Hillsborough County criminal history records are public documents that show arrest, court, and conviction data for anyone processed through the county court system. Tampa serves as the county seat, and the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts keeps these records on file dating back to the county’s founding in 1834.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also keeps a statewide database that includes Hillsborough County cases. Anyone can search these records for personal, legal, or employment reasons under Florida’s public records law.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts and Records Custody
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts acts as the official keeper of all criminal court records in the 13th Judicial Circuit. This office handles thousands of new criminal cases each year and stores both paper and electronic records. The Clerk’s office answers public records requests every business day and provides several ways to access the records, including an online portal, public computer terminals at the courthouse, and in-person research help.
The Clerk’s office receives arrest reports from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. Once a case moves through the court system, the Clerk creates the final record showing charges, pleas, sentences, and case outcomes. These records stay in the system based on Florida’s retention rules.
How to Search Hillsborough County Criminal History Records
There are three main ways to search Hillsborough County criminal history records. Each method gives different levels of detail. The best choice depends on what you need and how fast you need it.
Online Records Search Portal
The Hillsborough County Clerk’s website at hillsclerk.com offers a free public search tool. Users can look up cases by name, case number, or citation number. The portal shows case status, court dates, charge descriptions, plea information, and final judgments. Records go back many years and update daily as new cases are filed.
To use the online portal, type the person’s full legal name in the search field. The system returns matching results with basic case details. Clicking on a specific case shows a full docket sheet with documents, hearing dates, and final outcomes. A small fee applies for printing or downloading certified copies.
In-Person Records Request
Anyone can visit the Hillsborough County Courthouse in Tampa to search records in person. The Clerk’s office has public computer terminals that access the same database as the online portal. Staff members help visitors who need assistance with complex searches or older records not yet digitized. Photo identification is required for certain sealed record checks.
The main courthouse location is at 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida 33602. The records department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except court holidays. Visitors should arrive early in the day for the shortest wait times.
Mail and Written Request Options
Written record requests by mail work for people who cannot visit in person. The request must include the full name of the person being searched, date of birth if known, and a signed release authorization for certain record types. A self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for search fees must also be included. The Clerk’s office responds by mail within seven to ten business days.
Mail requests should be sent to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts, Attention: Criminal Records Department, 800 East Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, FL 33602. Certified copies of court documents are available for an extra fee per page.
Types of Criminal Records Available in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County maintains several types of criminal records. Each type shows a different stage of the criminal justice process. Florida law makes most adult criminal records public, with some limits on juvenile cases and sealed records.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody, the agency that made the arrest, and the charges at the time of booking. These records come from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Tampa Police Department. They include booking photos, fingerprints, and personal details like height, weight, and date of birth.
Arrest records are public once a case reaches the court system. Active investigations and pending arrests may be kept private until formal charges are filed. The Clerk’s office indexes arrest records by the defendant’s name and case number.
Court Disposition Records
Court disposition records show the final outcome of a criminal case. This includes the plea entered, verdict reached, sentence imposed, and any fines or restitution ordered. These records come directly from the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Hillsborough County. They are the most common records used in background checks and legal proceedings.
Disposition records also show whether a case was dismissed, dropped, or resulted in a conviction. Deferred adjudications and withholds of adjudication appear in the record with specific notations. These outcomes can affect how the record appears in a background check.
Probation and Parole Records
Probation and parole records track supervision after a criminal sentence. These records show the terms of supervision, officer assigned, compliance status, and any violations. The Florida Department of Corrections manages most adult probation records, while the Florida Commission on Offender Review handles parole.
Probation records become part of the overall criminal history when a person is sentenced to community supervision. Status changes like early termination or revocation appear in the court file. These records are searchable through both the Clerk’s office and the FDLE statewide database.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps the central criminal history record system for the entire state. This database includes arrest and disposition data from all 67 Florida counties, including Hillsborough County. The FDLE database is the most complete source for a full Florida criminal history search.
Florida OCA Number Search
Every criminal case in Florida receives an OCA number, which stands for “Originating Agency Case Number.” This unique number helps track a case from arrest through final disposition. The OCA number appears on all FDLE criminal history reports and is the key identifier used by law enforcement agencies across Florida.
To find an OCA number, the person can request a copy of their own FDLE record or contact the arresting agency. The FDLE criminal history report shows the OCA number along with charge details, court outcomes, and any subsequent updates. This number helps verify the accuracy of a record when errors need correction.
FDLE Criminal History Fees and Processing
The FDLE charges a fee for certified criminal history records. As of 2026, the standard fee for a personal record review is $24.00 plus a small processing charge. The fee must be paid by check, money order, or credit card through the FDLE online payment system. Processing time is usually three to five business days for mail requests.
The FDLE offers two types of criminal history checks: a name-based search and a fingerprint-based search. Name-based searches are faster but may miss some records if names are common or spelled differently. Fingerprint-based searches are more accurate and are required for certain professional licenses under Florida law.
| Record Type | Fee | Processing Time | Search Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name-based personal review | $24.00 | 3-5 business days | Online or mail |
| Fingerprint-based check | $40.00-$50.00 | 5-7 business days | LiveScan or card |
| Certified copy of record | $25.00 | Same day or mail | FDLE office |
| Volunteer/Non-profit check | Free | 2-3 weeks | Mail only |
Background Checks for Employment and Licensing
Many Florida jobs and licenses require a criminal background check. The scope of the check depends on the industry and state law. Hillsborough County employers often request both local and statewide searches as part of the hiring process.
Florida Statute Chapter 943 Requirements
Florida Statute Chapter 943 sets the rules for criminal history checks for certain professions. This includes teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, childcare providers, and security guard license holders. These positions require a Level 2 background check, which includes both state and national records. The screening checks for any disqualifying offenses listed in the statute.
Level 2 background checks must be done through an FDLE-approved channeler or through a local law enforcement agency using LiveScan fingerprinting. The results go directly from FDLE to the requesting agency. Self-requested FDLE records are not accepted for professional licensing purposes.
Authorized Channeler Services
An authorized channeler is a private company approved by FDLE to collect fingerprints and submit background checks. Channelers offer LiveScan digital fingerprinting at locations across Florida, including several in Hillsborough County. They process the request through FDLE and send results to the employer or licensing agency.
Common channeler services in Hillsborough County include IdentoGO, Fieldprint, and other FDLE-approved vendors. Each provider charges a service fee on top of the FDLE processing fee. The total cost for a Level 2 background check usually ranges from $50 to $85 depending on the provider.
Record Sealing and Expungement in Hillsborough County
Florida law allows certain people to seal or expunge their criminal records. A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in the system. An expunged record is physically destroyed. The Hillsborough County Clerk’s office processes applications for both options under Florida Statute Section 943.059.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for sealing or expungement, the applicant must meet several conditions. The case must have been dismissed, dropped, or resulted in a withhold of adjudication. The person must not have been found guilty or pleaded guilty to any felony or certain misdemeanors. A waiting period applies from the date the case was closed.
Most qualifying cases require at least one year to pass after the case ended before the application can be filed. If the charge was dismissed before trial, the waiting period may be shorter. Prior sealing or expungement in Florida disqualifies the person from a second application in most cases.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process starts with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The applicant must request a certificate of eligibility from FDLE, which confirms the case qualifies. Once the certificate is issued, the applicant files a petition with the Hillsborough County Clerk’s office and pays the filing fee.
The court reviews the petition and signs an order either granting or denying the request. A judge must approve all sealings and expungements before the Clerk can act. The total process from start to finish usually takes four to six months in Hillsborough County. The filing fee for the court petition is $42.00 plus the cost of fingerprinting.
Hillsborough County Criminal History Fees
Most criminal history records in Hillsborough County are free to search. Fees only apply for certified copies, printed documents, or formal record requests. Knowing the fee structure helps avoid surprise costs when requesting records.
The Hillsborough County Clerk’s office charges $1.00 per page for regular copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies. A full certified court file can cost $25.00 to $50.00 depending on the case size. Online docket access through the Clerk’s portal is free, but downloading documents costs $0.50 per page.
FDLE fees are separate from Clerk fees. A personal name-based check is $24.00, and a fingerprint-based check costs between $40.00 and $50.00. These fees are set by Florida law and cannot be waived. Payment methods vary by provider and include checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Florida Criminal History Retention and Dissemination Rules
Florida has strict rules about how long criminal records stay on file and who can access them. These rules protect both the public’s right to know and the individual’s right to privacy. The rules apply to all Florida counties, including Hillsborough County.
Retention Policy
Florida criminal history records are kept permanently for felony convictions. Misdemeanor convictions stay on file for at least 20 years after the case closes. Non-conviction records, such as dropped charges or acquittals, may be eligible for removal after a set period under Florida’s record-clearing laws.
The retention policy also covers arrest records without formal charges. These records are kept for at least two years before they can be removed through an expungement request. Juvenile records follow different rules and are generally sealed once the person turns 24 years old under most circumstances.
Dissemination Rules
Florida law limits who can receive criminal history records. Criminal justice agencies, certain employers, and the person named in the record can access full reports. The general public can only see records through the Clerk’s office or court file review. Some websites collect public records, but they may not have complete or current data.
Dissemination rules also apply to private companies that run background checks. They must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and Florida’s equivalent laws. Misuse of criminal records can result in legal penalties for both the user and the reporting agency.
Hillsborough County Courthouse Location and Contact
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts main office handles all criminal record requests. The office is located in downtown Tampa with easy access to public transportation and parking. Visitors should bring valid photo identification for in-person requests.
Address: 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: www.hillsclerk.com
FDLE Address: Florida Department of Law Enforcement, PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489
FDLE Phone: (850) 410-8100
FDLE Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions about Hillsborough County criminal history records. These cover search methods, costs, and legal rules that affect anyone running a background check in the area.
How long does it take to get a Hillsborough County criminal history record?
Online searches through the Hillsborough County Clerk’s portal give instant results for cases filed in the county. The FDLE statewide search takes three to five business days for name-based requests and five to seven business days for fingerprint checks. Mail requests to the Clerk’s office take seven to ten business days, plus mail delivery time. Urgent requests can be processed the same day at the courthouse for an extra fee. Certified copies require a few additional hours for processing and seal authentication.
Are Hillsborough County criminal records free to view?
Yes, basic case lookups through the Hillsborough County Clerk’s online portal are free. The portal shows case status, charges, court dates, and final outcomes at no charge. Fees only apply when you need certified copies, printed documents, or formal record requests. Each certified page costs $2.00, and full case files can range from $25.00 to $50.00 depending on the size of the record. The FDLE charges $24.00 for a personal name-based criminal history report.
Can someone tell if you are searching their criminal history?
No, public searches through the Clerk’s portal or FDLE database do not notify the person being searched. However, fingerprint-based checks through authorized channelers do create a record with the FDLE system. Employers running Level 2 background checks must follow specific legal rules about disclosure and consent. Self-review of your own record is private and only you will know it was requested. Some court-ordered searches do require notice, but standard public searches do not.
What is the difference between a sealed and expunged record in Florida?
A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in government databases. Only certain agencies can access sealed records for specific legal purposes. An expunged record is physically destroyed by the agencies that held it. The person can legally say they were never arrested or charged for that specific case. Both options require a court order and certificate of eligibility from the FDLE. Sealing is more common, while expungement is harder to qualify for and reserved for certain types of dismissed cases.
Do expunged records show up in Florida background checks?
No, properly expunged records do not appear in standard Florida background checks. The FDLE removes the record from public databases, and the Clerk’s office seals the court file. However, some government agencies and law enforcement entities can still access expunged records for specific purposes. Out-of-state background checks may show the arrest but not the case outcome, depending on the state. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the limits of expungement.
How accurate are Hillsborough County criminal history records?
Hillsborough County criminal records are generally accurate because they are created directly from court filings and law enforcement reports. Errors can occur, especially with common names or outdated data entry. If you find an error in your record, you can request a correction through the FDLE or the Clerk’s office. The correction process requires documentation proving the error, such as a court order or identity documents. Most errors are fixed within 30 to 60 days after a valid request is filed.
Can a sealed Hillsborough County record be reopened?
Yes, a court can order a sealed record reopened under specific legal circumstances. Law enforcement agencies investigating new criminal activity can request access to sealed records with a court order. The person whose record is sealed can also petition to reopen it if needed. Certain professional licensing boards can access sealed records for applicants in sensitive fields like healthcare, education, and law enforcement. The order granting access must specify the reason and the scope of the records that can be viewed.