If you are looking for someone arrested in Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, or Riverview, you are dealing with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Before you search, check the state.
There is also a “Hillsborough County” in New Hampshire. If you see a website talking about “Manchester, NH,” you are in the wrong place. You need Hillsborough County, FLORIDA (Area Code 813).
Hillsborough is a massive system with two primary jails. Almost everyone is booked at one location but might be moved to the other.
If you drive to the wrong one, you will be turned away. Let’s find them.
Official Hillsborough County Inmate Search
Do not use third-party sites. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a real-time database called the “Arrest Inquiry.”
How to Find the Record:
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Go to the Official Source: Access the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Arrest Inquiry.
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Search by Name: Enter the inmate’s Last Name and First Initial.
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Expert Tip: If you are unsure of the spelling, just enter the first few letters of the last name (e.g., “Rod” for “Rodriguez”) to see a list of matches.
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Select “Current Inmates Only”: Make sure this box is checked if you want to know who is in custody right now. If you uncheck it, you will see arrest records going back years.
“I Can’t Find Them!”
If the arrest happened in Ybor City or Downtown Tampa within the last 2–4 hours, they are likely still in Central Booking at the Orient Road Jail.
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The Process: It takes time to transport, fingerprint, and medically clear an inmate. They won’t appear online until this is done.
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Who to Call: You can call the Jail Information Line at (813) 247-8300.
Understanding the Jail Record (Mugshots & Bond)
Hillsborough County is very transparent. Once you find their profile, click on their Booking Number to see the full details.
1. The Mugshot:
The booking photo is displayed prominently. Note: If they are a law enforcement officer or juvenile, this photo may be redacted.
2. The Bond Amount:
Look for the “Bond” column next to the charges.
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$ Amount: You can pay this immediately to get them out.
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“No Bond”: This is standard for domestic violence charges (until they see a judge) or Violation of Probation (VOP).
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First Appearance Court: Held daily (including weekends/holidays) at the Orient Road Jail.
Where Are They? (Orient Rd vs. Falkenburg Rd)
This is the most confusing part. You must check the “Housing Location” on their profile.
Facility Name |
Code |
Who is Here? |
Orient Road Jail |
ORJ |
Booking / Intake. Everyone goes here first. It also houses high-risk inmates. |
Falkenburg Road Jail |
FRJ |
General Housing. Most inmates are transferred here if they don’t bond out within 24 hours. |
Warning: Do not assume they are at Orient Road just because they were booked there. Check the status before you drive.
Hillsborough County Jail Visitation (Remote Only)
Important Update (2025/2026): As of late 2025, Hillsborough County has largely eliminated on-site visitation for the general public. Almost all visitation is now REMOTE.
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The Vendor: HCSO uses Smart Communications / SmartInmate.
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The Website: Go to SmartInmate.com to create an account.
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The Rules:
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You must register and be approved (can take 24 hours).
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Visits are conducted via video on your phone or computer.
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Cost: Fees apply for remote visits.
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Dress Code: Do not wear revealing clothing, tank tops, or sleepwear during the video call. Deputies monitor these feeds and will ban you for violations.
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Hillsborough County Jail Addresses & Contacts
Save these numbers.
Department |
Phone Number |
Purpose |
Jail Information Line |
(813) 247-8300 |
Main number for both jails. |
Sheriff’s Non-Emergency |
(813) 247-8200 |
Police dispatch / Admin. |
Warrant Inquiry |
(813) 247-8300 |
Check for active warrants. |
SmartInmate Support |
(888) 843-1972 |
Help with video visits. |
Hillsborough County Jail Official Facility Addresses:
Orient Road Jail (ORJ) – Booking Center
- 1201 Orient Road
- Tampa, FL 33619
Falkenburg Road Jail (FRJ)
- 520 N. Falkenburg Road
- Tampa, FL 33619
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bond someone out at Falkenburg Road?
A: No. All cash bonds and releases are typically processed at the Orient Road Jail (Central Booking), regardless of where the inmate is sleeping.
Always go to Orient Road for bond paperwork unless explicitly told otherwise.
Q: Can I send email to an inmate?
A: Yes. You can send electronic messages through SmartInmate.com.
It works like a text message/email system. The inmate reads it on a tablet in their cell block. Charges apply (stamps).