Tampa City Florida background check records are public files kept by Hillsborough County, the State of Florida, and local police agencies. Tampa sits inside Hillsborough County on Florida’s west coast.
The city has about 415,000 people, making it the third-largest city in the state. Anyone can run a background check on a Tampa resident by using county court records, state criminal history files, or police arrest logs. These records cover crimes, court cases, arrests, convictions, and other legal events. Most searches are free or cost a small fee.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Records
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court holds all court records for Tampa and the rest of the county. Tampa does not run its own separate court system. Every criminal case, civil suit, and family court filing goes through the county clerk. The clerk’s office stores these files in a digital system that anyone can search online.
Tampa Court System and Jurisdiction
Hillsborough County has two main courts that handle Tampa cases. The Hillsborough County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims under $30,000, and county civil cases. The 13th Judicial Circuit Court handles felonies, major civil suits, divorces, and probate matters. Both courts send their final records to the clerk’s office for storage and public access. Tampa police make arrests that feed into these courts. Tampa cases mix with cases from Plant City, Temple Terrace, and unincorporated Hillsborough County areas.
Searching Tampa Court Records Online
The Hillsborough County Clerk runs a free public search tool on its website. Go to hillsclerk.com and click on the court records search link. You can look up cases by full name, business name, or case number. The search shows criminal charges, filing dates, court actions, and final case outcomes. You can also view civil lawsuits, marriage licenses, and recorded deeds through the same system. No login or account is needed for basic searches. Printed copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies that carry the clerk’s official seal cost $1.00 per page.
Visiting the Clerk’s Office in Person
You can also visit the clerk’s main office in downtown Tampa. The address is 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, 13th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602. The phone number is (813) 276-8100. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a valid photo ID if you need to access sealed or restricted files. Public terminals at the office let you print records on the spot for a small fee. Staff can help you locate old case files that are not yet scanned into the online system.
FDLE Florida Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the state’s main criminal history database. This system stores arrest records, convictions, and case outcomes from every county in Florida, including Hillsborough. The official name for this database is the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC). FDLE uses a public portal called CCHInet to share these records with the public.
Level 1 Name-Based Background Check
A Level 1 background check uses a person’s name to search the state criminal database. This type costs $24 per search through the CCHInet website at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You fill out an online form with the person’s full name, date of birth, and sex. You also need to confirm you have a legal right to request the record under Florida law. Results arrive by email, usually within one business day. A Level 1 check covers Florida arrests and convictions only. It does not include records from other states.
Level 2 Fingerprint Background Check
A Level 2 background check uses fingerprints and searches both the FDLE database and the FBI national database. Florida law requires this type for people working with children, the elderly, or disabled persons. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes lists which jobs need a Level 2 check. These jobs include teachers, healthcare workers, daycare staff, and some government positions. Tampa has several LiveScan fingerprint locations where trained staff scan your prints and send them to FDLE electronically. The cost ranges from $40 to $80 based on the provider.
How FDLE Gathers Tampa Records
FDLE gets its Tampa data from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, county court clerks, state attorneys, and the Florida Department of Corrections. Every arrest in Tampa gets reported to FDLE within a set time. Court dispositions also feed into the state system. This means a FDLE search shows a fuller picture than the county clerk alone. You will see charges, arrests without conviction, convictions, and case dismissals. The system also flags open warrants and pending cases.
Tampa Police and Sheriff Records
Two main law enforcement agencies work inside Tampa. Each keeps its own set of arrest and incident records. Both agencies send their data to FDLE for the statewide database.
Tampa Police Department Records
The Tampa Police Department covers city limits only. Its headquarters sit at 411 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602. The department’s records unit keeps arrest reports, incident logs, and accident reports. You can request a copy of a police report by visiting the records window during business hours. Some basic incident data appears on the Tampa PD website. The department also runs a public crime map that shows recent calls for service by neighborhood. Tampa PD arrest records show the arrest date, charge, and booking details.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) covers unincorporated county areas around Tampa. Its main office is at 2008 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605. HCSO records include arrests made outside Tampa city limits. You can request HCSO reports online, by mail, or in person. The agency also posts active warrants on its website. HCSO feeds all arrest data into the FDLE state system within 24 hours of booking. Both Tampa PD and HCSO records feed into the same state database for background checks.
Arrest Reports and Incident Data
Arrest reports in Tampa show the suspect’s name, age, race, charges, and arrest location. Incident reports cover calls for service that did not always lead to an arrest. Both types of reports stay public unless a judge seals them. You can use these reports to check if someone has a recent arrest history in Tampa. Reports do not show final court outcomes. For that, you must check the county clerk or FDLE records.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes gives every citizen the right to view and copy government records. This law covers Tampa city records, Hillsborough County records, and state agency records.
Chapter 119 Public Records Act
The Florida Public Records Act says that any record made or received by a government agency is open to the public. You do not need to live in Tampa to request records. You do not need to give a reason for the request. The agency must provide the records unless a specific law makes them exempt. Most criminal history files, court records, and arrest reports fall under this open access rule. Agencies can charge only the actual cost of copying the records.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some Tampa criminal records get sealed or expunged by court order. A sealed record stays hidden from the public. An expunged record gets destroyed by the agency. Florida law allows sealing or expungement for people who were not convicted, completed a diversion program, or met other specific conditions. Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes governs this process. Once a record is sealed or expunged, it will not show up on a standard FDLE background check. Only certain law enforcement agencies can still see sealed records.
How to Request Public Records
You can submit a public records request to any Tampa or Hillsborough County agency. Most agencies accept requests by email, mail, online form, or in person. The agency has a set time to respond, usually within a few business days. If an agency denies your request, you can appeal to the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Open Government Mediation Program helps resolve disputes over public records. You can also take a denied case to court under Chapter 119.
Florida Sex Offender Registry
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state sex offender registry. This registry lists every person convicted of a qualifying sex offense who lives, works, or goes to school in Florida. Tampa residents who fall under the registry must report their address to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Searching the Sex Offender Database
You can search the Florida sex offender registry at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The search lets you look up offenders by name, address, zip code, or county. The database shows the offender’s photo, current address, offense level, and registration date. You can also sign up for email alerts when a registered offender moves into your neighborhood. The registry updates daily as offenders register and update their information. Tampa has hundreds of registered sex offenders across the city. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office also publishes a map of local sex offenders.
Background Check Uses and Costs
People run background checks for many reasons in Tampa. The cost and type of check depend on the purpose. Some uses need a full Level 2 check. Others only need a basic name search.
Employment Background Checks
Florida employers often run background checks before hiring. Tampa employers in healthcare, education, finance, and government usually need a Level 2 fingerprint check. Retail and office jobs often need only a Level 1 name check. Employers must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when using third-party screening services. They also need to follow Florida’s ban-the-box law for public jobs. Job seekers can request a copy of their own FDLE record to see what an employer will see.
Tenant and Rental Screening
Tampa landlords often run background checks on rental applicants. Most check for prior evictions, criminal history, and credit problems. The Hillsborough County Clerk’s office holds eviction records under its civil court system. Landlords can search these records by tenant name. They can also pull a Florida criminal history record through FDLE for $24. Federal law requires landlords to get written permission before running a background check.
Volunteer and License Checks
Volunteer groups in Tampa often need background checks for people working with kids or vulnerable adults. Schools, sports leagues, and youth programs require Level 2 checks for volunteers. Florida also requires background checks for several professional licenses. These include healthcare licenses, real estate licenses, and security officer licenses. The licensing agency runs the check through FDLE as part of the application process.
Background Check Cost Comparison
The table below shows the typical costs and coverage of each type of Tampa background check.
| Check Type | Cost | Coverage | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough Clerk Court Search | Free to search, $0.15 per page | Hillsborough County cases only | Instant online |
| FDLE Level 1 Name Check | $24 | Florida statewide criminal history | 1 business day |
| FDLE Level 2 Fingerprint Check | $40 to $80 | Florida and FBI national database | 3 to 5 business days |
| Florida Sex Offender Search | Free | Registered sex offenders in Florida | Instant online |
| Tampa PD Arrest Report | $0.15 per page | Tampa Police arrests only | Same day |
| HCSO Arrest Report | $0.15 per page | Hillsborough Sheriff arrests only | Same day |
Official Tampa and Hillsborough County Resources
Use the contacts below to run background checks or request public records in Tampa. All hours and fees listed reflect current agency rules.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) – CCHInet Criminal History: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us – Phone: (850) 410-7000 – Hours: 24/7 online access.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court: hillsclerk.com – Phone: (813) 276-8100 – Address: 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, 13th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602 – Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
City of Tampa Government: tampa.gov – Phone: (813) 274-8211 – Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Tampa Police Department Records: tampa.gov/police – Phone: (813) 276-3200 – Address: 411 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: hcs Sheriff.org – Phone: (813) 247-8200 – Address: 2008 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605.
Florida Sex Offender Registry: offender.fdle.state.fl.us – Search is free 24/7 online.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have about Tampa background checks. Each answer explains the rules, costs, and limits based on current Florida law and agency practice. Use these answers to plan your search and avoid common mistakes.
How long does a Tampa criminal case stay on a background check?
Most Tampa criminal cases stay on FDLE records forever unless a judge seals or expunges them. Misdemeanor convictions show up for life on a Level 1 background check. Felony convictions also stay on the record permanently. Arrests that did not lead to a conviction can sometimes be sealed or expunged under Florida law. After a sealing order, the record no longer shows on a standard background check. Expunged records get destroyed by the holding agency. Records that are not sealed keep showing up every time someone runs a new FDLE search.
Can I run a free background check on someone in Tampa?
You can search Hillsborough County court records for free online at hillsclerk.com. You can also search the Florida sex offender registry for free at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is also free. These free searches do not cover all criminal history data. For a complete Florida criminal record, you must pay the $24 FDLE fee for a Level 1 name check. Third-party sites that advertise “free” background checks often charge hidden fees or show outdated data.
What shows up on a Level 1 vs Level 2 background check in Florida?
A Level 1 check only covers Florida arrests and convictions reported to FDLE. It uses the person’s name to search. A Level 2 check uses fingerprints and searches both the FDLE database and the FBI national database. Level 2 checks pick up out-of-state crimes, federal offenses, and older records. Level 1 checks cost $24. Level 2 checks cost $40 to $80 at a Tampa LiveScan site. Employers who hire people for child care, health care, or senior care must use Level 2 checks under Florida law.
Can employers in Tampa use arrest records that did not lead to a conviction?
Florida law limits how employers can use arrest records that did not lead to a conviction. Under the Florida Expungement Statute and EEOC rules, employers cannot reject an applicant based only on an arrest that did not result in a conviction. Employers can consider convictions and pending charges. They can also consider arrests if the conduct is job-related. Tampa employers who run background checks must follow both Florida law and federal civil rights rules.
How do I fix a mistake on my Tampa background check?
You can challenge wrong data on a Tampa background check by filing a dispute with FDLE or the agency that holds the record. First, order your own FDLE record to see what appears. If you find a mistake, FDLE has a challenge process on its website. You can also ask the court clerk to correct errors in court records. The agency has 30 days to fix verified mistakes. If the agency refuses, you can file a court case under Florida law to force a correction.
Do sealed or expunged Tampa records ever show up again?
Sealed Tampa records stay hidden from most background checks but stay visible to law enforcement and some government agencies. Expunged Tampa records get destroyed by the holding agency in most cases. Both sealed and expunged records can show up again if the person is later charged with a new crime. Certain jobs, like law enforcement and some teaching roles, can still see sealed records. Florida’s sealed record rules changed in 2019, and newer laws expanded who can access these files.
How far back does a Tampa tenant background check go?
Most Tampa tenant background checks look back seven to ten years. Federal law under the Fair Credit Reporting Act limits reporting of older records in some cases. Florida criminal records have no time limit and stay on file unless sealed. Eviction records in Hillsborough County go back as far as the digital system holds them. Landlords often set their own rules about how far back they want to search. A typical Tampa rental screening covers credit, criminal, eviction, and rental history.