Hillsborough County Jail Tampa Florida is a major detention system managed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). It operates three facilities: Orient Road Jail, Falkenburg Jail, and West Tampa Detention Center. Together, they house up to 4,947 inmates across secure housing units. The system processes thousands of arrests each year from more than 27 law enforcement agencies, including city police, state troopers, and federal partners. All booking, release, and status updates are recorded in real time through the Jail Management System (JMS), which feeds public-facing databases used by families, attorneys, and researchers.
How the Jail Management System Works
The Jail Management System (JMS) is the core technology behind inmate tracking in Hillsborough County. When someone is arrested, officers enter key details—name, date of birth, photo, charge codes, and custody status—into the system. Within 30 minutes, this data appears on the public inmate search portal. This fast update helps families and legal representatives stay informed. For released individuals, records stay visible online for 90 days. Law enforcement users can access archived data for up to 180 days to support investigations or court cases.
Online Inmate Search Tools
The Sheriff’s Office offers a free, searchable database listing all current inmates. As of July 2024, about 1,200 people are housed in the jail system. Each entry shows name, age, booking number, booking date, primary charge, and bond amount. The page refreshes every 15 minutes, ensuring accurate information. Users can filter results by name, booking number, or date range. They can also sort by release eligibility or custody level. This tool is essential for locating loved ones, checking court dates, or verifying custody status.
Facilities and Capacity
The Department of Detention Services oversees all three jails. Orient Road Jail is the main intake center. It handles medical screening, mental health assessments, and 24-hour emergency response. In fiscal year 2023, the average daily population was 2,857 inmates. Division I at Orient Road has 1,711 beds and serves short-term sentences up to 24 months. Falkenburg Jail holds 700 beds and includes a mental health counseling program. West Tampa Detention Center supports overflow and special needs populations. All facilities follow strict safety and care standards set by Florida law.
Visitation Rules and Schedules
Division I offers three visitation windows each day: morning, afternoon, and evening. Visitors must bring a valid photo ID and the inmate’s booking number. Appointments are not required, but lines may form during peak hours. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. No bags, phones, or food are allowed inside visitation areas. The jail provides educational programs for roughly 300 inmates per semester, including GED prep and vocational training. These services aim to reduce recidivism and support reintegration.
How to Remove an Arrest Record
If you were arrested but not convicted, you may qualify to remove your record from public view. Start by filing a petition with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Include a certified copy of the court order that expunges or seals your record. After FDLE accepts your request, it takes about 30 days for the update to appear online. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office cannot remove records on its own—only FDLE can authorize changes to the public database. Keep copies of all documents for your records.
Falkenburg Jail Services
Falkenburg Jail, located at 520 N Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619, provides inmate lookup and bail bond information. Families can call (813) 247-8300 to confirm bond amounts or speak with the Bonding Office. When sending mail, write the inmate’s full legal name and booking number clearly on the envelope. Mail without this info may be returned. The jail runs a mental health counseling program serving around 120 participants monthly. Staff work with local providers to offer therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention.
Recent Arrests and Public Feeds
The public booking feed shows the latest arrests processed by HCSO. Each entry includes name, arrest time, and page views. For example, on December 7, 2024, Raymond Yanulevius was booked at 4:29 AM and viewed six times. Brian Spatholt was booked at 3:44 AM with four views. The list displays ten records per page and links to older entries. This transparency helps communities track local crime trends and verify arrest details. All data comes directly from the JMS and updates automatically.
City of Tampa Arrest Inquiry Office
The City of Tampa operates a separate Arrest Inquiry service at 306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Staff answer general questions about recent arrests, case status, or record requests. Call (813) 274-8211 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The Records Division also assists with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. While this office supports city-level inquiries, jail-specific data is managed by HCSO. Always confirm which agency holds the record you need.
Steps to Search for an Inmate
To find someone in Hillsborough County Jail, go to the official inmate search portal. Enter either the booking number or the person’s full legal name. Click “Search.” The results show a mugshot, custody status, charges, bond amount, court dates, and facility address. The database refreshes every 15 minutes, so information is nearly always current. You can export results as a PDF for offline use. Bookmark the page to check for updates regularly.
Roster Lookup and Profile Access
Launched in 2021, the Roster Lookup tool lets users search by name, age, booking date, or booking number. After selecting the “Roster Lookup” tab, enter your criteria and submit. Results include direct links to individual profiles. These pages show sentence length, parole hearings, visitation rules, and housing unit details. Users can download or print profiles for legal or personal use. The system is designed for speed and accuracy, reducing wait times for families and lawyers.
Community Programs and Events
HCSO runs outreach programs to build trust and improve safety. On December 2, 2023, the Teen Driver Challenge taught young drivers defensive skills. A DUI/DRE awareness session followed on December 5, 2023. The Law Enforcement Hiring Expo on December 12, 2023, connected job seekers with career opportunities. These events reflect HCSO’s commitment to prevention, education, and community engagement. Volunteers and partners are welcome to participate.
Contact Information and Hours
Main Address: 1201 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: (813) 247-8371
Visiting Hours: Morning (8:00 AM–11:00 AM), Afternoon (1:00 PM–4:00 PM), Evening (6:00 PM–8:00 PM)
Website: https://teamhcso.com/
Inmate Search: https://webapps.hcso.tampa.fl.us/ArrestInquiry
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how the jail system works, how to find an inmate, or how to correct public records. Below are answers to the most common concerns based on official policies and recent updates.
How long does it take for an inmate to appear online after booking?
After an arrest, officers enter the person’s details into the Jail Management System. The record appears on the public search portal within 30 minutes. This fast update ensures families and attorneys can locate individuals quickly. The system refreshes every 15 minutes, so changes like bond postings or court dates show up almost immediately. If you don’t see a name after one hour, contact the Records Division at (813) 274-8211.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment?
Yes. Division I allows walk-in visits during three daily windows: morning, afternoon, and evening. Bring a valid photo ID and the inmate’s booking number. No appointment is needed, but arrive early during busy times. Children under 17 must be with an adult. Bags, phones, and food are not permitted. Check the official website for holiday schedule changes.
How do I request a copy of my arrest record?
Contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Records Division at 306 East Jackson Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Call (813) 274-8211 or visit in person between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. You’ll need to provide your full name, date of birth, and booking number. There may be a small fee for copies. For expunged records, only FDLE can authorize removal—submit your court order to them directly.
What happens to inmate records after release?
Released inmates remain visible on the public search portal for 90 days. After that, the record moves to an archive. Law enforcement can access archived data for up to 180 days. After 180 days, only authorized agencies with a valid reason can request the file. This policy balances transparency with privacy rights under Florida law.
Are educational programs available for inmates?
Yes. Division I offers GED preparation, vocational training, and life skills courses. About 300 inmates enroll each semester. Classes are taught by certified instructors and focus on job readiness, literacy, and personal development. Participation can reduce sentence time through earned credits. Ask your loved one to speak with their case manager about enrollment.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Write the inmate’s full legal name and booking number on the envelope. Send mail to the correct facility address:
Orient Road Jail: 1201 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
Falkenburg Jail: 520 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
Do not include contraband like stickers, perfume, or photos with writing. All mail is inspected. Books must come directly from publishers or approved vendors.
Who do I contact if I see incorrect information online?
Email the HCSO Records Division at records@hcso.tampa.fl.us or call (813) 274-8211. Provide the inmate’s name, booking number, and a description of the error. Include any supporting documents. Corrections are typically made within 5 business days. For expungement requests, contact FDLE at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us.