request, it must cite the specific Florida statute that applies. You can challenge a denial in court.
How long do police agencies keep records in Florida?
Florida law sets minimum retention schedules for police records. Most incident reports stay on file for several years. Arrest records stay longer because they tie into criminal history. Crash reports stay on file for at least four years. Homicide and sex offense case files stay on file permanently in most agencies. Retention rules vary by record type and agency policy.