Pinellas County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pinellas County are the official documents created when a person is taken into custody by a law enforcement agency and booked into jail. These records are important because they promote accountability and transparency in the justice system. In Florida, the release of criminal justice information is governed by the Florida Public Records Law (Fla. Stat. § 119) and related provisions of the Florida Statutes. Arrest records are used by courts to process criminal cases, by attorneys to track proceedings, and by the public to verify background information. They may also serve as the basis for later remedies such as record sealing or expungement under Fla. Stat. § 943.0585 and § 943.059.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Florida?

Yes. Under Florida's Public Records Law, arrest records are public records unless a specific exemption applies. Law enforcement agencies and courts in Pinellas County must allow the public to inspect and copy arrest records on request. However, specific categories of information are exempt from release, including:

• Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential under Fla. Stat. § 985.04, unless the juvenile is charged with a serious felony.
• Records that would compromise active criminal investigations (Fla. Stat. § 119.071(2)(c)).
• Victim and witness identities in certain cases, including victims of sexual offenses.
• Sealed or expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access once a court order is granted.

The general principle is openness, but privacy and safety concerns limit disclosure in specific cases.

Pinellas County Arrest Search

Arrest information in Pinellas County is maintained at both the county and state level. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains criminal case records, which are available online through the Clerk's Public Records Portal. Searches may be performed by name, case number, or booking number. Certified copies of records may be requested by mail or in person from:

Copy fees are typically $1 per page, with an additional $2 charge for certification.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office also maintains arrest and booking reports. These can be requested in person or online through the Sheriff's Records Request portal. Requests should include the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. A fee of $0.15 per page is charged for standard copies.

At the state level, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides criminal history record checks. The FDLE Criminal History Information portal allows the public to search statewide records for a $24 fee per name-based search. For more comprehensive results, fingerprint-based background checks are available through FDLE's Criminal Justice Information Services.

Pinellas County Inmate Locator

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office manages the Pinellas County Jail. An online Inmate Locator is available on the Sheriff's website, allowing searches by name or booking number. Results display booking date, charges, bail information, and current custody status.

Arrest reports and booking information may also be requested directly from the Sheriff's Records Division:

Requests may be made in person, by mail, or online. Fees apply for copies, with certified reports incurring additional costs.

Active Warrant Search in Pinellas County

An arrest warrant is an order issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement to take a person into custody. In Pinellas County, warrants are issued by the Circuit or County Court and executed by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office provides an Active Warrant Search tool online, allowing members of the public to check for outstanding warrants by entering a name.

For official inquiries or to confirm a warrant, contact:

Law enforcement may verify the existence of a warrant but will not disclose all details over the phone.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Pinellas County

Free access to arrest-related information is available through several channels:

• The Pinellas County Sheriff's Inmate Locator, which provides current custody and booking information.
• The Pinellas County Clerk's Public Records Portal, which provides free online access to criminal case dockets.
• Public records kiosks located in the Clerk's offices, where unsealed case files may be reviewed without charge.

More detailed records, such as certified copies of arrest reports or statewide background checks, typically require payment.

Pinellas County Arrest Report

An arrest report in Pinellas County is the narrative prepared by the arresting deputy or officer at the time of arrest. It describes the incident, the probable cause for the arrest, witness statements, and evidence collected. An arrest record, by contrast, is a summary entry showing that the arrest occurred, including the individual's name, date of birth, booking number, charges, and case status. The report provides context; the record documents the official occurrence.

How to Get Arrest Records Sealed or Expunged in Pinellas County

Florida law allows individuals to petition to seal or expunge arrest records under Fla. Stat. §§ 943.0585 and 943.059. Eligibility depends on the case outcome and the applicant's criminal history.

• Expungement may be available if charges were dismissed, dropped, or never filed.
• Sealing may be granted if adjudication was withheld, depending on the charge.

The process begins with an application for a Certificate of Eligibility through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, accompanied by fingerprints and a $75 processing fee. Once granted, a petition must be filed with the Pinellas County Circuit Court. Court approval results in the removal of the record from public access.

Juvenile records may also be sealed or expunged under separate provisions of Florida law.

How Do You Remove Arrest Records from the Internet?

The most reliable way to reduce the online presence of arrest records is to obtain a court order sealing or expunging the record. Once this is granted, the Pinellas County Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office are required to remove the records from public access.

Private background-check websites may continue to display outdated data. In such cases, individuals may submit removal requests directly to the site or provide proof of the court order. Search engines such as Google also allow requests for removal of outdated cached content through their "Remove Outdated Content" tool.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Under Florida law, public arrest records may include:

• Full name of the person arrested
• Date and time of arrest
• Booking number
• Arresting agency (e.g., Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, local police)
• Charges filed or alleged offenses
• Bail or bond amount
• Case number (if filed with the court)
• Current custody status and jail facility location

Confidential information, such as juvenile records, victim identities, sealed or expunged records, is excluded from public disclosure.