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Hillsborough County Jail Inmate Search
How to find someone in HCSO custody, understand their charges, and get them out
| ✓ HCSO INMATE SEARCH Search for inmates in Hillsborough County custody: https://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/InmateSearch You’ll need the person’s first and last name. Date of birth helps narrow results if the name is common. |
How to Find Someone in Hillsborough County Jail
If someone you know has been arrested in Hillsborough County, the HCSO (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office) inmate search is the fastest way to confirm they’re in custody, see what they’re charged with, and find out their bond amount.
This guide explains how to use the inmate search, what the results mean, and what steps you can take to help get your loved one released.
Step-by-Step: Using the HCSO Inmate Search
- Go to hcso.tampa.fl.us/InmateSearch
- Enter the person’s last name (required) and first name
- Add date of birth if you know it (helps narrow results)
- Click Search
| CAN’T FIND THEM IN THE SYSTEM? If your search returns no results, it may be because: • Still being booked – Booking can take several hours. Try again later. • Name spelling – Try alternate spellings or just the last name. • Different jurisdiction – They may be in Tampa Police custody, Plant City, or Temple Terrace before transfer to HCSO. • Already released – They may have bonded out or been released on their own recognizance. |
Understanding the Search Results
When you find the person in the system, you’ll see important information:
- Booking number – Unique identifier for this arrest
- Charges – The specific offenses cited at arrest (the State Attorney may modify these after reviewing the case).
- Bond amount – The amount you must pay to secure release, or “No Bond” if the defendant must appear before a judge first.
- Facility – Orient Road Jail or Falkenburg Road Jail
- Court date – Next scheduled appearance (if set)
Orient Road vs. Falkenburg Road
Hillsborough County has two jail facilities:
Orient Road Jail (Main Detention Facility) – Booking takes place here. Most inmates remain at this facility through their first appearance hearing.
Falkenburg Road Jail – Deputies transfer some inmates here before first appearance for medical reasons or due to “keep separate” orders (requiring separation from other inmates).
Hillsborough County Bond Schedule (2025)
For certain charges, the Uniform Statewide Bond Schedule (adopted by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit) automatically sets the bond amount. This allows you to post bond and secure release before the first appearance.
| Charge Type | Bond Amount |
| 3rd Degree Felony (with force/threat) | $5,000 |
| 3rd Degree Felony (no force/threat) | $2,500 |
| 1st Degree Misdemeanor (with force/threat) | $1,000 |
| 1st Degree Misdemeanor (no force/threat) | $500 |
| 2nd Degree Misdemeanor (with force/threat) | $250 |
| 2nd Degree Misdemeanor (no force/threat) | $150 |
| DUI – 1st Degree Misdemeanor | $1,000 |
| DUI – 2nd Offense (2nd Degree Misdemeanor) | $750 |
| DUI – 1st Offense (2nd Degree Misdemeanor) | $500 |
Note: Each charge requires a separate bond. If someone has multiple charges, the bond amounts add up.
| ⚠ WHO MUST SEE A JUDGE BEFORE RELEASE The bond schedule does NOT apply—and the person must appear before a judge at first appearance—if: • Currently on probation, community control, or pretrial release • Designated as a sex offender or sexual predator • Arrested for violating a protective injunction • Has prior PRR, Habitual Offender, or Violent Career Criminal designation • Arrested 3+ times in the past 6 months • Charged with: 1st or 2nd degree felony, domestic violence, battery on LEO, robbery, burglary, carjacking, stalking, kidnapping, sex crimes, drug trafficking, weapons by felon, child abuse, arson, or failure to appear |
First Appearance Hearing
Under Florida law, authorities must bring anyone held in custody before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. In Hillsborough County, the judge in Criminal Division “O” conducts first appearance hearings via audiovisual devices.
At first appearance, the judge will:
- Inform the defendant of the charges
- Determine if probable cause exists for the arrest
- Set bond (or deny bond in certain cases)
- Appoint a public defender if the defendant cannot afford an attorney
- Set conditions of release (no contact with victim, stay away orders, etc.)
| WHY HIRE AN ATTORNEY BEFORE FIRST APPEARANCE? A private attorney can appear at first appearance and advocate for: • Lower bond – Present facts about employment, family ties, and community connections • Release on recognizance (ROR) – No bond required, just a promise to appear • GPS monitoring instead of jail – Hillsborough County offers pretrial GPS programs Early attorney involvement can mean the difference between getting out quickly and sitting in jail for weeks. |
How to Get Someone Out of Jail
Cash Bond
Pay the full bond amount directly to the jail or clerk of court. This money is returned (minus court costs and fees) when the case concludes, as long as the defendant appears at all court dates.
Surety Bond (Bail Bondsman)
Pay a bail bondsman a non-refundable fee—typically 10% of the bond amount. The bondsman posts the full bond and guarantees the defendant’s appearance. If the defendant fails to appear, the bondsman (and any co-signers) are liable for the full amount.
Release on Own Recognizance (ROR)
The judge releases the defendant without requiring bond, based on the promise to appear. ROR is more common for minor charges with defendants who have strong community ties and no prior failures to appear.
HCSO Pretrial GPS and Alcohol Monitoring Programs
Hillsborough County offers GPS monitoring and SoberTrack® alcohol monitoring as alternatives to remaining in jail. These programs allow eligible defendants to be released on their own recognizance with electronic monitoring.
| GPS PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY To qualify for HCSO’s pretrial GPS program: • Total bond must be $10,000 or less • Must have been in jail for at least 48 hours • Must be a Hillsborough County resident • Residence must have cellular service NOT eligible: Sex offenders, those charged with “dangerous crimes,” those with violent felony convictions in past 10 years, escape history, or active detainers. Cost: No fee for participation (but participant is liable for damaged equipment). Important: Time on GPS monitoring does NOT count as jail credit. |
SoberTrack® alcohol monitoring is available for DUI cases—specifically first offenses with BAC more than twice the legal limit, and second/third misdemeanor DUI offenses.
Communicating with Someone in Hillsborough County Jail
Phone Calls
Phone calls are free in Central Booking, allowing new inmates to arrange bail and contact family. Once in general population, phone services are typically available 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Each inmate receives some no-cost calls each week; additional time can be purchased.
All calls are outgoing only—you cannot call the jail to speak with an inmate.
Video Visitation
As of October 2025, all video visitation is conducted remotely (the onsite Visitation Center is closed). Video visits are typically available 9:30 AM – 8:45 PM. Each inmate receives two hours of free video visitation per week. Additional on-demand sessions are available for a fee.
Sending Mail
Personal mail must be sent to the processing center:
(Inmate Name) – (Booking Number)
c/o Mail Processing Center
PO BOX 9115
Seminole, FL 33775-9115
Mail sent directly to Orient Road or Falkenburg Road will be returned. Packages and periodicals are not permitted. Inmates can also send and receive electronic messages via tablet.
Adding Money to Accounts
To add funds for phone calls, video visits, or messaging: smartinmate.com
Add funds for commissary: gtlfsonlinepay.com
To send a commissary care package: icaregifts.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does booking take at Hillsborough County Jail?
Booking typically takes several hours but can take longer depending on how busy the jail is. If you’re searching for someone who was just arrested, they may not appear in the system immediately.
Why can’t I find someone in the HCSO inmate search?
They may still be in the booking process, their name may be spelled differently than you expect, they may have been released already, or they may be in a different jurisdiction (Tampa Police, Plant City, Temple Terrace) awaiting transfer.
What does “No Bond” mean?
“No Bond” means the person cannot be released until they see a judge. This happens for serious charges, when someone is on probation, or when they’re designated as a sex offender or have other disqualifying factors. The judge will set bond at first appearance.
Can I bail someone out in the middle of the night?
Yes. Bail bondsmen operate 24/7, and the jail processes bonds around the clock. However, release after bond is posted can still take several hours.
What’s the difference between Orient Road and Falkenburg Road jails?
Orient Road Jail is the main facility where booking occurs. Most inmates remain there through first appearance. Falkenburg Road Jail houses inmates whom staff transfer for medical reasons or due to “keep separate” orders.
How do I find out what someone is charged with?
The HCSO inmate search shows the charges for which someone was booked. Keep in mind that these are initial charges—the State Attorney may later file different or additional charges.
Can I visit someone in Hillsborough County Jail?
In-person visitation is no longer available for the public. All visits are conducted via video through smartinmate.com. Each inmate receives two free hours of video visitation per week. Video visits are available 9:30 AM – 8:45 PM.
How do I put money on an inmate’s account?
For phone, video, and messaging: visit smartinmate.com. For commissary (snacks, hygiene items, etc.): visit gtlfsonlinepay.com. You can also send approved care packages through icaregifts.com.
How do I send mail to someone in Hillsborough County Jail?
Send personal mail to: (Inmate Name) – (Booking Number), c/o Mail Processing Center, PO BOX 9115, Seminole, FL 33775-9115. Do not send mail directly to the jail; staff will return it. The facility prohibits packages and magazines.
| Someone You Care About Was Just Arrested? The hours after an arrest are critical. An experienced attorney can appear at first appearance, fight for lower bond or release, and begin building a defense immediately. Don’t wait until arraignment—early intervention can make all the difference. Call (813) 727-7159 for Immediate Assistance The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. 620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| ABOUT ATTORNEY ROCKY BRANCATO With over 25 years of criminal defense experience, Hillsborough County Attorney Rocky Brancato appears regularly in Criminal Division “O” for first appearance hearings. As former Chief Operations Officer of the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, he knows how the local system works—and how to get clients out of jail and begin building their defense. |
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