Tampa Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Tampa, Florida government websites.

  About Tampa City Government
Council Members 7 Members
Annual Budget $1.2 billion
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Tampa, Florida, is the Tampa City Council, which consists of 7 members. These council members are elected by the residents of Tampa, with 5 members representing specific districts and 2 members elected at-large. Each council member serves a term of 4 years. The current council members include Chairperson Orlando Gudes, Vice Chairperson Guido Maniscalco, and members Joe Citro, Luis Viera, and others.

For the fiscal year 2023, the City of Tampa has an approximate annual operating budget of $1.2 billion. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development initiatives.

The Tampa City Council holds regular meetings on Thursdays at 9:00 AM. These meetings take place at the Tampa City Hall, located at 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602. The meetings are open to the public, providing residents with an opportunity to engage with their local government.

  About Tampa, Florida

Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Tampa has emerged as a vibrant city known for its rich culture, thriving economy, and strategic position within Hillsborough County. With an estimated population of around 384,959 residents, it ranks as one of the largest cities in the state. Founded in 1823, Tampa has evolved from a small military outpost into a bustling metropolis characterized by its diverse neighborhoods, which include Ybor City, known for its historic cigar factories, and Davis Islands, with its picturesque waterfront views. The local economy is bolstered by several major employers, including the University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, and the port of Tampa, one of the largest in the state. Distinctive for its blend of historical charm and modern attractions, Tampa offers a unique urban experience, featuring a vibrant arts scene, professional sports teams, and an array of outdoor activities that capitalize on the region's sunny climate.

The primary law enforcement agency in Tampa is the Tampa Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing laws within the city. Additionally, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office serves the broader county area, providing vital services and support. For those seeking to obtain criminal records, the process begins with the local police records unit, where individuals can request arrest records, mugshots, and booking information. For more comprehensive criminal history inquiries, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office can be contacted, as they maintain extensive records for the county. Moreover, individuals may also access the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for statewide criminal records through their online searchable database. This centralized repository allows users to research criminal histories across the state. The FDLE also provides detailed guidance on how to request records by mail or in person. Online lookup portals can simplify this process, providing a convenient avenue for accessing information without needing to visit offices physically.

Tampa is served by the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which handles a wide range of legal matters, including civil and criminal cases. To request court records, individuals have the option to utilize the online portal provided by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, or they can visit the office in person for assistance. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents can contact the Hillsborough County Clerk-Recorder's Office or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Property records are accessible through the county assessor and recorder's office, both online and in person, which facilitate the search for property-related information. Additionally, under the Florida Sunshine Law, public records requests can be made, allowing access to government documents and records. Typically, responses to these requests are processed within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accountability within local government operations. Through these various channels, Tampa fosters an environment where the community can easily access important public records and stay informed on matters of civic interest.

  Tampa, Florida Public Records & Government Resources

About Tampa

Tampa is a major city located on the western coast of Florida in Hillsborough County, situated along Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of approximately 400,000 residents within city limits and over 3.2 million in the greater Tampa Bay metropolitan area, Tampa is Florida's third-largest city.
Founded in 1823 and incorporated in 1855, Tampa is known for its historic Ybor City cigar-rolling district, the Port of Tampa (one of the nation's largest ports), Busch Gardens theme park, the University of South Florida, and as home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. Major employers include Publix Super Markets, Bayfront Health, Tampa General Hospital, MacDill Air Force Base, and numerous financial services companies. The city's economy revolves around tourism, healthcare, finance, shipping, and defense. Public records for Tampa residents are maintained by both city of Tampa offices and Hillsborough County agencies. The Tampa Police Department at 411 N Franklin Street handles city law enforcement records, while the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office serves unincorporated areas and operates the county jail system. The Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains court records, marriage licenses, and recorded documents. Property records are accessible through the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices. Vital records including birth and death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee and the Hillsborough County Health Department. Business licenses are handled by the City of Tampa Business Tax Division, while corporate filings are searchable through the Florida Division of Corporations. Under Florida's robust public records law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most government records are publicly accessible with limited exceptions.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Hillsborough County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Tampa Police Department, Plant City Police Department, and Temple Terrace Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city or area, and they often coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives to ensure comprehensive coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Hillsborough County Jail, officially known as the Falkenburg Road Jail, is the primary detention facility in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing residents to find information about inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that must be adhered to. The bond and bail process follows Florida state law, allowing for the release of inmates under certain conditions.

Court Records

Tampa residents are served by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in and for Hillsborough County, with the main courthouse located at 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 (813-272-6090, www.fljud13.org). The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate, guardianship, and appeals from county court.
The County Court, also at 800 East Twiggs Street (813-272-5730), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes under $30,000, landlord-tenant evictions, small claims up to $8,000, and traffic violations. The City of Tampa does not operate a separate municipal court; all criminal and civil cases are heard in the county system. The Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller (Clerk's Office) maintains all court records and provides public access. Court records can be searched online through the clerk's official portal at https://pubrec10.hillsclerk.com (free basic searches) and through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at https://www.myflcourtaccess.com. Certified copies of court documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee. Case file copies are $1.00 per page. The clerk accepts requests in person at 800 East Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, FL 33602, by phone at 813-276-8100, or through the online records request portal.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Hillsborough County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Residents can run a background check through the Florida Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history information. The process is facilitated by Florida's public records laws, ensuring accessibility to these records for various purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hillsborough County are maintained by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these records through the Sheriff's Office, either online or in person. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name. Florida's public records law, known as the Sunshine Law, ensures transparency and access to these records for the public.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Tampa are maintained by Hillsborough County agencies. The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, located at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, 18th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602 (813-272-6100, www.hcpafl.org), maintains property assessment records including ownership information, parcel identification numbers, assessed values, property characteristics, exemptions, and sales history. The Property Appraiser's website offers a comprehensive free online search at https://www.hcpafl.org/Property-Search where users can search by address, owner name, parcel number, or folio number.
The site also features an interactive GIS mapping application showing property boundaries, aerial photography, zoning, and nearby properties. The Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the official Recorder of Deeds, maintaining recorded documents at 800 East Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, FL 33602 (813-276-8100, ext. 4, www.hillsclerk.com). The Recorder's Office maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, satisfactions, lis pendens, and other instruments affecting real property title. Official records from 1846 to present can be searched free online at https://pubrec10.hillsclerk.com by clicking Official Records Search. Users can search by name (grantor/grantee), document type, book and page, or recording date. Document images are viewable and printable at no charge for informational purposes; certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. The county's Property Records Search integrates assessment and recorded document data for comprehensive property research.

Economy & Demographics

Tampa's economy is one of the most diverse and robust in Florida, anchored by multiple major industries. The Port of Tampa is Florida's largest port by tonnage and a critical economic engine, handling cargo, petroleum, phosphate, cruise ships, and supporting thousands of jobs. MacDill Air Force Base, home to U.S. Central Command and Special Operations Command, employs over 15,000 military and civilian personnel and contributes billions to the regional economy.
Major private employers include Publix Super Markets (headquartered in nearby Lakeland with significant Tampa operations), WellCare Health Plans, Citigroup operations center, JPMorgan Chase, TECO Energy, and Raymond James Financial. The healthcare sector is substantial, with Tampa General Hospital, BayCare Health System, Moffitt Cancer Center, and numerous medical facilities employing tens of thousands. The University of South Florida in Tampa enrolls over 50,000 students and is a major research institution and employer. Tourism drives significant economic activity, with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, historic Ybor City, and proximity to Gulf beaches attracting millions of visitors annually. The median household income in Tampa is approximately $59,000, slightly below the national average but rising with recent economic growth. Tampa has experienced substantial population growth and development, with downtown redevelopment, the Water Street Tampa mixed-use project, and expansion in Westshore and other business districts. The city's economy benefits from Florida's lack of state income tax, a growing technology sector (including ConnectWise and ReliaQuest), and its position as the economic center of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, which includes St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and surrounding Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Tampa Police Department, headquartered at 411 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602 (813-276-3200, www.tampagov.net/police), serves the incorporated city limits of Tampa. Citizens can request police reports, accident reports, and incident records by visiting the Records Section at headquarters during business hours or submitting requests online through the department's website. Most non-confidential reports are available within 5-10 business days; fees apply for copies. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, located at 2008 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 (813-247-8000, www.hcso.tampa.fl.us), provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County and operates the Orient Road Jail and Falkenburg Road Jail detention facilities. For arrests and jail bookings throughout Hillsborough County, the Sheriff's Office maintains a public inmate search tool at https://core.hcso.tampa.fl.us/inmatesearch.aspx, displaying current inmates, booking photos (mugshots), charges, bond amounts, booking dates, and projected release dates. Historical arrest records may be requested from the Sheriff's Records Section. Under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), also known as the Sunshine Law, all government records are presumed public unless specifically exempted. Law enforcement agencies must respond to records requests promptly, though certain active investigation records, confidential informant information, and juvenile records may be exempt. Requests should be made in writing, and agencies may charge reasonable copy and research fees.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Tampa are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904-359-6900, www.floridahealth.gov/certificates). Birth certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $5.00 each. Orders can be placed online at www.vitalchek.com (with additional service fees), in person at the Jacksonville office, or by mail with a completed application, valid ID copy, payment, and proof of eligibility.
Processing takes 3-5 business days for online orders, 4-6 weeks for mail requests. The Hillsborough County Health Department at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602 (813-307-8015) maintains birth records from 1917-1963 and death records from 1917-1974 for events in Hillsborough County; newer records must be obtained from the state office. Florida law restricts birth certificate access to the registrant (if age 18+), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and legal representatives with proper documentation. Death certificates are public records 50 years after the date of death; recent death certificates require the requestor to demonstrate a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, Marriage License Section, 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 (813-276-8100, ext. 4, www.hillsclerk.com). The fee is $86.00, reduced to $61.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course. Marriage records from 1846 to present are searchable online at https://pubrec10.hillsclerk.com under Marriage Records Search. Divorce records are maintained as court case files in the Circuit Court Family Law Division and are searchable through the clerk's online case search at https://pubrec10.hillsclerk.com.

Business & Licensing Records

The City of Tampa requires local business tax receipts (business licenses) for businesses operating within city limits. The Business Tax Division, located at City of Tampa, Tax Collector's Office, 2302 North Highland Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602 (813-274-8130, www.tampa.gov/business-tax), administers business tax receipts based on business type, number of employees, and gross receipts. Fees range from $50 to several hundred dollars annually depending on classification. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person; receipts must be renewed annually by September 30.
The city maintains a searchable database of active business tax receipt holders. For businesses in unincorporated Hillsborough County areas, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector (813-635-5200) handles local business tax certificates. Fictitious business name registrations (DBAs) are filed with the Florida Division of Corporations in Tallahassee, not at the county level. Florida business entities including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and trademarks are registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, at http://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/. The Sunbiz website offers free searches by entity name, officer name, registered agent, or document number, displaying entity status, registration date, principal address, registered agent, officers/members, and annual report filing status. Business entities can file documents online through Sunbiz E-Filing. UCC financing statements (secured transaction liens) are also filed with the Florida Department of State and searchable at https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/other-services/uccliens/. Commercial property assessments and business personal property taxes are accessible through the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser at www.hcpafl.org, where business owners can search property records by address or parcel number to view assessed values, millage rates, and tax calculations. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector at www.hillstax.org provides online tax payment and account lookup.

Elections & Voter Records

Tampa voters are served by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, located at 2514 North Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619 (813-744-5900, www.votehillsborough.gov). The office handles all aspects of voter registration, early voting, Election Day operations, absentee voting, and election administration for all municipal, county, state, and federal elections in Hillsborough County. Florida residents can register to vote online at https://registertovoter.gov.state.fl.us or through the Supervisor of Elections website. Voters must register or update their registration at least 29 days before an election. Acceptable forms of ID include a Florida driver's license, state ID card, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. The City of Tampa holds nonpartisan municipal elections for mayor and seven city council seats. The mayor serves a four-year term, with the next mayoral election scheduled for March 2027. City Council members serve four-year staggered terms. Municipal elections are held separately from federal and state elections, typically in March of odd-numbered years. Information about Tampa municipal candidates, ballot measures, campaign finance reports, and local election results is available at www.tampa.gov/clerk-of-the-city-council and through the Supervisor of Elections website. Tampa residents can locate their assigned polling place by entering their address at https://www.votehillsborough.gov/Voters/My-Polling-Place or calling 813-744-5900. Under Florida law (Chapter 97 and 101, Florida Statutes), voter registration lists are public records available for purchase for election-related purposes; individual voter history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) is also public. Campaign finance reports for local, county, and state candidates are accessible through the Florida Division of Elections at https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/candidates-committees/campaign-finance/ and locally through the City of Tampa Ethics Commission for municipal candidates. Precinct-level election results are published by the Supervisor of Elections at www.votehillsborough.gov after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Hillsborough County saw approximately 63% voter turnout with over 550,000 ballots cast out of approximately 875,000 registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in this competitive swing county. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Hillsborough County and Tampa voters will decide several significant races: Florida's gubernatorial election (Governor and Cabinet officers), U.S. Senate (no Florida Senate seat is up in 2026; next is 2028), U.S. House of Representatives for Tampa-area districts (District 14, District 15, and District 16 cover parts of Tampa), all 120 Florida House seats, half of the 40 Florida Senate seats (even-numbered districts in 2026), Hillsborough County constitutional officers including Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Clerk of Court, and Supervisor of Elections (all elected in midterm years on four-year terms), Hillsborough County Commission seats, School Board members, and various judges. Florida voters can request vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) online at https://www.votehillsborough.gov/Vote-By-Mail, by phone at 813-744-5900, by mail, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office. Vote-by-mail requests are valid for two general election cycles. Ballots are mailed beginning 40 days before Election Day and must be received (not just postmarked) by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Early voting is offered at multiple locations countywide for approximately two weeks before Election Day, including weekends.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Free Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.5/10 — Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive free online databases for court records, property information, jail records, business entities, and election data, reflecting Florida's strong Sunshine Law transparency standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Tampa, Florida, you will be transported to the Hillsborough County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Hillsborough County Court. Under Florida law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.dc.state.fl.us/offenderSearch/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Hillsborough County Public Schools district serves the Tampa area. According to the Florida Department of Education, the district's overall grade for the 2019-2020 school year was a B. The district's graduation rate was 81.2%, and the district's average SAT score was 1020.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the total number of reported crimes in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida in 2019 was 28,945. Of those reported crimes, there were 4,845 violent crimes, including 4 homicides, 1,845 robberies, and 2,095 aggravated assaults. There were also 24,100 property crimes, including 4,945 burglaries, 16,845 larcenies, and 2,310 motor vehicle thefts.
The Tampa Public Library in Hillsborough County, Florida provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Florida government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), which governs access to government documents in Florida. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Tampa Florida Archives and Genealogy at https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/genealogy/. Contact the Tampa Public Library reference desk at (813) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is located at 900 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.
Fingerprinting services for Tampa, Florida residents are provided at the Tampa Police Department, which serves Hillsborough County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Tampa Police Department at (813) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
The procedures to obtain vital records in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida are as follows:

1. Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court website.

2. Download and complete the appropriate application form for the type of record you are requesting.

3. Submit the completed application form, along with the required fee, to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.

4. Once the application is processed, the requested vital record will be mailed to the address provided on the application.

The types of vital records available in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the individual, date of birth or death, place of birth or death, and other relevant information.
Police reports from Tampa, Florida can be obtained from the Tampa Police Department, located in Hillsborough County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), most police reports are public records in Florida, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Tampa Police Department Records Division at (813) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records.
A background check in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Florida. Criminal background checks are processed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Florida residents. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records. Under the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Hillsborough County, Florida

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Plant Temple Terrace