Tampa City criminal history records show arrests, charges, and court outcomes for people who had contact with Tampa law enforcement. These records come from the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
People search these records for jobs, housing, immigration, legal cases, and personal review. The records follow Florida public records law, which makes most criminal history open to the public. Tampa sits in Hillsborough County on Florida’s west coast and is the third largest city in the state. The city’s police department reports all arrests to the FDLE statewide database. This creates a complete record that follows a person across Florida.
What Tampa City Criminal History Records Include
A Tampa criminal history record contains arrest data, charges, court outcomes, and sentencing details. The Tampa Police Department creates the arrest portion when officers take someone into custody. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts adds the court portion after charges move through the system. The FDLE combines both into a single statewide report. Each piece plays a different role in building a full picture of a person’s record.
Types of Records Stored in the System
Tampa criminal history files hold three main record types. Arrest reports come from the Tampa Police Department and show when, where, and why officers made an arrest. Booking photos, fingerprints, and officer statements attach to these reports. Court records come from the Hillsborough County Clerk and show charges filed, pleas entered, verdicts, and sentences given by judges. Statewide records from the FDLE pull arrest and court data together into one report called a Computerized Criminal History, also known as a CCH.
What Information Appears on a Tampa Criminal Record
A standard Tampa criminal history shows the full name, date of birth, race, sex, and a unique FDLE identification number. It lists each arrest with the date, the agency that made the arrest, the charges, and the final court outcome. Fingerprint classification codes help confirm identity. The record also shows whether charges led to a conviction, a dismissal, a withhold of adjudication, or a deferred sentence. Each entry carries a date stamp that shows when the FDLE received the information from local agencies.
Records That Stay Off the Public Record
Some records never appear on a public Tampa criminal history. Sealed records get hidden from the public by a court order. Expunged records get destroyed or placed under court control. Juvenile records follow different rules and stay private in most cases. Records from cases that ended with a full acquittal also get removed from public databases after a set waiting period. Pretrial diversion programs that end successfully result in charges being dropped from public view once the program completes.
How Tampa Records Connect to the Florida Statewide System
Every arrest in Tampa gets reported to the FDLE within a set time frame. Florida law requires all law enforcement agencies to send arrest data to the state. This creates a single source of truth for criminal history searches. Tampa arrest records join millions of other records from across Florida in the CCH database.
FDLE Database and Tampa Police Department Reporting
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the CCHInet system, which holds over 20 million criminal history records. The Tampa Police Department sends new arrest data through electronic transfer within 24 to 48 hours of an arrest. Court clerks send disposition data after cases close. The FDLE then matches arrest fingerprints to court outcomes and builds a single timeline for each person. The system updates as new events occur in a person’s case.
Differences Between Local Tampa Searches and Statewide Searches
A local Tampa search only shows records created by the Tampa Police Department. It misses arrests made by other agencies in Hillsborough County, like the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. A statewide FDLE search shows arrests from every Florida law enforcement agency. Local searches give more detail on officer reports and initial charges. Statewide searches give a complete picture of all criminal events in Florida. Most employers, licensing boards, and federal agencies require statewide searches.
How Disposition Information Gets Added
Disposition information means the final outcome of a criminal case. This includes dismissal, guilty plea, not guilty verdict, or conviction. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts sends this data to the FDLE after a case closes. This step is critical because many arrests never lead to convictions. Without disposition data, a record shows only the arrest and not the final result. Florida law requires clerks to report dispositions within specific time frames, but delays do happen. The FDLE works to keep this data current.
How to Request Tampa City Criminal History Records
People can request Tampa criminal history records through three main channels. The Tampa Police Department handles local arrest records. The Hillsborough County Clerk handles court records. The FDLE handles statewide records. Each channel serves a different purpose and requires different steps.
Requesting Records Through the Tampa Police Department
The Tampa Police Department Records Division processes requests for local arrest and incident reports. Requests can be made in person at the Tampa Police Department headquarters located at 411 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602. People can also mail requests to the same address. The request form is available on the Tampa Police Department website at tampagov.net/police. The form asks for the report number, date of incident, names of parties, and the requester’s contact details. A valid photo ID is required. Most simple requests finish within five to ten business days.
Requesting Records Through the Hillsborough County Clerk
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts provides access to court records for all criminal cases in the county. The clerk’s office is located at 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Online access runs through hillsclerk.com. The site lets users search by name, case number, or citation number. Users can view case details, court dates, and document images. Certified copies of court records can be ordered online or in person for an extra fee. Most certified copies ship within three to five business days.
Using the FDLE CCHInet Portal for Statewide Searches
The FDLE CCHInet portal runs at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. This portal allows anyone to run a criminal history search on themselves or on another person with proper consent. Users enter the person’s name, date of birth, race, and sex. The system then searches the statewide database and shows matching records. Results appear instantly for non-certified searches. Certified searches require a fingerprint card and take longer to process. The portal operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Required Identification and Forms
Each request type needs specific documents. Tampa Police requests need a valid government photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Court record requests through the Hillsborough Clerk need a name and date of birth at minimum. FDLE certified searches need a completed fingerprint card taken by a law enforcement agency or licensed fingerprint vendor. Self-request forms for the FDLE need a signed consent form and valid photo ID. Third-party requests need a signed release from the person whose record is being searched.
Fees and Processing Times for Tampa Criminal Records
Fees for Tampa criminal history records vary by agency and request type. The Tampa Police Department charges for copies of police reports. The Hillsborough County Clerk charges for certified court documents. The FDLE charges a flat fee for statewide searches. Processing times range from instant for online searches to several weeks for fingerprint-based certified requests.
Tampa Police Department Fee Schedule
The Tampa Police Department charges a base fee for each report copy. Standard copies of incident reports cost a set fee per page. Certified copies cost an extra fee. Records that require extensive research may cost more. The current fee schedule is posted on the Tampa Police Department website. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card depending on the request method. Mailed requests should include a check or money order.
Hillsborough County Clerk Fees
The Hillsborough County Clerk charges a per-page fee for standard copies. Certified copies cost an additional certification fee. Online document purchases include a small convenience fee. Some records, like court minutes, may cost more to produce. The clerk’s website shows the full fee schedule. Payments can be made online by credit card, in person, or by mail.
FDLE Certified and Non-Certified Search Costs
The FDLE charges a set fee for a statewide criminal history search. The current fee is $24.00 for a non-certified name search and $24.00 for a certified record check, though fees can change based on Florida statute. Name searches return instant results and serve most personal review needs. Certified searches require fingerprints and take longer to process. The fee covers the cost of the search, the report, and the official certification seal. Payment goes to the FDLE by check, money order, or credit card through the online portal.
How Long Tampa Criminal History Requests Take
Online FDLE searches return results in seconds. Tampa Police Department report requests take five to ten business days for standard requests. Hillsborough County Clerk certified copies take three to five business days. Fingerprint-based FDLE certified searches take two to four weeks. Requests for older records or records that need archive searches can take longer. Complex legal name searches or fingerprint mismatches can also delay the process.
Tampa City Criminal History for Employment and Immigration
Employers, licensing boards, and federal agencies often require criminal history checks. Tampa criminal history records play a major role in these background checks. The level of detail required depends on the purpose of the search.
Employment Background Checks in Tampa
Most Tampa employers run criminal background checks through third-party screening companies. These companies pull data from the FDLE CCH database and county court records. Some industries require fingerprint-based checks, like healthcare, education, childcare, and financial services. State law requires these industries to use the FDLE LiveScan system for fingerprint submission. Tampa job applicants should expect a background check for most positions that involve trust, money, or vulnerable groups.
Immigration and Federal Background Checks
Immigration applications like citizenship, green card renewal, and naturalization require a certified FDLE criminal history record. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services accepts Florida CCH reports as proof of background. Federal agencies like the FBI also run name and fingerprint checks. Tampa residents applying for immigration benefits should request a certified FDLE record at least 60 days before the application deadline to allow time for processing.
Self-Request Procedures for Personal Review
Anyone can request their own Tampa criminal history record for personal review. Self-requests help people check for errors, prepare for job applications, or confirm that sealed records stay sealed. The FDLE allows self-requests through the CCHInet portal. The Tampa Police Department also allows self-requests for local arrest reports. Self-requesters should bring valid photo ID and pay the standard fee. The record is released only to the person named on the record.
Sealing or Expunging Tampa Criminal Records
Florida law allows certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from the public. Expunged records are destroyed in some cases or kept under court seal. Tampa residents who qualify can apply through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts and the FDLE.
Eligibility for Record Sealing in Tampa
A person can apply to seal a criminal record if the case ended in a withhold of adjudication, a dismissal, or an acquittal. A person can also apply after completing a full sentence and waiting a set number of years. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and certain other crimes cannot be sealed. Each person can only seal one record in their lifetime, with limited exceptions. The application requires a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE before a court can grant the sealing.
The FDLE Expungement Section
The FDLE expungement section reviews applications and issues certificates of eligibility. Tampa residents can contact this section at (850) 410-7870. The staff explain the eligibility rules, the documents needed, and the fees. After receiving a certificate of eligibility, the applicant files a petition with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts. A judge then reviews the petition and grants or denies the request. The whole process takes several months from start to finish.
Court Process in Hillsborough County
After the FDLE issues a certificate of eligibility, the applicant files a petition in the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the petition. If no objection is filed, a judge signs an order granting the sealing or expungement. The clerk sends the order to the FDLE, which updates the record. The Tampa Police Department also receives the order and updates its local records. Once complete, the record no longer appears in standard public searches.
Common Issues When Requesting Tampa Criminal History
Many people run into problems when requesting their own criminal history records. Common issues include missing data, name conflicts, and old records. These issues can usually be fixed with the right steps.
Incomplete Disposition Information
One of the most common problems involves arrests that show no final court outcome. This usually means the court clerk has not yet reported the disposition to the FDLE. The arrest shows up on the record but the case outcome is missing. This can cause problems with employment, licensing, and immigration. The fix requires the court clerk to send the missing data to the FDLE, which then updates the record. Tampa residents can contact the Hillsborough County Clerk to speed up the process.
Name Conflicts and Common Names
Common names cause problems in criminal history searches. Two people with the same name and similar dates of birth can produce mixed results. Fingerprint verification is the only way to confirm a true identity match. The FDLE uses a unique identification number for each person to avoid confusion. Anyone who finds a record that does not belong to them should report the error to the FDLE for correction.
Errors on Tampa Criminal Records
Records can contain errors in personal details, charge descriptions, or case numbers. These errors create problems for background checks, immigration, and licensing. Tampa residents who find errors should file a correction request with the FDLE. They should also contact the agency that created the record to fix the source data. Supporting documents like court orders and fingerprints can speed up corrections.
Appealing or Correcting Inaccurate Information
Florida law gives people the right to challenge inaccurate criminal history records. The first step is filing a written challenge with the FDLE. The FDLE then reviews the record and confirms or corrects the information. If the FDLE denies the correction, the person can request a court hearing. The court can order the agency to fix the record. Most corrections take 30 to 60 days to process.
Contact Information for Tampa Criminal History Records
People who need Tampa criminal history records can contact the following agencies directly. Each agency handles a specific part of the record system. Calling ahead can save time and avoid unnecessary trips.
Tampa Police Department Records Division
Address: 411 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-3200
Website: tampagov.net/police
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts
Address: 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Website: hillsclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-8161
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
CCHInet Portal: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
FDLE Expungement Section
Phone: (850) 410-7870
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa City Criminal History
The questions below cover the most common issues Tampa residents face when dealing with criminal history records. Each answer gives clear, direct steps based on Florida law and current FDLE practice. These answers help people avoid delays, fix errors, and get the records they need.
How long does the FDLE keep Tampa arrest records?
The FDLE keeps arrest records permanently unless a court orders the record sealed or expunged. Even sealed records stay in the FDLE system but are hidden from public view. Expunged records are physically destroyed or placed under court control. Records that show no conviction stay on the public record unless the person goes through the formal sealing process. Tampa arrest records that are more than 20 years old still appear in searches but may show outdated information that the FDLE can update on request.
Can someone run a Tampa criminal history search without my permission?
Yes, with some limits. Florida law makes criminal history records public, which means anyone can request them. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards can run background checks using a person’s name and date of birth. Certified records require fingerprints, which means the person must provide them. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, background check companies must follow specific rules when running reports for employment. A person has the right to know when a background check was run and to dispute any errors found in the report.
What shows up on a Tampa criminal history if charges were dropped?
Dropped charges still appear on the record unless the case ended in a formal sealing or expungement. The arrest shows up, the charges show up, and the final disposition shows the dismissal or nolle prosequi. The record tells the full story of the case, including the fact that charges never led to a conviction. Tampa residents who want dropped charges removed from public view must apply for sealing through the Hillsborough County Clerk and the FDLE expungement section. The court must grant the order for the record to change.
How do I fix a wrong charge on my Tampa criminal record?
Start by contacting the FDLE Records Department at (850) 410-8161 to report the error. Send a written request with supporting documents like court orders, case numbers, and proof of the correct information. The FDLE reviews the request and contacts the source agency, which is usually the Tampa Police Department or the Hillsborough County Clerk. The source agency must confirm the error and send a corrected record to the FDLE. Most corrections take 30 to 60 days. If the FDLE denies the correction, file a petition with the court that handled the original case.
Do Tampa criminal records show DUI or traffic offenses?
DUI arrests appear on Tampa criminal history records because they are criminal charges. Traffic infractions that are not criminal, like speeding tickets, do not appear on criminal records. Serious traffic offenses like driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident do appear because they are criminal charges. Boating under the influence also appears on criminal records. The FDLE record shows the arrest, the charge, the plea, and the final outcome for each qualifying offense.
Can I get a Tampa criminal history record for a family member?
You can request a non-certified record for another person if you have their name, date of birth, and consent. Certified records require the person’s signed consent form and fingerprints. Parents and legal guardians can request records for minor children. Power of attorney documents allow a designated person to request records on behalf of someone else. Without proper consent, third-party requests for certified records are not allowed. The FDLE CCHInet portal allows authorized users to run name-based searches when consent is on file.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged Tampa records?
Sealed records stay in the FDLE system but are hidden from public view. Only certain agencies can access sealed records, including law enforcement, courts, and some licensing boards. Expunged records are physically destroyed or placed under court control. Most public agencies cannot access expunged records. Both processes require a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE and a court order from the Hillsborough County Clerk. A person can only use the sealing or expungement process once in their lifetime, with narrow exceptions for cases that never led to a conviction.