St Petersburg city police records are public files kept by the St Petersburg Police Department. These records cover crimes, accidents, arrests, calls for service, and other police activity.
Florida law gives you the right to view and copy most of these records. This page shows you how to get St Petersburg police records, what types exist, and what fees you may pay for copies.
About the St Petersburg Police Department
The St Petersburg Police Department serves the city of St Petersburg in Pinellas County, Florida. The department handles patrol, traffic stops, criminal probes, and community safety programs within city limits. It is one of the largest city police agencies in the Tampa Bay area and serves more than 260,000 residents.
Department Jurisdiction and Coverage
St Petersburg Police Department covers only the city of St Petersburg. Areas outside the city fall under the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. If your incident happened inside St Petersburg city limits, the St Petersburg PD holds the records. The department divides the city into four police districts. Each district has its own patrol officers, sergeants, and lieutenants. The department also runs special units for traffic, vice, homicide, and K-9 work.
Contact Details and Office Hours
You can reach the St Petersburg Police Department records unit by phone at (727) 893-7780. The main office sits at 1300 First Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33705. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. For non-emergency help after hours, call the Pinellas County dispatch line at (727) 582-6200.
Types of Police Records You Can Request
The St Petersburg Police Department keeps many types of public records. Each type has its own rules and release times. Knowing the record type helps you get the right file faster and avoid extra fees.
Incident Reports
Incident reports document crimes, calls for service, and other events handled by officers. Each report has a case number, date, location, names, and a written story of what happened. Most reports become public after the case closes or the probe ends. Reports for minor crimes often release within a few days. Reports for serious crimes release only after the case fully closes.
Arrest Records and Booking Logs
Arrest records show when officers take someone into custody. These files list charges, booking dates, bond amounts, and arresting officers. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and posts recent bookings online. You can search the jail log by name or booking date. Booking photos are also part of the public record in most cases.
Traffic Crash Reports
Crash reports cover car accidents within city limits. These reports list drivers, vehicles, damages, and witness statements. You can order crash reports online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. The state site has a search tool that lets you find reports by name, date, or report number. Each report costs a small fee paid by credit card.
Body Camera and Dashcam Footage
Body camera and dashcam videos are public records in Florida. These files take longer to release. Staff must review and edit the video to hide private details. You may pay a higher fee for video and audio files. The redaction work is the main reason for the higher cost. You must name the officer and the date of the incident to help staff locate the video.
911 Call Audio and Dispatch Logs
911 call audio and dispatch logs are kept by the police department. Call audio needs review before release. Dispatch logs often show up faster and may be posted online. The dispatch log shows the time, type of call, and the unit that responded. You can ask for the audio by case number or by the time of the call.
Warrants and Wanted Persons
Active warrants are public records in Florida. The St Petersburg Police Department posts current warrants on its website. The list shows names, charges, and warrant dates. You can search the list by name. A warrant stays active until the person is arrested or a judge cancels it. If you see your name on the warrant list, contact a lawyer and the court right away.
How to Get St Petersburg Police Records
You have four ways to ask for police records in St Petersburg. Pick the method that fits your needs. Each method has its own steps and timelines. Most people use a mix of online and in-person requests.
Online Records Request
The city of St Petersburg uses a public records portal on its website. You can submit your ask for police records through this portal. Go to www.stpete.org and look for the public records section. Create an account, fill out the form, and upload any documents you have. The system tracks your request and sends you email updates. Online requests work well for simple incident reports and arrest records.
In-Person Records Request
Visit the St Petersburg Police Department at 1300 First Avenue North. Go to the records window on the first floor. Bring a photo ID and all details you have about the record. Staff will help you fill out the request form. You can pay the fee with cash, check, or money order. In-person visits help you ask questions and fix issues on the spot.
Phone Records Request
Call (727) 893-7780 to ask for simple records. Have the case number, date, and names ready. Phone requests work best for basic incident reports. Complex requests with many files need a written ask. The phone line is open during regular office hours. Wait times can be long on Mondays and right after holidays.
Email and Mail Records Request
You can send a written request by email or postal mail. Include your name, contact details, and a full description of the records you want. Add the case number, date, location, and names. Mail your ask to the St Petersburg Police Department records unit at the address listed on this page. Email requests go to publicrecords@stpete.org. Mail requests need a self-addressed stamped envelope for the reply.
What to Bring to Your Request
Bring a valid photo ID to any in-person request. A driver’s license or passport works best. If you ask for records on behalf of another person, bring a signed letter of permission. Some records need a notarized request form. Call the records unit first to ask about extra documents you may need. The more you bring, the faster staff can help you.
How to Track Your Request
The St Petersburg public records portal lets you check the status of your request online. Log in to your account and look at the dashboard. The status moves from “submitted” to “in review” to “ready.” You get an email each time the status changes. You can also call the records unit to ask for a status update. Keep your request number handy when you call.
St Petersburg Police Records Search by Case Number
A case number makes your search much faster. The case number is a unique code the department gives each incident. You can see it on any notice, citation, or follow-up letter from the police. The number links directly to one report in the police system.
Required Details for Case Number Lookup
You need the full case number to look up a record. The format is often a two-digit year followed by letters and numbers. Example: 24-001234. Without the case number, staff must search by date, location, and names. This takes more time. If you do not have the case number, give staff the exact date, the street address, and the full names of the people involved.
Processing Times for Records Requests
Simple records take 3 to 5 business days. Complex requests can take 2 to 4 weeks. Video and audio files need extra time for review. The department will give you a cost estimate before they finish your request. Holidays and large events can slow down processing. Plan ahead if you have a court deadline.
Common Case Number Formats
St Petersburg uses a standard format for case numbers. The first two digits are the year. The next letter shows the type of case. The last numbers are the case ID. Example: 24-12345 means case 12345 from the year 2024. Always write the full case number when you ask for records. A short number can match many cases.
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. The law covers police records, government files, and court papers. You have the right to see and copy most records held by the police. The law applies to all state and local agencies in Florida.
Chapter 119 Florida Statutes
Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives you the right to ask for public records. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to give a reason for your ask. The agency must respond to you quickly or explain any delay in writing. The law was first passed in 1909 and has been expanded many times. Florida courts have ruled in favor of public access in most cases.
Exempt Records and Redacted Files
Some records are not public. Active criminal probes can be kept secret until the case ends. Personal details like Social Security numbers and bank accounts are removed before release. Juvenile records have extra privacy rules under state law. Medical records, Social Security numbers, and home addresses of victims are often removed. The police keep a list of all exemptions they apply.
Records Request Fees
Most records have a small copy fee. Paper copies cost about $0.15 per page. Digital files sent by email may cost less. Staff time for large searches may be billed by the hour. Video and audio files cost more as review work takes time. The department will tell you the cost before processing your ask. You can ask for a cost estimate in writing.
| Record Type | Typical Fee | Release Time |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Report (paper) | $0.15 per page | 3-5 business days |
| Crash Report (online) | $10-15 each | 1-3 business days |
| Arrest Record | $0.15 per page | 3-7 business days |
| Body Camera Footage | $30-50 per hour | 2-4 weeks |
| 911 Audio | $20-40 per hour | 2-4 weeks |
| Warrant Search | Free | Same day |
Statewide and County Police Records
Some records are kept by other agencies. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Florida Highway Patrol all hold police files. You may need to contact these agencies for certain records. Each agency has its own rules and fees.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office covers unincorporated areas of the county. It also runs the county jail. For jail booking logs and county-level records, contact the Sheriff’s Office. The office has its own public records request process and portal. The Sheriff’s Office phone number for records is (727) 582-6200. The jail records show all current inmates and recent releases.
FDLE Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps statewide criminal history files. You can ask for a criminal background check through FDLE. The fee is $24 per check. You need to submit fingerprints and a signed form. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. Visit fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal for the FDLE public records portal. FDLE compiles data from every Florida police agency, including St Petersburg.
Florida Highway Patrol Records
The Florida Highway Patrol handles crashes on state highways. For FHP records, call (850) 617-2000. Many FHP crash reports can be ordered online through the state website at flhsmv.gov. FHP only handles crashes on state roads, not city streets. St Petersburg Police handles crashes on city streets. Make sure you ask the right agency for your report.
St Petersburg Police Records Online Portal
The St Petersburg city website has a public records portal. This portal lets you search for and ask for police records from your computer or phone. You can track your request status through the portal. The portal works on mobile devices and desktop computers.
Portal Features and Functions
The portal lets you submit new requests, check the status of current requests, and download released files. You can save your account details for future use. The portal sends email alerts when your records are ready. You can also pay fees online through the portal. The system keeps a record of all your past requests.
Account Registration Steps
Go to www.stpete.org and click on the public records link. Create a free account with your name, email, and password. Verify your email address. Log in to submit your first request. You can save common search details to speed up future requests. The portal also lets you upload files to support your ask.
Common Reasons People Request Police Records
People ask for police records for many reasons. Each reason may need a different type of record. Knowing your purpose helps you ask for the right file. Most requests fall into three main categories.
Personal and Legal Use
Many people need police reports for court cases, insurance claims, or personal records. A crash report helps with an insurance claim. An incident report supports a legal filing. Personal copies help you keep your own files safe. Lawyers often ask for records to support cases for clients. Landlords may ask for records to check on past behavior at a property.
Insurance and Employment
Insurance companies often ask for crash reports. Employers may ask for criminal background checks for some jobs. You can get a copy of your own arrest record to show an employer. Background checks for jobs go through FDLE, not the local police. Some jobs need a clean record for licensing, such as teaching or healthcare work.
Media and Research
News reporters and researchers ask for police records often. Florida law does not require you to say why you want the records. Reporters use incident reports to write stories. Researchers study crime patterns using public data. Crime data is also used by neighborhood groups to push for safety changes.
St Petersburg Police Department Official Contact
Use the contact details below to reach the St Petersburg Police Department for records requests, general questions, or non-emergency help. The records unit handles all public records asks for the police department.
St Petersburg Police Department
1300 First Avenue North
St Petersburg, FL 33705
Phone: (727) 893-7780
Website: www.stpete.org/police
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Records Email: publicrecords@stpete.org
Non-Emergency Line: (727) 893-7780
Emergency Line: 911
Frequently Asked Questions About St Petersburg Police Records
These questions cover the most common concerns about getting police records in St Petersburg, Florida. The answers give you clear steps based on Florida law and current department rules as of 2026. Each answer reflects the latest public records process used by the St Petersburg Police Department.
How long does it take to get a police report?
Most simple police reports take 3 to 5 business days to release. Crash reports bought online often arrive in 1 to 3 business days. Complex requests with many files can take 2 to 4 weeks. Video and audio records need the longest time as staff must review and edit them. The department will give you a time estimate when you submit your ask. Holidays and major events can slow down processing times.
Can I get police records for free in St Petersburg?
Viewing records in person is free at the police department. You only pay for copies. Paper copies cost about $0.15 per page. Digital files sent by email may have a lower cost. Records that need many hours of staff time may have an hourly fee. Ask about the cost before the department processes your request. Warrant searches are free and available online.
What details do I need to request a police report?
You need the case number, date, location, and names of people involved. The case number makes the search fastest. Without a case number, staff need the date, exact address, and full names. A photo ID is required for in-person requests. The more details you give, the faster staff can locate your record. Vague requests take much longer to process.
Are juvenile records available to the public?
Juvenile records have extra privacy rules in Florida. Most juvenile police records are not public. Only certain people can view juvenile files, such as parents, guardians, lawyers, and judges. The police department will tell you if a record is sealed or expunged. You cannot get a sealed record through a normal public records ask. Some juvenile records are destroyed after a set time under state law.
Can I get a police report if I was not part of the incident?
Yes. Florida law lets any person ask for public police records. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to show a reason. You do not need to be part of the case. The police must release the record except in cases where a specific law blocks it. Active criminal probes and personal details are the most common blocks. Out-of-state residents have the same rights as Florida residents.
How do I look up a St Petersburg police case number?
Call the records unit at (727) 893-7780. Give the date, location, and names. Staff can search the system and give you the case number. Visit the police department in person with a photo ID. Some online portals let you search basic case details without an account. Court records may also have the case number if charges were filed.
What if my records request is denied?
The police must give you a written reason for any denial. The reason must cite a specific Florida law that blocks the release. You can challenge the denial in court. Florida courts side with public access in most cases. You can ask the agency to review the decision again with more details from you. A lawyer who handles public records law can help you file an appeal.